Show Them~ Hogan Stevens

As Christians in today's world, there are going to be a lot of things that we do not particularly agree with. There are going to be people that we do not agree with, especially. And a lot of times, our thoughts and beliefs as Christians are going to be scorned...and some people may even hate us because of it.

 

We really do live in a great country, but though the 1st Amendment gives us the right to speak and believe whatever we want, Christian ideals sometimes seem to be the most hated and critized. Even though everyone is encouraged to speak what they feel without any consequences, whenever we try to let others know our thoughts on things we get shut out and judged.

 

But that's okay, right? It's best not to let the oppression of this sin-filled world discourage us. There are going to be many instances when you as an individual Christian are accused of being self-righteous and wrong because of your beliefs. That's just a proven fact. But are we to judge others because they believe differently than we do? No!

 

We should be accepting, loving. It isn't our right to judge what others think, even if what they are thinking is wrong according to God's Word. Only God has that right. Only He has the power to justly judge and govern His people. If someone gets angry with you because you voice your belief in Christ or anything from His Word, don't grow just as angry with them for their own beliefs.

　

"

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

 

Instead, show them the love of Jesus. Show them that Christians aren't all judgmental and condemning of the world. Even if we don't agree with what the world holds as right today, we shouldn't go around condemning those who choose to follow the way of this world. We should show them love.

　

"

Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

 

By showing them love and kindness, you take away their reason for contempt. And maybe, with Christ's love, you'll ignite a curiosity within them, a small spark that might make them soften their hearts toward Christians--and most important of all, toward the Lord.

How-To: Fishtail Braid~ Hogans Stevens

This is one of my all-time favorite braids, especially for the summer.

Just like a regular braid, you start out by taking three strands of hair--but instead of separating all of your hair into the three parts, simply take small sections: one directly in the middle and two sides.

Now, start to bring in more strands, adding more hair to both of the side strands as you go. But do NOT add hair to the strand that is in the middle.

Keep adding your hair as needed, continuing the braid as normal.

And there you go! It's as simple as that. You can either take smaller strands for a more detailed and tight braid, or you can take bigger sections (as seen in the photos), which will give the braid a looser feel.



Step 1

Step 2

Step 3



Writing Notes to God~ Hogan Stevens

This has been a very stressful year for me. I’ll be a senior after this summer, so I’ve been researching all kinds of colleges and majors. I am sure a lot of you know just what this is like. Super stressful! And doesn’t it sometimes seem like no one really understands what you’re going through when they try to tell you not to stress?

 

Well, Someone understands. And He is the best person you could talk to when you’re feeling down or anxious.

 

And while I’ve found that praying can relax me and help me through the day, I also love communicating to God through another way. I write notes to Him. Most of the time, I’ll write Him a letter in my diary or my prayer journal, but just the other day I heard of another way to write notes.

 

Get a box--any kind you want--and cut a hole in the top. And then, when you are feeling low or just want to talk to Jesus, write out a simple note on a slip of paper and drop it into your prayer box. Keep it next to your bed or on your desk, and once your prayer has been dropped you can know that God has received it. The Lord knows what is best for you and He truly wants to make you happy; just remember that sometimes He has something different in mind than you--and that often times His plan turns out much greater than you could have ever imagined.

 

I know I’ll be dropping several notes into my box! Mostly I think I’ll be asking for patience as I search for the right university, and I definitely will need His guiding hand this coming year and beyond. I am looking forward to filling up my prayer box and--years from now, when I have finally found my way-- I will open it up and sift through the forgotten prayers and marvel at just how God answered them all. Not in my way, but in His perfect will.

Cresent Roll Danishes~ Hogan Stevens

I think I'd better warn you. This recipe is...a splurge recipe. We all deserve to splurge every once in a while, right? At least that's what I am firmly telling myself as I read over this delicious danish recipe. ;)

 

What you'll need:

 

2

2

1

1

1

1

 

Go ahead and crack open your first can of Crescent rolls and lay out a layer on the bottom of your pan.

 

Mix together all of the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp. of vanilla. Spread this over the top of the rolls, and then spread your pie filling over all of it.

 

Now take your second can of Crescent rolls and spread them over the filling.

 

Lastly, take the melted butter and 1/2 cup of sugar mixture and pour it over the top.

 

And you're ready for the oven! Simply follow the baking instructions the rolls call for on the can, baking it until a golden brown.

 

Sounds yummy!

tsp. of vanilla stick of butter (melted) 1/2 cups of sugar can of cherry pie filling 8 oz. cream cheese (softened) cans of Crescent Rolls

This Dance~ Hogan Stevens

She was dressed in pure radiance, the very picture of beauty. But her smile, though lovely, was anything but real. She had been to so many balls before that she had quickly lost count, and this one was just like any other.

 

Already she had been asked to dance with the usual men. They were always the same. None were ever right. None were ever the one she searched for. They were always more concerned about her status or her looks rather than who she truly was.

 

Then again, she doubted anyone really knew just who she was. A princess, yes. But lonely. So lonely.

 

"Dance with me, Princess?"

 

A young lord bowed before her and she rose with a soft sigh. Beaming, he swept her off toward the crowded ballroom floor. The room was a flurry of movement and color as the guests danced together. Laughter could be heard over the sound of the stringed instruments providing the lively music.

 

The princess allowed her gaze to sweep the crowd as she danced with the young lord, and she could not help but wonder when the king was going to appear. It was by his invitation that she was in his kingdom at all, and she knew that everyone here was earnestly awaiting his appearance. No one had ever seen him before, but everyone knew that he was the most wonderful, kind king in the whole seven kingdoms.

 

She wanted so badly to meet him.

