Sophie Woman's Magazine Aug 2012

S phieWo m a n ’s M a g a z i n e

INSPIRATION ~ EDUCATION ~ MOTIVATION

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INSIDE:Girlfriends In God ~ Standing Firm in the Storms of Life | Page 15

Journaling The Journey ~It Doesn’t Add Up!| Page 11

Me, Myself, & Inc. ~ Personal Symbols of Inspiration| Page 19

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Politics, the weather, the economy….we surely have a lot to talk about these days. It is such a shame that most of it is not that good. It is hard to be positive when so many bad things are going on.

Since I have been sick and been laid up at home quite a lot, I tend to watch the

television more than I used to. One thing I have learned is that I can’t watch the news channels for long periods of time. Talk about depressing, now that can spiral you downward in no time at all. Either turning the channel or turning it off is a real mood booster. It is just one of the things that I can do to improve my mood.

For someone like me who is for the most part an upbeat person, I don’t usually have

to search for ways to be happy. My father used to tell me that I could not smile at everyone and say hello to every person I passed on the street. Yet it just always seemed the right thing to do. I do understand what he was trying to make me understand but I still smile and say hello.

I don’t know if Louis Armstrong was the author or not but I do remember the song he

did about smiling. Do you remember these words? “When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling, The whole world smiles with you.” Sometimes I have to remind myself to smile. Have you ever been there? That may sound silly but I have found that just doing that makes me feel better.

Sometimes, “silly” just works. I think we get so serious at times, that we just miss the good stuff. I have done some silly things in my years and I bet if you are honest, you have too. For some reason, I just can’t seem to make myself give away my clown outfit. Sometimes, at family events, my kids get this “look” when I make suggestions of things to do. It could have been the food I cooked or it could be past memories of pink hair or dancing in the hospital.

The movie Annie has always been a favorite of mine and especially when they sing

the song that says “you’re never fully dressed without a smile”. Can anyone watch Annie and not smile or burst out in laughter?

Woody Allen said “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my

nose.” Have you ever been eating or drinking something and could not restrain the laughter? It might have been embarrassing but it sure felt good....not to mention it gave others something to laugh at!

One thing I know for sure is that even when everything looks like doom and gloom,

we are still so blessed. If you are reading this, can’t you honestly say you are so blessed to be in America instead of a 3rd world country fighting for food, shelter, or water? I know I am!

Another thing I know for sure is that I am thankful for you, our readers!

**********************************************************Disclaimer: Sophie Woman’s Magazine LLC is published monthly. The articles published in Sophie do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. All articles are intended for informational purposes only, and none should serve as a substitute for doctor’s advice and orders. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content and validity of information published within their ads and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Deceptive or misleading advertising is not knowingly accepted by the publisher. Advertising is accepted with the understanding that all liability for copyright violations is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the sole propertyof the advertiser. Sophie Woman’s Magazine LLC’s publishers, staff, and other persons involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or ti’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of the use of the magazine.**********************************************************

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S phieWoman’s Magazine

Message From The Heart......................................pg 3Reaching Your Full Potential................................pg 7How To Be Fabulous............................................pg 8Journaling The Journey...........................................pg 11The Fly Lady........................................................pg 13Girlfriends In God...............................................pg 15Health & Fitness Tips..........................................pg 16Behind The Name................................................pg 19The Dinner Diva..................................................pg 20Sophisticated Women..........................................pg 23Me, Myself, & Inc...............................................pg 27Hitting The Target................................................pg 29Come To The Light..............................................pg 31Truth & Beauty....................................................pg 32Recipes For Life..................................................pg 33Moving Day Countdown.....................................pg 35The Wedding Planner..........................................pg 36Mandy’s Misadventures.......................................pg 38Shutterbuggerz.....................................................pg 39

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www.sophiewomansmagazine.com | pg 5

Molly Malone’sbout ique . c om

pg 6 | Sophie Woman’s Magazine | August 2012

For more information or to register, visit www.fryemedctr.com/DoTheUnthinkable. Proceeds to benefit the Scott Rigsby Foundation. To learn more, visit www.scottrigsbyfoundation.org.

ARE YOU READY TO Do The UnThinkable AnD Defy graviTy?

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For more information or to register, visit www.fryemedctr.com/DoTheUnthinkable. Proceeds to benefit the Scott Rigsby Foundation. To learn more, visit www.scottrigsbyfoundation.org.

ARE YOU READY TO Do The UnThinkable AnD Defy graviTy?

Defying gravity: Join us as Scott Rigsby shares insights that will enable you

to recognize the entrapments of your comfort zone. Learn how to escape the

fear of life and success and outline the keys to fulfilling your potential.

September 21 at 7 p.m.

at the P.e. Monroe auditorium lenoir-rhyne University • hickory, nC

September 22 at 8 a.m.

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Hickory, nC

“…leadership and position are two different things. You can have a title, and a position of power, but this does not mean that you are a leader. Even people without these things can exert influence and leadership.” Michael Hyatt, Intentional Leadership

As a Life Coach who partners daily with individuals who are

tired of playing small with their own lives, I often see common themes emerge. One such theme that is capturing my attention in this season is that most individuals, regardless of age or position, want to learn how to lead and influence those around them, whether in their companies or in their families.

While many people want to be effective leaders, few feel they are succeeding at this endeavor. This glaring truth has my ‘coaching mind’ considering the common issues which could be undermining our leadership.

In The Tension Point, my co-author and I write about IDENTITY as a key ingredient to a life of influence. It is critical to have a face-to-face encounter with the person you were created to become (the most effective path to this awakening is a face-to-face encounter with God, our creator!).

Many people fail to recognize the vast potential that lies within their spirit. Others fail to realize that those around are watching with keen attention to detail. Our families, friends and co-workers are continually scrutinizing us to see if our words match our actions… I believe our culture is hungry for true leaders to emerge. I also believe our most powerful leaders often emerge out of the most unexpected places. So take heart. If you fall into the category of assessing your own life as too far gone, too messed up, too hopeless… you just may be positioned to become a powerful leader as you learn to heal from and let go of the past.

It is summer time. We are beginning to HARVEST fruit and veggies. Some may be harvesting from your own gardens … the more ‘urban’ such as myself may ‘farm’ at the local farmer’s market. I confess I have my office time at Starbuck’s while others are planting and harvesting.

Summer yields the best and most nutritious additions to our table… fresh fruits and vegetables. I heard a message recently in which the speaker, Mark Dolphens, challenged, ‘Are you planting seed or looking for the harvest?’ The following thoughts emerged in my heart after hearing him speak.

While an incomplete or broken identity can keep us from leading with power, so can a vision that is too short sighted. When we plant or invest in others around us, we often concentrate on what

we are giving away. Like a farmer who places a seed in the dirt and then covers it up, it can be easy to forget the potential that is emerging within that seed in the season is not visible.

The mature leader plants and invests with the HARVEST in mind, not the seed. The HARVEST represents the vision of what is to come.

Whether you are currently most concerned for your teenager or your colleague, try this simple activity. Instead of focusing on the issues, hardships or needs at hand, begin to envision where you wish for your interaction and influence in that person’s life to take you and that individual.

Lay hold of the BIG PICTURE with passion. Begin to speak positive change and life over yourself and over those around you.

