* Lip Gloss Line Up *

Lip Gloss. It’s an amazing way to brighten up and add dazzle to your lips.

Most all lip glosses have a hint of color to them, and they come in more flavors than you can imagine. As one brand boasts, you will “Discover a favorite shade and flavor for every mood.” Their prices range from $4 to $24, depending on the brand and size.

In addition to all this, Lip Gloss comes with a variety of benefits. Listen to what each of the following have to offer:

Avon Lip Swirls Spirale Gloss $4
“Lusciously long-wearing sheer glossy moisturizing formula blends to a unique shimmery color.”

Maybelline ShinyLicious $6
“Defines and colors lips for a delicious, high-shine glossy look. Precision tip applies with no mess, no slips. Non-sticky, hydrating formula is deliciously fragranced.”

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss $7
“These hydrating natural lip glosses are flavored with citrus oils for a kiss of fresh-squeezed flavor.” Made from Sweet Almond Oil which is great for skin and nails.

Almay Ideal Lip Gloss $15
“Give your lips a high-shine with shades that are sure to flatter. This sheer gloss brushes on smoothly and never feels sticky. Nourishes lips with aloe, avocado, sunflower seed extract and moisturizing coconut oil, while a burst of peppermint refreshes your lips.”

Lancôme Juicy Tubes $18
“Juicy Tubes Jelly shades offer sheer coverage with a wash of color. Lips glisten with an ultra-glossy formula that glides on easily with its tube-tip applicator.”

There are tons of different lip glosses. These are just a few we thought were noteworthy. What do you think?

We want to hear from you!!! What’s your favorite lip gloss?

Leave a comment and let us know!

~Your Radical Revolution Team

A Lost Art Form - The Handwritten Note

A handwritten note is something you do not see as often today as you did a generation or two ago. You are a part of an electronic generation. From text messages to email to Facebook, you likely receive and send a lot of messages on a daily basis. Are you sending messages that matter though? Have you thought of the impact you could make on someone in your life if you took the time to sit down and write that person a handwritten message – a short note to say thank you, to encourage that person, or to say that you're praying for him or her?

Our generation knows nothing but “technology.” We have grown up with it all around us, but the generation before ours and the one before that are accustomed to pen and paper, to the tangible, handwritten note that they can physically open up and read again and again.

Think about a time in your life when you received a handwritten note with words of encouragement or appreciation. What did that mean to you?

If there is someone in you in your life that has impacted you or blessed you in some way, why not send them a note today? Maybe they serve as a mentor or inspiration in your life, maybe they come to every ballgame or ballet performance to cheer you on, maybe they cook you dinner every night, maybe they sent you a gift on your birthday, maybe they just listen when you need to talk. No matter who they are, they care. And because they care about you, it would mean the world to them for you to acknowledge what they have done and show that you are grateful.

It is nice to write notes to those you are thinking about and praying for also, especially those who are going through a hard time. You could even write a prayer or some Scriptures in the note. You never know what your words of encouragement might mean to someone.

God can use you in a powerful way to impact someone’s life through a handwritten note, whether it is to say thank you or to encourage him or her. And you just might find that you enjoy it as much as the recipient will.

Blessings,
Alyssa

© 2009 by Alyssa Avant. All rights reserved.

"The Easiest Game of Hide and Seek"

By: Katie Rath

Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)

One of the most popular games little kids like to play is hide-and-seek. If I’m babysitting a child or group of children, hide-and-seek is always on the list of requested activities. I imagine you have had very similar experiences; you were probably one of those kids too. I used to be awful at the game. I would go and hide, then make too much noise and be found right away, or I would get bored of hiding and quit the game. I’m pretty sure I have never won a game of hide-and-seek.

What’s so fascinating about hiding or trying to find someone, anyway? Well, you tell me. Why do we hide from people? Why do we keep secrets or conceal information by lying? More importantly, why do we try and hide from God? On the other side of the game, there’s seeking. Why do we search out approval from other people? Why do we vainly run after things people have hidden from us, trying to make sense of the unknown? Why do we push and prod God to reveal what He has in store for us? Generally, the answer is fear or anxiety. Everything we hide, are embarrassed to reveal, or are desperately seeking after are somehow connected with fear and worry. In real life, this isn’t just a kid’s game.

