events

Purity Seminar 09: A discussion of things undiscussed. (2.21.2009)

We help our second Purity Seminar on Monday, Feb 9, 2001. This year, instead of doing a full-day seminar, we decided to have it be an evening of sharing, reflection, and confession in the context of community. Three students and one Professor shared their stories of various struggles in the area of purity. We then took some time to reflect on and discuss areas that don't often get air-time among women, especially in a Christian context: masturbation, pornography, same-sex attraction, homosexuality, sexual abuse, sex outside of marriage, and unhealthy boundaries with men. The Spirit was obviously at work this evening as many women (re) committed themselves to live lives of purity. One of the best things happening on campus at IWU is how sexuality and purity are moving through various groupings of students. We are continuing to have this dialogue concerning what God has to say about purity and boy is He on the move!

Not Even a Hint (7.25.2008)

This event went over extremely well! We had about 100 college men and women attend and the excitement and passion at the end of the day was unmatched. Many students confessed struggles they have undergone in the past and were looking for ongoing accountability from a mentor, which was so thrilling to watch and hear about.

Others were burdened for friends and family members and decided as a result of the seminar to be more committed to praying for these special people in their lives.

It's hard to come up with a favorite part of the day, but if I had to choose, it would have been the closing time we spent together. For most of the day, guys and girls were separated, learning about different struggles for each group independent from one another. They were also challenged to think about struggles facing the opposite sex and how they could better love their brothers or sisters. The last hour or so however, both groups joined together for a time of worship, sharing, confession, and praise. During the confession time, students were asked to write on a piece of paper something they were ashamed of, or having difficulty letting go of. They then put the paper into a jar on the stage up from and as the music played, we formed two lines. The girls were on the left and the guys on the right, and each one took turns, taking a piece of paper (sometimes reading it aloud, other times not) and tearing it up for all to see. It was a powerful display of forgiveness and the importance to remember to move on from here.

After this had finished, the entire group got together to close in prayer. The women stood together in a huddle and the men circled around them, praying for the women. And then it switched. ow wonderful it was to hear men and women praying for each other, earnestly asking God to change each of our hearts towards His. And just when we thought we were done, one student suggested closing with the doxology. It couldn't have brought a more meaningful conclusion to our time together.

Celebrate Beauty Take Two (5.2006)

The information listed below is part of the invitation for Celebrate Beauty Take Two, an event geared towards Middle and High School young ladies. As you read the challenge to these young girls, you will have a better understanding of what CBTT is all about:

Beautiful.

This word has become so narrowed and specific in our world today that many of us simply think only supermodels or famous actresses are worthy of being called beautiful.

But what is beautiful and what exactly makes a beautiful woman? Is it just someone who simply fits into certain sized jeans, or has a specific hair and skin color, who looks beautiful according to a few magazine editors?

Or, is it someone who has accepted who God has made her to be, enjoys being a girl, and is fun to be around? Did you know that God, the creator of all women says you, yes you, are beautiful? Listen to Psalm 45:11, "The King is enthralled with your beauty."

According to God, not only are you beautiful, but God loves your beauty! Thus, as His creations, we need to regularly reflect upon and celebrate this beauty.

And this is exactly what Celebrate Beauty is about. If you are a Middle School or High School young woman, please join us in a fun-filled day that not only will include a time of celebrating being a girl, a fashion show and a great lunch and tea party, but we will also have a time given over to hearing how God sees us as we hear a session on beauty and close the day with afternoon sessions on "From foam to fashion" (a seminar on what it means to dress modestly, but fashionably) and "Who's Temple is it Anyway?" (a session on what it means to take of one's body, both physically and spiritually). Please come dressed in your best (Prom dresses, gowns, or evening dresses).

In 1998, a study of 50,000 teenage girls found that most of these girls greatest concern in life was their appearance (http://www.focusas.com/bodyimage.html) Imagine how much greater that is today...

Invitation to Celebrate Beauty (2.2005)

The letter below is the letter written to the women who were invited to our very first Celebrate Beauty. As you read the challenge that each of the recipients are given, you will have a fairly good idea of what Celebrate Beauty is all about...

Dearest Beautiful Daughter,

How often do you walk by a mirror, a full-length mirror, and say to yourself, “Behold, I am a beautiful woman of God?” When you reflect on your 'inner' life, is it with a sense of satisfaction in what God is fashioning there? Even if you are blessed to have someone in your life, who makes you feel beautiful, how long does this last? Does this feeling transfer into action in all of your relationships? Are others drawn closer to the Lord because of how you embrace your beauty?

Stasi Eldredge puts it perfectly when she says, “Life is harsh on the heart of a girl.” Even though we are aware of the pressures placed upon us, so few of us celebrate who God has created us to be. Too many of us simply shrug and half-heartedly accept who we are.

Beauty does matter. Come and be a part of a time given over to a celebration of the beauty God has given us. Joyfully acknowledging this truth together will set us free to minister grace to the world around us. The afternoon and evening will include an inspirational talk on “What is beauty” and “Why beauty matters?” a lovely dinner, and a time of worship, fellowship, and reflection where we can enter into the splendor of the Lord. God has made each of us beautiful. He can help us love ourselves so much that our confidence in Him is second-nature. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face on January 7!

Captivated by His love,
Aletheia

“Just as Cinderella was invited to the Ball,
      God is inviting you to a great Romance with him.
            ‘The eyes of his heart are ever upon you.
                    The King is captivated by your beauty.’”
--Stasi Eldredge, Captivating