"Women Ask, Women Answer" Now Available

Holly is one of the contributors in Women Ask, Women Answer: Questions Women Long to Ask, Answers They Need to Know (Thomas Nelson).

The book was compiled by the editors of Today's Christian Woman magazine. It addresses questions on the topics of: friends, health and fitness, career and employment, time management, money and finances, home and hospitality, being single, marriage, parenting and children, family, and spiritual growth.

Holly's contribution is in the "career and employment" section; she offers tips on how to deal with losing a job.

More information, including where to purchase the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?dept_id=150000&sku=1404104526

Holly in "Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook"

Holly was cited* in the 2007 Updated and Expanded edition of Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Zondervan) by Dónal O'Mathúna and Walt Larimore, M.D.

From the book:
______

A debate between Christian practitioners and opponents of yoga was triggered by Holly Robaina’s 2005 article in Today’s Christian Woman. The author interviewed a woman who was introduced to destructive beliefs through yoga. Robaina noted that terms commonly used in “secular” yoga have religious meanings. The “salute to the sun” posture used to begin many classes pays homage to the Hindu sun god, and namaste, used to end yoga classes, literally means “I bow to the God within you.”

However, a faithful user of yoga responded that her faith in Christ is invigorated by yoga. As she goes through the positions, she reflects on Christ and his character. While some people’s faith may be too weak to resist the temptation to explore the worldview behind yoga, this person’s faith is strong and she claims she benefits from yoga. Robaina responded that the bottom line is not whether we are strong enough to practice yoga but whether we should refrain from yoga for the sake of those who may be too weak to withstand its spiritual lure (1 Corinthians 8:12-13).

We agree with Robaina’s view. There may not be clear reasons for Christians to condemn all forms of yoga. Some people may be able to practice it beneficially and without spiritual problems. But the results are not all that matter. Paul gives some helpful advice in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “Everything is permissible for me’—but not everything is beneficial.” Given its origin and the potential for spiritual problems, the burden rests with the yoga advocate to demonstrate why this form of exercise should be chosen when so many other breathing, exercise, and stretching routines exist that have no spiritual underpinnings.
______

*This is an excerpt; it should not be construed as an endorsement for the book.

Today's Christian Woman 2007 Blog Posts

Here are links to Holly's 2007 blog posts on the Today's Christian Woman website.

Golden Opportunity
The Golden Compass provides a new way to think and talk candidly about the church.
(December)

Generation Exodus
Why do so many young people leave the church?
(November)

A Halloween-Loving Christian?
Maybe it’s OK for me to enjoy this controversial holiday.
(October)

Plucking the Stray Grays
Will dying my hair affect future generations' self-image?
(September)

Can a Diverse Church Be Unified?
To be healthy as a body, we need to start making The Other feel like The Every.
(August)

Breaking Up the Christian Party
No single opinion defines all Christians.
(July)

Hot Under the Collar
Trying to make sense of the environmental debate
(June)

Holly in "Good Housekeeping" Magazine

A few months ago, Good Housekeeping magazine requested readers' thoughts on Thanksgiving. Holly submitted a paragraph, which appears in the current issue (November 2007).

Holly wrote:

"Unlike other holidays, Thanksgiving has no costumes or fireworks, no cards or presents. There's nothing to distract from simple gratitude. We pause to thank God for things we don't often consider: food on the table, a roof over our heads, family. I look at each person seated around our table and feel more grateful than ever."

Holly feels deeply honored her words were selected for this publication, which reaches 26 million readers every month.

Holly to Blog for Today's Christian Woman

Beginning this month, Holly will be writing for "Walk With Me," the blog of Today's Christian Woman magazine.

"Walk With Me" is comprised of four sections: Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Holly will be writing the Mind section, with an emphasis on current events, hot topics, cultural trends, and financial matters. Her first post will appear on June 28, 2007.

Check out Holly's section of "Walk With Me" at: http://blog.todayschristianwoman.com/walkwithme/mind/.

Evangelical Press Association Award

Holly was recognized in the Evangelical Press Association's (EPA) annual awards contest.

She received a fourth place award in the Freelance Article category for "Unearthing Unearthly TV," which appeared in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of Today's Christian Woman magazine.

This is her second EPA award.