When you try to play hide-and-seek with God, you can either make it very difficult or very easy. Let’s look first at hiding - the game of life becomes difficult when you try to hide from God. You may think you’re slick and that you can pull it off, but eventually, we all are found. Jonah thought he could pull the wool over God’s eyes by running and hiding, and he was swallowed by a fish. It’s hard to run from God when you’re stuck in a fish, and it doesn’t smell very nice, either. What would have happened if Jesus had hidden from God? Hide-and-seek becomes very easy when you are found because the game is over and all is revealed, but if you run and change your hiding spot, you could be stuck in the game for days.

Say you’re the seeker. You can never end the game unless you are actively seeking. If you just sit in one spot or walk around in circles, you will never find the people that are hiding. Neither will you find them if you shout at the top of your lungs and demand they come out. The only way you can be a successful seeker is if you participate and embrace your goal.

When it comes to God, we have the easiest game of hide-and-seek. If you’re hiding, stop running away from God, and let Him find you. James 4:8a says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (NIV). If you’re seeking, God has assured you that you will find what you’re looking for if you are actively searching. Hide-and-seek, one of the most loved childhood games - are you surprised you’re still playing it?

Prayer:

God, we praise You for your willingness to seek us out. I pray that we stop hiding from You, and that we allow ourselves to be found. I pray that when we are searching, we will remember that we need to seek Your face in all instances. I thank You for Your love that reaches out to us when we are in desperate need of You. We love You, and we are Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Want More Life?, by Natalie Lloyd

LIVE: Holy Bible, New Living Translation

Think About It:

When have I hidden from God? Why did I run from Him?

If I’m not seeking God in an area of my life, what is that area?

Live It:

If we can’t remember the face of the person we’re seeking, or if we don’t recognize the voice of the person we’re hiding from, the game will never end. When we’re searching for God, we sometimes forget exactly what we’re looking for and who is looking for us. God reveals Himself and His plans to us over and over again in Scripture. All we have to do is look for the answers. If you read your Bible everyday, good for you! If you don’t, start today! Go to a quiet place and read God’s words to you. Start in the Gospels or in the Psalms. The more you hear God’s voice and seek His face, the easier the game of life will be.

Power Verses:

Isaiah 29:15, “Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their works in darkness and think, ‘Who sees us? Who will know?’“ (NIV)

Acts 17:27, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Katie Rath. All rights reserved.

"Something Worth Seeking"

By: Elizabeth R. Williams

Jeremiah 29:13-14, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you...” (NIV)

Have you ever lost something that you had to find immediately? I tend to lose things at the most inopportune times. Several years ago, I was getting ready to go on a family trip for my mom’s 50th birthday that required me to use my passport. The day before we were supposed to leave, I realized I couldn’t find my passport anywhere. To make matters even worse, I wasn’t sure if it was at home with my parents or in my apartment at college.

Desperate to find my long lost passport, I searched tirelessly for this small, but tremendously important document. I tore my room apart, went through every drawer, nook, and cranny I could think of in my room. At the same time, I had my sweet younger sister do the same at our home in Virginia Beach. I literally put my whole life on hold and went on a relentless pursuit to find the key to my family getaway. After many hours and countless prayers, I finally found it! It was tucked in the bottom of my desk drawer inside a box where I keep my extra checks. I have no idea why I thought putting it there was a good idea, but I now keep it in the same place so that I always know right where to find it.

When we lose things that we desperately need, we stop at nothing to find them. In today’s verse, it tells us that we will find God when we seek him with “all of our heart.” The way that I sought after my passport is the way that we should be seeking after God daily, stopping at nothing until we find Him.

As young women, it is so easy to go through life and miss what it truly means to love the Lord. Many times I find myself seeking after everything but the Lord. My heart is too busy seeking after things like my job, my friends, my husband, and my future, that I neglect to seek the Lord. How I long to be a young woman who seeks God with all of her heart!

The wonderful promise that comes with today’s verse is that when we’re truly seeking God with all of our hearts, we will find Him. There’s a worship song that daily ministers to my heart that says, “the more I seek you, the more I find you; the more I find you, the more I love you.”

