A New Vision
They may not actually have mouths that speak, but we can still hear their voice. They may not say audible words, but they shout a message loud and clear. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by advertisements, televisions, billboards, songs, and magazines that announce their message saying, “You have to look a certain way, dress a certain way, act a certain way.”
These messages are loud, but their not true. Our culture shouts lies that cloud our view of ourselves and God. Because of this, we look in the mirror with blurry, unfocused vision. My skin is too pale. My hair is too flat. My waist is too big. My face is too plain.
No matter how loudly these voices speak, God’s voice is more powerful. No matter how blurry our vision may be when we look at ourselves in the mirror, the Lord is able to restore our sight. All we need is a new pair of lenses, which are the words of truth from the Bible.
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV1984 )
God delights in you! He rejoices over who He made you to be. When you look in the mirror, see yourself the way God sees you: beautiful, valued, treasured, and full of purpose. God is ready to give you a new vision, a vision not skewed by our culture. With this clear vision, you will be able to see how precious you really are.
Thought for the day: As you notice the messages around you that our culture shouts, remember God’s voice is true and He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
Ashli Roussel, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at Harding University, is passionate about sharing the truth and love of the Lord through writing. She loves camping, running, playing the piano, and participating in missions. Most of all, she is passionate about knowing, following, and serving her Lord and Savior. Without Him, her stories would mean nothing.
Ashli has battled and overcome an eating disorder, which God used to teach her great truths about who He is and how He is involved in our struggles. Now she desires to comfort others with the comfort that she has received from God. Keep an eye out for Ashli’s regular articles on iBegat.com! (read more…)
Wardrobe Offender…Not!
After dreaming about it for months, I looked forward to the day when I could make all the decisions about what I was going to wear. And I’d already put several outfits together in anticipation of my independence day.
Then, in one devastating moment, my dad walked into my bedroom and said, “I want to talk to you about the kinds of clothes your mom and I expect you to wear now that you’re making the clothing decisions for yourself.”
He had his Bible open to a scripture he wanted me to read. I knew he meant business.
“Will you read this for us?” asked dad.
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.” I reluctantly read from Romans 13:21. (NLT)
“What does this scripture mean, Dad?” I asked.
He explained I might mistakenly offend someone by wearing clothing that wasn’t Christlike in their eyes. “Others won’t be able to see Jesus in your life if they’re distracted by your clothes, makeup, or jewelry,” he said.
“That’s not fair,” I replied. “Why do I have to be the one to sacrifice my identity?
My dad and I had some long discussions about Christianity, my parent’s rules, and the consequences regarding my clothes. Yet, we never lost sight of the ultimate goal; the desire to live a pure and holy life for Christ.
2010 Fall Fashion Tip – Plaid button downs will be popular for both sexes. Muted tones are a great choice. Gals, soften your look with denim leggings or cropped jeans and accessories.
CRYSTAL Y. HATHCOCK
Crystal Y. Hathcock and her husband Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer; a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making and singing. (read more…)
Top 5 Trends for Fall and Winter 2010 by Ally Adams
OK, it may seem too hot where you live to be thinking about fall, but fall fashions are in the stores and it will be football weather before you know it. That said, I thought we’d explore some of the best looks for this fall fashion season. I’ve picked out five trends for both girls and guys, so enjoy. And, happy shopping!
GALS:
1. Faux Fur Leopard Coat – As the temperatures drop you’ll need a cute way to warm up and a faux fur coat should do the trick. A faux fur coat never goes out of style, and you can dress it up or down. (Plus, it’s PETA approved!)
2. Boyfriend Blazer – If you haven’t noticed by now, the new rage is wearing baggier and “boy-ier” things. A boy friend blazer is chic and cute, and it’s a comfortable way to look effortless and stylish at the same time.
3. Clog Heels. Yes, I know clog heels…they sound nerdy but they’re back in. You can wear them with a cute dress, or you can pair them with leggings and an over-sized sweater.
4. Glitter – From blues,purples, or the very basic golds and silvers,glitter eye makeup is on trend. And, it’s not just for evening so have fun with your makeup, and get your glitter on!
5. Skinny Joggers – Skinny joggers are sweat pants taken to a more wearable state. As odd as it sounds, they are a dressier version of our favorite comfy jogging pants. And, they are cute!
GUYS:
1. Shrunken Blazer. As a guy, you may not dress up that much for school but whenever you want to make an impression, a tight-fitted blazer would definitely make your mark.
2. The ‘Bad Boy’ Jacket – A leather jacket on a boy is a perfect way to keep warm and still look cool. Think James Dean…
3. Nautical Stripes -A striped knit pull over is a great way to look classy and stay comfortable. You’ll be stylish without looking like you’re trying too hard.
4. Jersey Cardigan – Cardigans have been around since our grandparents were styling their looks, but jersey cardigans are back “in” in a big way this fall. Even if you can’t buy a new one, browse your dad’s closet and borrow a few of his favorites.
5. Skinny Khakis – Many guys have been sporting skinny jeans—and not just the boy band guys—athletes and valedictorians, too. So, why not try skinny khakis? They go with practically everything. It’s a new twist on an old standard. Very hot!
ALLY ADAMS
Meet Allyson “Ally” Adams, iBegat.com’s teen fashion editor and go-to gal for style questions and advice.
