living lives that glorify

Exemplify Magazine
The Seasons Within
The Season of
Motherhood

How to
Retain
What You
Read

Meet Michelle Beck:

Designer
Extraordinaire

Tips for Submitting

to Magazines

Color Me Green:
Finding Satisfaction in
God No Matter Your
Marital Status

see page 6
A Look Inside:
Meet Babu & Learn How You
Can Help Minister in Southern
India
 E X E M P L
editor’s welcome
“...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Fall has always
been my favorite
season.
In my home Autumn is an event. It calls for
decorations, warm apple cider, delicious
desserts, harvest activities and, of course, the
anticipation of Christmas wishes!
Growing up, my Dad would have my
brothers, sister and I sit down to make our
Christmas lists in October. We would play
Christmas music, get out the Sears Wishlist
Catalogue and get to work!
No wonder my parents were the envy of all
my friends!
The thing is, I probably couldn’t name what I
received those years for Christmas to you if I
tried. But I remember every single year I sat
down with my siblings, my Mom and Dad
and took part in our fun family tradition.
I don’t think it is an accident that even now
as an adult something very real fills my heart
in these months.
Something beckons me to wait before my
Heavenly Father with joyful expectation.
Just as my Dad would usher excitement into
our home during these Fall months, so does
our Heavenly Father!
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
I F Y M A G A Z I N E
Hebrews 10:22
Just take a look around and see how our God am pleased to feature the writing of Lori
shows off during this season! He makes trees MacMath of All You Have to Give and The
resemble burning bushes. Internet Cafe. Lori works behind the scenes
He allows the air to crisp over so that our
homes are all the more cozy.
at many of the ministries you’ve come to
know and love. Her piece this month is a
beautiful telling of the seasons of
He causes ocean waves to crash with more
weight and pumpkin patches to spring to
life.
motherhood.
Alisa Hope also shares with us the overflow
that comes from pouring ourselves out into
the lives of others and Tara Rachel, a staff
Squirrels begin building their winter nests
writer here at Exemplify, is sharing the story
and birds go on vacation.
of Babu, a man who is changing the lives of
All of creation gets in on His Autumn Song. hundreds of orphans in Southern India. His
is a story you do not want to miss and one
Even Starbucks joins the tune and serves up
that calls for our involvement.
a Pumpkin Spice Latte! Have you tasted that
thing? It’s bliss for your taste buds. As always, it is my joy to present this issue of
Exemplify Magazine to you. Our theme this
It seems everywhere we turn, the Lord
month is in keeping with the season:
invites our conversation with Him during
Autumn.
this season.
Come celebrate the beauty of this month
He invites us to sit down at His table and
with us!
listen to the song, while we share our hearts
with Him. In King Jesus,
If I have learned anything from my Dad, it is Kristen Schiffman
that.
I encourage you this October to take some
time to get alone with your Father God
and share your heart with Him.
Draw near to Him with a sincere heart.
Open up your life to His outstretched
arms and receive the bounty of His
harvest.
This issue is overflowing with goodness! I
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 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Get to know
Founder/Editor in Chief
Kristen Schiffman

Assistant Editor/Family Columnist

Andrea Mitchell

our team
In 10 Minutes or Less
Carol Moxley

Advice Column
Christine Johnston

online! Singles Columnist

Christy McGraw

Sanctuary Columnist
Christy Klein

Marriage Columnist
Jenifer Jernigan

Fashion Columnist
Jennifer

Interview Columnist
Judith Roberts

Ministry: Online! Columnist

Blog Team
Amy Bayliss
Andrea Mitchell

Christy McGraw Devotion Columnist

Kara Cox
Victoria Jenkins

Patty Wysong Book Review Columnist

Kate
Marsha Harwood

Joanne Sher Fiction Columnist

Tara Rachel
Wendy Miller

Sonia Chacon Health Columnist

Shannon
Shane Schwichtenberg
Do you vlog? We are looking for
Kelli Reagan Bible Study Columnist
video bloggers to join our team! Victoria Jenkins
Shoot us an email with a link to a Christa Allan
video sample at exemplify@me.com! Daisy Olsen How-To Columnist
Wendy Miller

© Exemplify Online & Magazine 3

 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

contents
Editor’s Pick
As Tara Rachel shares the story of
her friend, Babu, the very mission of
serving the “least of these” springs
to life.

I must call attention to the ministry

6
of Babu and encourage each of us
to somehow get involved.

features
Babu: Laborer
The Seasons Within The Season of
6
Motherhood 15
All You Have to Give Blog Feature
Gathering Empty Pitchers
17
Meet Michelle Beck: Designer 20
Extraordinaire
22
columns
5 Ways to Welcome Autumn in 10 Minutes or Less
9 Vibrant Beauty:Devotional Column
10 The Book Nook: The Practice of the Presence of
God
11
Color Me Green: Singles Column
13
Linda Osborne, Woman on a Mission: Interview
18
Painting Your Sanctuary: Home Decor Column
24 Firsts & Lasts: Family Channel
25

22
How to Retain What You Read: How-To Column
27 Seedtime & Harvest: Bible Study
29 Falling in Love Again: Marriage Column
31 Tips for Submitting an Article: Editor’s Note

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 E X E M
Ways To
Welcome Autumn
In 10 Minutes 0r Less
Written by Carol Moxley
Bye-bye, summer! Hello, fall! With a few minutes here and there, you can be prepared
when cooler temperatures blow in from the north.
• Break out the throws and afghans. If they were
clean when you packed them away, a quick toss in
the dryer with a dryer sheet will freshen them up.
Lay them out on sofas and beds to prepare for that
first cool front.
• Have your heater checked. Call to
schedule service for your heating system
before you actually need it.
• Let there be light. Check to make sure
flashlights work and you have candles on
hand in case of power shortages. While
you’re at it, re-light the pilots on the gas fire
places.
• Create a little ambiance. Decorative,
scented candles create a sense of warmth
during cooler months, so pick up a few next
time you’re out shopping.
• Check the décor. Pull out the fall
decoration and do a quick inventory. Toss out
anything that is no longer useable. Decorate
later when you can take your time.
• Make a grocery list. Keep frozen and non-
perishable items on hand for your favorite
cold weather meals. When the cool front
blows in, you’ll be ready to make that chili or
stew!
• Swap out makeup. Time to change from
those summer tones for fall ones. And don’t
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P L I F Y M A G A Z
forget to replace old mascara that may be
harboring bacteria!
• Warm your tootsies. As you move from
sandals to boots, wipe shoes down with a one-
step polisher or soft cloth so they’ll be ready to
go when you are.
• Swap your closet. Don’t have time to
clean out the closet? Simply move spring/
summer garments to the back and bring the
fall/winter clothes to the front. This can be
done quickly as you pull out items you no
longer wear for donation. Now your
wardrobe is ready!
• Box up donation items and put them in the
car. You can drop them off next time you’re
out running errands.
• Start your Christmas gift list. By keeping
it in your purse or hand-held, you’ll always be
prepared to shop-as-you-go throughout the
fall.
• Sign up for a Bible Study! The kids are
going back to school; why not take a class,
too? Many of today’s studies have
homework that takes about ten minutes each
day to complete.
I N E
• A study doesn’t fit your schedule? Set
aside ten minutes each day to read your Bible.
By giving the Lord back some of the time He
has given you, you allow Him a little more
control over your schedule. And He never
messes it up!
“Even the stork in the sky
knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and
the thrush observe the time of
their migration.”
Jeremiah 8:7a
_____________
Married 22 years, Carol is mom to a
teen and a tween. She is also a
Registered Nurse, a Bible study
leader, volunteers at her kids’ schools,
plays electric bass in two rock bands,
and gardens her acre in the country.
In her spare time, she does laundry.
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 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Babu: Laborer Written by Tara Rachel

What if your parents abandoned you
as a child?
What if the only way you could learn
a Bible verse is to memorize what
someone else read?
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities
and villages, teaching in their synagogues
and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom
and healing every disease and every
He had not been worth the trouble for
his own mother.
He stared as a couple – a man and
woman – stopped when they heard
his cry. They were strange to him,
they had come to India to do “the
Lord’s work.” He did not understand
this work they spoke of. He did not
understand their Lord. They revered
this Jesus as God, yet there was no
shrine or temple erected to Him. This

What if you could only eat one meal a

day, and that meal was rice?
What if you didn’t eat at all unless
someone left an egg in your offering
plate?
What if you had to go to church
underground because you would be
thrown in jail if the government
caught you?
What if your home got burned simply
because you preach the Gospel?
What if your children were abducted
because of what you believe?
What if… you didn’t live here? You
lived there.
How then would you live?
How should you live now?
affliction. When he saw the crowds, he
had compassion for them, because they
were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd. Then he said to his
disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the
laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly
to the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew
9:35-38, NIV)
***
The young boy stood, six years old,
starving, on the side of the road, the
stench of poverty all around him. His
stomach protruded from malnutrition.
Others passed him by; his skin color
told them he was not worthy of their
time or trouble.
with their ivory skin and fair eyes. Jesus was greater and mightier than
They spoke a broken version of his the rat god, than the snake god. This
language and beckoned him to come Jesus could not be contained in a
with them. They offered to take him temple.
off the streets, to feed and to clothe
him. He didn’t know them. He didn’t
know if he could trust them.
The one thing he did know was that if
he didn’t go with them, he would
surely die.
***
The boy was lower than the dust of
the earth in the eyes of his native
people, but in the eyes of God and in
God’s family, he was accepted. For
the first time in his life, he was
accepted.
The boy grew under their care. As he
aged he learned that they were from a
faraway nation called Finland, and

