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– Davonne Parks
10% off Bathing Suits – Last Day!
May 15, 2009 Leave a Comment
Civil Service
May 13, 2009 Leave a Comment
Recently, an interesting case on the news caught my eye. I didn’t know anyone related to it; I didn’t know anything about it. I just found myself reading a live daily blog of what happened in court. This was a murder case. It seemed as though everyone was speculating which way the jury would vote, even myself. When the jury reached its verdict and it was announced, I found myself astounded. I questioned if perhaps they had reached the right decision. Many in the community criticized them because they felt the evidence they saw pointed to the defendant being not guilty.
Then some thoughts came to my mind. Our country has a legal system that affords people the opportunity to be judged by an impartial jury of their peers. This system selects randomly among registered voters to find people to come hear cases. Once they show up for duty, prosecutors and defense attorneys then ask different types of questions to find people who have not had prior knowledge of the particular case or who they feel will be impartial to the alleged offender.
The responsibility
These twelve people did not ask to be given this case. They didn’t choose to be on a jury, and they certainly didn’t want to send a man to prison for life. But they had a civic responsibility to make the best decision they could given the evidence. No matter their decision, they served their community to the best of their abilities and I had no right to criticize them for doing a job that many people don’t want to do. These people who are chosen cannot have any stakes in the outcome of a trial, but by the time it is over it can sometimes affect them for life because of the weight of a decision they had to make.
There are so many jobs in our society to which this relates. Any public or civic service seems to be the first to draw criticism. There is an old saying, “You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people, all of the time.” Those who criticize someone who is doing their best to serve others should consider how difficult that job may be.
To question, or not
Occasionally there are times when we must question our system. If it is not tested, we won’t be able to find and fix any problems with it. But questioning and criticizing are completely different. By questioning, we are able to ensure our legal system is set up in a way that serves the public as a whole. Criticizing only creates negativity and doubt in our system and could lead to a lack of trust in and discontent with the system as a whole. If people do not trust the legal system, it makes it harder for our government officials to do their jobs. Police officers would lose the trust of the community, judges would be despised, it would lead to more criminals being left on the street.
Many times people are asked to take on a responsibility within an organization, church, company, or community and then are criticized because of how they perform. Often, those who are quick to criticize are among the last ones who would volunteer to do the job. Perhaps that is another reason for us to be slow to criticize others.
Someone who is making decisions based on the facts and following after the Lord may not be popular among those of the world. But as long as they are doing what is right and just, we should support and respect the decisions they make. And, without criticizing, we should accept their decision because there could be more to the situation than meets the eye.
Beyond public service
This criticism stretches far beyond public service positions. This scenario can be applied to almost any situation. A teacher who must punish a student does not do so because they want to, but if they allow that student to go about breaking the rules, then all students will think they should be allowed to break the rules too. Pretty soon, you have no rules or structure and no learning. That teacher’s responsibility is to make sure he or she creates an environment that allows all students to learn.
A parent does not discipline a child because he or she wants to. But without discipline, a child will not be able to learn right from wrong, and God’s standards of obedience. It is not an easy job to be a parent. When I was growing up, I didn’t understand why my parents disciplined me as much as they did. There are so many days now that I thank God that I had parents who cared enough about me to discipline me. And we should all thank our parents more for caring, because without that caring and teaching, we may end up on the wrong side of the courtroom with twelve jurors deciding our future––or perhaps one Judge, the Lord, deciding our fate without us ever learning to serve Him above all else.
Colossians 3:22: “Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord.”
By Sarah Ancheta
What If?
May 12, 2009 Leave a Comment
“’If’ is a big word,” was the reply I received in a text message from an acquaintance, upon my asking of different “what if” statements. I stubbornly hit reply, ready to come back with something clever, because I was frustrated. Then, I paused. I canceled the reply, and reread the message. “If” is a big word … Something struck me each time I re-evaluated it. I’m doubtful the person meant much by it, but the statement has embedded itself into my thoughts, and often comes alive again.
More often than not, I get anxious about “what ifs.” No matter the occasion, I can always find something to “what if.” It’s not that I am a pessimist (far from it); it’s simply that I want to prepare myself for not-so-good outcomes or instances. What if I don’t pass chemistry? What if I never find a good husband? What if something happens to my parents? We could what if ourselves all day long! Although I still let these thoughts creep in at times, I strive to give my cares to Him, and let Him take all my worries away (1 Peter 5:6-7).
