Family MattersWinter Issue 2012

LETTER FROM PAM LOZANOExecutive Director

Dear Readers,

As I have been praying over this issue of Pure Design, I have been so excited. I sense the Lord wants to release a message of reconciliation and hope to many of you teenage girls. As we head into the holidays, often times it’s a “yippy-skippy” season of Hallmark cards saying, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” celebrating the cheerful bliss of Christmas and the New Year. Yet amidst the over-eating and visiting with family, we are anything but happy or merry on the inside. So many of us dread or fear the holiday season because of past experiences that we’d rather forget.

Many teens have to live with the reality that Christmas is not a happy season. Whether it’s because of finances, divorce, abusive situations, or insecurities, the season is anything but merry. The intense struggles with parents can be heightened and many are left feeling isolated and alone.

On the other hand, many of you love Christmas and this truly is a time of happiness and joy. No matter whether you love or hate the holidays, God creates seasons in our lives, and He

uses ALL things for our good! If we can learn to embrace the seasons that we are in, and live in the moment, God can teach us through joy or pain.

My prayer for this issue is that as you turn pages, looking at images, and reading through articles, you will sense God’s heart for you. Families DO MATTER to God. He is the inventor of the family structure, and no matter what yours looks like, it DOES matter to Him.

Malachi 4:6 – says, “He (God) will turn the hearts of the fathers (and mothers) to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers (and mothers).”

God’s desire is that your hearts would be turned toward your parents, not away! Society tells you to “do it on your own,” or “they just don’t understand you.” God wants for us to prefer one another and be in right relationship with those He has placed in our lives.

You may be thinking, “But you don’t know my parents. They don’t deserve my respect!” That may be totally true, but God’s command to honor your father and mother didn’t come with an “if ” after it. He desires honor and respect in our relationships at home.

We desire to keep inspiring you to be part of a generation that will live differently from the standards the world sets for you. May you be challenged by the stories you read, and encouraged by the questions that are asked. We hope the fashion and creativity motivate you to try new things, and be all that God has created you to be! There is so much potential inside each of you, and God desires to use you to impact the world that you live in! Set high standards for yourself, because you are valued by the Almighty God!

Again, I am truly humbled and honored by the women God has put together to be part of this team. I am blessed that He is allowing us to do this. Please continue to share this gift with others by telling your friends and family! Thanks for joining us!

Affirming His Design!

Pamela LozanoExecutive Director

Aaron JerEmiasKennel Club USA

Photo shoot setting

Connie CorrovaCabin, Sunbury

Photo shoot setting

Kandi Mayomakeup artist/ hair stylist

for photo shoots

Nancy Zaisermakeup artist

for photo shoots

Todd TaylorMarkt Solutions

T-shirt sales

Kimberly BakerPeacock Lane Homes,

Worthington

chair donation

Mike & Kim LotzLotz Studios, Galena

studio space

Hannah Kienerartist

backdrop for photo shoot

Gordan College, BostonMarketing Booth/space

Executive Director

Contributors Table of Contents

Aaron JerEmiasKennel Club USA

Photo shoot setting

Connie CorrovaCabin, Sunbury

Photo shoot setting

Kandi Mayomakeup artist/ hair stylist

for photo shoots

Nancy Zaisermakeup artist

for photo shoots

Todd TaylorMarkt Solutions

T-shirt sales

Kimberly BakerPeacock Lane Homes,

Worthington

chair donation

Mike & Kim LotzLotz Studios, Galena

studio space

Hannah Kienerartist

backdrop for photo shoot

Gordan College, BostonMarketing Booth/space

36

81416182234

4046

48

meet the team

winter fun!can U hear me now?

DIY &

fitness

the heart of a father

cold weathercouture

the prodigal daughter

christmas glitz

hair and makeup

happy holidays... NOT!

crafting

Meet the Pure Design Team!

PamFounder/Executive Director

Kerry Writer

SophiaPhotographer/Editor

NatalieMarketing Director/Webmaster

KimPhotographer/

Editor

NicolePublicist/Event Coordinator

SarahEditor/DesignerLauraFashion Mentor

Meet the Pure Design Team!

