As we begin a new year, as many others are doing I’m sure I’ve been doing some reflecting and planning.  I reflect on the past, not to remember my mistakes, but to remember my victories.  I have been speaking, writing, and ministering as Beauty by Design Ministries since 2005.  This website and blog officially went [...]

There are many commandments that we are given as children of God. The Bible lays these out for us in the Ten Commandments and other Scriptures. Some are easy to follow, while others we struggle with.  Honoring our father and mother is one that during our teen years we often struggle to keep.  The simple [...]

Journaling, it isn’t something you hear a lot of people doing anymore. In a day in age where blogging is the hottest thing, taking out a pen and paper to write manually is almost unheard of, doesn’t that take too much time when we can type so much faster? Maybe, but, the benefits [...]

During my teen years I vividly remember the times I desperately wanted a new shirt, a new jacket, a new anything for that matter and my dad having to tell me no. I know now after becoming a parent that it was difficult for him to do so and I also know after becoming [...]

Do you have an open door policy? Meaning, can your daughter and her friends hang out at your house whenever they want? I just recently watched an episode of Wife Swap. Both ladies on the show had swapped places with each other and both families had teenage girls. One of the moms allowed her daughter(s) [...]

Being a parent of a teen or tween can be tough, I know, but fortunately in this technologically driven age there are so many ways you can connect with them.  Just this morning on the radio I heard that technology and computers is actually a great tool for parents to connect with their teens and [...]

We would love your opinion as we are making plans to begin work on a new ebook.  We have ideas for 2 different ebooks but hope to make something that is of greatest needs to our readers.  So, which topic would you most benefit from?  If you have any additional comments or questions please leave [...]

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) Charm is thought of in today’s society in a variety of ways.  Dictionary.com defined charm in many ways as well, but as it is used in the Proverb, it is a noun.  Dictionary.com says that the noun, [...]

Former Model Reveals Secrets of Charm & Poise to New Generation Soon to be Released Book to Charm Parents and Teens September 26, 2008 (Carrollton, MS) -  Parents and Youth Group Leaders concerned about the cultural influences of television, music and the Internet on their teens will soon have a new tool to combat social pressure.  On [...]

We all have many things that take up our time, energy, and thoughts daily.  Whether it be school, work, friendships, extracurricular activities, or any number of other things our lives are definitely full, whether it be with good things or bad things, the fact is they are full. Have you ever considered that even if your [...]

How do you spell love? Well, you might say L-O-V-E of course, but I would beg to differ. That is because I believe that love can better be spelled for many of us, T-I-M-E. After all for love to be shown, maintained, developed, and given, it takes just that, time. No [...]

Prayer journaling is something I’ve been doing for over a decade. I began in my early teen years, using it as a way for me to focus the same way I did in my quiet times, or my time alone with God. This was something I was taught to do in youth group at church [...]

After having my third child, my friends threw me an impromptu baby shower.  One of the gifts they gave me was a small plaque with a cross and the words “With God All Things are Possible” etched on it.  Right now the plaque sits on the corner of my desk.  It is important to me.  [...]

I’ve always loved the saying “attitude is everything.”  I adopted it as my favorite back in high school, but this week it has become so true for me.  You see, I had “one of those weeks”.  I have them every once in a while, those days when I just can’t seem to shake the blues, [...]

School is starting or maybe it’s already begun where you are.  Either way, there is much to do to prepare for school beginning, whether you homeschool, attend public or private schools, there are supplies to buy, clothes shopping to be done and new routines to get into.  It can be a trying time of year [...]

As a teenager, I’m sure the thought crossed my mind, and probably more than once, but follow through I never did. What thought you’re wondering? “I want to [...]

Mom Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast is going on hiatus.  Host Alyssa Avant is currently due any day with baby #3 and will be unable to produce another show until the baby has made his arrival and things are settled around her home. Please check back later for the birth announcement.  Blessings to you our [...]

PORTLAND, OR – Frustrated by the dearth of clothes that are fashionable, without being suggestive, Christa Taylor launched her own clothing company early in 2007. At 20, she is young and passionate about making Christa-Taylor.com her answer to the growing demand for chic and trendy clothes that don’t succumb to the social pressures to be [...]

This week Alyssa discusses the factors that affect a girl’s decision about college and addresses the question, “Does God care?” Listen in for Alyssa’s take on making this important decision. College may not be for everyone, but regardless it’s a decision every person must make for themselves. Help your daughter to make [...]