Today, may we pray for hearts that are fully devoted to seeking the Lord. Let’s fervently seek after Him and stop at nothing until we find Him. He will be found!

Prayer:

Lord, with all my heart, I want to know You. I’m so sorry that there are times when other things take the place of seeking You. Help me to make seeking You daily a priority, because I know that it is in seeking You that I will find You. Lord, I want to be a young woman who seeks after You with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Want More Love? by Kathy Wierenga Buchanan

Think About It:

What does it mean to seek God with all of your heart?

What are some things in your life that keep you from seeking God with all of your heart? What is one thing you can do to begin seeking God daily?

Live It:

Make a list of the top priorities in your life. After reviewing your list, pray that God will help you prioritize so that He will be number one.

Pray today for a heart that longs to seek God.

Power Verses:

1 Chronicles 22:19, “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God…” (NIV)

Psalm 105:4, “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Elizabeth R. Williams. All rights reserved.

Devotion Writing Contest!!!!

It's that time again!

Proverbs 31 Ministries is offering a number of full scholarships to our

She Speaks Conference ~ Next Generation Track

for young women who submit winning devotions

similar to those you have seen on this site.


For more information about this contest,

please contact

Kristen@proverbs31.org.

Enter the contest today!!

Contest ends Friday, June 5, 2009.

~~~~

Conference Information:

She Speaks:
Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Annual
Speakers’ and Writers’ Conference
The Next Generation Track

July 31-August 2, 2009
Concord, North Carolina

Gain the confidence you need to make a difference
within your own sphere of influence!

The Next Generation Track will equip you with skills that will enable you to answer God’s call on your life to impact others through speaking, writing, or simply setting an example for His kingdom. For more information or to register for this life-changing conference, visit us at www.shespeaksconference.com or call 877-P31-HOME.

Testimonial:
"When the Next Generation Conference began, I felt shy and uncertain about what it would be like. After getting to know everyone, rather quickly, I calmed down and enjoyed the entire weekend. I loved being able to talk about my faith to other girls. I can't wait to attend again."

– Rachel I., She Speaks Conference Next Generation Track Attendee

She Speaks 2009

DON’T MISS IT!

* Homemade Facial Masks *

This article was first published last fall, but we thought it’s worth repeating!

Homemade facial masks. These masks can be made in your very own kitchen and applied to your beautiful face so your skin will glow in a healthy way.

This first mask is adapted from Paula Begoun’s book, The Beauty Bible. Believe it or not, she uses Milk of Magnesia as the only ingredient for this mask. Because Milk of Magnesia is actually liquid magnesium, it’s from the earth and has disinfecting qualities and absorbs oil even better than clay. Clay masks are the most common form of treatment for oily skin so make sure you add Milk of Magnesia to your mom’s grocery shopping list! Get the flavor-free kind, though. Here’s what to do:

Apply the Milk of Magnesia to your face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Finish by using a cool washcloth and rinsing it off. That’s all there is to it. And now you have a fresh face!

This next mask is going to make you laugh. But, seriously, you have got to try it, especially if you have cats! (Honestly, it is awesome!) Diane Irons, the author of The World’s Best Kept Beauty Secrets, promises cat litter is made up of the same ingredients as special clays found in facials that are used in very expensive spas.

Here’s what you’re going to need:

*1 Bag of Cat Litter (Must be marked 100% Natural Clay)
*Water
*A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Preparation:

*Mix in a few tablespoons of the cat litter with a little water and a few drops of oil. The oil will help make the experience less kitty-litterish!
*Apply mask to your pretty face.
*Rinse off after 15 minutes.


That’s it! Now go have some fun with some items that you may already have in your house and let me know how your face feels after your in-home beauty experience! You can even invite your friends over for a special spa party!

Beautiful Blessings,
Shari

www.fashionmeetsfaith.com

"Never Judge a Book By Its Cover...Or a Person"

By: Kirsten Wilson

John 7:24, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” (NIV)

The first time I saw “her” I immediately did not like her. She was so outgoing and everyone who met her loved her. I, on the other hand, had no intention of getting to know her or even being her friend. I made a pretty harsh first impression, on no grounds. You see, she was hanging out with my friends and I did not like new people joining my group. I was nice to her on the outside, but on the inside did not care for her. Well, God certainly has a funny sense of humor. He decided to teach me a little lesson on judging others.