Kerry Writer

Hannah Layout & Design Apprentice/Writer

Maddie Thriftaholic & Master Crafter

Ruth Photo Director &

Media Critic

Caeilen

Fashion Guru

Kate

Food Nut &

Fitness Buff

OliviaProp & Fashion

Assistant

Avery Crafting Apprentice

Winter fun!December

1 - World Aids Awareness Day4 - Wear Brown Shoes Day

6 - Mitten Day7 - Letter Writing Day

8 - National Brownie Day9 - International Children’s Day

10 - Human Rights Day15 - National Lemon Cupcake Day

17 - National Maple Syrup Day18 - Bake Cookies Day20 - Go Caroling Day

21 - Look On The Bright Side Day24 - National Chocolate/Eggnog Day

25 - Christmas Day31 - New Year’s Eve

january1 - New Year’s Day

3 - Sleep Day5 - National Bird Day8 - Bubble Bath Day

13 - Make Your Dreams Come True Day14 - Dress Up Your Pet Day

15 - National Hat Day16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

18 - Winnie the Pooh Day20 - Penguin Awareness Day

21 - National Hug Day/Squirrel Appreciation Day

23 - National Pie Day25 - Opposite Day

27 - Chocolate Cake Day28 - National Kazoo Day

31 - Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

february1 - National Freedom Day

2 - Groundhog Day4 - Thank a Mailman/Woman Day7 - Send a Card to a Friend Day

11 - Make a Friend Day12 - Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

14 - Valentine’s Day17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day

20 - Love Your Pet Day/President’s Day21 - Card Reading Day

22 - George Washington’s Birthday/Be Humble Day

26 - Tell a Fairy Tale Day27 - Polar Bear Day

28 - Floral Design Day

Winter fun!

The Pure Design Team is looking for help, especially for our Spring issue! We are working on this

during the months of December, January, and February, and need help in photography and design layout!

Because we are a volunteer staff, we are dependent upon people who are willing to come aboard and assist us. We also have a desire

to be as professional as possible, so we are looking for skilled staff who are willing to donate time and talent.

Help Wanted

Our magazine layout is done in InDesign and published in Issuu, so if you are willing to help with layouts and spreads, you would need to have access to this program and be knowledgeable in InDesign and Photoshop.

If you are a professional or semi-professional local photographer, and are available to help with photo shoots, we would love to check out some of your work, and talk further!!

If you are interested, please contact our Executive Director, Pam Lozano at Pam@puredesignministries.com.

can uhear

me now?

b hm @ 10. dont 4get 2 sign my perm slip 4 the sr trip. c u in the am b4 school?

Hi honey. How was your day? I hope you had fun at the bball game! What time will you be home?

by Pam Lozano & Caeilen L.

From a teen daughterFor many teenage girls, it’s hard to understand how much

your parents love you. Often, I feel like they don’t really

understand what I am going through, and that they could

never know how I really feel. Tons of things keep me from

talking to my mom, and a lot of times we end up having

a gap in our relationship. But God wants us to stay con-

nected! He wants us to prioritize family and be open and

honest with each other no matter what. If you are like me,

you need to be reminded your mom will always be there

for help and guidance. As young women, we need to for-

get about how the world views communication, and be re-

spectful, vulnerable, and honest; to obey our parents and

have healthy friendships with our moms. My mom and I

are so close, but we have to constantly work on it together.

One big reason I don’t tell my mom how I’m doing is be-

cause I don’t want to feel weak. I am a very strong person,

yet all of us are human and in need of help. A lot of times

I can forget that I was placed on this earth in this specific

family for a purpose by God’s plan. I am so fortunate that

He gave me my mom, and I need to come to a place of sur-

render and humility so that my heart is set right towards

her when she gives me correction and warnings. If I want

to stay close with my mom, I need to have an open mind

From a MomWe live in a society where we are in constant communica-

tion with others. We drive and text, we talk and tweet, we

instant-message, Facebook or talk on our cell phones day

and night. We sleep with our cell phones on our beds or

under our pillow just in case someone needs to get a hold

of us in the middle of the night. The need to be available

anytime to anyone drives our culture and society. When

we don’t get a text back within a few minutes, we feel frus-

trated and insecure; we might even call to make sure our

message was received.

We can literally become addicted to the constant contact

with others. But what kind of contact? We may not realize

these tools of communication can hinder our ability to cre-

ate deep, authentic relationships with friends and family

members.

Being heard is one of the most validating things on this

planet. When we, as human beings, know that we are

heard, we feel important, connected, and cared for.

As a mom of a teenage daughter, I often find myself won-

dering if I am doing enough to foster good communication

in our home. Am I asking the right questions? Am I

continued on next page continued on page after next

fore I go to talk to my mom, I hear a voice telling me that

she won’t really care. How could she possibly want to pay

attention to me and what I am dealing with when she is

so busy with more important things? But those are the

words of a liar who can deceive us very easily, if we are not

in a good place. The truth is our parents do want healthy

relationships with us. Life is busy and we can focus on a

thousand other things, but family is most important.

We need to remember that we only live under our par-

ents’ roofs for so long. “Once we are grown up and live in

our own houses and apartments, we don’t have to listen

to their counsel anymore!” That’s what the world wants

us to think anyhow. But we need to be wise and listen to

the advice we are given now, so we can apply it to our fu-

ture. God disciplines those He loves; and our parents do

the same because they also love us and only want the best

for us.

