Women Like Esther Magazine

Modern Missionary Luxmi

Balancing Marriage, Motherhood and Ministry

Winter to Spring Dresses

The Perfect Midi and Maxi Heroes for the In-Between Season

A New Life…A New Calling

Christina Calderon’s Vision…Now a Global Prayer Chain

Timeless Knits

Elevated Knitwear for Every Occasion

Affordable Startup Businesses

Build Something Meaningful and Successful

When Holy Spirit Put Poetry in My Hands

Julianne Long Talks Family, Inspiration and Writing

Beautiful Statement Pieces

The Right Accessory is the Icing on the Cake

Protecting Your Bone Density

Clarisa Patterson Looks at Ways to Protect Your Beautiful Face

The Film Edit

This Might Be the Best Film Season in a Long Time

Modern Home Style Accessories

Design Forward Finds that Instantly Lift a Room

Books Galore

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion Beautiful,

Connecting Fashion to Biblical Principles of Stewardship, Compassion, and Integrity

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians

2:10

NKJV

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

In a world of planning and endless to-do lists, I never quite know where each issue will take us. It is always an adventure. This issue unfolded the same way, with God gently directing every step, feature, and story.

The women featured in these pages share two powerful threads. Each one was lost in one way or another, and Jesus turned her life around, shaping her into a woman of strength, excellence, and purpose. These are modern pictures of the Proverbs 31 woman, building businesses, developing ministry, and inspiring others to rise. It has been a joy to watch how God brought us to women marked by His Holy Spirit, excellence, creativity, and business wisdom.

OMAD Queen, as she is professionally known, did not only change the way she ate. She also changed the way she prayed. Her conversion to Christianity reshaped her life, and her slogan, “Fast daily, love Jesus and stay fabulous,” reaches tens of thousands of women each week.

Christina, founder of Lambs Heir, carries her own powerful testimony. Her journey from addiction to salvation is matched by a passion for prayer and a gift for design. She created what she calls a global prayer chain, where every piece of jewelry is prayed over before it reaches the woman who will wear it, a tangible reminder of intercession, purpose, and God’s presence. Both OMAD Queen and Christina met their husbands shortly after their conversions, a reminder that God can fill empty places with His kindness and His timing.

You will also meet Sherri Ann Ohler, whose encounter with Jesus led her into wellness entrepreneurship and ministry. Her supplements and oils often sell out quickly, and her story is another testament to what God can do with a surrendered life.

Jenifer came with a calling to help women excel after traumatic experiences. Through her global podcast, She Roars, she creates space for healing and growth that strengthens families and communities.

We were especially moved by Luxmi, whom we consider a modern missionary. Her love for Jesus, and her commitment to encouraging young people and women to grow in Christ, is evident in every part of her life. Luxmi’s ability to balance home, community, and ministry reminds us that faithful service can be lived with excellence and joy.

Finally, Clarisa is the finishing touch to this issue, our trusted anti-aging authority. She shares her expertise on bone density, and how changes beneath the surface can influence the way the face appears over time, especially when the body is not properly nourished at the structural level.

Wellness and wholeness became a clear thread running through this issue. Again and again, the Lord brought us to contributors whose work touches healing, restoration, and well-being. From OMAD Queen and Sherri’s practical wellness focus to Jenifer’s dynamic ministry. Christina, creating beautiful jewelry with purpose and prayer; Clarisa’s anti-aging and health expertise, and Luxmi, whose heart is to see people whole from the inside out, is a nurturing mother figure to the wider community. The message is consistent: God cares about the whole woman.

This magazine exists for moments like these. We share real stories that reflect the transforming power of the Gospel and the beauty of answering God’s call. We are not spectators. We are invited into purposeful living, actively at work with Jesus.

As you read, I hope you feel included, encouraged, and inspired. Let these stories spark fresh ideas for how you can live fully for Christ in your home, your work, your relationships, and your purpose. These testimonies are here to inspire you, not to invite comparison. God is still writing stories, and He can do the same in yours. We ask continually, “Father use me, for Your Glory.”

Azania Publisher

“O

Lord our God, let your sweet beauty rest upon us. Come work with us, and then our works will endure; you will give us success in all we do.”

Psalms 90:17 TPT

CONTRIBUTORS

OMAD

As one of our three featured cover models for this issue, OMAD Queen brings a story shaped by discipline and consistency. She has shared her one meal a day, intermittent fasting journey since 2018, originally as a personal discipline and a way to stay accountable. Over time, her transparency, consistency, and results turned her platforms into a practical resource for women seeking sustainable habits and renewed self-respect. Following a life-changing salvation experience, her message expanded beyond aesthetics into stewardship, discernment, and spiritual freedom in everyday choices. Today, she encourages women to move past diet culture, simplify their approach to eating, and honor God by caring for the body as a vessel with wisdom and intention. Through free guides, eBooks, monthly fasting challenges, and group coaching, she equips women to build structure without bondage, and clarity without shame.

Best way to connect: omadqueen.com, or follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Featured as one of this issue’s three cover models, Julianne Long is a devoted prayer warrior and poet whose life and message are firmly rooted in Jesus. Through her social media, she shares Holy Spirit-inspired insights and communicates the grace Gospel with clarity, reverence, and conviction. Married for 27 years to her soulmate, Julianne considers it a privilege to steward her two young adult children while building a home marked by faith and purpose. Beyond her ministry and creative work, she also assists with her family’s retail fine jewelry store and supports the restoration of a historic theatre at Catlow1927.org. She offers her time and care to these commitments with excellence.

Best way to connect: @Juliannelong_

LUXMI

Luxmi is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with a clear passion for serving others and sharing God’s love within her community. Committed to growing in her walk with Christ, she pours into others through discipleship, encouragement, and practical service, building meaningful relationships through church life and outreach ministries. With a special burden for women, young people, and families, Luxmi is dedicated to strengthening spiritual growth and championing biblical values, guided by her belief in prayer, unity, and servant leadership which is essential for building strong Christian communities. Her heart is to help others discover their God-given purpose, follow Jesus faithfully, and become effective witnesses of His love, trusting God to bring transformation and hope through the Gospel.

Best way to connect: Mission team web link, please visit and pray https://give.cru.org/2865490

Jenifer Ortiz is a licensed trauma counselor, Kingdom life coach, speaker, and the host of the globally ranked She Roars Podcast. For more than a decade, she has served survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and human trafficking through both clinical practice and ministry, helping women move from silence to strength and from fragmentation to wholeness. Jenifer’s work centers on inner healing and identity restoration through Christ, integrating emotional wellness, biblical truth, and spiritual formation with professional expertise. Through counseling, coaching, writing, and speaking, she equips women to confront fear and shame, rebuild healthy boundaries, and step confidently into their God-given calling. Her mission is to see women rise with courage, clarity, and purpose, carrying their voice as a tool for healing in homes, churches, and communities.

Best way to connect: roarandreignbyjenifer.com.

CONTRIBUTORS

Clarisa is a seasoned expert in anti-aging medical aesthetics and nutrition, with more than 25 years of global experience helping clients age with strength, balance, and confidence. Shaped by her parents’ holistic values, she trained in medical aesthetics in Seattle, advanced dermatology in Paris, and natural prevention medicine across South America and Europe. Her work integrates facial workouts, mesotherapy, vitamin infusions, and evidence-informed skincare, with an emphasis on restoring facial symmetry, vitality, and volume through a full-body approach. In her feature, “Bone Density, the Silent Foundation of Aging Well,” Clarisa translates complex anti-aging strategies into practical guidance that supports both appearance and wellbeing. Known for intuitive care and innovative technique, she elevates the standard of aesthetic practice by pairing precision with education, empowering clients to make informed, long-term choices.

Best way to connect: Instagram @clarisaantiagingdermatology

Sherri Ann Ohler is a certified Master Herbalist, author, and international missions leader with a clear calling to help people break free from the world system and walk free in Messiah with practical wholeness. Since 2016, she has led international missions, and since 2017, she has led women’s retreats focused on territorial repentance, inner healing, deliverance, and what she describes as covert spiritual warfare. Her teaching blends biblical foundations with a growing emphasis on healing and biblical medicine, offering women a framework for spiritual discernment and embodied wellness. Sherri is the author of four books, with a fifth currently in development on Biblical Medicine, and she is known for igniting Spirit-led communities marked by repentance, courage, and renewed devotion.

Best way to connect: Instagram @thebiblicalherbalist, Facebook @SherriAnnOhler, and her women’s retreats.

Christina Calderone is the founder of Lamb’s Heir, a global Christian jewelry brand born from a divine vision to connect Believers through prayer and visible testimony. After a transformative encounter with Jesus, Christina’s life shifted dramatically, bringing freedom from addiction, restored relationships, and a renewed identity in Christ. Alongside her husband, Sergio, she leads Lamb’s Heir with a mission to make prayer tangible in everyday life. Each piece is designed with a specific Scripture and story, and includes a prayer number allowing customers to submit personal prayer requests and be linked with others in a growing global prayer chain. Through creativity, community, and consistent intercession, Christina’s work strengthens spiritual unity, encourages bold discipleship, and reminds people that God still moves through surrendered lives.

Best way to connect: @lambsheir

Content Waiting the in

Waiting is not a punishment, and it is not a pause on your purpose. It is the place where God teaches you how to live whole, not hurried, with a peace that guards you when the timeline does not. If you have been feeling pressured, restless, or tempted to force what God has not released, this is your invitation to find the resting place of contentment in the Prince of Peace.

Waiting can feel like a hallway between what God promised and what you can see. It can test your patience, stretch your trust, and tempt you to rush ahead. Yet God does not call you to live restless while you wait. He calls you to live anchored.

Philippians 4:7 reminds us that God’s peace guards our hearts and minds. That matters because waiting seasons often attack our thoughts first. When the timeline feels slow, it is easy to become anxious, discouraged, or emotionally scattered. Peace keeps you whole. It keeps you steady. It keeps you from living in pieces while you are praying for the next chapter.

This peace is not something you manufacture. You do not have to force yourself into calm. You need the Prince of Peace. His presence settles what pressure tries to fracture.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness is

not laziness, and it is not quitting. Stillness is trust in motionless form. It is choosing to stop wrestling the outcome and start resting in God’s sovereignty. Stillness has power because it quiets the noise that keeps you reactive. It slows the swirl of urgency that makes you think everything depends on your speed.

In the waiting, prayer is not only about asking God to speed up the process. It is about surrendering your desires to His will. When you pray, “Lord, let Your will be done in my life,” you are choosing alignment over impatience and trust over control. God’s will brings peace because it removes the burden of striving for what is not yours to carry, and it anchors you in the confidence that what He has for you will come in the right way, at the right time.

In the waiting, stillness also sharpens your hearing. The Holy Spirit often leads with gentleness. When life is loud and over-scheduled, it can be difficult to recognize what God is saying. Slowing down makes room for His guidance. It helps you discern the difference between divine direction and human impatience.

Jeremiah 33:3 carries an invitation that applies directly to waiting seasons: “Call unto me.” God does not leave His people in confusion. When we seek Him sincerely, He reveals the way forward. Sometimes the next step is not about running faster, but about listening deeper.

Waiting can also tempt us into constant chasing. When dreams and aspirations feel delayed, busyness can become a substitute for trust. Yet being busy is not the same as being obedient. Not every opportunity is God’s assignment. Not every door is your door. God will reveal the way when you seek Him in spirit and in truth, not when you force your own timing.

Philippians 4:11 teaches contentment as a learned strength. Contentment does not mean you stop believing for more. It means you refuse to let longing turn into anxiety. It means you remain grateful, grounded, and faithful with what God has placed in your hands today.

Stewardship is one of the clearest signs of a heart that trusts God. Being a good steward with what is in your hands, your time, your resources, your gift, and your current responsibilities is a powerful way to show faithfulness. The waiting season becomes meaningful when you treat it as preparation instead of delay.

