REFRESH :

Two weeks into the new year. A list of twenty-six goals is sitting on your desk. One checked off.

Once we've passed through the Christmas coma, we come to the "how many plans can I make in one week" phase. We set unrealistic goals, we make goals of things that really shouldn't count as goals at all, and we make plans to plan (What? Yes, we all do it). Post-checklist week, we role into the new year. A time filled with stress about new semester and excitement over the fact that you've made it through one day of the thirty that you promised you would stay away from Starbucks. Initially, it's the little wins that fuel our drive to continue pursuing goals. And then, life gets hard. Holiday breaks end and those checklists get shoved in drawers. Instead of recreating the impossible goals we set, we throw them aside.

What this whole process lacks is intentionality.

We so desire instant gratification-an end result- in all of our lofty goals that, in our tunnel vision, we forget the power we have to restructure things! These lyrics by Gungor are so full of hope "You make me new, you are making me new". We easily lose site of the fact that being transformed means work is currently taking place. Right now, in these moments, He is purifying and challenging you. You are being made new! We have the hope of a fresh heart and mind every morning. That means our goals can and should shift and grow along with us! We can intentionally recreate our goals as the new year progresses without losing site of our initial intent.

 If you're coming to a frustrating place due to unmet goals and little headway, check your heart, dive into scripture, and breathe. Sometimes we need a refreshed and a renewed heart and checklist.

Although these checklists don't define you, they can be spectacular tools for cultivating a rich life, one that is purposeful and filled with promise. Find those crumpled pieces of paper, pray desperately over them, rewrite or throw some goals out, then work. It's a process, pray, write, work, repeat. Sometimes we need to cull through, trim the excess, and recreate our plans in order to get down to the relevant, refreshing change that needs to take place.

Cheers!
Mackenzie

2013 Review & 2014 Preview

   

Happy New Year lovelies!

We are so grateful for all the support you have given us this past year & we pray you have a blessed 2014! But before we delve into each of our own thoughts, we wanted to show how far we've come in this past year as a magazine. We are officially one year old as of yesterday and have put out four magazines in that year! How crazy is that?!

We've learned a lot of lessons through putting these four labors of love out...some hard, some fun...but all in all it's fulfilling to see our year of work right up there. We've revamped our logo, changed the Table of Contents page a gazillion times, and stayed up many late nights working on design & editing. Yet, we've done some fun stuff including our first official team photo shoot, flying to see each other a fair amount (though not as much as we'd like!), and building relationships with our interviewees, models, and contributors. But we wouldn't have been able to do all this without YOU reading our magazine...so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing so!

Now onto each of our own thoughts on 2013 + 2014!

SARAH

Editor-in-Chief's note: I'm so proud of this girl & who she's become in the past year. A world-traveling photographer, relationship-builder, and intentional writer. She's blasted out a bunch of emails securing contributors for our issues and wrote many beautiful words for our blog. So thankful for her!

Favorite article/spread: Amanda Marie Lackey's Interview, love her work, words, and heart! Certainly was a joy having her featured!
Favorite moment of 2013 related to S&S: Our trip to Minneapolis! Having the whole team all together was incredible & oh so fun. Such sweet moments walking downtown, being shot by Gina, having articles flying everywhere & no sleep for the win! Love these girls to the core.
How did 2013 change & teach you? 2013 was a huge year of witnessing God's faithfulness through change. Lots of letting go & trusting, along with a handful of preparation for an upcoming crossroad in 2014. 2013 has taught me to not even begin to try to plan up a future of my own because my thoughts are not His thoughts & His ways are completely worth seeking out, because when we surrender it all He reveals great & unsearchable things.
Favorite book: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend. A marvelous book to end the year & begin the next with.
Favorite obsession in 2013: Smart Barre! It is a combination of ballet, yoga, & pilates incorporated into an hour of kick booty class with women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Not only has the exercise been refreshing, but meeting new people throughout my community has been way super fun. I won't lie though, there is a super amazing coffee shop right next door that keeps me motivated thorough out class… guilty as charged!

