So it's amazing how God works! A few months ago (like eight now) we had tried to start this program called Girl Talk! However, before anything could begin, we had to send in several documents that took a lot of time. During that time, I had kinda forgotten about the program and focused on another program at school that you had to be chosen for. However, I was not chosen and was pretty bummed.
Today I received the email that all our paperwork had gone through and we are able to start up our Girl Talk group at our schools! I just couldn't keep all my excitement in and knew I had to share with y'all! The main idea of what I'm telling you is that even if you may not see what God has in store for you, He will show you eventually. You just have to wait for His time.
Here is the link to the Girl Talk website if you guys want to check it out!
http://www.mygirltalk.org/AboutGirlTalk/WhatisGirlTalk.aspx
Friday, June 13, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Power of Prayers
Prayer is the most direct communication we have with God. He soaks up every word we plead to Him, say to Him, cry to Him. Everything we ask He hears. Though our wishes are not always granted when we want them to be, or even at all. Our God is omnipresent. He knows what we need when we don't have the words to pray. He knows what we need when we need it. He knows what we need even before we do. He knows all. He sees all. He creates all. If our most direct source to God is prayer, why is it sometimes hard for us to do? Why is it hard to pray in front of others? Its simple. We live in Satan's world, yet we are called to be apart of God's word. Everyday we must chose to pick up our cross and follow Him. Everyday is a new battle. Each morning, "send a prayer to our Lord thanking him for all he has done, tell Him what you need, and don't worry about anything. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7)." Everyday is a mind game. Don't let Satan have a head start.
Matthew 7:7-8 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
James 5:16-18 "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Never stop praying."
Hebrews 4:16 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. THere we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Isaiah 65:24 "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers."
Psalm 4:1 "Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer."
Psalm 4:3 "You can be sure of this: The Lord will set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call him."
Matthew 7:7-8 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
James 5:16-18 "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Never stop praying."
Hebrews 4:16 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. THere we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Isaiah 65:24 "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers."
Psalm 4:1 "Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer."
Psalm 4:3 "You can be sure of this: The Lord will set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call him."
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Easter Sunday
Happy Easter everyone! So today during church, our preacher went section by section over John 20. Something that stuck out to me is that instead of focusing on the death itself, he focused on the resurection and the joy that came with his raising! So as y'all go throughout your day, let God show His joy through your eyes. God bless y'all!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Learning Love
Hey y'all! Recently I began the book "God Girl" by Hayley DiMarco. In her book, she emphasizes about love. She explains that love is a word that has been overused and abused by our society. To us, love is a flexible emotion that comes and goes like the wind. But she puts her hand up to that belief. She reminds us of God's commandment "to love one another". If you stop and think about it, you realize that God uses the word "love" as an action verb there. God is using the word love to describe actions of believes to one another and to everyone around them. Mrs. DiMarco also notes that God's love is not our love. God's love never changes. It doesn't increase or decrease depending on His mood or what actions we've done that day. God has constant love. In fact, God is love. If you will open your bible to 1 John 4:8, you will read, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
So if God is love, therefore if we show love, we show God! How awesome is that? So remember, go throughout your day showing love to everyone!
So if God is love, therefore if we show love, we show God! How awesome is that? So remember, go throughout your day showing love to everyone!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Only Human
Hey guys! I'm sorry for the long wait, I've been struggling with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks again recently and I took some time away from everything. It gave me a lot of time to think. In my faith, I struggle greatly with feeling like I have to be perfect before God will ever accept me. But through some fantastic support, I'm changing the way I think. Coming to realize that I will never be perfect but that God loves me and reaches out for me anyway has been incredibly uplifting. A mentor in our youth group said, "Every day I wake up is a new day. God doesn't care about what I did yesterday, what I did today, or even what I'll do tomorrow. His grace expands over all my life, each and every day."
Though this quote is completely true, I still have to remember that God's grace is not just a 'one and done' thing. It doesn't mean that I can go do whatever I want and then just ask for forgiveness. Thats basically an abusive relationship with Jesus Christ. He longs for our love just as much as we crave His love. And even as I write this, it just reiterates to myself that this is true, and all of us must ask for God's strength to help us live His way.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares The Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
Though this quote is completely true, I still have to remember that God's grace is not just a 'one and done' thing. It doesn't mean that I can go do whatever I want and then just ask for forgiveness. Thats basically an abusive relationship with Jesus Christ. He longs for our love just as much as we crave His love. And even as I write this, it just reiterates to myself that this is true, and all of us must ask for God's strength to help us live His way.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares The Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, March 13, 2014
To Be Tan, Or Not To Be Tan?
