single!

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O N M Y O W N N O W M I N I S T R I E S

k MAR / 10

Young Christian Woman

The virtue in
showing up

Brrrr- it’s chili!

Book review:
I bared my heart
Shades
in Stonetown
of Blue

The make-up efficiency expert:

Get your face on fast! w w w. o n m y o w n n o w. c o m
TABLE
OF 6
4 STRAIGHT TALK FROM THE PROVERBS
THE VIRTUE IN SHOWING UP
By Donna Lee Schillinger

MOVING OUT
FALLING OFF THE CHAIR

CONTENTS
By Kimberly Miller

1O
THE RECAP
SHADES OF BLUE
By Keiki Hendrix

12
SINGLE! CENTER RING
YOUNG CHRISTIAN WOMAN
⠃⠃⠃ I BARED MY HEART IN STONE TOWN

16
By Katlyn Stephens
A publication of
On My Own Ministries REBA RAY’S DOWN HEALTHY COOKIN’ FOR ONE ON
www.onmyownnow.com A BUDGET
BRRR - IT’S CHILI!

18
Editor in chief By Reba Ray
Donna Lee Schillinger
DEAR GABBY
Contributors NERVOUS IN NORFOLK

2O
Debra Collins By Gabster
Kimberly Miller
Katlyn Stephens FASHION DIVINA
Tamara Jane THE MAKE UP EFFICIENCY EXPERT:
Keiki Hendrix GET YOUR FACE ON FASTER

22
By Tamara Jane

Art Director JUST WHAT YOU NEED

Daniela Bermúdez AN AWESOME SUMMER VACATION
By Donna Lee Schillinger
 On My Own Now:
Straight talk from the
Proverbs for young
Christian women who
want to remain pure,
debt-free and regret-free.
Now available at
www.onmyownnow.com,
at Amazon, B&N and a library
near you.

Unconventionally
conventional
wisdom.
 straight talk

the virtue in
2 SHOWING
One who is slack in her work is UP
by Donna Lee Schillinger

SISTER TO ONE WHO DESTROYS

proverbs 18:9
S T A R T
but I just couldn’t see perfection through to the end. If
you feel pretty good about yourself, you might want to
set the bar a little higher and challenge yourself to do
more, better; the Ground Hog Day Experiment is a fun
way to challenge yourself.
But don’t wait until next year to try to do your best. Why
We just finished the 2nd Annual Ground Hog Day Ex-
not try it tomorrow?
periment in which participants tried to live their per-
fect day. If you missed it, go now and join the Facebook Start in the morning with making your bed the right
group (Ground Hog Day Experiment); or if you’re not way, you know, tucking the sheets in so tightly you could
on Facebook, shoot me a blank e-mail with Ground Hog bounce a quarter off the bed. Now brush your teeth for
Day in the subject line and I’ll notify you when we gear two minutes using downward circles that massage the
up for Experiment #3. gums. Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Been a while
since you flossed? If you want to do your best at cleaning
The object of the experiment was to live your perfect
your teeth, you have to floss. Apply the same diligence
day. Participants thoughtfully crafted a list of 10 things
to showering, styling your hair, applying make-up and
that, if all done in a day, would constitute their perfect
getting dressed (be sure your clothes aren’t wrinkled!).
day – not a fantasy day, but a day in which we behave
Now for a healthy breakfast of two eggs, a piece of
like we know we should. The experiment is based on the
whole-wheat toast and half of a grapefruit; that’s the
Bill Murray movie “Ground Hog Day.” Next year, we’ll
ticket. I know you’re in a hurry, but if you’re giving your
be giving out copies of the movie to participants in ad-
best effort today, you’ll need to wash and put away the
dition to great prizes, like Amazon.com gift certificates.
dishes you used. Leave the kitchen spotless! It’s off to
I’m happy to report that I nailed my perfect day – I did work or school now to apply this same diligent perfec-
all 10 things on my list – but it took me 14 tries to get it tion to every task all day long – and today is just the first
right! I had several days that were honorable mentions, day of the rest of your life!

