The Pro-Tech the Kids Workshop is now coming online.  The workshop will be held this Thursday, December 10 at 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST.  To reserve your spot in the webinar room you must go sign up now.  Sign up here.

Say a prayer for me? I’m headed to Kilmicheal Baptist Church’s Full Plate group on Thursday night to give my testimony and I’m headed to Mt. Juliet, TN on Friday to do a girl’s event with the girls of Victory Baptist Church.

Please pray for the girls as well as for my safe travel to and from there! Thanks!

The basics of life, what do you think of when you hear that phrase? The answers may be different for everyone, but for me there are some basic “life lessons” that we need to teach to our daughters. There are a few things that I hope my daughter will embrace and learn during her “growing up years” that will help her to thrive as a person and that she will be able to share with others, and pass on to her own children.

Some of these are lessons of manners, friendship, character and inner beauty. These are the “life lessons” we want to share with you at an upcoming Seminar Series I have put together with some amazing Christian ladies who share my heart for ministry and for our daughters.

We will be presenting this Back to the Basics of Life Seminar Series, every Tuesday evening in October at 6 pm PST / 8 pm CST / 9 pm EST. It begins Tuesday, October 6. We would love for you to join us. You can find more information about the seminar series and sign up for login info here.

Won’t you join us?

The power of the Internet allows us to do amazing things these days. More and more I am getting excited about the ways that it allows me to be involved in ministry that I would never have been able to do without it. This includes the ability to speak to women and girls all over the country from the comfort of my living room using my computer.

I have recently spoken at two online conferences, A Woman Inspired and The Ultimate Homeschool Expo. The creators of A Woman Inspired have now created a teen version for girls called God’s Girls Online Conference which is absolutely FREE for the girls to attend. All they need is their computer and some speakers to listen in.

I’ll be speaking on the topic of prayer journaling. The conference will be Friday, August 21st in the evening and Saturday, August 22nd. I don’t know my exact speaking time yet, will let you know as soon as I hear! I hope you will share this with the teen girls in your life and encourage them to attend.

If you haven’t heard me speak or teach before then you’re in for a treat. I have been given the opportunity to teach or speak online twice. Once I did live today at 1 pm and secondly will be held on Monday, June 8, at 2pm CST / 3 pm EST as a part of the A Woman Inspired online conference.

Today, I taught with Cindy Rushton as a part of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo. The topic was0″ Godly Girl Time: Instilling Spiritual Disciplines.” I had an awesome time sharing with the ladies on the call and you can listen to the archives over at Blog Talk Radio.

At the upcoming A Woman Inspired Conference, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Your Passion”. You can find more information here.

Here’s a bit more info from the site and some pertinant dates and deadlines:

We are offering a free starter guide to beginning your own ministry online. Everyone who purchases a ticket between now and May 29th will receive the free e-book. Get your ticket for only $12.95! Don’t let time slip away… register now!

This Tuesday at 10 AM CST I will be interviewed by CWAHM (Christian Work at Home Mom)’s Jill Hart on her radio show.  Tune in at Blog Talk Radio or listen to the archives there later.  I am looking forward to the interview.

Every once in a while I forget to update my readers about news and happenings going on in the ministry. This is the case at the moment so I decided to do an “update” post. Here are a few of the things going on with us at Beauty by Design Ministries.

I will be traveling to Hartselle, Alabama next weekend, March 6-7 to do a girl’s retreat for the girls of West Hartselle Baptist Church. I am looking forward to it.

I am also actively working on a new training program “Faith Leaps: Training for Taking the Leap of Faith into Speaking, Writing or Ministry”. If you think this might interest you go to FaithLeaps.com and read more about the program.

I also have plans to release in the VERY near future, (by April 1st) a complete package for the Christian Charm School Workshop. Currently the workshop only includes a workbook itself, I have had many requests for a separate Leader Guide, which I plan to release as well as the workbook and leader guide in hard copy. You will actually be able to purchase a “hard copy” book form of these to be mailed to you, rather than just the ebook form.