If you are waiting right now, let peace guard you. Let stillness strengthen you. Let contentment steady you. Your breakthrough is not the only thing God is building. He is building you, too.

‘YOUR BAG SAYS MORE ABOUT YOU THAN YOUR SHOES.’

FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM

God healed Sherri Ohler’s struggle with panic attacks and health issues…and

lead

her into a deliverance ministry and wellness business.

From the outside, her work today appears deeply integrated, biblical teaching, deliverance ministry, and natural wellness woven together with clarity and conviction. Yet the path that led her here was neither linear nor easy. It was marked by fear, unanswered questions, personal healing, and years of preparation that only later revealed their purpose.

She traces the beginning of her story back to childhood, a season dominated by fear and recurring nightmares. Raised in a Catholic household, she recalls having no understanding of the gospel or the supernatural realm, even as she sensed and perceived things others did not. When her parents divorced during her teenage years, a spiritual shift occurred within her family that would alter the course of her life. Her father experienced a dramatic conversion and began taking the family to a Baptist youth group. It was there that she first believed the gospel account of Jesus as Savior.

“I did not really understand it,” she explains, “but I believed the Bible when it said Jesus was our Savior, so I prayed a salvation prayer and called myself a Christian from that moment on.”

That initial confession, however, would not yet translate into transformation. Fifteen years passed before a profound spiritual awakening reshaped everything. In her early thirties, after years of failed relationships and while raising two daughters, she encountered teaching about the Holy Spirit that led to a decisive moment of rebirth.

“I was born again as a new creation,” she says. “I cried out to the Father

from my bedroom in the middle of the night, and I was filled with the power of His Spirit.”

What followed, in her account, was immediate and unmistakable change. She describes waking the next morning with an ability to recall and understand Scripture she had never previously read, receiving the gift of tongues, and, days later, experiencing deliverance from a spirit of fear that she says had followed her throughout her life.

“Right then I knew I was being called to deliverance ministry,” she says, “even though I had no idea how, when, or where.”

It would take fourteen more years before that calling fully unfolded.

SEEDS OF NATURAL HEALING

Long before she understood her spiritual calling, the foundations of her work in natural wellness were already being laid. Throughout her twenties, as a single mother raising two daughters, she lived intermittently with both sides of her family. Time spent in her mother’s home proved especially formative.

Both of her parents had been diagnosed with high cholesterol in their thirties, but they chose radically different paths. Her father pursued pharmaceutical treatment, while her mother committed to a natural lifestyle rooted in diet, vitamins, and herbs. She watched closely as her mother studied, experimented with food preparation, and embraced natural medicine as a way of life.

Those choices, she notes, produced starkly different outcomes. Her mother and stepfather remain active and healthy in their seventies. Her father, despite his deep faith and devotion to Christ, lived with ongoing pain and illness and eventually died prematurely while taking numerous prescription medications.

“I am so grateful for my dad,” she says. “It was his unconditional love, prayers, and example of Christ that brought me to the sheepfold. But he never understood the difference between the Babylon healthcare system and true healing in the Kingdom of God.”

Witnessing both paths across her adult life clarified her own convictions. When she later experienced spiritual rebirth, those early impressions began to align with her growing understanding of freedom in Christ and its implications for healing and health.

Marriage introduced another season of refinement. After meeting her husband at age thirty-five, she began to experience inner healing that she says occurred gradually and without her initial awareness.

“I was delivered of spirits of rejection and jealousy,” she explains. “But it happened through sanctification, as the Father used the unconditional love of my husband to heal parts of my heart I did not even realize were broken.”

Several years later, however, a new crisis emerged. During the early stages of marriage and a new business, she developed severe panic disorder that nearly progressed into agoraphobia. Seeking answers, she consulted a Christian physician and underwent thyroid testing. When the results were deemed normal, she was prescribed Xanax as a lifelong daily medication.

“That moment changed everything,” she says. “I knew that what I

was being offered was not the freedom Jesus died for. This was not Kingdom health.”

She refused the prescription and turned instead to a health food store, where a brief conversation with the store manager introduced her to the role of adrenal health and adaptogenic herbs. According to her account, her condition resolved within three days.

“That experience altered my life forever,” she says.

A DEEPER COMMISSION

Though she continued to use herbs as support, she believed her healing ultimately came from the Lord. In 2014, a question she attributes to the Holy Spirit redirected her focus entirely.

“If Jesus healed everyone who asked Him, why are Christians not being healed today?”

That question led to intensive biblical study and eventually to a mission trip to Brazil with a ministry known for healing and deliverance. Despite a longstanding fear of flying, she felt compelled to go.

“I told my mom, ‘If I can get there, I am coming home free,’” she recalls.

She describes an encounter during that trip in which she experienced complete freedom from fear and control, including fear of flying and riding in vehicles. That freedom, she says, remains to this day.

It was there that her understanding of natural medicine and supernatural healing crystallized.

“The herbs God created are a gift,” she explains. “They allow the body

to function as He intended, even while deeper soul healing is still taking place. But herbs cannot heal the heart, sanctify the soul, or cast out demons. Only Jesus can do that.”

Her book Freedom Fighters emerged from years of one-on-one deliverance ministry, often involving lengthy sessions and extended care. While traveling on a mission trip to India, she began envisioning a different approach.

“I wanted people to connect directly to Jesus and His word,” she says. “Not to rely on a deliverance ministry, but to know the truth themselves so it could set them free.”

Iwanted peopleto connect directlyto Jesusandhis word,she says.

That vision later expanded to include companion resources, such as the Biblical Healing Journal and Tracker, which she developed after founding Emerald Glory Wellness. She describes these tools as practical aids for women navigating the interconnected layers of healing, sanctification, and spiritual growth.

Her heart, she says, is for women to experience full freedom in Jesus,

not as a one-time event but as an ongoing process of transformation.

“He heals us, then reveals another layer,” she explains. “It is all grace, and it continues as long as we walk with Him.”

Today, she continues to teach, write, and lead retreats, with a particular concern for helping women discern truth, understand spiritual warfare, and steward their bodies according to biblical principles. She identifies religious control and distorted theology as urgent challenges facing Believers, especially women seeking healing and wholeness.

Her invitation to those newly encountering her work is simple and direct. Begin with Freedom Fighters, engage current teaching through social platforms, and, when possible, experience the depth of transformation offered through women’s retreats.

At the center of it all remains a consistent message, freedom in Christ is real, accessible, and meant to be lived fully, in body, soul, and spirit.

THE SMART PRIVATE-SCHOOL

ALTERNATIVE PARENTS OVERLOOK

How high-performing Christian schools deliver academic rigor, structure, and measurable outcomes without prestige-level tuition.

For parents who care less about branding and more about results, these schools can offer a compelling balance of structure, accountability, and academic focus. The listings below spotlight schools selected for stronger publicly visible academic indicators, making them practical options for families choosing on outcomes.

What distinguishes many of these schools is not sentiment, but focus. Expectations for learning, behavior, and classroom engagement are often clearly defined and consistently reinforced. For families assessing schools primarily on educational return, this structure can matter. It supports orderly classrooms, protects instructional time, and strengthens the day-to-day conditions that help students learn well.

Affordability is frequently misunderstood in discussions of private education. Lower or mid-range fees are sometimes assumed to signal lower standards, but fee level alone is not a reliable proxy for academic quality. The more credible approach is to examine what a school publishes about performance and pathways, and what external

Christian schools are often evaluated primarily on values, but many operate as serious academic institutions that compete directly with the wider private sector. Across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, a number of independent Christian schools publish clear outcome indicators, maintain disciplined learning environments, and build strong university pathways.

regulators, inspectors, or recognized reporting bodies note about standards and quality. In that context, the case for many Christian schools is not that they are universally superior, but that they can be academically serious, operationally stable, and cost-conscious in ways that appeal to outcome-driven parents.

Operational reliability also plays a role in a family’s decision. Many Christian schools run as structured day schools with predictable schedules, stable calendars, and clear communication. These factors do not guarantee excellence, but they can reduce disruption and reinforce consistent learning routines, which is especially valuable for working households.

Finally, character education is often part of the culture of Christian schooling, but it is most useful to describe it in practical terms. When a school’s culture reinforces responsibility, respect for learning, and accountability, it can support classroom order and improve student engagement. That influence is indirect, but it can contribute to stronger learning conditions over time.

Below is a curated shortlist of schools in the USA, the UK, and Canada selected for clearer public academic indicators, such as published assessment summaries, advanced course participation, graduation and university pathways, inspection outcomes, and recognized third-party reporting where applicable.

UNITED STATES

Trinity Christian School, Fairfax, Academic indicators: School-published standardized testing summaries and advanced course performance reporting. Virginia. tcsfairfax.org

Crossings Christian School, Oklahoma City, Academic indicators: School-published outcome summaries, including standardized testing averages and academic recognition. Oklahoma. crossingsschool.org

Heritage Christian School, Indianapolis, Academic indicators: School-published graduation, post-secondary pathways, standardized testing averages, and advanced course performance. Indiana. hcsedu.org

Eden Christian Academy, Pittsburgh, Academic indicators: College-preparatory profile, with publishe d information on academic pathways and advanced coursework. Pennsylvania. edenchristianacademy.org

The King’s Schools, Shoreline, Academic indicators: Publicly available school profile information that describes college-preparatory outcomes and academic measures. Washington. kingsschools.org

Coram Deo Academy, Plano, Academic indicators: School-published academic profile detailin g advanced coursework and post-secondary preparation. Texas. coramdeoacademy.org

UNITED KINGDOM

Thames Christian School, London, Academic indicators: Public profiles and published documentation that include exam outcomes and external inspection reporting. United Kingdom. thameschristianschool.org.uk

London Christian School, London, Academic indicators: Published external inspection reporting and academic quality documentation. United Kingdom. londonchristianschool.com

Christian Fellowship School, Surrey, Academic indicators: Published external inspection reporting and standards documentation. United Kingdom. cfschool.org.uk

Bradford Christian School, West Yorkshire, Academic indicators: Public inspection reporting and school standards documentation. United Kingdom. bradfordchristianschool.com

King of Kings School, Manchester, Academic indicators: Public inspection documentation and published standards reporting. United Kingdom. kingofkingsschool.org.uk

CANADA

Calgary Christian School, Calgary, Academic indicators: Publicly reported provincial performance information and recognized thirdparty academic reporting. Alberta, Canada. calgarychristianschool.com

White Rock Christian Academy, South Surrey, Academic indicators: Published academic pathway outcomes, including advanced program reporting and postsecondary progression. British Columbia, Canada. wrca.ca

Pacific Academy, Surrey, Academic indicators: Recognized third-party academic reporting and publicly available school performance indicators. British Columbia, Canada. pacificacademy.net

Beauty Restored Necklace

Restoration is not only possible it is promised.

Purpose first, Feelings Second What It Means To Date

Toward MARRIAGE

Biblical principles and practical insight for women seeking love without compromising their values.

Dating with purpose has become increasingly important for Christian women who want their relationships to reflect both wisdom and spiritual discernment. Although the Bible does not mention dating specifically it provides key scriptures on having a partner who is compatible, evenly yoked to Biblical principles, found in 2 Corinthians 6:4, and the importance of sexual purity, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

In a world shaped by shifting values and modern expectations, the desire for a Christ-honoring relationship continues to stand apart as something purpose driven, sacred, and deeply personal. For many women, dating is not an aimless journey. It is a thoughtful process guided by conviction, clarity,

and a sincere desire to build a covenant relationship that honors God. This approach requires more than emotion or attraction. It calls for protocols that protect the heart and cultivate healthy discernment.

A meaningful dating process begins with understanding one’s own purpose and priorities. A Christian woman who desires marriage benefits from establishing the qualities that matter most to her, not on the basis of cultural trends, but on the foundation of spiritual maturity and sound judgment. When she understands her values and the vision she carries for her future family, she becomes better equipped to recognize alignment when it appears. She also gains the confidence to step back when a relationship lacks the qualities

that support long-term commitment.