Some goals for 2014 : Trusting, trusting, trusting my Savior. It's a simple goal, but still holds a lot of weight for 2014 & this next season of life for me personally.
Word for 2014: Fearless.
What are you ready for in 2014? Face plants! No but really, my family and I brought in the New Year in CB, Colorado & during our time here I attempted to take up snowboarding. This consisted of "snow face, face snow" we got real acquainted with each other…it was sweet preparation in the weirdest of ways, 2014 has already presented its fair share of crossroads & I would be lying if I said I didn't feel uneasy about it all. We learn by face planting, we learn my tumbling down hills, sometimes we have to break bones, other times the Lord is gracious enough to let it just be a pulled muscle. Regardless, failure & success shape, significance drives. Lots of change & lots of uncertainty, but my soul is at rest in the arms of my Savior.
What are you excited most about Issue 4? I think I most excited to see this year round out as a whole with each seasonal issue complete. This has been such a fun adventure & I am so grateful to have been apart of it all.

CIERA

Editor-in-Chief's note: This bam-stinkin' girl has grown SO much in this past year. Nikon to Canon. Portraits to weddings. Starbucks to Caribou (just kidding!! Sorta. She did love Caribou when she was in MN). I know that this next year will only be one of more growth for her! Grateful to have her :)

Favorite article/spread: Like New York City in Issue 2

Favorite moment of 2013 related to S&S: Our shoot with Gina Zeidler! So much fun! 

How did 2013 change & teach you? I learned so much from photography to relationships to life. I feel like a completely different person than I was one year ago in a good way. Growing into adulthood has proven to be a time of learning lots of life lessons, sometimes the easy way sometimes the hard way. I'm so grateful for this time because I know it will mold and shape me into the person that I am. 

Favorite obsession in 2013: Listening to the All Sons and Daughters album everyday on the way to work

Some goals for 2014: Creating a better brand, writing more, building intentional relationships, quiet time.

Word for 2014: Intentionality. 

What are you ready for in 2014? Bethany's visit (eeeep!), turning 21, and shooting more weddings. 

What are you excited most about Issue 4? Completing our first four seasonal issues; spring, summer, fall, and winter! Such an accomplishment!

MACKENZIE

Editor-in-Chief's note: She's trusted God through moving to frigid Minnesota & spurs us all on to more Jesus, better style, and clearer words. I'm so excited for where this next year will take her & the character it will etch into her soul... a place where her trust will be without borders. Beyond thankful for her!!

Favorite article/spread: Pages 6-7 in Issue 3 with a quote from Hannah Brencher.

Favorite moment of 2013 related to S&S: Loved, loved our team, shoot in July with Gina Zeidler! 

How did 2013 change & teach you? Between a move half way across the country and flying everywhere imaginable, I can undoubtedly say this year has been filled with adventure. Serving stellar couples, traveling the world, sharing my story at the Making Things Happen conference, and cultivating deep relationships….. 2013 has left it's mark on me and it is a year for the books. My move to Minneapolis was absolutely the hardest change in 2013 but has offered so much growth and independence, and the chance to discover a new city. 

Favorite book: Currently reading and loving The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie (and Natalie) Norton
Favorite obsession in 2013: I'm currently loving and diving into product photography.

Some goals for 2014: More time in scripture, less on social media. Consistent blogging. 

Word for 2014: Assurance and Rest. 

What are you ready for in 2014? I'm ready for more big changes, travel & growth. 

What are you excited most about issue 4? I am so, so excited by the core of this next issue!

BETHANY

Favorite article/spread: Regretless by Mackenzie Kern in Issue 3
Favorite moment of 2013 related to S&S: The Minneapolis trip, by far. Staying up late talking, dreaming & planning in Kenzie's apartment is one of the highlights of that week.
How did 2013 change & teach you? 2013 was a bit of a hard year, but filled with God's goodness throughout. It taught me that even in the foggy, doubt-filled place that God is there & He is working in us even when we don't think He is. It was a season of being still, staying home (quite literally), and of my heart being broken for God to rebuild it.
Favorite book: The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin. This book stunned my socks off and it shaped the way I want to do business & life.
Favorite obsession in 2013: Having smoothies every morning!

