Christian women believe purity is important and we know God treasures it…but do we communicate to the girls we love how important it is FOR them?

Lisa Samson was given the gift of a story - a fairy tale - with the power to impact a young girl’s heart as she contemplates her most intimate decisions. Girls today begin thinking about this early and this book is written in a way that both compliments the readers intelligence (the girls you love will “get” it!) and entertains.

When I read the book, I knew the topic. I snuggled into my favorite chair ready to read a writer I admire. I expected a good book from Lisa Samson - I just didn’t expect this!

I was surprised when I found myself immediately lost in the beauty of the story and found it’s truths gently weaving their way into my heart. No over-explaining her motives or preaching. Apples of Gold is a tranparent and shimmering parable.

It’s one thing for the girls we love to make bold committments and wear rings symbolizing them. I’m not convinced these are always enough to stand the test of true temptation. The kids in my life really want to know (even if they feel they can’t ask), “What’s in it for me?” This is not a selfish question - it’s honest and if they trust you enough to ask it, you need to give them something they can hold on to.

Apples of Gold uses fiction to verify the facts - purity is both right and worth the wait. Then it goes a step farther to the heart of the issue - it reveals the vital message that every girl is valuable and her most intimate gift is worth saving…because SHE is worth it. That is the truth the girls we love can take with them into the moments when feelings and desires threaten any and all promises they made with the best of intentions and pure hearts.

If the girls we love believe deep within themselves they are priceless to God…to you…and to themselves, they are better armed to face this temptation and others. Fiction is a powerful tool in helping them see their worth without an indepth discussion on Scripture (which they can translate into “sermon”) or another education talk on disease although both are important. They can read this book in private…in a short amount of time…and come to some deep conclusions on their own. If they are like me, they will read it more than once.

Apples of Gold is a treasure for church girls and girls who do not yet have a faith walk with Jesus. Although the author never mentions Jesus in the story, I felt His presence on every page. This is not a “plan of salvation” book but who knows how God might use it in the hearts of girls seeking a reason to believe?

This power-packed book may gently open the discussion you’ve been wanting to have with your daughter, granddaughter, niece, or the daughter of a friend. After reading it yourself, you may find the discussion a delight.

Apples of Gold sings!

I was in Chicago the last two days with my sister-in-law Lisa and her bestfriend Kris. We were on a discovery trip looking into a stem cell transplant for her rhuematiod arthritis. Lisa needed some supplies for a dressing change so I ran to the car for them.

On the way back, I waited for the elevator and a young man cruised up in a wheel chair. It was evident he’d recently had one leg amputated. We chatted about his “run” in his wheel chair then got on the elevator. We were alone. He looked up at me and said, “This is really hard.” I put my hand on his shoulder and asked him his name.

“Peter.”

Then I said, “Peter, I’m going to pray for you right now.”

He answered by bowing his head. Eagerly.

I prayed. The elevator didn’t stop on a single floor. Peter and I shared a holy moment - the elevator became our sanctuary. I didn’t do that. God did. He gave me and a stranger a God-moment.

Isn’t that just like God? You know - when we say, “Yes Lord I will listen to Your Holy Spirit and do what You prompt me to do. ”

Then when we do it, we are so blessed. I promised Peter I’d pray for him now and then…and I will. It’s like we left that elevator and a tiny part of my heart belonged to a young man I may never see again but oh how I hope to see him when we’re both walking streets of gold!

I just can’t get over how sweet God is. Allowing me to meet and pray for a man named Peter. It wasn’t me. It was all God. It was from Him and all about Him…and Peter. For me, that moment was total freedom in Christ. As flawed as life is and I am…God said, “This is My moment - use it to touch Peter.” Then He did - through me.

Wow!

After meeting my branding coach I learned some things about myself; including the fact that I was tired of the clothes I was wearing and decided to do something about it. My glasses needed an update prescription-wise and I found this a great opportunity to update the style. My old jewelry didn’t look right with my new jackets and jeans so I looked around. Designer Jody Coyote’s earrings hit the mark.

In my cowboy boots, pressed jeans, jazzy jean jackets (these vary in color, pattern, and some have sparkle – I love sparkle!), and jewelry, I feel good. Funky even. (there was a time when funky was a positive thing!)

But mostly, I feel fear. This new style does not go unnoticed. I’m comfortable until I have to open the car door and go in somewhere. As soon as I lift the handle, doubt floods my mind, dampens my spirit, and quenches my joy. I’m afraid of what people really think…and pray if it’s not nice I’ll never know. Silently I admonish myself with, “Joy don’t be such a chicken!” I may even ask my husband for the tenth time, “Do I really look okay?” He’s always kind and assures me that I do. I can’t help but wonder, “What if he’s just being kind and doesn’t want to hurt my feelings?” I think he knows if I thought for a moment he didn’t like my new style, I’d ditch it and go back into hiding. He sometimes stops and looks me in the eyes with one eyebrow slightly raised.

“Honey, you look great!” he assures me but that eyebrow also tells me he’s sick of the question.

Then I really start feeling bad. Dang. I made it all about me – again. My world shrinks to the size of me and my shadow. (actually the shadow can be much better looking – she is often taller and far more slender!) Now I have a spiritual dilemma…I’ve prepared and cared more about my appearance than my spirit. Okay – that’s a really scary thought!

This truth causes my stomach to quake just enough to make me pray for what’s rising to subside. Then I realize I’m quivery inside and if it gets way out of hand…well, I’m shaking in my boots!

What others see (so they tell me) is a woman who appears both put together on the outside and inwardly confident. I nearly bust a gut laughing over this. It’s either that or hurl. Laughing out loud seems the better choice.

There are positives in all of this. I enjoy the new style and the sparkles. I just can’t get around the truth when the quaking starts and my confidence crumbles…

I’m a funky chicken! (definition: a little funky on the outside and a whole lot scared on the inside!)