Offering...

This past Sunday morning I was privileged to hear my sweet sister-in-law sing, my older brother play beautifully on the piano and my wonderful husband preach.  It was so nice to be in service with my family.  God is so amazing in the way He orchestrates everything in our lives.  Dathaniel preached about "The Day After Christmas," and talked about how on Christmas day God gave a gift to us, and that now we should give a gift to Him through our worship.  Amanda's song went perfectly with his message.  She sang "Offering":

Over the skies of Bethleman appeared a star

While angels sang to lowly shepherds

Three wisemen seeking truth traveled from afar

Hoping to find the child from Heaven

Falling on their knees they bowed before the humble Prince of Peace

We bring an offering of worship to our King

No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing

Jesus may You receive the honor that You’re due

O Lord we bring an offering to You

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your presence

No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne

Before the holy One of Heaven

It’s only by Your blood and

Its only through Your mercy

Lord, I come

I bring an offering of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing

Jesus may You receive the honor that You’re due

O Lord I bring an offering to You

"Its only by Your blood and its only through Your mercy."  Our lives would be so different if not for Jesus.  As the new year approaches and you begin making your New Years' resolutions...decide to make next year a year of worship.  Worship can be defined in many ways.  Its not only just lifting your hands and praising and thanking God for what He's done for you.  Its also sacrificing things you enjoy to do things for God's people.   Hebrews 13:13-16 (The Message) says "So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is - not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus.  This "insider world" is not our home.  We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come.  Let's take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals, but pouring out sacrificial praises for our lips to God in Jesus' name.  Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others.  God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship that take place in kitchens and workplaces and on the streets."  In 2011, let's "ACTivate Worship."  Let's take our sacrifice onto the streets, into our communities and show the world how much we love Him.

Love & prayers for the new year,
Amberly

Merry Christmas!!

Sorry the blog hasn't been staying updated.  Life has been crazy busy this entire month!!  Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  Love ya'll :)  Hope you have a safe holiday.

Amberly

Equally Yoked - God's Perfect Plan

This is an article by Jayna Richardson, from http://www.familylife.com/.  Enjoy!

When Kim became a Christian as a young teenager, her life changed dramatically. However, her faith was put to a difficult test when she fell in love with a non-Christian some years later. Joseph was handsome, adventurous, engaging, and intelligent. But he had no interest in following Jesus.
As the relationship became more and more serious, Kim was faced with the most difficult decision of her life. Should she ignore the Holy Spirit’s nudging to break off her relationship with Joseph? Or should she obey and break her own heart in the process?  Kim made the right decision. She broke up with Joseph and left for college in tears. She’d never felt so lonely. But she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she’d done the right thing.

This is a fairly common scenario—A Christian dates a non-Christian. They fall in love. The Christian must make a choice: go through the pain of a breakup, or be “unequally yoked” with an unbeliever. Unfortunately, many choose the latter—and later regret it.  The Bible warns against being unequally yoked in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (NIV). Because the phrase “unequally yoked” can be a bit difficult to understand, I like to read this verse from The Message, a paraphrase of the Bible. These verses read, “Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil?”

God gives us this command for our own protection and joy. He knows that we can’t have the best possible marriage if we have different beliefs, values, and priorities from our spouse. And even though obedience to God can be difficult, especially in a situation like this, it’s always worth it.  Some Christians may find themselves saying, “But this person will change.” Maybe so. God has the power to change someone, and we should never give up on praying for those we care about. But the verse in 2 Corinthians doesn’t say, “Do not be unequally yoked … unless you think the person will change.” It says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (emphasis added).  Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 7:16 says, “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” It’s our responsibility as followers of Christ to be obedient to God’s command and to trust Him for the best possible plan for our lives, even if that means our lives will go in a new direction.

This issue was even a concern in the Old Testament. When God was leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, He gave them strong commands about how they should deal with the pagan nations. Deuteronomy 7:3-6 says:  Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you. This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols in the fire. For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.  If you are a follower of Christ, you are a chosen child of God. He doesn’t want you to settle for less than His very best.