Part of dating with purpose includes evaluating character rather than merely reacting to chemistry. Chemistry may spark interest, but character sustains covenant. Traits such as integrity, emotional stability, honesty, and consistency reveal far more about a person’s readiness for marriage than romantic intensity alone. These traits demonstrate how a man will show up under pressure, manage responsibility, and treat those around him. They offer insight into whether he has the spiritual and emotional strength to lead, partner, and love well.

Chemistry may spark interest, but character sustains covenant.

A spiritually grounded dating process also involves prayerful discernment. Discernment requires attentiveness to God’s voice and sensitivity to His guidance. It is cultivated through prayer, wise counsel, and a willingness to pause rather than rush toward an outcome. A woman who dates with discernment understands that not every connection is meant to become a covenant, and not every season of companionship is a sign of compatibility. Discernment helps her differentiate between short-term excitement and long-term promise. It enables her to see beyond emotional immediacy and observe the fruit of

a man’s life, including his faith, his commitments, and his patterns of behavior.

Healthy dating also requires intentional protocols that support emotional safety. Establishing boundaries early helps prevent confusion and protects the heart. Clear communication about expectations, values, and relational goals sets a tone of maturity and respect. A woman should feel free to ask important questions about faith, life direction, and relationship expectations. These conversations create transparency, reduce uncertainty, and allow both individuals to understand whether they share a compatible vision for the future.

One of the most effective ways to cultivate clarity in dating is to involve trusted community. Mature Believers, mentors, or leaders can provide insight that complements personal discernment. They often observe traits, patterns, or concerns that may not be immediately apparent. Their presence in the dating process creates accountability and offers a safeguard against rushing into a relationship that may not be aligned with God’s purpose.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?

Although dating is deeply personal, it is also helpful to understand the broader patterns that shape Christian relationship dynamics today. Recent statistical insights reinforce the importance of dating with purpose. Studies show that Christian women tend to be highly discerning in their approach to relationships. A 2020 analysis by Eido Research revealed that Christian women express interest in only about 17 percent of the profiles they view on dating platforms, compared to Christian men who respond positively to nearly 70 percent. This contrast reflects the degree of care many women apply as they evaluate potential partners.

Communication and emotional maturity remain among the most valued traits in relationships.

2 Corinthians 6:14 MEV

According to a Psychology Today survey, 92 percent of women identify effective communication as essential to relational success. This aligns with faith-based perspectives, which connect emotional maturity to spiritual readiness and covenant capability. Purpose also extends to commitment orientation. Research from Barna indicates that 44 percent of single Christian women date with the purpose of marriage, compared to only 20 percent of single Christian men. This distinction underscores why women often approach dating with deeper evaluation and greater selectivity.

Across studies from Pew, Barna, and Christian research groups, the top traits Christian women tend to prioritize in a spouse remain consistent. These include integrity, shared faith and spiritual maturity, emotional stability, strong communication, financial responsibility, and a clear sense of purpose. These preferences are rooted in a desire for relationships that

can support covenant commitment, shared spiritual growth, and longterm partnership.

Dating with purpose requires both discernment and self-awareness. A man’s spiritual maturity is revealed through consistent habits, respectful treatment of others, and a willingness to be accountable, all of which indicate his readiness to love, lead, and build a life grounded in biblical values. At the same time, purposeful dating calls a woman to reflect on her own readiness by cultivating spiritual maturity, emotional health, and personal growth, recognizing that a strong relationship is formed between two whole individuals who communicate honestly and support one another’s God-given purpose. Practical wisdom also plays a role, including pacing the relationship intentionally, avoiding emotional overinvestment before commitment, and observing whether a man’s words and actions align, particularly in areas of faith, responsibility, and respect. Together, these elements form a holistic approach to dating that blends spiritual discernment, emotional wisdom, and practical evaluation in preparation for a relationship that can mature toward marriage.

A Christian woman who embraces these protocols positions herself to build a relationship that honors God, strengthens her calling, and supports a future marked by unity and stability. Dating with purpose is not about perfection. It is about clarity, conviction, and a willingness to follow God’s guidance as He leads her toward a covenant that reflects His design for love and commitment.

In conversation OMAD Queen with

One image sparked a reckoning with weight loss, self-worth, and the way she had learned to treat her body. What followed was not a trend-driven transformation, but a series of intentional choices shaped by discipline, fasting, and faith. Along the way, wellness shifted from control to stewardship, reframing weight loss as part of a deeper surrender to God.

In October 2018, a single photograph marked the beginning of a quiet but lifealtering transformation. For the woman now known online as OMAD Queen, that moment was both painful and clarifying. “I saw a selfie of myself at my heaviest weight, and it honestly shook me,” she recalls. “I did not recognize, or even like, the person I saw.” After years of weight-loss attempts, from shakes to restrictive diets, she had tried to convince herself that appearance no longer mattered. That image exposed the truth. She cared deeply, not only about how she looked, but about how disconnected she felt from herself. That realization became her turning point and the catalyst for beginning intermittent fasting, not as a trend, but as a sincere attempt to reclaim her health and confidence.

What began as a deeply personal journey soon expanded beyond her own accountability. As she shared meals, struggles, progress, and setbacks openly on social media, other women began to take notice. Messages arrived from those who saw themselves reflected in her story. They were watching her transformation unfold in real time, and it resonated. “It became a win-win,” she explains. “They were getting inspired, and I was being kept accountable.” Without initially intending to lead or influence, she found herself showing up consistently, motivated not only by her own goals, but by the women who were drawing strength from her transparency.

Her journey, however, did not remain purely physical. A profound spiritual shift reshaped everything. After surrendering her life to Christ, she began to understand health through a new lens. Caring for her body was no longer driven by insecurity, but by gratitude. “God gave us this body, this precious vessel,” she says. “Taking care of it is my way of saying, ‘Lord, I appreciate what You’ve given me.’” What once felt like self-improvement became an act of stewardship and worship. Health was no longer separate from faith, but an extension of it.

One of the most eye-opening truths revealed to her through prayer was the subtle way food can become a spiritual distraction. She describes how the Holy Spirit showed her that emotional eating and neglect of the body can quietly pull people away from God. “We run to food for comfort when we are supposed to run to Him,” she explains. Once that pattern became visible, its power diminished. Placing Jesus first changed her relationship with food entirely. It was no longer a source of escape, but something to be received with intention and balance.

Her walk of obedience also included a deeply personal conviction to stop consuming meat, a decision she emphasizes was not a mandate for all Believers, but an individual one. “I just woke up with this heavy feeling on my heart,” she shares. The conviction came early in her salvation, during a season of intense prayer and immersion in Scripture. Confirmation followed months later through a vivid dream that left no doubt in her mind. “It strengthened my faith because it showed me how clearly God can speak,” she says. The experience taught her that obedience is often less about understanding and more about trust.

God gave us this body, this precious vessel, she says. Taking care of it is my way of saying, Lord, I appreciate what You’ve given me.

Today, her message to women navigating food guilt and diet culture is refreshingly simple and deeply grounded. “Do what He tells you to do,” she says. She encourages women to place their trust in God rather than trends, to enjoy whole foods God created, and to view fasting as a spiritual discipline rather than a punishment. Weight loss and freedom, she believes, become side effects when the focus shifts from control to surrender. She often reminds her audience that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), already placed within them, waiting to be activated through dependence on God.

This mindset has reshaped how she understands stewardship. Health, in her view, is not an entitlement, but a blessing. “When you recognize something as a blessing, you treat it with care,” she says. That perspective, she notes, does not go unnoticed. Others see the difference when health is approached with reverence rather than neglect, with gratitude rather than obsession.

Staying grounded while sharing her journey publicly requires intentional spiritual discipline. Time in the Word serves as both anchor and safeguard, reminding her how easily even wellness can become an idol. “I do not

want to idolize food, my appearance, or even my journey,” she explains. This awareness keeps her focused on giving glory back to God whenever someone credits her content with changing their life.

Creativity, she believes, flows from obedience. Many of her ideas arrive unexpectedly, guided by the Holy Spirit rather than strategy. By remaining genuine and authentic, she allows faith to weave naturally into her content, pointing people beyond herself and toward Christ. Guarding her peace online is equally intentional. She curates her digital environment carefully, filtering content and training the algorithm to reflect what draws her closer to God rather than away from Him.

While challenges occasionally arise in the form of negative or hostile messages, she credits the Holy Spirit with helping her respond with restraint and wisdom, or not respond at all. Peace, she has learned, is protected through obedience.

Looking back, she sees God’s guidance not in a single dramatic moment, but in a steady progression. As her content shifted, so did her boldness in sharing the Gospel. Purpose, she realized, was not always grand or public. Sometimes it is found in quiet faithfulness, in sharing truth one life at a time.

To women who feel trapped in unhealthy cycles, her encouragement is deeply pastoral. Seek the Lord. Ask boldly for help. Approach Him as a child approaches her Father. “He cares about every part of you,” she says. “Your body, your emotions, and your spirit.” Surrender, she believes, transforms even the smallest steps, because they are no longer taken alone.

As she looks ahead, her vision continues to expand. She is building long-form faith and health content on YouTube, developing new eBooks, hosting regular fasting challenges, and launching quarterly OMAD group coaching sessions. Yet, her posture remains one of openness. “Whatever He has for this next season, I am ready to follow,” she says.

Connection, for her, is an extension of ministry. Through her social platforms and her website, she continues to invite women into a community centered on honoring God through healthy, faith-driven living, one surrendered step at a time.

CROSSOVER COATS

MAXIMUM STYLE

The smartest outerwear does not belong to a single season. It earns its place in your wardrobe by moving effortlessly from winter’s bite to early spring’s unpredictability, giving you more outfits, more polish, and far more value for your budget. Crossover coats do exactly that. They are the investment pieces that stretch style mileage without sacrificing warmth, structure, or edge.

This season’s standouts balance tailoring and attitude. Leather and wool trenches offer instant refinement, whether you choose a classic full-length silhouette or a short, hip-length trench that feels fresh for cooler spring days. Add a chunky, hip-length leather jacket, and you have the ideal layering partner for denim, wideleg trousers, midi skirts, and even slip dresses when temperatures swing. The key is versatility: a coat that can anchor workwear, elevate casual looks, and still feel current for weekend styling.

Color is where the wardrobe payoff multiplies. Burgundy brings depth and quiet luxury, butter yellow adds a soft, modern lift, and bright yellow puffer-jacket styles deliver bold energy that reads playful yet intentional. For a refined twist, reach for wool-blended coats with puffer sleeves, a design detail that merges warmth with shape, and makes even simple outfits look styled. When you invest in crossover outerwear, you are not just buying a coat. You are buying options.

BEFORE THE CROWN

THE HIDDEN WORK THAT SHAPES A WOMAN’S CALLING

Jenifer Ortiz reveals that an awakening is unfolding, calling women to rise not through striving, but through obedience, surrender, and a return to who they were always created to be.

Esther 4:14 (ESV)

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

There is a holy stirring unfolding in this moment. A quiet but undeniable awakening, where God is calling His daughters to rise not merely with boldness and authority, but with surrender, healing, and a restored understanding of feminine identity in Christ. This is not a call to strive toward someone new. It is an invitation to return to who you were always created to be. You were crowned with purpose long before you ever stepped into your calling.

Like Esther, many women today live within the tension between comfort and obedience, fear and faith, hiding and arising. Her story reminds us that purpose is rarely discovered in convenience. It is revealed through obedience. Esther’s yes demanded courage, trust, and surrender, even when the outcome remained uncertain. Obedience is often celebrated, yet its cost is rarely discussed.