The more we begin to behold how much we are needed by those around us, the more we will become compelled to develop ourselves to the highest level and begin to truly live by example.

The speaker went on to give a powerful illustration. He explained how an apple has 5 seed pods with a maximum of 10 seeds per pod. This means an average apple could hold up to 50 seeds. If that one apple were to yield the maximal possible reproductive potential, that one small apple could actually yield up to 4.2 million pounds of apples as those 50 seeds came to maturity.

If you buy one apple, you eat it and quickly forget about it. But what if your local farmer were to back up to your front door and leave 4.2 million pounds of apples for you to share with your family and friends?

What if there is more potential within your mind, heart and spirit than you currently understand? What if you could yield 4.2 million pounds of influence whose ripple effect could change the lives of those around you?

People are hungry for mentors and friends who will meet them right where they are while also holding to a higher vision of who they will become.

Mark Dolphens certainly planted a seed of challenge in my heart with his message. Shift your focus off of the mere seed and begin to commit to the bigger vision at hand. Fall is coming. Get ready for the harvest of influence and leadership!

Kim Fletcher is a Life Coach, Speaker and three-time Author of global impact. She and her team at Kim Fletcher Associates are bringing true transformation to the personal and professional lives of their clients. Contact her directly to learn more about her newest release, The Tension Point: Breaking Through To Where You Want To Be. 828 327 6702 / email: [email protected] / web: kimfletcherassociates.com.

by Gracie

HOW TO BE


xoxo

As summer comes to an end, I often am asked “How do I transition my wardrobe from summer to Fall when it’s still so dang hot!??” I am amazed, even at my own boutique, that those poor mannequins aren’t dripping sweat in all the newest fall fashions while its a sweltering 90 degrees outside. As a woman of a ‘certain age’, I am completely opposed to warm weather ;). Unless I am chest high in a pool, lake, or ocean (umbrella drink in hand)… It needs to be like an igloo. Just sayin’. That said, I absolutely LOVE LOVE Fall fashions…and I intend to wear them appropriately!Here are a few hints to make you look ‘cool’ when its still steamy…

SCARVES1. …lightweight and oh-so-stylish! I love the infinity style. Can be worn loosely when that sun comes beating down, or cozy around the neck for those brisk mornings. Choose Neutrals or other Fall colors to ‘warm up’ your look.BOOTS2. …My favorite…hands down. I wear all kinds of boots, year round, every chance I get! Try a high boot with a short mini dress. Sooooo cute!!! Don’t forget to wear those thigh high socks that end just above the top of whatever fab boot your wearing. You can really add some ‘fun’ to the look by choosing colorful stockings with a neutral boot. DRESSES3. …Yes, we need some ventilation girls!!! Flowy frocks are THE way to go to keep your temperature comfy, while looking SMOKIN’! It’s ok to rock the bright hues like Tangerine and bubble gum pink in Fall as well. While we will be seeing the classic

‘Chocolate’ and ‘Honey Gold’ on the runways…those happy colors of summer will still make an appearance! Check out the pic this month…If I wanted to Fall it up a bit, I could throw on some high boots, colorful thigh highs, and maybe even a …LIGHT JACKET/JEAN JACKET4. … This goes along with the whole “layering” concept. You’ve heard it before…from your mama when you were little! It’s really this simple…start with a tank, add a cardigan, sweater, jacket, scarf, etc. and VOILA…you are ready for anything! As I have said before, a jean jacket is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Select a basic style in a medium to dark denim. In addition, for dressier excursions, choose a metallic or black light weight jacket--mid length. 5. HAT… Ok, instead of doing my Country Couture thing, I’m gonna go all Milan/Paris runway on ya! The toppers on the runways this year were PHENOMENOL!!! Armani showed fedoras, Dior showcased simple beanies, and Louis Vuitton had some crazy as heck hats strolling down that cat walk. This accessory has got to be the most exciting way to stand out! Look for Fall fabrics to ‘update’ the look. My daughter, Sydney, is still humiliated when I wear my velvet Parisian beret…poor girl just doesn’t know how fashionable her mama is!! ;))

These pieces will bring you fashion forward for Fall, without melting you like that poor witch in the Wizard of Oz. I may be a bit dramatic based on the fact that I tend to get warm in any weather above freezing nowadays. But honey, I don’t have hot flashes…I have mini tropical vacations! xoxo

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Journaling TheJ urney


by Judy Smith

Sir Arthur Eddington said, “We used to think that if we knew one, we knew two, because one and one are two. We are finding that we must learn a great deal more about ‘and’.”

Now you are wondering why I am using a quote that has to do with math. Let me explain. First (that is before second, just in case you don’t know), let me tell you some really good news. Since we have been talking about a journey for several months now, I have moved from one leg of the journey to another. I have been doing chemotherapy every week for a long time but as of last week, I am only going to have to do it every three weeks. Oops, now I have used the number three and I really had not planned that but since I did, that number is in order with the ones I started with…one, two, three. Are you able to stay with me so far?

Anyway, Hallelujah, that I am not having to do the chemo every week plus I am completely done with one of the chemo’s that is so hard. Think about the commercials you see on television about drugs. First they tell you how great they are and then they tell you all the side effects and you are left wondering why anyone would take it. It was sort of the same thing with the one particularly chemo I was doing. They told me how wonderful it was for cancer but then they told me the side effects. The only difference, I didn’t have a lot of choice to take it or not. Now before you blast me about that, I do want to say that no one held a gun to my head and I hope you know what I meant by that. But those side effects, well, I got every single one of them but one. Should I knock on wood or something?

So now I have started the next part of my journey and I am so excited that I will only be doing chemo every three weeks. I have also been told this other stuff won’t make me sick and that my hair will start to grow back. They did not know if this rash I have all over my head would go away or not…one of the reactions of the other chemo. Here is what I thought. Since I was having chemo every Wednesday, then on Thursday I would have what I called my “power day”, then start getting sick from the chemo and then start getting over it by Monday or Tuesday, just in time to start over. So if I am only going every three weeks, I would have two weeks of feeling better and I would be able to get a lot of things done. Wrong!

On the Thursday of the first week of getting the “other stuff” I felt awful. I had no energy, everything hurt and I was feeling nauseous. What in the world is going on? The next day the same thing but a light bulb went off. Every single week, I had been getting massive doses of Steroids, anti-Nausea medicine, medicine to fight against allergic reactions (I hate

to think what it would have been without that) and goodness knows what else. When they took away the other chemo they took away all of the other stuff. Now, I am realizing just what chemo does to your body when you are not getting the drugs that disguise all the bad effects it has. Oh my goodness….I really need some drugs. Just kidding, I think. On top of this, now I have to start radiation.

I have met with the Radiation Oncologist and just like with all the Doctors I have seen so far, and there have been a lot, I asked the same question. “Why do I have to do this?” Now some people may find it comforting if you ask the same question to a lot of different people and get the same answer. That just shows you how far away from “some people” I am.

You know the question and here is the answer. You need to do this because if one cancer cell escaped then by doing this it minimizes your chance of cancer coming back. They tell me that the kind of breast cancer I have has a very high likelihood of coming back. So, what has all of this got to do with Math?

