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MAGAZINE IS A MONTHLY PRINT AND DIGITAL PUBLICATION THAT BLENDS MUSIC, FASHION AND THE REAL STORIES OF PEOPLE STRIVING TO LIVE FOR JESUS. WE BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 FEATURING CONTENT SOLEY FROM THE SOUTHWEST OF THE UNITED STATES AND SINCE OUR BEGINNING, WE'VE SPREAD TO FEATURE EDITORIAL CONTENT FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE ATLANTIC, AND BEYOND. WE HAVE READERS ABROAD COMING FROM PARTS OF EUROPE, SOUTH AMERICA, ASIA AND AUSTRALIA. ANGELIC HAS A MAGAZINE NAME BUT WE ARE A MINISTRY FOCUSED ON FEARLESSLY PROCLAIMING JESUS. WE SPOTLIGHT MUSICIANS AND BANDS WHO HEARTS STRIVE TO BEAT WITH HIS. WE FEATURE FASHION PHOTOÂSHOOTS WITH PHOTOGRAPHER'S, STYLISTS AND MODELS WHO DESIRE TO PROFESS THEIR FAITH IN HIM. OUR ARTICLES ARE GUIDED BY THE BIBLE. WE HIGHLIGHT ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES WHO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. THE TESTIMONIES WRITTEN ARE FILLED WITH WORDS OF REDEMPTION AND GRACE. WE DESIRE TO STEP INTO THE WORLD AND BRING THE WORLD BACK TO JESUS. WE ARE NOT A RELIGIOUS MAGAZINE. WE STAND FOR JESUS. NGELIC
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DREAM BIG B Y J E S S E A N A Y A
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f God has put a dream in your heart, what’s holding you back from running after it? If God has put it in your heart, not only has He called you to it, He’s equipped you to fulfill it. What is your dream? What is stirring in you as you read this? Know that your dream isn’t crazy; your dream is God’s prompting inside of you to fulfill it in His name for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You’re handcrafted by God. Your interests, your passions and your dreams are created as well as given to you by God. And you are created in Him to do good works, which He’s already prepared for you to do. Respond to the call He’s given you. Go after your dream. And when selfdoubt tries to hold you back. When fear tells you to stay in your comfort zone. When you think of every reason your dream is impossible, remember, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 You are designed, equipped and called to dream big for God. He is at work within you. I'm handing my dreams over to you God. My dreams will come true in your might. Remind me that my dream isn't only mine but your dream for me. Remind me that you can do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine. Remind me that you are working behind the scenes on my behalf so that our dreams will come true. When I want to dream small, remind me to always dream big.
F a i t h PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHEA BRIE
:MICHELLE OGAN LOCATION: PHX, AZ MODEL
SHEA BRIE
P H O T O G R A P H E R I N T E R V I E W / / P H X , A Z
1. What inspires your photography style? For some odd reason, I have a terrible memory. I have always found photographs as a way to remember those tender moments & the emotions that come with those memories. When I look at a photograph I feel like I am standing at that moment. That season of life, those emotions & the journey I was walking through. I absolutely love having the opportunity to do this for my clients. To capture a celebration or a season of life. I don't want to focus on capturing the perfectly posed image but the raw emotion that’s inside of them. The little moments that are often go forgotten, but hold significant value. 2. How does photography allow you to share your faith? Photography has a way of making people feel like every insecurity of theirs is showing. Majority of the time within the first 10 minutes of being with a client they will express their insecurities… I never want people to see their insecurities in their images, because I believe their beauty lies so much deeper. I feel like I have been given a unique opportunity to bring out raw emotion in my clients & show them the true beauty that God has given them. Where and who their identity lays in is so much greater than any insecurity.
3. What is your encouragement to other photographers to share authenticity in their media? It’s scary, but JUST DO IT! This year I made the pledge to share the good and the bad through my social media/blogging… because life has hills and valleys. Social media has become a highlight reel of everyones life, but the person on the other side of the screen feels extremely discouraged that their life doesn't look the same. Comparison is something I daily struggle with, so I have a desire to see this unhealthy cycle change. I have found that the posts were I feel most exposed and vulnerable, are the post that I gain the most response. Followers recognize they aren't the only one facing battles in their life. They aren't walking alone, in fact we are all in this together! I say the best thing you can do is jump over your fear, and allow your vulnerability to speak truth into others lives! This will create authentic connection with your followers that’ll feed their soul, as well as your own!
4. Why do you choose to believe in Jesus? I choose to believe in Jesus because I have seen his transforming work in my life. I go through seasons of life where my heart feels empty & I desire for something to fulfill it, so I seek after other fleeting things… like relationships, success, money, or material items. I have found these things fill me for a moment, but they sure don't last more than that. However, in some of the most desperate times in my life I have run to Jesus, where he really was all I had… These were the times I found most joy, fulfillment, and hope. These are the times I have seen him transform my life, my attitude & my desires. I wasn't seeking things that fade, but I was seeking His face. Because of these little glimpses of His goodness and power, I choose to believe in Jesus! 5. What would you like for people reading this to know about you? For people reading this, and people who see my work… I always want them to see that there is more to life than the little worries of life. There is hope in Jesus & there is celebration in life. When I am working with clients I always want to create an atmosphere that they feel free. For the time we are together, they can forget about the little things that bring on anxiety & they can let loose, laugh & hopefully leave reminded that life isn't about worry, guilt or fear. Its about freedom, joy & hope that lays in our Savior! I want people reading this to know that this is my heart behind what I do! This is why I will go out to the middle of the desert during the Arizona summer… to be with my clients, to encourage them, to love on them & to hopefully show them a little glimpse of Jesus & all He has done for them.
