:: Happy New Year 2012:

This year by far was an amazing year for me! Just the oppertunities I had and the friends that I met. From chilling in a friends basement fit for 5 with 20 ppl or rockin it out at concert this summer, My year this year was not to shabby! Sure I had my ups and downs, doesn't everyone?! Lets see, in January I met my now boyfriend and many new friends, March we had Life Action at my church, I also got to attend a soul fire, April I finished my first year of College, May I got the oppertunity to attend the esthetics show in toronto, may was also a bad month cuz some friends left for summer and then got in a massive fight with my then best friend, june was SUMMER! July was daycamp, bayfest, weddings and jordan and I started dating, August more weddings, daycamp and hangouts with everyone! September was the begining of my last year of college! October-December was school and Jordan came home and Sabrina and I became best friends! I hope all you guys had a great year also and that 2012 brings much more excitment and joy to your lives! Same to all you too!

::Christmas 2011::

Hey to my my viewers out there! Happy Holidays! So I haven't done a blog like this in awhile where I just write about what I have been up too! So this past week as been my first week off from school for winter break. All together I get 3 weeks off of no studying, no homework, and no worrying about anything! I finished all exams with good marks in the end and a GPA of 3.733 :) So i am pretty happy! Last sunday on the 17th, which I guess was the last time I blogged, Jordan came home from TB for the holidays! I am so glad he his home, along with the rest of my friends! Also my friend Isaac came home from NZ! I was ubber shocked and so happy when that he did! On tuesday I spent the whole day with Jordan, for the first time since Sept.1! I helped him shop for Christmas gifts and then we went out to dinner with his family, got to meet his brother and his gf, then we played monopoly with them and then went to the movies. Overall it was a great day! On wednesday night, I had a girls night with my girl friends that are home, i missed each of them so much, so we went out to crabbies all dressed up and just hung out and caught up with each other! On friday, Jordan came over and we watched a movie and just chilled and then met up with two of our friends, Sabrina and Ty (who is also away with Jordan up in TB) and hung out, walked through the light display downtown and then went to coffee lodge where we sat and talked about what we should do every like 10 mins lol....did we ever do anything...NOPE! hahaa On Saturday night, which was Christmas Eve, I went to Christmas Eve Service and saw Jordan there with his family, Cuz his mom is from my church but they go to a different one. So that was nice, and when I got home, its a tradition in my house every Christmas eve to watch It's A Wonderful Life. That night I could not sleep at all! I don't know if it was the excitement of Christmas, the fact I was going to see Jordan again or the fact I was wide awake and had a million and one things going through my head, not to mention my cat kept bugging me almost every hour.....so about 6 hrs later and 3 hrs of sleep....its was CHRISTMAS morning! Now the normal kid, gets up really early and goes and opens up gifts and what nit, but when 9 am hit and my sister woke me up, that was the last thing i wanted to do, I just wanted to sleep! I was soo tired! But I got out of bed and started Christmas....around 12, Jordan came over and hung out for a bit and then we went over to my Grandparent's house before heading to his house. I had a great dinner with his family and we also played a few games during the evening. All and All it was alot of fun, and I love hanging out with him and his family! They are soo funny! And then I came home. It was about midnight then. And today/yesterday (when i started this it was dec.26 and now its the 27th) It was my birthday! I turned 19 :) And this year I took a different route, instead of going shopping like I always do every year (tradition) I spent the day at home and just chilled and relaxed! Invited Jordan over and my Aunt came down from where she lives and brought me a cake she made for me and we just hung out, played a game I got for Christmas and then we attempted to watch a movie on tv...(when I say attempt, its cuz well my sister kept annoying us, and then we had dinner and we had already missed the first half, cuz it was on tv) and then we ate dinner and had cake and then attempted to watch the pt 2 of the last Harry Potter, but then again got distracted.....this time being Jordan's fault...lets just say my bf likes to tickle me...and im very ticklish, and he had to leave 45 mins into the movie cuz where he lives is about 45 mins from where I live. Yes hes a trooper for driving that distance to see me :) But all honesty, it was the best birthday i have ever had! It was just alot of fun and very relaxing and chilled! Now its the 27th, and I dont have any plans for tomorrow...so I may slide into get my nails done and thats about it....go to the bank but besides that i wonder what the week has planned for me! I know I am going to go see a play with jordan and his family on the 30th and then celebrating new years with him and a few friends hopefully, but besides that i got nothing! Just going to enjoy the middle portion of my break! I hope that every one of you out there is also having a great holiday and Happy New Year!

P.s Yesterday was one year of having this blog! I do believe my first blog was about my birthday last year and thanks to you guys, I now have over 1300+ viewers! Thank You guys soo much! Much love and God Bless! <3

::Don't you know your beautiful?::

So I am currnetly obsessed with this song! Can't stop listening to it!

Lyrics:

You're insecure
Don't know what for
You're turning heads when you walk through the door
Don't need make up
To cover up
Being the way that you are is enough

Everyone else in the room can see it
Everyone else but you

[Chorus]
Baby you light up my world like nobody else
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed
But you when smile at the ground it aint hard to tell
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful

If only you saw what I can see
You'll understand why I want you so desperately
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful
Oh oh
But that's what makes you beautiful

So c-come on
You got it wrong
To prove I'm right I put it in a song
I don't why
You're being shy
And turn away when I look into your eyes

Everyone else in the room can see it
Everyone else but you

[Chorus]
Baby you light up my world like nobody else
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed
But you when smile at the ground it aint hard to tell
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful

If only you saw what I can see
You'll understand why I want you so desperately
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful
Oh oh
But that's what makes you beautiful

[Bridge]
Nana Nana Nana Nana
Nana Nana Nana Nana
Nana Nana Nana Nana

Baby you light up my world like nobody else
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed
But you when smile at the ground it aint hard to tell
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful

[Chorus]
Baby you light up my world like nobody else
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed
But you when smile at the ground it aint hard to tell
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful

If only you saw what I can see
You'll understand why I want you so desperately
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe
You don't know
You don't know you're beautiful
Oh oh
You don't know you're beautiful
Oh oh
But that's what makes you beautiful

::I Am A Christian::

When I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin"
I'm whispering "I was lost"
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say.... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide

When I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on

When I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean up my mess

When I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are way to visible
But, God believes I'm worth it

When I say.... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon his name

When I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace somehow

So when I say...."I am a Christian"
I'm not better then you
God sent his one and only Son
Because He loves you too!