When we did the surgery, I was told we got ALL the cancer. All to me means 100%. Happy dance! But then, they told me I needed to see the medical oncologist. That is when I found out I would need to do chemo and not just any chemo but an aggressive chemo. “Why do I have to do this if we got it all?” They told me if one cell escaped, this would up my chances 50% it would not come back. Next is the other chemo I am doing and I ask, “Why do I have to do this if we got it all?” and they told me this one decreases the likelihood of it coming back by 50%.

Do you see where I am going. So now here I am getting ready to do radiation and I am told…“in case one cancer cell escaped”, but radiation only adds another 20% or so. Plus I just found out there is a pill I am going to have to take for five years. But wait, I said five before I said four and we all know you can’t go from three to five without first doing four. So let’s do the math… 100%, 50%, 50%, 20%…in my book that is 220% without even considering what the percentage from the pill will be. How can you have better than 100%? Really? So if I had the 100% after the surgery, well, let’s just say I am still asking the question because when I was in school, two plus two equaled FOUR!

(Disclaimer: If any of my Doctors are reading this, I am just fooling around and do not pretend to have any more math knowledge than anyone else. In fact, I think I flunked math in school and cannot be held responsible.)


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by Marla Cilley

Just Two Minutes


What is it about two minutes? When we were told we had to do a two minute speech it seemed too long. When we stand in front of a microwave waiting impatiently for something to heat up it seems like it is taking forever. When I tell someone to do just two minutes, I get that look of “What good is that going to do?” Well let me tell you two minutes can accomplish more than you can ever dream if you will just quit whining about what it won’t do and show yourself what it can do!

This week we are taking the Two Minute Miracle Challenge! I

am calling it a Miracle because you are going to be surprised by the results of just those two minutes. We refuse to believe that two minutes can make a dent in anything we need to accomplish! This is our perfectionism stopping us from even getting started.

Perfectionism is the root of procrastination. We tell ourselves

that we don’t have time. The funny thing is that we don’t finish the sentence to say what we have been told our whole lives. The words should say, I don’t have time to do it RIGHT!

Since the day we were born we had these words drilled into

our heads, “If you can’t do it right don’t do it at all!” We learned this part well! We still hear these words in our head. As children we were forced to do things over and over again. No one was ever really proud of what we did after all we were only kids. Our parent’s expectations were not realistic. We were told to go clean our rooms instead of giving us babystep instructions. We were expected to know what “Clean our rooms” meant. Yet there was no example of what that was, because our parent’s room was not clean either.

If as children we had been told we were going to play the Two

Minute Game, we would have been so excited! It’s a two minute sprint to see what we can do and not a marathon that we would be doomed in the end, to repeat. Two minutes is not the end of the world. It is a focus on one thing; go pick up your dirty clothes.

Several years ago I received a testimonial from a FlyBaby who

was unable to stand for fifteen minutes. She told herself that she

could do two minutes. Those two minutes surprised her. They were the beginning of her journey. Every hour she would stand for two minutes and shine her sink. As she gained her strength that shiny sink radiated around her kitchen! Two minutes at a time. Eventually she was setting her timer and getting up every fifteen minutes to do only two minutes. See what you can do when you are not overwhelmed!

Two Minutes is the beginning of a lovely way to FLY! Two

minutes is doable even if you are pressed for time. When you hear yourself say, “I don’t have time!” That is when you set your timer for just two minutes!

Come FLY with me! Two Minutes are there for you too. You

can create a miracle in your life, just set your timer and see what Two Minutes can DO!

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, check out her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net or her book, Sink Reflections published by Random House and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley Used by permission in this publication.

pg 14 | Sophie Woman’s Magazine | August 2012915 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 170 | Hickory, NC | www.awomansview.com

Hours:Mon-Fri

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From the first pregnancy test to the day your child is born, every moment in a new mother ’s pregnancy is special. The physicians and midwife at A Woman’s view are ready to celebrate every special milestone with you.

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Standing Firm in the Storms of Life (Part 1)by Mary Southerland


Today’s Truth

2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) “We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Friend to Friend

Just as storms in life are a certainty, so is the provision of God. Life can be messy and bad things will happen, but every crisis and every storm is also an opportunity to trust God. He calls us to a heavenly perspective when facing challenging times. He calls us to see the storms of life as He sees them -- opportunities for His power and purpose to be illustrated in human terms. How can we face the storms of life in a way that honors God?

First truth: Live a pure life.2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) “We have proved ourselves by our purity, our

understanding, our patience.”

The apostle Paul was certainly no stranger to storms. In his writings to the church at Corinth, Paul lists several actions we can take to survive and even thrive in those storms. Notice that purity is listed first. Paul is sending a clear and certain message. Integrity and power for daily life are the result of a heart committed to purity. A clean heart unleashes the authority of God in us and through us. Impurity corrodes stability while purity generates a supernatural strength. It is that power and stability that keeps us from falling.

Psalm 51:10 (NASB) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

The Psalmist links a pure heart with a steadfast spirit. “Steadfast” literally means “fixed or unchanging” and defines the kind of strength that can only be found in a right relationship with God. Stability is essential when those blustery winds of life’s storms are raging. Some storms come to uncover that cherished sin we try so hard to bury. But make no mistake, the purpose of the storm is always to purify – then empower. If we refuse to deal with the sin in our life, God will urge us toward obedience by allowing the storms to come.

Second truth: Seek understanding.2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) “We have proved ourselves by our purity, our


Understanding is only as good as its place of origin. Human understanding is limited and tainted while Godly understanding is infinite and unspoiled. Our greatest lessons are learned in the fiercest storms. I know you have heard that statement many times – but are those words a living reality in your life?

A teacher was asked a question by one of his students who had come across Deuteronomy 6:6 that says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” The student asked, “Why does

it say to put God’s commandments upon our hearts instead of in our hearts?” The wise teacher responded, “It is not within man’s power to deposit truth directly into his heart. All we can do is place truth on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks, it will fall in.”

Every circumstance that results in brokenness is designed to produce greater self-control and a fresh perspective. We can face every storm with confidence, knowing that God will redeem it for understanding and truth.

Third truth: Learn to be patient.2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) “We have proved ourselves by our purity, our


I must confess that I am not the epitome of patience. In fact, I hate to wait – on anyone or anything – which may very well explain the presence of certain storms and trials in my life. James had the same problem but a much better attitude.

James 1:2-4 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I tend to consider it pure joy when I can escape trials of many kinds, but James tells us that trials can and should be faced with patience and an attitude of joy. Not joy for the trials but joy in the trials. Don’t miss this vital truth. Joy is deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control. Joy is a chosen attitude and understands that trials are not punishment.

Take a $5 bar of steel. If you cut that bar into ordinary horseshoes, it is worth about $10. That same $5 bar of steel cut into needles is worth $350 but cut into delicate springs for watches, that same $5 bar of steel is worth $250,000.

Trials are a test, a measurement of growth. Patience gives God permission to work and even expects to be tested. We go to great lengths to avoid trials and shelter ourselves from the storms of life. The result is spiritual immaturity. God will not build our character without our cooperation and He will not work in us without our permission. We must surrender, invite Him to work and then by faith, patiently embrace that work in our life. Warren Wiersbe writes, “When God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat.” Doubt puts our circumstance between us and God while faith puts God between us and our circumstances. Patience comes when we give up the responsibility for the outcome to God.