PICTURED
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SHEA BRIE
relinquish
C H R I S T I A N
ROANOKE
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VA
C O N T E M P O R A R Y
How would you describe your style / sound of music? If Relinquish was to be categorized into a style of music, the best way to describe it would be Christian Contemporary Music. What’s unique about CCM compared to most genres is that there is such a broad category of sounds within itself. At the center of all of the wide variety of sounds that are out there, the focus is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what we as a group strive to present within our music, and we have loved sharing that every step of the way. Our sound constantly evolves, which keeps us sharp as a band. We love to grow, experiment and learn more about the beautiful language of music and when used by the Spirit of God, we see lives transformed for the glory of God. What does worship mean to you? Worship literally means to “give worth.” When we worship God, we attribute worth to Him, and the way that we worship is by responding to what God says and does in every situation of our lives. To worship God means to put Him first, and that means putting behind our idols that we have put before Him. When we put God first in our lives, we recognize that He is all that we need, which prompts into a response of worship. This can’t be limited only to an hour on Sunday, but must start with a desire to love and obey God which should permeate into every part of our life. What makes your band unique from other bands? Our band is unique from any other bands because we get the privilege to serve a very wide variety of congregations. Looking back on all of the places we have played, we have gotten the opportunities to lead multiple youth conferences, camps, revivals, Sunday morning services, and even the chance to share the stage with some amazing national acts like Bethel Music, Unspoken, Colton Dixon and many more. In every venue and church that we go to, we see the unique and strategic move of God, and we are grateful to be a part of how God is working across the world. What do you hope to accomplish musically within the next 2 years? We’ve had the great opportunity to be at the Liberty University School of Music, where we are being equipped and trained in music performance. While juggling a fulltime student schedule, we continue to travel nearly every weekend across the East Coast. As we finish up this last year at school, we are preparing for some great things to happen for Relinquish. We will be looking to hit the road fulltime after school ends, so there will be a whole lot more music coming your way soon. We are constantly working on new music for our listeners and would love for you to check out what we are doing. We realize that God is doing a great work in this ministry and we look forward to all of the chances that we will get to use this for the expansion of His Kingdom.
ANGELICMUSIC "WHEN WE PUT GOD FIRST IN OUR LIVES, WE RECOGNIZE THAT HE IS ALL THAT WE NEED"
relinquish
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ANGELICMUSIC
W o r s h i p MUSIC SPOTLIGHT
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ELLIE KERLEY
Ellie Kerley
PRAISE
"WHEN WE WORSHIP IT CHANGES OUR PERSPECTIVE AND OUR HEARTS BECAUSE IT REMINDS US OF THE TRUTH OF THE ONE WHO IS GOOD." 1. What inspires your faith in Jesus? His goodness in the midst of the deep pain, suffering, and sorrow we all experience or witness around us. I know that all I have encountered in my life would have caused a very different outcome if it hadn't been for my belief in and firsthand experience of the compassion and love of Jesus. He is first and foremost good. He has experienced what we experience and knows the toll it takes on us. I have also come to realize how vital being able to look back and see where Jesus was in all the
an incredible community that is always ready to step in and watch our kids. My husband and I just had twin boys in May and the juggling game of balancing raising children and growing a ministry became much more complicated, but the willingness to step in and help became that much greater. Without help I would not be able to do any of this. I am grateful for family and friends who believe in the calling God placed on my life enough to do their part to make it possible.
major events that have shaped me and the world around me is. Looking back through the lens of His grace on my life has given me the inspiration to keep on trusting Him. He is never absent and He is never apathetic. He is deeply grieved by the suffering of His people and promises to turn all things for our good and His glory. When the weight of the pain in this world starts to get to me I always try to remember that this world may be broken because of sin, but the Overcomer is already at work and He will ultimately get the victory. 2. What does worship mean to you? The thing I love about worship is it's multifaceted nature. Worship is a declaration of who God is, and who we are because of who He is, it is thankfulness, it is atmosphere changing, it is a battle cry that is heard in the heavens, it is life to your soul, and it is intimacy with our creator and Father who delights in the praises of His people. It's easy to think that we only genuinely worship when life is good, but it's when things are tough that worship is even more vital. When we worship it changes our perspective and our hearts because it reminds us of the truth of The One who is good.
4. How would you describe your style/sound of music? I have a lot of musical influences that play a part in how I feel music and arrange music. I grew up listening to a lot of blues, folk, country, jazz, rock, and 1990's/early 2000's worship music. It all comes out in different ways and often when I least expect! Most of my album is pretty consistent with most modern worship music out there right now, but we were able to throw in a little gospel feel thanks to some incredible musicians that heard something I didn't. I love relating to all generations because I think there is room in worship for different musical styles and generational preference.