::Pressure::

I'm not skinny enough
I'm not tan enough
My hair isn't nice like hers
My nose is too big
I'm not tall enough
My eyes are too small
My teeth are not white enough
I need to have this brand of clothing to fit in
I need to look like this, to get people to notice me
.....why don't i look like her?
.....why do people care?
.....what's the point?

These are many types of thing's you hear from the female population these days. Girls in their teen aged years and even younger are pressured to look a certain way. But why? Why do we all need and want to look the same? If we were supposed to all look the same, God would of made us that way, but he didn't. He made us all look different for a reason. In his eyes, your PERFECT! Why would you want to change that?

I was on facebook today and before I came on here I was thinking about writing a blog post about this topic...but wasn't really sure of how was going to say it or explain the point I was trying to get across. Then I was reading the notes section and one of my good friends wrote a full note on this topic and he explained it perfectly! Everything I wanted to say, but couldn't. So here it is...why does the media put so much pressure on younger girl's these days? And is it just girl's, or do guy's feel pressured too? Sure all guys want to have that "6-pack" but is that it, or is there more behind the industry of being PERFECT these days....

" I have noticed through everyday life that there is so much pressure on girls to look a certain way through clothes, how their body looks and makeup. Girls are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile. Companies use many different tactics to add pressure to girls. They use commercials, billboard advertisements, magazines..to create this image on how all girls should look. This image is saying that all girls should look skinny, have a big chest, a nice butt, and wear a lot of makeup. Basically, the ideal girl should look like a supermodel if they want to be accepted by society today. If girls choose not to blend in with societies' demands, they are looked upon as worthless, unattractive, and even unfit beings to be around. And it's not just girls either, but guys get the same pressure in different ways. Guys are supposed to have big muscles everywhere, have the '6-pack', and have as much sex as they want. We all want to fit in with every trend and every person. No matter what they do, some people just can't fit in, sadly. Those people who aren't accepted feel like they're worthless, that no one cares about them and they have no one to turn to help them. This is where suicide starts happening. That person gets to the point where "Life is too hard"; "No one understands me"; "No one wants to understand me"; and even get to the point of thinking,"What is the point of my life?"Society's mindset of how people should look, should change. True beauty comes from the inside of who we truly are and made to be by God, Himself, not the outside appearance. Imagine all the lives we could save and can save if only we take the time to say 'You're beautiful just the way you are", or "I love you", or "You matter to me."After writing this out, i thought of the song 'More Beautiful You' by Jonny Diaz. "There could never be a more beautiful you. Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through. You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do. So there could NEVER be a more beautiful you!"
It's not too late to change. It's not too late to save a life. It's time too stand up and say enough of this.
I am because I'm sick of seeing all the broken, hurting, and lost lives in this world. It pains me to see people taking their own lives because people don't take the time to be there for that person.
No more conforming to this world. It's time to be the difference, to be history makers...to be LOVE."

I love how he explains that it doesn't matter what you look like, no one on TV or in the movies, just wakes up every morning and looks that good. It takes hours in hair and make up, they don't dress themselves and well we have all heard of this little tool called air brushing. Not too mention thousands and thousands of dollars and countless hours under the knife, why would you sacrifice doing that too your body. Or even go to the extremes and end up in a treatment center for an eating disorder? Love you for who you are, your friends love you for you and not the way you look but for your personality, honestly if you don't have a beautiful personality and just hate everything in life, that's what make the "outer" you not attractive. You have to start loving the way you look, before anyone else can. So the next time you look at yourself in the mirror, tell your self all the positive points about yourself and what you love about yourself, cuz you are PERFECT in your own very way! I love you and God does too, don't change for anyone!

::Checklist::

Are you trying to make it on your own?

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

~1 John 5:3

The Bible has a lot of rules and guidelines. It contains instructions for being the perfect Christian. The only problem is that we aren't perfect people. We can try all we want to follow every little detail in the Bible, but at the end of each day, we will still fall short. We can have the desire to please God, but we are merely sinful humans. We can't achieve perfection here on earth, but the good news is that God knew that. He doesn't expect us to be perfect. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. He sent Jesus to live a life on earth, showing us how we should live to honor God, and then to die on the cross, because He knew we couldn't do it. I'm not saying that we shouldn't try to follow the Bible, what I am saying is that we can't earn our way to heaven. We can't earn God's love by doing what He says, because we already have it.

Our 'job' as Christians isn't to check off a list of things that we did or didn't do each day. It is simply to love Christ with all that we are. Once we put our faith in Christ, and declare Him as Lord over our lives, we are forgiven for being sinful humans. However, if we truly love Him, we will do our best to honor Him. Not to complete some check list, but because we love Him and want to do what He says. If we truly love Christ, we won't be looking at the impossible task before us and groaning because of all the things the Bible says to do or not to do. We will look ahead with joy at the chance for serving Christ. We won't be burdened by His commands, but be filled with peace knowing that while our task is impossible our God is full of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Reflection:

Are you putting marks on your 'good Christian' checklist, or are you living a life full of love for Christ?

Application Step:

When you are tempted to start checking off your 'good Christian' checklist, take a step back and remember that you are covered by grace, remember that it is impossible to earn forgiveness. Then, take a moment to thank God for sending Jesus to pay for your sinfulness, and move forward with a heart set on pleasing Christ, not on completing a 'to do' list.

Prayer:

Father God, your love amazes me. Thank you for sending your Son to die for my sinfulness. Thank you for forgiving me even though I will never live up to the standard that you set. Please help me to move forward not out of obligation, but out of love for you. Help me to want to live a life pleasing to you, but also help me to remember that that is an impossible task and that I need your grace, love and forgiveness every moment of every day. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Worldwide

Wait a minute before you tell me anything
how was your day cause
I been missing you by my side
did I awake you out of your dream
Im sorry but I couldn't sleep
you calm me down
there's something bout the sound of your voice
i-i-i-im never never (never as far away as it may seem)
soon we'll be together
we'll pick up right where we left off

Hello, tuck you in every night on the phone
Boy, I'll be thinking about you
.......Worldwide........

::Life Is So Precious::

Life is so precious,
And each day is a gift.
So enjoy every minute,
As it were your last to live.

Cherish your loved ones,
Hug them tight,
Share with them your heart,
And your time.

Nothing is forever,
And life goes so fast,
Each minute that passes,
Is one you can’t get back.

When troubles arrive,
And knock you off your feet,
Stand up and smile,
And remember life is too sweet.