Let’s Pray

Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness in my life. Sometimes my motives are not pure and are so often self-serving. Right now, please cleanse my heart of all sin. Give me eyes to see the treasure buried at the heart of every trial and help me to choose joy -- even when I don’t understand what You are doing in my life. Teach me, Lord. Let my life be an illustration of Your strength perfected in my weakness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

by Sharon RashidiB.S. Health Education

Owner of The Perfect Workout


Triceps Partner Band Exercise- This exercise will work the back of your arm, the triceps area, and upper back as well.

Step one- You will need two exercise bands for this exercise. Hold one in each hand, and walk away from your partner standing face to face. Stand with your knees slightly bent, hip width apart and tummy tucked in tight.

Step two- With your palms facing down and arms straight, extend your arms forward and then press back.

Tips- To increase the difficulty level, step farther away from your partner. This will create more tension on the bands, increasing the difficulty level. Complete 12 repetitions for one set. Begin with 1-2 sets and work your way up to 3 sets for a great arm workout.

PARTNER EXERCISES

Exercise Number One- Partner Assisted Squat-This exercise works your whole leg including the thighs, hamstrings, butt, and calves. It works the arms and chests as well as you hold onto your partner to execute the squat. It is great for beginners because it teaches you how to do a proper squat, sinking back so that your knees are not going over your toes.

Step One- Face your partner and stand arms length apart. Hold onto each others wrists.

Step Two- One partner will squat down while the other partner stays standing. Remember to contract your abdominal muscles and press your feet into the floor. Then switch up. You can also hold the squat down for 3 seconds to really fire up those leg muscles.

Tips: You have to support each other and work together to get the best results. Complete 12 squats for one set. Begin with 1-2 sets and work your way up to 3 sets for a total body workout.

THE BUDDY WORKOUT

Every New Year I see my gym filling up with new and old members ready to conquer their New Years Resolutions. Here we are now in the middle of the year, and I see the same eager people dropping out. What happens is most people lack the motivation they need to achieve their goals set at the beginning of the year. I have heard many excuses as to why people do not achieve their fitness goals including bad genes, slow thyroid, no time, etc. The bottom line is that in order to achieve your fitness goals you need to make time and be consistent. Not one month or two, but by making it a habit, a way of life. Just like brushing your teeth everyday, you need to make time for fitness. A great way to make this happen is to have a workout buddy.

I wanted to test the workout buddy idea so last month in Tabata Class, I incorporated a few exercises where you work with a partner. I found that not only did the class work harder as a whole, but also everyone was more motivated and had smiles on their faces. A recent study showed that there are many benefits to having a workout buddy besides the motivation factor. A fitness partner can encourage, challenge, pace you, and can make working out more fun.

Picking your exercise partner should not be a difficult task. Age, gender, fitness level does not matter. Trustworthy is the key to finding a buddy and to being a good buddy. If you tell your buddy that you will meet at the gym at 12:00pm then be there. No one wants to spend their time waiting for their partner to show up. Other factors to look for when choosing a buddy are attentiveness and encouragement. Pay attention to what your partner is doing and give positive words of encouragement.

Or better yet, workout with your significant other. What better gift to give then quality time spent with your man or your woman working out together and keeping each other healthy and around longer? Grab your spouse, friend, mother, brother, and get down to fitness biz with these great partner exercises. Not only will you hold each other accountable, you will have fun and want to workout longer, ultimately helping you burn more calories.

If you have any questions please email Sharon at [email protected]


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NBehindthe

ameA Short Look At

Influential Women In History

Hello everyone! I am Kaylyn McCarraher and I am spending this summer here with all of you as an intern for Sophie Woman’s Magazine. I am a sophomore at Western Carolina University as well as a Golden Leaf Scholar which lead me to this amazing opportunity. Behind the Name is my little contribution to Sophie which takes a deeper look into the lives of history’s most inspirational women. I hope you all enjoy!

Janet Beth EvansAs a child, my Momma (I’ve

never called my mother “Mom” or “mother”) would drag me down to the beauty shop at least twice a month. I would sit there and listen as the women chewed the fat about their husbands, jobs and how gas was all the way up to $1.36 a gallon. Among all of the chatter there was the ever constant mention of age and how it was more of a foe than a friend. Ms. Tina would always say how

“everything headed south.” Ms. Rose said “things just weren’t the same after having kids”, and Ms. Sonya always told me to “wait until I was her age.” I’ve gotten older since then but cosmetology is something I’ve kept near to my heart and to this day I get ragged on by the ladies. My favorite line to hear is “Child you’re nineteen years old, truth be told you can’t even spell age.” They’re right, I haven’t experienced age as they have but personally, I find beauty in it. That’s what makes things admirable isn’t it? If something can stand the test of time people tend to have an appreciation for it. By understanding this is how I came to choose this month’s woman, Janet Beth Evans.

Janet isn’t as dated as the past ladies this article has covered. Actually, she is fairly recent. Janet Evans is a 40 year old from California that competed for a spot in the 2012 Olympics for swimming. Janet had already competed in the Olympics three times before (’86,’92,’96) and then ended her career. She is the holder of 4 Olympic medals, 3 of them being gold, along with also setting several records. Aside from being an Olympian she is a mother of two and a wife. Some of you, like myself, may be wondering why she wanted to be back in the Olympics after all this time. Janet attended a swim meet and realized that the times that these teenagers were getting were close to her times when she still swam. This sparked a fire in Janet. Swimming was something she loved and she wasn’t done with it just yet. She trained for six rigorous months to get her body close to what it used to be. Unfortunately, her times were not quick enough to make it to London but that wasn’t what this was about. Janet had to know that she did it; she is 40 years old and was still willing to do whatever it took for what she loved.

by Kaylyn McCarraher

Her story reminded me of a particular Biblical figure, Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the King’s cupbearer which is noted to be a prominent position. One day he asked his brother and others how the Jews who escaped and survived were doing and they told him that the people were in distress and the wall of Jerusalem has been destroyed and its gates burned with fire. This saddened Nehemiah’s heart. Jerusalem was the place of his fathers’ tomb; it held a special place in Nehemiah’s heart and he knew it was his job to help repair its’ wounds. Nehemiah did whatever it took to make sure the wall was reconstructed. He asked for permission for various things from numerous people. He faced criticism from many but was also supported by many for his efforts. Many joined him to help build and protect the wall from enemies. The beauty of this is Nehemiah’s perseverance. God planted a love deep within his heart and he honored that love by helping protect Jerusalem.

Protecting Jerusalem and swimming in the Olympics are two different things. However, they share a common thread. Janet has a love for swimming. God gave her that particular gift. Nehemiah had a love for Jerusalem. God instilled that within him. Both Janet and Nehemiah were willing to “go the distance” for what they wanted no matter the barrier; whether it be age or enemies. They were children at some point, just like you and I, and their parents probably told them too that they “could be whatever they wanted to be” when they grew up. What I have noticed is that I cannot be whatever I want to be. God has given me a gift that helps live out his plan. God gives each of us a gift, a specific specialty, to help his blueprints of us come to life. That is what this life is all about. We are to be continually seeking, forever hungry, for his guidance to show us how to use our gifts to honor him and his creation. That is something that I and the ladies at the beauty shop agree on. No matter our age or place in life we are all still students to our Lord God.