3. You are a wife and mom, how do you balance your family life with your musician life? The phrase "It Takes A Village" could not be more true than in my life. I am daily blown away by my village. I could not do ministry in any capacity if it were not for the help of my mom, dad, sister, and husband in particular. In addition to that I have
5. If you could ask Jesus what His plan for you with music is, what do you think He would say? I have been leading worship for over a decade and this question is on my heart a lot. It is difficult to try to make a plan for your career and ministry and also desire for God's plans to be the most important. Over the past few years the answer to this question has become pretty clear to me though. Whatever my ministry looks like now or how it looks in the future, his plan for me is to bring dry bones to life. Wherever my music is heard and wherever I lead worship this is what I pray for, that whatever is dead or dormant would be awakened and brought into passionate and thriving life through the Holy Spirit's power. For now, I think His plan for my music is to be a catalyst of His life giving power to anyone I come in contact with.
AND WORSHIP LEADER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
what your soul remembers SEVEN YEARS LATER, A NEW RING ON HIS FINGER AND A NEW WOMAN WHO CARRIES THE FAMILY NAME – MY HEART ACHES DEEPLY B Y A N G I E L A N G
The gazebo is damp and the mosquitoes vicious. My feet rest on the edge of the swing, the armrest propping up my neck, and I stare at the moon for a long while. From beside me I can hear the music drifting out into the country air, and the sound of laughter and conversation makes its way out to me. It’s been seven years. Seven years since her bags were packed, and she found herself a place to stay. Seven years since home became unsafe territory; where my skin no longer felt like my own, when heartache settled into the one place I thought was safe from it. My family. I still ache, thinking of that fall. I think, if I’m honest, I’ll always ache. And in that gazebo – seven years later, a new ring on his finger and a new woman who carries the family name – my heart aches deeply and I echo the words that some days, still slip out. “It’s not fair,” I whisper to the moon, to God. I beg Him with my eyes to meet me there, in the unfairness, in the open wound that’s pricked open in moments like these. I am too stubborn most days to admit how unfair it seems, how I long for grief to remain in that autumn, to be packed in her bags with her belongings. Some days I don’t even remember what it was like to be a whole family with two parents and a home. But our souls – our bodies – oh, how they remember. And those three words whispered into the summer air, they are drenched with the weight of it. And I know that He knows. He knows the anger. He knows the grief. And just as He was there seven years ago, He’s here now, underneath this moon and in this moment. “What matters most is not whether or not it’s fair,” He answers. “It’s what you do with it that matters.” And if I wanted to – and there are days when I do – I could spend my time focused on that one sentence. The unfairness of it all. The story I so desperately did not want to be my own. Or I can take that brokenness and let Him use it. Let Him hold the pen. There comes a time when your pain becomes your ministry and although some days I am unwilling to allow it to be so – it's been seven years and I’m still standing. I’m still breathing. There is beauty in this brokenness and it’s because of His touch. I did not stay there, on that fall day, holding my dreams and my hopes shattered at my feet. I kept walking. Until one day there’s a gazebo, and a wedding, and heartache. And somehow, in the midst of it, God is present, as He was on that day so long ago, holding the brokenness together.
OUR DIMENSION MORE THAN JUST A BABY IN A MANGER OR A CARPENTER BOY—HE IS ETERNITY PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE COME TO OUR DIMENSION.
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B Y J O N N Y G O R A S H
an you imagine what it was like before there was light? Can you imagine absolutely nothing? No sights—no sounds—no smells—no feeling—no taste—no emotion—no thought. No existence. Then, you hear something…. A single word explodes across that abyss, and with it: galaxies. Stars upon innumerable stars larger than what you could ever fathom, more than you’re capable of believing. You didn’t know colors until now, this moment when his word caused Jupiter to blush. Even now, what is ‘now’ but another creation of his? ‘Now’ and ‘then’ and every moment in between—when his word donned Saturn with her rings. I don’t know what it was like when that word was first spoken, but I know that at that word, nothing became everything and everything had meaning; because he granted it; because he wanted it. Down to that very last molecule in the structure of a feather and that bright lick of green in the iris of the one you love, everything to express the glory of that word and the one who first spoke all things to be—just to be. But, these created things—created beings—began to murder themselves and all of creation with them as they begged to be apart from him. They chose that life may meet death. But, that word was not done yet. He would not rest at the sight of this torment, and though he could start all over again—at just that word… he didn’t. Because what he had made, he loved—even as the land ran red with blood, hearts pumped lust, and they cast their love on dust; He still loved. He just would not give it up. So, the word knit himself within a woman’s womb—the very word became flesh. He met his creation as one of them to teach them how to live and how to love as he loved them. More than just a baby in a manger or a carpenter boy—he is eternity past, present, and future come to our dimension.
h o p e PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLEE LOCATION
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PHOENIX
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AZ
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ANDY OGAN
Kaylee Chelsea "OUR HOPE IS THAT ALL OUR WORK BRINGS GLORY TO HIM. THE WORK WE DO IS PURPOSELESS WITHOUT JESUS BRINGING MEANING TO IT ALL" 1. Husband and wife photography team, what's the best part about it? We bounce off each other throughout a wedding day. Our goal is to keep the day light hearted. Being a married duo, we have the ability to calm each other’s hearts and keep the focus on making the day fun for the couple. 2. How does photography allow you to share your faith? Photography has given us a voice and a platform in social media – whether it’s asking for prayer requests or simply choosing to encourage others. In highstress situations, our hearts are a direct reflection of where we are in our relationship with Jesus. With each person, we meet we have the ability to be a light. We believe people notice when your intentions are pure and honest. 3. What inspires your photography style? One thing we are very passionate about is capturing raw moments between couples. It's a mixture of directing and letting people respond naturally. Each shoot we can bring comfort, encouragement, and joy. Our style is defined by connection, light, sweet moments and movement! 4. What do you hope to accomplish with photography within the next 2 years? Our hope is to both be full time and have the ability to travel to other countries (I (Kaylee) am full time. However, Andy is currently working at a commercial bakery during the week). Also, we have a long list of dream destination locations! 5. What do you think Jesus would think about your photography? From the very beginning, Jesus has been the reason behind why we pursued this art. 7 years ago, I (Kaylee) was praying and felt God tugging at my heart to make photography a priority in my studies. He placed the desire in our hearts and gave us new opportunities. It’s what brought us together, challenged us to grab hold of His word, and has now given us a voice. Our hope is that all our work brings glory to Him. The work we do is purposeless without Jesus bringing meaning to it all. We hope Jesus is apart of everything we do. Above all, we hope it brings glory to Him.