Every morning when you wake,
Decide right from the start,
That “Today will be a good day”
And let it all in with an open heart.

::Hit the Lights::

It's the boy I never told I like you
It's the girl you let get away
It's the one you saw that day on the trian
But you freaked out and walked away
It's the plane you want to catch to vegas
Things you swear you'll do before you die
It's the city of love that waits for you
But you're too damn scared to fly

Hit the lights
Let the music move you
Lose yourself tonight
Come alive
Let the moment take you
Lose control tonight (x2)

It's the time that you totally screwed up
Still you're tryin' to get out of your brian
It's the fight you had when you didn't make up
It's the past that you're dyin' to change
It's all the money that you're saving

While the good life passes by
It's all the dreams that never came true
Cuz you're too damn scared to try

Hit the lights
Let the music move you
Lose yourself tonight
Come alive
Let the moment take you
Lose control tonight (x2)

 

It's a mad mad world

Gotta make it an escape

It's a perfect world

When you go all the way

Hit the lights

Let the music move you

Lose yourself tonight

 

So lets go go go go all the way

Yeah lets go go go go night and day

From the floor to the rafters

People raise your glasses

We could dance forever

 

 Hit the lights
Let the music move you
Lose yourself tonight
Come alive
Let the moment take you
Lose control tonight

It's a mad mad world

Gotta make it an escape

It's a perfect world

When you go all the way

Hit the lights

Let the music move you

Lose yourself tonight

 

 

::ABC's anyone?::

A- available? nope
B- birthday? December 26, 1992
C-crushing on? jordy :)
D-drink you last had? strawberry/banana fruit smoothie from brichwood mall in the states..sooo good! 
E-easiest person to talk to? sabrina
F-favourite song? ummm idk....probs right now its Who's that boy by Demi Lovato  
G-gummy bears or worms? deffinately gummy bears
H-hometown? windsor/sarnia
I-in love with? jordan blake mcguire <3
J-jelous of? my mother who is currently in Belieze for the week....:/
K-killed someone? wanted to at times
L-longest car ride? uhm 8 hours to ottawa
M-milkshake flavour? depends...
N-number of siblings? 4 (including God siblings)
O-one wish? thats hard....
P-person you last texted? meg 
Q-question you are always asked? i dont really get asked anything alot  
R-reason to smile? getting text fromcertain people :)
S-some place you were today? Birchwood mall
T-tomorrow's plans? Make up for fashio show, then home, then skype with my boo!
U-up at what time this morning? 9:20
V-?
W-whats your fave holiday? christmas!
X-?
Y- you are deserted on a island, what are 3 things you want? Jordan, Sab and clothes
Z-?

::Curious?::

Curiousss??

height: 5'2

Shoe Size: 6.5-8 and i fit into kids 5 or 6

Do you Drink? nope!

Age you get mistaken for: 13.....:(

Have Tattoos? nope

Want any tattoos? nope

Got any Piercings? ears.

Want any piercings? nope

Best friend? sabrina redick, jordan mcguire

Relationship status: taken ;)

Biggest turn ons: smile, eyes, attitude, christian faith, non smoker/drinker

Biggest turn offs: fake boys that only want one thing...

Favorite Movie: id have to say Lemonade mouth, burlesque and footloose

I’ll love you if: let me be myself! and if you give me hugs :)

Someone you miss: jordan :( 33 days!!!!!!!!

Most traumatic experience: lots of things!

A fact about your personality: im shy at first, but then once i get to know you i dont shut up hahha

What I hate most about myself: nothing really, but if i had to pick one thing is that i dont know how to say no to people....

What I love most about myself: i know who i am, and where i stand in this world!

What I want to be when I get older: enjoying my profession, married to the man i love and happy :)

My relationship with my sibling(s): half sister is alright, and i dont know my step brother and sister

My idea of a perfect date: laughing and having fun :) and just being together, no matter what you do

My biggest pet peeves: when people are fake, rude, walk slow, swear, dont close cupboards

A description of the girl/boy I like: funny and sweet

A description of the person I dislike the most: i dont really hate anyone...

A reason I’ve lied to a friend: i can't remember

What I hate the most about school: studying

What my last text message says: yaya! Umm i'll text you later cuz i'm going curling. I love you Babe!

What words upset me the most: lots of different words...

A wish that I’ve wished for repeatedly on 11:11:.....i dont know there all different

What I find attractive in girls. ????

Where I would like to live. idk....im sorry

One of my insecurities. my emotions... i get upset alot! so when my emotions get going i really wish they would stop...emotional tidle wave!

My childhood career choice. singer, teacher

My favorite ice cream. cookie dough

Who I wish I could be. myself?

Where I want to be right now. Thunder Bay with my boo!

The last thing I ate. chicken wings for dinner

Sexiest person that comes to my mind immediately. Im going to have to steal it from sab and say taylor lautner......:P

::Depression::

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? A more modern way to word that question would be: Why am I so depressed?! I don't know about you, but I get depressed sometimes. I mean, let's face it life is hard. Not only is it hard, but it can be downright depressing! It seems like there is always something that isn't going the way that I think it should. Someone says something about me that isn't very nice (or maybe downright mean), I'm not allowed to do something with my friends that I really wanted to, or maybe I wasn't even invited, or maybe the guy that I liked just started dating my best friend. Maybe it's something bigger like you have to move, or you're parents are getting divorced... The list of possibilities is endless, but you want to know something? One thing I have noticed is that I am only depressed when I'm focused on me. If I am busy praising God, I forget that I am depressed. Let me tell you, it is so hard to be depressed while singing worship songs!

There are lots of different ways to cope with depression, but I have truly found that the best way is to remember that God loves me. The things of this world, while they are the here and now, won't last. I use to get so mad when my mom would say something like, "it's just high school, it only lasts for 4 years". It made me want to scream. I mean, anyone who has ever been to high school should know that it is the LONGEST 4 years of your life, and for those 4 years it IS your life. I'm not trying to make it sound like it isn't a big deal, but I have come to realize that the individual events that happen each day, usually are forgotten in a week or two. So I wasn't allowed to go to the mall with my friends, there's always next time, and even if I'm not allowed to go next time, I will still see them tomorrow. As for that guy dating my best friend, either I need to be happy that she is happy, or realize that I really didn't need him in my life, and I am better off without him. God knows everything that I need in my life, and He will provide everything that I need in His timing, not mine.

Reflection:

Do you frequently find yourself depressed? How do you handle your depression?