We honor the crown without acknowledging the crushing, and rejoice over breakthrough without recognizing the process that prepared us to carry it. Yet, obedience always comes with a price. There are seasons when following God feels exhilarating, and others when it feels lonely, confusing, or painful. Seasons where saying yes opens doors, and seasons where everything familiar is stripped away, including stability, control, identity, and comfort. Yet obedience is never punishment. Obedience is preparation.

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) reminds us that to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. God often asks us to release what feels safe before He reveals what is sacred. He invites us to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Him one step at a time. Purpose is never rushed. It is refined.

You were crowned with purpose long before you ever stepped into your calling.

Before Esther was crowned, she was consecrated. Esther 2:12 (ESV) tells us that each young woman underwent twelve months of preparation before entering the king’s presence. This season was not about outward beauty alone. It was about purification, positioning, and readiness. God was not only preparing Esther for a palace. He was preparing her heart for influence.

There are seasons when God places us in hidden spaces. Seasons that feel like delay, loss, or obscurity. Yet hidden seasons are holy seasons. God often does His deepest work in the dark. Like a butterfly formed within a cocoon, transformation frequently requires the shedding of old mindsets, identities, and attachments. What feels like loss is often pruning.

John 15:2 (ESV) tells us that every branch that bears fruit is pruned so that it may bear more fruit. Becoming requires letting go of who you were so that you can step fully into who God is calling you to be. Walking in purpose will confront three areas deeply. The first is control.

Obedience demands the release of your timeline, your outcomes, and even your backup plans. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways so that He may direct our paths. The second is identity. God strips away false labels rooted in performance, people pleasing, or trauma.

Titles and achievements can disappear overnight, but your identity as a daughter of God remains unshaken. Galatians 2:20 (ESV) declares that we have been crucified with Christ, and that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. The third is approval. Obedience does not always make sense to others. Pleasing God often means disappointing people.

Obedience is never punishment. Obedience is preparation.

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) asks whether we seek the approval of man or of God, reminding us that we cannot serve both. This refining is not meant to break you. It is meant to build you. There are moments in obedience when the journey feels heavy, moments when you question whether you heard God correctly.

There are moments when delay feels unbearable and surrender feels like suffering. Yet, Scripture reminds us that suffering is never wasted. Romans 8:18–19 (ESV) tells us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed, as creation waits with eager longing for that unveiling.

This is a season of revealing, the unveiling of God’s daughters who have been purified, healed, and prepared in private. You are not forgotten. You are not behind. You are being prepared for presentation. Esther’s obedience positioned her not only for a crown, but for influence. Her courage saved a nation.

Her yes impacted generations. God is still doing that today. He is raising women who are healed, whole, confident, and anchored in Him. Women who walk in authority without losing softness. Women who lead without striving. Women who know who they are.

Isaiah 60:1 (ESV) calls us to arise and shine, for our light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us. This is a call to rise not in personal strength, but in God’s grace. To flow with the Spirit. To trust His timing. To step into obedience even when it does not make sense.

Sometimes God does not call you to wait for an invitation. He calls you to create the table, to start the conversation, to build the space, and to open the door for others. Psalm 23:5 (ESV) reminds us that God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.

When you move in obedience, favor follows. When you align with heaven, doors open. When you stop hiding, God begins highlighting. This is your moment. To release your roar. To share your testimony. To surrender fear. To trust God beyond logic.

You were crowned with purpose not after everything was perfect, but before the journey ever began. So arise. Step out of hiding. Walk in obedience. Become the woman God called you to be. Because you were born for such a time as this.

A NERVOUS SYSTEM RESET THAT HONORS GOD

A CALM, SCRIPTURE-ROOTED APPROACH TO RESTORING STEADINESS IN YOUR BODY, YOUR MIND, AND YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

In a world that rewards constant motion, Scripture reframes rest as a gift from God and a form of stewardship. These verses remind you that the Lord does not merely ask you to be at peace, He provides the grace and presence that lead you there.

regulated nervous system supports clearer thinking, steadier emotions, and more consistent spiritual practice. Biologically, the nervous system is the body’s communication network, coordinating how you sense safety, respond to stress, and recover through the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. When the nervous system is calm, the body shifts into restoration, supporting digestion, sleep, immune function, and balanced mood through the parasympathetic “rest and restore” response. When it is repeatedly disrupted, the body can remain in a prolonged stress state, increasing muscle tension, sleep disruption, inflammation, and emotional reactivity, which can make daily life feel heavier than it needs to be.

For a Christian woman, a “reset” is not a trendy concept. It is stewardship. God designed your body with rhythms that respond to safety, rest, nourishment, community, and worship. The goal is not to eliminate stress entirely, but to return to peace more quickly, so your life reflects His order, not constant strain.

The most meaningful resets begin where striving ends. Before you attempt to manage your symptoms, begin by inviting God into the areas of your life that feel troubling, heavy, or uncertain, and ask Him to steady your heart. Scripture does not pretend that anxious circumstances do not exist, but it does train you toward a different response, one grounded in prayer, trust, and focus. Over time, it helps to create a personal Word anchor, two or three Scriptures you return to when emotional intensity rises, so your nervous system is not left guessing what to do next. Philippians 4:6–7 offers a clear pattern of prayer and gratitude that leads to peace. Proverbs 4:20–22 reminds you to incline your ear to God’s words,

because they bring life and health. Isaiah 26:3 centers the mind on a promise: steadfast peace for the one who keeps their focus on the Lord.

From there, the body responds well to rhythm. Stillness does not need to be dramatic to be effective. Scripture teaches us to meditate on the Word day and night, and even in a fast-paced society, you can find five to ten minutes to recalibrate by securing the Word of God in your heart and mind. A simple practice is to choose one verse, sit quietly, and breathe slowly while you read it aloud. Tools can support consistency without turning the moment into a performance. The Bible App, for example, allows you to save favorite verses to a notes page, and you can listen to the audio reading, repeating the verse for a few minutes, and allowing the Word to settle deeply. Worship can also serve as a reset, because singing naturally regulates breathing and redirects attention toward God’s presence.

Sleep is another spiritual and physical boundary that deserves protection. It is not indulgence, it is restoration. Your body repairs tissue, supports immune function, and consolidates memory while you sleep, which is one reason chronic exhaustion often shows up as emotional fragility. A realistic bedtime routine you can maintain will serve you better than a perfect routine you abandon. This is also where Scripture offers reassurance that reframes rest as God’s gift, not your reward: “He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2, NKJV). When evening habits support peace, dimmer lighting, quieter spaces, and less emotionally activating content, the nervous system receives a clear message that it is safe to power down.

Steadfast peace for the one who keeps their focus on the Lord.

What you eat and drink matters more than many women realize, especially when stress is already high. Blood sugar swings, dehydration, and under-eating can amplify anxiety, irritability, and mental fog, not because you are failing spiritually, but

because your body reads instability as threat. Simple meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats, paired with consistent hydration, can reduce the internal “alarm” that many people mistake for personality or temperament. Nourishment is not control. It is care. When the body is supported, the mind becomes easier to steady, and your responses become more measured.

Sometimes, the quickest way to calm a disrupted nervous system is to send the body a different signal. Breath and posture are two of the most immediate levers you can use. Slow breathing, especially a longer exhale, signals safety to the nervous system and helps shift the body out of high alert and toward calm. Gentle posture changes, relaxing the shoulders, unclenching the jaw, and softening the hands, reduce the physical tension that can reinforce stress. When you pair breath with prayer or a short verse, you create a simple bridge between spiritual focus and physical regulation, a way of returning to peace that can be practiced anywhere.

If you want your nervous system to recover, mental input must also be considered. Constant digital stimulation trains the mind to scan, react, and remain on alert. Establishing clear boundaries with screens, including specific times you check messages and specific times you do not, protects attention and reduces emotional overload. Limiting draining content, especially early in the morning or late at night, helps prevent unnecessary activation. Even ten minutes of quiet, without multitasking, can create the margin your mind needs to settle.

Community is not only a spiritual covering, it is also a nervous system support. Healthy relationships reinforce safety through trust, consistency,

and care. When you prioritize safe friendships, church community, and family rhythms that cultivate unity and peace, you create an environment where steadiness becomes more natural. The goal is not to withdraw from people, but to choose connections that strengthen your spiritual life, rather than relationships that keep you in emotional turbulence. Sometimes, the most practical step is also the most simple: pray with a friend, attend a weekly gathering, or share one encouraging message that keeps love active and present.

Finally, movement belongs in any conversation about calm, not as punishment, but as gratitude. Gentle movement releases tension and improves resilience. Even a short walk supports circulation, helps reduce stress buildup, and strengthens mood over time. Stretching, walking, and strength work can be framed as thanksgiving, a practical way to care for what God has given you. Sustainable routines, repeated consistently, do more for long-term regulation than intense bursts followed by long gaps.

PEACE IS NOT PASSIVE. IT IS PRACTICED.

A nervous system reset that honors God is not about chasing an ideal lifestyle. It is about building faithful rhythms that support a steadier mind, a softer body, and a more consistent spiritual life. As you surrender what you cannot control, return to Scripture as your anchor, and choose habits that cultivate restoration, you will find it easier to come back to calm, even when life is demanding. And when rest feels difficult to embrace, remember the heart of God toward you: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

(Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

Luxmi s CALLING

Balancing Marriage, Motherhood and Missionary Service with Joy

…raising children with love and purpose is one of the most powerful ways a woman can contribute to her community’s future.

My journey of service did not begin in the community; it began at home.

As a wife and a mother, I have learned that the first place where love, responsibility, and service are practiced is within the family. The lessons I learn in my home shape the way I serve my people outside it. I believe deeply that when service is rooted in family, it becomes more authentic, sustainable, and impactful.

As a wife, I see my role as one of partnership, support, and shared purpose. Marriage, for me, is not about perfection but about growing together through understanding and commitment. I serve my husband by creating a home where respect, communication, and encouragement are central. This includes listening with patience, supporting him emotionally, and praying together through challenges. I have learned that when a home is filled with peace and mutual care, it becomes a strong foundation that enables me to serve others with confidence and clarity.

Motherhood has been one of my greatest teachers. Being a mother means much more than meeting daily needs; it means shaping hearts and values. I serve my children by being present, attentive, and intentional. I try to model kindness, faith, discipline, and compassion in everyday moments. I involve my children in simple acts of service so

they grow up understanding that caring for others is a way of life, not just an occasional activity. I believe that raising children with love and purpose is one of the most powerful ways a woman can contribute to her community’s future.

From this strong family base, my service naturally extends into my community. I serve my people by listening to their needs, walking alongside them, and offering support in practical ways. Whether encouraging women, supporting families, or participating in community initiatives, my approach is always rooted in humility and respect. I do not see myself as someone who has all the answers, but as someone willing to serve faithfully with what I have. Community work, for me, is about building trust, showing consistency, and valuing people.

What motivates me to serve is a deep sense of calling and gratitude. I believe I have been given gifts not to keep for myself, but to bless others. My faith reminds me that service is not about recognition or success, but obedience and love. I am also motivated by the realities I see around me; women who feel unheard, families struggling to cope, and communities longing for hope and stability. These realities move my heart and compel me to act, even when the work feels challenging. As a staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), sharing the Gospel

I do not see myself as someone who has all the answers, but as someone willing to serve faithfully with what I have.

is my important work. For example, sharing the Gospel to the lady (Muslim background) who came to the Lord and acknowledged that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of her life; and sharing the Gospel with a Hindu woman for her to hear about Jesus Christ brings me great joy.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of setting healthy boundaries. I have realized that I cannot serve effectively if I am exhausted or overwhelmed. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. I intentionally make time for prayer, reflection, and rest. I have learned to say no when my capacity is full and to ask for help when needed. Taking care of myself allows me to serve others with joy rather than obligation.