 

A murmuring suddenly filled the room, replacing the laughter. A new, lovely song filled the air as the people quieted, and some even stopped dancing. Everyone had turned to look expectantly at the large open doorway.

 

Even her dance partner had taken an interest in whoever it was arriving. He gave a quick bow and then hurried off deeper into the crowd. The princess stayed where she was, suddenly afraid. What if the king did not like her? Or worse, what if he did not even notice her? There were so many people...

 

A man entered the ballroom. He was young, and he had the most pleasant face the princess had ever seen. His clothes were of pure white and even though he was obviously of great royalty, he smiled and talked openly with anyone that addressed him.

 

"Is that the king?" the princess asked a nearby dancing couple.

 

Glancing up from his wife, the dancing man took one look at the new arrival and shook his head. "That is his son, the prince of the seventh kingdom."

 

Hope filled the princess as she watched the prince make his way through the crowd. Would he notice her? She was too frightened to go up to him herself, so she simply watched from afar. He danced with many women--young and old--throughout the night, and he even spent the time to talk with the men as well. But he never came to her.

 

It became very late. It seemed to her the prince had danced or talked with everyone in the ballroom, and the princess was the only one that sat alone, quiet and anxious. She wanted so badly to meet him...

 

"Why are you afraid?"

 

Startled from her thoughts, the princess glanced up--right at the prince himself. He smiled down at her, and a peace blossomed within her. He had come to her...even though she had nearly been hiding from him.

 

Many people had left the ball by now, and the people were no longer dancing. A sadness filled the princess's heart. She desired to dance with the prince. A sudden conviction came over her, telling her that if she danced with him it would somehow change her forever. To be in the presence of such a magnificent, powerful man...The princess was too shy to ask him to dance with her. She told herself she was just being silly. Why was she so disappointed that she would not get to dance with him? Silly.

 

"I...just am." she said softly, avoiding his gaze.

 

He laughed, and the princess could not help but look at him again. He was so pure, so unlike the other men she had met.

 

"I thought that if you did not come to me by this time, I would have to go to you myself," he said with a smile. "Because there is one thing I must ask you."

 

A small gasp escaped from her mouth as the princess stared at him in surprise. He had been waiting for her all night? For the first time in ages, a smile graced her face as she listened to what he had to ask. And this time, the smile was genuine and full of joy.

 

"My princess, can I have this dance?"

Sugar-Free Pineapple Cream Pie~ Hogan Stevens

I'm really not a big fan of pies, but this is absolutely one of the best that I have ever eaten. The recipe was given to my mother by an elderly lady at our church, and ever since that day it has become a favorite of my whole family.

Don't let the sugar free part fool ya, girls! It's to die for! ;)

1 8 oz. package light cream cheese (softened)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup splenda

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 oz. light Cool Whip

1 small can of crushed pineapple (drained)

1 graham cracker crust

First, you'll need to blend together the cream cheese, splenda and vanilla. Once it is creamy, add in the crushed pineapple.

Fold in the Cool Whip and nuts.

And then simply pour it all into the graham cracker crust and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Did you know that Hogan once shattered her wrist while roller skating?!

What you will need:

How to Draw Rapunzel~ Hogan Stevens

**I use two different pencils: HB for the start, and then 2B when finishing the look.**

First, start with a circle. Make sure you use the HB pencil for starting out because the led is softer and therefore erases easily.

Now let's draw a rough outline of her jaw and chin...Her face will be turned slightly, so her chin will be more to the left. Leave the ear off for now. We'll get to that in a bit.

Sketch in her eyes. They sort of resemble orange peels, right? The one on the left will be slightly higher than the other, though they are pretty much the same in appearance.

Go ahead and fill in the eyes, drawing the pupils quite large. Make notice just how the orbs of her eyes are positioned.

Also, darken the upper lash line.

Add some eyelids just above her lashes. Now, notice I've also added a vertical line, which is in the middle of the face and curves from her forehead toward her chin, though it stops just below her nose. The horizontal line at the bottom of this vertical one helps me estimate where I'll put her lips in a bit.

When drawing the nose, make sure your strokes are gentle. Don't try to draw in the whole nose--with nostrils and tip and everything. Just adding the hint of an outline is all you need.

Now for the mouth. Starting at that line we used to indicate the position of her top lip, go ahead and sketch that in. The right will curve longer than the other and move slightly upwards. After you're satisfied with the top, fill in the bottom lip. Rapunzel will be smiling in this drawing, so her lips will be parted to reveal some of her teeth.

Instead of attempting to draw the teeth themselves, simply darken the shadowed area of her mouth, leaving white the parts that indicate her teeth.

Once you're finished with that, you can go ahead and erase your helping lines for the mouth and nose. I went ahead and drew a very faint line on her forehead to indicate where her eyebrows should go, and then I carefully drew them both in. Her left brow will be slightly obscured by a lock of hair, so go ahead and quickly sketch that in for later. Notice at the very top of the forhead where the hair starts from.

Go ahead and finish what you've started and draw in the other swoop of hair at the right, erasing the last of the circle. The right swoosh of hair goes down to cover her ear, which you can now draw in, connecting it with her jaw.

Finish up the hair. Rapunzel's hair is very flowy and long, so we'll try our best to convey that here.

I've sort of started on her neck and shoulders...

...and now I've gone ahead and drawn them out. Her gown has a bit of lace about the collar, and her shoulders and rounded.

That's pretty much it! Now, take your darker 2B pencil and begin the process of darkening her lines. Go boldly over your lines, erasing any of the mistakes you made earlier, and shade in her eyes and mouth nicely.

