Where do you put your hope? Boyfriends? Grades? Parents? Money? Friends? Human nature?
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”- Psalm 119:114 NIV
God's promises? That's where your hope should be, because God is the only One who will never let you down.
Take a moment to write down all of God's promises to you. Then, pray that God would help you trust Him better. :) <3
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Weight :)
Here's a short little post about what I KNOW is your FAVORITE topic, girls :) Let's talk about weight--but don't worry! At the end of this post, you should feel great about your weight :)
Keep in mind, this isn't a health blog (that's why I'm making it a SHORT post). Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for professional health/diet advice, respectively.
It's easy to pick up a scale from the store and say, "Okay, I want to look like a supermodel. I'm going to weigh [pick a random low number]." I've had people tell me they want to weigh 100 pounds. I've heard stories of people who've shot for 90 pounds. Some of us just pick these weight numbers that sound good and go for it (I've done it too. It's easy to do!).
The problem with this approach is that we forget something: our skeletons, muscles, blood, water, needed fat (we need a little to keep working), and organs all have weight. That's right--you have a minimum weight, and you physically can't weigh less than that (unless you're willing to chuck your brain and some muscle out the window to lose a few pounds!). Picking an arbitrary goal that happens to be below your minimum weight will set you up for discouragement.
And let's be serious: anorexia and bolemia aren't cool. Anorexia puts you at risk for malnutrition, and it lowers your metabolism (making it easier to gain weight if you ever change your mind about starving yourself to death). Bolemia has the same problems as anorexia, but with the added risk of heartburn and tooth decay (and a ton of other problems that come with having stomach acid...not in your stomach).
So, how can you lower your weight in a healthy, realistic way?
It sounds cliche, but it's true: eat healthy and exercise.
You see, it's easy to fill up on low-fat high-nutrient snacks like carrots, apples, raisins, etc., instead of eating fatty stuff like chips, ice cream, and candy. You'll feel more satisfied, your body will be happier, and it'll be easier to shed a few pounds (just think of all the fat you skipped when you tossed the chips in the trash and had grapes instead!).
Exercise is great, too. Exercise bumps up your metabolism, which basically means that you can eat more and keep the same weight (cool!) or even loose weight (cooler! :)
And don't forget that being fit and having a little extra muscle weight is always cooler than being super skin-and-bones skinny with no athletic ability whatsoever ;) (not only that, but getting fit really isn't that hard for anybody. We all take PE, right? So everyone's got a good start on it :)
If you're really interested in loosing weight, don't forget to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian--they'll give you plenty of information about good foods, exercise, and more weight-loss tips. :)
Keep in mind, this isn't a health blog (that's why I'm making it a SHORT post). Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for professional health/diet advice, respectively.
It's easy to pick up a scale from the store and say, "Okay, I want to look like a supermodel. I'm going to weigh [pick a random low number]." I've had people tell me they want to weigh 100 pounds. I've heard stories of people who've shot for 90 pounds. Some of us just pick these weight numbers that sound good and go for it (I've done it too. It's easy to do!).
The problem with this approach is that we forget something: our skeletons, muscles, blood, water, needed fat (we need a little to keep working), and organs all have weight. That's right--you have a minimum weight, and you physically can't weigh less than that (unless you're willing to chuck your brain and some muscle out the window to lose a few pounds!). Picking an arbitrary goal that happens to be below your minimum weight will set you up for discouragement.
And let's be serious: anorexia and bolemia aren't cool. Anorexia puts you at risk for malnutrition, and it lowers your metabolism (making it easier to gain weight if you ever change your mind about starving yourself to death). Bolemia has the same problems as anorexia, but with the added risk of heartburn and tooth decay (and a ton of other problems that come with having stomach acid...not in your stomach).
So, how can you lower your weight in a healthy, realistic way?
It sounds cliche, but it's true: eat healthy and exercise.