As young women we have to remember that our mothers

are a precious gift from God, and that they DO care about

us and what is going on in our lives. We need to take time

to share how we feel, who we hang out with, what friend-

ships we struggle with and how we need help. The list goes

on and on, but no matter what, our mother-daughter rela-

tionship is important and we need to keep it healthy and

strong. When I’m older, I want to reminisce about happy

memories and experiences with my mom. I do not want to

have regrets because I refused to communicate with her,

or because I tuned her out.

and listening ears to hear her words of wisdom and love.

One of the hardest things for me to talk about with my

mom is boys. Yes, boys are a major struggle for most girls

our age. Come on, we can’t talk about communication

struggles and breakdowns without talking about boys, can

we? That really would be leaving out a most crucial part!

I find it really hard to talk about my feelings and hormones

with my mom. I know for some of my friends, it’s the

easiest thing to talk about. I’m not saying that we never

talk about the male species, but I just find it hard to tell

my mom that her little princess has a crush on a guy that

seems absolutely perfect for her princess’s life and future!

I get really frustrated when my mom reminds that I am not

allowed to date right now, and that Jesus really can fill ev-

ery desire in my heart. I have grown up in the church and

have heard it over and over again. But until a few months

ago, I really didn’t know how I could relate to Jesus being

my prince charming without even knowing what He looks

like. For the longest time I would ask myself, “Can I really

fall completely in love with the Lord who is also my father,

friend, and King?” I do believe that with maturity and spir-

itual growth, you really can come to a place of satisfaction

in Christ. We have to trust Him because He knows what is

absolutely best for our future.

One last thing that keeps me from communicating with

my mom is when I believe the lies of the enemy. Even be-

“The truth is our parents do want healthy relationships

with us.”

From a teen daughtercontinued

not a gr8 day. wish i didnt have school 2morrow. girls r mean!:(

Since I’m sitting next to you on the sofa... how about we put down our phones and talk about it? :)

drawing out what is deep inside my daughter’s heart? Am

I truly listening to hear her heart when she communicates

with me? Am I able to receive her answers – even if they

aren’t the answers I’m hoping to hear?

As a parent, I desire more than any-

thing to have great relationships with

my children. I want to know them

and what is going on in their lives ev-

ery single day. I want to hear about

their struggles, their friendships, their

dreams. In order to know them, I must

make time to listen and cultivate a real

relationship with my kids.

Parent-teen relationships are difficult

for a lot of reasons. The generation gap

is a truly valid issue, because times (es-

pecially in today’s culture) are rapidly

changing, and it can be difficult to keep

up. This fast-paced culture we live in

does not value the kind of communica-

tion that actually builds meaningful re-

lationships between parents and teens.

I know for myself, I can get so busy with my “to-do” list

that I can forget to sit down and relate with my daughter,

listening to her wants and needs.

When I do sit down to talk, I might interrupt or try to prob-

lem-solve rather than hearing her out or empathizing with

her. When I do this, I’m not validating her feelings or emo-

tions. I’m trying to be “mom” and make it all better, or fix

the problem so we can move on. Other times I judge my

daughter’s heart based on my own past mistakes, assum-

ing her motives are the same as mine were, rather than

allowing her to be her own person with her own thoughts

and motives.

When I slow down and remember

that my kids want ME—my time, en-

ergy and emotions—I am able by God’s

grace to truly be a friend, a mentor,

and a better mom. My heart, more

than anything, desires meaningful,

lifelong relationships with my kids.

When they are grown up, I want them

to want to come to me for advice and

input. I want meaningful friendship

with my kids throughout the rest of

my life.

In order to have that, I must invest

now, giving them my time, energy and

love. I must take the time to cultivate real conversations

in which they know they are being heard, understood

and loved unconditionally!

From a Mom continued

“Am I drawing out what is

deep inside my daughter’s

heart?”

Release Party

Magazine

Red Carpet Photo Shoot

Red Carpet Fashion Show

Designer’s Dash

8.24

.201

2

Crafting Tables

Live Music:

Dance Party

Heather Evans & Chris WestraLibby Johnson & Claire Decker

Moving through the HolidaysThe holidays are full of wonderful times with family and friends. We share in many traditions surrounding Christ’s birth. Often these celebrations are accompanied by meals and yummy desserts: hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, and eggnog to name a few. Although a little sugar and spice is alright in moderation, you can keep your body and mind healthy by adding exercise to your holiday routine. Here are a few fun exercises and stretches you can do that will keep you moving and feeling good throughout winter festivities. By Kate D.

Standing Forward Bend (Figures 1.1 & 1.2): Stand up straight with your feet about 4 feet apart. Raise your arms over your head as you inhale, then exhale as you bend forward at your hips and place your hands on the floor. Stay here in this stretch while taking 5 deep breaths, stretching further forward with each exhale.