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 E X
The young man studied with the other orphaned
Dalit children the Finnish couple had taken into
their home. He was given rice to eat at each meal,
more provision than he had ever dreamed of. He
was educated by them, medicated by them when he
fell ill. They gave him clothing to cover his body.
And they told him of Jesus. He listened, drinking in
the stories of God come down in flesh. They spoke
of His power, His healing, His life. How Jesus came
and paid for our sins – our wrongdoings – so that we
may live forever with God. They spoke of the
goodness of the life to come, if one would only
believe.
And the boy believed. When he was a teen, the
Finnish couple laid their hands on him and prayed
over him, speaking the Lord’s words that this young
man would grow up in the most holy faith and be
the instrument God would use to reach southern
India. The peace and power of God settled over the
him. His calling had been received.
***
Several years later the young boy had grown into a
young man, and at his discharge from the orphanage,
started a life of his own. He married a young woman
from a wealthy, higher-caste family. It was unheard
of for a Dalit, a person lower than a common dog, to
marry up. The only reason this happened is because
the young woman and her entire family were
believers in Christ.
The young couple spent the first several years living
in a bamboo pole home with leaves for the roof and
dirt for the floor. She had left a home with concrete
walls to come to this hand-built hut with her new
husband. He had a calling on his life, and she
trusted God that He would fulfill that calling.
***
The young man stood one day, looking over the mass
grave the city used to bury the impoverished and
Dalit dead. The stench was overpowering. Then he
heard the voice of the Lord speak to him.
“Look out, My son, for this is the land I am going to
give you for you to do My work in this place.”
The young man could have disagreed. He could
have said there was no way any would could have
been done in a place of death. How could life exist
where death reigned?
But he didn’t. He lowered his head and prayed,
“Lord, Your will be done.”
***
It was a hot morning and he was walking to preach
the Gospel to the village. His heart was heavy, as his
wife had told him that very morning they had no
food left. As he passed the field, he heard a breaking
cry. He stopped and saw two infants abandoned in
poverty. They lie dying in the field, crying to a non-
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E M P L I F Y M A G A Z
existent mother. He continued to walk, as this is a
common site in India.
The Lord spoke again: “Go back and get those
babies.”
He could have said no. He could have said there was
no food. The children could die in the field or die in
his home. Either way they would die.
But he didn’t. Instead he picked up the babies and
carried them home to his wife.
She met him at the door, her eyes swimming with
tears. After he had left, a rice truck had driven by
the house. Two bags of rice had fallen off the back
of the truck right in front of their home.
They had food. The Lord had provided.
He looked at the two babies as his wife cleaned them
and wrapped them in blankets. He knew what he
had to do. God wanted him to reach his country, and
he would start with the orphans. He would start
with the least, working for the greatest.
***
Trials met him at every turn. His son, who was born
deaf and mute, was abducted. By the grace of God
he was returned before he was sold into slavery. He
praised God for the return of his son, instead of
cursing Him for allowing the kidnapping. The
Hindus persecuted him mercilessly. Even though he
was helping children, they despised his work
because with his work came the Gospel. Slowly,
surely, with the help of donations from a family in
Oregon, he was able to build an orphanage, on the
very land the Lord had promised to him.
The Lord broke down the social and caste barriers in
Christ. The young man rose up and became a leader
in his community, and subsequently in his entire
state. As young men left his orphanage, they became
pastors, ministering the Gospel to villages. Each
week they would spend three days traveling many
miles on foot to eleven or twelve different home
churches, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to
anyone who would listen. The women would teach
other women, sharing with them the things of God
they learned in their time at the orphanage.
And the former Dalit boy, rejected by the world and
accepted by God, continued his work of ministering
to the orphans. As his Finnish parents did for him,
so he did for the next generation of Indian orphans.
He clothed them, he fed them, he educated them, he
medicated them, he sheltered them.
And he gave them the most important thing anyone
can give another person: knowledge of the saving
grace of Jesus Christ.
***
I N E
Persecution increased over the years as the Church in
southern India continued to grow. Children who got
too close to the gate around the orphanage were be
abducted, sold into slavery or prostitution, beaten,
and even killed. Pastors received even worse.
Burning of homes, murder of family members,
destruction of home churches. One such pastor was
captured by the Hindus, covered in oil, set on fire,
and dragged through the streets. He sang praises to
God over the burning until they finally used a gun to
silence him. All because he believed in Jesus.
He sings still, in the heavenly choir. Directly to
Jesus, whom he gave his life for.
***
The young man was growing older, his children
grown and getting ready to leave the home. He
could see a greater need as the Church continued to
spread and grow.
The people need Bibles.
And so with the help of American churches, he
started an annual conference, bringing American
pastors over to teach and share their knowledge. At
the end of the conference, each Indian pastor or
teacher received a Bible in their native language.
The first year the conference was held, enough
money was raised for 600 pastors.
At the last conference, over 4,000 pastors were in
attendance. They were able to listen to the Word of
God being taught. They received a Bible in their
language that they were able to take back to their
home and churches.
For the first time in their lives, they could open the
Bible and read it for themselves, and not just recite
what someone else had said.
***
There is a revival going on in southern India. The
Gospel is spreading like wildfire in the remote
villages, through a people who are worthless in the
eyes of men but beautiful in the sight of God. Men
and women die each day for their faith. They
struggle to feed their families. They live with the
constant threat of persecution from their Hindu &
Muslim brothers. They know any moment could be
their last.
And they have next to nothing. Many don’t have
Bibles. They rely on oral testimony and recitation of
the Word of God.
And still they preach. Still they pray. Still they
labor.
And the man with the orphans?
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 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Currently Orphan’s Faith Home houses

300 children. The man has to, due to
finances, turn away thousands of
children a year from begging mothers
because they know their babies will
receive better care from him than they
will from the mothers. The orphanage
is 100% donation-supported from
For more information about Pastor Babu’s
American churches and believers. It
receives no stipends or grants from the
ministries, visit the Orphan’s Faith Home
Indian government. Everything they
have, they have because of the
site at: http://www.indiapartners.org/
generosity of American Christians. partners/ofh.php
Souls are being harvested daily in
southern India, because one man
determined to be obedient. One man
decided that, against all odds, against
everything the world told him, he If you are interested in supporting Pastor
would believe God and His Word.
Babu’s ministries financially or have a
He knew the power of God, because the
power of God raised him from nothing specific question about his ministries, please
and made him something. He saw with
his very own eyes how God makes contact the Exemplify team at
beauty from ashes.
exemplify@me.com. Please put “India” in
His name is Babu.
the subject line of your email.
And he is a laborer.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to
accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then
comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the
fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and
gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to
reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have
entered into their labor.” (John 4:34-38, NIV)