Through a series of events, Natalie and I became roommates a few weeks into the semester. By living with her and being around her on a day to day basis I came to realize that I had made a completely wrong assumption and that we were actually very much alike. We started off as roommates and soon became inseparable. I came to realize the reason that I did not care for her was because she was exactly like me; outgoing, fun and friends with everyone. In a way, I guess I felt threatened by this “new girl.” If I had taken the time to get to know her sooner our friendship would have started earlier. Instead, I wasted time judging her.

Looking back, if you had told me that day that she would become my roommate, best friend, and maid of honor in my wedding, I would have thought you were crazy. Today I encourage you to be open to the people God will place in your life. Be open to the new friendships and relationships that you will encounter. Trust me, I know it’s hard opening up to new people, but you never know what kind of amazing friendships God is going to throw your way!

My Prayer for Today:

Lord, please help me to be open to everything that You want to show me today. Please help me to reflect You in all that I say and do. Please help me to be open for all the new friendships and people that You will bring into my life. Help me to be accepting and open for all that You have for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Every Teen Girl's Little Pink Book on Girlfriends, by Cathy Bartel

Teen People of the Bible, by Daniel Darling

Think About It:

Is there anyone that God has brought into your life that you haven’t really gotten to know?

Can you think of someone that you might have made a wrong assumption about?

Live It:

Start looking at people with a different attitude. Look at them as Christ looks at them.

Make an effort this week to get to know someone that you normally wouldn’t. You never know what new friendships you might make.

Power Verses:

Matthew 7:1-2, "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging." (Message)

Romans 14:13, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (ESV)

© 2009 by Kirsten Wilson. All rights reserved.

"Choose Life or Death"

By: Angela Parsley

Proverbs 18:21, “Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Message)

I want you to take just a minute right now and think really hard about every word that has come out of your mouth today. Are you brave enough to make a list? If you are like most people, we do not realize how much power is in our tongues. With the tongue we have the power to make or break someone’s day.

There is an old saying that goes, “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I am not sure who wrote this or the situation that they were in, but personally, I would rather take a stick beating than a word beating any day. Wounds on the outside of the body heal, but emotional wounds can stay with us for our entire life if we let them.

Girl, the world is a very hard place to live! Especially because there are so many mean girls who know just the right words to say to get to you or affect you in a negative way. They realize the power they have and use it for evil. We may not be able to change them but we have the power over our own tongues and the way we use them.

In James 3:8 the Bible calls the tongue, “a restless evil full of deadly poison.” If we chose to submit to the flesh we will not have anything nice to say. The tongue is naturally bent on evil. But when we are Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. If we surrender our words to Him, He can use them for good.

Here is a practical example of ways you can use “life giving” words. A missionary named Amy Carmichael would ask herself three simple questions before speaking.

First, Is it kind?
Second, Is it true?
And lastly, Is it necessary?

I love that practical list. If we could censor our words by simply asking these three questions we would be much better off. Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few” (NIV). Proverbs 10:19 also states, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (NIV).

Ladies, it is so important that we learn to submit our words to God. We need to first desire to speak life into people and situations. There are so many people who are speaking death and causing emotional wounds which last years. Let us be different in this area of our lives. You never know how God will use it someday in the life of others.

Prayer:

Father, You created the world and all of existence with Your words. You have given us power with our words as well. Help us to use them in a way that is pleasing to You. Let them build others up and not tear them down. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Related Resources:

Wise Up, by Rebecca Ingram Powell

A Young Woman’s Walk with God: Growing More Like Jesus, by Elizabeth George

Think About It:

Who do you come in contact with whom you can influence with your words?

If all of your conversations were recorded and played back to you, what would you hear? How would that make you feel?

Live It:

Choose a day this week and journal the words you speak and the words that are spoken to you that day. You will be surprised at what you find out with this exercise.

Give a compliment to five people today.

Power Verses:

Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:29-30, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Angela Parsley. All rights reserved.

She Speaks Conference 2009

This Summer at Our Annual…

She Speaks Conference

The Next Generation Track

July 31 – August 2, 2009

Concord, North Carolina

Join our Radical Revolution Fashion Expert

Shari Braendel