Some goals for 2014: Write more, which might become a 500 words a day goal. I feel like writing will be the biggest area of emphasis in 2014 for me...not sure exactly why yet! Vlog every week. Launch a new website/brand. Exploring editorial & fashion photography. Finally get a mkiii :)
Word for 2014: Liberation.
What are you ready for in 2014? Change, action, travels, and living in God's freedom.
What are you excited most about Issue 4? The heart of it...when we decided on what it would be about I was fine with it, of course, but just in the past couple of days God has shown me how ____ was & wasn't in my life. And I'm so excited to write about it :)

All in all...it's crazy to see how far we've come in a year in these two pictures alone! And we're excited to see where God takes us, grows us, and leads us in 2014. Thank you again for being apart of Shine & Soar Magazine in 2013, we can't wait to continue to build some loveliness in 2014!

Much love from all of us to you!

What were your favorite spreads & articles from the past year? What do you believe God is leading you towards in 2014? Share in the comments section below!

January. First. Fresh. New. Beginning.

 January. First. Fresh. New. Beginning.

    

Being a teenager and chasing after some “unordinary” dreams & visions can get frustrating at times. We get lost in the shuffle of life & usually have no idea where to start. Guess what? I have a resolution. 

Aligning Your Dreams. It is all to easy to chase after our own dreams. We forget all to often that when we chase our “selfish” ambition, it will fall through the cracks & leave us empty, wanting more. Aligning your dreams with Jesus’ will for your life will SHINE & SOAR about the rest. It will radiate exuberantly in your heart and in the lives of others. Seek the Lords face & allow Him to guide you. He will give you a dream that has never been dreamt before.

Hebrews 12:11-13 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

Making Goals. A great way to organize your thoughts is to write them down in a journal. Write down your goals, no matter how big. Write down investments, whether that be a new lens, editing software, laptop or sewing machine, giving yourself a vision will help inspire you to keep moving forward. Set a deadline, be determined & know that if it is the Lords will, it WILL happen. Find peace in knowing you are not in control. 

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Prepare. Be steadfast. When we call upon the Lord, seek His face and are willing to follow in His foot steps, there is NO holding back. Press, press, press deeper into His presence. It is not easy & often times messy, but there is beauty in the mess of it all. Jesus does not desire ordinary for our lives. He calls us to realities that look crazy to this world & others around us. Are you ready to walk worthy of your calling? 

Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Pray. I promise you have heard this more than once. Lay your heart our before the Lord & listen. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, peace & joy. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

DO.

xoxo // Sarah Delanie 

Off on an Adventure | A Fresh, New Year | 2013 Planning

   We are about to start a fresh, new year filled with promise. So, as we embark on this adventure, this is the advice I have for you…dream and plan. Close the doors of the past and move forward, because God has more up the pike for you. Don’t stumble over what is in the past, and never, ever second guess who you were created to be and where your talent lies. Tear down the fear that stops you from being bold,  and be hopeful for the future Christ has given you. Most of all, don’t fear the unknown, and always remember that God's plans are perfect. 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps // Proverbs 16:9

The Process....

1. Look back

What worked in 2012 and what didn't? Whether its daily bible studies or business, we can all look back on this year and learn. Be honest with yourself and use that to make this next year better.

2. Pray over 2013

Seek out what God is calling you to short and long term, and center each of your goals on Christ. 

3. Make a list

Whether big or small, it is so important to write down your dreams for 2013. Find and write down the blessings in each of your goals too! Invest in a planner that is functional and beautiful (pretty things make work so much more fun!) and write down your 2013 goals in depth, in achievable steps.

   *One of my plans for this next year is to blog goals monthly. Writing them down and accomplishing them quickly makes other goals seem that much more attainable.

4. Create a deadline 

Give yourself time constraints monthly and write goals down on a calendar. Look through your goals weekly to stay focused on what you have planned.

2013 is going to be big. Let's do this.

Cheers!

MACKENZIE

The New Year // Ciera Chante

So, the new year is here… The time for resolutions and goals and plans. And for us, entrepreneurs, that means evaluating what worked and what didn’t in the past year, ways to better client experience, & to streamline workflow.

To determine what went on my list of goals for 2013 (business & personal goals), I started praying & planning.

I decided on these guidelines for my goals:

• Something I need to do.

Those things you say you’ll start on next month and it just keeps being put on the backburner. It could be working out, getting a business license, etc.

• Something I want to do.

What you want to do for your own pleasure. Take a painting class? Learn how to sew? Take a vacation?

•  Something for my soul.

Something that will get you refreshed. It could be journaling, vacationing, having a dance party with friends, etc.

•  Something to improve.