There you go! My version isn't a perfect replica by far, but at least you can tell who it is!

...right?

It's Rapunzel. :]

　

Did you know that Hogan doesn't like roller skating?!

Polishes, Stick-On's and Tricks.. Oh My!~ Hogan Stevens

Do you love painting your nails and designing them in the most beautiful/unusual designs you can think of? Well, I do! And if you're like me, then you're always looking for new things to try out. And here's the best thing: My mom's a beautician, so I have a few good ideas. ;)

 

The secrets I am about to share with you--Okay, okay. They're not really secrets. They're quickly becoming quite popular, actually.

 

Crackle

I'll start out with the more well-known of the newer polishes, Crackle. It gives any plain coat of polish a creative, edgy look. Simply paint on a single layer of Crackle over a dry coat of any color paint, and voila! It instantly crackles into a shattered design! Very different, and very pretty.

 

Design fx Bling

I'm sure there are many brands of this nail stick-on, but Designfx has been the only one I've used so far. It comes as strips in a package, which you peel off and carefully place onto your nail. After it's positioned on the nail the way you think looks best, you simply file off the excess on the end. In the end, it looks like a really detailed paint job, while all you had to do was peel and stick!

 

Newspaper Design

This design is less costly than the previous two. In fact, all you need is some alcohol and a strip of newspaper! First, paint your nail any color you wish (probably a lighter color, though, so the lettering can be easily seen). After the polish is dry, dip your nail in any kind of alcohol, and then press a strip of newspaper over your still-wet nail! Make sure to pull the newspaper off slowly, and then there you go! An easy, very cute, nail design.

(Shatter)

My Favorite Author~ Hogan Stevens

A couple of weeks ago, I received a new book in the mail, a book I had been anxiously awaiting for what seemed like forever. It was the first of a new series, and yet it was the ninth book in an epic storyline that spanned over three series, all by the same author: Bryan Davis.

Years ago, when I was about 12 or so, I read my first book by Davis, and I immediately fell in love. It was Raising Dragons, the first in a four book series. I've always had a love for adventure type stories that include some fantasy elements, but usually those type of books are a bit harder to find in the Christian section. At least, it's hard to find any that are actually good.

Well, as soon as I got my hands on that first Bryan Davis book, I could hardly put it down. It had just the right amount of adventure, packed full with ancient secrets and tales told by dragons. Yes, that's right! Dragons. And the awesome part is that all of his books show a great amount of Christian ideals.

The first series--the Dragons in Our Midst series--centers around Billy Bannister, a young man whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that he possesses dragon genes, and Bonnie Silver, a lovely girl who loves God with all of her heart and hides a strange secret from those who wish to hurt her. She and Billy meet in the first book and come to understand that they have a lot in common--because his father and her mother used to be dragons centuries ago, Billy and Bonnie are now being hunted by an evil dragon slayer intent on taking their lives. Over the course of the four books, Billy and Bonnie establish a strong friendship, and together they go through many dangerous and exciting adventures learning about a past filled with dragons-turned-human, traveling through both heaven and hell, and coming to understand just what plan God has for their lives.

If you have never read these books, then I heartily suggest you do so when you get the chance. They are by far some of the best I have ever read; I would easily put them in my top 10 list. And that's just the first series!

The second series--Oracles of Fire--is even better than the first. It's another four books, and while we are introduced to many new, amazing characters, Billy and Bonnie (along with their friends Walter and Ashley and more) are still a big part of the story. The first book in the Oracles of Fire is called Eye of the Oracle, and it starts with the Flood in Noah's time, leading all the way to the present, with Saphira usually as the main character. We follow Saphira through her journey as a lowly slave girl that finds love in the eyes of her Savior. Her tale is a sad yet lovely one, and she is probably one of my favorite characters ever.

Bryan Davis has a true talent for writing. With his many complex, realistic characters that each have a personality of their own and his magnificent plotlines that have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I guarantee these books will steal your heart and ignite your imagination.

Are you ready for a twisting, suspenseful adventure full of secrets kept by dragons and dangerous villains seeking to cover the world in darkness? Then these books are for you.

Because, of course, we know that the light always prevails.

And with Bryan Davis as the author, the story is bound to leave you wanting more.

Did you know that Hogan is the master at falling down the stairs?!?!

Sprig's Journey: The Tale of Noses by Hogan Stevens

The title of this article just so happens to also be the title of a (quite strange) story my best friend and I wrote some time ago. It's one of the weirdest, most stupid stories ever.

You see, whenever she and I have sleepovers we tend to...get rather, uh, crazy. Which is strange, since we are both normally very introverted and quiet. But it seems that as soon as night falls we become the exact opposite of our usual selves, staying up till the wee hours of morning making up stories and giggling like mad.

The story I have mentioned took nearly an hour to come up with, and it was insanely fun to make up. We both took turns narrating the story aloud, starting off where the other would stop, and eventually we finished with a six page tale that involved dragons, monsters, a man named Sprigs, and noses. Lots of noses. I think we may have been slightly under the influence of sugar by then, because at the time we were having a blast thinking of new circumstances to put our hero in...but now that I reread the story, I have to admit that it is sort of embarrassing.

"Once upon a time, there was a prince who lived in a castle. He was a lonely prince, though, because his princess had been stolen away from him by a dragon because he--the dragon, that is--thought that she had the most beautiful nose in the world. The dragon kept the princess because he wanted to use her nose as a model for his nose-shaped castle."

Ah, yes. As I said, my friend Chandler and I can get very creative. And most of the things we come up with after midnight are just plain silly. But that's what sleepovers are supposed to be, right? Silly! You're supposed to be able to enjoy yourselves without worrying about being thought of as weird or having to think about what's going on at school or in your life. At a slumber party, it is just you and your friends having fun and being silly.