Leanne Ely is a New York Times bestselling author of Body Clutter and the Saving Dinner series. The Dinner Diva syndicated newspaper column appears in 250 newspapers nationwide. Learn how to cook great and save significant money with the Dinner Diva?s menus, recipes and shopping lists at www.savingdinner.com


Dinner DivaTheBy Leanne Ely CNC

The Art and Craft of CookingThe art and craft of cooking has been glorified in glossy

magazines for years with beautiful shots of styled food, propped, positioned and perfectly lit, sitting on a color coordinated plate. These gorgeous pictures set your mouth to drooling and your desire to cook right off the charts.

In recent years, food bloggers have attempted the same thing with their step by step pictures of a recipe in progress, making your mouth drool and your need to chop, sauté and simmer intense!

We at SavingDinner.com have test kitchened and worked our own private culinary magic without the photographic evidence (unfortunately) for years, although that’s starting to change.

Lately we’ve been testing paleo recipes and more to capture the drool worthiness of some of our most coveted recipes (as well as a bunch of fresh new recipes). Having the photographic evidence of our culinary triumphs has been great!

And while you may not be a food blogger (or ever want to be one), if you consider cooking to be a bore, a chore and on the same level of fun as root canals and toilet cleaning, step back for a minute and try on a new perspective.

Next time you make a meal, place it carefully on the chosen plate, sprinkle with a little fresh parsley (it takes two seconds to snip with you kitchen shears!) and serve it the way it would be served properly in a restaurant (with the protein on the plate at 6 o’clock if it was in front of you at the table).

You don’t have to whip out the camera and start snapping pictures to make a meal beautiful enough to warrant a picture. You don’t have to blog about it, either. You just need to appreciate it a little bit and give your meal its due. Any meal, served beautifully becomes even better than what it was intended to be and is appreciated more (even your little ones will notice) by the family.

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Celebrate Birthdays


Do you remember the day you were born?I ask this question to my clients and audiences all the time. The answer

is always a resounding “No”. Of course you can’t remember the day you were born but I can tell you what it was like. The day you were born was monumental. You delighted and astonished everyone with your arrival. Even if you come from a dysfunctional start, I know in my heart of hearts someone was delighted and astonished. Your mother may have held you with awe and relief. Or perhaps the nurse, whose witness of countless births, held you with fresh admiration? Because you see, babies are miraculous.

When was the last time you held a baby? Holding a sweet little bundle brings out a deep sense of reverence for creation. You admire the genius of God’s design. You marvel at the capacity locked away in the future of this miniature person. You think to yourself, this baby is packed with potential. This baby is full of possibilities. This baby is practically perfect. You are mesmerized.

This little bundle of joy is you. It’s me. And it’s every human that has walked the planet. At inception… birth… people believed in you. As you learned to talk and walk people were amazed at your promise. You were celebrated with claps and cheers! As you enter elementary school, people served up expectations of your future by asking the question, “What will you be when you grow up?” As you move through school and find yourself transitioning into adulthood, people are curious about your vocation, your future loves, your anticipated good fortune.

Then what happens?

You, this precious little bundle of joy is introduced to the perils, problems, and practicalities of life. Joys turn into sorrows. Possibilities are pre-empted by realities. And you forget where you started.

I am reminding you today. Pay attention! You are miraculous. There is untold potential inside you and you can still live into the powerful questions from your youth. I’ve heard the quote from George Bernard Shaw umpteen times, ‘Why is youth wasted on the young!’ It’s not. These questions serve as the start of the conditioning process to create the proper mental model of what a birthday can be.

A proper birthday celebration involves considering the following powerful questions:

What can you talk about that people need to hear?You have stories, lessons, and eyewitness accounts that save others time, trouble, and heartache. Gather friends together and share your wisdom! Unapologetically, tell them what you know is the truth about life.

Where can you walk that you’ve never been?You have a desire to see something you’ve never seen before. Get in the car. Buy a ticket. Google a destination. Embrace your wanderlust!

What will you be in the future?You have a dream, a desire and destiny that can still be released. Simply take one next right step toward it. Take a class. Be an artist, a poet, a playwright. Redesign your resume. Take a risk that would bring your true rewards.

I love these questions and I love birthdays. My birthday is this month. I am going to embrace my 46 years of living wholeheartedly! And I anticipate that if I maintain a proper mental model, the next 46 leave me an entire lifetime I can create with intention.

I have a plan. I invite you to take steps and make them your own.

Steps to Embrace a Birthday

Take a good look in the mirror. The actual mirror and the 1. proverbial mirror are both required. You must take stock of the woman who has served you her whole life. She deserves a good look straight in the eyes to acknowledge where she started. Appreciate her growth. And accept her… the good, the bad and beautiful.Have a party! Let “her” eat cake. You need to taste the sweetness 2. of life.Ask for what you want! Perhaps you need something fabulous 3. like a massage or something as simple as day apart for some silence and solitude would be a gift you’d treasure. You know what you need. Listen to your heart, your mind and your soul. You and the world have need of your untapped capacity. Take sacred care on your holy, set apart, special day.

Have a Happy Birthday!

I love birthday cards and I’d love to hear from you about how you celebrate your birthday in a special way. Write to me at PO BOX 455 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673


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Cornerstone Health Care is one of the fastest growing physician-owned and managed multi-specialty groups in North Carolina, and has gained national recognition intransforming the delivery of health care to enhance quality and reduce costs, whileimproving patient outcomes.

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Trina Tridico,MDScott Polster,MD

Baxter Leonard,MD

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The 29 Primary Care Practices ofCornerstone and Crown Health Care have been recognized by the NCQA as a Patient-Centered Medical Home™

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Do you have personal symbols of inspiration?

Whenever I see a blue bird, I think happy thoughts and that happy things are going to continue to flow. Whenever I see a red bird, I think good luck is near. Whenever I see a swirl of any kind, I think of continuous movement, energy, stimulating activity, how we touch others, revitalizing growth and personal improvement. Anyone who knows me knows that swirls are special to me both personally and professionally, so much so that they have become associated with both my personal and professional brand.

Do you associate a specific object or image with positive, emotionally uplifting thoughts? If not, perhaps you should consider this as yet another way you can reinforce positivity and possibilities into your life and your work. Being surrounded by what you hope and desire to be in your life is not just limited to inspirational sayings, people, and pictures. Defining your own unique symbol or symbols will open up a wealth of inner confidence and motivation, sometimes when you need it the most.

How do you define what your personal symbols could be? For me, my initial inspiration came from my grandmother, who shared with me as a young child that the blue bird means happiness and red birds mean good luck. Swirls became a symbol for me as it reminded me of the many words of wisdom that my grandmother shared about life and how to be with others.

Think back to your childhood, or to a particular special memory or occasion. What images from those memories bring a smile to your face? How do you feel emotionally that you would like to replicate again and again? Look around at your personal taste in décor, what you like to wear, and what you like to be surrounded by. What objects, images, styles or items seem to be a theme in these areas? I have one friend for which dragonflies are a special symbol, and another friend for which the fleur de lis is meaningful. The most important thing is that it is meaningful, powerful and empowering to you.

Once you have defined what is a meaningful symbol (or symbols) for you, make them a part of your everyday existence in a variety of ways.

