Shine Magazine - September 07

No Compromise...

Sarong StyleSSarong StyleSSarong Style

ummer fashion accessories you’ll love!Sarong Style

ummer fashion accessories you’ll love!Sarong Style

Inalishus YouGod made you beautiful .even when you don’t feel like it!

& MORE: Music Reviews: Testimonies: Advice: Beauty: Fahion:

His Mercy Found Meone girl’s story of how God turned her life around from drugs

and abuse bringing her hope and a future

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Hey Girls!

Welcome to the fi rst edition of Shine.

Shine is brand new for teenage girls, with loads of information, advice tips, Testimonies – everything a young woman needs

as she learns about who she is and becomes the woman God created her to be.

We will be SHINE-ing at the change of the season over the next year – so watch out for the Autumn edition in September!

We are here to reveal the light that is hidden in you - not by preaching, but by living it out! We are on this journey together

for a while so we hope you will stick with us!!!

We would love to hear about you and what you are doing - what you like about Shine and what has helped you (or not!!)

so why not write to us via the Methodist Recorder.

Our prayer is that you will be encouraged and challenged by what you see in the next few pages and you will learn what it

means to live as one of God’s girls!

So... SHINE this summer… no compromise!

with love

The Shine Team!xxx

Acknow

ledgments: cover girl - ... editor - steph creative designer - sinead logo creator - annabelle m

usic contribution - crossrhythms (w

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ns.co.uk) testimony - courtesy of m

ercy ministries (w

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ercyministries.co.uk)

Shine...2

You are the light of the world, a city on a hill which cannot be hidden

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promise on... lifestyle

De-Lites

Ephesians 6:13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing fi rm.

Sometimes life is tough, but God has made provision for us to keep standing and not fall, by fall I mean to make the wrong choices, to mess up or to give up on something God is leading us towards.How can you make sure you face the day with the full armour of God?

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BlushUKEar Candy (POP) 8/10This six-song EP from three-some BlushUK comes from the Manchester. It’s good, glossy pop, with shades of hip-hop and plenty of R&B. The harsh realism of teen-age nights out (“So”) or the appalling squalor of a Haitian slum (“Not Alone”) is meshed against good-time pop melo-dies and rhythms in a way that serves to heighten the urgency of the subject matter. Stop to listen to the lyrics and you’ll have plenty to think about!

no compromise on... music

1 Peter 3:3-4Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within…

The world will try to tell us that what’s on the outside is all that counts, but God lives by a different standard – God looks at the heart! What would He fi nd in yours?

1 Corinthians 3:16Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

That means wherever you go – you are taking God with you! Is HE happy with the places you are taking Him too? Is He comfortable with what you are doing and who with?

Jeremiah 33:3Ask Me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.

God desires to talk with His children – just like any parent, He wants to listen to you, but also to reveal things to you. This is the right time to ask God to reveal to you His plans – both for your life – and for the life of the Church. Will you listen?

Psalm 139:14I praise You because of the wonderful way You created me. Everything You do is marvellous! Of this I have no doubt

Have you ever doubted why God made you the way He made you? Don’t you realise that when He fi nished creating you He looked upon you and declared that you were “good” someone He had made and is proud of! When you feel bad about yourself remember what God has spoken over you.

Romans 12:2Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.

You may think your thoughts are not important – but guess what – to God they are – why? Because He knows exactly what you are thinking! If you think bad of someone God knows about it. If you are thinking or doing the wrong thing God knows about it. Why does it matter to Him – because God knows that our actions and our behaviour starts with a thought. Ask God to help you to think differently – then it’s easier to live differently!

Philippians 4:8keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop think-ing about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

So how do you stop thinking the wrong thing? Change the focus of your thoughts and think on good things – fi nd the good point in someone you don’t like. Think about good things you can do with your time. Think about your future and what you can do now to start to live out your dream…

Psalm 37:4Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires

How can you fi nd ways to delight in God?What are the things you would like to see Him do in your life?Maybe the two are related!

Philippians 2:14-15Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, in-nocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights

Ok, be honest… when your mum asks you to tidy your room – what do you do? Or when your dad asks you to wash-up after dinner, what happens? Or your sister wants to borrow your favourite jacket? Or your brother has been in your room – again!