There will be package deals available so that you are able to purchase enough for your whole group to have their own workbook. I’m looking forward to its release. Want to be put on the waiting list for this great Christian Charm School Workshop Pack to be the first to receive info when the product is released? Sign up here.

To purchase the Christian Charm School Ebook go here.

Wow, I am certainly staying busy. It’s hard to imagine that last year at this time, when I took the step of faith to do my ministry full time, and worried that I would be successful. But, now as I look back I know without a shadow of a doubt God was calling me to take that step and he is now blessing the fact that I obeyed. PRAISE HIM!

Here is what’s next…..

Saturday, April 5 – (Private) Make Me Over Birthday Party – 2 pm – Carrollton, MS

Friday, May 9 – Fellowship Church of the Nazarene Ladies’ Event – 6:30 pm – Houston, MS ( I am still praying about the theme and message)

I don’t normally do memes here on my ministry blog, which by the way, I guess I need to explain what a meme is, well, click here to find out more.

But for the purpose of this post I am joining my friend Marie Ynami of MommyCommunity.com’s meme, Tuesday Toot, where we get to toot our own horn about ourselves, for a couple of reasons:

1) I must be honest, she is giving away a $10 McDonald’s gift card to one participant and my son loves McD’s (shhhh! so do I).
2) I have some fun things to share with you!

I really am doing this to share some good news, even if it does mean I’m “tooting my own horn”. We all have to now and again right?

So, here’s what I have to share. First, I failed to share with you that I was recently interviewed on Marie’s podcast for Mommy Community about journaling. You can listen to our interview here.

Secondly, I am proud to announce that I have been invited by Christian Ladies Talk Radio owner, Demetria Zinga to be a resident expert on her radio show. I am officially Christian Ladies Talk Radio’s Teen Coach and will as result record a monthly segment for her podcast specifically for teens. The first one will be in February and will be on the topic this time of “true love waits”.

So, there you have it my first Tuesday Toot and a bit of good news from me. I hope you’ll go over and check out both ladies’ podcasts and enjoy hearing from me as well.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carrollton, MS—February 1, 2008—For a while it seemed like having good manners and proper etiquette was a lost and underappreciated art. Local entrepreneur, Alyssa Avant, is bringing it back with Christian grace and inspiration.

“I had the opportunity to learn about the fine details of social etiquette and grace while attending an out-of-state modeling school as a teen. Ever since that time I have wanted to share and present this information in a Christian way for young girls in this region,” explains Christian Charm School founder, Alyssa Avant.

The target group for Avant’s Christian Charm School workshops is girls in 5th to 12th grades. Workshop topics are designed to boost self-esteem and support the spiritual and social development of this very impressionable teen/tween age group.

Girls will learn everything from public speaking to social manners. Christian Charm School workshops are focused not only on teaching proper social etiquette to young girls, but also on highlighting the important role God plays in their lives and the ways in which they reflect the image of Christ through their daily thoughts and actions.

Carrollton resident, wife and mother of two Alyssa Avant is a Christian author, speaker and former model. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Alyssa spent 9 years in the modeling industry. She also served as the youth and children’s minister at Carrollton Baptist Church for several years.

In 2005, she created Beauty by Design Ministries (www.beautybydesignonline.com) to empower young girls and to help them turn to God for guidance and inspiration. Her opinions on faith, beauty and the uniqueness of the mother and daughter relationship has garnered significant attention in communities around the country. Her articles and interviews are published in magazines and newsletters and she has been interviewed by leading Christian and business media across the country.

The next Christian Charm School Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Tupelo. For more information about hosting or attending upcoming workshops, please contact Alyssa Avant at 662-237-4169 or email her at alyssa@beautybydesignonline.com .