Incorporate into your style: Both at work and at home, in your car and even in or on something you carry with you, make what is symbolic to you an ongoing reminder of what it represents. When you are having a challenging day or situation, you can then look to that symbol for inspiration or to simply remind you to pause for a moment and catch your breath. You will be amazed how it will make you feel when you experience this for the first time. Before long it will become an underlying, ever-present boost for you.

Incorporate in subtle ways: To reinforce its empowering effect, enjoy the exploration of how you can subtly but effectively incorporate your symbol or symbols into your life. For instance, my signature ends in a swirl. A friend of mine always gives a gift with her special symbol as an accent in some way.

Share the meaning with others: This is probably the most powerful aspect of having something symbolic and of meaning to you. When you share your symbol and why it is meaningful, you are giving this same positive image to others. Not only will they think the positive thought associated with it the next time they see the image away from you, they will also think of you in a positive and uplifting way. You will also find that they will share with others. As a young child, I could not stand all of my freckles, which have multiplied a thousand-fold since childhood. Then my grandmother said that freckles were kisses from guardian angels above. From that point forward, I wore my freckles with great pride and empowerment, and have passed this lovely story along to any frustrated freckled-faced adolescent who professes that same discontent.

Notice your alertness increase: Another amazing aspect of this process is that you will be more aware and alert as a result. You will notice your particular symbol in unexpected places. You will notice more readily décor items, patterns, note cards or other useful objects with your symbol, that you never noticed before. You will then notice other things gravitate to you, making you think, respond, appreciate or proceed in a different way than you would have before.

While driving several months ago, I was pleasantly startled by a red bird and blue bird flying in unison and then landing to perch together on the street sign at the intersection where I was waiting for the light to change. As the light turned green, I smiled at the good luck and the continued happiness I knew was going to flow into my life in some exciting, unexpected way. At the time, I was heading to meet who is now a client, and we are working on some of the most exciting and rewarding work that I have been involved in. I believe that those symbols gave me a passionate boost of confidence and energy because of their positive effects on me.

Don’t underestimate the power of having your own personal symbols of inspiration and how they can continuously remind you of what is to be appreciated, treasured, enjoyed and embraced. Most important, don’t underestimate your own power from within to bring what you desire to life.


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If you read my article in the June issue, then you know I have been learning how to handle a gun and hopefully shoot a little bit; maybe even hitting a target! I am involved in a shooting program at Point blank Range in Mooresville called “Women on Target”.

Most of my family thinks this is hilarious. What Mother or

Grandmother grabs a gun and heads out to the shooting range and tries to qualify for a Marksman, Sharpshooter, or even Distinguished Expert certificate? Obviously, myself and many other women of all different ages. I do recommend that you not tell the instructor that you have the shakes though. You might not get as much help as you need. Just kidding!

The instructors are fabulous and are there to answer any dumb

question you have, no matter how many times you ask it. They help you learn how to hold a gun the correct way. It is always good not to hold it backwards. Never point it at anyone unless you intend to use it. That is why I wanted to take the class. I have owned a gun for a long time but have been too scared of it to even try to shoot it. What good was that doing me?

When I first bought the gun, they told me I never wanted to

point a gun at anyone that I was not willing to shoot. I remember saying that if someone was trying to harm me or my family, that I would have no problem shooting them. That was not true because I was too afraid of the gun that I didn’t even know there was a way to properly hold a gun. That is one reason for a person to take a class like I am doing but there are a lot of others, as I am finding out.

Many of the women that I am meeting is doing this for fun

and for competition. I do love it when I hit the target. Now I was happy if I hit anywhere on the target because there were times that I had no idea where that bullet went. Don’t let me scare you….you are in a completely safe environment…it might not have hit the target but it was out in the range. But now, I am not happy if I at least don’t hit somewhere close to the requirements of the course I am taking.

I might not ever get Distinguished Expert shooter, but I am

going to try. There are quite a few of the women there who have already mastered this and my attitude is, if they can, then I can…even if I am a grandmother! My grandchildren already think I am pretty cool. Wonder what they would think if I had a NRA certificate hanging on my wall certifying me with a Distinguished Expert rating?

Another thing, you can’t “hit the target” if you don’t try. That

goes for anything in life. I hope I am teaching my grandchildren that it is never too late to try new things. You might find out you really love it!

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By Judy Smith


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• VitaminA is great for night vision, like when you’re trick-or-treating on Halloween. Vitamin A helps you see in color, too, from the brightest yellow to the darkest purple. In addition, it helps your body fight infections by boosting your immune system.

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by Susan Guest, ASID


Come To The LightEver wonder what the world would be like without light? According

to the Bible, “In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said “Let there be light, and there was light.”(Gen. 1:1-3)

Studies have shown that light deprivation can lead to depression. Many people in Alaska and northern or rainy territories are alcoholics due to untreated Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD). Even in sunnier areas, some people get depressed during winter months. For mild symptoms, at least 20 minutes outdoors is recommended daily or use of a light box or a full-spectrum lamp. Those with more severe symptoms should seek medical help.

Light can change the atmosphere and tone of any setting. Light brings warmth and signifies the end of evil things that happen in the dark. There is a reason that our mood lifts when the sun shines. The saying “there is light at the end of the tunnel” is used in situations where something positive is in sight.

Just think what the first cave man to hold a fire stick must have experienced! His entire world changed because of all the stuff he could get done at night in the light’s glow. His honey- do list grew a mile long! Imagine how the first families to have electric lighting felt the first night that light showered their homes. I’m sure they stayed up late and played bunco, battleship, or whatever games were popular back then.

Babies are fascinated with light. They stare at the ceiling and gaze wonderingly at the twinkle of a chandelier. As they grow into children, they chase after light. Catching fireflies becomes a rite of passage for many young people. Later, when they are teens, they love laser light shows and dynamic lighting at rock concerts. Children of all ages love the festive spirit of outdoor and indoor Christmas lights.

As a child, one of my first recollections of lighting was lying in my father’s lap during a boring church service. The cove lighting around the church ceiling caught my attention more than the pastor’s banging on the pulpit. (As a future designer, I was apparently more impressed with visual cues that auditory.)

As an adult, I still get excited and inspired by interesting lighting. Earlier this summer, I walked through the United Terminal at Chicago O’Hare airport. Along the walls were semi-transparent color blocks with back lighting. The ceiling over the people-movers displayed moving designs of colored neon light. I almost ran into the person in front of me because I was gauking at the lighting! The worst part is that this was not the first time that I’d been there.

Another light spectacular is in the Forum- the shopping area at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. The cloud- painted ceiling grows lighter and darker. At different intervals during the day, the ceiling gets really dark and thunder noises are heard.

Even now, light still has the power to affect many areas of our lives. Changes in the lighting industry have made light more efficient, dramatic, and readily available. Some of the changes that I’ve noticed in recent years include:

Energy saving lighting-now light bulbs can last longer and use less • power. Also, many lights do not burn your fingers like they did in the past.LED lights that change colors are a big trend now. You can have • an accent wall in your living room that changes colors without repainting the wall.Your company logo can be projected on a wall in a hotel during a • conference. With Pinterest and other internet sites, you can get ideas on making • light fixtures out of everyday items. For instance, simple silver buckets can be turned upside down and made into pendants for a log cabin or industrial- style loft kitchen.Lighting is layered in rooms more than ever before. In your kitchen, • you can have a dramatic scheme for entertaining, another layer for simple tasks, and one for overall power lighting. These zones can be labeled on your wall switch and easily operated.Solar lighting can line your walkway to your entrance doors and • you don’t have to hire an electrician to put in a transformer-just a little sunshine!Planetariums can be lit to mimic the night sky. They can also exhibit • laser shows that throb to rock and roll tunes.