Tonight one of the teens from my former youth group graduates from high school. This high school senior will throw his cap in the air and most likely does not have a clue what life has in store for him on the other side of this evening.  He may not realize the importance of the [...]

Though I am not producing a show till next Monday, I will be available for you to listen to on other podcast or audios this week. Two others to be exact. I am a guest speaker at MommyFest and my audio will be available on Thursday. The topic is “The Advantages of [...]

As a woman we juggle many roles, attempt to maintain many relationships and have many responsibilities. Some of the roles a woman may play are wife, mom, friend, co-worker, and so many more. So how do you juggle all those roles? It can be quite the task. Then, there are your relationships, [...]

I am so excited I could barely wait till today to post this week’s podcast and share the big news with everyone. Today marks the launch of a new branch of Beauty by Design Ministries. This podcast announces it’s official launch and will give you more of an idea of what to expect [...]

Many times people don’t understand what it means to be “called by God”. They believe that being called out by God is reserved only for those people who feel called to ministry, such as youth ministers, pastors, music ministers, and missionaries. However, God calls us all out to do something for Him. Yes, [...]

For this upcoming week in my weekly email to my list subscribers, Mom-Daughter Connection, I spoke of the importance of prayer. I truly believe in the power of prayer and believe that you can pray about anything. The Bible tells us we are to “cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares [...]

I am in agreement with what my friend and parenting expert Aurelia Williams has to say on her blog today, Dating does not equal Sex. Read more of her article on teens, dating and sex here.

God has a perfect timing for the things of our lives. Though we do not want to admit it God’s timing is perfect, and many times we want things to occur before God has enabled them to do so. However, if we look for God’s perfect timing it is best. This week’s [...]

We are adding a testimonials page to our website here at Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast. I  realized today this is overdue has I have had many people to make positive comments about the show and share their thoughts.  So, why not create a place to put these thoughts and give you our listener’s [...]

We are adding a testimonials page to our Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show & Podcast website. I realized today this is overdue has I have had many people to make positive comments about the show and share their thoughts. So, why not create a place to put these thoughts and give you our listener’s [...]

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 [...]

I just returned last night from the GLAM event in Tupelo, MS. I must say the ladies of First Baptist Church Tupelo, MS worked extremely hard on this girl’s event and it was awesome. I loved the theme they chose, Godly Ladies Are (His) Masterpiece. It paired so well with the Christian Charm [...]

God works in even the smallest details in our lives. It’s true, just today I was sharing with some girls at one of my events several stories of God’s working in the tiny details of my life. I love to share these stories. You might call them tiny miracles, but whatever you [...]

Quiet time or time alone with God is so important to all of us. I believe that it is how we as Christians grow in Christ. Becoming a Christian should be more to us than just fire insurance or a way to stay out of hell. I think it is important to emphasize to our [...]

We are running a Happy Easter special on our 30 Day Journaling Guide. Now through March 31, 2008 we will be selling the guide for less than $5, or $4.99 , a $9.97 value. Grab yours up today here.

When I was a teen, a popular contemporary Christian song was Friends are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith. It talked about having a lifetime of friendship, a tearjerker of a song that was used at many baccalaureate services and other memorable events. This song points out that a friend is a friend [...]

The winner of the Sweet Tea Contest is Mirriam. Congratulations Mirriam. Look for more fun contests to come in the future! Thanks to all who participated and a very special THANKS to Cara Mirabella of Cara’s Cafe.

This week I announce our winner of the Sweet Tea Contest and then I share from my heart. I have had lots of GOD moments in the past week and I am also reading a great book. Therefore, I decided to share from both. The whole idea in this week’s show though [...]

The newest ezine is now available in HTML at the following link. I hope that you will check it out.

At one of my recent events I was blessed to have the event coordinator record the event on video and send me a DVD of it. I used it to create the video you can see here . It was fun to create this video and I think that it will be a [...]

Sorry for the delay, but we will be announcing our Sweet Tea winner later today.  I am a little behind on getting the podcast out.  Be looking for Show #16 to be posted later today.

Over at another of my sites today I shared about Showing Your Passion. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to go over, read the post and comment.