Prom season is rolling around ladies -as most of you know I'm sure- and at my school, becoming tan (aka the idea of perfection) is starting to grow like a wild fire. For some of you, the more girls you hear about tanning, the more you start to compare yourselves to other girls. For those of you who are able to embrace your color, y'all are amazing! Unfortunately, although I stand against UV ray tanning I also find myself comparing me to others. So to see what exactly this tanning thing is about, I have done some research both how tanning affects you physically according to professionals, but also what God has to say about stressing over our physical appearances.
Starting with my research into tanning, here's what I've found. There are three main different types of tanning:
1. Spray Tanning-
PROS: "decreases the risk of skin cancer associated with traditional tanning.
This assuming...that you’re applying broad-spectrum sunscreen before
you step foot outside and taking refuge in the shade" (Kendra)
CONS: "...new research has just been released stating that spray tanning may
actually increase your risk of cancer. DHA, dihdroxyacetone, is the active
ingredient in spray tanners and medical experts have found that, if
introduced into the bloodstream (which can happen if it is inhaled), it
has the 'potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage'"
(Kendra)
2. UV Ray Tanning-
CONS: "Nearly every single article that was researched concluded that indoor
tanning is directly linked to skin cancer, specifically malignant
melanoma, and other numerous health problems. Although tanning
industries claim that UVA radiation is safe, medical research disproves
this theory. Researchers say that because UVA rays penetrate deep into
the skin, they destroy skin fibers and damage elasticity. Long-term
effects of UVA rays include premature aging and wrinkles" (Carruth)
3. Sun Tanning-
CONS: "Lots of teenagers have a problem with acne and are using medication
to treat the condition. Ingredients in these medications can react
negatively with the ultraviolet light resulting in blisters and burns. Other
medications can result in photosensitivity as well. There is no doubt that
excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet radiation) causes skin cancer"
(Teens and Tanning: Pros and Cons)
James 1:23 "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror."
Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
1 Peter 3: 3-4 "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
Looking through all these again, I realized some of y'all readers may be a little confused. I personally don't believe that God is saying you can never look or feel good in what your wearing, He means that don't let what your wearing or how you look become the obsession of your life. As long as you realize that ultimately you are made from God's own personal design, and you choose to respectfully fear Him above all else, you will make the right choices of what God wants done to His beautiful creation.
Citations
Carrut, E. n. page. <http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Tanning.html>.
Kendra, . N.p., n. d. 13 Mar 2014. <http://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/the-new-pros-and-cons-of-spray-tanning/>.
Unknown, . N.p.. Web. 13 Mar 2014. <http://www.carefair.com/Skincare/Summer-and-Sun/Teens_and_Tanning_Pros_and_Cons_357.html>.
Starting with my research into tanning, here's what I've found. There are three main different types of tanning:
1. Spray Tanning-
PROS: "decreases the risk of skin cancer associated with traditional tanning.
This assuming...that you’re applying broad-spectrum sunscreen before
you step foot outside and taking refuge in the shade" (Kendra)
CONS: "...new research has just been released stating that spray tanning may
actually increase your risk of cancer. DHA, dihdroxyacetone, is the active
ingredient in spray tanners and medical experts have found that, if
introduced into the bloodstream (which can happen if it is inhaled), it
has the 'potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage'"
(Kendra)
2. UV Ray Tanning-
PROS: "Most tanning bed industries agree that indoor tanning is much safer
than receiving outdoor exposure to the sun. Light emitted from tanning
equipment contains approximately 40% less UVB rays, the most harmful
type of radiation, than does light from the sun. Tanning beds, therefore,
have the power to control exposure time and the ratio of UVA to UVB rays
for a 'perfect balance'" (Carruth)
CONS: "Nearly every single article that was researched concluded that indoor
tanning is directly linked to skin cancer, specifically malignant
melanoma, and other numerous health problems. Although tanning
industries claim that UVA radiation is safe, medical research disproves
this theory. Researchers say that because UVA rays penetrate deep into
the skin, they destroy skin fibers and damage elasticity. Long-term
effects of UVA rays include premature aging and wrinkles" (Carruth)
3. Sun Tanning-
PROS: "Tanning provides the body with Vitamin D, which is needed for calcium
absorption and therefore maintaining bone health, and endocrine health
among other benefits. Persons who suffer from Seasonal Affective
Disorder are treated with light therapy" (Teens and Tanning: Pros and
Cons)
CONS: "Lots of teenagers have a problem with acne and are using medication
to treat the condition. Ingredients in these medications can react
negatively with the ultraviolet light resulting in blisters and burns. Other
medications can result in photosensitivity as well. There is no doubt that
excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet radiation) causes skin cancer"
(Teens and Tanning: Pros and Cons)
After finding out all this information about tanning, I turned to figuring out what God has to say about our physical appearance. So as all other people do when trying to find out info, I googled it! Going to www.openbible.info, I found a lot of great versus! Here are a few that stood out to me:
James 1:23 "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror."
Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
1 Corinthians 11: 14-15 "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering."
Psalms 139: 14 "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
1 Peter 3: 3-4 "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
Looking through all these again, I realized some of y'all readers may be a little confused. I personally don't believe that God is saying you can never look or feel good in what your wearing, He means that don't let what your wearing or how you look become the obsession of your life. As long as you realize that ultimately you are made from God's own personal design, and you choose to respectfully fear Him above all else, you will make the right choices of what God wants done to His beautiful creation.
Citations
Carrut, E. n. page. <http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Tanning.html>.
Unknown, . N.p.. Web. 13 Mar 2014. <http://www.carefair.com/Skincare/Summer-and-Sun/Teens_and_Tanning_Pros_and_Cons_357.html>.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Making Your Music
When you get in the car, most of you turn on your radio almost immediately. I know I do! However, a lot of the radio stations we turn to don't usually play music with the best themes, though they are certainly catchy. Rising charts right now is "Can't Remember to Forget You" by Shakira feat. Rihanna. Now this one, isn't too bad…just a little hint to sex…
"Eh no biggie, thats pretty normal to hear about in my environment (*cough* school *cough*)."
Sadly, that's pretty much the same thought we have about songs like that. or even if we even thought about it at all. Now what about "Talk Dirty to Me" by Jason Miller is definitely not what we should be feeding our heads and souls. I am guilty of knowing the song, knowing the words, and even knowing what it all hints to. Just because I think something is wrong doesn't mean I don't unwittingly do it too. Now, on a more positive note, there are some pretty decent songs played on the radio. For example, "Demons" by Imagine Dragons (my favorite song to run to) is a pretty darn legit song. Certainly one to roll down your windows and rock out to. But for all y'all who have decided to lean away from the secular music, or even just explore some good Christian music, it can be very hard if you don't know where to look. Here are a few songs/artists if you would like to check them out!
1. "You Alone" by Kutless
2. "Be Somebody" by Thousand Foot Krutch
3. "Broken Hallelujah" by The Afters
4. "Jesus in Disguise" by Brandon Heath
5. "The Struggle" by Tenth Avenue North
6. "Yours Will Be (The Only Name)" by Big Daddy Weave
7. "Changed" by Rascal Flats
8. "After All (Holy)" by David Crowder Band
9. "East to West" by Casting Crowns
10. "Forever" by Kari Jobe
If you would like some more songs just shoot me an email at mojo211@gmail.com!
"Eh no biggie, thats pretty normal to hear about in my environment (*cough* school *cough*)."
Sadly, that's pretty much the same thought we have about songs like that. or even if we even thought about it at all. Now what about "Talk Dirty to Me" by Jason Miller is definitely not what we should be feeding our heads and souls. I am guilty of knowing the song, knowing the words, and even knowing what it all hints to. Just because I think something is wrong doesn't mean I don't unwittingly do it too. Now, on a more positive note, there are some pretty decent songs played on the radio. For example, "Demons" by Imagine Dragons (my favorite song to run to) is a pretty darn legit song. Certainly one to roll down your windows and rock out to. But for all y'all who have decided to lean away from the secular music, or even just explore some good Christian music, it can be very hard if you don't know where to look. Here are a few songs/artists if you would like to check them out!
1. "You Alone" by Kutless
2. "Be Somebody" by Thousand Foot Krutch
3. "Broken Hallelujah" by The Afters
4. "Jesus in Disguise" by Brandon Heath
5. "The Struggle" by Tenth Avenue North
6. "Yours Will Be (The Only Name)" by Big Daddy Weave
7. "Changed" by Rascal Flats
8. "After All (Holy)" by David Crowder Band
9. "East to West" by Casting Crowns
10. "Forever" by Kari Jobe
If you would like some more songs just shoot me an email at mojo211@gmail.com!
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