Making a Hemp Bracelet

Have you ever wanted to know how to make a hemp bracelet? By learning a few easy steps, you can learn to make and customize a bracelet to fit your personality.

Gather your materials

1) Hemp twine. If you are only making one or two bracelets, you can buy a small coil of hemp at JoAnn Fabrics or Walmart for about two dollars. If you are making more than two, you should buy a roll of hemp (at JoAnn Fabrics or Walmart for about seven dollars). Hemp is available in many different colors at almost any craft supply store.

2) Scissors. Make sure they are sharp enough to cut through hemp. Fiskars is a good, durable brand of scissors that will serve well for future crafts.

3) Safety pin. The safety pin is used to hold the hemp in place. A three-ring binder can also be used for this purpose.

4) Beads. Make sure that two strands of hemp can fit through the bead. You can also buy special clay to make your own beads.

Prepare materials

1) Cut two pieces of hemp. The first piece should be about six times the length of your wrist. My wrist is six inches around, so I must cut a thirty-six-inch piece. The second piece should be double the length of the first (in my case, 72 inches).

2) Make your loop. Do this by folding both pieces of hemp in half to make a crease, then tie the creased ends together to make a loop that is about a half-inch long.

3) Attach the safety pin to the loop and then to something sturdy, such as a chair, a pillow, or the knee of durable jeans you’re wearing. The shorter ends of the hemp should be in the middle.

4) Mark the end of the right strand with a marker or a piece of tape. The marked side is the first to be used for each knot.

Making the bracelet

1) Knot the hemp. Start with the strand that you marked. Bring the marked strand across the two middle strands. Then bring the marked strand under the left strand, forming a half circle on the right side. Next, bring the far left strand under the middle two strands and up through the half circle on the right. After that, pull the left and right strands tightly and that should form a square knot. Repeat the square knots until your bracelet is at the desired length.

2) Add beads. When you get to a point where you want to add beads, slide your beads up the two middle strands. You will then resume the square knot tying.

3) Tie the end of the bracelet. Tie four strands together in one knot. Make sure the final knot will fit through the beginning loop.

The next time you find yourself wanting to make a hemp bracelet, you will have the skills and ability to do so!

Future note

Please submit photos of your snow creations (snow angels, snow people, snow forts, etc) by January 15 for use in our February article.

By Chloe Parks

Winter Creations

Job 37:5-7 “God thunders with His voice wondrously, Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.  For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ And to the downpour and the rain, ‘Be strong.’  He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work.”

Photos 1-5 Submitted by Shelby Garrett

Photos 6-8 submitted by Davonne Parks

Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

How long do you spend getting ready for school or work every day? Do you wake up two hours before you have to leave just so you can look perfect before you go? Or are you the girl who wakes up, throws on yesterday’s jeans, brushes your teeth, and is out the door? What if we were neither? How great would it be to be clean, look nice, and be ready to leave just 30 minutes after waking up?

How to do it

Do everything you can the night before. Lay out your clothes, make sure your bag is ready to go, and put your healthy lunch in a bag in the fridge. Take your shower at night if you can. Some people are morning shower people, but try taking it at night for a week and you may never switch back! If you have oily or hard-to-manage hair, it may help save time to bathe and shave at night, then just wash your hair in the morning.

Forget snoozing. How much more rested are you after hitting snooze seven times? Chances are, none, and you’ve just wasted a bunch of precious morning time! Instead of hitting snooze several times, then finally groggily pulling yourself out of bed, try jumping out of bed the second the alarm goes off and jumping into the shower (if you’re a morning shower person). If you tend to set your alarm early, so that you have “time” to hit snooze several times, forget that! Set it for when you need to get up, and you’ll get better sleep until then.

Make your water slightly cooler than optimal. I’m not talking icicles here; I mean make the water temperature slightly cooler than what your ideal temperature normally is. You can do this in the shower, or just at the sink when washing your face. This will alert your senses without freezing you out.

Try ten minute hair. If you spend more than ten minutes on your hair for anything other than special occasions, you’re spending too much time! If you’re blessed with curly hair, comb it, scrunch it, spray it, and leave it alone. If you have thin and straight hair like me, dry it, comb it, smooth crème over the flyaways, and consider it done! Remember that ponytails are always classic!

Only put on one outfit. Hopefully you’ve laid out your outfit the night before, but even if you didn’t, choose one outfit, put it on, and stick with it! We often spend so much time trying on several outfits, just to end up wearing the first thing we put on.

Keep jewelry simple. Sometimes less really is more. Try pairing small silver hoops with a simple silver necklace that will go with most outfits, to save the time of searching for unique pieces every day. Save the really fun stuff for the weekends.