Squats (Figures 3.1 & 3.2): Stand with your feet flat on the ground, a little less then shoulder-width apart. Cross your arms, and point your feet slightly outward, not straight ahead. Look straight ahead, bend at your knees as if you were going to sit back in a chair, keeping your heels on the floor. Pull in your abs, keep your lower back as straight as possible, and slowly lower yourself down and back so that your upper legs are nearly parallel with the floor. Lift back up. Repeat 20-25 times.

Don’t stop here! Look for opportunities to exercise with a friend, your mom, or a sister. There are countless resources for enjoyable workouts ranging from books, YouTube™ tutorials, DVD’s, or local classes. Above all, remember to strengthen yourself not only in your body, but also in your mind and spirit.

Triangle Twist (Figures 2.1-2.3): Stand up straight with your feet about 4 feet apart. Stretch your arms out to your sides, keeping your shoulders down, back, and away from your ears. Inhale first, then twist to your right (from your waist, not your shoulders) as you exhale. Bend from your hips as you place your left hand on the floor next to the inside of your right foot and stretch your right arm up to the sky. Inhale as you straighten up and repeat on the left side. Do this 5 times per side; on the last time, hold for 30 seconds on each side to further stretch your legs.

1.1 1.22.1

2.2 2.3

3.23.1

By Kate D.By Kate D.

“He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents...”

Malachi 4:6

A Pure Design Interview with Andrew Hutson, Todd Garman, and Danny Meyer – three dads in very different stages of life.

Andrew’s little girl, Ava is a 4-year-old preschooler. Todd is currently raising his teenage daughter, Haley... and Danny is the father of Chelsea, a grown woman and mom herself. Each dad has a different perspective of raising girls and boys. We asked each of them to share from their own perspective and experiences.

What is the best thing about raising a daughter?

ANDREW: The best part about raising a daughter is getting to play a role in helping her realize her own uniqueness, beauty, strength, and identity. Even at age four, I can begin to see all these characteristics in my own little princess.

TODD: The best part about raising a daughter has been being able to model for her how she should expect to be treated by men in her life. It is an unspeakable privilege to treat her with care and love, knowing that how I treat her will “set the table,” for the standard she will have of how men should treat her.

DANNY: As a father it is wonderful to see how a daughter can bring out areas of my personality and temperament that my sons do not tap into, especially in the areas of listening and responding to vulnerability and relationships.

What is the most difficult part of raising a daughter?

ANDREW: The most difficult part is watching her fail from time to time. Ev-ery father feels his daughter’s pain when she trips and falls (both literally and figuratively), when she makes poor choices (like hitting her two year old broth-er), and when she’s too afraid to move into the wonderful things of this life.

TODD: The most difficult part of raising a daughter has been trying to miti-gate the harm and damage she will inevitably receive from living in a fallen and broken world. When she was younger I was able to relatively minimize the hurts she endured from people or things, but as she grows older and more independent I am less able to do that. It is a difficult thing to know that my daughter will undoubtedly be hurt by a world or by people who will not treat her with gentleness and care.

DANNY: Without a doubt my answer would be not being overly protective, but wanting to be wise.

What is a favorite daddy/daughter moment that you’ve enjoyed with your daughter?

ANDREW: This past summer, our family spent time at the beach. Ava desperately wanted to go out into the deep water. As we got deeper and further away from the coastline and the waves got bigger and higher, her grip got stronger and tighter. I will never forget her series of squeals of joy followed by yells of panic as I pretended to drop her into the waves. For the rest of my life, I hope that I get to be a part of her moments of joy and help guide and love her through the moments of fear.

TODD: Haley and I like to visit pet stores together, because we both enjoy animals. We try to hold and play with as many of them as we can. It’s a great way to spend a 1/2 hour togeth-er, even though she always begs me to buy her a chinchilla and I have to repeatedly tell her no! We usually go from there to get ice cream or a snack somewhere, which helps ease the torture of her having to leave the animals at the store.

DANNY: Chelsea is 36 years old, but when she comes over with her family to visit, she is still comfortable sitting next to me, putting her head on my chest, just being my little girl.

What is the biggest difference in raising a daughter as opposed to a son?

ANDREW: My daughter is currently four and my son is two. Before becoming a father, I believed that both daughters and sons would act and behave identical until the later years. I could not have been more wrong. My daughter was prac-tically born a princess, dressing in tutus, and playing with dolls, while my son tackled me the first moment he could run. At this point, I’ve realized that my son sees me as his best pal and wrestling buddy, but my daughter views me as her knight in shining armor, her rescuer and defender.

TODD: The biggest difference between raising sons and raising daughters is the way they receive information, espe-cially critical information. My boys can therefore tolerate more direct, straightforward discipline, criticism, or direc-tion. Daughters tend to be a little more fragile or delicate, and internalize much more of HOW something is said and WHAT exactly is said. It is important that as a dad, I remem-ber how I talk to them is very important.