4
 I’m exhausted just joking about doing our best in 35 volunteers finished the two-year term to which
everything we do. Life goes at a pace such that it we were all so committed at first.
seems an impossibility to fully apply ourselves to the Perhaps you think consistence in showing up and
hundreds of tasks a day that present themselves, not finishing is not as important as it was in the olden
to mention each personal interaction. The quest for days. Possibly true for the culture at large; however,
perfection can easily morph into anal-retentive be- for bosses and teachers, commitment remains as im-
havior – textbook neurosis for caring more about the portant as ever. The more rare committed individu-
details than the big picture. als become, the more impressive they will be to peo-
Perfectionism can be a path to insanity, but that ple in positions of authority. I would prefer to hire a
doesn’t mean we should ditch it completely. What’s highly reliable person over a highly talented person
needed is moderation. If we desire in our hearts to do any day of the week. Finding both in the same per-
our best at everything we do, we will give our avail- son is like winning the lottery!
able energy to each task. When our resources are ex- If we will show up and stick with each project we un-
hausted, it’s time to let the rest go. Practically speak- dertake until it’s done, we will soon find higher lev-
ing, this might mean we can’t ever seem to keep our els of privilege available to us – promotions, raises,
nails perfectly manicured. Or maybe alien life forms honor societies and in relationships, greater trust
start to incubate in our shower before we get around and intimacy.
to cleaning it. Maybe we throw our clothes in the
dryer for five minutes to get the wrinkles out instead How does showing up and finishing apply to a re-
of ironing with starch. Maybe we skip a shower on lationship with our Father God? Each day, we need
Saturday! We need to cut ourselves some slack on to show up for some one-on-one time with God. Set
a time for coffee, tea or even some burning incense
9 things of little consequence, but when it comes to
our relationships, especially with God, our work and (God likes Frankincense) and soft music (chanting
studies, we should pursue perfection with abandon. monks will work). Let’s speak to God daily and let
God speak to us through the Word and other God-
Though there aren’t enough hours in a day to do our inspired materials. The finishing part depends on
best at everything all the time, there are two things what we’ve started. If we started to read the Bible
that are quite doable and hold the secret to success. through, finish that. If we’ve committed to singing
1. Show up. 2. Finish. So simple, and yet, no joke. If in an Easter choir program, finish that. If we give a
we will commit to 1. Being present and 2. Complet- tenth of our income to God, as we’re instructed to
ing what we start, we will stand head-and-shoulders in His word, see that through to the end. The final
above coworkers and peers and rise quickly to the finish in our relationships may be a long way off, so
head of our class, department, and division, and our we must concentrate on showing up to listen and
relationships will flourish. to share of ourselves while finishing all the smaller
Showing up and finishing are still a long way from commitments we make within the relationship. God
our best effort, but if we haven’t got these two down, will reward us with rich blessings and constant care.
which most people haven’t, this is where we need to It is so worth the effort.
start. Once we see the results we get from this ba-
sic commitment, we’ll be inspired to take our per-
formance to a higher level, like showing up on time,
well-prepared and injecting creativity into our en-
deavors.
Easily, I could give a hundred examples from my
adult life of how showing up and finishing are excep-
tional. Here are two that randomly come to mind:
I enrolled in a sign language class. Eleven people
H S I N I F
started the class, three finished and only one attend-
ed every class.
I entered the Peace Corps with a group of 75 carefully
screened volunteers – all ready to take on a two-year
HOLD THIS THOUGHT:
commitment, come hell or high water. Fewer than I’m doing my best to do my best.
5
w moving out ... settling in
Have you ever seen this object
smart enough and funny enough
and sweet enough. I just wanted ev-
though, are friends who help keep
you on the chair. I had (mostly
lesson demonstrated? One person
eryone to know that I was enough! male) friends that messed with
stands on a chair, and another per-
I spent so much energy on impress- my head. Their theological beliefs
son stands on the floor right next to
ing people by being enough that I were vastly different than mine,
the chair. Then the two join hands
forgot to be altogether virtuous or and I just wanted to share salvation
and start to tug. The person in the
honest with myself. with them. Honestly, my intentions
chair tries to pull the other up. The
were good. But in my desperation
person on the floor tries to pull the
other down. The lesson? It is much I let my aspirations for friends, I compromised some
of my values. It isn’t like I became
easier to pull a person down than it
is to pull someone up. When I went of popularity com- a totally different person (at least
not overnight), but I did learn to fit
away to college, I wanted to be the
person in the chair, pulling up my promise my values. in. Take note: well-behaved Chris-
tian girls generally don’t fit in. Al-
friends. I wanted to be, but I found
I let my aspirations of popularity though my friends influenced me, it
that maybe I wasn’t strong enough.
compromise my values. This is real- wasn’t in any way their fault that I
(Maybe hardly anyone is.) It isn’t
ly hard for me to write about! Even descended to a dark place of doubt
like I hadn’t been warned though. I
knew this object lesson; I knew the though that was a long time ago,
scriptures and my spiritual gifts; I the feelings are still fresh. I still
thought I knew my weaknesses. I feel shame for my behavior. I
was a good girl. My parents and I let my drive for the approval
were close. I trusted their guidance of guys control me – in-
and wisdom. I was strong in my stead of seeking God’s
faith, sure of my convictions and approval. How foolish!
trusting in God. What I underesti- If I had it to do over again, I
mated was how easily a person falls would seek out girl friends
off of a chair, and how hard it is to and make them my pri-
get back up. ority. Boys are fine,
I wasn’t popular in high school and and they can be great
didn’t date much. Sure, some boys friends, but friend-
liked me, but I was teased and ridi- ships with girls
culed to the point that I had very should be more
little confidence that anyone would important.
ever fall in love with me. In col- Even more
lege, I wanted to prove the bullies important
wrong. I wanted to show them that than gen-
yes, I am likeable, boys do d e r ,
like me, I am pretty
enough and