Application Step:

Next time you're feeling depressed, turn on some praise and worship music. Sing at the top of your lungs about how awesome our God is!

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful for you! You know all of my needs, and you always take care of me. There are times when all I can see is the here and now, and I get depressed Lord. It's so hard to look forward when life seems to be weighing me down. Help me to remember that you are awesome, no matter what life throws my way. Help me to praise you through the storms, and get through life's depressing moments by focusing on you. In the name of your Son, who you sent to die on the cross for me, I pray. Amen.

The above devotion was written by a girl named Heather Heart. But I personally now what this feels like. Not myself, but people around me. Last year I had a friend that was so depressed that the only way he knew how to deal with that was to cut. When he me this I knew that there was something wrong and he needed to stop, and instead turn to the Lord for his problems he was dealing with. Also  many students that I used to go to High school with have delt with it, but it went to the extreame where they actually took there life, because it just got to be to much for them to handle. Last year there were 2 boys that took there lives in a matter of a month inbetween. Thats scary to know, and you can't tell if the person is depressed. They act normal while at school, but then they lead the "secret, real" life when the door is closed. And that is exactly what happened this morning. Cameron Tomlinson, 16 years old took his own life this morning. And the known cause is unknown still, but he was yoru typical 16 year old guy. He liked to hang with his friends, he played football for his high school team and liked to party on the weekends. He was that funny, smart, good kid, with a smile always on his face. I got to have the oppertunity of getting to know him these past summers. See when he was younger he used to attend the day camp I worked at as a camper and when he was old enough he started to volunteer. And now his sister is a also a volunteer. He always used to like to joke around with the campers and was just a fun guy to get to know. Who would of known that his life would be taken so soon. At least he got to witness to children while he was still here, and he knew the Lord. Unfortunally, this sickness came too soon and now he is with the Lord. To anyone that is reading this, don't let depression take over yourlife!!! DON'T! Cuz in the end you not only hurt yourself, but everyone around you too. Talk to someone. A parent, a teacher, consellor, a close friend....Cuz in the end....who knows what might happend?!? Here are some warning signs to people dealing with depression, and if you know someone like this, sit down, talk to them and in the end, who knows..YOU could SAVE A LIFE!

Signs:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Warning signs of suicide include:

Warning signs of suicide include:

Talking about killing or harming one’s self

Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

An unusual preoccupation with death or dying

Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)

Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)

Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”

A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

R.I.P Cameron, forever in our hearts

::In Remembrance::

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

::It Boy::

So loving this song right now!!!!


I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac insomniac
5 steps behind ya
Tell them other boys, they can hit the exit
Check please...
Cause I finally found the boy of... my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me

[Chorus:]
You could be my it boy
Baby you're the shhh boy
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit boy
This is it boy
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it boy
You're my biggest hit boy

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

You can't help but turn them heads
Knockin' them dead
Dropping like flies around you
If I get your body close not letting go
Hoping you're about to
Tell them other girls they can lose your number
You're done!
They don't get another shot cause you're... love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get
I'm a turn you on

[Chorus:]
You could be my it boy
Baby you're the shhh boy
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit boy
This is it boy
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it boy
You're my biggest hit boy

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

[Bridge:]
Can't seem to stop you from... running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind
Just keep it coming, coming
Til I make you mine, mine
You've got that something, something
I wanna be with boy
You're my greatest hit boy
Just say this is it boy...
Hey baby...
Don't you know you're my it boy

[Chorus:]
You could be my it boy
Baby you're the shhh boy
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit boy
This is it boy
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it boy
You're my biggest hit boy

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

Let me hear you singing like ... oh oh oh oh
Everybody in the crowd
Let me hear you singing like
This is it boy

::All Powerful::

Our great and mighty God

I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

~Psalm 135:5

The power of God is above everything, the strength that He holds is very hard to comprehend and compare to our lives. We face struggles everyday that may seem to overpower us throughout our day, or maybe our lives, but nothing can compare to the power of God. He knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, and even next year; He knows all. He has shown His strength and power throughout the Bible with the wonderful miracles He performed, that no one could do except God Himself, and He wants you to know that whatever struggle you are facing in life, and it just seems so hard to bear, always remember ask for God's help. He will willingly take all the weight off your shoulders that you're carrying around with you that you probably don't need. God wants you to be able to come to Him with your problems, because He defiantly wants to help you in whatever way He can. You are His child. So always remember to give it all to God, because He is powerful enough to handle anything.

Reflection:

Are you giving it all to God, or are you carrying around that extra weight?

Application Step:

Today ask God to help lift all that weight off your shoulders, and know God is all powerful.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I just ask if you will please help me in whatever struggles I am dealing with at the moment. Help me be able to see that you are all powerful, and that you can handle anything. I just give all these problems to you, and know that everything is going to be taken care of. Thank you for everything you have done. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

::Casting Stones::

Are you selfish with grace?

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

~Luke 6:41

It is so easy to see when other people are screwing up. We could sit there all day and point out flaws in other people's actions, especially those of other Christians. However, that isn't what God wants from us. I love that Jesus, the only perfect person to ever walk the face of the earth didn't do that. He could have. He is the only one who has ever had the right to cast stones, yet instead, He gave His life for us, so that we could be forgiven. But we don't offer grace like that. We are certainly happy to receive God's grace. We are thankful that He is so gracious towards us, but then we sit there and look down on others. We judge them because we don't think that they dress the right way, or talk the right way. We stick our noses up at others because we don't think that they are as good as we are, or worthy of our attention. I don't know about you, but I am certainly thankful that Jesus didn't treat us that way.

Unlike Jesus, who was perfect in every way, we are sinners. We sin every single day in some way or another. You don't believe me? 1 John 1 says that if we say we have not sinned we make Christ out to be a lair, and if we say that there is no sin in us we deceive ourselves. We sin; all of us, each and every one of us sin. But instead of working through our own salvation, we focus on the sins of others. After all, that makes us feel a whole lot better, but it isn't what God wants from us. He doesn't want us to hoard His grace all to ourselves, but to show that same grace to others. Jesus didn't die for our sins alone, but for the sins of the world. That includes the lady at church who looks down on the high school kids for one reason or another. That includes the sins of your best friend, even if they are sins against you. It includes the sins of our parents, of our peers, teachers, and family twice removed.

For this, Im sorry for any of this I may have done towards any of my friends, family and even my boyfriend.

Reflection:

Do you offer the same grace to others as God has offered to you? Or are you busy casting stones and worrying about their saw dust, while you are blinded by the plank?

