FEW WORDS MANY IMPACTS

Like the words "I love you" it has strength in it's meaning.  Other words can be quick to say but have a big impact on someone's life.  Last week I was driving down a side street and drove by this tree.  Immediately I turned around to take a picture and was mesmerized by what I saw.  It reminded me of the light (God) in a dark place. Without the light this tree would be consumed by the dark. To me, happiness is like medicine and God is the doctor.  He prescribes to us what we need to be happy, it is up to us if we get the prescription filled. 

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Love you all!
xoxo Mandy

FORMER VICTORIAS SECRET MODEL, KYLIE BISUTTI, TALKS TO ClartebyAmanda ABOUT CHOOSING CHRIST OVER FAME

Since she was a little girl Kylie dreamed of being a Victorias Secret Model. She longed to be on the pages of magazines and walk in the world's most renowned runways. She pushed herself to physical and emotional limits to make her dreams come true. In 2010, all Kylie's ambitions became a reality as she was announced to be the next Victorias Secret Angel. Soon after, she found herself in a whirlwind of fame and fortune surrounding her life. Kylie began to feel empty and started to notice that young girls were looking at her as an idol to replicate themselves. She began to question herself and the intention of why she wanted to model.  Kylie became gradually insecure with herself and started to see modeling as a false portrayal of who she wanted to be. She did what most wouldn't, quit modeling and pursued the bigger things God had in mind for her. Here is what Kylie had to say when asking her more about this experience: 

ClartebyAmanda: When did you start to feel insecure about your physical appearance? What triggered you to feel that way?

Kylie Bisutti: I first began feeling insecure about my appearance in middle school. I always got teased and called anorexic by the kids at school.

ClartebyAmanda: What was your initial feeling, and Mike's response (Kylie's husband), when you won the Victorias Secret contest?

Kylie Bisutti: I couldn't believe it. I was excited and nervous about it all. Mike was happy for me but he was also sad at the same time because so many men were seeing me in lingerie.

ClartebyAmanda: What happened that made you decide modeling for Victorias Secret wasn't for you?

Kylie Bisutti: God changed my heart. He showed me that I was on a downward spiral of insecurity and loneliness. He showed me that I wasn't honoring my marriage by posing in provocative lingerie. He showed me that I wasn't promoting a healthy body image to young girls and most importantly he showed me that I was not living my life for Him.

ClartebyAmanda: What do you feel God is calling you to do in this lifetime?

Kylie Bisutti: I feel like I'm supposed to bring glory to Him in everything that I do. I feel like he has brought me through a lot so that I can tell people about his amazing love and grace. So that I can proclaim his great name!

ClartebyAmanda: What is the most impactful experience you have had since you quit Victorias Secret (that you may not have experienced if you still were a VS model)?

Kylie Bisutti: Growing closer to God.

ClartebyAmanda: What is one or more Bible verse(s) that reached you the most? Why?

Kylie Bisutti: Proverbs 31 spoke a lot into my life because I want to be a woman like the proverbs 31 woman. But just reading the bible more in general has been such a huge impact in my life. The more I read, the more I learn and the closer I draw to my savior.

Click Here for CBS interview with Kylie Bisutti

For all the followers of clartebyamanda, you have a chance to win the book called "I'M NO ANGEL" written by Kylie Bisutti.  All you have to do is share this post on facebook, twitter, or tell your friends. Then, send an email to dullinmr@gmail.com with the subject line Kylie Bisutti. I will randomly select one person and send you a copy of Kylie's book coming May 14th! You can find more about the amazing things Kylie Bisutti is doing in her life by following her on Twitter (KylieBisutti@VSKylie) and kyliebisutti.com.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

  

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL

Standing the bathroom at Macy's I wash my hands and look over to see four young girls looking in the mirror and doing their makeup. They were talking about going out that night and what they saw as they stare at themselves. "I look ugly", "Ahh my make-up is so bad", "my face looks weird"...They all seemed to continue saying horrible things about themselves. I thought to myself how sad that is to hear what they actually thought about their physical appearance  As I walked away I hoped it was only because they were young and with time they would grow out of it.  Then, the instant I turned the corner to go out the door, a middle aged woman was staring in a long mirror and clutching her legs to make them appear smaller.  Once she saw me she quickly stopped and looked down.