You see, it's easy to fill up on low-fat high-nutrient snacks like carrots, apples, raisins, etc., instead of eating fatty stuff like chips, ice cream, and candy. You'll feel more satisfied, your body will be happier, and it'll be easier to shed a few pounds (just think of all the fat you skipped when you tossed the chips in the trash and had grapes instead!).
Exercise is great, too. Exercise bumps up your metabolism, which basically means that you can eat more and keep the same weight (cool!) or even loose weight (cooler! :)
And don't forget that being fit and having a little extra muscle weight is always cooler than being super skin-and-bones skinny with no athletic ability whatsoever ;) (not only that, but getting fit really isn't that hard for anybody. We all take PE, right? So everyone's got a good start on it :)
If you're really interested in loosing weight, don't forget to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian--they'll give you plenty of information about good foods, exercise, and more weight-loss tips. :)
A judgement-free community
"There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:17, NIV)
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” (James 2:13 NLT)
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NLT)
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NLT)
There are several issues that divide the church today...skirts vs. pants, short hair vs. long hair, piercings, tatoos, even public school vs. homeschool. Is there a right way to dress? To educate? To raise your kids? And if so, what is the right way?
But when you meet someone--whether they're a teen from your church, from your neighborhood, from your school, or otherwise--what should you see?
Should you see their tatoos or piercing (or lack thereof)? The way they dress? The length of their hair?
Or should you see their heart?
You see, each of us is at a different point in their faith. You, right now, know of some obvious things you shouldn't do but do anyway (perhaps lying, being deceitful, or being disrespectful to parents). You, today, will probably do something wrong that you aren't even aware is wrong And in both cases, whether you know you're sinning or not, you need to grow in your faith and let God purify you from the inside out. You need to learn to trust God with the sins you know you shouldn't commit. You need to learn about the sins you aren't aware of. And you need forgiveness every step of the way.
The same goes for other people. Maybe that girl in the skimpy clothes with five piercings and a tatoo is a brand-new Christian. Maybe she's committed to following Jesus, and God is teaching her first to simply listen to His voice. And maybe having a tatoo isn't a big deal, and you just haven't realized it yet. Or maybe it is, and eventually she'll realize it. But you are no better than anyone else. And you need forgiveness just as badly as every other person on this earth.
The point is this: we need to keep an open mind about others and remember that we need forgiveness, too. Remember: when God said that we would know other Christians by their love, and eventually by other traits, hair length and education and tatoos and divorce and clothing weren't on any list. That's because those issues all have roots in our character, no matter how we dress--and if each person does their best to follow God, then each person is exactly where God wants them to be (and we shouldn't judge them).
So how do we know that someone is a Christian? By their love.
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” (James 2:13 NLT)
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NLT)
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NLT)
There are several issues that divide the church today...skirts vs. pants, short hair vs. long hair, piercings, tatoos, even public school vs. homeschool. Is there a right way to dress? To educate? To raise your kids? And if so, what is the right way?
But when you meet someone--whether they're a teen from your church, from your neighborhood, from your school, or otherwise--what should you see?
Should you see their tatoos or piercing (or lack thereof)? The way they dress? The length of their hair?
Or should you see their heart?
You see, each of us is at a different point in their faith. You, right now, know of some obvious things you shouldn't do but do anyway (perhaps lying, being deceitful, or being disrespectful to parents). You, today, will probably do something wrong that you aren't even aware is wrong And in both cases, whether you know you're sinning or not, you need to grow in your faith and let God purify you from the inside out. You need to learn to trust God with the sins you know you shouldn't commit. You need to learn about the sins you aren't aware of. And you need forgiveness every step of the way.
The same goes for other people. Maybe that girl in the skimpy clothes with five piercings and a tatoo is a brand-new Christian. Maybe she's committed to following Jesus, and God is teaching her first to simply listen to His voice. And maybe having a tatoo isn't a big deal, and you just haven't realized it yet. Or maybe it is, and eventually she'll realize it. But you are no better than anyone else. And you need forgiveness just as badly as every other person on this earth.