What do you need to work on? Organization? Productivity? Physical fitness?

All of these sort of coincide & overlap with one another, but when I keep these guidelines in mind when writing my 2013 goals I have a list of things that will help me throughout the new year.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more motivated when things look pretty & are organized. Bonus points if there’s checkboxes to mark off what I’ve accomplished… that’s satisfaction, at it’s finest. So, for you organizers, list makers, & go-getters, I created this spiffy little goals sheet.

The New Year // Bethany Aleshire

2013 is here and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s a new slate, a fresh start, a brand new beginning. Yet, any day can be that if you believe it is. As 2013 begins, each of the women on the Shine & Soar team will be giving you a peek into how they plan for the new year so you can get inspired + do some planning and dreaming as well. Happy New Year to all of you wonderful ladies! xoxo

Hey you :)

How is your 2013 dreaming + planning going? I wanted to show you how I plan. I'm not an entirely goals driven gal, I'm more of a vision gal. I have a vision of who I want to be and what life I want to live, that drives me. Last year I wrote down a list of goals without figuring out the WHY behind them, why I wanted them. And I barely touched that list for the rest of the year. Oh how different I want this year to be! 

This is how I planned my 2013. It's not perfect, but it is a continual process for me.

1//Pray

I didn't do this step as much as I should have, but without God's guidance, our lives are wayward. Pray for His guidance on what you should do, accomplish, and be in 2013. Sit in His presence.

2//2012

What happened in your 2012? What did you accomplish? How was your spiritual life? What were you grateful for in 2012? Blankly put, what DID work and what DIDN'T? Write it all out. You'll get clearer. It can be hard for those of you who had a hard 2012 (I'm with ya here) to look back on it all. Write it down quick and praise God for bringing you through it...then focus on what was good in your 2012.

3//How do you want to FEEL?

Life is about how you feel living it, not about how it looks. Write down all the feelings that you're interested in and then narrow it down. Why do you want to feel ____? Look up the definitions and get intentional with each five or six words you choose. I want to feel influential, creative, genuine, love, bold, and alive. All of my goals come out of that. How do I feel genuine? Well, I make it an intention of quality> quantity with my interactions with people, hug a lot & tight, be honest in all my writings, and do random acts of kindness for others. Bam, right there are intentions/goals for 2013. 

4//Get Inspired

How can you plan your new year without getting into the mood. Visually, lay out your 2013 on Pinterest. Images that inspire you towards living, pictures of your goals (lenses anyone? :)), verses that set your heart on the right track. My board is here. Pin your vision of how you want your life to look like in 2013. Let it be beautiful :)

5//Vision

Now like I said before,  I treat a new year as a new slate and a continuation into who I want to become.   What kind of life do you want to live? What is God calling you to be? What is the meaning of your life? What is your mission in life (not your purpose, which is to glorify God in everything)? What kind of person do you want to be? Set out a vision for 2013 in pictures and words. Write down in a story format (or poetry, whatever your gift is) who you are on December 31st, 2013. Maybe it's a scene in a coffee shop as you review your 2013. Make this serve as an inspiration and motivation for you to work hard towards that goal. Derive goals from the person you want to become & life you want to live.

6//Creation

What do you want to create in 2013? What big projects do you want to see come to life? Start your design business? Shoot a styled shoot? Launch a new website? A book?

7//Word of the Year

Now after you've looked back on 2012 and created your vision for 2013, think about the word you want to LIVE in 2013. Is it something like faith, create, authenticity, boldness, or steadfast? Mine is a mix of two this year. Be and Boldness. Why two? Because boldness is pretty much the word of my life and I want to continue in that, but Be is the focus for this year. I'd love to know yours, comment below with it! This word wraps up all my planning + dreaming for 2013.

8//Other resources

Here are some other inspiring ways people are planning for their 2013 + resources for you to do the same!

Susannah Conway's 2013 Unraveling The Year workbook

Lara Casey's Goal Setting + Making Things Happen in 2013 Posts (part 3 coming on Wednesday!)

Gina Zeidler's #DoTheReview Instagram series!

Marie Forleo's MarieTV 2013 + 2012 New Years Videos

John Piper's Article on Planning & The New Year

Now go out there and start making strives on your goals, walking in your vision, and just doing. Even if you do fail at things, you are still making progress. Go out + do!

xoxox B