Have you ever made up stories like Chandler and me? Trust me, if you have not, you really should try it sometime. It definitely is fun. Just think of an opening line (i.e. "There was once a girl named Lisa who lived by the sea") and then take off from there. With Chandler and me, we always try to make it as silly and unbelievable as possible.

In Sprig's Tale, the story ends up focusing on the princess's lost son, Sprigs, who was so named because of the sprigs of shininess he had in his long, luxorious hair. He goes on an adventure, aided by a kindly Snot Monster, to save his mother from the dragon.

You may just end up with some strange story much like this one, and you will definitely have a lot of fun creating it. Don't worry, though; you don't necessarily have to share the story with anyone besides your friends. I know I'm terribly embarrassed now that I've got the Snot Monster creation out in the open. ;)

Did you know that Hogan loves to sketch and draw?!

So Shy~ A Poem by Hogan Stevens

Quiet. Alone.

Always feeling out of place.

Afraid. Nervous.

Trying to hide her face.

She is so shy, self conscious,

not sure how to blend in.

Never talking, off alone

wondering how to make friends.

Don't judge her or

mistake her for rude

She's just timid,

not sure what to do.

There is laughter

underneath all her quiet.

She has a voice,

wants so badly to use it.

Will you be the one?

The one to set her free?

The one to befriend her,

choose to truly see?

Will you be the one?

Did you know that Hogan was saved when she was eight years old?!

The Creepy Spider: A True Story by Hogan Stevens

If you know me very well, you know that I am terrified of spiders.

Terrified.

When I was little, we lived in a big house out in the country that was frequently invaded by the most dreaded spider of all. I'm talking about the Grandaddy Long-Legs, that terror inspiring creature with the long, spindly legs that surely make it the most horrific spider known to man. At least, it was the most scariest spider the six-year-old me knew.

I remember how I would make sure to have one of my parents or my sister check the bathroom for spiders every time before I even thought about going in, because I had had far too many incidents where a spider presented itself to me after I shut the door. It wasn't unusual for a shrill scream to break the peace of our household on account of me encountering one of those eight-legged devils.

Well, unfortunately for me (and my family), this fear has stayed with me over the years. I am not sure what it is exactly, but something about the way spiders look and move just creeps me out something terrible. And yes, I hate to admit it, but I still shriek when I see one and I have to yell for the nearest person to come kill whatever monster I encounter. Usually, they're hardly the size of the eraser on a pencil, but even the smallest of spiders cannot escape my notice.

Thankfully, where we live now is nearly devoid of any arachnid life. We've been here about four years now, and I have only had a handful of terrifying experiences regarding spiders (snakes, on the other hand...that's another story).

But then there was the day my mother was out of town, my father was at work, and I was alone in the house.

The day started like any other. It was in the summer, so I had been spending my liesure time either reading or writing, and when it came around noontime I figured I had best get something to eat. I sidled into the kitchen, idly wondering if we had any good soup left, when I saw IT.

A spider, black and furry, was on the blinds of the window above the kitchen sink. I froze in midstep, my eyes widening as I watched it scuttle about, seemingly unaware of my silent horror. After a moment, I managed to shake myself from my shock and I hurried over to the cabinet, where I quickly procured the first weapons I could find: A plastic cup and a paper towel.

I then proceeded to stand in the middle of the kitchen and watch in terror as the spider crawled from the window onto the countertop.

This went on for a good five minutes; I stood stock still, holding my flimsy weapons with a death grip, and the spider, unfazed, continued to navigate its way around the kitchen countertop.

Finally, I could stand it no longer. I called my dad.

"Hello?"

"Dad! There's a spider in the kitchen and I have no idea what to do!"

He must be used to these sort of things by now. Calmly, he instructed me to find either a newspaper of some sort or a broom--whatever I could get my hands on--and smack the living daylights out of it. Sound advice.

I quickly spotted a magazine on top of a nearby table, so I snatched it up and rolled it into a tube. After assuring my dad I would win this battle or die trying, I hung up the phone and once again focused on the furry offender, which was still in sight.

I steadied myself. I can do this, I thought. It's just a spider, Hogan. It's probably more scared of you than you are of it.

As I took a deep breath and clutched the magazine tighter, I highly doubted it.

Gathering my courage, I went into Fearless Magazine Wielder Mode. The spider seemed to finally take notice of my existence as I started running after it and screeching unintellibly when I got too close to it. And like all crafty, creepy spiders it was good at hiding from my magazine of doom. It was quite adept at scurrying beneath things just as I would sweep my weapon over the counter. In my quest to kill the beast, I ended up accidentally upending the toothpick holder (sending toothpicks flying everywhere), knocking over the soap dispenser at the sink, and whacking a bag of noodles off the counter.

Swiftly running out of places to hide, the black creature ended up scooting underneath my mother's knife block. Having gained some courage during my little smacking frenzy, I pushed the block to the side---and was a little surprised to see my opponent curled into a fetal position. Obviously, it had come to realize that its end was near.

Holding the now hopelessly crumpled magazine in my left hand, I deftly smacked the spider, retrieved the trash can, and triumphantly swept it off the counter. I had done it. I, a girl that has been scared of spiders all her life, managed to get rid of one all by myself.

Needless to say, the magazine also had to be tossed. It was too scarred from the battle to survive another. And I think I would still rather not have to face any more creepy spiders by myself. One is enough.

Did you know that Hogan is very accident prone?!
Did you know that Lauren loves making cards?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Lauren Jaji.