Jeremiah 32:27I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for Me?

Are you struggling with something? Is your family under pressure? Is one of your friends seriously ill? What would you like God to do in that situation? Do you believe He can? Ask Him – He is asking you TODAY “Is anything too diffi cult for Me?”

Hebrews 12:14Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord

Someone has annoyed you right – what would Jesus do? He would make the fi rst move. Some-times if we are to let the light of Jesus shine through us we have to be the bigger person and make the fi rst move – even when we are not at fault, even when it involves our family. Are you up for the challenge?

Proverbs 20:19A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers

Group 1 CrewGroup 1 Crew (R&B) 10/10Every now and again a group emerges with a sound so fresh that listening to the album is like taking a cool shower on a hot day. This Florida trio are the most ex-citing new group we’ve heard in the last 12 months. They deserve to be huge and this debut album is packed with songs that melt together R&B, soul, hip-hop and Latin infl uences in an infectious, catchy fashion. They may well be labelled as Chris-tian music’s answer to Black Eyed Peas. It’s hard to pick highlights but try “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” for starters! It’s four minutes of perfect pop with its insistent groove, fabulous horns and an uplift-ing message you’ll also love the fl amenco feel of “Clap Your Hands” with its “bampa bampa bam” chant and crazy clapping. It’s catchy, clever and uplifting and you really should snap it up immediately.

thebandwithnoname Dying To Be There (HIP-HOP) 10/10I am convinced that ‘Dying To Be There’ is of a rare sta-tus. It may not sell millions or win cabinets full of awards but by any criteria I can use - performance, songwriting, production, even artwork, it is a pop music masterpiece. From the moment Zarc Por-ter’s gentle piano comes on as the ultimate quiet before the storm and a beat hard enough to make a sheet metal worker scurry for the earplugs, we are clearly in for a sonic feast. Whether it’s the crazed punk element that fuels “Misfi t”, the raw beat and belching bass line of “Reach For The Mic” or the sublime worship on “Dying To Be There/Great Is Your Name”, these are tracks to listen to again and again - a classic CD.

supplied by Cross Rhythms, the UK’s leading Christian music voice. For for more than 15,000 music reviews, articles and news stories; for live music radio, great teachings, prayer rooms and much more, visit www.crossrhythms.co.uk

Dear Shine,

I really want to go away with some of my friends in the summer, but my parents won’t let me just because it is a

mixed group and they don’t know everyone. They believe that Christian girls shouldn’t be opening themselves up to

any kind of opportunity for guys to get the wrong message, but does going on holiday really mean I’m giving out the

wrong message?

Please help me to talk them round!

Lucy, 15

Dear Lucy,

We can’t help you talk your parents round to your way of thinking, we believe it is important we all honour our par-

ents, no matter how unfair their rules and regulations seem! Unfortunately, going on holiday can create an unnatural

environment that opens you up to doing things you wouldn’t usually do, just because there are less restraints. Plus,

there is the potential that you may look at the guys in your group in a different light, just because in the sun everything

looks better!

As an alternative, and so you can still enjoy time away with your friends, why not ask your parents about taking you and some of your female friends to one of the Christian

festivals happening over the summer maybe for the day. Or if you’re part of a youth group at your church, you could

suggest to the leaders for a trip or weekend away to go to a Christian festival?

Use the summer to invest time into your future Lucy, enjoy time with your family as much as with your friends, and with

God as much as with anyone!

Dear Shine,

I love the summer, and I especially love the fashion in the summer. But whenever I want to go out in the sun with my friends, my dad does his nut! He won’t let me out in my gorgeous summer dresses, he says they reveal too much of me. I can’t cover up – it’s too hot! What am I supposed to do?

Justine, 14

Dear Justine,

Unfortunately, your dad has a very good point! Guys see things in a completely different light, so what you see as a gorgeous summer dress, the boys are seeing arms, legs, thighs, chest and back! Us girls are seeing the fashion, guys are visual and are seeing the body in the dress. And this image they see time and time again, mixed with other images from the medias, fi lms etc.. which cause problems for them. And your dad will be well aware of this!