DANNY: Fathers tend to be more protective with daughters and less emotionally connected to their sons.

What characteristics in a young guy make him worthy of dating or marrying your little girl?

ANDREW: My daughter is four and I would like her to wait to date until she’s at least THIRTY-four, but I know I can’t protect her forever. I hope to help guide my daughter to look for a young man who will fight for her, encourage her dreams, serve others rather than himself, and follow Jesus for the rest of their lives.

TODD: Most importantly is that he puts God first in his life, and that it shows in his speech, action and treatment of others. He should be pursuing Christ first and foremost. If not, you will frustrate yourself and him, in proportion to the pursuit of Christ in your own life. If a young man is pursuing Christ, his aim will be to “die to himself so that others may live”. (P.S. For a great model of this, I recommend reading Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliott. Although it’s not a dating book, she shares her journey of dating, pay par-ticular attention to the way Jim pursues Elisabeth.)

DANNY: Choose someone who loves Jesus, is honest, humble and wise.

What is one thing that you think every girl should know, no matter what age they are?

ANDREW: You are the most beautiful when you are not try-ing to be, look, act like anyone else, but by just being the girl God created you to be!

TODD: Every girl should know that while they each have an earthly biological father, they are first and foremost daugh-ters of a Heavenly Father! It is HE that determines their worth, value and significance. He has established that every girl is PRECIOUS in His sight and LOVED by Him, regardless of what earthly success, popularity, and talents they may or may not have. This takes effort to wrap our brains around, and is therefore a mind-set that grows and develops AS WE SPEND TIME with that Heavenly Father, especially since the world and culture in which we live SCREAMS that our value comes from other people’s opinions of us!

DANNY: That you love them and accept them unconditionally.

A Classic Christmas

Cookieby Kate D.

Music, Movies, and Mistletoe!Music:

Carol of the Bells - Mannheim Steamroller

White Christmas - Bing CrosbyLet It Snow - Frank SinatraSilver Bells - Bing CrosbyChristmas Don’t Be Late - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Mary, Did You Know? - Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd

Little Drummer Boy - Bob SegerDo You Hear What I Hear? - Bing Crosby

The Christmas Shoes - NewsongThe First Noel - Josh Groban

Movies:Frosty the Snowman

The Polar ExpressHome AloneA Christmas CarolA Charlie Brown ChristmasRudolf the Red-Nosed ReindeerElf

Holiday Recommendations

*Recipe adapted from one found in Martha Stewart's cookbook.

A Classic Christmas

Cookieby Kate D.

To make these cookies, you will need:

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour2 teaspoons of baking powder12 ounces (or 1 1/2 sticks) of unsalted butter 1/4 cup of brown sugar1 teaspoon of vanilla extract1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest2 eggsPlastic wrap & cookie cutter shapes of your choice

Stir the flour and baking powder together with a fork. Cream together the butter, sugar, lemon/ orange zest, and vanilla in a large bowl until it has a light texture. Crack the eggs into the butter mixture and whisk in. Thoroughly stir the flour mixture into that bowl. You now have cookie dough. Place the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape the dough into an oval. Wrap the dough in the plastic wrap, and refrigerate for two hours. After the dough has been in the fridge for two hours, preheat the oven to 325ºF. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray. With a rolling pin, roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until pale golden. Carefully take the cookie sheet out of oven, and move the cookies onto a long tray or plate to cool. Decorate with icing, and enjoy with a cup of tea or hot chocolate!

Royal Icing

To make this icing, you will need:1 1⁄2 cups of confectioners sugar1 egg white3-4 drops of lemon or orange juiceFood coloring of your choice (or 2-3 teaspoons of cocoa powder for chocolate icing)

With an electric mixer, mix the sugar, egg white, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring (or cocoa powder), stirring in a little bit at a time until the icing reaches the color you desire. Spread onto cookies, and make sure to share!(These recipes were adapted from the Lemon Brown Sugar Cookie and Royal Icing recipes found on pgs. 534 and 535 of the Martha Stewart Cookbook.)

Cold Weather Couture

Lazy LayersStay comfy and look effortless; take an oversized sweater, add a belt, and

top it off with an intricate scarf

a Touch of BeretWith winter quickly approaching, keep a beret on top as the ultimate hair accessory (and the best way to NOT do

your hair!)

Kickin’ StyleFurry neutral boots go with anything

and are PERFECT for winter

Mug ShotsWith a neutral pallet, add some icy blues for a chilling effect

A Furry AffairNothing makes you feel more glamorous during the holidays than just a touch

of fur!