To other women, my advice is simple but heartfelt. Start where you are. You do not need to wait for the perfect opportunity or circumstances to serve. Faithfulness in small things creates lasting impact. Do not compare your journey with others; every woman’s calling, capacity, and season are different. Serve in ways that align with your strengths and responsibilities. When possible, involve your family in your service so that it strengthens relationships rather than competes with them.

Most importantly, remember that your worth is not defined by how much you do. Service should flow from love, not pressure. When women serve from a place of peace, they avoid burnout and create meaningful change.

My journey as a wife, mother, and community servant continues to teach me that serving at home and beyond is not a choice between two worlds; it is one continuous calling. When service begins with love in the family, it naturally reaches outward, touching lives and transforming communities, one step at a time.

WINTER TO SPRING DRESSES

MIDI AND MAXI... PERFECTLY TRANSITIONAL

Kenzie Dress Reiss.com

Lilia Dress ratandboa.com

This season’s dresses are made for the in-between, when winter’s polish begins to give way to spring’s lightness. The edit is defined by versatility and shape, with A-line silhouettes taking center stage, alongside midi dresses and hemlines in every length that flatter without effort. Fabrics feel considered for shifting temperatures: substantial enough to layer now, yet breathable and fluid enough to carry you into warmer days. Think clean tailoring, softly structured waists, and details that move with you, not against you.

What sets these pieces apart is their individuality. Each dress has its own unique perspective, whether it is a precise seam that sculpts the silhouette, a sleeve that adds quiet drama, or a neckline that frames the face with intention. The result is a wardrobe of dresses that works across the day and into the evening, simply by changing styling. A midi A-line looks poised with boots and a coat for daytime, then transforms with a heel, a refined bag, and elevated jewelry after dark.

A single trend does not define these dresses. They are defined by presence, practicality, and a confident sense of personal style.

A NEW LIFE A NEW CALLING

Christina Calderon’s Vision That Became Wearable Ministry And A Global Prayer Chain

Inever intended to start a jewelry business. What I have today did not begin as a business plan; it began as a divine encounter.

A few years ago, I experienced what I can only describe as a radical transformation, an encounter with the presence of Jesus that changed my life. Until then, everything around me had unraveled, and my life felt lost and broken. In my search for truth and meaning, I turned to my birth mother’s Bible, one that had sat untouched in a drawer for 18 years. As I began to read, a longing stirred within me, and I started to sense that God might truly be real. That realization led me to prayer, and as those prayers began to be answered, a personal relationship with Jesus was born.

My heart fell deeply in love with the Lord, and one night I prayed a simple, life-altering prayer: “Lord, I just want to work for You.”

In that instant, God responded. I was given a vision of a jewelry line designed to carry His presence, to remind people to pray, and to connect Believers around the world through faith and the power of prayer.

Jewelry set apart for God’s glory. It was a prayer chain jewelry line, and when I began researching it, I discovered that nothing like it existed. This was a divine blueprint. Each piece carries its own scripture and

This was never about jewelry; it is about Jesus. The jewelry is simply the vessel; the ministry is what flows through it.

story and comes with a prayer number. Customers submit a personal prayer request with their number, then receive someone else’s number and prayer, creating a living prayer chain that connects Believers around the world.

From that day forward, my life began to shift. God started answering prayers one after another, and miracles began happening all around me.

During that same season, God was not only creating Lamb’s Heir; He was transforming my life. He restored relationships, freed me

from addiction, healed wounds, and saved me from the toxicity that once consumed me. He was making me a new creation.

In His perfect timing, through prophetic words and divine alignment, God brought me my godly husband, a man who stands beside me as my business partner, intercessor, and prayer warrior. Together, we have watched the Lord take this vision and breathe His life into it.

Through prophetic confirmations, divine connections, and answered prayers, what started as a personal encounter became a movement of prayer, faith, and identity in Christ.

In April 2025, after two years of preparation, refinement, and divine timing, we officially launched Lamb’s Heir. Since that moment, we have seen God’s fingerprints on every detail. Though we do not have a storefront, Lamb’s Heir has grown with orders coming in from across the world. God also transformed my personal life, bringing me my husband in December 2023 and blessing our marriage on August 11,

When you give God your yes, He will turn your business into a platform for His glory. Lamb’s Heir is proof of that.

2024. We hear testimonies constantly of people receiving miracles, finding peace, and rekindling their faith through the power of prayer connected to our pieces.

Our mission has always been clear: to glorify God through creativity, and to make prayer both visible and powerful in everyday life. Every piece is designed to represent a connection between Heaven and Earth, a wearable reminder that God still hears, still moves, and still answers. Each piece carries a scripture and story, offering opportunities to wear boldly your identity in Christ and speak of Him wherever you go. Through the prayer number system, every wearer becomes part of a global prayer chain, linking Believers through intercession and faith.

We have also had the privilege of partnering with Touch of Class Fashion Boutique, The Walk, and Lorie Hartshorn with The FOUND Podcast, all sharing our passion for helping Believers understand their identity in Christ. Together, we are seeing the message of prayer reach further, with more partnerships in the making. These relationships have opened doors we could not have manufactured, and they continue to amplify the call to pray, to stand firm in Christ, and to remember who we are in Him, even in ordinary moments for Believers of every age.

Along this journey, I have been invited to share my story on podcasts, interviews, events, and TV shows centered on the ways God has moved through my life and in Lamb’s Heir. Every time I speak, I am reminded of one thing: this was never about jewelry; it is about Jesus. The jewelry is simply the vessel; the ministry is what flows through it.

When I first said “yes” to God’s vision, I did not have a full business strategy, but I had something far greater: His presence. I learned that obedience, surrender, and faith always precede understanding. If something brings no peace, it is not His plan. God will make the impossible possible. He is the Way Maker, and what He opens, no one can shut.

If you are a Christian business owner, here is what I have discovered about partnering with the Holy Spirit in your enterprise:

• Let God be the CEO. Begin decisions with prayer, and ask, “Holy Spirit, what do You want me to do?”

• Don’t separate ministry from business. God moves in customer interactions, and every order can reflect His love.

• Expect the supernatural. Dedicate your work to God, and look for divine timing, provision, and open doors.

• Stay rooted in prayer and His Word, and know your true identity in Christ when challenges come.

• Use your platform for His glory. Put Christ first, and let your work become worship.

Every day, I wake up grateful that God chose me for this. Lamb’s Heir is not just about fashion; it is about faith made visible, connection, identity, and the reminder that prayer changes everything.

We continue to receive prophetic words and confirmations that God is expanding this vision through new collections, collaborations, and ministry opportunities where I will be sharing my testimony and speaking about the power of prayer.

There is so much more to come, and I stand in awe of what God continues to do.

To anyone reading this, if God has placed a dream, desire, or vision in your heart, do not wait until it makes sense. Step out in faith. Pray first, move second. The Holy Spirit knows the blueprint better than you ever could.

When you give God your “yes,” He will turn your business into a platform for His glory. Lamb’s Heir is proof of that.

Because at the end of the day, this is not our business; it is His. And when you let God lead, miracles always follow.

TIMELESS KNITS ELEVATED

“Stuck? What If That’s Not the End of Your Story?”

AFFORDABLE. PROFITABLE.

STARTUP BUSINESSES WITH REAL GROWTH POTENTIAL

PROFITABLE. POSSIBLE.

You do not need massive capital to build something meaningful. You need clarity, wisdom, and the courage to begin.

Scripture reminds us that God gives us the power to obtain wealth, and He often does this by placing ideas, skills, and opportunities in our hands.

In today’s economy, more women are seeking practical and flexible ways to create additional streams of income. Whether the goal is financial stability, debt freedom, or stepping into a new season of purpose, starting a small business can be a God-aligned step toward stewardship and increase. Scripture reminds us that God gives us the power to obtain wealth, and He often does this by placing ideas, skills, and opportunities in our hands.

The encouraging truth is that you do not need a large investment to begin. With wisdom, discipline, and creativity, it is possible to launch a meaningful and profitable business for less than three thousand dollars. Below are accessible business opportunities, each offering a realistic path to income growth while honoring your values, family priorities, and God-given gifts.

When God places an idea in your hands, it is often an invitation to move forward with confidence.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Social media management remains one of the most accessible servicebased businesses available today. Many brands depend on a consistent content flow but lack the time, strategy, or internal resources to manage it effectively.

Why It Works

Brands rely heavily on ongoing visibility and engagement to remain competitive, yet many business owners do not have the capacity to manage content consistently. This creates steady demand for skilled support.

Startup costs typically range from five hundred to twelve hundred dollars, with many women seeing their first income within two to six weeks of beginning outreach. Entry-level monthly income often falls between fifteen hundred and four thousand dollars, with room to grow quickly.

A strategic way to stand out is by developing niche-specific packages, such as Reels-only management or faith-based brand growth systems. Specialization increases perceived value and positions you as a solution provider rather than a generalist.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES

Virtual assistant services continue to grow as entrepreneurs and business owners seek reliable administrative support. Tasks may include email management, scheduling, research, document preparation, and customer communication.

Why It Works

As businesses scale, administrative tasks increase, but hiring full-time staff is often not feasible. Virtual assistants provide flexible, costeffective support that meets a growing need.

Startup costs usually fall between two hundred and fifty and one thousand dollars. Most virtual assistants begin earning income within

two to eight weeks, with beginner monthly income ranging from eight hundred to twenty-five hundred dollars.

Creating a structured onboarding workflow is a powerful differentiator. Professional documentation and clear processes instantly position you as a high-caliber service provider, even in your first ninety days.

PRINT-ON-DEMAND ONLINE STORE

A print-on-demand store offers creative freedom with minimal financial risk. This model allows you to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory, as items are printed and shipped only after purchase.

Why It Works

Print-on-demand removes the burden of inventory management while allowing entrepreneurs to test designs and messages quickly. This flexibility lowers risk while supporting brand creativity.

Startup costs typically range from three hundred and fifty to one thousand dollars, with income commonly beginning within four to twelve weeks. Monthly earnings can range from five hundred dollars to five thousand dollars or more, depending on marketing consistency and brand positioning.

Investing in styled product photography significantly improves conversions. In the print-on-demand space, visual identity often determines whether a shopper becomes a buyer.

DIGITAL PRODUCTS

AND ONLINE COURSES

Digital products transform your knowledge into a scalable asset. Whether your expertise lies in beauty, wellness, Christian living, or personal development, this model allows you to serve a wide audience without trading time for every sale.

Why It Works

Once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs, making them highly scalable and efficient for longterm income growth.

Startup costs range from three hundred to fifteen hundred dollars, with many creators generating income within three to ten weeks. Monthly earnings often begin around three thousand dollars and can grow to fifteen thousand dollars or more as offers expand.

A wise entry strategy is to begin with a small, high-impact offer such as a micro-course, workbook, or devotional guide. This validates demand before investing in larger programs.

HANDMADE BEAUTY OR WELLNESS PRODUCTS

Small-batch beauty and wellness products continue to attract consumers seeking transparency, natural ingredients, and artisanal quality. Candles, skincare, and wellness blends are particularly popular.

Why It Works

Consumers increasingly prefer products with clear sourcing, clean formulations, and personal brand stories. Small-batch production aligns with these values and builds trust.

Startup costs usually range from five hundred to two thousand dollars, with income commonly beginning within five to 12 weeks. Monthly earnings often range from one thousand to seven thousand dollars as brand trust grows.

Scaling slowly is essential. Two refined, high-performing products often outperform a broad but unfocused product line.

MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES

Mobile notary services offer consistent demand from legal, real estate, and business sectors, providing flexibility and steady income potential.

Why It Works

Notarization is a required step for many legal and financial documents, creating ongoing demand that is not easily disrupted by economic shifts. Startup costs generally range from three hundred to eight hundred dollars. Many notaries earn income within four to six weeks, with monthly earnings commonly falling between fifteen hundred and six thousand dollars.

Offering after-hours or mobile appointments creates a strong competitive advantage. Convenience is often the deciding factor for clients.