After breaking up with Joseph and leaving for college, Kim couldn’t imagine herself ever feeling happy again. But on the first day of class, she noticed a young man sitting alone in the student center reading his Bible. His name was Paul, and a few years later, he and Kim were married.
Kim recognizes now that the temporary heartache she went through was nothing compared to the lifetime of regret she avoided by being obedient to God. What began as one of the hardest decisions of her life turned out to be one of the best—which is so often the case when we follow God’s perfect plan.

Not everyone who makes the tough decision to break off an unhealthy dating relationship will find “the one” as quickly as Kim did. God’s plan is different for every one of his children. But his plan can always be trusted—it’s always good.

Wanting God's best for you,
Amberly

Never Fail Fall Accessories

Welcome to Fashion Friday!  Though trends change from season to season, some classic looks never go out of style.  Here are some ways to add some staples to your fall wardrobe.  You can't go wrong with these classic accessories.

First:  Scarves and Wraps

Photo courtesy of About.com

Start with a cute scarf in a neutral color, such as black, gray or brown.  If you are a little more adventurous, get one in a bright color!  Old Navy has some adorable brightly colored scarves right now.  Scarves add style to simple long-sleeve tees and also go a long way in keeping you warm.  Its great when cute accessories are also sensible!

Second:  Knee-High Boots

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

Year to year, different types of boots become popular, but knee-high leather boots are here to stay.  Select a flat or low-heeled boot with a slightly rounded or square toe.  If you're going to splurge on boots, make sure you get a great pair of classic boots because you'll be able to wear them year in and year out.

Third:  Patent Leather Handbags

Photo courtesy of About.com

Glossy patent leather bags in deep colors such as burgundy, plum and forest green are the trend this fall.  You can also liven things up with a croc-embossed leather.  If you are looking for an inexpensive way to add color to your fall wardrobe, your handbag is a great way to do it!

Fourth:  Suede Pumps

Photo courtesy of About.com

Every woman should have a pair of suede pumps in her closet!  This admission from a shoe lover is shocking I know!  Black is your safest bet, but dark brown, gray and burgundy also work well for fall.

Finally:  Velvet Jackets

Photo courtesy of Gastrochic.com

Though fabric trends differ year to year, velvet is always chic in the fall and winter months.  A velvet jacket is a classic piece that can be worn casually or for more formal affairs.  You can also select velvet shoes from ballet flats to high heels.  Rich velvet clutches are also wonderful for fall evening wear.  This mustard jacket may be a little loud for your taste, but black, gray and chocolate brown look just as great.

So there you have it...great fall fashion accessories that will never go out of style and can be used every year!

Happy fall everyone!
Amberly

Lady of Worship

First off, I missed ya'll so much last week!!  I'm so glad to be back from vacation.  It was awesome to come back to such a sweet, worshipful spirit in our church service Sunday night.  I recently read Facedown Worship by Matt Redman.  He wrote "Who can fathom the depths of the God we worship?  Who can describe His unapproachable light?  Who can predict His wonderful ways?  Who can measure the depths of His love?  Who can sound the depths of glory?  Every single song falls short.  No poetry says it well enough.  No melody expresses it beautifully enough."

While we can never fully comprehend the awesomeness of God, we can at least attempt to grasp that the Lord is holy, He is majestic, He is righteous, He is all powerful, He is magnificent, He is faithful, He is our strength, He is our protector, He is our peace, He is our joy, He is our healer and He is all the hope that we have in this world! 

I don’t think anyone in history understood worship more than Mary of Bethany.  She understood Jesus.  She saw Him for who He was and she loved Him for it.  When Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to help her, much to her surprise, Jesus spoke up on Mary’s behalf.  He even praised Mary by saying, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  He also said, “She hath wrought a good work on me.  She hath done what she could.  Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached through the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”  Mary never preached the gospel.  She never built a church or did anything that you and I would normally consider spectacular.  She was simply a woman who loved Jesus and wasn't ashamed to show it.  Yet, Jesus commended her and said, “she hath wrought a good work on me” and her works are told even today.  Mary understood Jesus and as the time of the crucifixion approached, she sensed His anguish.  She took the best that she had and unknowingly anointed Him for burial.  Her act was spontaneous, unforced and sprang forth from the depths of her heart.  She was compelled to show her love to Jesus.  Luke 7:36-50 (KJV) is such a wonderful example of worship.  She did not care what anyone else thought of her.  She did her best to show the gratitude in her heart.  She washed His feet with tears, she kissed His feet and anointed them with precious ointment.  Tears come only from deep emotion.  She was aware that Jesus loved her and that He could lift her out of despair…and He did not fail her. 