4 Keys To Peaceful Communication By: Tami Walsh Areas of Mother-Daughter Conflict Include But Aren’t Limited To: * Independence/Power Struggles * Curfew * Friends you believe are negative influences * Grades/Academic Performance * Choices/Decision Making * Homework/Procrastination * Dating * Drinking/Drugs * Taking personal responsibility for her life/her priorities, etc. * Respect/Attitude/Talking Back * Parties without adult supervision There are also some additional timely conflict areas given the access [...]

This is the final post in a series on Stewardship. You can begin at the first post by clicking here. From there you can follow the links to each of the 5 posts in this series. What else is it important to be a good steward of… what about your belongings, your possessions. [...]

This is the fourth in a series of posts on Stewardship. You can find the first post here. Now, we have spoken about honoring God with our body, our gifts, and our natural talents now what about life’s most precious commodity, our T-I-M-E. Do you know that the word Love is often [...]

This is the third in a series of posts on Stewardship to read the first post click here, and the second is located here. God gives us many gifts, including those of the fruit of the spirit. He also gives us spiritual gifts, a gift that comes to individual believers to supernaturally [...]

Because there is nothing better than sweet tea on the back porch with friends, Cara’s Cafe is sponsoring the Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show Sweet Tea Contest. All you have to to do is leave your comments below on Show #15 and you will be entered to win 2 of Cara’s Cafe Teas in [...]

A good friend and online mentor of mine is WAHM Talk Radio’s Kelly McCausey. She often does her show as a friendly chat and calls it Coffee with Kelly. I love these shows of hers so much. So, I was inspired by her idea and thought, hey I would love to do [...]

Because there is nothing better than sweet tea on the back porch with friends, Cara’s Cafe is sponsoring the Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show Sweet Tea Contest. All you have to to do is leave your comments below on Show #15 and you will be entered to win 2 of Cara’s Cafe Teas in [...]

Read about my confirmation that what I do hear with Beauty by Design Ministries truly matters. Visit my personal blog to find out more. Click here to read today’s blog.

This is the second in a series of posts on stewardship to read the first post click here. Do you have a daily quiet time? If you do not I challenge you to do so. This involves spending time with God daily, in prayer and Bible study. It involves setting aside [...]

I’m very excited to announce that the Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine is now available in HTML. You can see our first HTML copy here. Be sure to check it out and leave me your comments.

Last week my Mom Daughter Connection podcast was about “Taking Care of God’s Money”. I thought I would continue along these lines this week and share with you my view of stewardship, a related money topic. This will begin a series of several posts on stewardship. I had a ton of information [...]

This week I share about money, and the importance of teaching our daughter’s about taking care of God’s money. This is something we will all have to do in life, whether your daughter chooses to live a life as a single person, get married, or get married and have children. She will have [...]

On this week’s Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show and Podcast I share about teaching your daughter about money. You might find it odd that I did a show on this, but I feel that it is something practical that we should all do for the sake of our daughter’s future financial forecast. I mean [...]

Not too many months ago I did an interview with Vickie Courtney author of “Logged on and Tuned Out” about the reality of our tween/teen’s online activity. A series of programs I found today on PBS gives even greater insight into the reality that teens these days are apart of a new culture. [...]

Today the news released a new list of Power Girls found in US Weekly who are most popular and emulated by our tween and teen girls. The list has changed from prior years where Britney Spears and Paris Hilton topped the list. Now spots 1 and 2 are filled by Miley Cyrus aka [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Have you ever given your testimony? You might ask, “What is my testimony?” Dictionary.com defined testimony as a “public declaration of faith.” This morning at my church it was Baptist Men’s Sunday. We are Southern Baptist and the men in my church have a group that they formed called Baptist Men. [...]

I just recently started helping with Acteens at my church, a mission organization for teen girls ages 12-18. I enjoy being a part of this ministry as I was an Acteen myself a few years ago. This month the girls topic is prayer. I know that for teens especially younger teens, but [...]

On this week’s show I am doing a review of the New York Times Bestseller “The Prayer of Jabez” by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. I know this book is several years old, however it has just recently touched my life, therefore I wanted to share it with you. There is also a teen version [...]

I knew at the age of 16 that I was passionate about Jesus, and beauty and fashion, but could I turn that into a career. Maybe. My mom and dad thought it would be safer to be a counselor, and began encouraging me to pursue the education necessary to be a licensed counselor. [...]

You can get FREE advertising here on Mom-Daughter Connection Radio show just by linking to our site from your website or blog.  Each week, I will check my stats to see who sent the most visitors to our website and in turn post your button or link under our Radio Partners section of our website [...]