Cheeky RedWho says you can’t wear green and red in the winter? Try a new shade for each to switch things up

Comfy Cozy Plaids With a pair of jeans, any plaids will do

Purple EnvyWith a statement coat that’s sure to be seen in the snow, nothing goes better than a pop of purple and a bit of

SPARKLE!

Gold RushSeveral statement pieces NEVER go out

of style

Platinum State of MindWith a warm tone underneath, some

metallics and golds look more festive

DRIP. DRIP. DRIP.The patter from my shower head seemed like the only

piece of consistency in my life. I was the perfect pic-

ture of chaos at the moment; squatting by the locked

door, my tired face in my hands, my stringy hair fram-

ing my gutted imperfection. I flipped open my cell

phone to recheck the time.

5 A.M.

No sane person would be up at this hour, but I need-

ed to talk to someone. Anyone. I ran through my cell

phone list desperate to talk through the pain that was

eating away my insides. My best friend from high

school, my old apartment mates, bestie from college,

both my brothers, but no one answered my phone

calls. I tried texting.

“Hey…this is Kerry. I really need to talk to someone

right now. My boyfriend broke up with me and I’m in

a real bad way.”

No response.

by Kerry Merchant

I leaned my head back against the door and wrapped my

fleece blanket tighter around my chilled body. I felt the lone-

liness that I had been fighting with my phone calls begin to

seep into my skull. I tried praying—the first thing I should

have done.

God…I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I really need you to

come through for me. Please give me someone to call.

My Dad! It was like God smacked me with this inspiration. The

urge rose up in me so strongly I couldn’t help but begin to dial my

home phone number. I needed my father. But would he answer?

“Honor thy Father and Mother.” The fifth commandment is only

a few words, but it caused a rift in my household during my teen

years. Battles raged over my parents pleas for me to give them just

a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who went through what most par-

ents would term the “rebellious stage” or what professionals call the

“forming-one’s-own-identity stage.” I had been raised in church my

whole life. I even did the whole Christian school thing, but when I

was about sixteen, I went punk. I formed an identity based on a rebel-

lious music trend. I dressed in black garb, wore stud bracelets, and al-

ways had my angry music in my ears—the whole package. I chose not

to go to church much because I was done doing my parents’ thing and

wanted to do my own thing. I didn’t realize my punk influences were

making me angry, and I took much of that anger out on my parents. I

couldn’t stop arguing with my parents, and I could not wait to move out

of my house and go to college.

I went to a college fourteen hours away from home on the east coast and

was happy to do my own thing for a while. When I started dating my

boyfriend my junior year of college, I was without rules and without guid-

ance. We were in the same study abroad program together and lived in a

house on the ocean. Sounds like a dream right? Wrong. My boyfriend and

I struggled with being too intimate too quickly, and not just with physical

intimacy either. When depression hit me he was the only one I leaned on. I

didn’t go to God, my friends, or my family for emotional support. I only went

to him… until that night.

It was late when I began questioning him about why we

never prayed together anymore and he began breaking

down. He didn’t believe in God anymore and he couldn’t

love me anymore…not on his own. I had become too

much for him to handle, and he wasn’t strong enough.

“I don’t know how to get you through this, Kerry. I just

can’t do this anymore.”

And now as my backside was firmly planted on the tile

floor of my bathroom, I was completely broken and even

more depressed than I already had been.

I’d always hated dial tones, and I hated them even more

at that moment. All I wanted was to feel loved—even if

it was from miles away.

“Hello?” My Dad’s voice was a bit mumbled.

“Daddy?” My voice was sodden with tears.

“Kerry? What is it, honey? Are you okay?”

“My boyfriend broke up with me.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. Your mother and I love

you so much.”

Those words were just what I needed. I felt like the prod-

igal son who had gone away and squandered himself,

yet was welcomed back into his father’s arms with love.

I talked to my parents for three hours that morning, and

they were reluctant to let me off the phone. They called

me twice a day after that just to let check on me and tell

me they loved me.

I ended up moving out of my ocean view house and trav-

eling home early that school year to work through my

depression. With my parents and God to lean on, I felt

more loved than I had in years. I became more involved

in my church back home and let God’s people love me.

Instead of letting the superficial enjoyment of a rela-

tionship fill my heart, I learned to find God’s joy in the

every day things of life.

REALITY CHECKGuess what? As a teenager, you are indeed forming your

own identity and becoming different from your par-

ents—which is a good thing! But my questions to you,

my dear readers, are these: What kind of identity are

you forming? What influences are you letting form you?

Are you letting the media or a relationship fill you in-

stead of the love of God? Are you constantly fighting

with your parents?