Minimize the make-up routine. If you have a great complexion, count your blessings and skip the make-up altogether. If you’re like the rest of the world, then put on make-up, but remember that if it takes longer than five minutes to apply, it’s too much for a normal day. Try this instead: Use tinted moisturizer. This doubles as a moisturizer and a foundation, plus it really evens out skin. It’s fast and easy. Once you have that in place, apply small amounts of blush and neutral eye shadow, then put on a sheer powder over that. Add mascara and lip gloss, and you’re done! Save the elaborate make-up jobs for going out with friends.

How to use the extra time

Now we’re ready to leave, and since we’ve used the above tips (and thought of things on our own) to get ready faster, we have extra time! How should we spend it?

The first and most obvious thing most of us will think of is to sleep in later! While that’s a cozy and tempting thought, I have some better ideas which will help us look out for and give to our families, like Miriam did in Exodus 2:1-10.

Spend time in God’s word. He should be the most important part of our day, and our day will go much smoother if we focus our minds and hearts on Him first thing every morning. Focusing on Him will also make us more compassionate toward others, so our hearts will be open to their needs.

Help with––and eat––breakfast. Even if your family just has cereal in the mornings (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), you can help by putting out cereal, milk, sugar, and setting the table. Once breakfast is over, you can help clean-up by putting your dishes in the dishwasher and nicely encouraging other family members to do the same. If you don’t eat breakfast, this is the time to start. Not only does it help you mentally throughout the day, but it also is helpful in controlling your weight.

Teach your family about His love. If you have younger siblings, read a devotional to them during breakfast each morning. If your family is closer to your age, or older than you, choose a verse that stood out to you during your solo study, and tell them about the verse and what it means to you. You could then ask them what that verse means to them, or ask them to tell you about another verse they are thinking about today.

Help everyone get out the door. Maybe your mom needs to turn on the dishwasher before she leaves. Load it up and turn it on for her. Or maybe a sibling lost their hat. Help them find it or let them borrow one of yours. Help the mornings run smoother by not only taking care of yourself, but by also helping your family with their needs.

Keep in mind

Nobody’s perfect, so there will be mornings when we wake up late, rush around to get ready, and fly out the door with barely enough time to slip into class before the bell rings, but that should not be our mornings all the time. We need to work on making our mornings run smoother and more efficiently so we can be calm, help our families, and let His love shine through us.

It’s nice to look pretty, but we need to be careful not to let that be our priority every day. We should make ourselves look presentable, but not to the point that we’re neglecting our own spiritual needs and the needs of other people. Remember that “charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

By Davonne Parks

Top 10 Ways to Give Freely

‘Tis the season to give. During this time of year, many people are talking about buying presents to give, but we have so much more to give than just the things we buy. Often, the more creative and thoughtful things mean so much more than something you pick up on a shelf. So this top 10 is going to help us give meaningfully.

10.) Make your own Christmas cards. It is a way to get into the spirit of the season and show people you care.

9.) Make cookies and give them to the shut-ins.

8. ) Volunteer your time and energy to community projects. There are tons of projects to help the less fortunate during this time, so get involved.

7.) Give your time. I know you’re busy, but so is everyone else––so give some of your free time to others to help them have some free time. Baby-sit some of the children from church so their parents can do some Christmas shopping or planning without having to worry about their children.

6.) Give your love. Show your family how much you love them by helping them out in special ways––show them you appreciate them.

5.) Give to the youth. As one of the older girls at church or in your neighborhood, do something with the younger girls to encourage them. Hint: Do number 9 on this list––make cookies and take them to shut-ins together.

4.) Give the gift of prayer. Pray for all the less fortunate during this time (and all year long).

3.) Give your knowledge. Right now is nearing the end of the semester and everyone has tests coming up––help everyone, and yourself, by studying with others.

2.) Give your joy. When you’re in a joyful mood, it can help others be in a joyful mood.

1.) Give God’s word. Share God’s word with everyone you see––people are more open to it during this time.

-Kim Cook

Fun Food Baskets

This month’s theme is “Pierce my heart to give.” If you’re like most young women, you’re probably thinking, I’d like to give, but what can I do? There are a lot of great ideas for giving back, not only in December, but all year round.

You might know someone who will have a tough time coming up with the food that often represents this season. That’s the first place to start! Make a food basket for that family, or person, in need. If you’re part of a local church, don’t limit yourself to just one family; ask for a list of people who need help. If this project is too expensive for you to do on your own, ask the other girls in your youth group for help. What better way is there to let your light shine and show people how awesome it is to be a Christian, than by giving (Matthew 25:25, 26, 45)?