People looking at the distorted image in the mirror has become way too common in today's society. With magazines/ads portraying unrealistic images of men and woman, it puts a lot of pressure on people. I'll give you a hint, Kylie Bisutti (VS model that quit to follow Christ) said that most, if not all pictures you see of models are photo shopped (manipulated to look different). Guard your heart and see things that give you peace, not what makes you believe in the lie of an impossible reflection. Click Here

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it

xoxo Mandy

PARTICIPATION BRINGS MOTIVATION

When I was young, my mom would put curlers in my hair, buy me the most beautiful dresses, and always make sure my sisters and I looked presentable at family gatherings. There is nothing like being young and looking at life from a perspective of someone always taking care of you.  As I mature and grow the truth is my parents were right when they said, "you think it's hard now, just wait until you get older."  An animated study by Dan Pink was conducted which talked about the surprising truth about what motivates people. The conclusion made was that people work better by autonomy (a challenge that is your decision), mastery (something you can get better at), and making a contribution. You would think these are obvious, but realistically are you doing something that you love and giving back to others?  Think about when you were young, what were the types of the things you did in your free time? Played a sport, practiced an instrument, built something, spent time outdoors, played with friends... Most of what I did was self directed and allowed me to do it simply for the pleasure of it. Don't forget to carry into life the things that are interesting to you. Life is short, time is here for using and sharing your gifts. The Surprising Truth (click here). 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES

A young man arrives at a little town near Schenectady, NY to perform as motorcycle stunt rider at the local carnival. He runs into a estranged woman he previously spent time with, over a year ago, and finds himself unexpectedly a father. The man wants to do whatever he can to provide for his new family even if it means breaking the law and putting others at risk. As the father's son grows up he finds himself dealing with peer pressure, unanswered questions about his parents, and a confusion about where his life is going.

This prior weekend I did something that I don't commonly do, see the same movie two days in a row at the theater. The movie was called THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES. The core of the film took a hard look at the reality that some people face from the decisions they make. I left realizing every decision I make has an affect on not only myself, but more people then I may even realize. Decisions have a moment of impact when they are made; and like a rock thrown in the water, the ripples go on but the rock remains in the same spot.  You may be staying in the same routine of your life but once you make a ripple it can carry on for others.  If you influence even one person in a positive or negative way it may change them forever.
John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.

PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
Written and Directed by Derek Cianfrance
Attention: this film is rated R

HAPPY FRIDAY

I wanted to say welcome to my blog and for those of you who have been reading, thank you for coming back!  I started Clarte because I found myself having a lot of ideas, experiences, and thoughts that I would like to share to inspire all to do good in our lives. There are a lot of pressures and circumstances that happen which can slow people down. With community in the Lord, others, and personal reflection I truly believe all things are possible.  Take time, even a little, to sit down and reflect. I reflect the most by writing things down and stopping to notice the small details of beauty around us all the time. Remember you aren't dead yet, find out your purpose through living it.
Psalm 118:24 The Lord has done it this very day, let us rejoice today and be glad

Have a great weekend!

PRETTY PENNY

source: clothedmuch.com

Elaine from www.clothedmuch.com is a great blogger about modest fashion at a reasonable price. 

Source: vouge.com

source: clothedmuch.com

Since I can remember I have always wanted to find clothes that I liked but at a good price. There is a lot of pressure on people to have the appearance of being fashionable and having the best. The most important thing when finding something to wear is to be true to who you are.  That isn't to be confused with wearing clothes that no one else owns, because that would be almost impossible. What I mean is, buying clothes that represent YOU. What are trying to portray by wearing what you dress yourself with?  People will respect you for being modest in your clothing choices and you can still look great! 