HOUSE CLEANING OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

House cleaning and organizing services remain in demand across economic conditions and appeal to women who enjoy creating peaceful, functional environments.

Why It Works

These services address ongoing, practical needs. Once trust is established, clients often commit to recurring appointments, creating reliable income.

Startup costs typically range from two hundred to eight hundred dollars, with income often beginning within three to four weeks. Monthly earnings frequently range from two thousand to eight thousand dollars. Converting one-time deep-clean clients into recurring maintenance clients builds predictable and stable income over time.

TUTORING OR COACHING SERVICES

Tutoring and coaching are knowledge-based businesses that require minimal startup investment. Services may include academic tutoring, fitness coaching, music lessons, or mindset coaching.

Why It Works

Education and personal development are evergreen needs. Clients are willing to invest in guidance that delivers measurable progress and personal transformation.

Startup costs usually fall between one hundred and five hundred dollars. Most providers see income within four to six weeks, with monthly earnings ranging from five hundred to four thousand dollars. Developing a proprietary method or framework increases perceived expertise and supports premium pricing.

YOUR GOD-GIVEN POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH

Each of these businesses offers a realistic pathway to financial increase, creativity, and purpose. What begins as a modest investment can grow into a meaningful income stream through consistency, skill development, and wise stewardship.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our work to the Lord and trust that He will establish our plans. When we approach business with diligence, discipline, and faith, even a small beginning can become something remarkable.

in My Hands Poetry Put Spirit When Holy J

Julianne Long first posted her poem The Cure in June 2020, and she immediately knew it was not simply her voice on the page, it was Holy Spirit. Since then, she has built a Scripture-anchored community through poetry, biblical insight, and everyday testimony, pointing readers back to Jesus with every line.

une 2020 marked the moment I realized poetry was not simply a personal interest. It was part of my God-given voice. I posted my first poem on Instagram, The Cure, and I knew instantly it was not just me writing, it was Holy Spirit. There was no reason for me to be writing poetry, which is how I recognized God prompting me. That first piece revealed something to me right away: this gift came from Him, beyond anything I could have done within my own skill set.

Before poetry, Instagram was simple. I used it to share my family and everyday life. Even then, I felt a call to encourage. Long before I posted a poem, I was leaving thoughtful comments, speaking life, and sharing Scripture with others. Looking back, I can see God built connection first, then released the poetry.

When The Cure went up, the response was immediate. A follower reached out to tell me she had bookmarked the poem and would return to it again and again because of how deeply it spoke to her heart. Then more messages came: “Keep writing!” “Thank you, I needed this.” and “You have such a gift.” I knew God was using my poetry to minister and comfort others. Through 2021 and 2022, the encouragement only grew, and it was overwhelming and unexpected because I was not writing for recognition or approval. I was responding to God’s call.

My writing flows from my love for Him, but even more from His love for us. That is grace in action, a gift He gave me, and through it, an extension of Jesus to others. Over time, my platform began to blend poetry with biblical insight and commentary. As I developed in writing, I realized the power of anchoring every piece in Scripture. The words I release come from impartations on my heart by God, and when I express them through poetry, they are rooted in His living, active Word. That is why I include key Scripture verses in my captions, so readers can see the foundation and draw from it in a fresh way.

Romans 5:5 comes alive in this process. As God pours into me through Holy Spirit, I pour back into others. Readers often tell me that including Scripture alongside my

poetry helps them engage with God’s Word in a new way. I want my work to be an invitation back to the Bible itself.

My daughter, Jocelyn, captured something I could not quite put into words. She said my platform makes Jesus relatable because I share real life, my family, and my experiences, while always pointing to Him. People can connect with an authentic person living a genuine life, yet the focus remains on giving Jesus the credit and glory. I never want my writing to become about me.

People ask how I keep my content rooted in truth, not just emotion or trending topics. For me, the answer is simple because there is only one truth, and His name is Jesus Christ. I am passionate about aligning my life with God’s Word and pointing others to Him. Jesus never contradicts Himself, and Scripture is consistent and unwavering. I write and share for an audience of One. I do not cherry-pick Scripture to suit my lifestyle; I let God lead. Matthew 6:33 anchors everything I do.

As a wife and mother of two adult children, motherhood has shaped my faith, my writing, and my perspective more than anything else. It reflects the heart of God; He is Father. Through being a mother, I have experienced the deepest, most transformative love, and it mirrors how God loves us. Motherhood has humbled me in ways that are inexpressible. I have had to hold firm lines with my children, but I am able to do that because I am rooted in Jesus. He is my anchor, and my identity is in Him alone.

because we are one in Christ.

It takes three for a God-centered marriage: husband, wife, and Jesus at the center. We always showed our children that our marriage was solid and secure. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is letting them see their mother and father love each other deeply and are stable in that love.

As our platform has grown, I chose to keep my Instagram public because we are called to be a light on a hill. You do not hide a lamp, you let it shine. That decision has allowed anyone to access my poetry and encouragement freely. Brian and I are secure in who we are and, more importantly, whose we are.

God has also asked me to be quiet in seasons, and I am in a quieter one right now. Recent revelation has shown that my poetry was prophetic. My pen declared victory over a season I had not yet entered, the great test of my lifetime. I have written less over the past six months because God has been deepening and refining me. This has been a season of warfare, trusting Him in the secret place, and holding tightly to the promises He spoke over my life. I have never prayed more than I have in these past eighteen months.

There is a crushing that produces oil. Many desire the anointing, but few are willing to endure the pressing required to release it. I have learned that abiding in the Vine during the crushing is where commission and authority are birthed. God does not waste pain, and He does not keep us in the valley forever. Victory is our portion in Christ. We fight from victory, not for it. My call to write has not lifted. He equips the called. Testimony is on my tongue, and I know it will serve families far beyond my own. My poems have always ended in victory because God knows the end from the beginning.

The words I release come from impartations on my heart by God..

When a woman tells me she feels spiritually dry, but still wants to hear God clearly, I remind her that Jesus is Living Water, and His fountain never runs dry. Dryness does not mean God has withdrawn. The veil was torn at the cross, and through the finished work of Christ, there is no separation between us and Almighty God. When we feel dry, the invitation is not to strive harder, but to rest more. Grace is the answer. I encourage the weary woman to run to the feet of Jesus and allow Him to pour into every dry place. In Him, we are never without supply.

When I began writing in June 2020, my children were already adults. Still, every poem has been shaped by motherhood. I write from a place of rawness and vulnerability, but because my words are grounded in Scripture, each reader can draw from them personally. My poems may be born from my experience, but the truth within them allows others to receive exactly what they need. God’s Word never runs dry.

My marriage is another place where I have seen God’s faithfulness. It brings me great joy to say without hesitation that Brian is my anointed from the Lord. I truly believe God chose us for each other before the foundations of the world. He has been my sweetheart since I was 16 and he was 17, and now at nearly 52, our love continues to grow stronger

As for what is next, I will continue to write as Holy Spirit prompts me. I have no ambition outside of God’s will for this journey. If a book is in my future, I trust that the right publisher will approach me at the right time. I hold that lightly, walking in obedience to the Spirit.

Outside of my marriage and children, the ministry that has unfolded through poetry and sharing my faith is what I cherish most. I pray that captives would be set free and that souls would come to know Jesus through my ministry. Daniel 12:3 says, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” That is my purpose. I believe there is multiplication ahead through alignment with other Christ warriors that will have massive Kingdom impact. We are only just getting started, and I am grateful for every prayer that advances the grace gospel of Jesus Christ.

QUIET STATEMENT PIECES

This season’s accessories selection blends comfort, craftsmanship, and polish. The Adidas Samba OG remains in high demand for its color range, iconic shape, and everyday comfort. Cashmere gloves add a refined cold-weather finish, and they are worth buying on sale to secure true quality for less. A sleek ringdetail belt defines the waist, while an organic stone ring adds character. Add a suede shoulder bag for rich texture, mismatched pearl earrings for a modern twist, and footwear options that balance practicality and polish, from shearling-lined sneakers to classic slingback kitten heels.

Clarisa Patterson looks at the hidden role of facial bone density in aging, and how women can protect their God-given structure with simple daily habits

BONE

THE SILENT FOUNDATION OF AGING WELL

If you have ever looked in the mirror and felt like your face seems different, even if you cannot quite describe how, you are not imagining it.

I have seen this concern in countless women over the years. They notice their cheeks looking flatter, their jawline appearing softer, or the area around their mouth beginning to sag, and they assume it is all about their skin. But the truth is that aging begins much deeper. Before the skin ever changes, the bones beneath it quietly begin to remodel, and that shift affects the way we look long before most women expect it.

Low bone density in the facial bones changes the very foundation that supports the skin, muscles, and soft tissues. As bone mass gradually diminishes, the cheeks, jawline, and midface lose some of their natural projection and firmness. This is why the face can start to appear more hollow, why wrinkles deepen around the mouth, and why the lips and lower face may look different than they did a decade earlier. Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery confirms that facial bones remodel with age, especially around the orbits, cheeks, and jaw, and these changes significantly influence the outward signs of aging. I see this reflected in my work every day, and it is one of the most overlooked reasons women feel their face is changing faster than they expected.

begins to change earlier than most women realize. Even in our thirties and forties, bone density naturally begins to decline, and after menopause, the process accelerates. A study in Osteoporosis International found that women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the first years after menopause. This is a significant shift taking place silently within the body, even if we do not feel it right away.

Hormone shifts have a powerful influence on bone density, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

The encouraging truth is that bone is living tissue, and it responds powerfully to the choices we make. Movement is one of the most effective ways to support bone density. Strength training, in particular, sends important signals to the bones to stay strong and rebuild. You do not need extreme workouts to benefit. Consistent, intentional movement such as resistance training, walking, stair climbing, and body-weight exercises encourages bones to reinforce themselves. Supporting posture and alignment also helps the skeletal system function the way God designed it to. When we sit, stand, and move with awareness, we reduce unnecessary strain on the spine and hips, which allows the body’s structure to stay balanced and supported.

When the vertical height of the jaw decreases, the entire facial structure shifts. The lower face may appear shorter, the proportions between the mouth and chin change, and in some cases the chin can appear more pointed. In more advanced stages of bone loss, some women may even experience functional changes. Chewing may feel different or less comfortable, or speech may subtly shift if there is significant change in the jaw or if dental alignment is affected. Loose or shifting teeth can also occur when the jawbone loses density, which further influences the look and shape of the mouth.

These facial changes are often the first signs of bone density decline, but they certainly are not the only ones. Bone health throughout the body

Sunlight is another essential tool for bone health because it helps the body naturally produce vitamin D, which allows us to absorb calcium and maintain bone strength. Even a few minutes outdoors each day can make a meaningful difference. Nutrition plays a major role as well. Bones need far more than calcium alone, and the right combination of nutrients can make a meaningful difference in long-term strength. Foods rich in magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and high-quality protein support bone density and mineralization. Leafy greens, yogurt, sardines, pumpkin seeds, eggs, legumes, and fermented foods all help nourish the skeletal system. I also often recommend targeted nutrients such as calcium hydroxyapatite, magnesium glycinate, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 in the MK-4 and MK-7 forms, since these work together to support bone structure and proper calcium placement. Many women do not get enough of these through diet alone, and adding them with guidance can help reinforce the foundation that keeps the body strong.

Inflammation also affects bone density. Chronic inflammation disrupts the natural cycle of bone breakdown and rebuilding. Choosing antiinflammatory foods like wild salmon, walnuts, leafy greens, turmeric, and ginger can help create a healthier internal environment. Reducing excessive caffeine or soda intake also supports better mineral absorption and overall bone balance.

Hormone shifts have a powerful influence on bone density, especially during perimenopause and menopause. While every woman’s hormonal journey is unique, being aware of these changes and discussing them with a qualified healthcare provider can help you better understand what your body may need during each season of life. Stress management is equally important. When stress is prolonged, the body produces excess cortisol, which can interfere with bone-building cells. Gentle practices such as prayer, quiet reflection, gratitude journaling, stretching, deep breathing, and time in nature all support emotional and physical resilience.