What I can tell you from my experience is this; clothing,

curfews, and music choices are not worth losing your

relationship with your parents. Like it or not, God put

Kerry Merchant is a recent graduate from Gordon College where she studied Literature, Creative Writ-ing, and Environmental Studies. She currently volunteers for Pure Design ministries and works at the YMCA. Some of her favorite things are reading poetry on snowy af-ternoons, going for walks in the woods, and a good mug of tea. Favorite quote: “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers, and clouds and stars.” —Martin Luther

them in your life. Your parents will ALWAYS love you

and are a much better source of strength than any

boyfriend you may ever have. If you don’t have a good

parent in your life or parents at all, it’s important that

you find an older Christian mentor to go to for ad-

vice. Perhaps you can lean on your youth pastor or

even the parents of one of your friends when times

become rough. Positive influences are essential to

make it through high school and college. But above

all those relationships, your relationship with your

Creator is the most important. He is abounding in

love, joy, peace, and strength. ALWAYS look to that

relationship before any other. Like the father of the

prodigal son in Luke 15:20, God is filled with compas-

sion and love for YOU. No matter how far we run,

He is always waiting for us to come home.

Like the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20, God is filled

with compassion and love for YOU. No matter how far we

run, He is always waiting for us to come home.

PURE DESIGN PARTNERS!Pure Design Magazine is a product of Pure Design Ministries, a non-profit organization launched in January, 2012. All of our team members generously donate their time and tal-ent to pull this magazine together. Our hope is to continue to be able to offer this on-line magazine absolutely free to all of our readers, despite operational expenses. We have com-mitted to do this for at least our first year. WE INVITE YOU TO PARTNER WITH US FINANCIALLY BY DONATING TO PURE DESIGN MAGAZINE. All donations will go directly toward the operational costs of future issues. You can send cash or a check to Pure Design Ministries, P.O. Box 123 Sunbury, Ohio 43074. Please designate on the check or envelope “Pure Design Magazine”. Thank you for your generosity — our partners will help us expand Pure Design Magazine.

For more information, e-mail Pam Lozano at Pam@puredesignministries.com.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Libby Johnson’s art demonstrates an awareness of and appreciation for the patterns, shapes and objects of contemporary earth. Drawn in simple, organic form, her art subjects evoke joy and a vibrant, fresh, love for life.

Featured Local Artisans

Libby Johnson

Featured Local Artisans

Rebekah King is a 22-year-old who love, love, loves music, art, photography and living a life that seeks after God. She was raised in Columbus, Ohio but was actually born in New York. Her life is an amazing adventure of unpredictable happenings, but is grateful that when the Lord is upholding you, you can do anything!!

Rebekah King

ChristmasGlitz

Twinkle, Twinkle

To shine even brighter in a room full of gowns, opt for a bolder hue with some applique or glitter on it!

Bauble Effects

Try a fun bubble shaped skirt to add flare and change things up from the normal dress

routine!

Wild Thing Red with lace is a classic duo for winter wonderland fun! To add to this combo, put a touch of animal print to give a kick of

pizazz!

Golden Girl

Glam it up by wearing light pinks or almost nude color dresses

with some flashy gold accents!

Step 2: Next, create a thin line right next to the lash line with a good amount of clear liquid eyeliner gel (to make the eye pop even more use a colored liquid liner instead of a clear one)

Sparkling Eyes!Sparkling Eyes!

Step 1: First, apply foundation around and slightly on the eyelid. Then, apply a neutral tone of eye shadow to keep the look focused on the glitter eyeliner.

Step 3: Take a smaller stipple brush and dip it into your glitter (use any desired color). Then, gently press the glitter onto the liquid line and slowly work your way up to the half shadow crease. Make sure to keep the most amount of glitter near the lashes and completely on the line!

And voila! You now have a beautiful, stunning, and effortless look to transform you eyes for any holiday event

or gathering! Good luck!

Take a strand of hair from behind the ear and braid it (if you have shorter hair take a strand closer to your temple) make sure it’s a decent size in relation to the thickness of your hair. Take the braid and gently pull it over to the other side of your head and bobby pin it behind your ear, or somewhere where you can hide the bobby pin so it’s not noticeable. Do the same on the other side, taking a piece from behind the ear, braiding it and pulling it over. If you have bangs, you may want to twist them back away from your face and bobby pin them, but it all depends on how they fall, and how it looks with braids. Make sure to use hairspray so it won’t come loose!

Sparkling Eyes!Sparkling Eyes!Two Strand

Braided Headband: Two Strand

Braided Headband:

by Maddie L.

As the holidays approach, and choruses of Christmas

carols echo endlessly on repeat, we think of candy

canes, ginger bread houses, snow, laughter… and hap-

piness! The holidays are generally a time for family, and

pleasant memories. But it’s not like that for everyone,

and it wasn’t for me.