Elaine from the blog, clothedmuch.com, found a way to find a photograph of expensive clothing and bought clothes similar, but at a price that was affordable. Now that you saved money on your outfit, and still very satisfied, you can use your extra funds to give back to others in need. Remember there is no one way of anything in life.  There are different ways of doing things that work for different people. Be respectful, non-judgmental, and continue finding what works best for you. 

Mathew 7:1-5 Judge not, that ye not be judged. 

ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT

Alot of time our lives can become consumed with meeting deadlines and rushing to get things done that we intended for the day. Sometimes it can become overwhelming always striving to "catch up".  One of my favorite things to do is go for a walk and talk to the person I am with or, if I'm alone, to enjoy a time of peace.  Even this time of tranquility is something that I, yet again, scruntch into my busy schedule. I made it a point one day last week to take pictures for my blog to show you all the beauty that you can find when you let yourself come out of the overworking mind concerning to do lists and pondering of life's little details. I find that if I look close and keep a watchful eye on how a situation can be turned around to a positive, I become confident in what God intended for me. Trials and tribulations can be there for us to... take a closer look, it's all in how you look at it.

Philippians 4:6 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  

MADE AS AN ORIGINAL

A little girl holds her mom's hand as she walks to the school bus on her first day of kindergarten.  She has two pony-tails flopping on the side of her head,with her white lace socks, and cute little dress.  Her mom is so proud of her first born and is sad to let her go. On the bus ride home after an exciting first day, two fifth graders surround this little girl's friend, his name is Trevor (not his real name). The fifth graders taunt and pick on Trevor saying that he is ugly and fat. The older kids don't stop and continue barking hurtful words at him.  The girl turns around to look at Trevor's face.  Beneath his glasses, tears stream down as he continues to take the abuse. The girl stands up, glances back at Trevor's devastated facial expression, and takes one mighty punch to the nose of the older boy picking on Trevor. The sweet girl gets off the bus, greets her mom, and hands her a pink slip saying she is kicked off the bus for the week.
Rewind 20 years later and this girl is now at a University Masters class.  The class clown and guy that everyone thinks is the greatest is making fun of a man speaking that has a strong accent. The guy in class tries to get the girl, who is now a woman, to join in on rudely making a joke about someone else. She turns to him and says "leave him alone".  She said since she was young, she sticks up for those who can't stick up for themselves. This little girl who is now in her late twenties...is me. There is never an excuse to bully other people. Often times the person using hurtful words is hurting themselves. Every person was made as an original. A unique and perfectly sculpted individual that is incredibly loved by God. You are an original,  it is not a benefit to try and fit in with the ones making fun of others.  You were made as an original, not a copy. EPHESIANS 2:10. For we are in his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for his good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

IT'S A TIME TO CELEBRATE

For many people Easter means lots of colored eggs, pictures with the Easter bunny, and mounds of brightly wrapped sweets.  When I was little I couldn't wait long enough for the morning to come to see what hidden treasures the Easter bunny hid for my sisters and I.  Now, as I get older I am just as excited to spend this Easter day with family and rejoicing in the blessing that the Lord has risen and our sins have been forgiven in his death and resurrection.  What can be more exciting that that?  As we gather together and spend those special moments with the people we love I found this picture on pinterest.com. The photograph shows a great table setting for when I have guests over this spring season. I love the flowers that are in bloom in Arizona right now and anything this natural in the outdoors amazes me.  My fiance tells me, God is like the most incredible artist. He created the heavens and the earth for us. I love to take time to enjoy his art by spending time in it. Setting a date to relish in the simplicity of beautiful flowers with some ice cold lemonade is the foreshadowing for great conversation and a tick in time of shared memories.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-5. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day .

I hope you all had a Happy Resurrection Day! (a friend told me this on Easter Sunday)