___________________
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.

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 E X
Vibrant Beauty
“October is the month of painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world. As fruits and leaves and the day itself
acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight.”
Autumn. I love everything about the season. The
sights, the smells, the events, the temperature, the
leaves! I think a sweater looks better on me than
shorts. I think apple cider is more divine than iced
tea. I prefer warm, filling soups to cool salads. I
adore pumpkins. I relish leaf covered lawns.
All this autumn meditating has me daydreaming
about trees today. Leaves on trees, actually. Right
now every tree in sight is a bright green. But I know
that by the time you read this, many of them will
have unleashed a display of crimson, gold and
amber foliage that sends my heart into shivers of
delight. And I just cannot wait. So on this incredibly
hot, dry end of summer day I’m thinking about
leaves. I know, I’m a weird one.
I marvel at much in God’s creation, and colorful fall
leaves are no exception. How beautiful is the bright
red maple? How incredible the yellow gold of the
beech tree? Oh, the imagination and creativity our
God puts on display! Like viewing an awe-inspiring
sunset, these trees proclaim our God is a God of
beauty and purpose. I believe He delights in
showing us His wonders in nature and I don’t want
to miss any of it.
What God has brought to my attention today as I
was daydreaming is the process of leaves changing.
Did you know that those brilliant colors are there in
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z
-Henry David Thoreau
the leaf long before Autumn arrives? As summer
draws to a close and the days get shorter, less and
less chlorophyll (which gives the leaves their green
hue, thank you Coach Rickard, biology teacher
extraordinaire!) is formed, thus resulting in the
dramatic display of color I’ve come to love.
God takes us through similar seasons. The times
when what is really on the inside is hidden, waiting
for the big reveal. We may appear to look like
everyone else, but we are wildly unique and God is
preparing us for His individual purposes. It’s not
easy to sit back and wait during these times, but we
can rest in this promise found in Ecclesiastes 3:11:
“He has made everything beautiful in it’s time.”
Rest assured, there will come a time when God
unveils you in all your beauty. I don’t know about
you, but I want to be ready for that unveiling. I
don’t want to just wither, I want to radiate!
During the summer leaves take in certain nutrients
that determine their color. For instance, the maple
stores a lot of glucose that causes the vibrant red.
We are much the same.
What we store in our heart is going to come out.
Luke 6:45 says it well: The good man brings good
things out of the good stored up in his heart, and
the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored
up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart
I N E
Written by Kara Cox
the mouth speaks. If I want the vibrant beauty of
Jesus Christ to come forth in me, I’ve got to get His
word into my heart. I shudder to think of the
alternative.
Another truth I pondered about the leaves is their
destiny. Oak leaves can’t decide they want to look
like Maple leaves and maple leaves can’t decide to
be birch leaves. Just as I cannot decide that I want to
be you when God calls me to be Kara. It would be
futile of me to try. If I’m gold I can speak red and
think red and act red but I’m still gold. I’ve been
given my own color to shine forth, and when I’m
joined up with all of the rest of the body of Christ
we make a glorious display. It’s such a beautiful
honor just be a part, don’t you think?
______________________________
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.
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 E X E M P L I F
!e Practice of "
Presence of God
In the late 1600’s, a French monk on his deathbed told those around him, “I
am doing what I shall do, through all eternity- blessing God, praising God,
adoring God, giving Him the love of my whole heart. It is our one
business, my brethren, to worship Him and love Him, without thought of
anything else.” That monk was called Brother Lawrence and even though
he lived over 300 years ago, his words and thoughts are preserved in a slim
book titled The Practice of the Presence of God. This little book is so
packed with wisdom and practical truth that, when I began highlighting
my favorite lines, the book ended up looking solidly orange.
Brother Lawrence, who lived from 1614 to 1691, was born Nicholas
Herman in the Lorraine region of eastern France. At the age of 18, he saw
the condition of his soul reflected in a bare tree, seemingly dead, one
winter’s day. Like the tree, which would be granted new life by God in its
proper season, he himself could be renewed through the power and grace
of God. Six years later, he joined the Carmelite monastery in Paris and
took the name Brother Lawrence.
Brother Lawrence was well aware of his sinful nature, and he believed that
the austere life of a monk would serve as a punishment, as he wished to
suffer for his sins. For the first few years, his heart was heavy with
thoughts of the punishment he deserved and with wondering whether he
was saved. By the grace of God, he was gradually able to shift his focus
from himself to his Creator with what he called “the practice of the
presence of God.”
This book consists of three parts: First are notes by one M. Beaufort, a
grand vicar, recounting conversations between himself and Brother
Lawrence. Second is a collection of spiritual maxims written by Brother
Lawrence and intended to teach others how to practice the presence of
God. Finally, a chapter entitled “The Character of Brother Lawrence,”
thought to have been written by M. Beaufort, describes Brother Lawrence
and his teachings. Although each part is written in a different style, they
all convey the same three virtues:
Do all things for the love of God. While at first it may seem difficult to
relate to a monk who lived in the 17th century, it is interesting to note that
Brother Lawrence was assigned the job of cooking meals for the monastery,
despite a natural aversion to cooking. He recounts occasions on which
several people were asking different things of him simultaneously while he
was trying to “get dinner on the table.” Can you relate? Brother Lawrence
was able to handle these challenges with peace because he lived as though
Y M A G A Z I N E
by Bro$er Lawrence
Review by Kate
there was no one else on Earth but himself and God. He performed even
the simplest tasks for the love of God. As he said, “Our sanctification did
not depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for God’s sake
which we commonly do for our own.”
Develop the habit of the practice of the presence of God. By this Brother
Lawrence refers to the habit of continually focusing one’s thoughts on God.
He initially had great difficulty cultivating this habit: he admits that his
thoughts continually wandered, even during appointed prayer times.
(Again, can you relate?) Brother Lawrence offers this advice: “In order to
form a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we do to
Him, we must first apply to Him with some diligence; but that after a little
care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any
difficulty.” Whenever Brother Lawrence realized his thoughts had
wandered, whether during prayer times or in daily living, he simply
brought his mind back to God. By reminding himself whenever he
realized his error, he developed the habit of continually thinking about
God and enjoying his presence.
Accept the forgiveness offered by God. Although at first Brother Lawrence
wished to suffer for his sins, he soon came to accept the complete and
perfect forgiveness offered by God through Christ. M. Beaufort recounted
from one conversation, “That [Brother Lawrence] was very sensible of his
faults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to God, but
did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he
peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration.” Instead of
feeling guilty for his mistakes, Brother Lawrence simply confessed and
moved on. With Christ, there is no need for guilt; only love.
It is remarkable how well today’s woman can relate to a 17th century
monk. Brother Lawrence’s maxims are as relevant now as they were over
300 years ago, and The Practice of the Presence of God is so full of wisdom
and so practical that it deserves a place of honor on every Christian’s
bookshelf. This is the kind of book that can be read repeatedly, with new
wisdom being gleaned with each reading. Much of the wisdom of the
“Christian living” genre is summed up in this book, and much of this book
is summed up in its last sentence: “Believe me, count as lost each day you
have not used in loving God.”
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Color Me Green
Written by Christy McGraw
Of all the things about being single, for me, one of the
hardest things is being jealous of others. I don’t want
to be jealous but there I am so many times…green
with envy at the couple snuggling at the movie theater
or the woman showering kisses over her child’s face.

While I may not want to spend time being jealous, I

do. Before I know it it has consumed my thoughts.

I can vividly remember when it struck me how much

of a problem I had with jealousy. I was complaining
to God one day about a friend getting married...

My friend was not a Christian and I started whining
(oh yes my sisters, I was whining) to God about how
they did not even have a relationship with Him and
how they were living together and that was a
sin….and the whining went on and on. I am sure the
words, it’s not fair, came out of my mouth more than
once. All of the sudden I hear, in a commanding voice,
How are you any different? Here I was doing one of
the very things I hate most, judging others. Judging
them out of a jealousy that was consuming me. When
truth is that I am a sinner too. Just as I was saying
they were. Even more I am cognizant of it. I know
that I am a sinner but even more than that I know I
have been redeemed.
I have swept away your offenses like a
cloud, your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
(Isaiah 44:22, NIV)
He does that. For us. Sadly the friend I was
complaining about did not know of this truth yet. I
did. Because of my relationship with my Abba Daddy
I know when I sin and at times I choose to sin
deliberately. And there are times it sneaks up on us
and before we know it there we are.
Of course it was not very long before I was turning
green again…..
Once I realized how much of a problem I was having
with the jealousy I went to Him about the issue, often!
He slowly revealed to me that as much as I was
jealous over what others had He was jealous over the
time I spent wanting what they had. Even more He
was jealous over the time I spent wanting a husband
and a family. The Bible tells us, more than once, that
our God is a jealous God. In fact Exodus 34 tells us
one of the names of the Lord is Jealous.
DO NOT WORSHIP ANY OTHER GOD, FOR THE LORD,
WHOSE NAME IS JEALOUS, IS A JEALOUS GOD. (EXODUS
34:14 , NIV)
One of my most favorite of songs says this at the very
beginning:
He is jealous for me (How He Love Us, John Mark
McMillian)
Resonate on that line for a minute.
He is jealous for us sweet sisters. He wants to spend
time with us. He wants to dance with us, He wants to
hold us, He wants to have conversation with us, He
wants to LOVE us.
More often than not I was so caught up in my jealousy
that I was not spending time with Him. I was not
letting Him hold me, talk with me, love me. Because I
was too concerned with wanting other things I was
missing out on the very best thing in my life, Jesus!
Over the last few months this has been something I
have worked on diligently. I prayed about it
consistently and I started holding my thoughts of
jealousy captive. To be honest there are still times I
struggle with being green. Kermit definitely knew
what he was talking about when he said, “It’s not easy
being green”. Things are much better than what they
once were. Could they be better? Of course! But this
along with all of the other things He has been teaching
me are a part of this journey.
So what do I do now when I feel the jealousy creeping
up….I automatically go to the Word. I have specific
scriptures I have memorized. Ones that tell of His
Love, a reminder that while I am striving for the love
of others He already loves me more than I can even
begin to comprehend. I also start spending more quite
time with Abba Daddy. After the revelation of how
He is jealous and wants to spend time with me, it is
something I am diligent about. I remember the times
when I wanted to spend time with others around me
and they were too busy. I know how much that hurt
at times. Along the way I have realized that God has
feelings just like we do. And while He is God we can
still hurt Him. I don’t want to hurt Him and that is
what I was doing every time I thought other things,
earthly things, could satisfy my needs. Nothing can
truly ever satisfy my needs, all of my needs, but Him.
______
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!
thesinglejourney@gmail.com

© Exemplify Online & Magazine 11

 A Woman Inspired
Conference
October 5-9 2009

http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/
Have you been in touch with your inner creative diva? Do you want to learn to express yourself through paint
mediums, culinary masterpieces, vibrant rooms or maybe through your own life as the canvas? Well, you can get
inspired here.

Whether you feel stuck in a rut or just don’t know where to begin we can help. I’m confident that many of you have
a pile of unfinished projects or maybe put off doing things simply because you feel you don’t have the time. We
have all been there and can definitely relate. We would like you help get some momentum going so that you can
begin to create and design no matter what your canvas preference is.

Learn how to:

develop your God given talents and gifts

push past creative blocks
further your education in the area of your choice (at no cost)
be more productive
be more focused
let your light shine!
Speakers include:

Tricia Goyer, author of Life Interrupted

Larissa Lam of Beautiful Faith, On the Way Up, and Larissa Lam.com
Karla Porter, of Modern Media Mom
Tania Willis, Pinecone Press scrapbook author
Rhoda, of Southern Hospitality
Carolyn J. Carleton, of Unlimited Potential International
Leslie Valeska, of Simple Journey Ministries
Kathryn Bonner, author of Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife
Kathryn Lang, of Successful Freelance Writer
Jill Novak, owner of Remembrance Press
Kris Rhoades, of The Well Ministries
Angela Parsley, of Refresh My Soul Ministries
 E X
She was the Baptist Collegiate Minister at
Louisiana Tech University in Ruston when I met
her seven years ago. This Mississippi State and
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
alumna is well-known in the Baptist ministry as a
woman who, with the help of God, can get things
done.
Linda Osborne, a vivacious blonde with an
infectiously-optimistic personality, almost always
has a smile from ear to ear, is barely containing
barrels of energy, and, for a woman who’s been
serving in the ministry for a little over 20 years,
still often gets mistaken for a college student.
She currently serves as national collegiate
ministry leader – something none of us who
attended Louisiana Tech when she was Baptist
Collegiate Ministry director were surprised
about. Linda’s always had a joyful heart and is
able to make her bold dreams for the future come
to life. I have no doubt her abilities are valuable
assets to the national organization.
“I sensed God's call into full time ministry as a
sophomore in high school while leading
backyard Bible clubs for sweet, energetic,
unchurched kids in my hometown,” this mother
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z
Linda Osborne,
Woman on
a Mission
of two said. “As a college student, I went on a
gazillion mission trips and got my hands dirty in
a variety of ministries. Ministry seemed to be a
natural fit for who God made me.”
She served as associate BCM director at Arkansas
State University and BCM director at Florida
State, the University of Louisiana at Monroe and
Tech before making the move to Nashville.
“Having a blast in college, I always thought
college life would be incredibly fun without
classes. Being a BCM director gave me a bit of
this life,” Linda said. “Some say the most change
in an adult’s life happens between high school
graduation and the following Christmas. People
make such life shaping decisions during their
college years: lifestyle, career, relationships,
religion. Walking alongside students during this
significant time in their life is an honor.”
Even though being a minister to so many
collegiate students is not always a walk in the
park, Linda said remembering God’s call for her
life keeps her going.
“Seeing a student decide to include God in this
process in incredible,” she said. “Taking students
on short term mission trips has always been a
I N E
Written by Judith Roberts
treat. There are so many discoveries for students
on these kinds of trips – learning the world is
bigger than once believed, seeing great need for
the first time, and really getting that God’s desire
is to use people in responding to such great
need.”
She’s already imparting some of this wisdom to
her two children, Julianna, who is in middle
school, and Evan, 8, both whom she adopted.
“Adoption is something that interested me early
in life,” Linda said. “Julianna stole my heart
instantly. I had read that being a mom was like
having your heart walk around outside of your
body. I got that when I looked at Julianna for the
first time. It was a fun surprise that she looked
like me.
“Evan’s big brown eyes were captivating — still
are! He has very expressive eyes that draw you in
and make you wonder. Evan was born right after
9/11, which made it an interesting time to hold a
child whom God placed in your care. I was filled
with both extreme joy and concern.”
Evan and Julianna have picked up on their
mama’s teaching techniques, too.
13
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