Since God created the first light to hover over a dark earth, so much has changed. What has not changed is the warming and positive effect it has on us all.


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INSPIRATION ~ EDUCATION ~ MOTIVATION FREE

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“Changes”~ Dealing

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Reaching Your Full

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Woman’s Guide To

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A Mom’s Dream ~

How I was influenced

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“Changes”~ Dealing

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Reaching Your Full

Potential ~ The Lazy

Woman’s Guide To

Achievement | Page 12

A Mom’s Dream ~

How I was influenced

by a teacher years after

school | Page 23


sophiewomansmagazine.com

This month’s question comes from myself. I am hoping that the Sophie readers will help answer the question for me......So here it goes...

Question: If you see a friend or loved one with spinach in their teeth, or their pants unzipped, their slip showing, a huge booger on their nose or any other embarrassing issue. Do you tell them, even though you know it will embarrass them or even hurt their feelings, or do you just keep silent and let them walk around that way while perhaps others are laughing and pointing behind their back?

Now that you have answered that, what if the issue is too much or too little make-up, an outdated hairstyle, overly tweezed eyebrows, poor clothing style, or any number of bad style choices. Do you speak up to help them or as I said before, just keep your opinion to yourself, while you know others are talking about that individual behind their back?

I would like to share with you the consequences of my decisions on this very subject. Being the outspoken person I am, and often feeling that people want help, but don’t know where to start. I will often, stick my nose in and tell someone (very gentle, of course) that they may want to change their style or clothing choices. For instance, I may say, “you know you would look even better if you styled your hair, this way or that” or “have you ever considered wearing such and such, that would look fabulous on you”. I just can’t help myself! I want to help women to look and feel their best. However, I found out that not everyone is eager for my opinion. I had two totally different reactions to my make-over meddling. The first one, was with a woman I have known for about 8 months. I shared with her some make-up and hairstyle techniques that I thought would make her look younger. ( I knew from conversations we had that she was concerned about that.) After, I schooled her on the “how to’s”, she tried them for herself. The next time I spoke with her, she was so grateful for the information that I had given her, that she began to tear up, while she told me, “everyone is telling me I look so much younger and I have received so many compliments on my hair and make-up. People are stopping me and asking, What have you done? You look great!”

While another woman that I have known for many years, wasn’t as grateful for my expertise. In fact she was down right MAD!!!! As I stated earlier, I just can’t seem to help myself, when I see a beautiful woman, that is still wearing the same hairstyle she had 30 years ago, and I know how great she would look with an updated style. If she is wearing clothes that a 96 year old grandmother wouldn’t be caught dead in, or whatever her issues may be. I just can not be silent, I have to open MY BIG FAT MOUTH!

So my Sophie friends, I want to know, What do you think? Should I continue to help those in desperate style need. To rescue those, such as the woman who cried with gratitude, because she was so happy with her new look. Or should I learn from the woman that wanted no part of my advice and just keep my mouth shut! All opinions are welcome and may be sent to Sophie. In the subject box, type in “Teresa’s Answer” and the editor will forward them to me.

Be very honest with your opionions, but please be gentle. LOLThanks for your help.

Recipes for LifePotato Salad (Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker’s New Cookbook)

12 medium potatoes (4 pounds)3 cups mayonnaise3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp. mustard1 ½ - 2 tsp. salt½ tsp. pepper4 celery stalks, chopped½ onion, chopped5 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

Peel potatoes and cut into cubes. Bring to a boil in salted water and boil until tender—about 20 minutes. Drain and cool in a large bowl.

Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Add celery, onion, and eggs. Pour over potatoes and gently stir until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. A Prayer for God’s Blessing

Loving Father in heaven,You are worthy of all adoration and praise … so worthy. I confess I sometimes allow busyness to hinder my time with You. Thank You for loving me in spite of this and for never turning me away. Please grow my hunger for You and quiet me in Your presence. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

Food for the Soul

Most people I know enjoy potato salad. Though there are many varieties, this recipe replicates the good old-fashioned version. As the saying goes, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” That’s how I feel about this creamy combination.

Yet homemade potato salad requires time to prepare. Between peeling and cooking potatoes, cutting vegetables, removing eggshells, chopping eggs, and mixing the dressing, significant time is invested. Many of us maintain such busy schedules that we’d almost rather buy potato salad. We think, “Why go to all that trouble?” But when we do spend time making it from scratch, we realize it’s definitely worth every bit of effort. The taste far exceeds store-bought versions.

www.sophiewomansmagazine.com | pg33

by Emily Wickham

Emily Wickham, published author, speaker, and founder of Proclaiming Him to Women Ministries, gently yet powerfully presents God’s Word. She encourages and equips women by exalting Christ through inspirational, practical Bible teaching.

Visit www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com to read Emily’s blog devotionals and to learn more about life in Christ.

Emily welcomes speaking opportunities at women’s events such as retreats, luncheons, and conferences. Please e-mail [email protected].

Emily resides in western NC with her husband and their four children.

Food for the Body

The Christian life also requires time. If we truly desire a vibrant relationship with God, we need to spend time with Him. So what does that look like in our modern 21st century? The same as it looked in the 1st century. Just as early Christians “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42), so should we.

Let’s consider each aspect of this verse in order to understand more clearly:

The apostles’ teaching: During early church days, only the Old • Testament was available in written form. The apostles verbally taught/sent letters—truths we now read in the New Testament. Since God’s Word is vital to the Christian life, we need to make certain the teaching we sit under comes from the Bible. Some preachers use fancy words and convincing appeals. But are they preaching the Word as the Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy (II Timothy 4:2), or are they tickling listeners’ ears (II Timothy 4:3)?Fellowship: The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia, meaning • “a communion … society” (Key Word Study Bible, pg. 1848). This conveys an image of togetherness. Simply put, early Christians spent lots of time together. They enjoyed each other’s company. They helped each other and valued God’s gift of the body of Christ. Do we?The breaking of bread: The New Testament Christians took Jesus’ • instruction to remember Him very seriously. They practiced the Lord’s Supper frequently and were better for it. Reflecting together on Jesus’ sacrifice keeps our focus in the right place. The cross is the great equalizer—in its shadow, we’re all equally guilty … equally loved … equally forgiven. There we recognize our lowliness and lift our eyes to our perfect Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection give us life, making us who we are.Prayer: In the church’s beginning, God’s people prioritized prayer. • This was and continues to be the Christian’s direct access to the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer puts us immediately into God’s presence. Oh, the comfort of going to our heavenly Father with joys and sorrows, requests and supplications, confessions and thanks. Though we sometimes sigh and consider prayer a burdensome duty, may our appreciation for this extraordinary privilege consistently grow. May we—like the saints of old—beseech God and rejoice in His answers together.

These Biblical principles can help us live the abundant life Jesus came to give (see John 10:10). When we implement them into our regular routine, we’ll find the reward of intimacy with God far outweighs any “effort” we might exert.