It’s human nature to worry, but because we are under God’s care, we have no reason to worry! Nothing good comes from worrying (Matthew 6:27), and we can go to God, in prayer, with all of our troubles (Philippians 4:6).
So then, what if we tell our concerns to Him, stop worrying, and focus on doing the work of a Christian––for Him––instead? We are told that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6b). As we think of peaceful things, many of us imagine a beach with calm waves, a wooded area surrounded by wildflowers…or, even waking up on a snow day and realizing we are out of school! Each of us has different things that give us a sense of happiness and security. But if we allow God to take complete control, the peace we will receive is so awesome and powerful that we cannot fully comprehend it. God is truly so good.
Don’t stress; don’t worry––just take each day He gives you, let Him take control, and find true peace in Him!
By Hannah Smith
Study Party
May 11, 2009 Leave a Comment
Tests and finals can often be very stressful, and one of the best things we can do to help relieve the pressure of the upcoming tests is to be prepared. A fun way to do that is to host a study party, so we can serve our classmates (1 Peter 4:10), and hopefully learn something new in the process. I’m going to give you a few study party tips and suggestions, then you can adapt them to meet the needs of your own study group.
Study Games
Charades. Your group can take turns acting out the people and events that will be on the test.
Jeopardy. The judge announces a problem that the contestants have to write on a piece of paper and figure out the answer to. (This works great for math tests.) The first person with the correct answer gets a point, and the person with the most points at the end of the game wins (although everybody who learned during this game is a winner!).
Popcorn. The first person reads a few paragraphs; then they randomly pick the next person to read. Make sure to be fair in choosing new readers! This continues until the entire reading assignment has been completed, and a discussion can follow to make sure everyone understands the content. Extra tip: Pay special attention to the definitions of words in bold – they’re likely to show up on the test!
Rhyme. Remember difficult facts by making up chants, rhymes, or one-line jokes that will jog your memory.
Remember: When playing study games make sure you actually pay attention to what you’re supposed to be learning and make sure to thoroughly study what will be on the test.
Snacks
Picking out the best snack for your study party can be tricky, so make sure to keep it simple! Have everyone bring their favorite snack to make things easier on you, but have a few of your own items on hand. You could browse through our Cooking Corner articles for some inspiration, as well as look over the following ideas.
Multi-part cereal. Any cereal that has different food items in it is a fun choice, because every bite has a new taste.
Chex Mix. This can be purchased pre-made at most grocery stores, or you could make your own out of chex cereal, peanuts, cheetos, and pretzels.
Popcorn. It’s so easy to make––all you have to do is pop a bag in the microwave and wait.
Fruit and veggie trays. These will help keep energy up and calories down when the munchies hit hard.
Ice water. Sugary drinks like sodas and kool-aid will give energy for a little while, but that energy will quickly drop, leaving everyone more tired than they would have been without the sugar boosts. Consider having drink mixes like Crystal Light so people can add a little low-calorie flavor to the water.
Outside-the-party tips
Pay attention in class. This is where a good grade starts. If you have a difficult time focusing on or remembering facts about certain subjects, take notes during class. This will help you to stay focused during the class, and will help you to recall and look back on important information after class.
Complete your homework and other class assignments each day. Once you fall behind, it’s very difficult to catch up again, and one study session or unhealthy all-nighter isn’t going to make up for a semester’s worth of missed work. It’s much better to stay caught up; then you’ll only need to brush up on your facts before test days. Plus, when you’re always caught up, a pop quiz will never leave you in a panic!
Learn to budget your time. It takes a lot of self-discipline to start studying for a test two weeks in advance, but if you can pace yourself, you’ll learn and retain more information––and you’ll be able to get much-needed rest the night before the test because you won’t need a last-minute cramming session.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast or filling up on junk will deprive your body of the nutrients it needs to function at its best, and will leave you tired and foggy-minded. This can make even the most prepared students scrambling their tired, hungry brains for facts they would easily recollect on a full stomach.
Arrive to class early. This will give you time to settle down and focus. Take out your test supplies, including an extra pencil or two, and place them neatly on your desk.