Interview on WBCL Radio

Aired: October 4, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT)

Topic: Should Christians watch supernatural-themed television programs? (Based on Holly's article for Today's Christian Woman, "Unearthing Unearthly TV")

INTERVIEW (Holly's segment runs from the 23 to 38 minute marks.)

TRANSCRIPT (edited for clarity)

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW

Today's Christian Woman, Sept/Oct 2006

Unearthing Unearthly TV
Should Christians watch supernatural-themed television programs?
(Today's Christian Woman, September/October 2006)

First-Person Articles

I Lived a Lie
I partied almost every weekend, all the while telling everyone I was a Christian.
(Campus Life, November/December 2003)

Aren't You Listening, God?
I prayed about my eyes every night. Why wasn't God healing me?
(Campus Life, June/July 2003)

It's Not Fair!
In high school, I was always right. At least, that's how I saw myself.
(Campus Life online exclusive, October 18, 2003)

Spread the Word!
I'm slowly learning to take the risk and share my faith.
(Campus Life online exclusive, May 10, 2003)

Why Bother God?
With famine, murder and war all over the world, my little problem seemed unimportant.
(Campus Life, June/July 2003)

Holly & her sister, Angela
Photo Credit: Rebecca Wood

8 Steps to a Better Friendship with God
My sister gave me some great ideas for doing devotions.
(Campus Life, September/October 2003)

Take a Pass on Yoga (Opinion)
How can I support a practice that is targeting the young and the weak?
(Christianity Today online exclusive, June 7, 2005)

Profiles

The Truth About Yoga
Yoga led Laurette Willis into a New Age lifestyle. Now she's warning others of the spiritual pitfalls—and offering an alternative.
(Today's Christian Woman, March/April 2005)

A Mother's Anguish
In 2002, Carol Kent's son was sentenced to life in prison for murder. The popular Christian speaker talks about what she's learned—and the ministries that resulted.
(Today's Christian Woman, July/August 2004)

Redeeming Public Education
What began as a temporary substitute-teaching job became a holy calling for education professor Pete C. Menjares.
(Today's Christian, September/October 2005)

Heart of Clay
Clay Aiken became a superstar on TV's American Idol, but this Christian kid from North Carolina insists he'll always stay true to himself and to God.
(Today's Christian, November/December 2005)

Out of the Mire
Sexually abused as a child, former American Idol finalist RJ Helton finds healing. Now he hopes to help others by building a home for abused children.
(ChristianMusicToday.com, August 18, 2003)

Something to Smile About
For RJ Helton, American Idol was just another way to share his faith.
(Campus Life, January/February 2004)

Living to the Extreme
After a serious accident, professional skateboarder Jud Heald turned his life around.
(Campus Life, November/December 2003)

A Cup of Friendship
Artist/author Sandy Clough created Sandy's Tea Society as a way for women to connect online—and over a cup of tea.
(Today's Christian Woman, November/December 2004)

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Photo Credit: ABC Television/Adam Larkey

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Makes its Mark with Christians
(Adventist Review online, February 2006)

Building a Miracle
Two Adventist families receive the blessing of a new home from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition--just in time.
(Adventist Review online, February 2006)

Rebuilding Hope
How ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is changing families and churches across the nation.
*Includes separate stories about John & Wendy Cox, and Sweet Alice Harris, who received home makeovers.
(Today's Christian, May/June 2005)

A Foundation of Faith?
The creator of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition shares the vision behind the hit show.
(Today's Christian online exclusive, May/June 2005)

About Holly Vicente Robaina

Photo Credit: Rebecca Wood

Holly Vicente Robaina has been a professional writer since 1995.

She's worked as a writer, editor, and graphic designer for newspapers, magazines, books, and websites. She served as a reporter at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, covering the food, fashion, and kids beats.

Holly has been writing for Christian publications since 2002 and has served on the staffs of Campus Life and Today's Christian Woman magazines. She received a 2004 Higher Goals Award from the Evangelical Press Association for a story about her own path to faith, "I Lived a Lie."

Currently, Holly is a regular contributor for Today's Christian Woman. This site offers links to some of her pieces published in Today's Christian Woman, Today's Christian (formerly Christian Reader), Christianity Today online, Ignite Your Faith (formerly Campus Life), and Adventist Review online.

Thank you for visiting Holly's site.