Growing up, the holidays were the harshest remind-

ers of my situation —living in a divorced family and

spending time going between my parents’ houses and

their families. I can’t even begin to explain how much I

longed for a normal family and to not be torn between

my mom and dad. I hated being forced to choose who

I wanted to spend Christmas Eve with and who got me

on Christmas Day.

People would try to cheer me up by saying “Well at least

you get more yummy food and presents than the rest of

us! That’s awesome, right?!” But that wasn’t what I want-

ed. Those things meant nothing to me; I just wanted to

spend the holidays with people who loved me. Because

of my situation, I lived with my mom and step-dad,

(who I now consider to be my “true” dad—he stepped

into my life and has been the consistent, loving father

figure to me, and my three half-brothers).

Every other weekend I went to my biological father’s

house, but those weekends were very inconsistent and

often times he never showed up. I was really close with

my mom and step-dad, and didn’t like going to my fa-

ther’s house. I didn’t get along with his wife either,

which made it even harder. Being torn from what I con-

sidered my true family during the holidays was heart-

wrenching.

I was also jealous of my friends, who didn’t have to deal

with what I was dealing with. They didn’t understand

what it was like to go from one set of parents to anoth-

er. I lived in a continual cycle of bitterness, anger and a

general dislike for the holidays. I wanted them to be over

as soon as possible, so things could go back to a sense of

“normal.”

During this time in my life it was hard for me to find joy.

I was emotionally closed off, and couldn’t figure out why

God had placed me in a divorced family. I tried as best

as I could to smile and cherish the good memories, but

it wasn’t easy and I was really frustrated with my biologi-

cal father. I thought if he REALLY loved me, he wouldn’t

take me from my home or keep me from spending the

holidays with my true family who really loved me.

For five years I struggled with these feelings, and even-

tually my dad left. I haven’t seen him in six years, but

my feelings of bitterness and my general outlook on the

holidays were still there and silently killing me. At the

time, I didn’t understand the power my emotions had

and how they were affecting me.

Looking back, it was hard and I definitely struggled, but

I can still see that God was with me. I learned to look

at the true meaning of Christmas—that God loved us so

much, He sent His Son as a beacon of light to a world in

darkness. When I think about that, I realize that even

in the hard times, when I am swimming in my emotions

and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is

always hope.

God used the

difficulties of my

parents’ divorce

to shape me into

the person I am

now. It’s part of

my story, and the

beauty that has

come from God’s

redemptive plan

for me. The Lord has brought a lot of healing to my

emotions around the holidays. When Christmas music

starts playing again on the radio, I am no longer filled

with dread, but with peace.

Some of you may be facing similar or even harder situa-

tions during this holiday season. My encouragement to

you is this… things may look bleak now, and things may

be hard, but it’s all a part of your story. The Lord prom-

ises to never leave us or forsake us,(Hebrews 13:5) which

means He will be with you through every difficulty.

Your relationship with God is the most important thing

in life. He will come and bring healing to you and your

situation, but it will require trust on your part as you wait

on Him. Isaiah 40:31 says,

“But those who wait on

the Lord shall renew their

strength.” It may not be as

quickly as you hope, but

ask Him to show you His

plan and to heal you. You

are loved by our heavenly

Father. Allow that revela-

tion to bring you comfort

and peace. While remem-

bering what and who we

are actually celebrating

this holiday season.

God loved us so much, He sent His Son

as a beacon of light to a world

in darkness.

Behind the Scenes...

with the Pure Design Team!

SNEAK PEAK AT ISSUE 3!Join us on March 1st as we take a look at Inward Beauty. Beauty is defined by our society and culture in so many different ways, but God’s definition of beauty is entirely different. We have to choose which voice and message we will listen to! The world’s message SCREAMS at us, while God’s is a gentle whisper we often miss.

We hope you will join us as we inspire you to cultivate beauty on the inside! Don’t forget to share this magazine with family and friends!! Tell them about our Facebook page and website... Check out all our contact information below!

Things to look for this Spring:Inspiring ArticlesSpring Fashion LooksIdeas and inspirations for Prom“Beauty Contests” - Would you like to be a part of the Spring Issue? We are having a “Beauty Contest” - by asking our readers to submit art (paintings, drawings, sketches, sculptures) you’ve created, or photos of things in nature that speak “beauty” to you! Simply create a PDF file and e-mail it to us - including “Pure Design Beauty Contest” in the subject line. We’d love to include more of our readers in our magazines. Send your entries and submissions to: Pam@puredesignministries.com. Not all entries will be used, but we would love to have as many choices as possible!! Thanks in advance!!

We love hearing from you!! E-mail us at Pam@puredesignministries.com, and visit our website at :

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All contents copyright © 2012 by Pure Design Teen Mag. All rights reserved. No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the written permission of the publisher.

Please write to Pam Lozano at P.O. Box 123 Sunbury, Ohio 43074 or e-mail Pam@puredesignministries.com