Quickly Fading~ Hogan Stevens

Our lives here on earth are as passing as a thought. We are here one moment and then gone the next, passing away like leaves in autumn. To God, the time we spend here below is just a blink in eternity. To Him, time has no limits.

 

"Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever...No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them." (Ecc. 1:4, 11 NIV)

 

There are so many people in this world we live in, so many lives stretched across the centuries...So many lives lost from day to day. With all of the chaos, all of the confusion, one can't help but sometimes wonder if there is anyone out there that really cares. Is there? Is there truly someone that cares for each individual, who knows each and every person on this earth by name and loves them?

 

Yes, there is. And His name is God. His name is Jesus. Abba, Jehovah, Elohim, Yahweh. In all of His splendor and grace, He cares. He listens.

 

I know it may sometimes seem like God does not have the time to listen to each and every one of His children here on earth. I mean, there are billions of people, so many that it is sort of hard to think that the Lord truly sees and cares for each and every person. Sometimes, you may find yourself thinking that you are too insignificant for God to care about you. "God is only concerned about important people...Why would He want me, when I'm just....me? I don't do anything special; I'm not strong enough, not smart enough..."

 

David was a shepherd boy.

 

Moses was a murderer.

 

Ruth was simply a widow.

 

Saul persecuted God's people.

 

Throughout the Bible, God has demonstrated His love for each and every person. It doesn't matter who you are, just as long as you love God and want to serve Him. David? He slew a giant that no one else dared approach, and later became a great king beloved by the Lord. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Jews out of captivity. That widow Ruth wasn't overlooked, either. Ever trusting in God, she found a new husband--and life. And Saul? Even though he continually persecuted Christians after Jesus' ascension, as soon as God called to him he turned from his terrible ways and became one of the best missionaries in recorded history!

Believe me, God has a plan for you. However short this life is, however insignificant you think you are...the Lord still loves you, and He wants you to lead a fruitful, faith-filled life. It may not be the easiest life. You will encounter storms along the way and you might even forget again that God is always right there beside you. It may be hard to see His hand in your life, but always remember this: You are a princess of the king! You are His, and He is yours! He is the Good Shepherd, the loving master, and He will never--never--leave you in this world alone to deal with life yourself.

 

Never.

 

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11 NLT)

 

Just as a good father watches over his children most lovingly, God will never abandon you. To Him, you are worth it all.

 

For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 117:2)

Did you know that Hogan once shattered her right wrist while roller skating?!
Did you know that Abby hopes to fly a small plane one day?!

Photographs property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Abby Whear.

With All My Heart: Waiting for the Man God Has for Me~ Hogan Stevens

Just the other day, I was talking with my father, telling him that if the time ever comes when a boy shows interest in me that I would like to be courted. I've had this dream for quite some time now, and whenever I voice it, many people give me skeptical looks or make a scoffing remark. Not everyone understands my desire to have and to give my heart to just one man in my life. I've even had some tell me, "Well, good luck with that" as if I am delusional in thinking that there are any decent young men left in this world that would share my beliefs.

When I told this to my dad, his simple response was enough to give me more hope in believing my future husband is out there, waiting just for me.

"There are lots of guys out there that feel the same as you, Hogan. Don't worry."

He said this with such confidence that I knew it must be true. Just looking at my kind, loving father I know that there are still men out there that are capable of giving that special, one of a kind love that I wish for my future. They are out there, girls; we just have to be patient and trust that God will bring them to us in His time.

Of course, there are many boys out there who see dating as an opportunity to get with as many girls as they can, to see just who they can sway with their charms and claim as their own. I know that may sound a little harsh, but it's true, and I am sorry for that.

Just as equally, there are girls out there who want to be with as many guys as possible just because it is "cool" or expected by their peers. They are willing to give their heart to any boy that gives them the time of day, and they are sometimes willing to even do whatever he wants just to please him for fear that he will leave if she refuses.

And then when that boy loses interest, her heart breaks...and she tries to find another that could be her Prince Charming, that could be "the One".

Nowadays, society deems such dating acceptable. Boy meets girl. Boy flirts with girl, asks her on a date. Before you know it, they're an item doing everything together, acting as though they are head over heels in love--when they are actually just acting upon infatuation, not love. And relationships based purely on simply a crush or lust is a relationship that will not last.

But there is another way.

Instead of going out with whomever you please and setting yourself up for disappointment when you realize you do not know a person as well as you thought, you can choose to go about the whole dating thing cautiously.

For me, I make it clear to others that I have standards. I am not just some girl that can be taken by whoever takes a fancy to me. No, I stay low under the radar, not going anywhere near dating. To me, the term for dating has been corrupted. To nearly everyone now, dating is simply a game, a way to pass the time. A way to lose your heart.

You see, by going from guy to guy, having your heart broken and in turn breaking hearts, a girl gives a piece of her own heart away to every guy she goes out with. And years from now, when she is married and with children she may come to a rough spot in her life and look back on those years she spent dating all of those boys...and she might long for another man that is not her husband.

I don't think any girl wants that, right? You must guard your heart most diligently, protect and keep it for that one man that God has chosen for you. Love is something sacred and precious and not to be given lightly.

That is why, with all of my heart, I would love to be courted.

Perhaps you have not heard of courting, so I will try to explain it as best I can--though I might not have all the details a hundred percent accurate. In my mind, courting goes something like this: A girl and boy become friends, nothing more. They get to know each other as any friend would and they develop a bond accordingly. And then over time, they might both acknowledge that they have feelings for one another and that they might be ready for a serious relationship. It is then that the boy might ask if he could start courting the girl to see if they would be compatible for a romantic relationship. By courting her, he would take her out to public places (most likely accompanied by friends or family members) and they would try to see if they would make a good couple. Everything would be taken slowly; they might not even choose to kiss--or even hold hands--until they were engaged or even married. They would pray about it, of course, asking God if it was His will they were together. Courting is not something that is taken lightly. The boy and girl would be thinking of this relationship in terms of the future, to see if they would do well as a married couple.