Sleep ties all of these pieces together. During deep rest, the body regulates hormones that assist in bone repair and remodeling. When sleep is disrupted or insufficient, these restorative processes cannot happen efficiently. Rest is part of God’s design for healing and renewal,

and prioritizing it strengthens the systems that keep us well.

All of these elements work together to protect and support your bone density. If you want to nurture this vital part of your health, begin with small, consistent habits. Notice how your face and posture feel. Move your body regularly. Choose nourishing foods. Spend time in natural light. Rest deeply. Manage stress with intention. And, most importantly, talk with a qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your bone density.

Our bones do far more than hold us upright. They shape our appearance, support our movement, and influence how confidently we live. Caring for them is an act of stewardship, a way of honoring the extraordinary design God has given each of us. When your bones are supported, you feel grounded, strong, and capable of walking through every season of life with grace and confidence.

Please remember that this article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your exercise, nutrition, or supplement routine.

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THE FILM EDIT

RELATIONSHIP GOALS

Relationship Goals is a faith-rooted romantic comedy starring Kelly Rowland and Method Man. Rowland plays Leah, a driven TV producer on the verge of making history as the first woman to run New York’s top morning show. Her plans shift when her ex, Jarrett, reenters the picture, competing for the same role and claiming he has changed through the wisdom of Pastor Michael Todd’s bestselling book. As Leah’s circle leans into the message, love, purpose, and ambition collide.

Where to Watch: Prime Video.

THE BREADWINNER

After his wife Katie lands a once-ina-lifetime deal on Shark Tank that takes her on a prolonged business trip, lifelong breadwinner Nate Wilcox must now fend for his family as a first-time stay-at-home dad. The film follows Nate as he adjusts to a new rhythm of responsibility at home while his wife’s opportunity reshapes their family dynamics. Out March 2026.

to Watch: In theatres March 13.

SARAH’S OIL

Sarah’s Oil is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s. Convinced there is oil beneath the barren land she has been allotted, Sarah holds to what she believes, and her faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, she relies on family, friends, and Texas wildcatters to protect her claim, becoming one of the nation’s first female African American millionaires at eleven.

Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally.

HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER

From the director of the Kendrick Brothers’ Show Me The Father comes He Calls Me Daughter, a documentary exploring the lasting influence of father-daughter relationships. The film examines how the presence, absence, support, or strain of a dad can shape a daughter’s life, and it

speaks to viewers with both positive and difficult personal histories. It ultimately points to the truth that a heavenly Father changes everything through the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Where to Watch: In theatres March 17.

5000 BLANKETS

Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 Blankets highlights the power of family and faith through a journey shaped by hope. When a woman’s husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, she and her young son search for him on the streets. Their determination sparks a movement of compassion toward those in need, drawing an entire city into a response that extends far beyond one family’s crisis.

Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally.

SOUL ON FIRE

Directed by Sean McNamara and based on John O’Leary’s bestselling memoir, On Fire, Soul on Fire offers

an emotional, faith-filled portrait of resilience. As O’Leary battles to survive, the story widens to include frontline workers, devoted family, and a community that shows up in practical, life-giving ways. The result is a celebration of heroes, and a reminder that survival can become a doorway to truly living.

Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally.

IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ’EM, TAZE ’EM

In If You Can't Beat 'Em, Taze 'Em, June “Junebug” Colson pulls comedy straight from real life, sharing stories about motherhood, marriage, and raising athlete sons. The material moves through everyday chaos, from teens who feel like aliens, to ten-pound “man-babies,” to DIY projects that spiral into HGTV-inspired disasters. It is built around relatable moments and lived-in humor drawn from the pressures and surprises of family life.

Where to Watch: The Angel app.

Our home and living page is all about sculptural simplicity, warm texture, and pieces that earn their keep in everyday life. Start with the wooden side table, which pairs a rounded top with a geometric base for a look that feels modern, yet grounded. It is an easy partner beside a sofa or bed, perfect for a lamp, a book, and your evening cup of tea.

For a sharper, architectural note, the tall metal stand, shaped like a prism, adds height and structure to a corner that needs intention. Style it with a trailing plant, a statement vase, or a candle cluster to create a clean focal point. The stainless steel side table delivers reflective polish, bringing a sleek, lightcatching finish that works beautifully in contemporary spaces and instantly elevates a reading nook.

Comfort and character meet in the Snooze 4 Seater Sofa, the perfect place to relax and unwind. Exclusive to Heal’s, it features hidden feet for a modern feel and a softly curved arm detail that reads refined, not fussy. Nearby, the pompom seagrass basket adds texture and charm, ideal for throws, magazines, or toys, so your space stays tidy and styled.

For the kitchen or dining table, the stainless steel carafe offers classic lines and practical ease, ideal for water, infused drinks, or serving with quiet elegance. Finish with the retro-inspired armchair and footstool, upholstered in cream, with a curved silhouette that suits modern and eclectic interiors alike.

Look Again, by Tim Tebow with A. J. Gregory

A perspective-shifting encouragement title geared toward readers who want hope, renewed purpose, and practical mindset reframes rooted in Christian conviction

How to Build a Godly Marriage, by Joel and Mary Beeke

A Christ-centered marriage guide for couples who want a clear biblical framework, practical structure, and a steady tone oriented toward lifelong covenant health.

Faith and Fitness: Devotions for Christian Women Who Workout, by Laura May

Laura May offers a devotional approach to training, inviting readers to view movement as worship and the body as a temple. The structure is designed to be used alongside workouts, pairing Scripture reflection with a consistent spiritual rhythm. It is best suited for women who want their fitness habits to remain anchored in prayer, purpose, and wholeness.

The Biblio Diet: Transforming Your Health the Way God Intended, by Jordan Rubin and Josh Axe

Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe present a holistic health plan shaped by biblical principles and reinforced with modern wellness concepts. The focus extends beyond food to broader lifestyle practices intended to support longterm strength, health, and longevity. It is positioned for readers who want an integrated approach that connects daily choices to faith-informed purpose

The Goodness of God in the Gift of Scripture: 20 Meditations, by Uche Anizor

A concise meditation format for readers who want Scripture engagement to feel fresh, accessible, and personally formative again.

Called to Prosperity, by Aaron DeHoog

A money-and-purpose title framed around stewardship, prosperity principles, and longterm impact, fitting readers who want faith-aligned financial clarity.

Weathering Change, by Courtney Ellis

A steadying resource for transitions and uncertain seasons, offering readers grounded guidance that supports emotional resilience and spiritual confidence.

Jesus Calling for Moms, By Sarah Young

Jesus Calling for Moms brings together

50 timely devotions selected from Sarah Young’s New York Times bestseller, Jesus Calling, celebrating mothers and the love, comfort, and strength they pour out every day. With Scripture-rich reflections, this beautiful compilation speaks to trusting God through uncertainty, finding courage and strength, leaning into His guidance and comfort. It also includes a new introduction and prayer from Sarah, journaling prompts and questions for deeper growth.

The Kitchen Devotional: Readings and Recipes to Feed Your Soul, Nourish Your Faith, and Bring Joy to the Table, by Alyssa Roggie Allen and contributors

This devotional cookbook blends hospitality and spiritual formation through ninety readings and more than fifty recipes. Its focus is the intersection of home, faith, and the everyday ministry of feeding people well. It is structured for readers who want simple encouragement at the table, with practical recipes that support a steady, welcoming rhythm.

Feasting on Hope, by Hannah Miller King

A devotional-leaning read designed to nourish the heart, anchored in God’s provision and presence for readers who want encouragement that remains substantive.

The Gratitude Way, by Girma Bishaw

A gratitude- centered approach for readers who want spiritual maturity and emotional steadiness, with a tone that encourages reflection and daily application.

To Live Well, by Alan Noble

A practical-wisdom book for readers seeking clarity and steadiness, built to support daily decision-making and healthier rhythms.

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer, by Anne Blackburne

A gentle romance option for readers who enjoy Amish settings, relational repair, and clean storytelling.

Be Good to Your Body: Getting Back to God’s Design in a World of Wellness Trends, Quick Fixes, and Conflicting Health Advice, by Jordan Lee Dooley Jordan Lee Dooley frames wellness as stewardship, encouraging readers to pursue health without letting wellness become an idol. The book aims to steady women who feel overwhelmed by competing health trends and contradictory advice. It consistently points back to biblical principles and practical rhythms that support sustainable care for the body and mind.

A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, by David Mathis

David Mathis connects exercise to discipleship, presenting physical stewardship as a way to honour God and bless others. The book combines biblical reflection with practical guidance, emphasizing modest, sustainable movement rather than extremes. Its central theme is that putting Christ at the center of physical training can deepen spiritual joy and purpose.

365 Days of Hope and Healing for Your Body, Mind, and Soul, By Joan Hunter

In 365 Days of Hope and Healing for Your Body, Mind, and Soul, Joan Hunter offers a year-long devotional designed to help readers partner with God for healing and restoration. With daily Scripture and practical action steps, this book encourages believers to experience the power of prayer, release trauma to God, receive peace in the midst of pain, and step into the full freedom of Christ. For anyone facing pain, sickness, depression, or anxiety, these devotions provide steady encouragement toward wholeness, breakthrough, and the healing comfort God promises to provide.

BEAUTIFUL Bold & Blessed How Christian Models Stand Firm

and Still Get Booked

There is a particular kind of beauty that stops a room. It is not only symmetry or bone structure. It is presence. For Believers who carry that “standout” gift, modeling can feel like an open door and a spiritual tension at the same time. The industry is built on aesthetics, speed, and influence, yet God is the author of beauty, and He is not threatened by the spaces His daughters enter. The question is not whether Christians are allowed in fashion, media, and entertainment. The question is whether they can enter with clarity, stay whole, and still be respected as professionals.

The book of Esther offers a surprising framework for this conversation. Esther was an orphan, yet she was selected into a process where the king was seeking a new wife. Scripture notes that before each young woman’s turn, she completed twelve months of prescribed preparation, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). The point is not vanity. The point is stewardship and readiness. Esther’s story carries a quiet message for modern women who feel called to high-visibility spaces: preparation matters, counsel matters, timing matters, and favor is not accidental.

In the modeling world, representation is often the first gate. Agencies typically discover new talent through online submissions, open calls, and referrals. A strong submission is simple and strategic. Clear digitals, accurate measurements, and a short note that communicates your lane. Commercial, print, runway, and for those pursuing more, acting and singing. The best agencies are not looking for perfection. They are looking for potential they can book. That means you photograph well, you take direction without ego, and you understand that being “easy to work with” is not a personality trait. It is a business skill.

This is where many Christian models misunderstand the assignment. They think the agency conversation is primarily about values. It is not. It is primarily about professionalism. Values matter, but they become meaningful in the industry when they are communicated with maturity and consistency. A model who cancels late, responds slowly, or creates confusion about expectations will not be booked often, no matter how strong their look is.

Excellence is your witness before your words ever are.

Still, discernment is essential, because modeling has real risks. The industry attracts scams and pressure tactics. Be cautious with agencies that require large upfront payments for “representation,” promise guaranteed work, or push you into expensive packages as the price of being signed. Training can be valuable, but it should not feel like a financial trap. Also read every contract carefully. Pay attention to exclusivity, term length, commission, usage rights, and where your images will appear. In today’s world, the fine print is not minor. It is identity protection.

For Believers, boundaries are a second gate, and this is where courage meets wisdom. Many Christian models choose not to accept nudity, implied nudity, lingerie, or overtly sexual concepts. Others draw lines around certain brands or categories, such as alcohol, gambling, or messaging that conflicts with their convictions. Your boundaries may be different, but the discipline is the same. Decide before you are asked. When you wait until you are on set, under lights, with a client watching the clock, you will feel pressured to comply. When you decide in advance, you can communicate calmly and professionally.