And learn all about what to wear & what not to wear

to be modest yet fashionable!

~

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!!!

Space is limited, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

More about the conference...

Gain the confidence you need to make a difference within your own sphere of influence!The Next Generation Track will equip you with skills that will enable you to answer God’s call on your life to impact others through speaking, writing, or simply setting an example for His kingdom.

Cost: $275

For more information or to register for this life-changing conference, visit us at www.shespeaksconference.com or call 877-P31-HOME.

For a list of breakout session descriptions visit: http://www.shespeaksconference.com/sessionDescriptions.htm

*Next Generation session descriptions are marked with (NG)

If you have any questions, contact Kristen@proverbs31.org.

She Speaks Conference 2009

DON’T MISS IT!

Recipe: Resurrection Rolls

Here's a fun and easy recipe for you to make...

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients:


Large Crescent Roll Dough (the regular size rolls won't work)
Melted Butter
Large Marshmallows
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture (purchase or mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon with every 3 tablespoons sugar)


Instructions:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


Give each person a triangle of crescent rolls.
The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.


Give each person a marshmallow.
This represents Jesus.


Have them dip the marshmallow into the melted butter and roll to coat evenly.
This represents the oils of embalming.


Dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat evenly.
This represents the spices used to anoint His body.


Wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up... but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside).
This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.


Place on a cookie sheet and place in the preheated oven for the length of time indicated on the crescent roll package.
The oven represents the tomb (pretend like it was three days).

When the rolls have cooked and cooled slightly, bite into the rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty!)

Enjoy!

"The Split Screen"

By: Lynn Cowell

Proverbs 4:25, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.” (NIV)

1,2,3 BEEP! The Mario Kart game sounded off. “Hey, I didn’t turn my wheel that way. Why is this wheel not working?” Frustrated and confused, I needed someone to help me figure this game out! “Are you looking at the right screen? You’re the character on the bottom one!” Looking at the right screen sure made a difference! No wonder the turns I made and speed ups I tried didn’t make any sense. Just when I figured out which character I was and what screen I needed to be looking at, a sign dropped down on my screen. It was a giant U-turn. I had gotten my character completely turned around and was actually heading in the wrong direction! For a “newbie” like me, this was hard!

Sometimes, our lives can be like that – frustrating, confusing, and difficult. We are turning what seems to be “the right way.” We are pushing all the right buttons to push us forward, but something seems to be desperately wrong. All the things we are doing don’t seem to be working and we find ourselves going in the wrong direction.

Take a look at David’s solution. “But my eyes are fixed on you…” (Psalm 141:8, NIV).. The Lord is his focus. The Lord is the one he is making his purpose to please, get to know, love, and live for.

Are your eyes fixed on the Lord? Being focused is not easy! Life is constantly full of distractions. But the Lord says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you,” not on the cute guy sitting next to you in Math class that you’re texting. Not on the get together you are putting together for this weekend. Not on the great ideas you are planning for your future.

Jesus understands that it’s hard; ask Him to help you! He hopes and expects that you will call out to Him. That is exactly why He said He would never leave you or forsake you!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Sometimes I not only feel like my life is a split screen; sometimes, with everything and everyone wanting my attention, it feels like I have a split personality! I need You! I need You to help me be your girl and to keep my gaze right on You. Thank You because I know You’re going to help me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

For Such a Time as This, by Lisa Ryan

Authentic Beauty: The Making of a Set-Apart Young Woman, by Leslie Ludy

Think About It:

Do you ever feel like you are spinning in life, turning your attention from one thing to another? How does that affect you?

Do you have a friend that can point out to you when you are distracted from your faith?

Live It:

Today, write down the top three things in your life that try to get all of your attention. Give these things to the Lord and ask Him to be Lord over them.

Write out the verse listed at the top of the devotion and put it on your bathroom mirror to remind you before you start your day to fix your eyes on Jesus.

Power Verses:

Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (NIV)

John 14:6, “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

"God Has Forgiven You"

By Samantha Roberts