Many months ago I wrote a blog entry about Why I Journal. It received quite a few comments and many of them expressed an interest in journaling just didn’t know where to start. So, I began the process of creating a tool that would help others to begin the hobby I so much enjoy, [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Show #12 is starting off the New Year right talking about setting goals. I speak about my goals for 2008, and how to align your goals with God’s will. I bring up a few things to remember when striving to reach your goals and ways to encourage your daughter as she [...]

While we would love to be able to offer Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show without ads, it’s just not possible to carry the burden alone, so rather than charge listeners for the episodes, we are seeking sponsorship for the show. We’d like to hear what you are in the market to buy - and what advertisers [...]

Praise the Lord, the Mom-Daughter Connection Podcast hiatus is over. We didn’t even have to miss a show! God is soo good that He has created a way to allow the show to go on. A very good online friend of mine Latara Ham-Ying has chosen to bless me with access to [...]

The hiatus if already over and I’m praising God. Read more about it over at Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show.

Wanted to inform everyone that the Mom-Daughter Connection Shows 1-11 are now active in the archives.  For several days they were not available as I was switching them over to another account.  I apologize if you were unable to get to them to listen to any of them.  They are up again and you should [...]

I wanted let everyone know that I am making some changes in my ministry. I have to do this in order to be most faithful to the Lord in the area of finances. Financially, I have to cut back on expenses. Therefore, I am not going to continue doing the bi-weekly [...]

I wanted let everyone know that I am making some changes in my ministry.  I have to do this in order to be most faithful to the Lord  in the area of finances.  Financially, I have to cut back on expenses.  Therefore, I am not going to continue doing the bi-weekly radio show and podcast, [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 4113, May 28December 31,, 2007© Contents 1.Note from Alyssa 1.Article Free Letter 2.Ad Exchange 3.Tell a Friend 4.About Alyssa Note from Alyssa Hello Everyone! Did you as a young girl have a good relationship with your Father? I was blessed with a wonderful earthy daddy. You can read more about my daddy here … http://www.beautybydesignonline.com/2007/12/12/the-father-daughter-relationship/ I really do believe [...]

Are we loosing our legacy of faith? Is the next generation carrying on your legacy of faith as you continued that of your mother’s and father’s. I know that my generation, known as Generation X has definitely gotten a bad rap for leaving our faith behind. I can’t tell you how many [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 4013, May 28December 24,, 2007© Contents 1.Note from Alyssa 1.Article Free Letter 2.Ad Exchange 3.Tell a Friend 4.About Alyssa Note from Alyssa Hello Everyone! Merry Christmas Everyone!!! I just wanted to say thank you for being a subscriber and hope that you are sharing a wonderful Christmas with your family celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 39, December 17, 2007© Hello Everyone! This is the time of year when you really begin to count your blessings. If you haven’t, done so already stop and count your blessings. Most likely if you’re receiving this ezine you have children. I’m also sure that you believe that children are [...]

Tonight over dinner at my church with friends I was chatting with a friend of mine who has a young son. She told me that she had recently had a conversation with her son regarding his aunt who had been trying to get pregnant and was. He said in response to her, “how [...]

My dad was one of those dad’s that ruled with an iron fist. It was “his way or no way”. He often used the saying “because I said so and that’s all that matters”. My momma always had to consult him before any decision. In our house when we asked something [...]

Children are a blessing from the Lord. You hear this so many times. However, do you give your children a blessing in return? Do you give the children the blessing of being their cheerleader, their encourager, and giving them your approval even when they don’t always do exactly as you’d like. [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 3813, May 28December 10,, 2007© Contents 1.Note from Alyssa 1.Article Free Letter 2.Ad Exchange 3.Tell a Friend 4.About Alyssa Note from Alyssa Hello Everyone! I am going to begin with a sincere apology to you, my readers. I have been major behind on all my duties with Beauty by Design Ministries and Mom-Daughter Connection Radio show. But, lucky [...]

It has been a few weeks, and you can hear in this week’s show why I have been behind. Go take a listen to this week’s show Show #11 ~ Being Set Apart.

Better late than never, This week’s show will bring you up to date on where I have been. I hope you’ve missed me. This week’s show is about the story of Queen Esther and what we can learn from her about being “set apart” for God.