Obviously, this is greatly varied from how dating is perceived by most teens and even adults. Of course, I am not saying that everyone who chooses to date is going about it in the wrong way, but I believe that courting is so much safer. Safer for you. For him. For your hearts. Because when you take your relationships as seriously as that, it is much more difficult for you to lose your heart to someone that you barely know and who could not be the one for you.

Never let others tell you that your beliefs are a waste or that you should stop trying so hard to go by God's standards. Because He already has your story planned out..you just have to be willing to give all of your trust to Him, to give Him your whole heart for protection until you find that man that He has for you. And when you find him, if he truly loves you he will listen to your beliefs and not try to force you into something you are not comfortable with.

Someday, I hope to marry the man that loves me unconditionally and that loves God even more. I want to be able to tell him that I waited for God to bring him to me and that I saved myself and my heart--my whole heart--just for him. It's possible, believe me. Even if you have already dated others and maybe even given parts of yourself away, it is never too late to ask your Heavenly Father to guide you in the right direction when it comes to finding the right one for you. God cares--He truly does--and He will never lead you wrong.

All it takes is faith, trust...and a little patience.

Did you know that Hogan wishes she had a '73 Corvette StringRay?!

Did you know that Jess's favorite season is summer?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc

New Years Resolutions: Getting Closer to God~ Hogan Stevens

I'm sure all of you have heard of making New Year's Resolutions at the start of each year, and probably most of you have even made a list of resolutions to start living by. Maybe over the years you have promised yourself that you will make more friends or lose some weight, do better at school and make your parents proud, to stop talking with your mouth full or to smile like a movie star, etc. I think a lot of people make lists similar to this...and I don't think that very many that do actually stick with it. Probably because they might set too high of a bar for themselves.

Personally, I have never made that list. I seriously have never thought about making a resolution to start trying to make a better life for myself. You see, I already have a great life. I mean, of course there are the ups and the downs, but I truly am happy with who I am and with what I have. God has blessed me with so many things--and He's blessed you too!

So how about instead of promising ourselves we will make more money this year or that we will become more popular at school...how about we promise God that we will start living completely for Him?

This year, I will finally make a list of New Year's resolutions, and I am going to share it with you all.

1. I will read my Bible daily.

That is so important! I used to read my Bible nearly every day, but here lately I have been letting my life rush passed me and I have hardly even had the time to sit down and relax. At least that's what I have told myself. I have the time. I should set aside a special time every day to read my Bible this year, because I know how important the Bible is. It's God's own book of love letters that He has sent to us all, and I want to know everything that He has written for me.

2. I will praise Him in everything.

I already pray several times a day, but I would like to be able to just take the time to notice all that God has done for me. If it is a sunny, beautiful day outside, I want to be able to say, "Great are the works of Your hands, my God! Everything you create is wonderful." without having to first think about it. I want to show my appreciation to God in everything that I see and do; I want Him to know just how much I appreciate all that He has done. Even the little things are wonderful, like the smile of a stranger's baby you pass in the store or the tiny sparrow that flits past you as you are driving to work. We just need to take the time to notice the little things.

3. I will use my gifts for Him

This is something I have struggled with over the years. My parents started singing Gospel music about eight years ago when I was still a little kid, and they wanted me to join in the group as well, but back then I was so shy that the very thought of standing before a church and singing absolutely terrified me. Now, I actually sing a couple of songs at the churches we travel to, but I know that I can be doing more. I have a yearning inside of me to do more, and I feel that God is calling me to step out of my tiny comfort zone and dare to follow where He leads me. Maybe that will entail me singing throughout the whole program, or maybe it is that and much more. Whatever He leads me to do, I want to follow Him without hesitation.

I feel like this is a good list for me. I have told you all a little bit about myself, and I hope that I have inspired you in some way. This list that I now show you, it can be used by anyone. Anyone! Reading your Bible, praising God, and utilizing the gifts He has given you--all of these are things that everyone should be willing to do. You should be willing to give your whole heart, your whole everything, to your Savior.

After all, He gave Himself to you.

How could we ever hope to repay such a glorious gift as that?

Well, for starters, we can love Him. We can serve Him. And we can follow Him without hesitation. I promise it is not that hard; you just have to set your mind to it. Before long, you won't have to even think of reading your Bible or listening to His voice. It will just come naturally, and others will see the change in you.

So this year, I hope you resolve to get closer to God. I hope you give yourself completely over to Him and that you radiate the love of Christ to others. That's my New Year's resolution.

Happy New Year, girls. Make it the best year yet.

Did you know that Hogan is terrified of spiders but use to have a pet tarantula?!

Did you know that Heather wants to be a veterinarian?!

Photographs property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Heather Young.

Gifts from the Heart~ Hogan Stevens

Probably one of the best feelings a person can experience is seeing the look on another's face when he or she opens a cherished gift.

Now is the season of giving, and if you are anything like me, you are wracking your brain for that perfect idea for a present to give someone you love. It may seem like the people you know already have everything they need and you are having a hard time figuring out what to buy them.

Well, perhaps I can help you out. Christmas has been so commercialized over the years that sometimes we think that the only way our gifts can be appreciated is if we spend a lot of money and get the best thing there is in the store. But sometimes it is the simple things that count. It's not all about who can get the best present--it's about showing your love and appreciation to the person you are giving to.I have a few suggestions about just how to go about doing that.