PHOTOG
GRAPHER INTERVIEW
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Fashion, Beauty & is it Okay? "RECENTLY I’VE HAD THIS CONVERSATION WITH MULTIPLE WOMEN ABOUT THE DIFFERING OPINIONS SPOKEN OR UNSPOKEN ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT ITS OKAY TO WANT TO INVEST OUR TIME OR EXPRESS OURSELVES THROUGH FASHION AND BEAUTY" b y s h e l i a h a i l Makeup, no makeup, dressing up, wearing tshirts everyday, deodorant, no deodorant, distorted expression or confidence. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) Can I be this woman depicted in this verse because I love wearing makeup and being my own personal stylist? YES. And so can you. In fact, if you are the complete opposite of a makeup lover you can also be this beautiful woman of God. Recently I’ve had this conversation with multiple women about the differing opinions spoken or unspoken about whether or not its okay to want to invest our time or express ourselves through fashion and beauty. On both sides of the conversation there are great points, each point eventually leads to the same answer; the truth, our identity is defined by Jesus Christ. After all he designed and created us as we are, in beautiful perfection. Where I believe we’ve gone wrong and why there may be question about loving fashion and dressing up may be viewed as “fleeting” or as a “worldly woman” is because of idolatry and comparison. Idolatry of self, things, and even idolatry of “false humility” and the pride of simplicity. Secondly, comparison. COMPARISON is a killer. The finely dressed to a “T” woman, with her perfect wing tipped liner stands on one side of the street and on direct opposite is the no makeup tshirt woman. They stare one another down, believing each is being judged for how they look and how they choose to express oneself. The deeper sickness is they stare at one other, gazing and believing they themselves are higher than the other. Equally judging, equally idolizing herself, because her eyes were lead astray from the truth. The problem isn’t if we should wear makeup or not wear makeup and if you do or don’t makes you a TRUE woman of God. If YOU are sourcing your identity and truth from Jesus and your confidence comes from His voice in your heart defining you, then girl you are a woman who does in fact fear and love the Lord. That truth being at your core, the extremities and expressions of you will be in confidence of His truth no matter if they are painted in coral lipstick or none at all. And either way is just fine. So… are Fashion & Beauty okay to love, and express yourself through? YES! As a painter paints, paint beautifully with your talent as a makeup artist. Style yourself, your friends, play dress up and have fun with it! These may not be your choice pallets of declaration, and that's okay, find those ways and allow the Lord to paint through those beautiful mediums. And at the end… when beauty, talent, intelligence, money, lack there of are stripped away, the woman who loves her LORD deeply will be praised.
THE LAST PAGE H
B Y M I C H E L L E C O P P I N I
ave you ever read the last page of a book? Before you read the book I mean. Rebelliously turn the book over and peeked inside the final page or two. Seems like cheating to some but it can make reading the insides more exciting. It may also have the unfortunate effect of transferring the journey through into slow trudge through a long, dry desert you are compelled to cross before your ‘happily ever after’. Lately the end of my own story seems to tease me. Cheshire cat grinned with a mile wide happilyeverafter smile beaming at me from the last pages. Looking towards this, from my current chapter is hard. It’s beyond frustrating to know theres a happily ever after waiting on the final piece of paper of the story. I want to know that I faced my demons and emerged victorious. I want to be the developed character; tried and tested in the darkness and fire and emerged as a refined warrior. To undo my rebellious act would almost be a grace. I regret the insight it offers and even the hope, because I am not there yet. I am in the middle of my story. Writing this I seem wedged in this current chapter and nothing can be done to quicken the turning of these sealed pages. A page pauses an inch above the next and frustratedly I face the Writer. “Why?”. Why don't You move, turn, make new what so desperately needs Your touch. Moving images of this life so far reel before my mind. A minute ago, a day, a week, last year, an interwoven tapestry of good and bad choices, spring seasons and dark ones, overwhelming joy and matching sorrow. Through these chapters the stretch of flesh, heart and mind. At times easy and yet often this growth is painful. I see the change, a morphing of seed to bloom in its due time. A work in progress. Trudging through the desert is never easy. Facing your trials and even sometimes harder facing the mundane dayin dayout testing to prepare you for those trials is even worse. I see my failures, struggles and shortcomings being recorded, shedding light on the messy reality of my workin progress heart. I see the work that needs to be done and I
"I WANT TO KNOW THAT I FACED MY DEMONS AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS. I WANT TO BE THE DEVELOPED CHARACTER; TRIED AND TESTED IN THE DARKNESS AND FIRE AND EMERGED AS A REFINED WARRIOR."