6
 w
and disbelief. It is completely my fault for letting it “church,” espousing ungodly beliefs, he’ll gladly let us
happen. in the back door where we can experience sinful be-
You can’t really compromise your values without first havior before we buy in. My behavior became ques-
re-evaluating them and then deciding that some are tionable, and then I questioned my beliefs. Then my
less important than others, and that’s exactly what I behavior became flat-out wrong, and my beliefs again
did. My friends challenged my beliefs. Even though I followed suit.
tried to also challenge theirs, their questions made me This is not to say that we shouldn’t be humble and
re-evaluate mine. Somewhere along the way, the clear open-minded, because more than likely, at least one
line between right and wrong was blurred for me. of our beliefs should be adjusted. But we must have
We have been taught that behavior reflects beliefs, a Biblically-based set of core values to which we
but I think it can sometimes go the other way. hold firm:
Sometimes, we adjust our beliefs based
on how we want to behave. See, it’s
a backdoor strategy for Satan. • God exists.
If we won’t walk in the
front door of his • He created the whole world
from scratch.
• God is perfect.
• The Bible is perfect.
• Jesus is the Son of God.
• Heaven and hell are real. Judg-
ment will happen someday.
• The only way to heaven is by
believing in Jesus as the Son of
God.
• What we do on Earth matters.
• Our sin will feel awful later.

Falling Off
by Kimberly Miller the Chair
7
w moving out ... settling in
Don’t ever question these! There will al- have only dreamed, or made up, all those
ways be discussions and disagreements things - trees and grass and sun and moon
about doctrine and disputable matters – and stars and [God] himself... Suppose we
resist the temptation to get bogged down have. Then all I can say is that, in that case,
in those. Our core the made-up
values, however,
must be wrapped
If you’re lost, you can ask for help. In things seem a
good deal more
all around us ev-
ery second of every
fact, it’s what God is waiting for. He important than
the real ones.”
day. Questioning
them can lead to an
wants you to cry out to Him. If God was real,
I didn’t want
inescapable mental to wish He wasn’t anymore. Even if sin is
quagmire. I began to question my core val- theoretically fun, it’s so not worth it! But if
ues and it led me to a dark, dark place. I lost He wasn’t real, then nothing would change
my assurance of the previous 18+ years. I and I was stuck in this hell either way.
wanted it all to be true… I think. Didn’t I?
Without those core beliefs, nothing in life My return to God was not immediate. It
matters. Doubt led to desperation and a takes time for a lost little girl who has won-
lowest point, which I remember vividly. dered from home to be led back again. And
a broken heart takes time to heal, but God
I was lying in bed at about four in the healed me in a way that only He can. We
morning. My behavior of the previous day can’t find our own way home and we can’t
and months was something I’ll never re- heal ourselves. Only God can restore us!
count. I had a final exam later that day,
but I couldn’t sleep. I felt dirty because If you’re lost, you can ask for help. In fact,
of my sin, but confused because I didn’t it’s what God is waiting for. He wants you
even know if sin was real, since maybe God to cry out to Him. See how this works itself
wasn’t. I closed my eyes, feeling so much out in four different scenarios, one of which
pain inside; and silently crying to the sky, I probably describes you, in Psalm 107. The
said, “God, I don’t know if You’re there, or amazing grace that saved a wretch like
if You can hear me, but if You are, please me can find you too. There is no amount
find me. Please find me and save me from of lost or darkness in which God can’t find
this hell. Please, I can’t be lost anymore.” you. Don’t try to prove me wrong, but do
know that however lost you think you are,
Have you read the Chronicles of Narnia by and no matter how dark and bleak are your
C.S. Lewis? My prayer reflected the mind- thoughts, there is hope for even you. God
set of Puddleglum when he spoke to the can pull you back up on that chair.
Witch-Queen of Underland: “Suppose we

8
BUNR3
 w
While you’re packing your bags, be sure to
get ready to leave home spiritually too.
Moving away from home – to college or Here are some scenarios to think
out on your own – is, in a way, like being through. Figure them out now, because
a zoo animal on the loose. You’ve had a these questions will undoubtedly come
cage of your parent’s protection around up.
you all your life and without it, the world • If a boy thinks you’re silly because you
is a great adventure seemingly with- won’t let him into your room unless
out limitations. As exciting as this may your roommate is there, is he really the
seem, you’ve got to fill in the blanks with
kind of boy you want to be around?
new boundaries. Decide on what your
new boundaries will be long before you • If your roommate refuses to kick her
get to college. I don’t just mean physical boyfriend out by a certain hour at night,
boundaries with the opposite sex; there do you want to keep this roommate?
are emotional and lifestyle boundaries,
• What if your roommate drinks?
too.
Here are some limitations to consider: • Will you drink socially, even if you
don’t get drunk?
• How late is too late for guys to come • Are parties OK as long as you don’t
over?
drink?
• What topics are too personal for you to
It’s important to know how you want
talk about with a guy?
to respond in these situations and then
• How casually dressed will you allow don’t compromise your decisions. As
yourself to be when boys come over? for the answers to these questions, read
• How often will they come over? the scriptures and seek the counsel of
• Will your dorm room door remain open parents, your pastor and other young
or closed? adults who made it through the college

W
gauntlet unscathed.
• Can guys come into your room at all or
should they meet you in common areas?
• If your dorm is co-ed, will you wear pa-
jamas in the hallways?
• Will you live in a co-ed dorm?
9
 the recap

Those who are pro-choice (better named par-

ent’s choice as the child has no choice at all)
would most likely not read this novel. Planned
Parenthood supporters would ridicule it (the
last act of vestige of someone without a defensi-
ble position). And those who have so lost their
way that they herald abortion as a “woman’s
reproductive right” would simply dismiss it,
claiming it is for the unintelligent.