The point is this: we need to keep an open mind about others and remember that we need forgiveness, too. Remember: when God said that we would know other Christians by their love, and eventually by other traits, hair length and education and tatoos and divorce and clothing weren't on any list. That's because those issues all have roots in our character, no matter how we dress--and if each person does their best to follow God, then each person is exactly where God wants them to be (and we shouldn't judge them).
So how do we know that someone is a Christian? By their love.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Relationship status?
I want you to think for a moment on what might be pulling you away from God right now.
Seriously.
He created the entire world for us to live in, including everything we love: flowers, colors, chocolate, sunrise and sunset, the moon and the stars, sun showers and rainbows, creeks and does with baby deer and butterflies and sunshine. He CREATED it. He thought it up, then just made it all--out of nothing. Then, He made us, and He thought we were even more beautiful then all we'd made. He wanted to have a relationship with us. And then we disobeyed Him. We rejected His offer. But He didn't stop pursuing us; He came to earth and lived a normal human live (not the royalty treatment He could've gotten), did tasks that belonged to slaves, and died a criminal's death--all so we could have a relationship with Him.
Are you taking all of this in? This is huge! Your life's purpose is to have a relationship with Him and bring Him glory. That's where the joy's at. Are you putting your all into it?
Ask Jesus now: "Is there any area where I am lacking devotion to You?"
"If so, where?"
And finally, "How can I change to be more totally devoted to You?"
<3
Seriously.
He created the entire world for us to live in, including everything we love: flowers, colors, chocolate, sunrise and sunset, the moon and the stars, sun showers and rainbows, creeks and does with baby deer and butterflies and sunshine. He CREATED it. He thought it up, then just made it all--out of nothing. Then, He made us, and He thought we were even more beautiful then all we'd made. He wanted to have a relationship with us. And then we disobeyed Him. We rejected His offer. But He didn't stop pursuing us; He came to earth and lived a normal human live (not the royalty treatment He could've gotten), did tasks that belonged to slaves, and died a criminal's death--all so we could have a relationship with Him.
Are you taking all of this in? This is huge! Your life's purpose is to have a relationship with Him and bring Him glory. That's where the joy's at. Are you putting your all into it?
Ask Jesus now: "Is there any area where I am lacking devotion to You?"
"If so, where?"
And finally, "How can I change to be more totally devoted to You?"
<3
Wayne Grudem: Wives Like Sarah
Wayne Grudem has written an excellent article on how Christian ladies can submit to their husbands (or fathers)--the Bible's way. He backs it up with strong Biblical verses and conclusions. View the article here.
Since it's quite a long article, I wouldn't recommend reading it all in one sitting--but definitely read it all! :)
Since it's quite a long article, I wouldn't recommend reading it all in one sitting--but definitely read it all! :)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
BibleGateway.com verse of the day
“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”- Psalm 119:93
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Room cleaning? No prob!
Here are 3 ways to improve your room as you clean to keep it clean:
1) If you're bored with the way your room looks, change it up with some posters on your wall, some ribbons on your bed, or a new arrangement of your knick-knacks.
2) If you don't like the way your room is organized, grab two garbage bags and tackle one drawer/closet/area at a time. Throw trash in one bag and throw donations or garage sale items in the other!
3) Find ways to recycle old stuff you don't want to throw out. For example, a really nice shopping bag could be used to hold a trash can, some old stickers could be placed in a drawer for scrapbooking or cardmaking materials, etc.
1) If you're bored with the way your room looks, change it up with some posters on your wall, some ribbons on your bed, or a new arrangement of your knick-knacks.
2) If you don't like the way your room is organized, grab two garbage bags and tackle one drawer/closet/area at a time. Throw trash in one bag and throw donations or garage sale items in the other!
3) Find ways to recycle old stuff you don't want to throw out. For example, a really nice shopping bag could be used to hold a trash can, some old stickers could be placed in a drawer for scrapbooking or cardmaking materials, etc.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
How to relax--without your computer
I've found the best relaxation to be God-oriented time.
To relax away from the computer, combine any of the following:
To relax away from the computer, combine any of the following:
- Write a love letter to God.