Purchase Christian Charm School Workbooks here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carrollton, MS—February 1, 2008—Beauty is not only in the eyes of the beholder it is driven by divine design. That’s the message of a unique local event for young girls called “The Beauty by Design Fashion Show and Conference.” This event is open to all girls aged 12-18. Mothers are also encouraged to attend. The event will take place on Saturday, March 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Carthage Baptist Church located at 810 Highway 16 W, Carthage, MS. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

“Fashion and the whole notion of what is “true beauty” are so important to young girls and can have a dramatic impact on their confidence level, self esteem and faith development. Through an exploration of our own distinctive beauty, inspired by Christ, and an exciting array of fashion choices, we’ll discover the beauty of modesty and the fun of a fully choreographed fashion show,” explained Alyssa Avant, key note speaker for this event and founder of Beauty by Design Ministries.

Alyssa is a Christian author, speaker and former model. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Alyssa spent 9 years in the modeling industry. She also served as the youth and children’s minister at Carrollton Baptist Church for several years.

In 2005, she created Beauty by Design Ministries (www.beautybydesignonline.com) to empower young girls and to help them turn to God for guidance and inspiration. Her opinions on faith, beauty and the uniqueness of the mother and daughter relationship has garnered significant attention in communities around the country. Her articles and interviews are published in magazines and newsletters and she has been interviewed by leading Christian and business media across the country.

All media are invited to attend the Fashion Show segment of the event, which will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Carrollton, MS – Being a tween or teenager in today’s society can be challenging. Images of what the majority considers to be ideal beauty saturate print, television, online and radio media. Young women gravitate to the flashy and glamorous lifestyles of celebrities and adopt them as standard codes of conduct. Mom and business owner Alyssa Avant wants young girls to know their identity does not have to be defined by society’s standards, but by the morals and ideals in their hearts.

Avant is the founder of Beauty By Design Ministries, a vocation created to empower young girls and help them turn to God for guidance and inspiration. As part of her mission to uplift tween and teenage girls, she believes learning how to present oneself and have good manners is crucial. To aid tween girls in learning these things, Avant created the Christian Charm School Workshop, a 4-week program that covers important topics relevant to today’s young Christian girl.

“We’re extremely excited to begin this new program,” says Avant. “This has been a plan of mine for quite some time; I have wanted to present this material in a Christian way since personally learning most of it as a teen attending a modeling school out of state. Girls shouldn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to learn proper etiquette, beauty and self-esteem.”

On Saturday, November 3, Avant will welcome tween girls, ages 7-12 and their parents to an open seminar about the new program. The seminar will be held at Miss Sippy’s Coffee Shop in Carrollton, beginning at 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

For Those of you who would like more information and to reserve your seat go to http://beautybydesignonline.com/christiancharmschool.html or contact Alyssa by email at alyssa@beautybydesignonline or by phone at 662-237-4169.

Download a flier here.

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Carrollton, MS – Being a tween or teenager in today’s society can be challenging. Images of what the majority considers to be ideal beauty saturate print, television, online and radio media. Young women gravitate to the flashy and glamorous lifestyles of celebrities and adopt them as standard codes of conduct. Mom and business owner Alyssa Avant wants young girls to know their identity does not have to be defined by society’s standards, but by the morals and ideals in their hearts.

Avant is the founder of Beauty By Design Ministries, a vocation created to empower young girls and help them turn to God for guidance and inspiration. As part of her mission to uplift tween and teenage girls, she believes solid and open relationships between mother and daughter is crucial. To nurture that bond, Avant created The Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show, a bi-weekly segment that covers important topics relevant to today’s young Christian woman. On September 25 Avant will welcome Christian author and speaker Vicki Courtney to the show to discuss her new book, “Logged On and Tuned Out”, a non-techie’s guide to parenting a tech-savvy generation.

“We’re extremely excited to have Vicki as a guest on Mom-Daughter Connection,” says Avant. “She is a recognized authority in the Christian community and we are honored to have her share about her new book with our listeners.”

The interview will be pre-recorded and airs on Tuesday, September 25. Through 17th day, September, 2007, listeners can email their questions to be answered during the interview to: alyssa@beautybydesignonline.com. In the interview Courtney will address the importance of parents staying tuned in to what their kids are doing with all of their technological gadgets (internet, cell phones, iPods, text messaging, etc.), and how to gently guide them away from danger while remaining “hip” yet responsible teens.