reach once more to turn the page and see it finished. To see it complete. I crave this finished product in the middle of my story. Turning all the pages to at once, arrive at the completed me. If I skipped the middle, if I jumped past the climax of my story and “arrived” would I really arrive anywhere. We are all works in progress. Characters in the developmental stages. In This season I hear my Designer whispering that He is NEVER in a hurry. He does not rush His work. He is not in a time crunch. He is not anxious to get to the end. He is the Master Artist and we are His masterpiece. His cross a reminder that all we need to walk this life and live it good, well and fully…it’s been freely given. In the wrong choices, He is there. In the right ones, He is present. In the beginning, middle and end He is beside us. Searching us, knowing us and inviting us into a sweet relationship. One that will transform us as we go through this journey, (maybe only as we go through this journey). Michelangelo once said “Genius is eternal patience”. I see the end of my patience but quickly turn to see an endless storehouse of His. He created us. His patience is endless. His work is Genius. He is not in a rush. This refreshing truth settles on my heart and I, in response, nestle down and settle into my current chapter. Settle into the beauty of your story friend. Release the need to quickly change or “become” the end and ride the chapters as they come. Hand in hand with the Author and Finisher of the story. Heart at rest in the slow turn of the pages.
BEING HEALTHY FOR GOD IF WE CAN’T BE HEALTHY FOR OURSELVES, CAN WE DO IT FOR GOD?
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ften times, it is easy to know what to say or do for someone else. When problems arise, do you find yourself unable to follow the advice you would give to someone else in the same situation? I know for me, I am a caregiver. I’m a nurturer and I think most women tend to be that way. I want to lend care and compassion to meet the needs of others. But, when it comes to doing that same thing for myself, I stop. It feels uncomfortable. The same care I feel or show for others, I don’t really want to show for myself. Maybe, it’s because it seems selfish to do something for myself over doing something for someone else. Other times, if I am really being honest, I think it’s because it’s more “noticeable” to do something for someone else, right? If I am pulling back from helping others to focus on and care for myself, I may miss out on external praise and validation from man. It’s no fun to admit these tendencies in ourselves, but if we want to be more like Jesus, I believe it’s imperative to be able to find and acknowledge such flaws and shortcomings so we can ask God to help us change and grow. If we are always helping others to feel fulfilled or validated but don’t take the time or consideration to care for ourselves once in a while, we could be spreading toxicity to those we think we are helping. We can harbor fatigue, stress, extra weight and depression while trotting along functionally thinking everything is fine. So, if we don’t selfevaluate before stepping out into a world we want to help, we could end up hurting that world and not even realize it. It’s important to remember how respect and responsibility play into all of this health talk. As children of God, we are called to higher standards than those who haven’t met our Jesus. We must have respect and responsibility for our bodies. To endure a full and fruitful life, we must maintain and preserve the temple God gives our souls to reside in and carry out his purposes for our lives. “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? … For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” {1 Corinthians 3:16 17} He gives us good health but our cells and physiological systems get out of order because of unhealthy choices, genetics, neglect and indulgence. Things like genetic problems
cannot really be corrected of our own doing, things of that magnitude require prayer as only God can change or “reorder” those things. However, most causes of an unhealthy or outoforder system are completely under our own control. We should strive to attain a higher level of selflove and love for God as well as selfrespect and respect for God so that we want what He wants for our physical wellbeing, which trickles into the mental and spiritual aspects naturally. Let’s be intentional to keep up healthy bodies, hearts and minds for the purposes God may be calling us to. We can finish the race He set before us if we are a whole, strong being. Detoxing your body clarifies the house in which your spirit and mind reside. Working from a clean system physically sets the tone for our spirit and mind to function seamlessly as well. What flows from our spirit should be as detoxified as our bodies so let us treat ourselves as one multifaceted unit with our spirit, mind and body interconnected, each portion gaining strength from the other when it weakens. Impacting the world starts inside of us. Christ commands we take care of ourselves and he cares that we eat right and exercise. Not because He is concerned with the superficial appearance, but because the struggles we face in this life drain us and if we start the race unhealthy, it makes it that much harder to finish. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” {1 Peter 5:8} He wants us to finish and to finish successfully and happy at the end of it all. Connect the reason you’re doing this from just physical to the mental and spiritual benefits you will gain as well. “I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.” {Psalm 119:32} Prayer: Lord, help me to be strong in my emotional desire for unhealthy foods and help me grow out of my laziness. Urge me to desire your will for my body and treat it properly with healthy, holistic diet, exercise, and daily quiet time with You and Your Word.
SPIRIT OF COMPARISON COMPARING YOUR LIFE TO OTHER PEOPLE.
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oday’s going to be different. There’s only one of you. And there’s no one else is like you. You’re not average and you’re not destined for an average life. What you have to offer to the world, no one else can duplicate it. You’re extraordinary. The hand of God is on you. The life He breathed into you is a life of blessing, a life of talent, a life of faith and a life of love. You are talented. You are equipped. And you are one of a kind. You are created as an extraordinary child of God and you are created to live an extraordinary life. Jesus has invited you into a journey of walking with Him and there’s no need to compare who you are or compare your walk with Jesus to that of someone else. You’re extraordinary. Your calling is unique. Your gifting is unique. And your relationship with God is rare. There’s no need to have a spirit of comparison or what God is doing in someone else's life. Say this out loud: I am an extraordinary child of God and I am walking in my own unique walk with an extraordinary God. Lord, thank you for making me your child. And thank you for making me unique and rare. I am one of a kind because of you and I will not compare myself to others. I rebuke a spirit of comparison from my life. Help me to realize the talents you've given me. Help me to realize that I am handcrafted by you and you've made me just the way you want me to be. Thank you for creating a unique walk for you and I, and thank you for your unconditional love.