- Have a cup of homemade hot chocolate, tea, or coffee (or, if you prefer cold drinks, try homemade chocolate milk, iced tea, or iced coffee)
- Listen to worship music.
- Sit with your eyes closed and empty your heart to God.
- Write out the words to your favorite praise song (Jeremy Camp's Empty Me is one of my favorites)
- Write a song to God/about God.
- Journal to God.
- Read the Psalms--or something else from the Bible.
- Draw whatever comes to mind, even if it's just a feeling.
I like...God!
Enjoy GivesMeHope.com?
Check out ILYG (I Love You God) on www.WordsOfPraise.weebly.com (it's very similar--not endorsed, sponsored, or recognized by GMH, but inspired by them--and it's Christian).
God's warning against gossip
"Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are...[those] who have wandered away from the truth....and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.' In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:16-17a, 18, 19-26
My Prince Charming
Hey everyone!
So, I've found my "Prince Charming"--my perfect guy--and I thought you might want to be introduced to him (after all the relationship-oriented posts on this blog :)
I actually met him when I was really young. He and I have lived in the same area all my life, and we grew up together. Once, right before I was three, I told him I loved him (how cute is that?). I really meant it.
But as I grew up, I started to look around at other guys. I mean, my guy friend was just a friend, and who was to say that there wasn't another guy out there to meet my need for girly romance drama?
I know that my guy friend--my now-"Prince Charming"--knew that I went go back and forth about our relationship, but he was kind and forgiving. And now I know he's the best, and I plan to stick by him forever. :)
He's an artist, and his art is known and studied all over the world. His pictures are gorgeous and complex. I honestly don't know how he does it. And yes, he painted a picture of me for me. Isn't that sweet? I mean, I'm not anyone famous. But he still notices me and loves me.
He's also a musician! (yes, he's a guy of many talents) His music, like his art, known all over the world, but not many truly appreciate it. He's gotten some mixed reviews--some have called his music "intimidating" or even "boring," but that doesn't stop him. He just keeps on composing. I think his music is beautiful--in fact, sometimes he surprises me with a song in the middle of our time together.
He gets along with my family really well, too. He's really at ease when we're together, and he treats each member of my family with value. He frequently spends time with my little brother, which I love. I'd be remiss to neglect mentioning that he also frequently spends time with my mom and dad--also very cool.
Most of my friends approve of him. Some think I should keep my options open, but I'm not sure what they see in other guys that's better than the one I'm with. And everything I said about his interactions with my family goes for his interactions with my friends, as well: he's at ease with them, spending time with them when they want, encouraging them, helping them, understanding them. He makes sure to let me know when there's someone I should stop hanging around or when there's someone who needs an invitation to hang out with our group. He even organizes events for our entire group to have a good time together!
And get this--he even writes me love letters! I love to read his letters over and over. I keep them in a little box-like area near my bed. I write him letters back, of course, but my letters can't compare to his impeccable writing.
He's helped me grow in every way. He's helped me become more mature, more loving, more forgiving, more gracious--everything I want to be. He's a strong but gentle teacher, and I love him.
We sometimes disagree, but I always end up seeing his point of view. He always keeps my best interests in mind.
He also gives me gifts. He's given me more flowers than I can count, notebooks to journal my thoughts in, necklaces, t-shirts--he even gave me an iPod! Yup, in addition to being honest, he's rich.
Here's the best part (I love telling people this story). He put his life in danger to save me once--right after an argument, before we'd resolved anything. It was during one of those times when I was looking to someone else to fill my needs, even--he and I weren't even together. He risked his life to save mine.
He didn't just risk his life. He gave his life. He died.
But he isn't dead.
That's because my Prince Charming is Jesus Christ.
So, I've found my "Prince Charming"--my perfect guy--and I thought you might want to be introduced to him (after all the relationship-oriented posts on this blog :)
I actually met him when I was really young. He and I have lived in the same area all my life, and we grew up together. Once, right before I was three, I told him I loved him (how cute is that?). I really meant it.