Those who send in their questions will be entered into a random drawing to win a copy of Courtney’s new book. The winner(s) will be announced during the interview.

About BeautyByDesignOnline.com:
BeautyByDesignOnline.com is a full-service ministry created to uplift and empower young girls in today’s society. The company offers products, speaking engagements and interactive events all designed to help turn young girls’ hearts to God. To learn more, please visit http://www.BeautyByDesignOnline.com .

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I am excited beyond words right now everyone, because in just a few weeks I’m going to be interviewing Vicki Courtney for an upcoming episode of Mom Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast. The show will air on Tuesday, September 25.

In case you’re not familiar with Vicki here is some information I copied from her website:

“Vicki Courtney is the founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries® which reaches over 150,000 girls and mothers a year. A mother herself of three teens, she seeks to provide both teens and their parents with the tools necessary to navigate today’s promiscuous culture. She has done hundreds of radio and newspaper interviews and appeared on CNN, Fox News, and CNN Headline News to discuss issues impacting teens. She is the creator of VirtuousReality.com, an online magazine for teen girls, which has attracted visitors from all 50 states and over 30 countries. She is a national speaker to women of all ages and the best-selling author of numerous books including, “Your Girl: Raising a Godly Daughter in an Ungodly World” and its counterpart, “Your Boy: Raising a Godly Son in an Ungodly World,” and “The Virtuous Woman…Shattering the Superwoman Myth.” She is also the author of the best-selling magabook, “TeenVirtue: Real Issues, Real Life…A Teen Girl¹s Survival Guide,” which won the 2006 ECPA Christian Book Award; “TeenVirtue 2: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Relationships” and “Between,” a magabook for girls 8-12. Vicki’s latest release is the third magabook in the TeenVirtue series, “TeenVirtue Confidential.” Her much anticipated book for parents “Logged On and Tuned Out: a non-techie’s guide to parenting a tech savvy generation” is slated for a September 1st release. Vicki has also written several popular Bible studies for women including “The Virtuous Woman” and “Get A Life!” Her newest DVD studies are “His Girl” for teen girls and “Your Girl” for moms, which is based on her best-selling book by the same title.”

I am looking so forward to my interview with her, someone I look to as a role model in girl’s ministry. The interview will be about her newest release “Logged On and Tuned Out”. I hope you will look forwarding to tuning in to hear more about this latest book of hers.

**Duplicate Post at Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast

The Back to School Special on Fashion Trends was so popular I have decided to have a special Q & A Teleseminar for the subscribers of the Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine. The 1 hour Q&A session will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:30 pm EST/ 6:30 pm CST all subscribers to the Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine may call in with their questions or comments about teen and tween girl’s Back to School Fashion. If you are not currently a subscriber to the ezine you may subscribe here. You will then receive an email with the call-in information to the teleseminar.

Over at Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast we are having a “Back to School Special” on Fashion Trends for tween and teen girls. The show will be available on Tuesday, August 14. You don’t want to miss it. Also if you have comments or questions for the show please email them to me at alyssa@beautybydesignonline.com

Yes, I’m having a party, over at Mom Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast’s Blog to promote the launch of our first show, this Tuesday, July 3. I’d love for you to join the BLOG Party and it’s really easy to do so, simply compose a post on your blog about the launch of Mom Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast and come back to Mom-Daughter Connection’s Blog and comment that you have joined the party. Be sure to include your URL to your blog in the comment. I appreciate your participation and hope you’ll be listening to the show on Tuesday! Thanks everyone!

I will be speaking at a 2 night Stewardship Clinic at Durant Baptist Church in Durant, MS to the 10-17 year old girls. Topics will be how to give of yourself, your time, your talents and your money to the Lord. Thank you Pastor Nathaniel Christian for this opportunity. I am looking forward to it.