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JANA EARLY PHOTOGRAPHER
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O NOT SEE MERELY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE AND WONDERFUL CLOTHING; WHAT I SEE IS THE CREATIVE GENIUS OF GOD"
owing where to even begin in a discussion ashion, faith, art, and culture is always difficult . We all bring so much to the table of our tanding of each of those. We are influenced by pbringing, our community and certainly by inment, and social media. ame a christian when I was 15, almost 16; yet, ll growing in my faith every day. Some days han others, and honestly, some days I take a eps back and really struggle with my belief in he church and the bible. most people, particularly women, I've had my ities with my body, and have wished that parts were different. I lived in London a few years with my husband, before we had kids (we now wo kids, Tovah, 7, and Jude 6). We lived next o a young Vietnamese student working on his London School of Theology. His dissertation close look at the naked Christ in a body ) obsessed society. I was really challenged by ssertation in my own life. I realized that I d for and longed for attention of my body, of ward appearances. All along, I had no idea who on the inside, which was part of why I needed to notice me on the outside. began to talk to my husband about all of this, I d that I didn't see myself first and foremost as ge bearer of God who is loved and cherished Creator. As a follower of Jesus, I believe the res to be the word of God. In the earliest rs of Genesis we read that human beings are n the image of God. Though we are not God e have sinned against Him, God himself has us and pursued us and clothes us in the usness of Jesus. clothing metaphor in Scripture is huge! And s a creative here in Seattle, I love the idea that
clothing is not something that is to be condemned as vanity (though that most certainly can be the case). the clothing itself speaks to the goodness of God as he reaches out in His loving kindness to His creation. I myself enjoy shooting models in various ways so as to capture some of that reality. This is what I'm seeing behind the camera. I do not see merely beautiful people and wonderful clothing; what I see is the creative genius of God in a human being and the unique gifts He provides people in artistic expression through fashion. I am not merely making images, I am capturing human beings who bare the image of God. While I do certainly enjoy the art of photography and the incredible artistic abilities of fashion designers/art directors/make up artists and the like, those are all transparent in the sense that we can look beyond those things to the One who is the Creator of all things.
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BIG DREAMS, LITTLE STEPS, GOD'S GLORY. B Y E M I L Y S E N F F
God has made us to be dreamers of big dreams, and people of great faith. When we hear the words 'routine' and 'discipline', our brains don't often connect them with the adventures that our hearts had in mind. The season of life that I find myself in currently is showing me more and more how they relate. While most times my life is in a constant state of movement from here to there, from responsibility to responsibility God has been moving me to slow down. When my Plan A didn't quite make His cut, it forced me to focus on the season in front of me. Instead of my many many plans, I was urged to go back to the basics to my routines and how I balance my life. While I pleaded with God to walk with me through the big changes, he brought me routine. It's funny how that works sometimes, isn't it? We tend to focus so much on the big picture that those little moments get lost in the flow. I've been learning that while it might just be a mix of seemingly small steps, routine creates an intentional, strong foundation. These are the jumping pads for the big changes around the corner. This, right here, is where the magic happens. While routine might not look like conquering any big mountains, it brings the preparation needed to walk every step and do it well. This is the lesson I am learning every day. I'm not sure about you, but I want to be rooted. When I think of the strongest of trees, I think about those roots. They are grounded; they're not going anywhere. Nothing that comes can sway them. They have grown over time, in a place where they remained planted. I want big dreams that come to fruition, too. When I see those trees, I see how big they can grow and how they can benefit the world around them. They are always growing; they're not stopping anytime soon. I want God to move in big ways, and so clearly that I can't deny that it's him that all of this would not be possible if it weren't for his direct intervention in my life. Maybe you find yourself in a season of roots, of grounding. Maybe your season is one of growth and movement. If you're prone to keep looking ahead, take a moment to look down at where you are what is God asking of you? When God whispers and your feet are ready to jump, what kind of foundation will it be jumping from? If you're feeling stuck, look at the routines of your every day. Where is God moving, and where is He telling you to stay grounded? Our big dreams are worth it, but only if God gets the glory. We can't conquer those mountains until we feel God's steadfastness beneath us. We can't freefall until we believe in faith that He has got us covered. We were made to dream big and leap far. Those big dreams are there on purpose, created for a reason. So regardless of the season whether it be growth or grounding, movement or rest, don't stop.The things that quicken your heart and put purpose in your step are not there by happenstance. You are where you are for reasons beyond your understanding right now. And God is walking with you, each and every step. Your dreams are the things that will bring about His glory.