10
 the recap

I am none of the above. I am a Christian and though feel. I have no doubt that even those who support
the subject matter of this book, abortion, is quite abortion have these feelings but deny them. Perhaps
hard to read sometimes, the focus is not about the it is these feelings that drive their anger.
abortion debate. It is about the infinite power of a
loving God to heal, reconcile and forgive. This is a book whose time has come. Few authors ap-
proach this topic – she might not have written it had
God not prompted her, which is a miracle of God’s
providence alone.

I recommend this book to men and women who

would care to know the truth about the inevitable
consequences of abortion and for those who have
had an abortion as well, because it gives voice to
their own thoughts and allows them to identify with
the characters and prompts them to seek healing and
forgiveness from the living, loving most high God.

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. Zondervan pa-

perback $14.99; 336 pp., ISBN-13: 978-0310266228
A young love that falls prey to a weak moment re-
sults in a decade of guilt, misery, sorrow and pain.
The story of Emma Landon and Brad Cutler is one of
lives changed by an irrevocable decision.

Can Jesus, a loving God, bring healing after an abor-

tion? Can we fall so deeply into sin that Jesus can-
not reach us to forgive and heal? If we cannot bear
to remember our pain, face it and confess it, can we
live our lives as if it did not happen?

Many other reviews are posted with the storyline of

this novel so I won’t include it in this review. It is
better that I should discuss the importance of this
novel for how it provides a true picture of how lives
are changed.

Abortion is not something discussed at family gath-

erings or in other polite conversation. Often men
and women live with the hurt, pain, shame and guilt
without an outlet to release them, even to God. But
God is ever-present, waiting, watching and want-
ing to forgive. “If my people, which are called by my
name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek
my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will
heal their land” II Chronicles 7:14.

This story tells of the “mental conversations,” the

“walking shame” and the “lifetime of self-judgment”
that those who have shut down the life of their child
at the altar of their own plans for the future truly

11
K center ring

by Katlyn Stephens
Our alarm went off at 4:45 a.m., Africa time, and we needed
to catch a ferry. This is not a story of wild travels or harrow-
ing escapes, or even the reminiscing of an enjoyable vaca-
tion. It is a story about a life-changing trip to Tanzania that
I shared with a team of 15 diverse people who have one thing
in common—a passion for serving God and loving others.
We were complete strangers to one another just 10 days ear-

I Bared my
lier, but now we were sharing laughs, memories and food
as we landed on an island off the east coast of Africa known
as Zanzibar. We met through a mission program at Liberty
University for high school students and have since been on a
thrilling adventure involving learning bits of Swahili, expe-

Heart in
riencing the rollercoaster of African roads (I will never again
complain about roads in the United States), and setting our
hearts on seeing the Tanzanian people as God sees them.

Although Zanzibar is still a part of Tanzania, it has its own

Stonetown
government, so we have to go through international check-
in before walking through the white gates emblazoned with
“Karibu Zanzibar.” We enter Stone Town, an old city with
tall buildings, and it is teeming with people and cars. One
of the first things we pass is the clear blue water of the In-

12
 K

dian Ocean and the clean sand that is home to numerous (“no thank you” and “I don’t need that”), but these men
wooden motorboats, each creatively named. Heading to- are relentless!
wards our hotel, we must walk up a narrow alley, which
people and cars share. We have become accustomed to Our first day in Zanzibar is spent in leisure, recuperating
Tanzanians selling their merchandise in stopped traf- from the past few days, building a church roof and loving
fic, so I am not surprised when my team is bombarded on the village children in the inexorable heat of the Tanza-
with men walking up to us, selling CDs, sunglasses and nian mainland. We take a boat, christened “Jambo” to the
t-shirts. I can only reply “hapana asante” and “sihi taji” tiny island of Changuu, or Prison Island. It is a perfectly

13
K center ring

up for the buyer’s delight. However, the law can-

not prohibit our most
Decisions, decisions! Evi-
dently, our team sticks out
just a tad, because the men powerful spiritual re-
in charge of their stands are
calling out and dragging us to- source, one that occurs
wards their food. In front of this
fish market are canvases on the
in the heart and mind:
ground, laden with the beautiful, prayer.
handmade jewelry of the Maasai.
I only have 1,000 shillings in my serve is loving and He cares about
pocket (the equivalent of $US1), every aspect of my life. He knows
but it doesn’t hurt to look, right? my future plans.

se- The next morning, my team con- The island of Zanzibar is full of lost
c l u d e d gregates on the roof of the hotel people who need Jesus. It is against
home to 180-year- to discuss our plans for the day. the law to openly evangelize, hand
old tortoises, free-roaming The view is breathtaking, with the out tracts, or hold “group revival”
peacocks and a long boardwalk ocean in the distance, just over the here. If caught, we would be thrown
splattered with evidence of birds. mottled buildings and artists below off of the island. However, the law
Zanzibar is so different from other painting vibrant pictures to sell. cannot prohibit our most power-
places in Africa, but they all are so My team leader explains about the ful spiritual resource, one that oc-
uniquely beautiful. God has created religion of Islam and how women curs in the heart and mind: prayer.
such a diverse world, and it would are viewed in their society. Just Nothing of significance can ever be
be hard not to see the handprints of like the images we see in the news accomplished apart from prayer.
God in all that I have seen so far on from places like Iraq and Afghani- So our plan is to walk through the
this journey. stan, Muslim women here cover streets of Stone Town and pray. We
their entire bodies, their hair and begin the afternoon by breaking
Shortly before sundown, my team sometimes their faces . I had once into groups of four, with a man in
departs on our little boat, which believed that women don such gar- each group, to go on a prayer walk.
tackles the Indian Ocean fabulous- ments because they are forced to do We open in group prayer, but with
ly, creating a beautiful picture as we so, but in the majority of cases, it is our eyes open so that it appears
skid over waves. Dinner is a unique the woman’s choosing. If a woman like we are having a conversation.
experience—an open-air market, was taken advantage of, the man is Our group leader warns us before
down a dark alley, containing the not blamed for his actions, but the we go our separate ways that Satan
most diverse food. There was the woman is for appearing too seduc- will try everything in his power to
usual beef, chicken and fries, but tive by showing her body. Women distract us from praying—the last
also octopus (tentacles still at- as young as 12 years old are thrown thing he wants is more believers
tached), live, and fish heads lined into jail for “causing a man to mis- in Jesus as a result of our simple
Shortly before sundown,
place his civility.” While in the com- prayers. It is empowering to know
fort of their homes, women wear that Satan, the prince of this world,
my team departs on our beautiful clothing, yet they practice is scared of me and what I can do
little boat, which tack-
extreme modestly whenever they with the power of Christ giving me
go out. My heart breaks to hear of strength.
les the Indian Ocean such control and legalism when I
am so blessed to be set free of that Without cameras or money, we
fabulously, creating a bondage through the ultimate sac- walk through the streets, saying
beautiful picture as we rifice Jesus Christ made for me—
the greatest act of love for an un-
both silent prayers and voicing
some to the one standing
skid over waves. deserving people. The God whom I next to us. I

14
 K
Katlyn Stephens
pray for the random people we is a student at Liberty Univer-
pass, the rundown buildings, for sity, majoring in Children’s
anything that draws my atten-
tion. I see a group of children in Ministries, with a minor in
what I determine to be a school, Intercultural Studies. She
and I send up prayers to God that enjoys spending time with
He would guard their hearts and
her family and friends, play-
that they would come to know
Christ as their Savior. ing with kids and delving into
a new novel. She is looking
It is difficult at first to focus on my
prayers for the people of Zanzibar in the direction she points. After forward to the future that
while appearing to converse with stopping one more time for help, God has for her, and hopes to
the four of us gather together in
my friends. After awhile it gets travel to see more of His cre-
easier, and I see so many people a clearing to close in prayer, still
not quite sure where we are. We ation around the world.
to pray for. I do not know any-
thing about them: what struggles set off again, turn the corner, and
they are facing, if they believe in we are literally 30 seconds from
God, if they have personal rela- our hotel, with only a minute to
tionships in need of repair. But spare before we are supposed to
I take comfort in the fact that regroup! We walked in a big cir-
God knows them, He has num- cle, with God leading us where He
wanted so that we could pray for
the exact people that we came in
We walk in no clear di- contact with. An even more amaz-

rection, but I know that

ing thing is that all of the separate
groups arrived back exactly on
God is guiding our steps time—our leader was fully ex-

the entire time.

pecting to have to go on a search
through Stone Town for at least
one group.
bered every hair on their heads This, my first prayer walk – in
and knows every thought in their Zanzibar, no less – blew me away.
hearts. Some people greet us as a I became acutely aware of the
friendly Tanzanian would, but we power of God to hear every little
try not to enter into conversation whisper, every miniscule thought,
so as to not become distracted. whether pleasing to Him or not.
How amazing would it be if some, While I did not witness any im-
even just one person, heard us mediate results, I know that cer-
praying aloud for them and no- What are you doing this summer?
tain seeds were planted on that
ticed the difference in us! If a prayer walk in Zanzibar sounds
day last July. Jesus said, “This is
like the awesome adventure you’ve
We walk in no clear direction, but what the kingdom of God is like. A
been dreaming of, get hooked up
I know that God is guiding our man scatters seed on the ground.
now with a mission trip for this sum-
steps the entire time. An hour Night and day, whether he sleeps
mer. The group leaders will show
and a half has gone by when it or gets up, the seed sprouts and
you how to raise support for your
is time for us to head back to the grows, though he does not know
travel expenses. Thousands of broke
hotel. The only problem is that how.” (Mark 4:26-27).
college students will spend a couple
we have not an inkling of where of weeks in missions this summer
we are. We ask a female police – why not you too? Check out Just
officer for directions, then head What You Need for a list of organiza-
tions that conduct mission trips.
15
o Reba Ray´s down home healthy cookin’ for one on a budget