Her actions lasted for eternity.  Her worship has inspired the world.  She did not go to Jesus with the attitude of “What can He do for me?” she went with the attitude of “What can I do for Him?”  What you and I may view as extravagant behavior was not extravagant to Mary.  She simply wanted to show the true feelings in her heart to the highest degree.  In those moments, being female, Mary probably felt very insignificant.  She wasn’t deaf so I’m sure she heard the mumblings of the people around her.  She was very humble in spirit as she knelt before the feet of Jesus.  She allowed Him to rule and reign in her life, making Him king of her heart. 

You and I do not have an alabaster box and, if we did, breaking it at the altar wouldn’t be the same as breaking it at His feet.  What we can do, is give Him our hearts.  Do you remember a time when you unashamedly worshipped Him?  When you thanked Him simply for being who He is? When you longed to bless Him?  When your tears flowed freely as you bared your heart and dreams to Him?  A true Lady in Waiting understands the pleasing aroma of worship that flows from her heart…The song of the heart is complete.  Pure worship.

Lots of love,
Amberly

Blood, Guts and Judgment

Scenario:  You walk into a room, in what you think is an incredible outfit or an awesome pair of shoes, and all of the sudden you hear someone say, “What in the world are you wearing?!?” You can feel the blood rush to your face in embarrassment.  It’s the really cute guy that you have been watching out of the corner of your eye for the last three weeks! How MORTIFYING!!!  All of the sudden, you get so angry that you can barely see straight! You lash out with a typical defensive remark, and promptly go and tell your girlfriends that he is the biggest loser!!! (and, of course, get their opinion about your obviously FABULOUS outfit!!)

Ok, so perhaps this is a little over-dramatic, but we’ve all had times when we have been judged or criticized over something.  Plain and simple—it hurts.  We, as women, like to be told that we are the most beautiful, talented, and amazingly perfect beings ever created.  It’s inevitable that one day (or many days) you will wake up and just need someone to say those magic words, “You look so cute today!!!”

So, by now you’re probably thinking that I am going to preach about not judging others, or always having something nice to say, etc. Sorry, not today.  I wanted to leave you a little thought on being willing to be criticized.  CRAZY….yes, I know. 

Last week, in one of my online classes, we were asked to submit an assignment and allow the other students in the class to critique it and give suggestions.  Now, I turned in what I thought to be a pretty decent piece of work.  However, the very first person that commented on my work found some VERY obvious problems and had several suggestions on how to improve it.  I must admit…it made me mad!! I sat there staring at that comment and thought, “What a mean thing to say about me! I wonder what HER assignment looks like?? I bet it’s worse than mine!”   

After letting me have a pity party for approximately 37 seconds, the Lord “smacked” me! (You know what I mean….those gentle thoughts that strike conviction so hard you want to hit your knees and repent!) How could I get angry when the girl was simply doing what was required of her? It was our assignment to critique one another! I know that I’m not perfect, but I don’t exactly like hearing it! I have a really bad habit of not wanting to acknowledge anything bad about myself, which is totally natural.  But is it totally right? No.

My whole point is that we, as Christian young ladies, must be willing to listen and learn.  Correction and punishment are never easy, no matter how old you are, but they are a necessary part of life.  I’m not saying that anyone has the right to pass judgment.  (Don’t misquote me next time you feel the need to criticize someone. LOL!!)  I think our best option would be to find a Godly lady, someone that we trust or admire, and ask her to be watchful over our lives.  And ask her to feel free to approach you if she sees anything ungodly or inappropriate in your life.  It is important to pray about this decision and make sure that you can completely trust the person that you ask to do this. (Your mother may be a good choice, but they usually give their opinion without us having to ask for it!! *wink*)

WARNING: It takes guts to do this! It will probably hurt your pride and sting a little, but it’s a necessary part of our lives.  We must strive to be the holy, young women that God has called us to be, even when it hurts…

Lots of love,

Natalie

Fashion Friday- Interview with Elisha Stanley

We got the chance to catch up with the talented Ms. Elisha Stanley, a wonderful, Apostolic, young woman that is currently pursuing her degree in Fashion Design! She's got some great advice for girls that may be interested in this industry, but are unsure of how to pursue. If you have more questions for Elisha, comment on  this blog and I'm sure she will be glad to respond when she gets a chance! 


Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Elisha!

• When / why did you decide to go to fashion design school? 

I received my first sewing machine for Christmas at age seven. At age eight one of my aunts gave me a fashion illustration kit for my birthday, and I have sketched out my own ideas for clothes ever since. In my teenage years I learned various needlework skills as well. I also enjoy designing my own fabrics. This is basically how my interest in fashion grew with time!

I decided to go to college for fashion design because I love fashion! I love wearing new things, mix-matching styles and colors, and I collect fabrics. Everything about fashion fascinates me, but it wasn't until I first started college and began buying my own clothes that I noticed it wasn't always easy to find modest clothes. So from that point on I began the preparation I would need to start my own business, which included obtaining fashion and business degrees.

• What's it like being an Apostolic young lady in the fashion industry?

Of course the first thing everyone notices is that I am different from everyone else, but it hasn't been a bad experience at all because people remember you better when you are different. The fashion industry is very accepting of what they refer to as "individuality." The fact that I design my clothing based on my religious beliefs has definitely set me apart and caused people to ask questions about my religious beliefs and my consumer market. 

I have actually had people tell me that they respect me more for the fact that I have not waivered from my beliefs or allowed the fashion world to dictate how I should design my clothes. It's just one of the best feelings in the world to be acknowledged in fashion for being different and actually receiving a stamp of approval for it!

• Are you constantly asked questions about the way you choose to dress? 

Only on rare occasions have anyone just walked up to me and began a conversation about the way I am dressed, unless I am wearing one of my own designs...people just seem to know when I have designed the clothes that I am wearing. 

Most often when I'm asked questions about the way that I dress, it is because someone has heard one of my presentations or seen some of my designs. Everyone who has ever approached me has always been encouraging and sometimes even makes requests for my consideration for new designs.

• Do you have plans for a clothing line specifically with Apostolic young ladies in mind?

The only clothing line that I have in mind is for Apostolic ladies! Right now, there is no fashion designer that is actually designing specifically for Apostolic ladies in the fashion industry, but there are people who have started internet businesses or custom make modest clothing. 

Although I am not yet selling my clothes mass market, I have already named my apparel line: Elisha Dynaye Collections. It really takes so much more effort than people are aware of to start a clothing line, not to mention the finances. But all things are possible with God, so I just keep praying and working hard!

Most of the designs that I work on right now are for career or churchwear. I have other designs that would also be great for conferences and banquets. Lately, I have begun to design some casualwear per request of Apostolic ladies who like outdoor activities. I am also working on research for a maternity line as well. This winter I will be interviewing and surveying Apostolic ladies to test their interest in my designs and find out if I am designing clothes that they would like to wear.

• What is your favorite clothing item or accessory?

I have a definite shoe addiction...especially high heels and boots!!! I also love fru-fru designs: ribbons, bows, ruffles, silky fabrics...for that very reason my favorite designers are Valentino and Marchesa!

This past year I have really grown to love two things in particular: scarves and about anything made of sherpa suede fabric, but I also would not hesitate to wear camouflage either!

• What wisdom/advice would you give to the young ladies reading this interview? 

Do not be afraid to always put God first in your life...let everything you do glorify Him!!! When God is first and you seek to honor Him, He opens doors that you did not even dream existed!!! When God lays a calling on your heart, He equips you to fulfill that calling...you are not alone!

I have seen God make a way for me to go to church even when I worked in retail because my managers knew that I was serious about not missing church. God has also given me favor at all three universities where I've earned my degrees...the college deans and professors have been very supportive of my work and vision. In fact, in regards to explaining how my religious beliefs influence my future goals one of my deans approached me and said, " Never be ashamed to tell anyone what you believe just because you are scared what they may think!"

God has proven to me everyday that He walks before me and makes a way...all I have to do is trust Him and keep Him first in my life!!!