Only 1 more week until the launch of our Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show. It will premier next Tuesday, July 3, on our website at http://www.mom-daughterconnection.com

Some of you may have been wondering why I started Beauty By Design Ministries, or how I was called to ministry, how I got started, well you will get to find out on this first show as I will be sharing my testimony with you of my call to ministry and my call to start Beauty By Design Ministries. I hope you will come on over to the website next Tuesday and either listen to the show there or download it to your MP3 player or IPOD to take on the go with you!

You also don’t want to miss this episode because I will be announcing our contest winner. That’s right one of my lucky subscribers who have referred someone to our ezine in the last two weeks or who joined as a result of a referral in the last couple of weeks will be winning our Mini Spa Party in a Box. This box includes:
* mini eye pads
* warming facial masque
* foot crème
* luxurious hand crème
* lip treatment
* relaxing music CD
* spa candles
* step-by-step instructions
* food and decorating ides
* enough for up to 8 participants

This fabulous SPA PARTY IN A BOX is valued at $35 retail. Check it out at http://www.beautybydesignonline.com/spa-party-in-a-box

I am sooo looking forward to sharing with you all via the podcast airwaves! By the way, I’d also like to hear from you. You can send your feedback, ideas for the show, questions, or comments to me one of two ways, by dropping me an email to alyssa@beautybydesignonline.com or by calling our listener line at (214) 615-6505 ext 3978. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

Dear INSERT YOUR FRIENDS NAME HERE,
I’m sending you this email because there is a great contest going on at http://www.beautybydesignonline.com right now. She’s got a Christian site for Teens and Tweens and their moms and I thought of you. Join her mailing list now and together we could win http://www.beautybydesignonline.com/opt_in.html . It’s free to join and she’ll be giving away the prize on her podcast just for us moms on July 3rd. See you there!

Alyssa’s Calender is filling up with speaking engagements.
Here is what her schedule looks like over the next few months.

We are having a FUN Talk-a-Latte Chat on Tuesday afternoon, May 29, 2007. Plan now to join us for Talk-a-Latte Chat!
Here are the chat details:

This is a FREE download and will not take up alot of space on your computer.

Alyssa will be speaking at the Memorial Day sing for Promised Quartet at Coila Baptist Church in Coila, MS. She will be speaking at 1:30pm about her ministry.

My weekly ezine, Mom – Daughter Connection now has a new home. I am no longer using Yahoo Groups to send out my weekly ezine. I have moved up and I am now using WAHMCart. You can subscribe on any page of our site in the top right hand corner or by sending a blank email to 487@wahmcart.com It is that simple. The ezine will still include the same great articles, recommended readings, tips and more! Subscribe today and receive a Free Special Report, Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Pray.

Join the WAH Expo Blog Tour!

Business and Learning’s Work at Home Expo is a virtual event providing a venue for home based business opportunity presentations during the day and high powered business learning opportunities each evening. The creators and volunteers of the Work at Home Expo will be visiting the blog’s of fellow work at home entrepreneurs the week prior to the famous Work At Home Expo coming May 7- 12th.

Starting Monday April 30th, we will be visiting blogs that belong to Work at Home Entrepreneurs to answer some of their business related questions, leaving comments and feedback.

Here are just a few areas of expertise that are covered:

Wendy Cooper is a graphic designer, virtual assistant, and wordpress guru that enjoys using her talents and skills to help make work easier for you.

Tammy Munson is a new media & technology specialist who is eager to answer your questions about how to integrate new media(blogging, podcasting and video) into your existing business.

Amanda Hamm is a Business Coach to Work at Home Moms, wordpress fanatic, and advertising and promotions adviser who would also like to help you to strengthen your skills to create a positive cash flow.

I am taking part in their Blog Tour. I am asking Wendy the following question “Where can I find the stats for my block on my Wordpress dashboard?”

Thanks for the assistance. Glad to be apart of the tour.

Alyssa will be speaking at the Girls in Action Sleepover for First Baptist Church, Indianola, MS on Friday, May 11, 2007.

Alyssa will be speaking at the Women’s Tea at First United Methodist Church in Bellefontine, Mississippi on Saturday, May 12 at 2:00 pm.