T’ain’t nothin’ better than a hot bowl of chili on a cold win- Chop yur onions and peppers to the size you like
ter night. You sutheners are gettin’ warmer weather already, ‘em. What? You don’t like ‘em , well, just leave
but fur the northerners, it’s still winter until March 21. So let’s ‘em out then! Brown your ground beef in a skillet,
have some healthy chili. If yur in the habit of buyin’ canned cookin’ the veggies alongside, salt and pepper to
chili, it’s one you need to break. Chili idn’t hard to make and taste. Drain off any excess grease. Set aside. In the
store-bought chili is just plain fatnin’. And personally, I don’t pot yur gonna cook the chili in, empty both cans o’
like the taste of store-bought turkey chili, the healthier variety. beans – you might want to drain off some of that
If you’ve got a crock-pot, here’s a good way to use it. If you weird bean juice in the can, but you don’t have to.
don’t, you can make this in a pot on the stove. If you do use the bean juice, cut the water down by
half. Now add the meat, chili seasoning, garlic, to-
• ½ pound lean ground beef mato paste and water and stir it all up. Let it heat
fur about 10 minutes then stir some more because
• Small onion that tomato paste is awfully globular when it’s cold.
• ½ bell pepper Now put the lid on and simmer for half an hour.
Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy an even tastier chili
• Salt and pepper the next day. This recipe makes about eight cups
• 1 can pinto beans of chili, one servin’ bein’ about two cups. So you
• 1 can kidney beans can have it for a couple of dinners and then use yur
leftover chili to make a new favorite at Reba Ray’s
• ½ envelope yur favorite chili seasoning house… the Scattered, Smothered, Covered Bake
• Clove of garlic
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 cups water

brrr ...
It’s
Chili!
16
by Reba Ray
9
 o

Scattered,
Smothered,
Covered Bake.
Here’s a healthy tribute to an old Waffle House favorite. Special thanks to the
dashing Chef Jim-Bob for his expertise in tater-fryin’. This is a great way to
use leftover chili (déjà vu all over again). If you want to make this for com-
pany, triple the recipe and put it in a pie pan instead of an au gratin dish.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shred the tater – skin on (you’ll never taste it
and you’ll get all the benefits of the fiber and nutrients in the skin). In a small
nonstick skillet, heat one teaspoon of the canola oil over medium heat then
add the shredded tater. Salt and pepper to taste. Let ‘er cook until the edges
brown, then lift the tater disk with a spatula while you quickly dump in an-
other teaspoon of oil to yur skillet. Now flip the taters over and cook another
five minutes.

Lightly spray the bottom of an au gratin dish with cooking spray. Sink the
hash brown tater disk into the au gratin dish until it’s coverin’ the bot-
tom and pushin’ up the sides to form a crust in the dish. Trim off
excess edges with a sharp knife if you need to. Pop ‘er in the oven
and bake for 15 minutes.

While this tater crust is crustin’, put the cold chili in a small
pot and stir in the flour. Heat on medium until the chili • 1 medium tater, washed
thickens to about the consistency of oatmeal. • 2 tsp. canola oil
Pull the crust out of the oven and spoon in the chili, • Salt and pepper to taste
spreadin’ it around. Now sprinkle the shredded cheese
all over. Pop ‘er back in the oven for 15-18 minutes more. • ¾ cup leftover chili
Remove and let ‘er cool for at least five minutes. Eat yur
single serving right from the au gratin dish. If yur mak-
• 1 tbsp. whole wheat flour
ing the triplified version in a pie pan for company, let ‘er • ¼ c. shredded cheddar
cool for 20 minutes. Why? Well, cuz you gotta cut the pie
up and dish it out of the pan, so it needs more time to “gel.” cheese (or Jack or Colby
And we’re done! Jack)

17
 Dear Gabby

ster
Gab
by

dear gabby:
My college has a winter dance every February. Before I went
back to school, I thought I would borrow my mother's birthstone
necklace with diamonds to wear with my dress. No, I didn't ask
her. She rarely wears it so I figured I'd bring it back in a couple
of weeks. But a week after I took it, apparently she discovered it
was missing - right after the repairman came to fix our cable TV. I
didn't know it, but she filed a burglary report with the police and her
insurance company. By the time I heard about it, everything was
underway. I was so shocked that I said nothing. I don't know how
to tell her the truth, so I still have her necklace. I know she would
totally freak! Should I just let sleeping dogs lie?
- Nervous in Norfolk

Living a conundrum? Trying to make two wrongs a right?