Application Step:

Every time you catch yourself judging someone, compliment them on something that they do well. Even if it is someone clear across the room, walk over and compliment them. If it is someone who you aren't with, pick up a phone and call them just to tell them something nice.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so selfish with your grace! Please forgive me. I have been casting stones and pointing out sawdust all the while with a plank in my own eye. Help me to encourage others, even in my thoughts. Help me to focus on my own sins, and grow closer to you. My walk with you is the only one that I have control over, so help me to focus my thoughts on sharing your grace, and growing in my love for you. In the name of your Son I pray. Amen.

::Grief::

Keep pressing on...

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.

Psalm 31:9

Have you ever had something that happen that left you devastated? Something that just left the weight of the world on your shoulders? Maybe your life is just stressful in general. Maybe a bad home life, or the stress of going to school just have you feeling beat to a pulp. Or maybe the loss of someone close to you has left you feeling like an empty shell. We all go through things in life that are devastating; things that bring us grief... Even Jesus had to go through times like these. The example He set for us never ceases to amaze me. When He was told that His cousin and friend, John the Baptist had been beheaded, he longed for solitude. He just wanted to escape it all, so He left out onto the lake in a boat. The crowd on the other hand didn't feel the loss as He did. They saw where He was going and beat Him there. They were waiting for Him before He even reached land. What did He do? Did He get upset because they just didn't get it? Did He get flustered because life kept going even when He was hurting? No. He took compassion on the people, and He kept going too. While He was weak with sorrow, He kept moving forward. At the time He wanted to grieve the loss that He felt, He still took time to help others. It was that very day that He fed 5000 with just 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He could have stayed on the boat and sulked, I probably would have, but He didn't. That is such an inspiration to me. Even when I feel like I can't go on, I remember that Jesus had that point in His life too, but He kept moving forward. When life gets me down, I remember what Jesus did when He was sad. He took the time to grieve and pray, but then He got up and kept going. I'm so thankful for His example.

Reflection:

Is there something in life that is causing you grief? The loss of a loved one, the stress of life, or some other major problem?

Application Step:

Take some time to read through Matthew 14 today. When things happen that bring you grief, remember that it's okay to take some time for yourself, but it's also important to get back up and keep moving forward.

Prayer:

Father God, sometimes life is hard. Things happen that really bring me down and I don't always understand why. I pray that I look to You for my comfort during these times, and that I can remember that while it's important to grieve, that it is also important to keep going. Even though I hurt, the world doesn't stop. Please be my strength during times like these. In the name of Your Son, I pray. Amen.

::Behavior::

What does your behavior reflect?

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13

Our words and actions should reflect our fear of the Lord. This isn't the kind of fear that has us cowering in a corner, but the kind that we have for authority figures. It is the kind of fear that accompanies respect. When we respect people we don't want to offend them, we don't want them to look down on us, we desire them to look favorably on us as well. That's the kind of fear we should have for the Lord. When we have the healthy fear, we want the same things that He wants. Our actions should reflect that fear. We should hate the things He hates, and love the things He loves. When we know that He hates pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech, we should as well. But do we? Sometimes we love ourselves more than we love Christ. We love fun, even if it isn't good, clean fun, but fun that is harmful and sinful. When we choose to behave or hangout with people who are behaving in ways that the Lord hates, we aren't showing any kind of fear, respect, or love for Him. In fact, the Bible tells us that anyone who does evil hates light (John 3:20), and Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)...

Reflection:

What do your actions say about your relationship with Christ?

Application Step:

Pay attention to how you act. Make a conscious effort to change any actions that do not reflect fear of the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I pray that you move in my life. Please, Lord, show me any actions or words that are part of my life that do not reflect my fear of you. I pray that you help me to love you more, and through that love, help me to reflect you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

::Somebody::

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

~Ephesians 2:10

Do you ever feel worthless, hopeless, unappreciated? I think we all feel this way at some point in our lives when we struggle with situations that are beyond our control. As girls we seem to hold on to more things than we should; with all the hate in the world, it's kinda hard not to. We get caught up in our flaws and what we can't do, or what we can't be...Sound familiar? Of course it does, every girl goes through this it's part of this crazy misunderstood life that we take in from the start. Many girls have cut themselves, or committed suicide because they felt like there was no point in living this life, that they didn't have the chances that you have. But it's simply isn't true! You were made to be somebody, whether it's a doctor, singer, writer, or even the president! All those things are very important and are great opportunities, but the most important thing is to always work for the glory of God. That means you have a life to live, a life to live for God. Even though you might not understand at first who God wants you to be, you can start off by being a great Christian, not just towards your family and friends, but all people. It is very easy to slip away from what God has to say and start looking at what others say; but you are NOT worthless, hopeless, or unappreciated. You are one of a kind, created by the most wonderful glorious person that ever walked this earth!

Reflection:

Are you struggling with doubt, thinking that you are a 'nobody', or are you going to be 'somebody' that lives their life for God?

Application Step:

Look for more ways to honor God! Whether it is helping out at church or just helping a friend, be who God wants you to be, because you were born to be somebody!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I just ask you to please help me through all the lies this world is telling me. Help me focus more on you, and what you want me to be and do. Help me to realize that I was born to be somebody wonderful that will do glorious works unto you, and to live my life according to your plan that you have set out for me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

::Memories::

Do you have painful or shameful memories?

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

I don't know about you, but in my life I have made a lot of mistakes. Looking back there were a ton of things that I could have done differently. Someone recently pointed out to me that almost all of our painful or shameful memories could have been avoided if we had followed God's law. The statement made me stop and think for a bit, but I found it to be very true. The reason they are shameful memories that cause me pain is because I know that I was in the wrong. I did things in the past that I am most certainly not proud of, and they could have all been avoided if I had followed God's Word. If I hadn't lied, or cheated; if I hadn't dated someone I knew I was unequally yoked with... Where do you stand? Could you have avoided having shameful memories by following God's Word? We shouldn't regret our past, it makes us who we are today, but learning from it is always a good thing. I have learned that not obeying God brings me shame. I love Psalm 5:11 because it speaks of taking refuge in God, and letting Him protect us. One of the ways that we can take refuge in Him and allow Him to protect us is to obey His Word. That alone will bring us an amazing amount of protection, protection from doing things we know are wrong. It will bring us protection from the memories and consequences of sin. God didn't give us commands because He likes being a dictator; He gave them to us to protect us from heartache.