“I love to ‘catch them being good’ — makes

pointing out less than good behavior easier,”
Linda said. “Often, Evan will say, ‘Mom, I
picked up my toys. You forgot to catch me Are you running a women’s
being good.’ Then, I’ll say, ‘Caught ya!” and
run give him a hug. It’s fun.” ministry or making a difference
in your community? Have
And while she doesn’t Twitter (“I have way
more things to say than 140 characters worth, something to share with our
and I don’t think people really want to know readers? We love interviewing
when I am buying milk,” she said.), she is
active with Facebook – as is Julianna. women who are living lives that
glorify!

“Facebook is a great tool in college ministry. It

makes keeping in touch with students, former
Contact us at
students, and college ministers much easier
than pre-social networking days,” Linda said. exemplify@me.com for more
“Julianna is my friend on Facebook. I have her details!
passwords. She knows that I randomly read
her inbox, etc. This is a healthy boundary for
this season as she navigates her way through
early teen years.”

Back in my college days, not that long ago, I

remembered how easy Linda made everything
look. She never seemed to tire, always had a

Oh, Linda O. What

positive attitude and words of
encouragement, and even had time to be a
mom to hundreds of college students, not just
her two kids living at home!

w%ld we do wi$%t
“It surprises me that it seems effortless. You
saw me on many frazzled, bad hair days,” she
joked. “I like to organize, and I work hard at
balance. I think a person can do it all…just not

y%?
on the same day. I do try to look at a week or a
month or even a year to see if there is balance.
I recognize that certain seasons are busier at
work, and certain seasons require more
attention at home. Looking at the big picture
helps with balance.”

From spending quality time with her kids to

traveling around the globe witnessing to
others to helping college students find their
way, Linda O is one of a kind. She’s a gold
mine of information and energy – and did I
mention she has dressed up as Superman?

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.

14 © Exemplify Online & Magazine

 E X
The Seasons Within The Season of
Motherhood
“Wise is the woman who cherishes
each season and cheerfully anticipates
the next.” ~ Author unknown
As the leaves begin to delight us with their
colorful hues, and the scorching sun begins to
prepare for a much deserved respite, autumn
is a season like no other. The changes are
evident and obvious as we look around and
unlike spring, autumn prepares us for a
different kind of change, much like those
changes that we experience in motherhood.
While spring is a season of birth and renewal,
autumn finds us surrendering and embracing
the changing winds. After all, there is no
stopping either!
Seasons of our lives are ever changing. We live
through a difficult situation as we live through
the long nights of winter, only to emerge
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z
stronger and better in our springtime. In the
autumns of our lives we see unpredictable
and magnificent changes that have us looking
back to the days of the summer season, when
things were quieter and predictable.
When we become mothers, we enter a Season
of Motherhood which will last for the rest of
our lives. It is the beginning of a season of
new submission. We find ourselves submitting
to the needs of another human being, a
helpless human being. It is, in many ways, our
springtime. Babies will do what they do best,
they grow. They toddle, they tantrum and
they teach us to notice things along the way
that we’ve perhaps not taken notice of in a
very long time. But soon, they toddle out of
that and are fully immersed in the life that is
childhood. With all of its bumps and bruises,
it’s a time of delight. Trees are climbed and
dolls are dressed, indeed a special time. All
too soon it seems, those tea parties and dress
up’s are traded out for more “grown up” sorts
of things. The talk soon turns to, “How do I
I N E
Written by
Lori MacMath
look?” and these babies of ours begin to notice
the changes themselves.
Autumn has me reflecting on these changes,
the changes that we experience in this
amazing journey of motherhood. While we
tend to see the seasons of motherhood clearly,
we often don’t recognize the “seasons within
the seasons.” It is within each stage we have
the opportunity to experience the seasons of
our children's ever-changing lives, but only if
we are carefully observing. I am drawn to the
words of Mary, Jesus’ mother;
“But His mother treasured all these
things in her heart.”
Luke 2:51
15
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

The seasons of our lives are ever changing...

Quiet Winter tends to draw us all
inward. We find ourselves at home,
lingering and enjoying all that is within
our homes. So too we can see the Winter
as our little ones quiet down after a bath
and cuddle up to share stories. As those babies grow, we cherish
“Winter” when life finds them having heart to heart talks with us.
In the life of a teen, winter blahs can seem to last forever, and it’s
up to us as mom’s to notice that they just may be feeling the chill
that winter can often bring. As our children leave home, we may
have to help them endure their own “hard Winter,” that is after all
what mom is there for.
Then in all her glory, Autumn ushers
in a brand new season. She stands in
splendor, dressed in color and even stirs up a cool
breeze. She also stands preparing us for what we
know will come, Winter. It’s in our Autumn days that we notice the
changes in our own children too. One gives up a pacifier, or the need to
sneak down to mom and dad’s room, while our teens literally change
before our eyes. Little girls seem to change overnight into young women,
and our boys’ voices are as if someone has replaced them with a stranger.
Even our grown children find themselves in seasons of change. The
winds do blow, but the colors of change are magnificent, nothing quite
like them. Again as mother’s we must embrace those little changes that
sometimes quietly sneak in like a slowly changing fall leaf, at the same
time weathering the cool breezes that surprise us.

All too often we let the hurried and rushed

pace of our lives remove us from the
God planned it as such.
spectacular season we are living. In each

stage of mothering life, we’ll see the “There is a time for everything, and a season
“Spring!” In all her glory, we will see the newness that each stage
for every activity under heaven.”
brings. From learning how to crawl or walk, to learning how to
drive, to walking down the aisle. Spring bursts forth in new skills
mastered and new independence found. Take time to notice the (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Spring within the season, it is full of wonder and excitement. As
those children of ours take wings and fly out into their own lives,
we continue to embrace the Springtime that God has in store for
them. The seasons within the seasons. They are there. They are
embraceable, but only if we are tuned into them. If we are not
watching, the years pass on without a notice, until one day we
look up and realize just how many miraculous seasons we’ve
As Spring moves into Summer, so do
missed.
our children. They have energy that is
I encourage you to spend some time this Autumn to discover the
contagious whether they are toddlers up at
“seasons within the season of motherhood” regardless of which
daybreak to greet the sun and experience
season you are in. Regardless of whether you are in the
all of life’s surprises to the athlete who
Springtime of motherhood as a new mother, living the
brings home a gym bag full of “stinky,
Summertime of young children, in the Autumn season of change
sweaty” equipment. There is nothing that
with teenagers. Perhaps you are standing in the Winter of
exemplifies the spirit of Summer like the act of doing. Embrace
motherhood, waiting for the next Spring to arrive (in the form of
those sweaty socks, and when you find yourself bathing a child
grandchildren). Wherever you are, I encourage you to take notice
who is dirty, “even behind her ears,” know that you are
of the “seasons within.” They are remarkable, just as each season
witnessing Summer in the seasons of motherhood. As mother’s
has her splendor, so do the moments of each day.
we know full well about the “lazy days” of Summer and as our
children grow and mature, we celebrate with them those times in
their lives where it’s all going well. The sun shines and the pace is
relaxed.

16 © Exemplify Online & Magazine

 Visit Lori’s Blog,

All You Have to Give!

Lori's mom insists that she came out of the womb 'talking' and has not stopped since. Lori however,
insists that over the past 41 years she has learned a thing or two about listening as well. Especially,
when it is God who is doing the talking. Hearing the voice of God has led her out of a 'desert
place' and into a garden full of praise for the King.

People often compare Lori to the "energizer bunny," but she is quick to comment that the energy
that she has is from the LORD..."if HE is going to supply it, I'd better use it...lest He think that I
don't need it...and I do!!"

Lori claims the phrase, "no storm can shake my inmost calm, when to this rock I'm clinging..." and
insists that she will "take it Lord, ALL you have to give...." Praising HIM every step of the way....

She encourages you to enjoy the journey with her at her personal website, All You Have to Give,
where she can be found daily... enjoying each and every season to its fullest!

www.allyouhavetogive.com
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Painting Your

Sanctuary

“I like to think of

paint as a room’s

eyeshadow.”