But as I grew up, I started to look around at other guys. I mean, my guy friend was just a friend, and who was to say that there wasn't another guy out there to meet my need for girly romance drama?
I know that my guy friend--my now-"Prince Charming"--knew that I went go back and forth about our relationship, but he was kind and forgiving. And now I know he's the best, and I plan to stick by him forever. :)
He's an artist, and his art is known and studied all over the world. His pictures are gorgeous and complex. I honestly don't know how he does it. And yes, he painted a picture of me for me. Isn't that sweet? I mean, I'm not anyone famous. But he still notices me and loves me.
He's also a musician! (yes, he's a guy of many talents) His music, like his art, known all over the world, but not many truly appreciate it. He's gotten some mixed reviews--some have called his music "intimidating" or even "boring," but that doesn't stop him. He just keeps on composing. I think his music is beautiful--in fact, sometimes he surprises me with a song in the middle of our time together.
He gets along with my family really well, too. He's really at ease when we're together, and he treats each member of my family with value. He frequently spends time with my little brother, which I love. I'd be remiss to neglect mentioning that he also frequently spends time with my mom and dad--also very cool.
Most of my friends approve of him. Some think I should keep my options open, but I'm not sure what they see in other guys that's better than the one I'm with. And everything I said about his interactions with my family goes for his interactions with my friends, as well: he's at ease with them, spending time with them when they want, encouraging them, helping them, understanding them. He makes sure to let me know when there's someone I should stop hanging around or when there's someone who needs an invitation to hang out with our group. He even organizes events for our entire group to have a good time together!
And get this--he even writes me love letters! I love to read his letters over and over. I keep them in a little box-like area near my bed. I write him letters back, of course, but my letters can't compare to his impeccable writing.
He's helped me grow in every way. He's helped me become more mature, more loving, more forgiving, more gracious--everything I want to be. He's a strong but gentle teacher, and I love him.
We sometimes disagree, but I always end up seeing his point of view. He always keeps my best interests in mind.
He also gives me gifts. He's given me more flowers than I can count, notebooks to journal my thoughts in, necklaces, t-shirts--he even gave me an iPod! Yup, in addition to being honest, he's rich.
Here's the best part (I love telling people this story). He put his life in danger to save me once--right after an argument, before we'd resolved anything. It was during one of those times when I was looking to someone else to fill my needs, even--he and I weren't even together. He risked his life to save mine.
He didn't just risk his life. He gave his life. He died.
But he isn't dead.
That's because my Prince Charming is Jesus Christ.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I want a guy...
I have a list. In fact, I would guess most of you reading this also have a list (consiously or sub-consiously). It's a list of qualities you want your future husband to have. Some (okay, many) are little quirky things, and some matter.
Take a moment to think about your list. Some items on my "quirky" list included:
Here's my current list:
Because you know what? Things like preferences about music, height, proposals, etc., those preferences can change. If I relied on those, I'd be pretty foolish--one day, I might love a man because he can sing "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," and the next day I might dump him because he could sing that song (if I decided I wanted someone who couldn't sing). But if I focus on the godly qualities, none of those things matter.
I've made a decision. I'm going to wait to meet my future husband, and then watch God write my perfect love story (instead of trying to make up my story ahead of time). And while I'm waiting, I'll watch out for those qualities that God says are important.
Take a moment to think about your list. Some items on my "quirky" list included:
- He has to be musical. By this, I mean that he has to be proficient at aucousitc guitar and piano, and he must be able to sing.
- He has to sing "I can't help falling in love with you" on a date, the same way Tim Urban sang it on American Idol.
- He has to be taller than I, well-built and muscular but not overweight.
- He has to have enough fashion knowledge to dress sensibly, but not so much that he totally loves clothes shopping (he is a guy, after all).
- He has to have enough knowledge of cleaning and cooking to be of some help, but I want to be the one cleaning and cooking--so I don't want him to love to clean or love to cook or be super especially good at those things.