stuggling to be positive B Y K A Y T I E G A U S
Philippians 2:14. "Do everything without complaining and arguing." My mother used to recite this verse over and over to us when we were kids. As we would complain about doing chores, she would remind us that God himself demands us to do everything without grumbling. Well, I have a confession... I seemed to have forgotten that in my recent adult life. I've been aware that I complain from time to time. Maybe not to a stranger on the street, but to those closest to me, you can bet they get an earful every once in a while. Maybe the weather delayed my commute, maybe my boss asked me to stay for overtime when I had dinner plans, maybe the dogs woke me up in the middle of the night and now I have a headache, the list could go on. Most of the time these "excuses" for as to why I am not my best self aren't even conscious statements. They just fly off my tongue before I can formulate a better thought. I was having a conversation with my husband when he made the remark of "you are kind of negative." I was taken a back. "Me? Negative?" I have always thought of myself as a super optimistic person, cheering everyone on, always trying to be a light in the world, always looking for the good in situations. After a long conversation, I came to realize, that I am happy and optimistic for others, but I am negative and critical in regards to my own life situations. I complain about a work situation I am in, when I KNOW if it was a friend in my shoes, I would be giving her the greatest pep talk ever. If a colleague mentioned they couldn't fit all their projects into their schedule, I would help them rearrange their calendar to be able to do so. I always am able to find the silver lining for others, but when it comes to aspects of my life, I grumble and then continue on with life. Why am I negative? Why do I complain? I wrestled these thoughts for a few hours. I have a husband who loves me, a roof over my head, and a job many wish they had, and most importantly, a God who loves me. So, why do I complain? And I have come to this... I do not acknowledge my blessings enough or thank god for everything that is going right. I tend to take my life for granted, and expect everything should be smooth sailing. When an obstacle comes my way, I at times, let it be known, how much of an inconvenience it is to my own "ecosystem" of a life. If you find yourself to be resonating with me, or maybe you want to examine your own words and heart, I suggest this, thinking before speaking. Instead of saying, "I don't like my boss," ask a question to try to discover and solution for the situation. "I don't like my boss," could be phrased into a question such as, "I had this conflict with my boss, what would you do to come to an agreement?" Allow those around you the opportunity to be counselors, not just a trash can for you to spill your negativity into. And always, acknowledge God for everything good in your life, and ask him for wisdom throughout the trials. Ask him for a thankful heart and a soft tongue.
R o o t e d PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI CARR LOCATION
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heidi carr I
grew up in the church basically my whole life and I was always very involved from a young age. I went to youth group every week, was in the church choir, and served on several different leadership teams at the church. I planned my whole life around church up until the end of high school. When I left for college I left my church and the people that had been my family and support system for years. My faith wavered during the next few years as I struggled with worldly temptations. I was disconnected from the church and my relationship with Christ was almost non existent. I had become someone who I truly did not recognize. The summer after my junior year of college I moved home to take a year off from school; I started attending church again, joined the worship team, and really started focusing on my faith. During that time I met a great group of faith based individuals who quickly became some of my best friends, and one even my husband. Having people I could openly talk to about my faith who were going through similar walks of life as me created a sense of community for me that I have never had before. I have now been married for two months and my husband and I are committed to rooting ourselves in Christ and making him and integral part of our relationship. As we get ready to move to another state and for my husband to start graduate school we are truly are putting our lives in his hands and putting our faith completely in him. I love using this gift that God has given me to capture people’s most intimate moments. The best part about photography is being able to capture the most important moments in someone’s life. The fact that I get to meet so many different people and get to show them God’s love while I work with them is the most amazing part of my job.
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LINDLEY CREEK I N T E R FAMILY BAND
Best part about being a family band? Jase (son, 22 years old) Being able to work and create stuff together and even when we have disagreements , knowing that at the end of the day we all still love each other...at least a little. (laughs) John Rob (Dad) Getting to travel all over the country and meeting people from all walks of life and getting to encourage them as a family. Katie (daughter, 19 years old) Knowing that you can always count on your other band members to always show up and be there. And also being able to throw things at them from your bunk. (snicker) Kathie (Mom) Being together and working to accomplish the same goals Learning and growing together in Christ. Knowing each other's hearts. What inspires your music style? Katie Listening to lots of different genres and pulling my favorite things from every genre and trying to figure them out and making them relateable to where they are; their real problems and not just hypothetical situations. Jase A big in influence on my musical style is people that do things a little differently, people that innovate. One of my favorite fiddle players is Jim VanCleve (Josh Turner Band) and I also love to listen to listen to Casey Driessen because they have both taken the fiddle and done something with it that not a lot of other people have done. I'm also a really big fan of singer/songwriter types that just really sing songs from their heart with emotion and just a realness to it. Jazz has also been a really big influence to my musical style. Kathie I've had so many musical influences over the years My dad was a D.J. in the 60s and so I know lots of oldies pop. I did the piano lessons and school band, even college marching band thing too. When I was 17, I sang on a little country music show in Missouri and fell in love with entertaining from stage. We have many years with the kids at bluegrass festivals as well as church choir and singing my whole life....And as a child of the 80s, I will always love a good groove! I guess you can say in my mind there is a hodgepodge of sound.
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How did your band start? Kathie – Back when our kids were 3, 6 an older son, Tate that no longer travels w married and is doing well back home in decided that we didn't like them singing alo the lyrics on radio. John and I made a dec the music. It was hard for us, because we very much... I guess we love our kids more a few months of "going cold turkey", bluegrass music. An adult Sunday suggested that we learn how to play. At fi Wow, there's no way we could do that, but it wouldn't hurt or cost too much to try, so banjo and bought a fiddle on ebay. I ha didn't know how to play it and eventual bass. We sent the kids to lessons and in added mandolin for Katie. It was so amazi picked up the banjo. I actually thought 'Th easy to play!" Ha! That's actually not at al just blessed us. Each of the kids have a lo performing that has to have come from Th ask us all the time, "What did you do to want to play and sing like they do?" I alw really know!" John Rob and I can't take an know that sounds cliche' but it is so true 2009, we decided to take a leap of faith an time touring band. Katie was only 11 ye and Tate 16. John Rob had a great job as an a community college, but he was willing to take this "window of opportunity". We felt short time that our kids would be with u travel together, so we took it! We didn't w and say "I wish we would have!" Now years later and we are still touring as muc miracle.