Written by Christy Klein

As I stood there with paint roller in hand staring at
the blank-slate-of-a-wall in front of me, I began to
ponder the delicate art of painting a room. Much
like people, every sanctuary is unique in it’s design,
style, and personality. No two sanctuaries are
exactly the same and each one is uniquely dressed
by it’s inhabitants. But there is one commonality
you are sure to find in every sanctuary, and that one
thing is paint.
I like to think of paint as a room’s eyeshadow.
season, and year to year. So if you pick a color
simply based on the current trend, you will find
yourself disappointed and discontent when the
trend changes. You’ll then feel compelled to repaint
again and your loved ones will feel compelled to
smother you with a pillow.
architectural details and the furniture pieces that are
in the room. By doing this you will be able to rule
out certain colors completely. Once you’ve got three
or four color possibilities, it’s time to go to your
local hardware store and raid their color samples.
Caution: Be prepared to feel like a thief as you walk
out with about 40 color sample cards stuffed into
your purse. But it’s okay, that’s what they are there
for. Grab dozens of different shades of the same
color. The variations in hues may seem too subtle to
matter, but trust me, there is a huge difference.

To me, the paint color you choose for your walls is
one of the most important decisions you make when
decorating a room. It often dictates what type of
personality the room will take on and sets the mood
of the room long before one stick of furniture is
moved in. A well chosen paint color can serve as a
wonderful source for inspiration, too.
Many people make the mistake of selecting a wall
color based on what is hot that season. Try to avoid
doing this unless the color you’ve selected is one
you really love. Color trends change from season to
This is usually where I spend dozens of hours
obsessing over color cards waiting for one to speak
to me. Play with your color samples. Put them up
against the furniture pieces, see how each one looks
with your flooring, and ask yourself if it works with
the rooms nearby. Tape your samples to the walls
for a day or two. Soon, you will find yourself going
I believe that every color has a personality. It’s up to
back to the same one. Congratulations… your color
you to determine what that personality is and if it
has spoken.
will work for your room. I will often sit in the room
I’m thinking of repainting and imagine different
colors in that space – keeping in mind the

18 © Exemplify Online & Magazine

 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Now all that’s left is the actual painting

process. I cannot stress to you enough how
important it is for you to take your time on
this. One of my biggest pet peeves in home
decorating is a bad paint job. Nothing is more
unattractive than messy edge work, paint boo-
boos on the ceiling, door frames, and
baseboards, and missed spots where the
former color is peeking out at you. When I
walk into a room that has been painted in
haste and shows the telltale signs of it – that is
all I see. It brings the entire atmosphere down
a couple of notches. It doesn’t matter how
beautifully decorated a room is – if the paint
job is a mess – the room is a mess.

Take the time to properly prep your walls

before you start. Patch all of the nail holes,
make sure the walls and ceiling are free from
dust and cob webs, and slap on a coat or two
of primer if the current wall color is dark or if
it’s a semigloss. Once your walls are prepared
then it’s time to get painting. Many people use
that blue painter’s tape to tape off their edges.
This does not work, ladies. It does not matter
how well you tape around your frames and
baseboards – paint always manages to seep in.
Personally, I tape off nothing… not one single
thing. Take your roller and get as close as you
comfortably can to the edges without having
any boo-boos. After all the walls have been
rolled, go back with a small bristle paint brush
and fill in the rest stopping about 1/4 inch
away from the edges. This is when I get out a
fine artist’s paintbrush, and with a steady
hand, slowly and lovingly paint a very
smooth line around the edges. I know it
sounds about as fun as removing your own
wisdom teeth using nothing but a spoon and
some Tylenol. But trust me, you absolutely Last quick tip: Keep a container of baby wipes handy while
cannot beat the results. You will end up with a
paint job that is so perfect no one will even painting. These will clean up any painting boo-boos if caught
notice… and that is the point.
right away. As I go around the edges with my tiny brush, I keep a
wipe in one hand so I can immediately take care of any little
mistakes that I make. They’re also great for getting small paint
spots and smears out of the carpet.

Christy is lucky enough to be married to the perfect guy (for her).

Together, they are raising two children for the Lord. Christy
thrives on turning trash into treasure, loves thrift stores, and can
often be found wondering the aisles of Home Depot with a light
bulb gleaming over her head.

© Exemplify Online & Magazine 19

 E X
Ga$e&ng
Mauris egestasEmpty
lacus sit Pitchers
ame
Vivamus pulvinar, purus ultricies ultrices ullamcorper, dolor diam euismod
nisl, vel consectetuer eros mi sit amet lorem.
— Quisque Massa
Women are constantly serving the needs of
others.
Almost every night we fall into our beds
depleted of energy and devoid of passion. We
are completely empty, and we wonder how
we’ll find the strength to make it through
another day.
I’ve had many nights like this. Out of
obedience, I pour into the lives of family and
friends, and I fulfill the many obligations that
come with life. Hands continuously grope at
the fleeting seconds of my day, and I
desperately search for the scraps. When there
are no leftovers to be found, I hold my empty
hands up to God and cry out, “Lord, there is
nothing left for me!”
As I contemplated more ways to hoard my
little scraps, God taught me a beautiful lesson
that has forever changed my life. He taught
me how to gather empty pitchers!
I read the story about Elisha and the widow
found in 2 Kings: 4.1-7.
20
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z
A prophet died and left his wife and sons with
a considerable debt. The debtor was going to
come and take the widow’s sons away to pay
for the debt. The widow came to Elisha and
asked for his help. Elisha asked the woman if
she had anything of value, and at first the
woman said no; but then she admitted to
having a little oil. Elisha told the woman to
gather all the pitchers she could find and take
the oil and fill each of them. The oil poured
out until there were no more empty pitchers.
The woman was able to sell the oil and keep
her sons.
When I read this story, I imagined the woman
carefully pouring her oil into each pitcher. As
she held one of the pitchers and poured oil to
its rim, she cried out, “Another pitcher,
please!” But there were no more. I could see
the desperation on the woman’s face as she
realized how very few pitchers she had filled.
I felt the woman’s anguish over not having
more pitchers. I wished that she would have
been more prepared. If she would have taken
Elisha’s words more seriously, she would have
I N E
Written by Alisa Hope
spent weeks or even months gathering empty
pitchers. That’s when I felt God say to me,
“You are gathering empty pitchers.”
I didn’t quite understand what God meant,
but I knew He was about to give me hope in
my obedient emptiness.
I meditated on the story for several days,
discussing it with God and friends. Finally, I
felt the last puzzle piece fall into place and an
amazing image of empty pitchers appeared in
my mind. I figured out how I could gather
empty pitchers! At long last, I understood
how I could find my “true self” by sacrificing
myself!
Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with
me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s
seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace
it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is
no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way,
to finding yourself, your true self. What good
would it do to get everything you want and lose
you, the real you?” (Luke 9.23 Message).
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

How could “self-sacrifice” be beneficial to finding my “true self”?
If God is my Creator and the Creator of all things, wouldn’t it stand to
reason that He knows me better than I know myself? And if He
designed me for a specific purpose, wouldn’t it be to my benefit that I
surrender to His will completely?
But why does it seem that God would have us continuously pour
ourselves into those around us? So many times we want to be like the
widow. She didn’t want to let Elisha know that she had a small jar of
oil at home. We do the same thing. We don’t want to let go of the little
time, resources and energy we have because we’re scared there will be
nothing left for us.
the best two-for-one-deal in the entire universe! This is why Jesus said
that the only way to find your “true self” is to sacrifice yourself. Only
God knows our “true self” and only He can complete His design.
So the next time you feel exhausted and your lift your empty hands up
to God, cry out to Him, “God, create life in me!” And if you feel like
you’ve messed up the life He has already given you, lift up your hands
to Him and cry out, “God, create new life in me!”
If you can stay broken by continually pouring yourself into the lives of
others, God will be able to bless you and create your emptiness into a
thing of beauty. Don’t hold anything back! Trust God with all you have
and start gathering empty pitchers!

But this is not the case. Every time we pour our lives out for God’s
glory, we leave an empty pitcher for God to fill. Every time we serve
the needs of our children, we leave an empty pitcher. Every time we
sacrifice our bodies for our husbands, we leave an empty pitcher.
_____________
Every time we pour into the lives of our friends, we leave an empty
pitcher. Every time we give resources to the poor and disadvantaged,
we leave an empty pitcher. And every time we surrender our desires
to the Holy Spirit, we leave an empty pitcher.

Be constantly mindful, though, that you do not try to get others to fill
your pitchers. Wait on God’s hand! If we expect others to give us
something in return, God will not bless our actions. He only fills empty
pitchers (Matthew 6.1).
Sometimes God fills those empty pitchers immediately, and we are
instantly blessed for our sacrifice. However, most of the time, the
empty pitchers gather. God allows them to gather because He knows
that He is about to open the heavens and pour down the blessings. He
wants you to be ready with a bunch of empty pitchers, so you do not
cry out, “Another pitcher, please!”
This revelation has helped me because now I look forward to leaving
empty pitchers. Every time I serve those around me, I open myself to
be blessed by God. And the most awesome part about pouring myself
out to others is that God loves my emptiness! He can complete His
divine work only in my emptiness! The “real me” shows up when I
have nothing left to hoard!
Sometimes we forget that God is the everlasting Creator. He specializes
in creating something out of nothing. In the Old Testament God
created life out of emptiness: “Now the earth was formless and empty,
darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was
hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1.2 NIV). And in the New
Testament God created new life from an empty tomb (John 20).
Alisa Hope Wagner gave her life to Jesus at the age of 14 in a small Baptist church in
South Texas. All she wanted was to be loved, and she found that love through Jesus
Christ. Alisa has never felt unloved since that day!
Alisa has her BA degree in English from A & M - Corpus Christi and her MA degree in
English - Applied Linguistics from the University of Houston. She has taught English
to every age group: elementary, junior high, high school and college.
Alisa is a full-time mother who is able to write while raising her three vivacious
children. She has a God-given passion to write, and she loves to write about what the
Holy Spirit is currently teaching her.
Alisa has published devotionals, articles and poetry; and she is continuously trying to
reach people for Christ with her writing. She has also written her first novel and is
currently seeking publication.
Alisa is the chief editor of the Granola Bar Devotional and is always looking for new
ways to help people share their faith story. She is also a contributing writer for the
Internet Cafe and Take Root and Write.
Alisa married her high school sweetheart and has been married for over ten years. Her
husband is the greatest supporter of her writing ministry. Alisa's twin-sister, Christina,
is her ministry help-mate. Alisa's two sons and daughter offer her constant joy and
continuous lessons on the Fruits of the Spirit. Alisa's true hope with her writing is that
through it people are brought closer to God!

If we are constantly pouring ourselves into the lives others, God is able
to create something beautiful within our emptiness. So many times we
think we could do a better job than God can at molding us. We pray to
God to make us more like Him; then, we scold Him for not doing
things our way (Isaiah 29.16). God created life! How could we possibly
top that? Whenever we try to take control, we just create chaos and
heartache.

God in His infinite wisdom knows that we want to meddle with His
creation, so He ensures our humbleness by keeping us continually
poured out to others. Our brokenness allows the Holy Spirit to easily
pour through us, and it makes us more malleable so that God can
complete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1.6).

God is so awesome because He made our self-sacrifice doubly good.

God blesses us when we sacrifice for others because we are able to
leave empty pitchers for Him to fill and He blesses us when we
sacrifice for others because He is able to create us into His image. It’s

© Exemplify Online & Magazine 21

Michelle Beck
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

Meet Michelle Beck:

Designer
Extraordinaire
Written by Jennifer
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Michelle Beck,
designer extraordinaire to talk about her fabulous headbands,
fashion, and what defines her. You can check out Michelle's Etsy
shop at lillybeck.etsy.com. Sit back & enjoy the creativity of
Michelle.

Please tell us a little bit about how you got
into making these fabulous headbands?
Well, I have always loved hair accessories. I
think it adds a fun and cute flair to an outfit. I
love headbands the most. I even wore one for
my wedding. I actually started making my
headbands in 2008. I was looking in a store and
saw a very cute but way overpriced headband
and I thought to myself, “you know, I could
probably make my own headband, for
cheaper:)” So I did! I wore it to church that next
Sunday. I got so many compliments on it and a
lot of girls asked me where I bought it. When I
told them I made it, some of them asked if I
could make them one. It was then when I
realized I could start making my own unique
designs and start selling them as long as ladies
wanted to buy them. I am still making them,
and it is so much fun!
Where does your inspiration for the
headbands come from?
Well, I love fashion from the 1920s era. My
headbands remind me of the headpieces and
headbands ladies would wear during that time.
I love that look. I am also really into anything
native American these days. I think the beading
and feathers are so beautiful. I also love bright
colors and mixing patterns together. There are
so many feather headbands out there right now
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
so I like to come up with different things to
make them stand out, whether it is adding
vintage buttons or putting colors together that
you wouldn’t normally put together. I think
that is what makes them unique. I really try to
come up with my own individual designs that
will stand out.
Do you enjoy fashion? Are you a fashionista?
I do enjoy fashion. I guess you could call me a
fashionista. Fashion isn’t something I live for,
but I do enjoy putting together outfits and
expressing my personality in the things that I
wear. I love to take fashion risks.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? If
so, what is it?
Lately I have been wearing casual dresses all
the time. I have this one totally cute vintage
looking floral dress that I adore. I never really
have one favorite, but I guess dresses are my
favorite for now.
Would you prefer a new pair of shoes or
chocolate?
Oh wow, chocolate is good, but I would have to
choose the pair of shoes. Shoes will last a while,
chocolate is gone in a second. I would
especially love a pair of vintage boots or
gladiator sandals.
Is there anything else you would like our
readers to know?
Clothes and accessories don’t define me, I
know who I am in Christ and that’s the most
important thing I want people to know. I
believe it is OK for Christian women to have
fun with their clothing and wear things that
will express their personalities, as long as it is
appropriate. Be yourself and be confident in
Christ. Make sure your focus is not just on
earthly possessions and the things that you
wear, but on your relationship with the Lord.
If you have a creative side and have always
wanted to do something crafty like this but
have never tried, go for it! God gave you those
gifts and talents and you need to put them to
use. The Lord will bless your efforts!
______________________
Jennifer is a major chocoholic. She
is so happy that flats are back in
style and believes that the iPod is
one of the greatest inventions ever.
You can find her at So Many
Books… So Little Time, where she
love to pass along her thoughts on
a good read.
 E X E M
I normally love fall.
I love how the leaves turn their beautiful reds,
oranges, and yellows as they lose their chlorophyll. I
love the crispness and the scent of the air (Well,
usually. I do live near several dairy farms!). I enjoy
the return to routine as our regular activities pick
back up again.
But this year I find I am dreading the change in
season. And as much as I am looking forward to
getting back into the swing of things, I am finding
there is one day above all others that I would rather
put off as long as possible, if I had a choice.
My son’s first day of Kindergarten.
My baby’s first day of Kindergarten.
I know what you’re thinking. It’s not really that big
of a deal. And I did manage to survive both my girls
starting school, although barely.
My son, Ethan, is beginning to get excited about
going to school with his sisters. This is a big,
momentous first for him.
But it is a big, momentous last for me, for this is the
last child we will be sending off to Kindergarten.
Ever.
I’ve never been very good at these last firsts. I cried
when I weaned my boy from breast-feeding (even
though I was also secretly relieved it was over!).
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P L I F Y M A G A Z
Firsts & Lasts
Written by Andrea Mitchell
I cried the first time I cut my daughter’s baby fine
hair off.
I cried when Ethan switched to a big boy bed from
his crib.
I even cried this Spring when we sold our baby
bathtub, the one we hadn’t actually used in four
years, because I realized my babies were babies no
longer.
I blame hormones. I haven’t been the same person
since I found out I was pregnant the first time. I
mean, I do cry at just about everything. It can be
rather annoying, especially since my new, organic
mascara is not waterproof!
But still, there is something bittersweet about our
children growing up. On the one hand, I am so
excited for them to discover the world around them,
to discover who God is making them into and all
His wonderful plans for them.
But on the other hand, I just want them to stay six
months old. Is that really too much to ask?
It is so tempting to try and keep our children to
ourselves, to not allow them to grow up and spread
their wings. And yet that isn’t God’s desire or plan
for them at all.
When all of my children were born, I offered them
up to the Lord. Like Moses’ mother, I realize that my
I N E
time with them will be limited. Like Hannah, I need
to instill faith in God in them while they are little so
they are prepared to serve the Lord when they are
older. And like Mary, I will be called upon to let my
children go and carry out the plans God has for
them. Even though it may be the most difficult thing
I ever do.
I know that I still have my children with me for
hopefully some time to come. And yet sending them
off to school just seems to signal the beginning of
the end. As I begin to adjust to this new season of
our parenting, I am frequently calling out to my
Father, begging Him for my children’s protection
and for each of them to live lives that glorify Him.
And maybe to let me hold them just a wee bit
longer.
__________________________
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!
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

How to Retain What You Read Written by Wendy Miller

It’s a privilege to be able to read. The next reason I care most about is my hope to to pay attention to, and even perhaps
time you select a book off the shelf and curl up remember more of what I read in order to something to return to.
on your couch in hopes to be inspired or taken positively influence God’s kingdom.
to the world inside your book, remember Strike up conversation
what you read not only influences you, it You’ve probably heard of memorization
techniques like the Rosetta Stone, or programs People, both introverted and extroverted are
helps shape you and has the power to
for children like Hooked on Phonics. You wired to be in relationships. One of the key
transform your thinking. If you’re like me you
might have even heard of setting lessons to ways to preserve something you’ve read is to
don’t have difficulty selecting good books.
music because children remember more when grab your husband or friend and talk about it
I’ve read more good books than I could
things are accompanied with lyrics. As I with them. Say, “Have you ever heard of
possibly count. The difficulty comes when I
provide my examples, you’re likely to see anything put more beautifully?” I love doing
try to remember plot lines or great lines from
traces of all of these techniques and then this with Bible verses. Recently, one verse in
these books. Most of the time I recollect the
some. particular greatly impacted how I took on new
message but there are times when I want to
projects. It might sound like I’m cheating
remember more. I want to retain what I’ve
Underline because it’s Jesus’ speaking two words, “Take
read. I’m going to present examples of ways
courage!” but the more I talked about these
I’ve strengthened my reading retention. Regardless of whether you want to remember words, the more they became ingrained in my
Scripture, a solid piece of advice from an actions and how I chose to behave. Sharing
But before I do that, I want to address why we
inspirational non-fiction or an excellent verses and or favorite paragraphs from books
should even care about retaining what we
descriptive line, one of the best ways to make with others invites a pleasant accountability
read. Remember my first line, “It’s a privilege
something stick in your mind is to underline and potentially rich conversation into the
to be able to read”? (I’m testing you already) I
it. The reason this works so well is because memorization process.
believe whenever we’ve been given a gift we
you are stopping. You aren’t skimming ahead
are responsible to use it wisely. How can we
let what we read truly impact us if we aren’t
mindlessly. Underling something requires you A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party,
to physically grab a pencil or pen and make a
absorbing it or applying it to our lives? Other
mark on the page. This is an uncomplicated
a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of
more simplified reasons for wanting to
register what we read include having excellent
but powerful gesture because of what it counselors.
communicates to your brain. There’s
dinner party conversation starters, sharpening
something important on this page, something ~ Henry Ward Beecher ~
memory and building on intelligence. But the