Ephesians 1:7-8, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (NIV)

Have you ever done something that you just couldn’t forget about or forgive yourself for? You think about it over and over, wondering why you ever did something so stupid. Maybe it was something little like accidentally hurting someone’s feelings. On the other hand, maybe it was something so big that you’re sure no one else would ever be able to forgive you either if they ever found out – especially God. After all, there’s got to be a point at which God says, “That’s it! Now you’ve crossed the line. You are no longer any child of mine,” right? No way – not with our God.

Yes, the Bible says that there is a sin that “leads to death.” But short of completely rejecting Jesus and committing your life to Satan (and then dying before you have the chance to repent), there is not a single thing you can do on this earth that will make God love you any less or cause Him to break His relationship with you. You belong to Him, and He isn’t going to give you up because of anything you’ve done – even if it’s “really, really bad.”

Think about it this way: God loved you so much that He sent His Son to this earth to die in your place so that He could have a relationship with you (see John 3:16). Do you think He would go through all of that – turning His back on His own Son and letting Him be executed on a cross – and then break up with you because of something you did? Absolutely not! When Jesus died, everything you could ever think of doing was removed from you. Believe it or not, sister, when God looks at you He sees you as His blameless and pure daughter, completely without sin, completely forgiven of everything.

That sounds so impossible that it’s hard to believe sometimes. We live our lives, we know exactly the things we’ve done wrong, and some of those things we can’t even forgive ourselves for. How in the world could God ever forgive us and forget our sins like they never even happened? That’s the miracle and mystery of His grace. Wow, what a gift, don’t you think?

Sweet sister in Christ, no matter what you’ve done – no matter how big that thing is that you keep beating yourself up over – God can and will forgive you. All He asks is that you confess your sin and repent (which basically means saying you’re sorry and then turning away from it). Whatever is in your past, whatever you’re struggling with right now, you can turn to Him and know that He will accept you and love you just as much as if you had never done anything wrong in the first place. There is nothing you can do that is too big for God to forgive you. He loves you, and He wants you to have the peace and assurance of knowing that you are whole and wholly forgiven in Him.

Prayer:

Dear God, I turn over to You the sins of my past and those which I’m struggling with right now: ___________________. Please forgive me for these things. Help me turn away from them and turn toward You. Help me to know You forgive me and to feel your love. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins so I can be forgiven and have a relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Want More Love?, by Kathy Wierenga Buchanan

Think About It:

What do you believe about God’s forgiveness? Is this what the Bible says?

Have you forgiven yourself for your sins?

Live It:

If you struggle to forgive yourself, journal about what you think is keeping you from doing so.

Ask God to help you understand how He’s forgiven you. After all, it is very difficult for us to forgive ourselves or others when we don’t understand God’s forgiveness of us.

Power Verses:

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)

Nehemiah 9:17b, “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…” (NIV)

© 2009 by Samantha Roberts. All rights reserved.

* Face It! *

Since summer’s right around the corner I thought I’d bring up the subject of that beautiful mug you glance at each and every day in the mirror. I’ll bet you don’t stand around thinking about how cute you are. Instead you probably focus on all the stuff you don’t like, right?

I want you to do something right now that you may not have ever done before. Go stand in front of the mirror and find 3 things you really like about your face. Yep, I mean it! Do you have soft skin, pretty blue eyes, or nicely shaped lips?
What about your hair? Is it a nice color, in good condition, or do you like the way it’s cut? Have you ever noticed the shape of your face before? Is it formed nicely?

Here’s the thing girls. We are usually so attuned to the things we don’t like that we never notice the things we do like.

I want you to start taking a new perspective on the way you look. Every night before you go to bed, thank God for making you the way He did. He knew what kind of hair he wanted you to have and He knew the color skin that was best for you. Stop comparing yourself to magazine models who are air brushed anyway, because that’s not reality.

Go to a makeup counter and see the new colors that are out and ask if the consultant will give you a makeover. If you would rather, go purchase a few new eyeshadows and lipglosses from the drugstore and ask a friend to come over for a sleepover and give each other makeovers! Make a vow to compliment someone new every day, whether you know her or not, on her physical beauty. Everyone is beautiful. We just don’t always go looking for it because we’re so concerned about ourselves.