Here is the key that keeps you from being labeled “difficult.” Boundaries are not the problem. Unclear boundaries are. If you are consistent, respectful, and early in your communication, you become an asset, not a complication. You can say, “I do not do lingerie or implied nudity,” with the same tone you would use to confirm a call time. You can also be solution-oriented. Often a concept can be adjusted with styling, layering, neckline changes, or different posing that still meets the creative brief. The most respected models are not the ones who have no standards. They are the ones who understand their standards and can collaborate without drama.

Beauty is a gift, but excellence is the proof you can steward it.

Not every modeling lane carries the same level of pressure. For many Christian women, commercial modeling is a strong fit. It is lifestyle-based, product-focused, and often less sexualized than high-fashion editorial. Commercial work also tends to offer consistent opportunities through ads, catalogs, brand campaigns, and social content. Print and lifestyle campaigns can be equally aligned, especially for wellness, beauty, family brands, modest fashion, and faith-adjacent companies. Runway

You do not have to compromise to be competitive. You have to be clear.

can be a meaningful lane for the right model in the right market, but it is more competitive and sometimes more demanding in styling expectations. If runway is part of your path, it is wise to pursue designers and shows whose creative direction aligns with your convictions, including modest fashion spaces where your standards are not treated as a disruption.

If you want to pursue all three lanes, modeling, acting, and singing, treat each as a craft. Acting requires training, audition practice, and emotional discipline. Singing requires vocal development and consistency. Agencies can open doors, but skill keeps you in the room. It is better to be steadily improving in three lanes than to be unprepared in all three and frustrated by lack of bookings.

Social media, today, is not optional. It is your portfolio, your brand statement, and often your first audition. The goal is not to post everything. The goal is to post with intent. If you want commercial work, your page should feel commercial. Bright, clean, approachable, and versatile. If you want fashion, your visuals should show stronger editorial direction. If you want acting, include short, polished performance clips. If you want singing, include clean audio and professional presentation. Your faith can be present without being combative. Clients should see peace, clarity, and maturity, not controversy. Your content should make a booker think, “She is talented, she is consistent, and she will make my job easier.”

There is also wisdom in learning from cautionary stories. Kylie Bisutti, who won the Victoria’s Secret Model Search in 2009, later made a public pivot away from that lane, choosing to prioritize her Christian faith over the opportunities tied to lingerie modeling. In her memoir, I’m No Angel, she describes the darker pressures she experienced in the industry and why she realized that world was not for her. Her story is not a template for every believer, but it is a reminder that visibility is not the same as alignment, and stepping away can be an act of strength, not failure.

The downsides of modeling deserve honesty. The work can be inconsistent, the rejection can be frequent, and the environment can amplify comparison and insecurity. Some sets are healthy. Some are spiritually noisy. A Christian model needs accountability, wise counsel, and a grounded identity that does not rise and fall on bookings. Modeling can be a platform, but it should never become a god.

RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN MODELS

DAN Talent Group, faith-based talent agency.

A-List Models and Talent, faith-based model and talent agency.

Modeling Through Christ, faith-forward agency for models, actors, and recording artists.

Models for Christ, community support for fashion industry professionals.

Christian Models Association, training and community support for Christian women.

Esther’s story reminds us that preparation is not shallow when it is stewarded with purpose. Beauty is not the enemy. Compromise is. When Christian models combine clear standards with excellence, humility, and consistency, they can enter the industry, secure representation, and build a reputation that honors God while still being highly respected by the people who hire them.

THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND THE BRANDS SHAPING ITS FUTURE

Connecting Fashion to Biblical Principles of Stewardship, Compassion, and Integrity

In the heart of a modern boutique, a woman moves thoughtfully through rows of garments designed with purpose. The fabrics feel different, not only in texture but in meaning. Each piece carries a story of ethical craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and a growing global commitment to sustainable fashion. As awareness increases and women demand more accountability from the fashion world, sustainability has emerged as one of the most significant shifts in the industry.

Fresponsible production. Its commitment to water saving techniques and ethical sourcing continues to influence the global denim industry.

Sézane, a well known French label, brings Parisian elegance into the world of sustainable fashion. The brand focuses on responsible production, high quality materials, and transparent supply chains. Sézane’s timeless designs appeal to women who value refined style rooted in environmental responsibility.

Ninety Percent offers a minimalist aesthetic shaped by generosity and ethical values. The brand donates ninety percent of its profits to charitable causes and to the people involved in producing its collections. Its clean, contemporary designs are crafted using sustainable materials, demonstrating that fashion can support both beauty and purpose.

Renewcell, a leader in textile regeneration, is transforming discarded clothing into Circulose, a biodegradable raw material used by major fashion brands. This innovation reduces reliance on virgin fibers and demonstrates how scientific progress can support meaningful change in the industry.

or many Christian women, clothing is more than a matter of personal expression. It is an opportunity to reflect values rooted in Scripture. Ethical fashion honors this conviction by supporting fair treatment of workers, responsible use of resources, and transparency in how garments are made. The Bible repeatedly calls Believers to live with integrity and to act justly. Choosing responsibly made clothing becomes a practical expression of these principles. It allows Christian women to align their daily decisions with a life that honors God through compassion, justice, and mindful stewardship. Every garment chosen with intention becomes part of a larger commitment to ethical living and God honoring responsibility.

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing created with careful consideration for both people and the planet. It challenges the traditional fast fashion model, which often relies on mass production, low wages, and excessive waste. Instead, sustainable fashion promotes responsibly sourced materials, fair labor practices, transparent supply chains, and circular systems that reduce waste. It encourages consumers to make thoughtful purchases and invites brands to operate with integrity.

Several companies have become recognized leaders in this movement, offering women clothing that reflects both quality and conscience.

Studio One Eighty Nine stands out as a pioneering brand committed to cultural preservation and ethical production. Co founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, the company operates in Ghana and the United States. It highlights African craftsmanship through handwoven textiles and plant based dyes, supporting artisan communities and protecting traditional techniques that shape cultural identity.

People Tree, a United Kingdom based brand, has led the conversation on ethical fashion for more than thirty years. Its collections feature organic cotton, natural dyes, and handcrafted pieces made in partnership with artisans across the globe. The brand is rooted in the belief that fashion should protect human rights and honor the environment, a principle evident in every garment it produces.

Kings of Indigo, based in the Netherlands, combines high quality denim with environmentally conscious practices. The brand uses hemp, recycled wool, and organic cotton, prioritizing transparency and

Sustainable fashion is no longer an alternative approach. It represents a global movement toward greater accountability, transparency, and care. The brands that continue to lead this shift show that fashion can be beautiful, ethical, and environmentally conscious all at once. As consumers choose brands that value sustainability, they participate in shaping a future where fashion uplifts communities, protects natural resources, and reflects values that honor people and the planet.

When the woman leaves the boutique with her thoughtfully chosen garment, she carries more than clothing. She carries a vision for a world where fashion tells a story of responsibility, dignity, and hope.

A meaningful choice for Christian women seeking to honor God through ethical living.

HEALTH STRENGTH BEAUTY

BEGINS IN A POT OF BONE BROTH

At first glance, it’s unassuming. A pot of bones slowly simmered for hours. But beneath that humble surface lies a rich concentration of nutrients women’s bodies crave: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, collagen, and a host of amino acids.

Wellness trends rise and fall with remarkable speed, there is something deeply reassuring about a remedy that predates modern medicine. Bone broth, understated, and quietly restorative, is experiencing a renewed appreciation among women who value strength, beauty, and balance cultivated from within. Its return to prominence is not merely culinary. It reflects a broader desire to reconnect with practices rooted in tradition, nourishment, and intentional care for the body.

Prepared through the slow simmering of animal bones, connective tissues, and aromatic herbs, bone broth is widely recognized for its dense nutritional profile. Its value extends well beyond comfort or flavor. For women navigating multiple stages of life, including childbearing years, hormonal transitions, and the process of aging, bone broth offers meaningful support grounded in both historical use and contemporary nutritional science.

Bone broth supports joint health through its natural content of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which may help promote comfort and mobility, particularly with age-related joint wear. It also supports digestive health, as gelatin from slow cooking may help maintain gut lining integrity and support efficient nutrient absorption, while remaining gentle and well tolerated.

From a beauty perspective, bone broth contributes to skin elasticity and hydration through amino acids such as proline and glycine, along with naturally occurring collagen. These nutrients support skin structure and resilience, which may be reflected over time in improved firmness, tone, and overall skin texture.

Additional benefits include support for sleep quality and weight management. Glycine has been associated with relaxation and improved sleep patterns, both of which are essential for hormonal balance and cognitive clarity. At the same time, bone broth’s high protein content and relatively low caloric load may help promote satiety, making it a useful addition for women seeking balanced weight support.

Its anti-inflammatory properties, contribution to mineral intake through calcium and magnesium, muscle-supporting protein content, and role in overall hydration further establish bone broth as a practical and versatile form of daily nourishment. Far from being a passing trend, bone broth represents a return to simplicity, patience, and time-tested care for the body, values that resonate deeply in a modern wellness landscape seeking substance over spectacle.

Bone broth’s appeal extends far beyond its nutritional profile, it can be beautifully integrated into one’s lifestyle with elegance and ease. These five refined approaches offer inspiration for the modern, healthconscious woman.

Bone broth offers meaningful support grounded in both historical use and contemporary nutritional science.

BONE BROTH COFFEE RECIPE

1 cup hot coffee

1-2 tablespoons of unflavoured bone broth

1-2 teaspoons Ghee or unsalted butter (optional)

1 teaspoons MCT oil or coconut oil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare one cup of hot coffee using your preferred brewing method. Add the unflavored bone broth, ghee or unsalted butter, MCT oil or coconut oil to the hot coffee. Blend thoroughly using a high-speed blender or an immersion blender until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly frothy. Serve immediately while warm. This beverage may be enjoyed in the morning as a nourishing alternative to traditional coffee preparations.

THE MORNING ELIXIR

Begin the day with a warm cup of bone broth, sipped like fine tea. Infused with sea salt, lemon, or a sprig of rosemary, it becomes a grounding morning breakfast staple, ideal for moments of journaling before the world awakens.

GOURMET RAMEN AT HOME

Reimagine comfort food by using bone broth as the base for a nutrientrich ramen bowl. Add poached eggs, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and soba noodles. It’s restorative, stylish, and deeply satisfying.

PROTEIN-PACKED SMOOTHIE BOOSTER

For those with active lifestyles, powdered bone broth can be seamlessly incorporated into morning smoothies. Paired with leafy greens and berries, it offers a protein-rich start without compromising taste or texture.

A SOOTHING NIGHTCAP

Conclude the day with a small porcelain cup of warm bone broth, perhaps blended with turmeric or lavender. Its calming properties serve as a gentle cue to rest and release, aligning body and soul for sleep.

OUR TOP BONE BROTH PICKS

Brodo Hearth Bone Broth, A well regarded option known for its rich flavor. brodo.com

Bare Bones made from grass-fed bones. barebonesbroth.com

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder offers 20 grams of protein per scoop. ancientnutrition.com

Osso Good Organic Chicken Bone Broth low in sodium, with 16 grams of protein. ossaorganic.com

Beef Jalapeno Sea Salt Bone Broth Jar epicprovisions.com

Portable and easy to prepare, 10 grams of protein per packet. lonolife.com

Fond Chicken Bone Broth highly rated for taste and quality. fondregenerative.com

Jarrow Formulas Beyond Bone Broth powdered option that combines different types of bone broth. jarrow.com

Vital Proteins Bone Collagen Powder contains hyaluronic acid and is low in sodium vitalproteins.com

Zoup! Good, Really Good Chicken Broth, known for its bold flavor and quality ingredients. zoupbroth.com

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