Where do you see your music road tak next 2 years? Katie As far as our style and sound g would definitely like to transition into doin and authentic music with a more cool sound
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nd 9 (We have an with us. He is n Missouri.) We ong with some of cision to turn off both love music e Anyway, after we discovered school teacher irst, we thought then we thought we found an old ad a guitar, but I lly we bought a a few years we ing how fast Tate he banjo must be ll true! God had ove of music and he Lord. People get your kids to ways say "I don't ny credit for it. I e. At the end of nd become a full ears old, Jase 13 n administrator at o put that aside to t like we had this us and we could want to look back it's almost eight ch as ever. It's a
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where we play, we would like to play bigger venues and be at home more. (as an aside...We are only home a few weeks out of the year It's probably the biggest sacrifice our family makes and we need to be able to recharge more often than we have in the past.) Jase I would love to get out to Alaska and somewhere across the ocean, maybe Ireland. That's something I would love to see. I would love to see the music road take us to a place of better creativity and a bigger influence to people who are struggling and need some uplifting things in their life. Kathie I would love to see our influence expanded. There are so many people out there that are hurting, that live in drama every single day. I want them to know they don't have to live like that. We want to go through the doors that God opens without hesitation. Whether that is on a mainstream stage, a church gathering or in an RV park where we are stopped for the night. God has a way of putting us where He wants us. That's where I want to be. What would you like our readers to know about your band? John Rob We fully understand the importance of singing in churches and church activities. However, we feel like we need to take the love of Christ to a much larger audience than just the church. The people that need to hear the message the worst are not necessarily the people in the church. So we want to go to them wherever they are and encourage them as a family and encourage them to develop a relationship with Jesus. Jase Fairly often our band rehearsals will be cut short because something will happen that is so funny that we cannot continue on We love to laugh! We have a bus mascot named Kandy Jane that is a little pig with a guitar. Katie We are a real family trying to reach people for Christ and we interact just like any other family, so sometimes there are creative differences, but we are real people doing real things and you can too. Kathie I want people to know that we are just like them. There is nothing special about us, except our Savior. He gives us the grace and faith to live out this life. He is such a good Father. He cares for us and he cares for you too. You can trust Him with your life.
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P H O T O G R A P H E R I N T E R V I E W
If you could ask Jesus 1 question and He had to give you the answer, what question would you ask? Oh man, one question?! How about one thousand questions? If he walked into this coffee shop and I could speak through my tears, my question would probably be, “How EXACTLY can I live up to the full potential you created me with?” And hopefully he’d give me a personalized, step by step instruction manual for loving/serving people and effectively contributing to his kingdom. Haha, or at least a hug. I’d take a hug. How does photography allow you to share your faith? I often joke that being a photographer is a lot like finding a stranger on the street and proclaiming how lovely they are. My job is meeting new people, finding their awesomeness, and reminding them of it over and over again from behind my camera. Basically, photography enables me to love people in a way that is so radical, it would otherwise be socially unacceptable. My camera is kind of like an awkward shield; I can love people without fear of judgment because it’s literally my job. It’s so rad. In addition, photography has led me to Instagram, which has opened HUGE doors for evangelism. Being able to speak about my love for Christ on such an undeserved platform has been crucial in sharing my faith these last few years. What inspires your photography style? I’m not sure if there’s anyTHING that inspires my style, but there are many WHO’s. Dallas Clayton is a wonderful poet/ artist, and his words have inspired the joyful side of my work. Shane Claiborne is an activist/servant, and his love has
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inspired the missioncentered side of my work. Brene Brown is a researcher/author, and she has inspired the vulnerable side of my work. My husband and son have inspired the relational side of my work. It seems my art is an everrotating prism, and each side of it has been inspired by someone amazing. Authenticity can get lost in the edited sphere of social media. How are you an authentic photographer? Oh my goodness, PREACH. That is so true, and so dangerous. I have often felt the pressure to go with the inauthentic flow of social media, but nothing good comes from that for anyone involved. About a year ago, I noticed that I was feeding into that shamebreeding perfectionism monster, so I drastically changed my shooting and editing style. Instead of trying to produce a relationship between couples through posing, I simply hang out with my clients and allow them to cuddle (or not) in whatever way they normally would. If there are kids involved, I let them run wild instead of putting them in a box to produce that perfect, “sit still and smile” family photo. I’ve become more of a documentary photographer: capturing love that already exists rather than faking a connection just to receive more likes on Instagram. What would you like our readers to know about you? I’m unfinished. I’m a mom, wife, and artist leaning heavily on the grace of Jesus but sometimes forgetting how abundant it is. Constantly catching myself trying to earn God’s love, then reminding myself that it’s freely given. Learning to use my camera to reflect the radical love shown to me by my creator, but also learning to put my camera down sometimes and just bask in that love. I’m getting better at getting better.