What we do before becoming a Christian has no bearing on our salvation. We can’t work our way to God—it’s based on Christ’s work alone. Yet the way we choose to occupy our time after becoming a Christian directly impacts the closeness of our relationship with Him. Let’s devote time to God today … He’s more than worthy. Until next time, that’s a Recipe for Life …


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by Jennifer Burnham

Summer is a popular time for families to move and relocate. Moving can be a challenge even for the most organized person. Seeing all of your belongings in boxes and on the floor can stir up a lot of emotions. The biggest emotion of all that comes us is overwhelmed. Where to start packing? How do I organize the boxes? What should I do about cutting off water, cable, power? Here is a checklist to keep you organized during a move:

*2 to 4 weeks aheadVisit a neighborhood moving company and reserve a 1. moving vanReserve a utility dolly, piano dolly, furniture pads2. Purchase or round up packing supplies3. Sell or donate unwanted items4. Send change of address cards to magazines, charge 5. accounts, friends, and relatives (Free at post office)Collect medical and dental records, eye prescriptions, 6. and pet recordsGet copies of school records7. Settle all local tax bills8. Make arrangements for shipment of pets9. Start packing boxes as soon as possible10.

*1 to 2 weeks aheadHave clothing dry cleaned. Check on items in repair 1. shopsClose and transfer bank accounts and safe-deposit 2. boxesNotify utilities and telephone companies and both old 3. and new addresses. Set up a date for disconnection and hookup.Return borrowed items, and pick up things you have 4. lent.

*2 to 7 days aheadDiscard all flammable items such as paint and gasoline1. Inspect and service your car2. Line up a babysitter for moving day3. Finish packing. Leave out items for moving day4. Buy travelers checks5. Empty refrigerator and freezer6.

*1 day aheadClean range. Go through house and pick up trash1. Pick up moving van in the afternoon to get a head start 2. the following morning if you’re doing the loadingPick up ice and beverages for moving day3.

*Moving dayLeave young children with a babysitter. The older 1. children can help load upGo through the house and pick up any trash. Turn off 2. water and lights. Lock windows and doors.

Moving Day Countdown


Tales About Veils

When you deal with brides on a regular basis, you are often asked a lot of questions. And that’s OK. But sometimes it’s hard to give a definitive answer. Like, why do brides wear veils? Simple enough you think, but not so fast. There are almost as many stories about the origin of the wedding veil as there are countries in the world.

In the Middle East silk veils were often worn as a fashion accessory, as well as protection from the hostile environment. For some, it was meant to protect their delicate skin and show virtue and modesty. And of course, the veils of the wealthy were more elaborate and woven from the finest silk threads.

With the introduction of the Silk Road, the Europeans became interested in the fashions of the Far East. Their version of the veil, called the wimple, was created as a means of protection. The wimple was simply a cloth wrapped around the head and neck. It was so popular that it came to be part of the daily attire. As clothing became more elaborate, so did the veil. For the wedding, the clothing and the veil became more elegant and made with finer fabrics with intricate embroidery. Lace was also being used.

The Roman women wore flame-colored veils. It was believed a virtuous bride would attract evil, so her face was covered with a veil to confuse the bad spirits until after the ceremony. Her hair was waxed and braided into spikes. That also helped keep the demons away so she could stay pure for her husband. (You can see a version of that hairstyle even today!)

Even though it’s not a veil, the Japanese bride wore (some still do) a tsuno kakushi, a large headdress. It was meant to contain her bad attributes and let his family know that she was on her way be becoming a good, gentle wife. The older version was the wataboshi, a large hood that concealed her face to everyone but the potential groom.


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One of my favorites tales has to do with arranged marriages. A man would bargain with the potential bride’s father until they could reach an agreement on her worth. Could you imagine listening to your dad and groom-to-be discussing this? And the poor groom didn’t get to see you until after the ceremony when he got to lift your veil. And what if your dad gave you to the groom at a discount? How would you feel? And the thing is, the divorce rate was low or none at all.

Time has gone by and things have certainly changed. Now there are at least 20 different veil lengths from which to choose. And the same can be said about the variety of fabrics from which a veil can be made. You don’t have to get married in a cathedral to be able to wear a cathedral length veil. Most brides choose not to have a blusher (veil over the face, to be lifted later). Some brides choose not to wear a veil at all!

And now you can wear a veil at your second, third, fourth or fifth marriage. And it’s acceptable to wear a white veil too. It’s your choice. I’ve seen pink, light blue, lavender and even black ones. Remember Princess Diana’s veil that was 25 feet long? Star Jones of “The View” had a veil that was 27 feet long.

Veils can be valuable for things other than weddings too. Imagine a beekeeper without the veil or venturing through a jungle without mosquito netting. And I’m sure when the dust storms occurred in the Midwest, most of the people there would have welcomed some sort of veil to protect their face.

There is one more tale. In some places, it is said that a veil represented a bride’s submission to her husband and that she would honor and obey. Yeah, right! Well, honor maybe.

By Mackey Carpenterwww.mscdesigns.net


Family vacation is always such a big deal for our little unit.

Mostly because we can’t afford to do it very often, and when we can, we usually just end up heading down to Florida to visit my parents. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I mean, we don’t pay for a hotel, we get to dine on mom’s home cooking, and there’s built in babysitters.

All things considered, it’s a win/win/WINNING situation.

Plus, my parents live about thirty minutes from the beach, and their city is full of things to do. So, imagine our excitement when, after our planning and saving, we found out that the local zoo was having a day where everyone was admitted for two dollars! This was a plan we could get behind, so on the day designated, we loaded everyone up and took off.

The whole way there, the kids chattered about what animals they’d like to see - Savannah was thrilled about the zebras, and Addison was pumped for the giraffes - while Chris and I giggled like mad over all the money we were saving. It was going to be perfect, and we couldn’t wait to get to the zoo.

Reality was a lovely punch to the face that day.

It was so hot that the girls cried nearly the whole time, the tiny water park had a line and a time limit, the bald eagle looked suspiciously maimed, and the one thing I wanted to do (which was feed the giraffes) cost five dollars, and the animals were eating their lunch when we got there. The only real animals we got to see were the billy goats at the petting zoo, which the girls loved, but come on! We could’ve pet goats anywhere in North Carolina!

So, after a few hours of tears and trekking across hot asphalt, we called it a day and went home to soak in my mom’s hot tub. After all, we had other things to plan for, like a trip to the beach later in the week.

We woke up the morning of our beach trip a little less enthusiastic than zoo day, but hopeful nonetheless, because usually the beach is a sure thing. (A side note - do you even understand how hard it was for me not to type “shore thing?” You’re welcome.) It was hot, but that was okay because we had an entire ocean just waiting for us when we pulled into the parking lot.

It turned out to be a great day, with the kids building castles and me being able to read a little bit more than five pages of the book I had started, and my mom and sister had finally figured out how many applications of sunscreen to apply to the girls. The best part, though, was the exotic animals.

And by “exotic” I mean “something we don’t see every day as people who don’t live near the ocean” and by “animals” I mean “seagulls.”

The girls squealed in delight every time one of the birds would come near them, and by the time we’d left, there was a swarm around Addison. That had me terrified, because all I could see of her was a chubby hand outstretched to offer those spawns of Satan a Cheeto.

I think next time, we’ll just skip the zoo and head straight for the seagulls.

by Mandy Thomas

Misadv en tur e sMandy’s

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