Tips

Remember that families want to have fun! Consider adding items to your basket or bag that aren’t pre-made, but that will allow the family to have holiday fun cooking and baking together, and are simple enough not to require a lot of additional time and ingredients.

Shop sales. Ask your mom, or another experienced bargain shopper, to help you find good deals and sales on Christmas items. You can also scan your local paper for deals. If you’re pressed for time, Aldi’s is a great place to shop in order to receive items at a discount price without needing to clip coupons.

Make the bags fun. Decorate brown paper grocery bags with festive stamps to make the bags more fun, especially for families with young children, so they will be excited even before they open the bag.

Don’t be a Pharisee! The Pharisees did good because they wanted everyone to see them and think they were great, but Jesus wants us to give to glorify Him. We should give quietly, and while we may ask others for help or want to encourage others to give as well, it is unwise, and unchristian-like, to needlessly tell others what we’re doing (Matthew 6:2-4).

Share His love. If the family you’re giving to doesn’t know God, then giving a holiday basket is a wonderful way to share His love. Place a card, with a nice note, in the basket. Make sure to include your favorite encouraging scripture on the card, and be sure it mentions that you’re trying to spread His love this Christmas season by giving to and encouraging others. You could also place a church bulletin in the basket so they can receive worship information in a non-intrusive manner.

Basket Ideas

Fun Food Ideas:
1. Sugar cookie roll, cookie cutters, icing, food coloring, sprinkles
2. Hot chocolate mix, marshmallows
3. Red and green jello mixes, canned fruit, whipped cream

Breakfast Ideas:
4. Tube of cinnamon rolls
5. Juice
6. Apples, caramel dip
7. Eggnog

Dinner Ideas:
8. Pre-cooked ham
9. Canned vegetables
10. Sparkling cider
11. Tube of dinner rolls

For Holiday meal tips and recipes, visit our November Cooking Corner article.

By Alexia Hammonds

Card Making

Instructions

1. Gather (or buy from the dollar store) some construction paper
2. Gather colored pencils, markers, or crayons
3. Have friends help out
4. Have someone in mind (either a sick person or a shut-in from church, or a neighbor or friend) that you can send the card to
5. Get creative…and begin!!

Card Making Ideas

When making cards for shut-ins or sick people, put words or pictures that encourage the person or make them smile. Mention that you’re thinking about them (and obviously you are if you’re sending them a card!) and that you hope they feel better or that things will improve for them. Get really creative with your card! For example, since it’s December, you could include some Christmas pictures. Draw a picture of a Christmas tree or Christmas lights to brighten up your card. Those of you who are really adventurous could draw mistletoe or a reindeer. You could even cut out pictures and paste them onto your card! Snowflakes are a great illustration that will last the entire season.

Caution

If you cut out pictures and paste them onto your card, make sure that you clean up; if you’re leaving them to dry and want to get them out of the way, don’t set them on top of each other…they’ll stick together (and we don’t want that)!

Credits

Card pictured above was made by Miss Jane Isaacs.  Card below was created by Davonne Parks.  Click on all images to enlarge.

Future note

If you’ve made anything using hemp, please submit a photo of it to us, by December 15, for use in our January 2009 article.

By Alyssa Sturgill

Stand Forever

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

Photos submitted by Shelby Garrett

Plus is for Pretty

How to look pretty and fashionable when you’re a plus size

There is no rule that says you have to be thin to be pretty. I see so many beautiful girls who hide themselves under layer after layer of baggy clothing. You don’t have to be thin to wear makeup and you don’t have to be thin to be fashionable. Spend a little money to buy jeans that fit your figure and aren’t three sizes too big! God made you beautiful just the way you are. If you have low self-esteem, learn to be thankful for yourself! God made all of us different, and we can all learn how to embrace those differences. If you desire to be thin, keep in mind that thinness is relative. Even thin girls can find someone thinner to compare themselves with, but we can all love our bodies just the way God made them. Here are some tips on how to show the world that girls with curves are beautiful.

1. Never feel like you have to wear baggy clothes. Many girls wear clothes that are too big in order to hide the extra pounds. However, this also masks the curves you have and makes your body look bigger than it actually is. Don’t feel ashamed of your body! God made you beautiful, so embrace yourself by wearing pretty and modest outfits that fit properly!

2. Develop a style that is right for you. You don’t have to follow every trend, but wear what makes you feel comfortable and pretty. Don’t be afraid to wear a skirt or a dress. Look feminine and feel proud!