My most recent speaking engagement was this week in French Camp, MS. I spoke to the high school students of French Camp Academy. The school has a late start day every month where the students are allowed to start school later than normal and instead attend a breakfast and a time where a [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 36, November 19, 2007© Hello Everyone! Sorry, for the delay on the newsletter, I have been sick, and I’m still a little sluggish honestly. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. The week of Thanksgiving, which I am truly Thankful for, because I love Thanksgiving and all it [...]

Just over the past week I have begun to realize the importance of memorizing Scripture. Sure, I have always believed it was important, and I have done so for quite some time, this week however I just had several events that fired me up on the topic. Therefore, I thought I would share [...]

Memorizing Scripture is something I have done and been encouraged to do since I was a child. I was in Bible drills as a child and into my teen years. I have used this more than I can even tell you throughout my life, so I feel that memorizing Scripture is a must [...]

As I sit and look at my son’s huge loot of candy from the Trunk or Treat at church last night and his class party at school I’m thinking we might have enough, but maybe you don’t. If you’d like to win some chocolate then you’re at the right place. Mom’s Talk Radio [...]

Ok, so maybe it’s just my idea, but today I began a “cross-blog conversation” with another Christian business woman here online, Regina Baker of Business by Grace, who believes in Christian business owners doing “business by the BOOK without compromise”. She and I are exchanging questions and conversation via one of our blogs. [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 35 13, May 28October 29,, 2007© Contents 1.Note from Alyssa 1.Article Free Letter 2.Ad Exchange 3.Tell a Friend 4.About Alyssa Note from Alyssa Hello Everyone! Well, the bug has hit our house. Over the past week and a half to two weeks everyone but my husband has been sick, so you know what that means, he’s next! I [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 34, October 22, 2007© Hello Everyone! Do you have something you do to relax? Last week I talked about getting away for the weekend or at least for a night or so. This week I’m asking you, do you take some time to relax. Maybe you cannot really “get away”, [...]

This week’s Mom-Daughter Connection is about Alyssa’s favorite past time, journaling. Find out why it’s so special, how you can learn to journal, why you should journal and more! Head over to Beauty By Design to pick up your own journal at a very special price!

This is a special sale to encourage all you ladies out there to journal and to get your daughters journaling. Pick up this very special journal set for just $14. You pick the journal you would like, and receive not one but two special gifts with your journal, Alyssa’ Prayer Journal Devotional Guide, [...]

I’d really appreciate your opinion on whether or not we should offer an e-course on how to journal. For those of you who may not be familiar with the term e-course, it would be a series of emails sent to your inbox that were “lessons” on how to journal. Thanks!

Journaling is a pastime I have always enjoyed. From journaling my hopes and dreams as a teenager to journaling my doubts and fears as an adult, journaling has been a part of my life for quite some time. I received my first journal in my Christmas stocking as a young preteen. My [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 33, October 15, 2007© Hello Everyone! Well, I don’t know about you, but I have been in dire need of a “break” and that’s just what I had this weekend. Some girlfriends and I had planned to attend the Extraordinary Women’s Conference at First Baptist Church, Jackson, MS for a while, and [...]

Mom-Daughter Connection Ezine Issue 32, October 8, 2007© Hello Everyone! I have been busy, busy here adding new content to all of our websites. Mom-Daughter Connection Radio Show and Podcast has a new show! It’s a little different this week. I had a “confessional”. Some of you moms had asked about how to [...]

Show #8 “Teen Rebellion” is up at Mom-Daughter Connection. This week I am doing a “confessional” about my time of teen rebellion. I hope it will help you moms as your daughter is in a time or rebellion or will be in the future and you teens and tweens because, I know, I’ve [...]

This week’s show is a confession of my time of teen rebellion. It is meant to help moms who are dealing with a teen or tween who is rebelling or might in the future. It will also helps girls to see what their rebellion does. Hopefully in the end it will connect [...]

Are you Singing the Busy Blues? I’m automatically reminded of the Alabama hit, “I’m in a hurry to get things done, I rush and rush until life’s no fun, all I really gotta do is live and die, so I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.” Are you too busy? I think in today’s [...]

Based on my love of scrapbooking I have decided to add a new theme to the mix for the parties and events for girls of all ages, “Scrappily Ever After”. The girls will get a chance to make their own small scrapbook that will be theirs to keep, as well as receive instruction and [...]