The Jar of Appreciation

I really like this idea, and I am actually going to do it for both of my parents this year. All you need to really do is get a jar of some sort. You can do whatever you want with it: either leaving it as it is or decorating it however you see fit. If you want, you can even lable it "Jar of Appreciation". Next, get some slips of paper and write little notes of appreciation on each one, things that come to mind when you think of the person you will give it to. Here are some examples:

"I love the way you laugh."

"You give the best hugs ever."

"I'm so blessed to have you in my life."

When you are finished, simply slide the notes into the jar. They are sure to bring a smile to the face of whomever receives this sweet gift.

A Memory Book

This can contain anything you want to put in it. You can fill it with your favorite pictures and quotes, or maybe you want to put a few handwritten pages where you recount your best memories with the gift-receiver. Make it your own creation. Decorate it with your drawings and doodles, ribbons and bows--anything that catches your eye! It should be special, just like the person you will give it to. And I am sure it will become a prized possession of theirs. I know I would love to have a memory book handmade by my best friend or one of my siblings.

Something Homemade

Do you love to bake and know just what sweet that special person absolutely loves? How about you make it for them, then? Surprise your dad with his favorite double chocolate chip cookies that he adores, or tickle your mom's tastebuds with those snickerdoodles she loves so much! Does your best friend love fudge? Show up at her house with three fresh batches!

Okay, maybe not that many.

You get the point, though, right? People love food; especially so when a loved one makes it just for them.

Personalized Picture Frames

By painting and decorating a frame for a certain picture, you can be creative and have fun while making something meaningful. Go with whatever sparks your imagination! Have a favorite picture of you and your brother or sister? What better way to make it even more special than by making a frame just for that? You can even go a step further and make the frame magnetic so it can be enjoyed everyday by sticking it on the fridge.

And lastly...

Listening and Affection

These gifts can be given freely without having to worry about spending too much money or worrying if they will be appreciated. Everyone is worth being listened to, and a loving hug or a gentle smile can warm anyone's heart. Give a listening ear to someone who needs it. Be that daughter that is not afraid to hug and kiss her parents in front of her friends.

Remember, Christmas is a time for giving and celebrating Jesus. It is not about the gifts you receive or the fun you have, but the joy you can give to others. I hope these few gift ideas helped you out in your search for some truly heartfelt ways to show your love and gratitude to those closest to you.

Oh, by the way...I love freshly baked chocolate

Did you know that Hogan loves cats, but she's not a crazy cat lady?!

Did you know that Haylie's cat Jake was originally her friend Kamen's?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Haylie Gregory.

The Joy of Giving: A Humble Spirit is Pleasing to God and Others~ Hogan Stevens

Thanksgiving is a day where we all gather together and celebrate everything that God has given us. It's usually a day filled with family, food, and fun...and if you're anything like my family, there's lots of food. Turkey--of course--, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet rolls, macaroni, meatloaf, ham, deviled eggs, corn, okra...The list goes on and on, and I've not even listed dessert!

While enjoying the delicious foods prepared and brought by everyone, we sit in the living area talking and laughing with the whole family. It's great fun, and usually everyone stays til late at night, leaving only when the littlest little ones are drowsing on the floor and in laps.

That's pretty much it, right? That's all there is to Thanksgiving: family and food, and most especially enjoying yourself.

Well, not exactly.

Thanksgiving. It's a compoud word. 'Thanks' means to show gratitude. 'Giving' or 'give' means to grant or bestow to another. So what better way to show your gratitude to God for all He has done than to bestow this thankful spirit onto someone else? If you are happy to be alive and blessed, then why not spread that joy to another and make them just as glad? God rejoices in those who are humble and kind; it pleases Him to see His children loving one another.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 18:14b)

Being humble--showing kindness and no prejudice, love and compassion to everyone--is something that can change everything. By being humble, we as Christians exude all that is good about being a follower of Christ. Sometimes it may be hard to show love to someone. You know what I mean. Every girl has that one person that gets under her skin, even if it's for seemingly no reason, but it's up to us to put aside those petty feelings and decide to be the kind, generous person that God made you to be.

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalm 18:27, referring to the Lord.)

This Thanksgiving, I think we should all try to take this to heart. It can be something simple, like smiling at a lady you pass on the street or helping an elderly man pick up something he dropped. Those are great gestures and they might very well make that person's day, but you can be even more kind and giving by doing so much more. Help a neighbor rake leaves or help your younger brother with his homework. Do the laundry for your mother, wash your dad's truck when he's too busy, give a kind and encouraging word to a sad woman you meet at the market. You get the idea, I'm sure.

Be kind.

Be loving.

 Most importantly, give. Give some of that wonderful, inspiring Jesus-spirit to everyone you meet. Not just during the Thanksgiving holiday, but every day. Be that girl that everyone else admires, the girl that, just by looking at her, everyone can tell has something special about her. Be that girl that, just by the way she acts and carries herself, has the love of Jesus shining through her.

Galatians 5:25 says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." By saying this, Paul meant that since we now have the spirit of Jesus (the Holy Ghost) inside of us, we should act like it. We should be like Jesus.

Do you know the fruits of the Spirit? Coconuts, right? No! The fruits--or actions--are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And to have such fruits, one must have a humble and giving mindset.

What about you? Are you patient and kind to everyone you meet and in everything you do? If not, that's okay! You still have time to learn. Just open your heart and mind to Jesus, and He will lovingly guide you.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you remember that it's not all about the food and the fun; it's much more than that. It's about showing and giving the love of God to others.

Did you know that Hogan speaks Italian?!