Remember that it’s only a test. While we should always do our best, receiving a bad grade isn’t the end of the world. In the end, the only thing that’s going to matter a Christians is that we lived our lives to glorify Christ, and that we did everything we could do for His sake. Ecclesiastes 12:12–13: “…much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
By Michelle Jane
My Mama
May 10, 2009 2 Comments
“I’m becoming my mother!” is often an exclamation a woman can be heard saying at a point in her life where she stops everything and realizes, well, that she is a lot like her mother! I’ve heard it said with a shock and sometimes with a sigh, but as I say it now, I say it with a smile! My mother is the best woman I know, and seeing now that I mirror her in even only a few ways, without even noticing it, is a blessing in disguise.
As you can see in the photo, Mama can be silly sometimes! This is one of my favorite things about her! She might get confused as I’m telling a story, start giggling, and end up asking me to start over, or she might make a funny face at me in the mall, but I love that she can be silly, and still be classy. Never have I seen my mother be wild or inappropriate; she knows how to have a laughter-filled time while keeping a perfect level of respect for herself.
Although we see many women today get the attitude, “I’m Super-Woman; I don’t need anybody and I can get where I want to be all by myself,” I love that my mother doesn’t think like that. She is the perfect example to me of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10–31. Mama is submissive to my father, who is the good Christian leader of our household. She makes food for the family, cares for each of us, loves each of us, but even more amazingly, she is the same way to everyone else.
I’ve never met a woman who is more caring and sympathetic to those in need. She never brags about the things she does, or makes a point to tell anyone; she just does these things because she wants to be the kind of Christian woman God wants! She bakes bread, cookies, or meals for the sick, widowed, or lonely. She makes cards and sends them to anyone who may need a smile. She will listen to those who just need someone to talk to––and she truly listens! With all these things she does, she remains more humble than you could ever imagine. I am confident that God is very pleased with her, and will continue to do good works through her!
I often think of how wonderful my mother is, and how often I fail to tell her that, or show her how thankful I am. I think back on times when I have failed to be the Christian daughter and young woman God wanted of me. But one thing I know is that only God could have created such a beautiful inside-out, tender-hearted person, and blessed me enough to make her my mother. I could never imagine a day without hearing her voice, asking her advice, or just hugging her. God is incomprehensibly generous and kind to allow me to have a mother like her. I love you, Mama, and I hope and pray that I become more like you every day that God keeps me on this earth.
Please leave a comment below letting us know what you love about the mother, or mother-like figure, in your life.
By Hannah Smith
May 2009 Desktop Image
May 9, 2009 Leave a Comment
If you’d like to have our theme image on your desktop this month, simply click on “standard” or “wide-screen” underneath the photo, then right click on the image and select “set as background.” Note: laptops are generally wide-screen, and desktops are usually standard images.
Pierce my heart to serve, 1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
May 2009, Edited by Davonne Parks – Standard or Wide-screen
A Servant’s Heart
May 8, 2009 Leave a Comment
1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
The above verse is simply saying that we each have a special talent, or gift, so we must use it to the best of our ability, for good, to serve others to glorify God. First Peter 4:11 says, “… whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (emphasis mine). We all have a special, natural ability or capability for certain things. We might have several areas in which we do well. I love being with people of all ages and making them feel at ease. I love cooking and homemaking. When you put all of those together, you have the gift of hospitality! See how easy that is!
Find your talent
Perhaps we have a talent of painting––we could volunteer to do home improvement projects for the elderly, or volunteer for home remodeling at one of the neighborhood charity projects. We could paint crafts and give them as gifts to people. We can use our sewing talents for making things that nursing homes or children’s hospitals need.
We can serve by helping in many ways, such as babysitting free of charge if you love children, or you can read to someone in the nursing home if you love reading. We can rake leaves, plant or water flowers, take a meal to the sick, or write for a Christian magazine! There are all kinds of possible ways to serve and use your talents.
Use your talent
We need to make certain that we use the talents that God gives us. First Timothy 4:14 says, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you…” Even when we are young women, we are instructed to serve God by being a good example. First Timothy 4:12 tells us to “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” There might be a younger girl who needs a mentor, and who better than you if you are living a godly example before them.
We are each unique and special and have so much to contribute when we take the time to do so. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly…” (Romans 12:6). God wants us to use the abilities that He blessed us with. He placed us each where He wanted us, even if things seem difficult sometimes. We can grow stronger from our trials and perhaps use those circumstances to know how to help others in that same situation.
Ministering to people’s needs is another way to serve. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, to cry with, or to laugh with. If you have the ability to talk to people easily, or are a great listener, or are compassionate, that would be a good ministry for you to do. Praying for others might be all we can do at times, so pray earnestly. Colossians 1:9 tells us, “For this reason, since the day we have heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (emphasis mine).
Being a good friend is also serving if you are setting a good example. Titus 2:7–8 says, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”
Glorify God
We serve God in all we do if we glorify Him and do it to the best of our ability; not begrudgingly, but with cheer and joy. Jesus was the best servant of all. We see by His examples in the Bible that He was continually ministering to people, which means He attended to the wants and needs of others. In every example given, that is what Jesus did. He served and ministered to people’s needs. Matthew 4:23: “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.”
Jesus served without taking the credit for Himself. After Jesus cleansed the leper, He told those who witnessed it not to tell anyone (Matthew 8:4). We are also to serve without telling others what we do or bragging about it. We are told, in Matthew 6:3, “But when you give to the poor, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.” If we are serving with the right heart, that of genuinely wanting to help others; then we won’t do it just to receive praise, but to glorify God. Whenever we serve the way God instructs us to serve then we will truly have joy in helping those in need.
By Carol Gartman
The Perfect Pedicure
May 7, 2009 1 Comment
Ok, so maybe the perfect pedicure would be described using the words free and spa, but for now, we’re going to talk about doing the perfect at-home pedicure. It’s sandal season, and our feet need to be ready!
As with our at-home manicures a couple months ago, there are several supplies we need for this at-home day at the spa. Make sure you have all of them on hand before you get started.
- Tub with warm water
- Scented lotion
- Pumice stone
- Foot scrub (peppermint, if possible)
- Nail file or emery board
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish (in a bright, summery color!)
- Clear polish (for base and top coats)
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- q-tips/cotton swabs
- towel
Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to sit back and get started. You’re only a few simple steps from summery, sandal-ready feet!
- Remove all old polish with the remover and cotton balls. Make sure you also remove any polish that bleeds onto your toes as you do this––you don’t want blotchy feet!
- Soak your feet for 20 minutes in a tub or bowl of warm water mixed with a little scented lotion. This is the perfect time to grab a book, or your Bible, and catch up on some reading. When time’s up, thoroughly dry your feet with the towel.
Use the pumice stone (Pumice stones look like a hard, rectangular sponges––very porous––and can be found in the nail sections of most stores.) to slough off the dead, dry skin on the heels and balls of your feet. Doing this will make them much softer and smoother (especially after the cold winter weather). Wipe your feet with the towel.- Gently massage the foot scrub (peppermint-scented is great, since it’s a naturally relaxing scent, which goes well with a foot massage––just don’t fall asleep!) onto your feet to finish scrubbing away any dead skin. Rinse with warm water when done, and dry.
- Clip your toenails to a desired length. Don’t go too short; allow them to extend just barely beyond your nail bed.
- Slowly file your toenails to remove any parts that might snag or scratch.
- After pushing back your cuticles, apply a basecoat of clear polish to protect against staining the nail. (When out in the sun, your nail polish tends to stain your toenails yellow more easily.) Allow to completely dry.
- Apply a coat of your favorite colored polish. (I love OPI Cajun Shrimp––perfect for summer!) When the first coat is dry, apply a second coat. If you get some on your toes, use the q-tip to carefully wipe off the excess.
- Apply your top coat of clear polish to protect against chipping and fading.
- Once the polish is dry, massage some scented lotion onto your feet and you’re ready to go.
Now that your toes look so fabulous, I think it’s time for a new pair of sandals to show them off…very soothing to the sole!
“How beautiful your sandaled feet…” Song of Solomon 7:1
By Lisa Grimenstein
Make it Modest: Giveaway
May 6, 2009 30 Comments
This month’s giveaway, valued at $25, is featured at the end of this article. Keep reading for details.
With warmer weather approaching, that generally means less clothing. While we definitely don’t need to hide in jeans and long-sleeved shirts all summer, we still need to make sure our warm weather wardrobe is appropriate. A recent formal-wear article talks about why it’s important to dress modestly, and gives basic modesty tips that can be applied to everyday summer wear as well. For a refresher, read 1 Timothy 2:9, Matthew 5:27-28, and 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 in addition to the articles linked to above.
Make it modest
Purchasing modest clothing can be difficult and frustrating, so we’re going to cover a few tips on how to make immodest summer clothing more modest.
Layer it up. Tank tops can be a girl’s best friend! Yes, summer is hot, but a long, thin tank won’t add bulk to clothing, and will cover a multitude of top troubles. It will hide cleavage on a low-cut top and cover the back and belly on shorter shirts. I personally love Fashion Bug’s long stretch layering tanks. If you have a larger bust, you can carefully cut out the bra part of a tank top and adjust the straps so it will stay high enough. There’s no need to purchase a tank in every color––simply buy several in the colors you’ll use most, such as white, black, and brown. It’s also a good idea to have one or two wide-strapped tank tops to layer with other thin-strapped tops. Remember that these tank tops are for layering, not to wear alone!
Cut it off. Fortunately for the modest-conscious (which I hope is all of us!), bermuda shorts are in! Let’s take advantage of the bermuda shorts, because this is one trend that’d be good for us to keep around. If you’re on a limited budget, get a look like this for free by cutting off an old pair of jeans right above the knee. If you or someone you know can sew, you could also get this look by cutting and hemming a pair of Goodwill jeans to get the bermuda style, then sewing a shoelace onto the front to achieve the drawstring look.
Leg-it under. Last summer’s skirts that are a little too short (and I don’t mean mini!) can be paired with a pair of below-the-knee leggings. Black leggings with a little tie on the hem add some pizzazz to a normal outfit, and plain black leggings are sure to go with almost everything. Anything that’s super short (with the hemline more than a couple of inches above the knee) needs to be tossed, because even leggings won’t make that modest.
Shoe it down. High heels can make skirts and shorts seem even shorter than they are, so this summer, play it cheap and comfortable in a new pair of flip flops.
The giveaway
While it’s sometimes fun to creatively think of new ways to make clothes modest, it’s also refreshing to just look at a store that is already packed full of modest clothing. Bellissima Modesty Boutique is just that––a web store full of cute, modest clothes! Their key verse is “Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us” (Psalm 90:17). They have cute summer tops, some great skirts, fun accessories, and more.
The best part is that Bellissima has generously agreed to give away one $25 gift card to a reader! All you have to do is leave a comment below by Friday, May 29, 2009, stating one article of clothing you like from their site, or let us know your favorite modesty tip, and you’ll be entered in our drawing.
Comments are moderated, so they may take a day or so to appear. Make sure to include a valid e-mail address in your information (this will not appear in the post). The winner will be announced on May 31 and will be e-mailed with simple instructions on how to claim this prize. The winner must contact us back within seven days of our initial contact, or the gift card will go to someone else.
Reminder
Lime Ricki’s special offer is still available for all Pierce My Heart readers. You will save 10% off your entire purchase just by entering the coupon code HEART10 at their checkout by May 15, 2009!
This summer, have fun looking modest while staying cool!
By Davonne Parks
Visit our Monthly Issues page to view all of our past themes, and visit our May 2009 page to read our entire current issue about serving others.
Church Help
May 5, 2009 Leave a Comment
Q. I really want to help out in my church but I don’t know how. The older women already take care of organizing most projects, like food baskets and visiting, and my youth group hardly does anything. How can I actually do something worthwhile that someone else isn’t already doing?
A. It’s great that you want to help out! Don’t be discouraged by your age; it doesn’t matter how old you are–anyone can accomplish something with a little effort. Also, remember that you don’t have to do something huge for it to be worthwhile and meaningful. A gesture as small as a card during a difficult time can mean so much to a person who really needs it.
One thing you could do is become more involved in the already existing organizations, such as the ladies’ group. You could try speaking to the ladies about including the younger women, such as yourself, in their projects and meetings. As a result, you would be more involved in with the people of your church and could participate in the already existing projects, which sound like good ones to me.
Another idea would be to organize your youth group to do more for the community. For example, you could organize a group project such as yard work for the elderly and planning youth events for area congregations. Think of some of the talents you as an individual possess. Are you artistic? You might be able to make cards for the sick or decorate the church bulletin board. Do you like to organize or lead others? Outline your ideas and get others involved in helping you to realize them. Do you enjoy cooking? Cook dinner or snacks, such as cookies or pies, for shut-ins, funerals, or church dinners, or even busy moms.
The possibilities granted us by our talents are endless–sometimes we just need to find and develop these gifts. No one lacks the skills required to become involved in something. All that is needed is the desire to aid others and a motivation to do so. The Holy Spirit gives us all the help we need. We must all remember the second greatest commandment given in Matthew 22:35-40: “‘And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”’ (NKJV). No matter your age or talents, there is always a way you can help others.
By Rachel Conley
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