- He has to propose to me on the beach. Preferably, an empty California beach. At sunset. On one knee.
- I don't want him to ever wear a purity ring (that's girly).
- He has to have never owned a pair of flip-flops (also girly).
- Note that this list has changed dramatically over the years and may continue to change.
Here's my current list:
- He has to love God, love church, love worship, and be open about his faith.
- He has to feel a calling to Russian orphans (because that's where I feel my calling).
- He has to be a good, strong but gentle leader.
- He has to be committed to purity, including our first kiss.
- He has to be forgiving and gracious, understanding, and have a good grasp on the meaning of "tough love" (just in case he ever needs to show me some--like letting me take the consequences for my own mistakes so that I learn from them and don't do them again, but not going too far with the concept as to be harsh :)
- He has to adore God more than anything else.
- He has to read the Bible daily.
- He has to have been a Christian at least as long as I, and be just as strong (if not stronger) in his faith.
- He has to be protective and brave.
Because you know what? Things like preferences about music, height, proposals, etc., those preferences can change. If I relied on those, I'd be pretty foolish--one day, I might love a man because he can sing "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," and the next day I might dump him because he could sing that song (if I decided I wanted someone who couldn't sing). But if I focus on the godly qualities, none of those things matter.
I've made a decision. I'm going to wait to meet my future husband, and then watch God write my perfect love story (instead of trying to make up my story ahead of time). And while I'm waiting, I'll watch out for those qualities that God says are important.
Monday, July 12, 2010
God Called a Girl
Book recommendation:
God Called a Girl by Shannon Kubiak-Primicerio
Length: Short.
In one word: Moving.
Preview: Shannon Kubiak-Primicerio begins with the story of Mary (Jesus' mother)--then, using concrete examples and vibrant descriptions, begins to show you how God's calling you.
My thoughts: This book is incredible! After reading this book, it's next to impossible to "push" God away. It took my relationship with Jesus to new heights and my understanding of the Bible to new depths. A must-read!
Makeup from the Bible
To start:
"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:23-25, NIV)
Foundation:
"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." (Luke 6:47-48, NIV)
Eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara:
"A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth." (Proverbs 17:24, NIV)
Blush:
"[Your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4, NIV)
Lipstick:
"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." (Ecclesiates 10:12, NIV)
"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:23-25, NIV)
Foundation:
"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." (Luke 6:47-48, NIV)
Eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara:
"A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth." (Proverbs 17:24, NIV)
Blush:
"[Your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4, NIV)
Lipstick:
"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." (Ecclesiates 10:12, NIV)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Real Me
Book recommendation:
The Real Me by Natalie Grant
Length: Short-ish.
In one word: Real.
Preview: Natalie Grant details her rise to fame as a Christian singer and the eating disorders she developed--as well as how she overcame them. A very encouraging and insightful read.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
A Summer of Purpose (based on Prov 31)
Here are ten things you can do this summer to make your summer more purposeful: (based off Proverbs 31, which describes in detail a godly lady)
1. Surprise your family by waking up early and making a pancake breakfast (Proverbs 31:15)
2. Using scrap booking materials, make a book for your parents (let your siblings join you in helping!) letting them know how much you appreciate them. (Proverbs 31:13, 31)
3. Make a fleece-tie blanket for your bed (Proverbs 31:22)--just take two same-sized pieces of fleece, cut one-inch strips along the edges, and tie them together!
4. Write a list of ten things you're thankful for. Post it on your wall or mirror (Proverbs 31:25)
5. Post a Bible verse in your Facebook status, on your blog, or in your email signature (Proverbs 31:26)
6. Go grocery shopping and donate the food to a local food bank (Proverbs 31:20)
7. Try an ethnic food you've never tried before (Proverbs 31:14)
8. Learn a new craft (Proverbs 31:19)
9. Pray for your future husband (Proverbs 31:22)
10. Read up about smart investing (Proverbs 31:16)
New summer look!
Hey everyone!
We've redesigned the blog for a more summer-y look. We hope you like it!
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