It’s not about dressing as if it is the winter, but it is about having an awareness of how much of your body you are revealing. For example: length of skirt – sit down in front of a mirror, how much can you see, cross your legs, uncross your legs and look at what is on show. Regarding a low top – again look in the mirror, lean over, how far down can you see? Cross your arms, how much does your top gape at the front?

A good summer dress will not only feel great on you, but you will feel comfortable in it, and your dad will heartily approve. Your body is the temple of God, and it’s up to you to make sure you are treating it with the respect God deserves.

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Shine...3

No compromise... on beauty

No compromise on... fashionSarong Style

Its one bit of material – but that one piece can really add some summer colour to any outfi t! Accessorize with matching coloured bangles and necklaces – and you are set for the beach, the park, shopping in town… the world is yours!

Fold your sarong in half horizontally and wrap it around your waist. Fold each corner close to your body. Gather the material and tie into a knot.

Wrap the sarong around your back, over your chest. Twist the ends once and tie around your neck. Eliminate the twist and create another style.

Wrap the sarong around your waist. Gather the ends together and tie a knot in the front or on the side.

Wrap the sarong horizontally over your chest and tuck it in at the corner. To create another style, gather the ends and tie into a knot.

Let your feet do the talking

Ok… so we all know the summer is here – no seriously it is - the sun will shine! And that means: “feet come out of your trainers” (by order of the editor!); It is a well known fact that those of us who wear open shoes do NOT have smelly feet!! Ok for some of us maybe that isn’t such a good idea – but you know what girls – even the most minging feet can look gor-geous, if you start to look after them from now! Build up a daily routine and see how gorgeous your feet can look in no time.

Tips to shine:Soak your feet in warm water for about 7 to 10 minutes.Pat your feet dry with a clean towel. Don’t forget to dry be-tween the toes also.To avoid in-growing toenails cut the nails straight across, they aren’t like fi ngernails so you do not need to round the edges! An emery board may be used to create a perfect fi nish but wait until the nails are completely dry.Gently use a pumice stone to remove the rough ‘material’ from your heels and soles, don’t scrub at your foot use gentle circular movements to remove the dry skin.Apply some lotion and massage into each foot. Remove any excess.To get the fi nished look, apply some nail polish if you wish. But remember to remove it regularly and go “bear” to allow the skin under the nail to breathe!

Problem toes:Now is the time to start treatment on any problem areas on your feet! For more resistant problems, such as a fungal infection, bunions or an in-growing toenail, you may need to seek advice from you doctor. But for most problems such as verucca’s and athletes’ foot you can pick up a treatment over the counter at your local pharmacy. Don’t ignore it – deal with it!

Do not hide your light but let it SHINE in front of all your mates

Shine...4

Let the good things you do SHINE out for everyone to see, so they can see that God is real in you

God…

I am sorryI am so, so sorry

I don’t know what to do anymore.

I don’t know why it keeps happening…

Even when I don’t want it to happen…

God…

I failed YouI have sinned against You.

The One who lives inside this temple

I have sinned against You.

I don’t know what to say…

I’m sorry

I don’t know what to do

How do I get to this place each time?I am not fi t to be

called Your princessI am not fi t for anything

God…

You said you had plans for me

To prosper meTo give me a future

… But I’ve thrown it awayI’ve ruined the call you placed

over meWhat good am I now?

What am I fi t for?

God?Is there still hope for me?

Is there still a future for me?Do you still have a

workable plan for me?

God?How do you see me?

How do I see me?

I thought I was a princess, But I don’t feel like one now

I thought I was worth something

But now, I’m not so sureI thought I was valuable…

“My daughterMy precious girl…

You are…You are worth dying for

I don’t stop being GodWhen you sin or mess up -

I AM who I AM

I AM faithful…Even when you aren’t

My promises remainI cannot lie I cannot go back

on My Word

My thoughts toward you are good

To give you a hope and a future

And that,My princess,

Will never, ever change”

© Steph Gutmann

Our Final Word to You

February 14th 2001 is no or-dinary date for me. To me, that date signifi es the day my life began to turn around.

My name is Debbie Harvie and 6 years ago, I walked through the doors of a place called Mercy Ministries in Nashville; a lost, broken and very angry girl who had run out of all other options.