Reflection:

Do you have shameful memories that could have been avoided by following God's Word?

Application Step:

As you go about your day, remember that God gave us His commands because He loves us, and wants to protect us. When you are tempted to sin, remember that you will have to live with that memory forever. Choose to do something that you won't regret!

Prayer:

Father God, thank you so much for loving me enough to give me rules. Thank you for wanting to protect me from myself, and my own bad choices. You are such an amazing God! Help me to learn and follow Your Word, so that I can live a life with no regrets. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

::What Kind of Friendship Are You In?::

There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them...

~Acts 28:14

As teen girls, we have many friends. Some of our friendships are true friendships, while others are tools of Satan. We need to recognize which ones are which. Our true friends will be there no matter what. They will encourage us, but also tell us when we are in sin. Friendships that are tools of Satan will encourage us to sin, beat us down, and only be there for us when it's convenient for them. We are close to some friends, while other friends we aren't so close with, but the bottom line is that we should be nice to everyone. We should talk to all of our friends about God, and hopefully help them overcome and defeat Satan if we need to. We should never be rude or disrespectful to our classmates, even if they aren't our friends, because if they are Christians we should know that they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Reflection:

Do you respect people who aren't so close to you, or do you ignore them? Could you be a defeater of Satan through your friends?

Application Step:

Today take some time and socialize with some of your classmates that you aren't so close with, maybe even sit next to them at lunch. Be sure to talk about Christ, and share your faith with them.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Please help me defeat Satan through my friends. Help me focus on you, and which of my friends have you living inside of them. Help me to be close to all my friends, and be a true friend for them. Help me to lift them up, use me to draw them closer to you, and please don't let me be a tool of Satan. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

::Relationship Success?::

What is the key to have a successful relationship?

Over the last week or so....I have stumbled upon many things that can happen in a relationship. Good times, bad times....And for this I turned to one of my best friends for some advice. I explain to her the problem and basically we came to a conclusion that there is not enough communicating between my boyfriend and I. Now there is no need to say who is not communicating the most, but when there is long distance between and relationship, COMMUNICATION is the key to a successful relationship. Now my boyfriend and I have a great relationship. And this is not going to be a blog post ranting on and on, but let this be a advice post. Now, I am not in anyway a relationship expert, but this is from past experiences with communication. So I'm not only going to use my own advice, but also use a few articles I found to back me up.

"Communication is the key to any relationship. A true relationship between a man and a woman must involve a substantial ingredient of communication. Any relationship with communication has a chance. When the talking has died, so has the relationship." - Rod Hewitt

"There are many ways in which communication—abundance and lack of which—can effect your relationship. Not talking to your mother can make her feel depressed; not messaging your sweetheart can halt your ‘budding’ infatuation while forgetting your wife’s birthday can be as devastating as dropping an atom bomb on yourself. Wherever the communication is strong, the bond is stronger and vice versa. Listening, understanding and compassion are all keys to a relationship whereas lack of communication is the first step towards a failed relationship. If we listen more to our heart than to our mind and communicate with others regularly and effectively, the world in the end would become a better place for all of us."- O.A

"Communication is the key is maintaining a connection with your partner.
Most of us think we know how to communicate and might even think of ourselves as great communicators.Talking, by itself, does not equal communication. Sometimes talking is just making noise with your mouth. Just because you know how to talk does not mean that you know how to communicate." - Jeff Herring

I cant emphasis enough, how important communication is, and it is especially important if your in a long distance relationship. When in a long distance relationship here are some other key points, to make sure your relationship lasts. It doesn't only take penitence and understanding, but with technology these days, there is no excuse to not talk to your spouse in the period they are gone. So here are some key steps to making your relationship last no matter where you are.

1. Try to find time to squeeze in that special someone and tell them how your day went. Don't underestimate the small stuff. That is what relationships are built on.
Tip: Dash off short text messages throughout the day, instead of sending one long winded one at the end of the night. Send texts like "I love you" so your partner knows your thinking about them.

2. Pick a time during the day for those special occasions to do something together, but still be far away. Such occasions like Christmas, Valentines Day, Anniversaries, Birthday's.

3. If you and your partner have a "special song" use that as your ring tone, so whenever you get a call or text from them, you can remember the time when you were together when the song was played.

4.Before you make any dramatic decisions, check in with your spouse, so you can make a decision as a team. You don't want to leave your spouse with blond hair and come back home and they have black hair and a nose ring.

5. Distance can magnify hurt feelings. So if you mess up, you got to go that extra mile to apologize.

And here are some Do's and Dont's to LDR's.

Do - With school, work and other daily regiments communication can become hard in LDR's. Try to make an assigned time to call/text/skype at least once a day (preferably at night time before bed), this is a good time to catch up on each others days.

Do- Another cute gesture can be surprise texts or calls. In your free time grab your phone and send a cute text message about how much you miss/love him/her.

Do- make compromises. Whether that means staying in all weekend to talk on the phone or giving up plans on a Friday night, LDR requires lots of compromises. Sometimes you want to go hang out with your friends which is perfectly fine but in LDR's compromises must be made. Or Instead of just going out because you want to try this instead. Tell him/her you have made plans to go out that night but when you get home call/text him/her and tell them what you did, and how much you missed them. This will make them feel included. Also a good idea is to set aside time for just him/her. When your partner is lives far away it's easy to forget that you need to make time for them as well. Set aside one weekend to just bum it at home on the phone or web cam (if you have one) with him/her. Your partner will enjoy this because it shows you don't mind missing out on things with friends/family for him/her. If that is not an option try to keep communicating while your out just so he/she doesn't feel left out.

Don't: Trap him/her. Guys like to do the chasing and don't like to feel controlled or trapped. They like breathing room and want to be trusted. Don't call your partner every 10 minutes to make sure he/she is up to no good. It's ridiculous. The only thing that is going to happen is, someone is going to stop answering the call, because they already know what its about. Then you will end up feeling like he/she doesn't want to talk to you because they met someone else, etc....

Do: keep the romance alive. Let each other know how much you mean to each other but don't go too overboard. If that is all you ever say then there will be nothing else to talk about. Keep it real. Make a random phone call or text message every now and again to say "I love you" or "I miss you baby"It's nice to get a random message from your partner if anything but just to know they are thinking of you, even if you haven't talked all day.

Do: cry if you need to cry. Its better to let it all out and listen to love songs, its sounds a bit cheesy but once its all out you feel much better. Do let your partner know how your feeling, if your sad, be sad, if your angry, be angry. Just let it out, chances are your partner feels the same way. You will feel:

1. Anxiety
2. Sadness
3.Disappointment
4. Anger
5. Frustration
6. Insecure
7. Jealousy

This may seem like alot to take in, but in the end it will all be worth it when your back in his/her arms. Remember LDR's are not easy for anyone, but with these steps you can make it work! And back to the question above. As stated in everyone of the tips or quotes above, Communication is the Key to a successful relationship, either long or short distance. I wish the best of luck to all your present and future relationships.

::Will Your Beauty Be Destroyed?::

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.

James 1:11

A lot of girls today put tons of time and effort into their appearances, more so than on any other area of their life. God's Word tells us that external beauty doesn't last forever. Even if you are the prettiest girl in your high school, external beauty will only get you so far. We need to remember that our true beauty comes not from what is outside, but from what is within us. Our internal beauty can never fade away or disappear, but grows and blossoms more beautifully with each passing year. In order for our inner beauty to grow, we have to spend time nourishing it. You know all of that time we spend making sure that our external appearance is up to par? What if we spent the same amount of time on our internal beauty? What if we spent that time reading our Bibles, praying, or worshiping God?

We have to be aware that our external beauty lasts only for a moment. Does it really matter if we are the prettiest girl at school? Probably not. Will our external appearance get us our dream job? It depends on what our dream job is, but probably not. Do we really want to marry the guy that is only dating us because he thinks we're hott? No. Yet there we are in front of the mirror each morning nit picking our external appearance, while ignoring our inner beauty, the beauty that really matters. Our internal beauty is what we hope our future husbands are attracted to. Our inner beauty will be what is remembered by our high school friends. And our internal state is what determines where we spend eternity; after all, our inner beauty comes from Christ, and without Him nothing else matters.

While we know that our external beauty will wither with old age and eventually be destroyed, we can also know that even if we live to be over 100 years old, we can radiate our internal beauty for the world to see, if we are willing to put the effort into it and let Christ transform us into His likeness.

Reflection:

Do you put more value into your outward appearance, expecting to live life one your external fading beauty, or on your inner, lasting beauty.

Application Step:

For the next week, make the commitment to spend as much time on your inner beauty as you do on your external appearance.

Prayer:

Father God, I need you. I tend to spend too much time on my external beauty, and put more value on it then I do on my true beauty. Please forgive me for elevating myself over you. Help me to put my external appearance into proper context, and help me to make you my top priority in my life, Lord. I beg you to work inside of me and transform me into your likeness. Help my personality to reflect you. I want to be beautiful on the inside and show others how wonderful you are. Thank you, Father, for all that you do for me. Thank you for showing me my faults, and for guiding me through this life. Thank you for never abandoning me, but for always being there with me to help me learn new things and get through the difficult times. Amen.

::Urban Dictionary: Name Response::

So my friend who also has a blog did this and I thought I would give it a try! I go on to Urban Dictionary and type my name into the search box. Im scrolling down the page reading the "definitions" and was astond by what the one said! It was DEAD ON! So creepy! So I thought I would share! And if any of you know me, you would know this is right too!

"An incredibly sweet and adorable girl. She's very artistic and creative and dreamy, and makes some really cool paintings. She looks younger than she is, and is sort of short, and also really flexible. She says really sweet things all the time, and is not bad with a flag. She never sleeps enoug though, and is always tired".....

::What Would You Text?::

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 

Ephesians 3: 12

Texting is the preferred means for teenagers to connect these days. Who even calls anymore?

Texting definitely has a language all to its own with abbreviations and symbols... lol and BFF to just name a few. As much as you text your friends and as convenient as it is, do you communicate with God even a fraction of as much? What if you could text God throughout the day just to touch base? What would you say? Would you say he was your BFF? Would you tell him what happened in homeroom today? Prayer is a wonderful way for you to keep connected with God. As easy and fast as it is to text, you can shoot quick prayers to God, too. Don't forget that he wants to know what's going on in life, what you struggle with and what you are excited about. Trust me, he really does want to be your BFF!

Reflection:

Do I spend more time praying or texting my friends?

Application Step:

Every time you text BFF, stop and give a quick prayer up to God. He truly wants to be your BFF.

Prayer:

God, I love staying connected with my friends. I thank you for the friendships you have given me in my life. I realize though, that I spend more time connecting with them than I often do connecting with you. Please forgive me for this, and help me to keep my priorities focused. Help me to spend more time talking with you, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

::Are You Concealing or Reveal?::

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139: 13-14

I love make-up. It's a staple in my house. I love lip gloss and mascara. I don't know if that rings a bell with you or not. But do you know why YOU wear make-up? Is it to cover up what you think are problem areas on your face? Or do you wear make-up in order to reveal those things about you that you love like your long eyelashes or your big, bright eyes? It's so easy for us as ladies to look in the mirror and quickly identify what we do not like about ourselves and our faces. Do you think God looks at each of us and thinks He made a mistake? That He messed up by giving us those freckles or a birthmark? Absolutely not! God created you unique and special. Be proud of who you are and what you look like because there is no one else like you. So the next time you are putting on your make-up, thank God out loud for your particular skin tone, your nose, your eye color and that dimple!

Reflection:

When I look in the mirror, do I notice the things I like about my face first or the things I do not like?

Application Step:

Reveal the real you and be proud..... go without make-up!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I confess that when I look in the mirror that I recognize first those things that I don't like about my face and my looks. What I forget to think about is that when I pick out my flaws, I am criticizing the creator.... You. Lord, help me to see myself as a beautiful masterpiece. Help me to see the good and not the bad. Help me to see everything about me as an eternal stamp of approval by you onto me. Thank for loving me enough to give me MY eyes, MY nose, MY dimples, MY freckles, MY skin tone, MY eyelashes and MY smile. Amen.

::What Kind Of A Friend Are You?::

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Have you ever been in a one-sided friendship? You know, where you consider someone a friend and always take the time to listen to them and help them out, but they never do the same for you? One of those friendships where you would be there no matter what when they need you for anything, but you probably can't count on them to be there for you? Have you ever had a friend who didn't really care how you were doing? If you have you know that it doesn't feel good.

Have you ever been one of those friends? Have you ever been the friend that is never there for the other person? Most of us don't like to think of it that way, but to be honest, most of us have probably failed to be a good friend at some point in time during our lives. Most of us try to be good friends to others, but what about in our relationship with God? He's always there for us, but how much do we take that for granted? I know God never needs us, but how often do we go a week without speaking to Him? How often do we just kind of forget about Him until we need something?

If you're anything like me, the answer to those questions is probably more often than you should. While God is always ready and waiting for us, we often put Him on a back burner because we know He isn't going anywhere. We focus on other friendships that aren't as sure of a thing, taking the most important relationship we have and belittling it.

Reflection:

 Is your relationship with God one-sided?

Application Step:

Make an effort today to do something for God, not yourself. It could be anything from helping or encouraging someone, to donating something to someone in need. Then, give God the credit and remember to thank Him for using you for His glory.

Prayer:

Father God, you are so wonderful, but I have to admit that I often take you for granted. You are the friend that sticks closer than a brother, and I am a girl with many companions that often forgets you are there. I tend to only remember you when I am feeling down or need help with something. Please forgive me for that. I don't want my friendship with you to be a one-sided friendship. I want us to have a strong friendship. Please help me to be a better friend to you, and not to take advantage of your amazing love for me. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

::It's Just A Number::

Is being skinny really all you want?

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10

I read an amazing article today and it left a lasting impression on me. The idea behind it was that while most of us would say that we want to be skinny, that isn't all we really want. What we want is what we think goes along with being skinny. Skinny by itself is just skinny. What we want is the popularity, the respect, the aw... That won't come from just being skinny. In fact, while most people see the two things going hand in hand, they aren't. Many skinny people who we think have it all, don't. They are unhappy, unloved, and have no true friends. Meanwhile, there are others, those non-toothpick people, who are truly happy. You see, true happiness doesn't come from being skinny. It comes from God. Being skinny is just being skinny. It is a state that our physical bodies are in, that usually fluctuates and changes as life goes by. Our happiness shouldn't depend on this; our happiness should only depend on God. We are loved by God, He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, our sins are forgiven, and we are heaven bound! As the above verse says: the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let's God strengthen us today. Let's be joyful with Him, because He loves us just the way we are!

Reflection:

Can you recognize that the size of pants you wear is just a number? Do you depend on that number (or what you think goes with it) to make you happy?

Application Step:

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks... Don't diet today. Whatever you usually do whether you follow a diet, don't eat, eat and then throw it up, whatever it is, don't do it! Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

Prayer:

Father God, it's hard to admit that the size of pant's I wear is just a number. For so long I have seen it as so much more. Please help me to change, even if it's just for a day, help me to depend on you. Help me to depend on you for my happiness for today, and then we can go from there. I love you so much, Father God! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

::Clothing Vs. Character::

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it 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 3:3-4

What do you think the first thing people notice about you is? Do you think the first thing they notice is your hair, your clothing, or your figure? Do you put out an extra effort each day to make sure that you look great? Today's verse tells us that our beauty shouldn't come from our outward adornment, but from our inner self. So what about your character? Do you think that people notice how you treat and respond to others? Do you think that people can tell that you are a Christian by the way you act and the words you say? Do you put in that extra effort each day to spend time with God in hopes of becoming more like Him? Sometimes I forget that the clothes that I put on in the morning, I take back off at night, but the time I spend building a relationship with God, lasts for eternity. 20 years from now no one is going to remember the way that I did my hair today, but they will remember how I treated them. They will remember if I professed to be a Christian, but my actions didn't back it up. But they probably won't have a clue what my shoes looked like or what color of eye shadow I wore to the prom. When I look at life from that perspective, I no longer desire to catch someone's eye with my clothing, but I want them to notice my relationship with Christ through the way I interact with others.

Reflection:

Do you want others to notice you for your looks or for who you really are?

Application Step:

Make a commitment to spend more time on your relationship with Christ than on your outward appearance.

Prayer:

Father God, I love you. I really do. However, sometimes I fail to show that. I tend to get caught up in the things of this world. I want to look good for others Lord, but I can't seem to remember that it's not my hair or clothing that really makes an impact on others. The condition of my heart and how that effects my actions is what leaves a lasting impression on those that I meet. Lord, I don't want to be remembered as a hypocrite. I want to be remembered as someone who brought glory to your name. Please help me to become the person you want me to be, and to put less of my focus on things that really aren't that important in the long run. In the name of your precious son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Below are two photos, the first one is clothing styles from the 90's, the second one is clothing styles from 2011, see how the styles have changed over the years. So what you wear now, could and will change, but the way you treat a person, will be with you for the rest of your life. So let your inner beauty shine, and don't just let the outter beauty take over.

::Being Rescued::

Where is my prince charming?

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Psalm 40:2

Most girls have dreamed of being rescued by their prince charming at some point in their lives. We dream of him riding up on a big white horse, and carrying us away. We grow up watching movies of princesses trapped in castles or lying in a deep sleep, just waiting for their prince charming to come to the rescue. Do you want to know something though? Our prince has already come. He came 2000 years ago to rescue us. His work was completed when He laid down his life for us. Death could not hold our prince though, because our prince is the prince of peace. He is the only perfect human that ever lived and much more, He isn't just some fairy tale. No, our prince is real and death couldn't keep Him in the grave because death is the penalty for sin, and our prince is sinless. Our prince rose from the grave after 3 days and is now sitting by His Father's side in heaven, waiting for the day when He is allowed to return to bring us home with Him. He already saved us. He lifted us up out of the slimy pit, out of the mud of sin, and He set our feet on solid rock and gave us a firm place to stand. He told us that since He had saved us, He was going to go and prepare a place for us. Our princes saving work is completed, we are saved through Him, and Him alone. How wonderful it is to know that He didn't just abandon us after saving us, but that He went to make a new home for us, where we will be able to spend all eternity safe from harm.

So next time you are feeling down, and long for a prince to come to carry you away, remember that you have a prince, and He is coming back soon to bring you home. Wouldn't it be a good idea to be ready?

Reflection:

Are you thankful that Christ our prince of peace came to rescue us from sin? Are you ready and eagerly awaiting His return?

Application Step:

Remember to thank God for sending Jesus to rescue us from sin. Show God that you are thankful by praying for Jesus' return, and ask God to help you be ready to greet Him with a smile!

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that princes don't just exist in fairy tales, but that you truly did send a prince to rescue me. Thank you so much! I would be lost in a sinking world if it weren't for what Jesus did for me. I know that someday Jesus is going to come back to bring me home, and I pray that until that time comes that I will remember all that He has done, and is doing for me. Help me to honor my prince with my life, so that when He returns I can greet Him with my arms wide open. In the name of my prince, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.