Threw the baby out with the bath water?
Dear Gabby can help! Send your questions now to
thegabster@onmyownnow.com
18
“ Then you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free. ”

John 8:32

Dear Nervous,
You do have one gem of a problem, Nervous, sting a bit. There’s no way around it. Unfortu-
but unlike the missing necklace, this one isn’t nately, your parents have been put in a similar
borrowed; it’s 100 percent yours. But take situation and will have to right an embarrass-
heart, because this problem is not insurmount- ing wrong as well. But it will be such a relief to
able, and by looking at the above verse, I bet take the honorable road, even if it means you
you know exactly what Gabby is going to tell have to backtrack a little to get to it.
you. You know what they say about the nose on Nervous, what you did was wrong, but not un-
your face… No, do not listen to Heidi Montag, forgivable. It seemed like just a tiny wrong at
your nose is just fine. What I mean is the an- the time you considered it, I’m sure. And per-
swer is staring right at you! You need to ‘fess up haps you feel like a victim of circumstance be-
to your mother. Oh yes you do, and it is not too cause had Mom not noticed it missing, there
late. Rouse that sleeping dog! would have been no harm/no foul. Take note
C’mon, think about all the lies that go into for the future that festering sores often start by
maintaining your mistake: you have to hide picking at tiny pimples. Just say no to picking
that necklace FOREVER, you can never show at pimples!
any pictures of yourself at the dance, no one With Lent upon us, the idea of repentance – or
who saw you wear it can acknowledge that they turning back from the things that separate us
saw you in it. This is exhausting! It’s no sleep- from God – is right before you, Nervous. Em-
ing dog – this dog is rabid! And he’s going to be brace Lent. Let the air and the light into this
after you for a long time to come – like every festering sore, and you will undoubtedly find
time you remember how the cable guy’s good some healing relief. That’s the beauty about
name was dragged through the mud on suspi- telling the truth. That’s the beauty of our Chris-
cion of theft. You may have put his job at stake tian faith. Jesus tells us He is the Way and the
– in a recession, no less! He may have a fam- Truth and the Light. Follow Him, knowing God
ily, a mortgage – all at peril. What about your has forgiven you completely, and eventually –
parents being suspected of insurance fraud,
freak out or not – your mother will too.
and the unsolved crime in your city’s police re-
cords?

Gabby knows without a doubt that you already

know the right thing to do and that you’re just
- Gabster
putting off what needs to be done. Like ripping
off a bandage, the confession part is going to

19
 Fashion DIVinA

by Tamara Jane

Does your make-up routine take an on how to whittle down your daily onds, then wash your face with mild
inordinate amount of time? Do you face art to five minutes or less, so you soap or a cleanser. Spritz or swab on
have to get up half an hour earlier if can consistently look gorgeous. a toner, wait one minute, then gen-
you want to look glam, but then end First of all, the basis of any good look erously apply a thick night cream.
up with bags under your eyes from is going to be a healthy complexion. If you have acne or problems with
insufficient sleep? Do you find your- Fortunately, you can work on this at blemishes, use a night cream that’s
self copping the “who cares!” attitude night when things are not so rushed. targeted to treat that.
half the time and just leaving the We’ll talk more in a future column Now get a good night’s sleep.
house with a blank facial slate? And about skin care, but for now, let’s just
even worse, could it be that when you Beep beep beep beep beep – Darn it!
say this: Get the make-up off. Open 6 a.m. already. OK, time to get ready.
do spend time on your face, it really your pores with a hot, moist wash
isn’t even benefitting you that much? cloth – oh, that feels good – just let Let’s say you’re the type that takes
If any of this sounds familiar, maybe it sit over your face for about 20 sec- very little time to get ready. You
what you need are some power tips throw on your clothes, which may