Born and raised in a Chris-tian home, I was taught that God was my protector, my provider, my Father. I grew up listening to and learn-ing about God. I knew the Bible stories and I believed that God was everything the Bible said about Him.

But when I was 12 years old, it seemed that all I had been taught was a lie. I was ma-nipulated into a full sexual relationship with a drug deal-

No compromise on... who you are

One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is that security is not based on how I feel – it doesn’t matter if I feel secure or don’t feel secure, I am what I am because of who Jesus is!

No com

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’s prom

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That means I am secure – even when I don’t feel secure

That means I am forgiven even when I don’t feel forgiven

That means I am accepted even when I don’t feel accepted

That means I am loved even when I don’t feel loved

That means I am lovable even when I don’t feel lovable

That means I have a hope even when I don’t feel hopeful;

That means I have a future even when I don’t feel as though life is worth living

That means I am blessed even when I feel everything around me is falling apart

That means I am part of a fam-ily even when I don’t feel like my family cares

That means I am never without a friend even when I feel friendless

That means I am beautiful because I am made in His image even when I feel ugly

That means I am joyful even when I feel there’s nothing but hassle in my life

Inalishus You!Fashion victims eat your heart out – this is Designer with a capital D there is no other garment like it – and to top it all – you cannot just buy this outfi t off the shelf, it has been exclusively de-signed and made just for you – it’s been made to measure and has your name on it!

Wear it with pride – loose your-self of that old thing you had tucked away there for those “I don’t feel good days” and step out in style.

His Mercy Found Me...er 10 years my senior. He in-troduced me to the ‘benefi ts’ of getting high on cannabis and gradually he groomed and seduced me into a sexu-ally abusive relationship with him.

Everyday for three years was the same- hidden with the same lie that all was fi ne, but it wasn’t. I got into fi ghts, began cutting myself and even tried to commit sui-cide, but it didn’t work. I felt I couldn’t tell anyone because I thought it was all my fault. I was caught in a spiral of helplessness and shame, and my anger burned against a God who should have pro-tected me, who could have stopped it or told someone about the abuse I was suf-fering. I renounced God and vowed to live my life outside of Him.

When I was 15 years old, I left home to live with my old-er sister. Eventually, I began going to church with my sis-ter, and my life gradually be-gan to change. But my drug dependency heightened as I moved onto higher dosages and stronger substances. I dabbled with ecstasy, co-caine and even heroin.

I had no hope, no future, no peace, no Truth; just pain, despair, shame and the lies

of the enemy tormenting my mind constantly. The root causes of my pain were not being dealt with and I des-perately needed help.

I remembered a book my sister gave me about Mercy Ministries, and as I read it I knew there was hope; I knew there was a place that could help me. A few months later, I was on a plane to Nash-ville, Tennessee, hoping that this place I had read so much about could help me interpret the pain inside and get to the root cause of my anger, drug abuse, rebellion, and self harm. That day a new in my life began.

Mercy Ministries has been established in America for over 20 years and has seen thousands of girls suffering from self-harming, eating disorders, depression, and multiple forms of abuse, set free from their tangled lives.

I know more than most how important the work of Mercy Ministries is, as 6 years after my own graduation, I fi nd myself the Assistant Pro-gramme Manager of the fi rst UK Mercy Ministries’ house, which opened in September 2006.

When I look back on all that has happened to me, I thank God that His mercy found me

Psalm 103 – Every sin we have committed God has for-given and He has removed as far away from me as we can imagine – try to imagine something you really don’t like – imagine it fl ying away from you in one direction and you fl ying away from it in an-other direction – try to go as far to the east as it is from the west – there’s no end to the imagined distance right – and that is exactly what God has done with your sins, past mess-ups, past failings, current bad situations every-thing you think no-one knows about God knows it and has removed it.

And more than that:

He’s given us a new wardrobe

sister! ! ! !

Zechariah 3:1-5

Woohoo! A new outfi t!! – clean, will never get dirty, no matter how much you roll around in the mud, and it comes with accessories!!

What more does a girl need huh!!!

and now I have the chance to show others His mercy too…