Allyson “Ally” Adams, a 16-year-old living in Southern IN, wears many hats. She is an incoming junior in high school. She is a Varsity cheerleader. She is a gymnast. She is an active member of her youth group at church, No Limits. She’s a gifted photographer. She’s a volunteer, having worked at a local nursing home. And, she’s an avid lover of fashion and devoted student of style, studying the works and looks of Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Edie Sedgwick.
In fact, Ally has been in love with fashion since she was a little girl growing up in Fort Worth, Texas. While most children were playing with their Barbie dolls, Ally was styling hers. She has always been a trendsetter, not a follower. Pursing her passion for fashion, Ally recently took part in “Three Days of Fashion” at the Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing (FIDM) in Los Angeles, CA. Learning the skills of draping, fashion marketing, sketching, textile selection and more, Ally reaffirmed her career aspirations and is looking forward to early acceptance into FIDM—a college that boasts of famous graduates that include: Nick Verreos (“Project Runway” star and current FIDM instructor), Victoria Beckham (famous designer and style icon) and Lauren Conrad (clothing designer and star of “The Hills”) to name a few. Ally plans to double major in fashion design and visual communication. She looks forward to impacting the world for God. Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, and she is excited about the plan God has for her life.
Currently reading: “Fifty Dresses that Changed the World” (Design Museum).
Awesome Summer Fun – Brenna Arnold
Summer is awesome and I enjoy the basics. What about you? FUN and FASHION…well, shopping. Check out Ally’s post on fashion.
Boating: The hot summer sun will fade, but the memories will last forever. I absolutely have a blast on the mighty Ohio, and let me tell you why! Nothing is better then a day full of exciting water sports, like tubing, skiing, wake boarding, and knee boarding. My personal fav is water tubing. The thrill excitement of coming off the water and not knowing if I am gonna be able to stay on for the ride, or if I’m destined to belly flop into the water, makes it all the more fun. My family has been boating for tons of years. They tell me I had my first boat ride when I was 6 months old. Wow, then I must be a true water baby at heart. Enjoy as much fun in the sun with your family as you can, because it is truly a blast! 
Shopping: Alright, I can actually admit I enjoy shopping! You know that line, “shop until you drop.” well that’s me! I love to keep up with fashion and maintain all the newest trends. Shopping just comes natural with me! Shopping is not all about the buying, it is also about spending quality time with all my best friends… not to mention all the good food that comes along with a shopping spree! My girlfriends and I, literally laugh until we cry, we have such a good time, that we never want the day to end.
Words of encouragement: Love your friends, family, & God with your entire being, they are the most important part of your life.
Take care..hugs…-Brenna…
BRENNA ARNOLD
Compassionate,motivated and energetic are a few words to describe this 14 year old from Southern Indiana!
Brenna was recently confirmed and is is very much involved as a member in her church. Highly involved with the youth program and in her community; makes regular visits to the elderly and area nursing homes.
This incoming freshman is very active at her school. She is involved in basketball, track, student council, choir, Jazz choir, and will be a Varsity cheerleader. She tells us,”I enjoy making people smile, it makes me feel good. Never frown, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile!”
Brenna has one older brother who is in his third year of college.
Beautiful in every sense of the word, Brenna has a great love for Christ and she’s not afraid to tell you about His love and amazing friendship. Brenna says, “I want to see teens know and understand that God is nothing to be ashamed of.” She’s ready to leap into high school with a passion for life, Christ and high goals and ambitions. (read more…)
Meet Brenna Arnold iBegat.com’s “SheGat” – our teen gal’s editor and iBegat Radio co-host.
Revamp Your Wardrobe With New Fashion Ideas – Ally Adams
Have you ever needed inspiration for creating an outfit from your existing wardrobe, or have you ever wanted to blog about fashion yourself? Then, Lookbook is the perfect site for you. I love http://lookbook.nu/ online because you can look through pictures of real people (approved by the website) and learn from their chic style. Lookbook also offers links for you to buy the pieces of the outfit you like. And here’s the really great part—most of the places you will buy the clothes are small online companies so the things you buy will be very unique, not too expensive, and not many people will have them.
Here’s another cool thing: the bloggers on the site are from all around the world so you can get a sneak peek of the fashion scene in France, Australia, Germany and more. Of course, just like any site on the web, you have to overlook some stuff. If it’s a trashy outfit that shows too much skin, don’t try and mimic it. But, be inspired by the diverse fashionistas on this site and learn new ways to wear the clothing you already have in your closet. Plus, after viewing some really cute outfits online, you might be inspired to buy a few key pieces on your next back-to-school shopping trip—pieces that will bring your closet to life this fall. We’ll cover some basics you’ll want for this season in my next entry. Happy shopping!
Meet Allyson “Ally” Adams, iBegat.com’s teen fashion editor and go-to gal for style questions and advice.
Allyson “Ally” Adams, a 16-year-old living in Southern IN, wears many hats. She is an incoming junior in high school. She is a Varsity cheerleader. She is a gymnast. She is an active member of her youth group at church, No Limits. She’s a gifted photographer. She’s a volunteer, having worked at a local nursing home. And, she’s an avid lover of fashion and devoted student of style, studying the works and looks of Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Edie Sedgwick.
Currently reading: “Fifty Dresses that Changed the World” (Design Museum).
Watch a video of the 2010 Fashion show by Teen People Magazine and a Modest is the Hottest Fashion show by Proverbs 31 Ministries- **REMEMBER, if things show a bit too much skin…don’t be a follower…be courageous. God tells us to only follow Him and not to be tempted by the things of the world. We can be the height of fashion and remain Godly gals.*** ENJOY!
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