20
or may not match, drive with the This evens out the look and keeps Go to the next eye. Now repeat top
windows down to dry your hair, and your greasy fingers off of your face only on the first eye, then the second
when you do wear make-up, you’ve too. Mineral make-up user? Good for eye.
got clots in your mascara and blush you. Brush it on, Sister, and be quick
that looks like Native American war about it – you have 60 seconds. Blush – 40 seconds: Time to
paint. Here’s a routine to fit your life- blend that concealer. I like
style: Instead of applying the whole Concealer - 20 seconds: to wait a few minutes before
shebang – foundation, concealer, Dab your problem spots blending so the color has a
blush, eye shadow, lip color, etc., sim- with a stick concealer. Go chance to set over the blem-
plify with just foundation, mascara on to your eyes. ish. If I blend right away, I find I take
and lip gloss. the color right off and need to apply
Start your face day the way you ended several coats to get the same effect as
it, with a quick wash to get off the oils Eyeshadow – 30 waiting a minute or two between ap-
your face generated overnight. Then seconds: Don’t waste time plying and blending. Now, from the
add a moisturizer with SPF 15 or bet- trying to match your eye top of the cheek bone in a downward
ter. Apply foundation, even to your shadow to your clothes. Match it once motion, quickly brush on powder
eyelids, and then mascara heavily on and for all to your eyes and then when blush.
top lashes and lightly on the bottom time is not of the essence, you can
to make your eyes the center of atten- get creative with color to match your Finishing powder – 30
tion. The eyes are the best feature on wardrobe. But for rushed mornings, seconds: Using the same
the face, and mascara is a great way to go with your natural color match in brush you have in hand
dress them up. Roll on some lip gloss two strokes: a dark color for the lid (c’mon, make it snappy!)
and off you go. You spent three min- and a light color for the brow. Use the give yourself a quick dust-
utes on your face and you’re a beut! tips of cosmetic sponges to get one- ing or patting down with a translu-
stroke coverage for each color. Here cent finishing powder.
What’s that? You have a little more
time? Let’s see if we can get the whole are some suggestions of good color
face painted, and keep it under five matches for eyes: Lip gloss – 20 sec-
onds: Forget lining your
minutes. To do this, we’re going to Green eyes: rich purples are best. lips and brushing paint on.
need to be set up properly. It would
Blue eyes: grey (slate), purples, and Save that for special occa-
really help if your brushes were orga-
lighter colors (except yellow, that’s a sions. If you want to get out the door
nized, bristles up, in a cup, and your
color best left to the skills of cat-walk on time, just roll on a quick splash
make-up were lain out in order of
professionals) of moist color. If your eyes have the
item used in a drawer. At very least,
Brown eyes: Lucky you! You can wear full Monty (eye shadow, liner and
you should put what you need, and
any color. Pick one that compliments mascara), pick a light, subtle color so
nothing else, into one cosmetic bag.
your complexion and stick with it. that your face won’t be too busy. Fair
At the beginning of your routine, you
skinned women and blondes should
can dump the goods on the counter
Eyeliner – 30 seconds: To keep also stick with lighter shades.
and at the end, scoop it all back in the
bag. Fishing for the right one among within this time frame, That’s it! Less than five minutes and
three or four different eye shadows or you need an eyeliner than we’re out the door looking fine!
lip glosses is going to eat up precious rolls up, like lip balm does, You know what though? You looked
seconds. OK, let’s do this thing. rather than one you have to awesome right after you cleaned your
sharpen like a pencil. Now just line face. The truth is that make-up nearly
Foundation – one thin stroke under your eyes – always improves your look, but with-
one minute: Quickly smear that’s all. Save the top lids for those out it, there is still the beautiful face
liquid foundation all over special occasions and discard com- that God created, your mother loves
your face with a damp cot- pletely the habit of heavy lining. and is uniquely yours.
ton ball, cosmetic sponge or wet fin-
gers. Don’t worry about it, slather it Mascara – one
on. Now take a dry wash cloth and minute: Quickly brush the
pat the foundation dry on your face. top, then bottom lashes.

21
 JUST
Wyou
HAT
NEED
by Donna Lee Schillinger
AN AWESOME
SUMMER VACATION
If reading Katlyn Stephens adven- me to serve in Your name in a foreign it, you’ll be shorting three parties a
tures in Tanzania has given you itchy country, I am willing to go. Make it huge blessing: yourself, the poten-
feet but you think, “No way I could so, Father! I ask for your Holy Spirit tial giver and the people you would
afford it,” think again. There are a lot to control my choices right now to have reached on the mission trip.
of former trailblazers now past their lead me to Your will for me in this Wrap your mind around that reality
traveling prime who would gladly matter. In the most awesome name and asking for money won’t seem so
contribute $100 to see a young per- in the universe, the only source of funny.
son experience the thrill of interna- good and love, and the name of your
tional travel – IF, it’s for a God cause. son Jesus Christ, so be it!” Have I put this to you boldly enough?
Well, just in case: You need to get on
If you’ve got a burning desire to go Keep that prayer thing going at each a plane and get your butt to work for
on a mission adventure, but lack the step of the application process. You the Lord. Now go! Oh, and send me
pocketbook for it, how about step- can expect something like this: You a post card, will ya? (Donna Schil-
ping out on faith and trusting the find a trip that looks good, fits your linger, PO Box 573, Clarksville, AR
Creator of the Universe, the owner of schedule and your spiritual gifts and 72830)
the cattle on a thousand hills, to pro- skills. (Working with children? Con-
vide for this need according to His struction? A medical trip?) You ex- Short Term Missions.com
glorious riches in Christ Jesus? Well, press interest via an online form or
Christian Volunteering.org, the
how about it? e-mail. You hear back within a few
Short Term Missions page
days and receive a more detailed ap-
Stop using your over-analyzing nog- plication, which you need to start on Mission Finder.org
gin and click through right now to without delay. If you put it to the side,
one of these short-term mission find- Satan will try to distract you so you OM International For our interna-
ing organizations and start the appli- keep it to the side. The organization tional readers: This link allows you to
cation process today. If you don’t do will approve your application and set your home location to Australia,
it now, you probably won’t be able to then send you instructions on how to Canada, New Zealand, South Africa,
get in on a trip this summer. get your travel documents ready and the UK or the US.
fundraise for your trip.
As soon as you click the link, close
your eyes while the page loads and Feel funny asking for money to go
whisper a prayer something like this, on an international trip? Get over
“Heavenly Father, if it is Your will for it! That’s pride and if you give in to

22