Alyssa will be speaking at the True Love Waits Rally, this Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Winona, MS. The Rally is being organized by the Devotional Club of Winona Public Schools. All teenagers in and around the Winona area are invited to attend.

True Love Waits (TLW) is an international Christian group that promotes sexual abstinence for teenagers. TLW was created in April, 1993, and is sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources. It is based on the Biblical command to remain faithful to one’s husband or wife, even before marriage.

As posted earlier I had the opportunity yesterday to be interviewed by Rebecca Simmons on Power in the Word via Blog Talk Radio. This was an awesome opportunity for me. Please go on over to the following link and listen to the interview from the archives.

BLOG TALK RADIO

Thank you for your interest in my ministry.

I am so excited about the opportunity to be interviewed on radio. Here’s the scoop. The program “Power In The Word” will air live at 2:30 p.m. EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/power. It is a 30 minute show and will be recorded. Calls will be taken during the show. If you would like to call in the call in number is 646-652-4832. I will be interviewed over the phone. I am being interviewed by Rebecca Simmons, moderator of the Christian Women of Power networking group on Ryze Networking here online. Thank you Rebecca for the opportunity!

I am excited to announce that I am now offering a monthly ezine to anyone who would like to subscribe. The following is a description of what the ezine will offer.

This ezine will offer Biblically based devotions for moms as well as other tips and suggestions to help grow and strengthen their relationship with their daughters.

It will include inspiring articles, recommended products and readings, Alyssa’s View of the News and what is affecting girls today. It will also include product specials and announcements for Beauty By Design Ministries.

I hope that you will subscribe and recommend it to your friends. You may do so by visiting the following link.

Just join the group to begin receiving the monthly ezine. The first edition will be sent to you on Monday, February 5.

Please post a comment here to let me know you joined! Thanks!

I am excited to announce the launch of the Prayer Journal Gift Boxes. It is amazing to see your ideas come to fruition and actually become a real product on your very own website. I am excited to see how God has worked through the prayers of my own life. I myself, can look into my own prayer journal and see God has answered those prayers I have prayed over the last year or two about doing something just like this with the knowledge and passion that he has given me to serve him and to tell others about him and how they too can have a meaningful relationship with him.

The Prayer Journal Gift Boxes include a spiral bound prayer journal, designer pen, and scripture book mark as well as a booklet written by me on the importance of prayer journaling, how to begin, and a week’s worth of devotions to get you started. This prayer journal devotional guide is targeted to teen and preteen girls. This gift box is perfect for girls in all walks and stages of preteen and teen life, but makes a great gift for a girl at one of those precious milestones such as turning 13, Sweet 16, graduating high school, going away to college, or even getting married. It is never too soon or too late to begin using a prayer journal.

Check them out at http://www.beautybydesignonline.com/giftbox.php Also keep checking back often as I will have various colors and styles of journals available soon as well as our first party in a box kit as well.

Alyssa will be the speaker for the True Beauty Girl’s Retreat for Union Baptist Church Girls in Picayune, MS, Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3.

Topics include, Beauty from the Inside Out, Modesty, and Fashion!

The girls will enjoy a 5-Minute Makeover, a relaxing spa, and a fun fashion show all coordinated by Alyssa.

Alyssa will be speaking at Union Baptist Church Girls’ Retreat Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 in Picayune, MS. The topic is TRUE Beauty, beauty through God’s Eyes. The girls will enjoy beauty tips, a spa party, and participate in a fashion show. The scriptures will be revealed to them on what Godly beauty truly is.

Next Saturday, August 19, I will be speaking at First Baptist Church, Bruce, MS. We will be holding a Spa Night for the girls that they are sure to enjoy! I will be posting about the event after it has held and hopefully will have a testimony from both the girl’s and their Youth Director, a friend of mine, Carrie DeVenney. Look for updates here soon!

Beauty By Design will be appearing at these events:

Promised Quartet Annual Memorial Day Singing, Monday, May 29, 10 am – 4 pm. Coila Baptist Church, Coila, MS

Project Esther Spa Night, Saturday, August 19, First Baptist Church, Bruce, MS