3. Black may be slimming but be careful of wearing it too often. Too much black can make you look like you’re trying to blend into the background or like you’re attending a funeral every day.

4. Never underestimate the value of accessories! An outfit doesn’t end with just the clothes! Jewelry and purses can make an outfit and make you feel better wearing it. Longer necklaces can be slimming because they lengthen you. Wear cute earrings to draw attention to your face.

5. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about the way you look! If you want to lose weight then do it for the right reasons. If you have health problems or want to do it for yourself then go for it, but never try to lose weight to please someone else. God will always love you for you, no matter what size you are. First Samuel 16:7 “…God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

My Favorites

Listed below are some stores that sell really cute clothes in plus sizes!  Hover over the images for descriptions, and click on the images to view the items in their web store.  Keep in mind that although a few of these items are fairly costly, similar looks can often be found for much less by searching around online, or by visiting clearance racks towards the end of a season.

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Kiyonna

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Fashion Bug - My Personal Favorite.  They have really cute clothes, and great sales!

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By Alicia Marie Sargent

A Thanks-giving Tablecloth

I just started this project last year, and I think it’s a great addition to any Thanksgiving dinner table. Although I am making one with my two young sons, this can be done with all members of your family, and with any age, old and young.

1. Purchase or find a simple tablecloth. I like inexpensive and solid. Do not get busy prints or textures, and stay away from things like lace, because that will distract from the beauty of the project.

2. Lay the tablecloth on cardboard or paper so the paint will not bleed through to the table or floor.

3. Use fabric paints or pens to write one thing you are thankful for. You can even draw a picture. Young  children can use paint on their hands to make a handprint turkey to include with their thankful idea (click on photo for example).  Don’t forget to include your name and the date on each person’s response!

4. Let the tablecloth dry, and then add it to your dinner table! You can’t get a simpler holiday craft idea––and one that will have a special meaning to you and your family for years.

Don’t worry about filling up the tablecloth this year, because this is a project that will be added to each year, and the tablecloth will become filled as the years pass.

Future Project

Please send us photos of any jewelry or project you’ve made using hemp, so we can include them in our January 2009 article. Photos must be submitted no later than December 15, and remember that your name will be included with your photograph.

By Lisa Grimenstein

Simple Things

When we think of November, Thanksgiving is what usually comes to mind. It’s a time for families to be together over a wonderful meal while being thankful for all of it. During this time of year, we’re reminded to be thankful, but do we really need a holiday to remind us? As Christians we should be most thankful for Christ dying on the cross for us, but also for simple things in life that we all take for granted. So, for this month’s top 10 I am making a list of the simple things in life that I take for granted, as do many of us. It is a list that will allow us all to think of the simple things in life and remember how blessed we are. Let’s continue to be thankful for all our blessings throughout the entire year.

The Top 10 Simple Things In Life We Forget to be Thankful For

10) Being allowed to make our own decisions. Yes, we are all young and most of the decisions about us are made by our parents, but we still get a choice in what we want to do with our future, how we want to live our lives, and who we are going to marry.

9) Technology. Even though it can allow us access to many negative things, it is amazing what technology enables us to do. We use it to talk to our friends and share and receive information. This magazine wouldn’t exist without technology.

8 ) School. Even though it’s a place most of us dread going, could you imagine life without it? Think of all the knowledge and experiences you get from just going to school each day––we wouldn’t be the same people without it.

7) Food. I know this one is kind of random, but it is part of thanksgiving and it is amazing. We are so lucky to able to experience all the different styles of food that we eat each day. There are many people in this world who eat the same thing for every meal. Most of us get to eat something different every day of the week. And how many of us have to go plant, harvest, or kill everything that we eat? We have the convenience of going to a single location within minutes to get almost anything we desire to eat, at almost any time of day.

6)Transportation. As a somewhat new driver, I love driving and being able to be on the go all the time. Imagine having to walk everywhere. A ten-minute drive to school could take you an hour to walk. Going on a vacation and being able to fly to the other side of the U.S. in just hours is amazing, and I know it is one of the things we forget about.

5) Indoor plumbing. Man, am I thankful for indoor plumbing. I don’t even want to imagine life without it.

4) Freedom. Women and men in history fought for the right of freedom which allows us to have a say in how our country is run, and allows everyone the chance to be treated as equal

3)Health. Most of us are blessed with health and functioning physical bodies.

2) Friends and family. These are the people who bless our lives and that are always there for us.

1) Christ’s love. Christ died for us so that we could spend eternity with Him. We have His spoken Word which we can read and study whenever we want. We can fellowship with others who love and obey Him.

By Kim Cook

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