Did you know that Jess and her sister, Beth, made all of the headers for the articles AND our main header?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc.

Let's Do Something Daring!~ Hogan Stevens

But not too daring, okay? Just a wee bit daring.

The title says it all.

If you're like me, you've grown a bit bored of the usual daily schedule: school, work, homework, sleep, repeat. Doesn't sound too fun when put that way, does it? Well, how about we change that boring schedule up a bit??

Do something classic...

like playing a board game with your friends! I don't know about you, but I never really played games when I was younger. I'm the youngest in my family, and none of my siblings ever really wanted to play Scrabble or cards, but now that I have some friends I'm learning to enjoy board games and card games.

One of my favorite card games is called Spoons. We play this a lot, and most of the time it gets pretty intense (in a good way). There's a reason the game isn't called Knives, by the way. Here's a link to instructions on how to play, since I'm not that great at explaining it: http://www.ehow.com/how_4608089_play-spoons-card-game.html

Apart from card games, we also like to occasionally try out some board games. Scrabble is pretty fun...especially if you're like us and try to make up words for more points. And just the other day, we played a board game version of Wheel of Fortune, which was pretty fun, too. If you play that, make sure you have one guy pretend to be Vanna White while you all guess the letters. Well, you don't have to have a Vanna, but it just makes it funny. No? Just me?

Do something new...

like take a walk downtown to explore the different shops and parks with some friends. Go window shopping! Go to a clothing store and dress up in the funniest outfits you can find! Make sure to bring your camera so you can get proof of how crazy--I mean, of how much fun you're having.

Yes, my friends and I also do this. Quite often, actually. There was this one time we picked out the most ridiculous outfits we could find for each other to try on, and then we spent nearly an hour posing and laughing for the camera and making faces in the mirrors of the dressing room.

Do something daring...

like going to a fair or amusement park. There are a lot of state fairs going on right about now, and they're usually a great way to spend you're weekend.

This year, I didn't get to go to the state fair, but I did go to an amusement park with 7 of my friends, and we had a blast. We rode all the scary rides (I screamed on all of them, everyone else laughed), took pictures with a huge tiger statue...and rode the Carosel like the mature near-adults we are. Okay, so maybe I should just confess that we're all crazy. There, I said it. But it makes it all that much more fun.

Whatever you choose to do, if you're hanging with your friends I'm sure you'll have a blast. Because that's what really makes it fun: The people you're closest to. So, get out there and have fun, girls! Just make sure not to get too daring, alright? Personally, I draw the line at riding three roller coasters in one day that go upside down.

Did you know that today is Hogan's birthday?!?! Wish her a happy birthday!!!!!

The Comforter, The Teacher... The Holy Spirit~ Hogan Stevens

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

(Matthew 28:19)

The Lord shows Himself to us in many ways. He is our loving Father in heaven, He is the Man that came die for us...and He is the Spirit that encompasses everything around us. His Spirit--also called the Holy Ghost--is very much real, and it is omnipresent. Everywhere. He is always with us, guiding us and comforting His children. The Holy Spirit is just another part of Him, another way God can show himself to us.

Maybe you've been singing a praise or simply praying, pouring your heart out to God, when suddenly it felt as if He were right there with you. You may have felt calmed or excited, speechless or full of shouting--but, either way, you knew in your heart that you were in the presence of God.

Of maybe some of you have no idea how this is even possible. You may be thinking right now, "What is she saying? God's up there. He's in heaven, not on earth!" And if you are thinking that, my friend, then please keep reading. Because God is absolutely here on earth! Jesus didn't just leave us to fend for ourselves after He ascended.

In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

The Comforter...

 He comforts. In your worst times, in times of trouble or sadness, the Spirit can wash over you and bring a sense of calm and assurance. I know this from experience, and many others have felt His touch as well. Jesus knows your fears and your weakness, and it is through His cleansing, loving Spirit that you can truly find peace and happiness.

...He shall teach you things...

Many of the things spoken of throughout the Bible are sometimes hard to decipher, especially to those of us who have not studied and pored over its pages and searched for translations and understanding. But that does not mean that we should just give up whenever we do not fully comprehend something, and I'm not meaning just when reading the Bible. I mean with anything. Problems at home or with friends, trouble at school, worries about the future...Life is full of so many things that can be hard for us to understand, but God can guide us toward the right path. He can teach us important things through our trials and He can help us decipher the meanings of his letters (the Bible).

Of course, we will never be able to know everything about God and why or how He does the things He does, but we can just know that God wants us to know Him and love Him. That's why He takes such care in us, even though we don't deserve such mercy.

...and bring things to your remembrance...

Sometimes as Christians we have a hard time relying on God and trusting completely in Him. Maybe we go through hard times and we feel like He hasn't really been caring for us like He should, so we close our hearts and--maybe unknowingly--take a step away from the Lord.

But He, in His loving and gentle way, can remind us just how magnificent and truly all-powerful He is. It might be in the middle of the night lying in bed when you suddenly remember, God was there for me when my sister went away to college. I was so upset and I missed her, but He helped me through it. Or maybe, while watching a show about a kind father taking care of his own little child, you somehow place this with Jesus and how He has always been such a loving and prominent role in your life.

Whatever it may be, however it happens, God can remind you of His love and His never-ending care for you. He wants you to know that He loves you with a passion and that He never wants you to turn away from Him. Why else would He keep picking you up when you fall or comforting you when you need a shoulder to cry on?

Why else would He have died in your place?

Why else would He never leave you, never make you go through life on your own?

For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

(Hebrews 13:5)

Did you know that Hogan loves to sketch and draw?!

Did you know that Jess loves American accents?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc.