Teen Impact

"True Christian Motherhood"-- Soon to be Released!

2011-09-08T19:27:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! My mom, June Fuentes, wrote an ebook entitled "True Christian Motherhood" and it's going to be released real soon! Keep an eye out for it in the next couple weeks...

This ebook on Christian Motherhood will give you life-changing vision that will change the way you view motherhood, your life, and the way you engage with children forever.

Women everywhere are looking for guidance, encouragement, and vision. This book will help provide it for grandmothers, moms, and girls not yet married. I encourage you to buy it when it comes out, read it, and then apply it! :)

Make sure to "like" the FB page- True Christian Motherhood- and join the discussion page- True Christian Motherhood Discussion Group!

New Blog!

2011-02-17T18:13:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone! Wanted to let you guys know that I've made a new blog! It's called "More Than Conquerors". I named it after the verse in Romans 8:37 that says, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." I don't think I'll be posting as much on "Teen Impact" so if you would like to keep up with my writings, please follow "More Than Conquerors".

So check out my new blog and have a great week!

More Than Conquerors

Guard It....

2011-02-14T16:41:00.001-06:00

Valentines Day....There's alot to think about on this day. But I just want to remind you of a verse that I think is especially made for people that aren't married yet. :)

I thought seeing this one verse in so many translations was pretty interesting. It's almost like a new message with every way that it's said- Check it out...

Proverbs 4:23-

NIV- Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

NLT- Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

ESV- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

NAS- Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

GWT- Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.

Just a thought (or rather- a verse) that I wanted to throw out to everyone today...

Have a Happy Valentines Day, Everyone!

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Well, It Turns Out....

2011-02-02T21:25:00.000-06:00

That I won't end up going to Reynosa, Mexico. I had really wanted to go on this trip but for safety reasons, I think it's the wisest and safest thing to stay out on this one. Thank you so much to everyone who was keeping me in prayer and donated!! I really appreciate all of you! :)

Hopefully another trip (maybe later in the year) will come up that I'll be able to go on! Thank you again and I will try to get a new post up soon! ;)

Going to Mexico!

2011-01-06T14:39:00.069-06:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy New Year!! I hope you all are doing well. The Lord has given me a great opportunity to travel to Reynosa (a border town in Mexico) with the Ruiz family. In this town there is no indoor plumbing or electricity. Houses are built from wooden pallets that have been scavenged from the nearby garbage dump. Other families live in cars. Some parents have made the decision to stay living in these rough conditions because moving to a sophisticated town- with indoor plumbing and electricity- would force both mom and dad to work everyday for 16 hours a day because of poor paying jobs.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 15:7, “If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.”

(Little boy sells plastic bags for his family)

And in Galatians 6:8, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

In order to obey these commands, we will be building very modest one room houses on cement slabs and roofs of tin and plywood for exterior walls. Despite this being Mexico it does get cold. The cost of building these houses is $3000. We are asking that you would team up with us in sponsoring a house, helping us with our travel expenses or both. Thankfully, we have been given free lodging with a missionary family living near the border on the U.S. side. We will be on this trip from February 4-16.

This will be my first missions trip! My goal is to reach around $400. I am asking anyone who is able to contribute to give either monetarily or through prayer. Anything you can give will help. Even a small donation goes a long way and will be greatly appreciated and a huge blessing.

I am very excited about this and ask for your prayers of protection and blessing during this time. Pray that these people will see the love of Jesus Christ and turn to the Lord for salvation.

In Christ,

Janai Fuentes

If you would like to donate, click on the "Donate" button below--

2011!!!

2011-01-01T21:15:00.000-06:00

Wow...where has the time gone? I think the year went by way too fast!

My dad said-

"2010 is in the books, and you can do nothing to change what occurred this past year except learn from it. Resolve to be a better person, remember those you lost, cherish those you've gained, love those entrusted to your care, and take nothing for granted. Your life is on loan from God- invest it in that which will bring eternal rewards. Follow King Jesus, and make 2011 the best year of your life~!"

There was so many awesome times during 2010- and then there were the really hard and trying times in the year as well. But you know- hard as it is sometimes- if I could see the future and what the Lord has planned for me, I wouldn't change any one of those things. God is so faithful and has a wonderful future planned for every single one of my friends and family. I hope you all know that! And I also hope that everyone has an Amazing New Year!!

~Janai

Btw, Check out this list of things we did during 2010 that my dad wrote out on his blog--

The Male Domain: 2010 Year End Review

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T17:25:00.001-06:00

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!!

"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior."

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!

~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

"Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see"

-Brandon Heath, Give Me Your Eyes

"So here's my lifelong wish,
My grown-up christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list."

"You Were Meant To Be Touching

The Lives That You Touch
And Meant To Be Here
Making This World So Much More
Than It Would Be Without You In It

You Were Meant To Be Bringing
The Gifts That You Bring
And Singing The Songs
You’ve Been Given To Sing

You Are Perfectly, Wonderfully,
Beautifully Meant To Be
You Were Meant To Be"

-Steven Curtis Chapman, Meant To Be

Christmas Gift Suggestions

2010-12-02T21:08:00.001-06:00

Christmas Gift Suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness. To your opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart. To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect. To all, charity.

~Oren Arnold

Remember in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas- CHRIST is Christmas!

Jesus Wants The Rose- Matt Chandler

2010-11-21T22:21:00.001-06:00

My family loves Matt Chandler. He is an excellent pastor who tries his best in doing what God wants him to do. Senior pastor of The Village Church; he has an amazing faith in God despite everything he's been through. He's been a huge inspiration to everyone who has kept up with him or just heard of him.

This is a clip of one of his past sermons that he did a while ago- I really encourage you to watch it!

A Little Busy

2010-11-12T17:33:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone! Been kind of busy with life lately but I promise you, I am working on a post! =)
I've been busy with my last year of school right now, helping out with the worship team at my church, piano lessons (learning and teaching), helping out my family, and I just started a job (a couple weeks ago and I'm really excited about it!)! The job is working for my Uncle Israel (he does realty) doing all the technical stuff. So I'm helping set up websites, learning more about Wordpress (which I actually kind of like and am thinking about setting up one for myself), learning how to get to a job on time (which also includes not staying up too late with cousins! =), and all the other little things that take up time. Right now I'm being trained in Chicago but then I'll do it from home once I get everything down. So those are some of the bigger things that are going on with me right now.

Hope you guys are doing great and enjoying the weather! Have a great weekend....

~Janai Marie

(Just something to make you smile!)

A Reminder.......

2010-10-28T22:53:00.001-05:00

"This job has been given to me to do.

Therefore, it is a gift.

Therefore, it is a privilege.

Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God.

Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.

Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way.

In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness."

— Elisabeth Elliot

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I really like Elisabeth Elliot (wife of Jim Elliot) and am going to be looking more into her life soon. I know she was a woman of courage, strength, character, and a lover of the Lord and her family. Those already are allot of things I want to imitate about her that will take quite a bit of time! =)

It Gets Hard Sometimes. . .

2010-10-11T14:39:00.003-05:00

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady,

always enthusiastic about the Lord's work for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

-1 Corinthians 15:58

I really feel the urge to encourage all of you today....

Keep serving the Lord with a joyful attitude even when it gets hard and things get in your way or aren't going the way you planned. Sometimes it gets hard when we're in the certain positions that we're in. I very often find it hard being the oldest child in my family...I end up thinking or saying things like, "I did not sign up for this!", "Why didn't God let me choose which "number" I got to be in my family?" (FYI, I probably would've picked the youngest! =), "Why is it that I set the example for all my siblings?". I'm sure for all of you that aren't the oldest wonder why you aren't because you could do so much better and get all the things first and tell your younger siblings what to do and everyone will notice you more, etc., am I right? =)

But you know what? If we could see how God planned all the the facts and all the little details and how He put us in exactly the position we're in and how everything will turn out by the end of our lives...We wouldn't change one thing that's going on right now.

Stay strong not only for yourself but for your family, for us that are praying for you, the non-Christians because they are always watching us, and all the rest of your friends and family in your life! Keep in mind that you are helping to change lives for eternity...Which is a huge job that was entrusted to us by the most powerful king there ever was, is, or yet to come!

Little by little;

step by step;

feeling like you're falling then rising;

feeling like you're failing then conquering;

we can do this together but it takes every player of the team in order for everyone to win.

Stay steady and keep walking with Jesus!

Hope you all have a great and blessed week!

"Carry the cross patiently with perfect submission

and in the end it shall carry you."
-Thomas á Kempis

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From Jasmine

2010-09-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

Jasmine Baucham said that she...

"wants to proclaim the gospel that has the power to quicken dead hearts, not the behavioral modification that turns virtues into idols and white-washes open graves."

I couldn't have said it better!

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Quote by R. W. Emerson

2010-09-17T21:36:00.005-05:00

"To laugh often & much;
to win the respect of intelligent people & the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics
& endure the betrayal of false friends.

To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child or a garden patch.

To know... that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

-R.W. Emerson

Ignite Conference

2010-09-10T22:41:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I went to a music conference called "Ignite" and learned so many things about worship there! For those who don't know, I play on the worship team at my church (I do keyboard, shakers, and. . . use to do singing. But then someone told me that I sang off key so. . . they took me off! =P =D) and so going to a conference like this was pretty neat!

They "skyped" with some other worship leaders, including: Travis Cottrell, Bob Kauflin, and Kristian Stanfill. Their main point/question was "how can we have a gospel centered life in order to have a gospel centered worship?" and "how can we glorify God in our worship?".

I wanted to share some of my notes I got from there with you--

From Bob Kauflin:

Practice so much, you can focus and glorify God on Sunday
Have a "undistracted excellence"
Performance- Worrying about what man thinks
Worship- Worrying about what God thinks

3 Labor Points from Bob K.-

Labor to understand the gospel. Never assume you know it (because even though you've heard the gospel when you got saved, there's always something new to learn about it).
Labor to be effected by the gospel
Labor to live the gospel

From Travis Cottrell:

We have to have a "happy- to- do- it" attitude because most likely God has called us to do what we do
How high can we lift God; how low can we go?
The gospel has to be alive in us (for others to see it and know that what we got is genuine and real)
Own your "walk" (with Christ)

From Kristian Stanfill:

Our job (on stage) is to disappear and make Jesus appear (I love this one!)
You have to be a great follower of Jesus in order to be a great leader to the people
They want to be led by "real" people. (In other words, if you're the one who talks to the people; don't be afraid to tell them you have struggles and Kristian says to actually confess it to them. . .)
Be prepared
Know who God is or else you can't lead

Here are some other good quotes I heard while I was there--

"Don't let the busyness of worship; take the heart out of worship"- Eva Carr

"Bible: not the suggestion book; it's the direction book"

"Good is the enemy of Great"-Daniel Doss
What he was saying here is if you do worship or anything else in your life that you really aren't paid or obligated to do, and you just say you're "good" at it. . . don't, because there's always room to improve in whatever it is that you do. One of the instruments I play is piano so if someone came and said about themselves, "Oh, I'm good. I've been playing since I was 5 and now I play in a band [or for church or whatever]...I'm good.", that's great! But don't just be good; be great. Work towards excellence in whatever you do. I know that sometimes we just can't (full-time job, school, family, other responsibility's) but also don't let "excuses" get in the way either. Okay, enough of my sermon... =)

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him"- John Piper

A Poem

2010-09-01T22:46:00.006-05:00

One of my most encouraging friends, Sarah, writes these great poems that she'll post on her blog. Here's one I particularly like! I love the truth in it!

Titled "How it is/ How it should be". . .I really encourage you to read it--

Click here

The Essence of Destiny. . .

2010-08-27T21:48:00.007-05:00

"The Essence of Destiny-

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Choose your words, for they become actions.

Understand your actions, for they become habits.

Study your habits, for they will become your character.

Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Activated! Part 5- Lauren Piekarski

2010-08-22T22:07:00.001-05:00

I've known Lauren Piekarski (15) for a while now (about 8 years or so). I was around 10 and she was around 8. And ever since I have known her, there's always been one thing I've admired about her and that is that she is not afraid to speak up about what she believes. Even when it's not absolutely necessary that she does, she does it anyway no matter who she's talking with or what the conversation's about.

If someone said, "I have a boyfriend! And. . . (blah, blah, blah)", she says, "Is he a Christian?. . . Is he "the one"? . . .Then why are you with him?". I love that about her!

If someone was talking inappropriately- right away, "You shouldn't say that" or "Hey, watch it!". She does it playfully yet getting her point across. Not like a old-fashioned school teacher with a ruler in her hand, but with an accepting spirit that lets you know, "Hey, just don't say that alright?".

If we're Christians ("Little Christ"), we need to remember that we knew what we were doing when we repented of our sins and asked Jesus to be Lord of our lives. We knew that we would be following Jesus. And you know what? Jesus was never hesitant in speaking what he knew was right! Jesus knew that, in the end, they wouldn't be the ones he would have to answer to when asked why he didn't speak what was right. So to be like Jesus and live up to our "name", we need to be studying the Bible and speaking what we know to be true. If we don't. . .who will? How will anyone know what is right or wrong if we (the "Christians") aren't telling anyone because we're "scared" of losing friends or our positions or being called names or. . .you name it.

You know, Lauren probably doesn't even know that I've noticed that about her. . . and that I like it. Can you imagine how many other people that have been impacted by her example? How many people that aren't saved have watched her and knew that something was different?

When I grow up I want to be like Lauren. . . Because she isn't afraid. . . Are you?

A Young Boy's Hope. . .

2010-08-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

"I don't want to just be a soldier in God's army. I want to be a general."
-Noah Botkin (13)

How many 13, 16, 20, or even 50 year olds do you see wanting to be a general in God's army? I had never thought about it until I heard young Noah say it!
It's really neat to see young men, like Noah, have a vision for wanting to do something with their lives and be an example for others to follow.
I wonder if many people we know can (and will) say the same about us? It's makes me realize that there are more people watching me than I know of and that I need to be a Christ-like example to them. Hope you keep that in mind, too. Because as a team, we can show the world what Christian teens look like when they are generals on a mission for Jesus!

Blog Button

2010-08-11T23:29:00.008-05:00

Okay, I've made a blog button for Teen Impact (finally!) and. . .here's how it looks:

So if you have been encouraged here, put this blog button on your sidebar so others can find this blog and be encouraged too. Here is the code:

Just copy and paste this code into your side bar. When others click on this it will link directly to this blog. This is also on my sidebar in case you'd like to see how it looks. If you need any help installing this really simple button, feel free to ask!

You can also find this blog on Facebook, click here.

"I Have Been Blessed"

2010-07-29T21:47:00.004-05:00

This song has a really good message; it's just so true! It's usually the little things that we forget to be thankful for. . .that when we start whining and/or complaining to each other (or ourselves). . .be glad you even have a place to live, are able to read this post, and have a Father who loves you!!

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When He walks among us, all that He does, All of His mercy and all of His love. If the pen of a writer could write every day even this world could never contain just how I've been blessed / The warmth in the winter, the flowers in spring, the laughter of summer, and the changing of leaves. Food on my table, a good place to sleep, clothes on my back and shoes on my feet. Oh, I have been blessed.

Chorus
I have been blessed, God is so good to me, precious are His thoughts of you and me. No way I could count them, there's not enough time, so I'll just thank Him for being so kind. God has been good, so good. I have been blessed.

Arms that will raise, a voice that can talk, hands that can touch and legs that can walk. Ears that can listen and eyes that can see, oh, I've got to praise Him as long as I breathe. Cause I have been blessed / Father and mother, nurtured and raised, my sisters and brothers, memories made. Our pastor to lead us, this altar to pray, Stripes that can heal and a Blood that can save. Oh, I have been blessed.

We live in a country, the greatest on earth, our flag stands for freedom and what it is worth. She stands in the harbor, Ms. Liberty calls, all have gave some, but some gave it all for me to be blessed / A shoulder to lean on when I am down, a rock where He leads me when I'm overwhelmed. The place where He hides me under His wings. He's not just a song, He's the reason I sing, Oh, and I have been blessed.

From: http://lyricstranslate.com

Activated! Part 4- Daniel Devine

2010-07-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

Daniel Devine (26), currently the worship leader at our church, has been such a godly example to me and my family. When we first got to know him and his family they would host Bible study's at their home and Daniel, sometimes with friends, led worship playing guitar (then he was 18) and singing.

Working along with his brother, Evan, for his dad at Devine Homekrafters Co. he also finds time to write on science and global topics for WORLD and Creation Magazine (which are really good magazines! I personally especially enjoy WORLD.).

As a homeschool graduate, one thing that I think that's pretty neat, is he got his bachelors degree online in half the time it would usually take (by 'CLEP'ing) and paid for it himself (which all together was a fraction of the usual cost!). He's also had a truck for a couple years now and just bought a house and did all that. . .debt free (I want to really emphasize on that!).

Not only does he build up his dad's business, writes, and sings but he's also a great older sibling to his brother and two sisters. Daniel is very patient with them, over the years I don't think I've really seen when he even looked irritated with them or any other child he's been with! He also shows alot of brotherly love for and to them, which I think in this day and age. . .we could use a little! That's one thing I want to imitate about him. . .his godly example to those that are younger and looking up to him (especially since I'm the oldest of all my siblings and have quite a few looking to me!). It's one thing to say you're Christian and it's a totally different thing to live you're Christianity out. Daniel definitely lives it out. . .

Check out their family blog- Devine Spot

More- Matthew West

2010-07-13T21:50:00.007-05:00

I'm working to get my next post up soon. . .hopefully, very soon. . .so please stick around! =)

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Take a look at the mountains
Stretching a mile high
Take a look at the ocean
Far as your eye can see
And think of Me

Take a look at the desert
Do you feel like a grain of sand?
I am with you wherever
Where you go is where I am

And I'm always thinking of you
Take a look around you
I'm spelling it out one by one

(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Just a face in the city
Just a tear on a crowded street
But you are one in a million
And you belong to Me

And I want you to know
That I'm not letting go
Even when you come undone

(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

Shine for Me
Shine for Me
Shine on, shine on
Shine for Me

(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

(Chorus)
Than the sun
and the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you, yesterday and today
Through the joy and the pain
I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

And I see you
And I made you
And I love you more than you can imagine
More than you can fathom
I love you more than the sun
And you shine for me

Activated! Part 3- Karisse Wesco

2010-06-09T22:01:00.012-05:00

Karisse Wesco (20) is Timothy's younger sister and full time campaign manager. Being one of ten children, she has recruited some of her siblings (and many friends) to help her out with this huge job of managing phone calls, door-to-door visiting, putting together signs and brochures, and all the little details that I don't know about! (For a fact, Timothy is very thankful to have her!)

Karisse has been a very good example to me in many areas. Two of them being her gracefulness in doing everyday things and (one of the biggest one's to me) her ability to listen. I find many people today are always in a hurry or just want to be the one talking and don't really take the time to listen to what others are saying (That's me. I'm working on it!). Karisse has always listened to anything that anybody says to her, whether they're around her age or way older or way younger and whether they take a l-o-n-g time talking to her about something she may not be interested in. I think that's really important. People are constantly looking for someone who will just listen (without looking irritated and bored or else they'd rather you not "listen" to them!) and lend their time for them and Karisse does just that. And that's a quality about her that I want to imitate.

As a homeschool graduate, Karisse also helps at their neighbors daycare center, gives violin lessons to girls at her church, is part of the worship team at their church, does most of the cooking for her family, and. . . so many other things! =)

To visit their church website, click here!

Tomorrow Is NOT Promised!

2010-06-02T14:00:00.008-05:00

My 19 year old cousin, Alan Oliva Jr., was out from a party on Sunday morning (5/30/10 at 1 am) in Chicago with a friend and while they were walking on the streets he and his friend were hit on the backs with bats by three gangsters. The friend got away but Alan didn't. He was stabbed twice in the back and was rushed to the ER but died six hours later. You can read more, here.

This is my first personal loss of someone that I knew and it's just incomprehensible. I mean it feels so unreal. It's hard when things like this happen but I'm finding I just need to trust God and that "all things work together for the good of those that love Him."

Hopefully when things like this happen that we read in the paper or watch on the news or personally experience, we'll be drawn closer to Him and learn to trust in Him more. We need to trust that when God says not to do things (like "thou shall not murder" ), we shouldn't do them. There are other commands in the Bible that to many people don't make sense or they just don't care or purposefully don't obey so they end up basically ruining their own lives if not others.

Alot of times, we think we have our whole lives in front of us (especially us teens) but really only God knows how much longer we have. Alan probably thought we was going to spend his memorial day weekend with his family and friends. I understand he wanted to be a cop. He probably felt he could take on the world. But God had other plans. Now through this, I'm praying many more of my family members and Alan's friends (and, yes, it's hard but even his murderer) will hear of the love and grace and saving power of Jesus Christ and be added to the family of God.

Tomorrow is NOT promised. Cherish the people in your life. Be kind and love your siblings. Honor your parents. Treat everyone with respect. Live everyday as if it were your last. Because really, you don't know if it is. Or someone else's.

Some events can really put things back into perspective.

Two of my friends just lost their 13 year old cousin (Sean Woods) this past weekend as well. After being missed for a couple hours at a party, they found he had been accidentally drowned.

So if you would please pray for my cousins (the Oliva's) and my friends, the Piekarski's, cousins (the Woods) to be comforted and experience the peace of God through these untimely deaths in both of our family's, we would really appreciate that.

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These events remind me alot of Kris Allen's song-
"Live Like We're Dying".

Blog Awards

2010-06-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

This award is from Zoe at Are You Ready To Believe?.
Thank you, Zoe! Keep up your good work with your blog and blessing others!

This award came from Liberty at Teenage Musings.

Thanks Liberty! God bless you as you're serving Him with your blog and your life!

This is from my mom at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. Thank you for the award and also always being there when I need you!

"Raising Homemakers" Website

2010-06-01T16:31:00.006-05:00

Raising Homemakers

Today the website "Raising Homemakers" launched and we're really excited about it! This website is to help girls become what they were made to do, which is being a helper for their husband and building up their homes and children. It's also to encourage mom's in teaching these life skills to their daughters. There's alot of women (married or not) who don't know many practical skills that would help them tremendously through life and so this website's for them, as well.

To get a better grasp of what this website's about, read this article by Breezy Brookshire-
"The Invisible Hope Chest".

Four of the ten contributing authors are:
June Fuentes (my mom, woo hoo! =) at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Breezy Brookshire at A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles
Emily Rose Brookshire at Simply Vintage Girl
and Sarah Mae (the woman behind this website) at Like A Warm Cup of Coffee

"Raising Homemakers" is having some giveaways which you can enter to win. Two of the prizes are the books Beautiful Girlhood and Polished Cornerstones.

To enter the giveaway (do one or all, just make sure you leave separate comments for each thing you do!)…

* Tweet or Facebook this: RaisingHomemakers.com has launched! Be taught, blessed, & inspired in the homemaking arts for the glory of God! http://bit.ly/9tUDsS

* Write a post about the launch of RaisingHomemakers.com

* Put their button on your blog (no code yet, so just ’save image as’ and link to the RH homepage)

* Subscribe to RaisingHomemakers.com (When you subscribe via RSS or email, you will never miss an article!)

* “Like” RaisingHomemakers.com on Facebook

This giveaway will end on Friday, June 4th at 8pm EST.

Go ahead and enter (even if you have some of these prizes already, you can give them as gifts to relatives and/or friends or keep them for your home and children!) and see if you'll be one of the winners!

2010-05-17T22:13:00.006-05:00

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility."
-Augustine

(I think I put this up for myself! =)

Teen Dating

2010-05-05T22:30:00.003-05:00

(I know this is not part of the series but I wanted to share this post sooner rather then later so. . .that's pretty much what I'm doing. =) My mom did this post on her blog about "teen dating". I think that many dating relationships are corrupt and not God glorifying. I'm NOT saying that all are but I do think that alot of them are not being done right and that's how we end up with people feeling abused, "broken-hearted", and self-focused. Read what my mom had to say on this topic. . .

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There is alot of teen dating going on in Christian circles today. I am not a proponent for teen dating. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Promotes impurity and lust. The Bible call's us to be pure and for older women to teach such things. Why would we put our children in situations were they might be tempted to sin against God in this area? If we are to teach these things we need to be careful about putting our children in tempting situations.

2. If they are dating, they're heartstrings will grow attached to eachother. This type of intimacy was meant for the person they were meant to marry, not for someone they are fleetingly seeing for a month or two (or a few days!). How would you feel meeting a women who had a serious relationship with your husband while he was younger? How would you feel meeting several women?

3. I believe that when you enter a relationship of that sort that you are prepared to be married or looking to be married. Most children at fifteen or sixteen years of age (or younger) are NOT prepared or looking for the long term.

4. Unnecessary psychological damage can ensue--a broken heart for someone not meant to be your spouse in the first place, and even more tragic if an unplanned pregnancy follows or STD.

5. We are putting children into roles they are not mature enough to handle.

6. Christian teens should look at their brothers and sisters in Christ with respect. They should look at them knowing that God has someone already planned to be their spouse and pray for them, not wanting to get in the way of that or be a stumbling block.

7. Often times rebellion can result because a son/daughter wants to be part of a relationship. They will turn against parents and their family to do this. Their rebellion affects the entire family and sometimes can cause younger children to follow suit.

8. They take on the attitude of the world. Many boys are out to 'use and abuse' to just fulfill their own sinful desires and girls as well. They don't cherish the other person or truly love them but end up tossing them aside when feelings change. This is not true love, this is plain selfishness. The victim is left trying to pick up the pieces feeling worthless and undervalued. Also, their hearts become more hardened and scarred with each relationship that by the time they do marry they have trouble trusting their spouses and could still be healing from past hurts.

9. Most importantly it can turn their hearts away from God. Where once the Lord may have been enthroned in their hearts, it is quickly replaced by 'the relationship'. They can become all consumed with the other party that their world revolves around them and quickly fall into idolatry.

10. Reputations are often slandered afterwards by the immature. Boys are seen as 'players', girls are painted as 'loose'. If we are to be ambassadors of Christ, we need to guard even our reputations closely.

A true suitor will wait. He will protect. He will do what it takes to win the heart of the lady he desires. He will not rush. He will pray. He would not be in a hurry to rush into a relationship.

A good way for a teen son to use their time is to grow in the Lord--reading their Bibles, doing studies and scripture/ book memorization. Sons could be about their fathers business learning the ways of a man, earning money, starting their own business or helping dad's, learning life skills fixing a car or using power tools, saving money for their futures, building or buying their own homes, taking college courses in high school (CLEP'ing) to advance their education, interning, preparing themselves for marriage, building up their local church, spreading the gospel. They do not need to pursue romantic relationships or spend their time idly watching hours of tv, surfing the net, playing video games, etc. These are time wasters and develop foolish appetites in a young man.

A daughter could be about the business of a woman--learning from the Bible, getting into the deep studies and memorization as well. She could learn a myriad of homemaking skills with her mother and her sisters and advancing her education . She should learn as many skills as she can in cooking, sewing, baking, gardening, home and time organization, childcare, animal care finances, industry, research and the list is absolutely endless. She could also be furthering whatever vision her father has for the home, ministry or business. She can learn to help the poor, serve at church and serve other families in time of need. This would be a wonderful and God honoring way to use her time.

Parents falsely think their children will be missing out on something if they are not dating. This is false and wordly thinking. We need to get back to thinking biblically. We should not have fear of man and or feel pressured by culture or family members. We must tune out the voices of this world, which may lead our children and families astray.

I know many parents set out trying to lay out before their children the foundation of purity and courtship and somewhere along the line it crashes and burns. My hearts are with you as I know it is by the grace of God that we are able to help our children through this and many of us are just learning about the courtship process ourselves. I know we must be vigilant as parents to help our children to obey the Lord and doing what it takes to help them do so.

My prayer is that the Lord would give us all wisdom and strength as we guide, protect, cherish and teach our children to honor the Lord through these precious and special years known as their youth.

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Activated! Part 2- Timothy Wesco

2010-04-27T17:59:00.012-05:00

So to begin the Activated! series, here is my "first" friend I would like to introduce you to. . .

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As a volunteer firefighter, Timothy Wesco (24), is currently running for state representative in his district of Indiana (district 21, for those of you out there--Vote for him!=). He and his sister, Karisse (she'll be in this series as well), have done so much to help his campaign get up and going but they both know that no matter what happens, they'll give God all the glory. They know that if Timothy gets this position or not, that it was God's will and they're happy with that. Yes, they'll be rejoicing if he wins and they'll probably be a little discouraged if he doesn't but the main point is that they just trust God and what His will is for their lives.

We met Tim when he was 19 years old, and since the beginning he had an authentic walk with Christ. All you had to do was talk with him for 10 minutes and he was asking questions about your beliefs, sharing his, etc. He's never wanted to waste time talking about things that don't really matter (of course, he not the "just be all spiritual and holier than thou" type. The Wesco's are some of the most humorous people I know! Seriously, they can "bring down the house"! =).

As a home-schooled graduate, he has also been (and still is) the worship leader at his church that his dad pastor's. And he has accomplished one of his bigger goals by buying a house and vehicle--debt free!

Timothy knows what he believes and will stand for them when necessary. I think there are many things I personally and we as a group can learn from him. Such as responsibility especially in the areas of: standing up for biblical principles (especially when there's the danger of someone else leading who does not embrace the Bible), keeping himself in the Word, not neglecting his responsibility at church (such as doing a poor job), and not neglecting his family & friends.

To go to Timothy's campaign site, click here!

For more facts on Timothy (his beliefs, occupation, etc.), click here!

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NOTE:

Timothy has won the "first" election! So he's moving on to the final elections in November. Please pray for him and Karisse for guidance as they move ahead and try to do God's will in this campaign.

Activated! Series- Part 1

2010-04-18T20:46:00.012-05:00

Hey Everyone! I've decided I'm going to do a ten part series about some of my personal friends that are doing "hard" things for Christ (if you've read "Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris, then you have a better picture of what I'm talking about. If not, it doesn't really matter but I would greatly encourage you to read it!) by standing up for their beliefs, being good examples of how Christian youth should spend their time, etc.

These are people who know what they believe and are not afraid to show it (sometimes it's hard, but they all know who they ultimately have to answer to. . .and it's not their peers!). These are my friends who are in the prime of their life, doing what many people will not know about, but that will have an eternal impact on the kingdom of Heaven and bless many.

My prayer is that this short series will encourage you, bless you, and motivate you to be a light to the people around you who are looking for something to believe in!

I once heard an illustration done by Pastor Wayne Corderio of New Hope Church that goes something like this: there's a bunch of people in a room together. All of them are shaking. Half of them don't know why they're shaking and half of them know that they can control themselves and not be shaky but they just do it because everyone else is. So one person who doesn't know this, looks above the crowd to see if there is anyone who is not shaking and standing on solid ground for he would like to learn how. But, unfortunately, there is no one. So unless someone stops shaking, he will never learn how to stop and stand on solid ground because there was no one to show him that it could be done.

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Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5,

Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10

The Doll

2010-04-12T22:16:00.005-05:00

I received this story in an email and was really touched by it. . .So I thought you would enjoy reading it, too--

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I was walking around in a Wal Mart store, when I saw a cashier

hand this little boy some money back.

The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old..

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have

enough money to buy this doll..'

Then the little boy turned to the

old woman next to him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?''

The old lady replied:'You know that you don't have enough money to

buy this doll, my dear.''

Then she asked him to stay there

for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly..

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand..

Finally, I walked toward him and

I asked him who he wished to give this doll to.

It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas.

She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.'

I replied to him that maybe Santa

Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry.

But he replied to me sadly.

'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is

now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can

give it to my sister when she goes there.'

His eyes were so sad while saying

this.. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says

that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought

that she could take the doll with her to give it to my

sister.''

My heart nearly stopped..

The little boy looked up at me

and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I

need her to wait until I come back

from the mall.'

Then he showed me a very nice

photo of himself. He was laughing.. He then told me 'I

want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't

forget me.'

'I love my mommy and I wish

she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has

to go to be with my little sister.'

Then he looked again at the

doll with sad eyes, very quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet

and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in

Case you do have enough money for the doll!''

OK' he said, 'I hope I do

have enough.' I added some of my money to his without

him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for

the doll and even some spare money..

The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'

Then he looked at me and added,

'I asked last night

before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough

money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my

sister. He heard me!''

'I also wanted to have enough

money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't

dare to ask God for too much.. But He gave me enough to buy

the doll and a white rose.''

'My mommy loves white roses.'

A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket.

I finished my shopping in a

totally different state of mind from when I started.

I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.

Then I remembered a local news

paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a

truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl.

The little girl died right away,

and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had

to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining

machine, because the young woman would not be able to

recover from the coma.

Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter

with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young

woman had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself as I

bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home

where the body of the young woman was for people to see and

make last wishes before her burial.

She was there, in her coffin,

holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of

the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed,

feeling that my life had been changed for ever... The love

that the little boy had for his

mother and his sister is

still, to this day, hard to imagine.

And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Now you have 2 choices:

1) Send this message to others,

or

2) Ignore it as if it never

touched your heart.

The quote of the month is by Jay

Leno: "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control,

mud slides, flooding, severe

thunderstorms tearing up the

country from one end to the other, and with the threat of

swine flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a

good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'"

For those who prefer to think

that God is not

Watching over us delete this, for the others ...

Pass it on!

God Bless!!!

Dear God:

The person reading this is beautiful and strong.

Help them live their life to the fullest.

Please promote them and cause

them to excel above their expectations.

Help them shine in the darkest

places where it is impossible to love.

Protect them at all times, lift

them up when they need you the most, and let them know

when they walk with you, they will always be safe.

Before The Morning- Josh Wilson

2010-04-06T21:44:00.002-05:00

Here are the lyrics to another song that I thought was pretty inspirational when you're feeling down, it's called "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless.

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Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

LAF's New Website!

2010-03-31T22:57:00.003-05:00

My mom just became a contributing author of LAF (Ladies Against Feminism)! She was so excited. I would encourage you to check out their new website and enter to try to win one or more of their giveaways!

Click on this button to go to the website--

Amen!!

2010-03-11T18:28:00.005-06:00

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I can't change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me."

-Matt Wilson

Christian Heroism

2010-03-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

"To be a true hero you must be a true Christian.
To sum up then, heroism is largely based on two qualities ---truthfulness and unselfishness, a readiness to put one's own pleasure aside for that of others, to be courteous to all, kind to those younger than yourself, helpful to your parents, even if helpfulness demands some slight sacrifice of your own pleasure. . . You must remember that these two qualities are the sign of Christian heroism."

- G. A. Henty

New Hope Church

2010-03-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

In the great and beautiful state of Hawaii, there's a church called New Hope. They have VERY good teaching, awesome pastors (because of their wisdom, humor, and "down-to-earth" touch), and heart-felt worship (reminds me of my old church in Chicago)!

Sometimes on Sundays I'll watch one of their three live services online and during the week I'm able to download their services to my iPod (through iTunes). And just by listening to them, I have learned so much and actually many of my posts on this blog are inspired by things I've learned from them.

Below is a clip of how some of their worship looks before the service. . .
(The main guy singing is the main pastor, Wayne Cordeiro)

I would really encourage you to download them, watch them online, and listen to what they have to say because it has had a great impact on so many people all around the world!

Click here to go to the website

One Week Without God

2010-02-21T20:21:00.003-06:00

I received this in an email and wanted to share it with all of you.

Go ahead and pass it on!

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Without GOD , our week would be:

Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

If you are not ashamed of GOD , pass it on . Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!!

Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and associates. Show them a new revelation of your love and power.

"Live Like We're Dying"- Kris Allen

2010-02-14T22:52:00.002-06:00

"Healing Hand of God"- Jeremy Camp

2010-02-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

I love this song and have found so much comfort in the words!

Brain Cancer Tests A Young Pastor's Faith

2010-01-31T14:08:00.004-06:00

This is a very inspirational story of a young pastor (Matt Chandler, 35) in Dallas, Texas who last year ('09) on Thanksgiving Day came down with brain cancer. This article tells the story of how he handles being a pastor of over 6,000 people and living by faith and hope in a time of dramatic testing.

Brain cancer tests a young pastor's faith

(Matt Chandler taking a walk with his two children)

Hold On

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

"When your body is betraying you and your mind is spinning. Hold on. When hope seems like it is lightyears away and strength is disappearing. Hold on. When your relationships are crumbling and your feeling all alone. Hold on. When life is throwing death at you from every direction and you think that's all there is left. Hold on. When you feel your faith is frutiless and that it's all a farce. Hold on. When you feel like giving up, don't give in to those feelings. Hold on.

Keep watching and praying, Keep trusting and believing. Keep singing and offering the sacrifice of praise. Don't let go of what you know is true. Don't let the lies rob you of your joy and don't let the devil deceive you. Hold on, Hold on, Hold on. Help is on the way!

Hold on to Jesus, He's holding on to you.

"If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me and Your right hand will lay hold of me." Psalm 139:9-10."

- By my friend, Mrs. Janet Fugate

Like A Warrior!

2010-01-14T21:23:00.001-06:00

"We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again."

-General Nathanael Greene

(I think that says enough in itself!) =)

Just For A Hat. . .

2009-12-30T22:00:00.003-06:00

There's this story of a man in Alabama who was walking down the street on a gusty day. He was in the middle of crossing the street when his "favorite" hat blew off him and he ran to get it. He didn't look where he was going and a big truck hit him and he died.

Instantly.

For what? A hat. He lost his entire life for a piece of material he could've easily replaced. Isn't that sad?

But how many times do we, for something small, lose something a whole lot bigger and more precious that we can't replace?

Here's one big example, someone tries to win an argument. Then they lose a friendship.

Or some sibling is too prideful. They lose the relationship with another sibling(s).

Some adult wants their way. Then there's divorce.

Remember, don't do it just for a hat. . .

it's definitely not worth it in the end!

The Chrismas Shoes

2009-12-27T21:46:00.003-06:00

Last night me and my family watched "The Christmas Shoes". We were all in tears (and it takes alot to get us ALL in tears!)! It's a very good movie taken after the song by Newsong. I recommend it, not just at Christmas time, but also just during the year to constantly remind us of what really matters!

Eight Gifts That Are Priceless!

2009-12-23T22:17:00.003-06:00

Have A Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

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Eight Gifts

Below are eight gifts that don't cost a cent to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

~Author Unknown

It's A Wonderful Life!!

2009-12-13T19:26:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to post something to get all of your spirits up and ready for CHRISTmas!! Enjoy. . .

I've always loved this song but especially now it has alot of meaning!

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Grown-up christmas list

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee;
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow. (can you still help somehow)
I'm not a child,
But my heart still can dream.

So here's my lifelong wish,
My grown-up christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,(and wars would never start)
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree.(wrapped beneath the tree)

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth.
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end, oh.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

This is my grown-up christmas list.

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Something to Think About Christmas

2009-12-04T21:06:00.005-06:00

I put this video up last year, but thought it was a good reminder for us this year as well!

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How are you spending your Christmas? Are you thinking about and serving others. . . or are you thinking about about the things you're going to do and hope to get?

Watch this! Then think again!

Remember, CHRIST IS Christmas!

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The Son, who will take the son?

2009-11-17T21:46:00.006-06:00

This is probably one of the best ways I have heard the gospel presented in an easy way so I wanted to share it with all of you! I first saw it on my friend Jesi's blog. Please feel free to send it to anybody you'd like!

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Take my Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art..

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas,

There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands..

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father

0AOpened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence..

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'

But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'

Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the
Real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

Do whatever you like, but remember that maybe 'one' of the people you might have taken the time to send this to, may be just the person who needs to hear this message. You have a choice to make.'

God Bless.

Maturity, What Comes To Mind?

2009-11-08T20:58:00.008-06:00

I have this little book that I've really enjoyed since my parents bought it for me, it's called "God's Little Devotional Book for Teens". In it is a section about maturity and I wanted to share it with you because I think it's not to hard to see that the average teen today is. . . not really mature.

***************************************************************************************

"Maturity doesn't come with age; it comes with acceptance of responsibility."- Ed Cole

A number of definitions of maturity have been offered by experts , but these are perhaps among the best understood by the average person:

Maturity is when you not only want to have a puppy to call your own, but when you remember on your own to give it food and water every day.

Maturity is when you not only know how to dress yourself , but remember to put your dirty clothes in the laundry hamper after you've taken them off.

Maturity is when you not only are capable of using a telephone to call a friend, but when you know how to keep you calls short so others can have access to the phone.

Maturity is when you not only are old enough to stay at home alone, but when you can be trusted to stay at home and even have friends over.

Maturity is when you are not only old enough to drive the car by yourself, but you pay for the gasoline you use.

Maturity is when you are not only old enough to stay up late, but wise enough to go to bed early. (I especially liked this one!)

The more you learn to accept responsibility for your life, the more you will grow in maturity. With greater responsibility and maturity comes greater privileges.

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." -1 Cor. 13:11

*************************************************************************************

I read once where someone was teaching on this verse that notice Paul doesn't say, 'when I became a teen I looked like a man, sounded like a man, talked like a man but, when I became a teen I still acted like a child and wanted childish things'! No, I think Paul knew what it meant to mature.

Let's follow what not our peers, but what Paul, Jesus, and other godly people we have in our lives define as maturity!

2009-11-05T21:40:00.002-06:00

"The two most important words: 'Thank You.' The most important word: 'We'. The least imporant word: 'I' "

Reformation Faire

2009-10-28T21:45:00.001-05:00

Last weekend we went to a "Reformation Day Faire" at Providence Church in Peoria, IL. Me and my family dressed up as reformers. I was dressed up to be Queen Anne Boleyn, who was another great reformer! She encouraged and stood for the Protestants such as John Calvin and John Knox.

One of the speakers, Pastor James McDonald teaching on John Calvin.

The crowd listening

These three sang beautifully!

My Dad

The boffer wars that the boys were able to be a part of, which they absolutely loved!

Stephen making a boffer sword

Here's a video of the Boffer Wars!

Young men waiting in line to fight!

Sara, Me, and Jessie

Sara Devine, Jessica Devine, Naomi, and Joy

Rope making for the younger children.

Pastor James McDonald with his wife, Stacy.

The boys in the boffer wars. . .

. . . And MORE boys!

Three little girls

And one really small reformer!

Ravi ready to fight

Me (what else is there to say?).

One of the crafts

Two sisters playing checkers

A photographer

Josiah

One of the very nice costumes that was worn.

A game of Noughts and Crosses (Tic-Tac-Toe).

Watching the rock throwing

Here is a video of my dad throwing the rock!

The Bagpipe man!

Pastor Dennis, his wife, and daughter.

In the evening, there was different types of line dancing that I and some of my friends got to be a part of.

Swing your partner!

More dancing. . .

"The Virginia Reel"

Next years date- October 22-23, 2010

Cardboard Testimony

2009-10-12T21:21:00.003-05:00

It really is so neat what God can do in the lives of so many people. And when you hear their stories. . . it can sometimes be overwhelming to the point of where you can't help but know that we're serving on AWESOME God that can truly change the worst of lives!

This video was taken at a church and I thought it speaks for so many different people from all over the world who are going through (or who have gone through) these same things. . .

Please, take the time to watch it!

Freedom. . .

2009-09-19T21:23:00.004-05:00

" Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged." -Ronald Reagan

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." -Anonymous

"Joshua Harris is Eaten by a Beanbag"

2009-09-11T15:30:00.001-05:00

Watch out for sin! It looks so innocent and comfortable. . .

Don't let the beanbag get you!

"From The Inside Out" and "Mighty to Save" - Hillsong

2009-09-05T17:30:00.002-05:00

Let the cry of our heart be to give all praise and glory to a God who is mighty enough to save someone like us!!

"Revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again." Vance Hanover

The Motions

2009-08-14T21:59:00.007-05:00

Sometimes life has a way of becoming too routine. You know what I mean, when you feel that life is like cardboard--flat, unexciting, brown, junky, and you throw it out when it's wet. Is it just because we're going through the motions in life? For instance, Christians, when you read the Bible- do you feel like you're really getting something out of it? Like you're connecting and can really talk to God? Or is it more of a read-and-forget type of "routine"?

Going through the motions of life and Christianity gets you nowhere, I can assure you! For a while I was going to church, reading my 'daily Bible', singing Christian songs, hanging with Christian friends, and everything else you can imagine until my dad asked me how I was doing? Then I stopped and thought about it. How was I doing? Then it hit me! Me! The one who was never supposed to go through it was going through the motions. And I felt empty.

Let me ask you, how are you really feeling right now? Do you feel filled? Or empty? Like you're really worshiping God in church or not (like your absent)?

So since I came to that realization that I was not worshiping God with my full self, I had to change it--and prayer helps so much! Pray for yourself and ask people to pray for you whether or not you tell them the reason(s).

Also (I'm very musical so songs tend to influence me alot!) this song helped me so much. . . Please, take the time to watch it!

"A More Beautiful You" - Jonny Diaz

2009-08-04T21:45:00.003-05:00

This song has alot to say to girls! Girls have such a distorted perception of beauty because that is what's offered to us by the world. As you'll see in this video, it's the computer that does all the work! I feel sorry for the girls today who think they have to look like models in order to be accepted or to "catch a guy". Jesus loves them just the way they are, were, and will ever be! Any Christian guy who loves Jesus, will truly love you too!

I would also like to add that if your not being "accepted" by friends and you're working really hard to fit in, that they really aren't your friends and you should try to look for ones that will stick with you through the thick and thin and be godly role models for you. Even if that means having your grandparents, parents, siblings, or older and wiser girls or guys be your best friends. It might take time but trust me, in the end it will pay off tremendously!

My mom had done this really good article of the Generation Diva that's going on today. This article is more geared towards mothers but there's alot of wisdom tips that we can pick up as well. Please take the time to read it.

More Beautiful You Lyrics

2009-07-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

"Learn to hold thy tongue; five words cost Zacharias forty weeks of silence."

- Fuller

Rebelution Conference '09

2009-07-20T03:00:00.004-05:00

On July 11th, me and my dad with some friends went to see Alex and Brett Harris (aka- Rebelution) younger brothers to Joshua Harris, at Moody church in Chicago, IL. Here are some pictures we took. . .

Alex and Brett's older brother, Joel, led the worship.

The band "Reilly" helped Joel lead the worship.

Alex talking about how much the "world" expects from most teens, which is not alot, sadly. He said if you look at teens a hundred years ago, they where not "teens" as we know them. They where children or adults. Now we're supposed to be in this stage of life where we sound like adults, look like adults, but still act like kids.

Brett talking about how we can change our bad reputation as teens to be something way better than what we are now and what we where 100 years ago!

My dad enjoyed listening to their father, Mr. Gregg Harris who talked about Character.

Alexandra, Lauren, and Me.

Twins Teaching Together

About 50 kids got saved that day! It's so awesome when you see really get to experience God moving in people enough that they are able to stand up and shout "Jesus is Lord"!

Alex and Brett signing autographs. After every session, they were swamped with people!

Me with Alex Harris (I'm NOT photogenic!!).

Me and Brett Harris.

(Here's a link to the post that the Rebelution did of this conference.)

If you would like to learn more about them, check their blog and/or their book.

The Numbers Don't Lie!

2009-07-09T21:10:00.005-05:00

Isn't this cool? Prayer is so powerful!

Lead Me to The Cross- Hillsong

2009-07-05T21:15:00.002-05:00

I first heard this song sung at church by a friend and have been wanting to get it ever since! The words are so good!

(NOTE--This version is a little graphic for it's all scenes from "The Passion of Christ" by Mel Gibson. So if you haven't seen that movie yet and you're not sure about watching this version of the song or if you have younger siblings with you that you don't want to watch, here's another version of this same song on our other blog that's just a picture slideshow--"Lead Me to The Cross".)

Other than that. . . Enjoy!

New Vlogging Series!

2009-07-01T18:29:00.006-05:00

Me and some of my siblings are starting "Vlogs" to encourage kids and teens our ages to change the world through the Word! This is my first one. . . Let me know what you think!

Here's the Book List I had mentioned in the video.

(I think me and my sister need to work more on our communication!) =)

Teen Girls Define a "Real Man"

2009-06-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

My mom found this "list" (I had seen it before) from one of her "blogging friends" who gathered all the pictures-- though the list came from the Rebelution.
Thought you might like to see how other teens are using their time online! =)
****************************************************************************

This list was compiled in 2006 by Lori Hainline, age 19, and her good friend, Rebecca Chandler, age 17. Their closing comment: This list is not exhaustive and men like this do exist!

It was originally published in *New Attitude Magazine* but the quote that I'm using is directly from The REBELUTION BLOG by Alex and Brett Harris.

A real man . . .
…understands and lives according to the basic purposes for which he was created: to worship, honor, and serve God. (Romans 12:1-2)

…values and carefully handles the scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15)

…doesn’t pride himself on being knowledgeable in the sinful ways of the world. (1 John 2:15-16, James 4:4, Philippians 4:8)

A real man . . .
…isn’t embarrassed to worship God and pray in a group setting. (Mark 8:38)

…is wise, yet humble. (Proverbs 2:1-10, 1 Peter 5:5, Romans 12:16)

A real man . . .
…takes leadership in a self-sacrificing way. (Ephesians 5:25-28)

…is kind because, “What is desirable in man is his kindness” (Proverbs 19:22)

…doesn’t try to prove himself but is simply confident as he walks in the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 14:26-27)

…doesn’t put others down with his actions, attitude, words, or his strength. But on the contrary, he affirms and builds others up (Proverbs 15:4, Ephesians 4:29)

A real man . . .
…treats his sisters and mother with as much respect as he would treat a prospective wife. (Matthew 25:21)

…not only respects but appreciates a young lady’s purity and innocence. In our culture innocence isn’t retained by accident. (2 Corinthians 11:2-3)

…values his purity as much as he values a young lady’s purity. He is not ashamed to live and act differently from the world in order to guard himself. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Ecclesiastes 7:26)

…can look a girl straight in the eye without communicating any impurity. (Proverbs 20:11)

A real man . . .
…isn’t ashamed to identify himself with his family (Ephesians 6:2-3)

…is a gentleman. He is polite and shows women honor in everyday things such as opening doors, etc. (1 Peter 3:7)

…has no desire to be gross in order to impress other men. He doesn’t burp, swear, or tell disgusting stories. (Proverbs 13:5, Ephesians 5:4)

A real man . . .
…shows by his actions that he loves children. (Matthew 19:13-14)

…is pleasant and expresses joy rather than feeling that it’s masculine to be sullen. (Proverbs 21:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:16)

…doesn’t blame others for his own problems but embraces responsibility. (Proverbs 12:27)

…can accept correction (Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 29:1)

A real man . . .
…is mature in his emotions and his expressions of them. He can deal with the trials of life logically, with wisdom, not on a basis of emotional instability. (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 12:18)

…understands the value of work and is financially responsible. (Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Luke 16:10-11)

…expresses himself with intelligent words rather than using “street talk”. (Proverbs 17:20, Titus 2:6-8, 1 Peter 4:11, Ephesians 4:29)
A REAL MAN in PDF format for download and print out
www.therebelution.com

reb•e•lu•tion (reb’el lu shen) - n. a widespread teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture.

The Rebelution Blog
© 2006 Lori Hainline & Rebecca Chandler
The Rebelution Blog has this Creative Commons License at the bottom of their pages and it indicates You Are Free: to Share— to copy, distribute and transmit the work as long as it is understood that they do not endorse my blog in any way!

3 Teens Define a "Real Woman"

I discovered this awhile back when browsing through *Blog-Land* and was so amazed by what these teens have put together from Scripture verses on a subject close to my heart, that I'm quoting it directly from the The REBELUTION BLOG.

It was written by Philip Hainline, Heidi Reimer, + Maria Reimer at the respective ages of 16, 19 + 17.

Blessings to all who read this :o)

A real woman . . .
…is glad she’s a woman and rejoices in her femininity, expressing it through her attitude, appearance and bearing. (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

…does not compete for equality with men or chafe at God’s design for male and female, but delights in and understands the importance of her calling to complement man’s role. (1 Timothy 2:11-12, Ephesians 5:22-24)

…values the cultivation of her mind and diligently seeks after wisdom and knowledge. (Proverbs 22:17-21, 2:2-6)

…realizes her imperative need to allow the Holy Spirit to control her emotions and expressions of them. (James 1:19-20)

…does not wallow in self-pity or make a habit of voicing complaints, but radiates cheerfulness and joy. (Proverbs 15:15, Proverbs 17:22)

A real woman . . .
…appreciates her father’s protection, and respects and submits to his authority.
In so doing, she is preparing herself to exercise the Biblical role in her relationship with a possible future husband. (Ephesians 5:33-6:3, 1 Peter 3:1-2)

…is trustworthy and gains the respect of those around her. (Proverbs 31:11)

…restrains herself from listening to, or participating in gossip, but instead speaks with wisdom and discretion. (Proverbs 11:12-13, 22, 20:19, 3:11)

…encourages and builds up those around her instead of criticizing and tearing them down. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:29)

…does not have a nagging, contentious or manipulative manner in which she deals with others. (Judges 16:16, Proverbs 21:9, 19, 26:21)

…is not boisterous or loud in her speech or actions but is characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit. (Proverbs 9:13, 1 Peter 3:4)

A real woman . . .
…portrays chastity, modesty and reverence in her manner, and wears the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is her true beauty. (1 Peter 3:3-4, Titus 2:4-5)

…is not offended by respect shown her through gentlemanly courtesies (opening doors, etc.) but cultivates the differences between the sexes that make her worthy of this deference. (1 Peter 3:7, Mark 10:6)

…seeks to make God her number one desire and the Lover of her soul, knowing that only He can fully satisfy. (Psalm 73:25, Psalm 63:1)

…uses her years of singleness to seek and serve God without distraction, and is content to leave the details of her future to Him. (Psalm 73:25, Philippians 4:11)

A real woman . . .
…does not relate to members of the opposite sex in a flirtatious or forward manner, but instead saves all her passion for her future husband. (Thessalonians 4:3-8, Proverbs 6:25, 1 Corinthians 7:1)

…holds her virginity before marriage sacred and will not compromise it for anything.
(This one goes for guys too!!)
(1 Timothy 5:22)

. . . Does Hard Things.

A REAL WOMAN in PDF format
for download and distribution.

www.therebelution.com

reb•e•lu•tion (reb’el lu shen) - n. a widespread teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture.

The Rebelution Blog
© 2006, Philip Hainline, Heidi & Maria Reimer

The Rebelution Blog has this Creative Commons License at the bottom of their pages and it indicates You Are Free: to Share— to copy, distribute and transmit the work as long as it is understood that they do not endorse my blog in any way!

Quotes For Fathers Day

2009-06-19T21:26:00.008-05:00

I love quotes with great meaning!! With Fathers Day coming up I wanted to post some quotes that really go along with that holiday in particular. . .

"Those who trust us educate us" - T.S. Eliot

"Any person can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad." - Anonymous

"It's only when you grow up and step back from him, or leave him for your own career and your own home--it's only then that you can appreciate it. Pride reinforces love." - Margaret Truman

"I love my father as the stars--he's a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart." - Adabella Radici

"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child." - Knights of Pythagoras

Now some more that I think (not think, KNOW!) my dad feels sometimes having eight kids. . .

"Before I got married, I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories." - John Wilmot

"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't." - Barbara Kingsolver

"Having a family is like having a bowling ally installed in your brain." - Martin Mull

Charles Wesly Says...

2009-06-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

The Conqueror's Heart

2009-06-14T18:58:00.011-05:00

When I read this story in "Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries", I was so inspired! I tend to read alot on martyrs and I can tell you my faith is made so much stronger after reading their stories! I highly recommend this book, the first book ("Jesus Freaks: Martyrs"), "Foxes Book of Martyrs" by John Foxe, and reading the "Voice of the Martyrs" magazine (free subscription!).

This took place in Hungary 1950---

The Russian army captain walked haughtily down the aisle of the church and up to the pastor. "I will have a word with you alone. Take me someplace where we can speak privately!"

The officer was very young and brash and seemed very conscious of his role as a conqueror.

When the pastor had led him to a small conference room, the officer shut and locked the door. he nodded toward the cross that hung on the wall. "You know that thing is a lie," he said to the minister. "It's just a piece of of trickery you ministers use to delude the poor people to make it easier for the rich to keep them ignorant. Come now, we are alone. Admit to me that you never really believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God!"

The minister smiled. "But, my poor man, of course I believe it. It is true."

"I won't have you play these tricks on me!" cried the captain. "This is serious. Don't laugh at me!"
He drew out his revolver and held it close to the body of the minister.

"Unless you admit to me that it is a lie, I'll fire!"

"I cannot admit that, for it is not true. Our Lord is really and truly the Son of God," said the minister. For a painful instant his muscles tightened as he awaited the bullet.
Instead, the captain suddenly flung his revolver on the floor and embraced the pastor. Tears sprang to the captain's eyes.

"It is true!" he cried. "It is true. I believe so too, but I could not be sure men would die for this belief until I found for myself one who would. Oh, thank you! You have strengthened my faith. Now I too can die for Christ. You have shown me how."
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This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step by step.

"He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss."

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.
-Peter (1 Peter 2: 21-23 THE MESSAGE)

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Following Jesus may cost us our life but imagine how many blessing will come from that and how many people will be inspired! This is a free country where Christianity is allowed so we tend to get lazy about spreading the Word or talking about Jesus or anything associated with Christianity but, in Communist country's I think the Christians really know what it means to follow Jesus. They do more there than most people even try to think about! I'll be posting more stories of them so you can get a glimpse of what we're missing out on (there's even a story that took place in China of two siblings, 15 and 16 years old, who's parents where in jail for witnessing to some Communist solders, that went and planted two churches! I liked that!)!

While you're at home or at school remember that you're a witness for Christ whether you want to show it or not! People are watching to see if what you believe is beyond words to you!

"Here Lived A Great Street Sweeper"

2009-05-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

"If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music. . . . Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

"How (Not) to Heat Your Veins and Fire Your Brains"

2009-05-25T19:23:00.004-05:00

Visionary Daughters (Anna and Sofia Botkin) are two sisters in their twenty's that are very good examples in so many things (and so wise)! Me and my family have learned so much from these girls, not to mention their family! They did this really good post about keeping your thoughts together about men and knowing who to talk to when you're not sure about these things!

Read it below. . .

"How (Not) to Heat Your Veins and Fire Your Brains"

Many girls have told us they struggle with keeping their hearts and minds pure for their future husbands. It is a difficult task, as God has wired the sexes to be attracted to one another, but also commanded “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

We’ve been asked so often for advice on this that we briefly addressed it in our message “What Our Father Taught Us About Boys,” last week at the Vision Forum 2009 Father-Daughter Retreat. Below are some of my remarks from the message.

Our travels, our work, and especially the fact that we have five brothers and a father who loves to disciple young men, has pushed us into company that is often male-dominant. Here are some practical things our father has taught us to keep our hearts secure and our focus on the things of the Lord.

1. Pray for the young men… and their future wives.

This really helps keep relationships in perspective and facilitates the right kind of sisterly interest in them. We need to look past this season of singleness and see the eternal perspective. We need to see the young men as more than “marriage material,” but as comrades and co-laborers in Christ’s Kingdom, and we need to pursue the kind of friendships that will outlast this season of “singleness” and continue into eternity.

2. Don’t assume that every attention paid you by a young man is a mark of intention.

If a young man looks at you, opens a door for you, greets you, smiles at you, etc., it might have just been a brotherly gesture. Not only is fantasizing and speculating dangerous, reading too much into young men’s kind deeds also is a great way to discourage gentlemanly conduct.

3. Avoid influences that stir the heart prematurely and tempt you to fantasize over men who are not and will not be your husband.

Music, movies, novels, or just our own sinful imaginations can be dangerous. Robert Burns wrote a great poem about this:

Oh, leave novels, ye Mauchline belles.
Ye’re safer at your spinning wheel;

Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel.

Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons,
They make your youthful fancies reel;

They heat your veins, and fire your brains.
An’ then ye’re prey for Rob Mossgiel.

I am not issuing an ultimatum here banning all movies, music and literature. You know down inside what influences arouse your passions, tempt you build false expectations, and make you feel discontent. Matthew 5:29 warns, “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

4. Keep interaction with young men within a family context. Avoid private or very personal interaction (this includes online!).

This is something you need to talk to your parents about and ask them to make guidelines for you.

5. Last but not least, keep the lines of communication with your parents wide-open.

Notice that I said “parents”. Elizabeth and I have put a special emphasis on the father-daughter relationship because this is a father-daughter conference, but most if not all of these principles apply to your mother as well. We have made a habit of sharing everything with our parents, and this includes personal struggles, concerns, and our personal observations and opinions of the young men we know. We have discovered that the more faithfully we do this, the easier it becomes — it can really be the best way of relieving the burden of pent-up anxieties and fears that many girls feel during their singleness.

A lot of girls have confessed to us that they have a really hard time talking to their dads about personal things. Sometimes they complain that their dads don’t come and talk to them enough. We can’t always wait for our fathers to initiate and draw us out — men are never going to be as good at this as we would like them to be. Sometimes we need to take the initiative and start the conversation. Deuteronomy 32:7 says, “Ask your father and he will show you, the elders and they will tell you…” It doesn’t say “Wait for your father to remember to come talk to you.” Fathers need to tell, but daughters need to ask, and demonstrate to their fathers that they want their council and wisdom.

Some girls confess to us that whenever they try to go to their fathers to unburden their anxieties or concerns they always end up dissolving into a puddle of tears on the floor before they can get to what they wanted to say. What makes it worse is that most dads really don’t appreciate this. When girls tell me this, I have a pretty good guess what the problem is — it’s that they wait until there is an emotional crisis to talk to their fathers, instead of making a habit of talking to them often, about everything that is in their hearts. Some of you younger girls might feel like you are too young to be having these serious discussions about young men and marriage with your dad, but I would like to personally implore you to start talking to your father now, about everything that is on your heart, laying the foundation for your relationship, and establish good habits of communication, so that when you are my age (23), and things are more complicated, it will be a whole lot easier.

My Piano Recital

2009-05-18T21:16:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday I had a piano recital and I played a song from Bach- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring".

I think it was kind of an adventure learning this song because I picked out the song about two to three weeks ago and the studio I go to wanted it memorized for this recital. So I started practicing this three page song (and I have a little trouble reading left hand music notes so that added on to the pressure!) and hammered it within two days of the recital! They had given me the option of playing a one and a half page song that I almost was going to do but my parents both knew I could do more than that so they encouraged me to really try to do this song and now you see the results!

Me and my piano teacher, Shelly Mahoney.

Me by a good looking piano!

Were You Set Up?

2009-05-12T21:17:00.004-05:00

There's a show called "What Would You Do?" and the point of the show is to see what different people do in different situations. For example there's this old blind woman who got cheated on at the store from the cashier and nobody stood up for her until one person took the initiative then others helped her, then they get interviewed and asked why they didn't help out first? and they usually answer with "I didn't feel comfortable" , " I couldn't", or "I don't know her". The blind woman and the cashier are just acting for this show but nobody else knew that; they were set up.

In every person there's a "hidden camera". They use their camera to determine your reputation. Whether you're respectful, loving, godly (and whether you show it), generous, caring, joyful, etc. Others are looking to see if there's anything different about those "Jesus" people. Is there?

What if those actors somehow knew that some of the people who didn't help them were Christians? What were the actors thinking when they saw they didn't move? I don't think those people (Christian or not) had a very good reputation after that.

That paper you walked by today and didn't pick up; were you set up? How do you know you weren't? Also who was watching you? Jesus definitely was.

Next time...remember that someone's camera is on and they're recording what you do!! So set a good example and go above and beyond what's required of you!

Modern American Dating

2009-05-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

Modern American dating is no more than glorified divorce practice. Young people are learning how to give themselves away in exclusive, romantic, highly committed (at time sexual) relationships, only to break up and do it all over again. God never intended for His kids to live like this. And instead of stepping in and doing something, many Christian parents simply view these types of relationships as a normal and necessary part of growing up. Unless your child is wiser than Solomon, stronger than Samson, and more godly than David (all of whom sinned sexually), they are susceptible to sexual sin, and these premature relationships serve as open invitations.

-Voddie Baucham, Jr., Family Driven Faith

"Do Hard Things" Tour

2009-04-29T20:58:00.011-05:00

I'm excited about the Do Hard Things Tour (http://www.therebelution.com/conference) a one-day Christian teen conference that's coming to - Chicago, IL :: July 11! Me and my parents are attending and would love to have you join us. (They are also coming to - Louisville, KY :: June 20, - Orange County, CA :: July 25, - Birmingham, AL :: August 29, - Washington, D.C. :: Sept 19!)

Visit their website, watch the promo video, listen to the session previews and let us know what you think. The Rebelution is defined as "a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture." Both parents and teens need to hear this message!

Enthusiastically,
Janai

P.S. Alex and Brett Harris (20-year-old twins who are speaking at the conference) have written a book called Do Hard Things. Check it out: http://www.dohardthings.com

Books on My List '09

2009-04-17T21:39:00.006-05:00

Here's a list of books that I'm thinking about reading this year. If you've read any of these books, tell me what you've thought about it, if it's worth reading (why or why not), and if you recommend any other books, tell me the book(s) then tell me why you recommend it. All right?

Here's the list:

1. I Kissed Dating Goodbye- Joshua Harris

2. Be the Change- Zack Hunter

3. Generation Change- Zack Hunter

4. Pure- Rebecca St. James

5. The Hiding Place (the story of Corrie Ten Boom)

6. The Hidden Hand

7. Cobwebs and Cables

Now some books I recommend to you are:

1. The Bible (nothing beats it!)

2. Do Hard Things- Alex and Brett Harris

3. One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven- Mark Cahill

4. Jesus Freaks(both books) - DC Talk

"It is a masterpiece of the devil to make us believe that children cannot understand religion. Would Christ have made a child the standard of faith if He had known that it was not capable of understanding His words?"-Dwight L. Moody

"A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read."-Mark Twain

"Pendragon: Sword of His Father"

2009-04-10T21:18:00.008-05:00

I just saw this great, adventurous movie called "Pendragon: Sword of His Father". It's a Christian movie set to the medieval times. It's a story of a boy's father who has a vision to drive out the Saxons from their land but then dies. So then his son (Artos) tries carrying out the vision his father had but gets discouraged so many times by a man named Cadeyrn. You have to watch it to learn the rest. . .

To see the trailer click on the link...

Pendragon: Sword of His Father

Cadeyrn is the enemy in this movie that tries to gain power and victory by conquering Artos.

Wenneveria was my favorite character!

Wennevaria's father.

Artos is the main character.

Are You A Fool?

2009-04-04T19:32:00.008-05:00

This quiz came from Visionary Daughters to try to help us see that we need help, badly! Think about it, I'm sure that you can think of at least ten people that come to mind when someone mentions a "fool", right? But, are we one? Are we on the list of someone else's "Top Ten Fools"? So take this quiz, feel convicted (like I did!), then change (I'm working on it!)!

(When you click the link and it takes you to the site, click the picture and that will get you there.)
Here's the link...

Are You A Fool?

"Praise You in This Storm"- Casting Crowns

2009-03-26T21:34:00.003-05:00

Some people are having a hard time getting on with life right now. So I just wanted to show this video so that you can be encouraged and even if things are not exactly affecting you, it's still a good reminder to praise God because of all the things he's done! Just the fact that you're alive and even able to read this post should bring you to praise Him! There are going to be hard times but we just need to trust that "all things work together for the good of those who love him" and that "he has a plan for us, a future to bring us hope and not evil". I hope you'll be encouraged. . .

"A Lazy Habit of Procrastination"

2009-03-16T21:46:00.004-05:00

I liked this post that the Harris brothers (a.k.a.-"the rebelution") put up. . .

"When are you going to get your stuff done? Procrastination can sabotage more than a day’s work. Too many of us also procrastinate in much bigger areas of life — things like growing in responsibility, maturity and in our relationship with Christ. . ."

Click here to see the rest

I'm Pride. . .

2009-03-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment...because you "deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge...because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.

I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship...because nobody's going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love...because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you.

Untrue.

God has so much for you, I admit.
But don't worry...

If you stick with me,

you'll never know.

-Broadman & Holman

Mark Cahill

2009-03-11T20:01:00.004-05:00

About a month ago, my family heard Mark Cahill speak at church and his message was awesome!!

Mark is a former basketball player who played his college ball at Auburn and was teammates with Charles Barkley. After getting his degree in Business and working in the field for a while the Lord called him out and he began his journey of sharing his faith and summoning the people of God to do the same.

His mission is to witness to the unsaved through "conversation not a presentation". He says "every second, two people die. Do you care? If so, do you care enough to do something about it?"

He's written two books, "One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven" and "One Heartbeat Away". I have read the first book and it has changed the way I think about witnessing to the unsaved, drastically! Go to his website to see video of him speaking and order his books and DVD's. Let him challenge you to change somebody's eternity!

12 Year Old Speaks Against Abortion

2009-02-24T21:35:00.006-06:00

This is a very bold girl who speaks what she believes is right- not whether it's legal or not.

Franklin Graham

2009-02-11T21:16:00.010-06:00

On February 6th, 2009, Franklin Graham spoke at Moody Church for Founders Week and I went to go see him!! I went along with my dad, grandma, three siblings, and four cousins! It was a very neat experience to be able to see the son of Billy Graham! I'm very grateful I had the opportunity!

The orchestra played very well!! Here's a clip of the singing.

Larry the Cucumber as Erwin Lutzer! Gotta love them!

My grandma with Stephen (my brother).

Below is a video of Franklin Graham preaching.

What do you think of that? If you want the rest, I think you can find it off the Moody website.

Franklin Graham preaching.

Group Photo

Get's You Thinking. . .

2009-02-09T21:51:00.003-06:00

"I am a Christian"

2009-02-03T21:17:00.002-06:00

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 my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am 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 was a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

~Carol Wimmer

Where are Your Values?

2008-12-28T16:04:00.006-06:00

Where are your values? Your very own personal values? Are they in friends? Music? Material things? Classes? Your iPod? Your favorite show? The internet?

According to the dictionary, a value is something of relative worth, merit, or importance. What your value is also what your treasure is. Luke 12: 34 says " Where your treasure is there your heart will be also." So I'll ask you the question again in two different ways;

What is your treasure and where is your heart?

There's a girl (a Christian) that tells her friend her life was literally saved from a worldly music group that sings about love and things similar to that(nothing about God), then on top of that her mom (also a Christian) is very proud and glad for it!*It's one thing to be glad that your daughter's still alive but shouldn't the mother also be watching what the daughters listening to?* Now the girl loves this group and is very obsessed with them and owns just about everything you can imagine from them---all their CD's, pictures, posters, etc.(you know what I mean!)!

This 'group' is her treasure and that's where her heart is (you can tell!). She is caught into a trap thinking she's safe. And realistically, how many of us fall into that same 'trap' thinking we're safe? That trap is going to eventually lead her down the road in the wrong direction, she can't see it now but, she's slowly going down that way. We need to help her get back on to the right track. Do you know how we do that? By setting before her a good example of a teen that isn't caught into that trap. Which means we have to watch and catch ourselves when we're doing, watching, or listening to something that isn't God honoring.

Here's a small assignment for everybody. Picture your favorite music group (or singer) and show. Okay now ask yourself these questions. . .

What do they talk or sing about?
What does it make you think about? Okay now, honestly?
Is it positive things?
Or negative things?
Is it going to benefit you (and others who hear it) in the future?
What do your parents think about it?

I know iTunes is a big thing right now, so ask yourself these questions before you buy things from there! And remember, everyone's watching you!! (No pressure!) ;)

Here's a verse to help on this topic.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, . . ."
Hebrew 12:1

The Rich Family in Church

2008-12-12T12:33:00.001-06:00

My mom told us about this story last week and I thought it was interesting to see how this family views themselves and how it effected them as individuals and as a family.

The Rich Family In Church
By Eddie Ogan

The Rich Family In Church

• Original article
• Original article in German
(MS Word file)
• Response
• Responses to the response
• Update on the author's life
• How to help Eddie

I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially.

When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. When we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three pot holders to sell for $1.

We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives.

Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering.

The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change.

We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before.

That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering.

We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet.

But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich.

When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20.

As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.

Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night.

We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor.

That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed—I didn't even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor!

I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know. We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way.

Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week.

Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering.

When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church."

Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100."

We were the rich family in the church! Hadn't the missionary said so? From that day on I've never been poor again. I've always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T22:07:00.010-06:00

Today is Veterans Day and I am proud to say that there are many veterans in my family! This is a picture of my Grandfather(Frank, my mom's dad) he fought in the Vietnam War and my dad, Steve (Navy).

This is my Uncle Bob (army).

This is my Grandpa Reynaldo (army).

Take the time to honor the veterans you know today and everyday! You'll be appreciated for it!

Voting

2008-11-03T21:18:00.004-06:00

Voting is our given right,

which men have died to keep.
Voting shows our people's might,
so our country will be free.

But there are those who never vote
and constantly complain.
Patriotism they don't promote;
it's their right to abstain.

Every vote really counts
to let our officials know-
their actions are accountable
or their ratings go down.

So come election time,
go and cast you vote with pride.
Voting doesn't cost a dime,
but the outcome you help decide.

-Bernard Howe

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

-Edmund Burke

Communist Karl Marx said-
The first thing necessary to control the people, is to separate them from their heritage.

I've Been Tagged!

2008-11-03T21:16:00.000-06:00

Sarah from One Girl tagged me.

The rules go: If somebody tags you, you have to tell 6 random things about yourself, then tag 6 other people. Then, you have to tell you tagger. (It's also a good idea to tell your tagged people).

1. I'm a Christian!

2. I love music, being outside, being with people!(Three points right there!)

3. I can knit, crochet, sew and others.

4. I play piano, violin, recorder, and am trying to learn guitar.

5. I love reading!

6. I like doing ministry!

And I will tag Christina, Kaity, John, Anna, William, and Lindsay.

A Quote For You!

2008-10-31T22:09:00.006-05:00

"Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence."

-Anonymous

"Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him."
Daniel 6:3

How well do YOU do Your jobs?

Psalm 23 by A Child

2008-10-21T21:32:00.001-05:00

I thought this was cute! And I thought that this should inspire us, who are older than this girl, to learn passages that will help us to grow spiritually. Don't you think?

Teens and Our Reputation

2008-10-12T20:55:00.001-05:00

"The youth are rebellious, pleasure seeking, and irresponsible. They have no respect for their elders. They spend their days in idleness, and their nights pursuing sensual lusts. They have no respect for authority, nor the traditions of the past."

Who said this? Plato, in ancient Greece. Why, you would have thought that he was writing about this generation, wouldn't you? But why do we have this kind of reputation? Is that good or bad? Pretty obvious!

What do people think about us when we walk by or when we talk to them? How do we act? Do we act all giddy and that we don't care about anything except ourselves and looking cool? Do we act careless and like 8 year olds? No wonder why people have a hard time trusting us with anything! Ready to change that? Then lets go!

Here are some ways that we can change our reputation. . .

1. Be a positive influence to our siblings and peers. Believe it or not, EVERYONE watches you!! They watch to see how you talk, what you talk about, how you walk, how you dress, what you do, how you do it, etc.

One way to be a positive influence is by talking with everyone, not just to our "friends". Ever talk to an adult (besides your parents)? How about with a 5 year old (besides siblings)? A 9 year old boy once told his dad that his three best friends was a 60 year old, a 3 year old, and one kid his own age! How old are your best friends?
One more thing, try not to talk about yourself and your interests; ask about their interests and the things they like! (They might like you a little more! But that's not the point!);)

2. Help somebody. Help a mom with her baby. There's this one family we like visiting every so often and I see there children (ages 32 to 11) help mom's and dad's with their children! 22, 19, 18, and 15 years old are not told to go help, they just do it! And get this, they love it!

Help an elderly person pick up something they dropped. Or help a person by praying for them and talking to them! That family we visit doesn't think "Oh, my friends are not doing it, so why should I?" Do you think that?

3. Be a leader. A good leader! Don't be a follower (unless your following a good and trusted leader!)! Just about everyone who ever achieved something of value showed leadership. People like George Washington, the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, Clara Barton, Jesus, and Billy Graham just to name a few.

If we help do our part then, we can change our reputation and people will look at us as a blessing and not a curse! We can change what people say about us as individuals and altogether, then they won't be saying things such as what Plato had said in the past about youth.

How will you help change your reputation?

Your Reputation

2008-09-28T22:35:00.001-05:00

Learn to be a man of your word. One of the most disheartening of all things is to be compelled to do business with a person whose promise is not to be depended upon. There are plenty of people in this wide world whose promise is as slender a tie as a spiders web. Let your given word be as a hempen cord a chain of wrought steel that will bear the heaviest strain. It will go far in making a man of you, and a real man is the noblest work of God. The man who does not honorably meet his promises is not only dishonest but is also a coward; the man who dares not meet his obligations in good faith can frame no other excuse than that of cowardice.

Young man, have a character of your own. Do not be a lump of moist putty molded and shaped by the influence and impressions of those whom you last met. Your reputation is made up by your conduct. Cultivate force, energy, self-reliance and be a positive quantity that can be counted upon at all times and at all places. Be a man whose word is worth a hundred cents on a dollar and your reputation will be as good as gold.

- J. L. Nichols

Michael Phelps

2008-09-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows who Michael Phelps is, right? He's the man who made history in the Olympics by winning eight gold medals for swimming the fastest! He's in magazines, commercials, been interviewed, newspapers, etc.!
But I was thinking now that he's so famous, how many people he could impact by just being a Christian! We should all pray for his Salvation and that he will make wise decisions, because everyone will know about them!

"Give Me Your Eyes"

2008-09-05T20:10:00.000-05:00

This is a tribute done for 9-11 sung by Brandon Heath. Let this be our prayer!

2008-08-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

"You are only what you are when no one is looking."
-Robert C. Edward