© Exemplify Online & Magazine 25

 E X
PUT YOURSELF IN NEW SHOES--
EMPATHIZE
There are few things I find to be as universal
for helping people understand one another
as learning to empathize. Not only does this
work for understanding people in the world
around you, but by “putting yourself in the
shoes” of the character or Biblical figure you
transfer what might have begun as an
unemotional and distant experience of
reading into a personal and influential one.
By empathizing we not only gain a
heightened awareness of what we read, but
we have the potential to become more
humble and forgiving individuals. Take
David for example. How easy is it for us to
judge him as he was with Bathsheba, then
sending her husband to die? As I completed
a Bible study on David years ago, the leader
reminded me that David was a man after
God’s own heart and how overwhelmingly
willing God is to forgive.
A library is a hospital for the mind.
~ Anonymous ~
MEMORIZE FAVORITE QUOTES
Every week during the summer my children
and I have picked a Bible verse for them to
memorize. I bet you know what’s coming.
Yes, they have their verses memorized and
guess who has all of them down pat as well?
You guessed it, me. One of the most effective
routes to recalling what we’ve read is by
intentionally trying to memorize it.
Two of the best ways I can suggest to help
memorize what you read are:
Writing note cards and affixing them in
obvious places. You’ve heard of writers
taping inspirational sayings near computers.
Why do they do this? To be inspired. To be
influenced. Other noticeable places include
on the mirror, on the inside of a cabinet, on
your dashboard, on your bedpost and on
your bathroom mirror.
26
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E
The second way I alluded to earlier. Sync up Reading furnishes the mind only with materials for
what you’ve read to music. I’m not talking
knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read
about concocting a rap out of the psalms or
your favorite line from Crime and ours.
Punishment. What I am suggesting is that if
one line really speaks to you; find a way to ~ John Locke ~
connect it to music, a song you like with a
beautiful rhythm. I’ve also heard some
people do this to memorize people’s names
(which I am horrible at).
REREAD
REFLECTION — TAKING TIME TO
THINK ON IT
Lather, rinse, repeat. Remember those
instructions on the back of shampoo bottles?
(Here I go testing you again!) Those
In this fast paced society it can be tempting
to jump from book to book just to say you’ve directions might still be commonly listed on
shampoo bottles; I haven’t bothered to look
read something or to check it off some
floating list in your mind. I think something in awhile. Like the set of steps for washing
hair, we can read, reflect and repeat if need
is lost in translation when we do this. We
lose the precious time it might take to allow be. It would be absurd to suggest we always
need to read a book twice, but it certainly
that remarkably worded sentence that sent
shivers down the spine to sink in, to stir and can’t hurt to do so. Several years ago, a
ultimately dwell within us. We’re only doing friend told me she read the book,
Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend three
ourselves a favor when we step back from
something that overwhelms us with times. It should come as no surprise that this
punctuated truth or beautifully written woman has excellent boundaries in her life.
eloquence and allow for it to simmer and to My point: there’s a time for everything and
enter all corridors of our thinking. sometimes if the book or verse is just that
good, it might be worth rereading. (This is
especially true of Bible verses)
Force yourself to reflect on what you read, paragraph
by paragraph. That’s your step by step guide to learning
how to retain more of what you read.
~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~
UNDERLINE, CONVERSE,
WRITE ON IT EMPATHIZE, MEMORIZE, REFLECT,
WRITE AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS,
REREAD.
Much like jotting down sentences or verses
on a note card, journaling or writing about ________
what you’ve read is sure to cause you to
remember it more readily. This one is like Wendy Miller is a butcher (of words
empathizing because you are personalizing as she edits her novels), a baker (of
the words you’ve read somehow and birthday cakes and treats for her
applying them to your specific beloved family members and friends),
circumstances. We are engineered to care and a candlestick maker (not quite,
more about something if it somehow but she enjoys crafts of all kinds). She
involves us. I know, embarrassing to write, appreciates the outdoors, writing and
but true nonetheless. So next time you read laughing with loved ones. Wendy’s
something you suspect might have mission statement is to a live a
substantial meaty promise, keep a journal passionate life filled with compassion,
close by. grateful to be called daughter of the
Most High God. Visit Wendy at
http://
thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ or
http://
wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/.
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
 E X E M P L I F
Seedtime & Harvest
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.
Autumn. Just the mere mention has me
all aflutter with anticipation of rewards
to come. The changing leaves, in all
their God-given beauty, line the streets
and fill the yards with the promise of
rest. All summer, we’ve tended to our
lawns and gardens; the crispness of the
autumn air invites us to savor the
harvest of our efforts. Sharing what the
Lord had revealed to him, Moses
instructs God’s people on how they can
best care for their promised land.
“If you will only heed His every
commandment that I am commanding
you today—loving the Lord your God,
and serving Him with all your heart
and with all your soul—then He will
give the rain for your land in its season, must be covered in a veil of innocent
the early rain and the later rain, and
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
Y M A G A Z I N
Written by Victoria Jenkins
you will gather in your grain, your
wine, and your oil; and He will give
grass in your fields for your livestock,
and you will eat your fill. Take care, or
you will be seduced into turning away,
serving other gods and worshiping
them, for then the anger of the Lord will
be kindled against you and He will shut
up the heavens, so that there will be no
rain and the land will yield no fruit;
then you will perish quickly off the
good land that the Lord is giving
you” (Deuteronomy 11:13-17, NRSV).
Dear One, through these same words,
God is urging us to prepare our hearts
and souls for His spiritual gardening.
Let’s harvest the goodness of His Word
together, finding each Living Bread
crumb our Father has left in order that
He might lead us home.
“If you will only heed His every
commandment that I am commanding
you today–”
These commandments and other
religious laws were rigidly sought after
in the time before the Resurrection.
Moses was only given Ten
Commandments to teach God’s people,
and His people fell short; we all fall
short of the glory of God. Since our sin
blood in order to keep our iniquities
E
from separating us from our Father,
many sacrifices were made in order to
atone for the inevitable sins of man.
How fortunate we are, as the blood-
bought saints of the Living God!
Having been ransomed by Christ’s
death on the cross, we are freed from
the shackles of the rules of old. We are
to love God’s commands and strive to
meet them, but the only sacrifice we
must make is to die to ourselves in
effort to live for our Lord. A healthy
love for the Lord’s statutes is like a rich
fertilizer that fuels our spiritual growth.
The cornerstone to any garden grown in
the Spirit is “loving the Lord your God,
and serving Him with all your heart
and with all your soul–”. If we ever
want to make it to autumn and all of its
rewards, we must first and foremost
love our Heavenly Father. In my own
life, it took a while to connect on this
level with the Lord. Eventually, the
love that God lavishes on us through
Scripture helped me to experience a
love like I’ve never known.
Reading in Ephesians always leaves me
feeling so loved that I simply cannot
help but reciprocate!
27
 E X
Give yourself to God, in all encompassing love,
“then He will give the rain for your land in its
season,” because the Creator knows just when
to water His creation. He sees when our thirst
is overwhelming and He knows when we will
benefit most from each refreshing and life-
sustaining drop. He is faithful to provide our
every need;“ the early rain and the later rain,”
making the soul more penetrable for planting
and pliable for the harvest ahead. Submit your
work unto the Lord in loving obedience“ and
you will gather in your grain, your wine, and
your oil;” it is our responsibility to seek the
rewards that God wants us to receive. Seek
Him as you work toward His commands with
heart and soul devoted in service, “ and He will
give grass in your fields for your livestock, and
you will eat your fill.”
Divine Provision is one of many riches with
which the Lord is waiting to graciously bless
His children.
“Take care, or you will be seduced into turning
away, serving other gods and worshiping
them,” before you know it. Believing that it is
our effort that brings about our harvest
corrupts our motivation and distorts our view
of our own power, thus building ourselves into
the false gods we serve in place of the One True
God. Resting in our riches instead of in the
Presence of God can quickly shift our heart
from one of worship to one of misdirected
veneration—adoration taken from the Lord and
given to anything or anyone else is the root of
idolatry. When we allow ourselves to be
seduced into turning away from the Lord, the
fruits of our labor soon run out,“ for then the
anger of the Lord will be kindled against you
and He will shut up the heavens, so that there
will be no rain and the land will yield no fruit;
then you will perish quickly off the good land
that the Lord is giving you.”
He’s continually giving us “good land”, even if
we’re not always sure how to cultivate it.
Praise the King of Kings with me, ladies! We
are not left to our own devices in this world.
The One who formed a human being from the
dust of the ground wants to teach us how to
reap what we sow in His name, even when it
seems impossible. God desires to lead us to
sowing something above and beyond what we
ever thought we could harvest.
If we’re ever to reach autumn, we’ve got to
allow God to remove some weeds and plant
some seeds of change. Change is seldom easy
and growing has its pains, but we must see past
our temporary discomfort to our eternal
28
E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E
Comforter, who tells us in Psalm 126:5 that opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and
those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. especially for those of the family of
“My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline faith” (Galatians 6:9-10, NRSV).
or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord
reproves the one He loves as a father the son in
whom he delights” (Proverbs 9:11-12, NRSV).
Instead, let us rejoice in such promises as this,
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and
harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day
“Sow for yourselves righteousness;
and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22,
NRSV)” reap steadfast love;
When we allow God to dig, plant, grow, and
break up your fallow ground;
prune within us, our spirits will experience a
reaping season that surpasses all worldly for it is time to seek the Lord,
imagination.
What has our Father been digging up from that He may come and rain
inside you recently?
List any of the secret sins lurking within that righteousness upon you”
God has been working to uproot.
Beside each struggle listed, write an aspect of (Hosea 10:12, NRSV).
our Savior that speaks of His power and
desire to bring you to victory over that
particular sin.
Heavenly Father,
Pray specifically, in praise and in appeal,
regarding each of these sins. We seek to honor You with our substance and
with the first fruits of our produce. Lord, we
Has God planted a passion, a concern, or a ask that you will strengthen us during those
desire within you that you need to nurture? difficult seasons of transformation when we are
tempted to forget that autumn is just around
List these longings and your feelings about the bend. Let our food be to do Your will and
each. our desire be to complete the work You have set
before us. In times of harvest, let us not forget
Are you hesitant, excited, or perhaps in
from whom all blessings flow. Father, let us
opposition to what God purposes to grow in
rest in You alone.
you?
Recite these Scriptures, write them down and
carry them about, memorize them; just don’t With thankfulness, we pray in the name of
lose sight of the truth, love and hope in each Christ Jesus, Amen.
word.
• Ephesians 3:20-21
________________
• Romans 9: 28-31, 12:2
Are there any areas of disobedience that the
Lord wants to prune from your life today?
Write each one down, weakening their
stronghold and strengthening your resolve to
allow God to remove them in His time.
Prayerfully consider asking a trusted and
Godly friend or fellow church member to help Victoria began writing from Scripture out of the sheer
you stay accountable to the commitments you inability to keep a good thing to herself--the exception being
make to the Lord. 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 new-found love for His Word.
Whether she is homeschooling, housewifing, or hiding from
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is
the laundry heap, God continues to grow Victoria through
right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do
the ministry He set in motion...and she continues to hog all
not give up. So then, whenever we have an
the brownies.
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Faing in Love
Again
Written by Jenifer Jernigan

Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Each

season brings with it a new, fresh
adventure of its very own...

Ask me which season is my favorite and I
would have to say Fall. When I think about
Fall I can smell the pumpkin pies baking in
the oven and the banana muffins cooling on
the counter. I can see the brilliant colors of the
leaves changing from green to yellow, then to
orange and then to red. Just the thought of
Fall makes my heart smile. Oh and there’s
nothing like curling up in a swing with a
warm cup of coffee and a blanket snuggling
next to my man as the cool breeze blows the
swing gently back and forth, back and forth.
Not only do I enjoy the smells, the colors, and
the coolness in the air of Fall, but I also enjoy
this time of year because it reminds me of a
season in my life when I had to make the
conscience choice to fall in love with my
husband all over again. Times were hard for
us; very hard. The love had fizzled into
nothing. We were literally at a cross roads in
our marriage. It was either hit the road or
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fight for our lives together. Take it or leave
seemed to be our motto at the time. Praise the
Lord, we chose to take the good with the bad
and fight for our future together as husband
and wife.
Falling in love with my husband was not an
easy thing for me to do. There was a lot of
water that had flowed under our bridge and
choosing love over hate didn’t come naturally
for either of us. We had both wounded the
other deeply, but we both made the decision
to choose love and commitment.
I don’t know where you are in your marriage
today. Maybe you and your spouse are
traveling down a rocky road right now. It
could be that the two of you co-exist in the
same house. Or, perhaps one of you has
moved out. I know what it’s like to have a
heart filled with anger, bitterness,
unforgiveness, hate, and regret. I understand
the feeling of being all alone even when my
husband is sitting right next to me. I’ve felt
the pain of rejection from the man who I
thought was my knight in shining armor. I
feel your pain. I know your hurt. Those tears
that flow from your eyes flowed from mine as
well. Believe me when I say, “I know.”
I rejoice with those of you who have not felt
the pain of marital hardships. I pray that
today finds you and your spouse in a
marriage that is thriving; one full of
excitement and passion.
Wherever you are in your marriage right now,
be it smack dab in the middle of a trial or high
atop the mountain of love, I think we can all
agree that loving our mate is a choice we must
make every single day. Love displays itself in
action; merely “thinking” you love your
spouse is not enough. We must act on that
thought and choose to demonstrate our love
in tangible ways.
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I enlisted my husband to help me out with a
little exercise. In order for me to know how to
love him in a way that truly makes him feel
love from me, I have to know those things
that speak love to him. I asked him to make a
list of five things he needs from me that will
help him see my love for him. I made the
same list for myself and gave it to him.
Through this list I learned things about him I
didn’t know. I discovered new ways to love
him and make him feel special.
Here is the list my
husband put together:
• Don’t treat me like one of the kids even
though I act like one.
• Understand that while I don’t mind taking
the kids off of your hands when I get
home, sometimes I don’t want them either.
• I need to know that you put me first even
before your wants and desires. I put an
enormous effort into taking care of you and
meeting your needs, financially,
emotionally, and physically. Sometimes I
need to see you do things you may not
want to do just so I understand your desire
is my happiness & not yours.
• Respect the work I do outside of the home.
Across the board, there seems to be a lack
of understanding for husbands who leave
to go to work.
• Be aggressive. Men are, like it or not,
cavemen. We used to go around clubbing
women if we wanted them. Sometimes I
need you to club me; it feels good to be
wanted.
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E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E
Here is the list I put I encourage you and your
spouse to each make a list of
together:
needs you have; things the other
one can do to show you his/her
• When I talk to you, I need you to focus on love for you.
me, not the TV or the computer, me.
If it’s hard for you to come up
• Sometimes I just want to hold your hand
or snuggle, nothing more. Please with ideas of your own, there is
understand that sometimes just a simple
an excellent book available right
touch means more to me than anything
else. now entitled Love Dare. In this
• I need you to talk to me more so that I book you will find “dares” for a
know how you feel about things. When I
forty day time period.
ask your opinion, I really do want it.
• I like it when we get in bed together at These “dares” will help you to
night. I feel safe having you beside me.
focus your attention on your
• I need the two of us to have more us time.
spouse and fall in love with him/
When it’s just the two of us, I feel like your
princess. her all the more.
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.
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
 E X
Thinking of submitting an article to our magazine? Interested in
submitting pieces for consideration on other ministry sites? Consider these
1. Familiarize yourself with the magazine/
website you are submitting to. Every
magazine, website and ministry has their own
specific purpose and personality. You don’t
want to submit an article on hunting to a
magazine on fashion. This is why it is very
important to get the feel of the magazine you
are submitting to. Once you have the
personality of the magazine down, then sit
down to craft an article that will best
compliment an upcoming issue.
2. Get involved in the community. One of the
first things I look for when I have a potential
submission in front of me is if the writer is
involved in the community we’re building at
Exemplify. This is not the only thing I look
for but it is does contribute. By getting
involved in the community you long to write
for, you learn invaluable information about
the readership and their interests. Often
times, I know a writer’s name before I even
open the email they sent me because I’ve
seen them commenting on Exemplify’s blog,
active in our social site or on our blogroll. I
do give preference to those who are actively
engaged in our ministry because it is clear
they value our mission and support our
ministry.
3. Read the submission guidelines. Different
ministries and publications have different
submission guidelines. What Heart of the
Matter Online is looking for may not be what
Exemplify Magazine is looking for. Both
ministries strive to serve their community of
readers with an excellence tailored to their
readership which is why there is a
submission guideline process to begin with!
Be sure to read up on it and follow it closely.
4. Triple check your work. Ladies, this is such
a big one. I cannot tell you the amount of
submissions I receive that are filled to the brim
with typos, grammatical errors and common
mistakes. I’m not looking for perfection when
an article hits my desk but I am looking for an
article that looks as though some time and
effort went into it. There is a certain level of
© Exemplify Online & Magazine
E M P L I F Y M A G
tips before submitting...
professionalism that is needed when trying to
get published.
Here are some quick tips to submitting a better
article:
• Have a friend proof your work before you send
it in for consideration.
• Read it aloud a few times before hitting that
send button.
• Write on a topic you are passionate about. This
alone will raise the bar for your submission.
• Spell check, spell check, spell check!
5. Triple check your work! In case you missed
it, proof your work!
6. Be personable. If you are pitching an article,
show some personality in your email to the
editor or team member you contacted. Editors
see a lot of article pitches and not every one
will be able to make it to publication.
I can’t tell you how many women contact me
on a daily basis and don’t even spell my first
name correctly! Now, I don’t base whether or
not a pitch will make it into article form on that
alone but take some time to consider what you
are going to write and who you are writing to.
Aim to make an impression and you are much
more likely to get the go ahead to write that It is my hope these practical tips will help you
article you’ve been itching to share.
get published the next time you submit an
7. Include all of your contact information. This article to the ministry you’d like to support.
one seems like a given, but I promise you, it is
not. Don’t forget to include your name, email
and blog link at the bottom of your email.
Many of the ministries that accept submissions
are receiving a lot of submissions. If an editor
has to search for the person’s contact
information, chances are that editor will move
on to the next email.
8. Include a writing sample and a link to your
blog. This is by far the most common mistake I
see. If you send an email seeking the go-ahead
to submit an article be sure to include a writing
reference. If you don’t include a writing
sample, or at the very least, a link to your blog
A Z I N E
you leave the editor with a choice to make:
Track down a writing sample or move on.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, more
often than not that editor is going to move on.
9. Submit for the right reasons. Don’t submit
an article just because you want to get
published. Submit an article because you feel
strongly about the topic you are writing on and
the ministry you are submitting to. Submitting
simply to get published comes off as impassive
and rarely results in the edification of the
reader.
10. Be patient. Often times I find that I receive
multiple emails asking if I’ve had a chance to
look over a submission that was sent in a day
or so earlier.
Please keep in mind that the women who serve
you behind the scenes of publication driven
sites, conference sites and devotional sites work
very hard at at bringing you the best content
they can. They are very busy.
You may have to wait a few weeks to hear back
on that email. Instead of getting impatient
about it, take that time to pray for the ministry
you want to write for. God will honor your
patience. And every ministry I know of would
welcome the prayer!
As a matter of fact, if you put these tips into
practice I welcome you to submit an article to
Exemplify Online & Magazine.
We are currently looking for new writers to
join our team and articles for the 2010 year!
Hop on over to http://exemplifyonline.com/
media/ to read those details.
In King Jesus,
Kristen Schiffman
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We’re looking for holiday recipes, tips

& photos!

If you are interested in submitting

contact us at
exemplify@me.com!