Try styling your hair with a flat iron or curling iron. If you have no idea how to do that, practice on your friend’s hair and then let her try something new on yours!

Face the fact that you are who you are, God made your face and hair the way He wants them, and you are so very cute! Buy a teen fashion magazine and look at the new styles for summer (or look at the previous fashion posts on this website and get some ideas on what’s coming up!) Have fun being a girl and face it, you’re amazing!

Beautiful Blessings,
Shari Braendel

www.fashionmeetsfaith.com

"Pressing On"

By: Autumn Sisk

Philippians 3:13-14, “…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Do you ever have days when you feel like giving up? Maybe you are working hard to try and get a college scholarship, or to make the team, or to have a positive impact on another person’s life. Whatever it is that you are striving for, you will have days when you feel like throwing in the towel.

I have learned from experience that the closer you are to finally obtaining your goal, the more obstacles seem to get in the way. You may not know this, but Satan wants nothing more that to see the children of God give up their fight. He wants us to give up when the going gets tough. He thinks and hopes that by throwing challenges in our way, he will be able to throw us off course. He also wants to keep us from serving God when things don’t go as we had hoped or planned.

An example of this comes from the Old Testament when God’s chosen people, Israel, were wandering in the desert looking for the land God had promised them. God had already sent Moses to rescue them from slavery in Egypt. They had seen all of the plagues that God had sent on Egypt and Pharaoh in order to make the Pharaoh release them. They had even watched as God parted the waters of the Red Sea for them to flee Egypt safely. After they were finally free, they were led into the desert. There was no food for them to eat, but instead of having faith that God would provide for them as He had so many times before, they began to doubt God’s faithfulness. Once again God showed them His favor and provided “manna from heaven” and quail for them to eat each day. He also provided drinking water for them so they would not die in the desert.

Even after all of God’s miracles, these people still lost their faith each time something didn’t go the way they thought it should. After many years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites made it to the Promised Land. The reason for the long wait: they allowed Satan and their own rebelliousness to throw them off course in their walk with God. They allowed stumbling blocks to keep them from receiving what God wanted them to have earlier.

Are we like the Israelites? Although we know that God has never let us down, do we still doubt Him? I must admit that I catch myself doing this from time to time. I forget about all of His blessings and start grumbling in my mind about things that I want. I get upset with God’s timing and question His reasons. We must all learn to fight this temptation when we face it. We must pray and ask God to help us look ahead with eyes of faith, with the knowledge that He will continue to be with us every day as we strive to live for Him. Put those negative thoughts behind you and press on!

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, I ask that you give me strength to keep going when I am weary and feel like giving up. Remind me that You will never give up on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Wise Up, by Rebecca Powell

Life Style: Radical Perspectives from Radical Women in the Bible, by Whitney Prosperi

Think About It:

How often do I feel like God has forgotten about me?

Do I allow struggles and hardships to throw me off course in life?

Live It:

Read Exodus 15:22-17:16. Ask God to make your faith strong when doubts arise about His reasons for things that occur in your life.

Write down your goals. Write down goals for school, friendship, family, and ministry. Keep track of how you are doing with these goals.

Power Verses:

Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Autumn Sisk. All rights reserved.

"Who's Got Your Back?"

By: Bradelyn Levi

1 Samuel 14:7, “‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armor-bearer said, ‘Go ahead, I am with you heart and soul.’” (NIV)

We have all experienced the pain of having a friend hurt our feelings, turn their back on us, or say something that broke our hearts. It is a terrible feeling that I would not wish on anyone because often times it hurts more than we would like to admit.

When I was in high school, people used to say things that really upset me and hurt my feelings. The hardest part was that they were people I thought were my friends. There were many times that I would go home upset from what someone had said about me, but there was always one person I could count on to have my back. She was my best friend; we did everything together and I mean everything. I knew that no matter what happened she would be there. She was my “armor-bearer.” She was the one that would encourage me to chase my dreams and would go with me, if she could. Friends like this are one of God’s greatest blessings.

It can be so hard to have strong, true friendships in high school, especially when you begin to live out your faith and follow God. Often when that happens, people who you thought were your friends may fade into the background and sometimes you discover they were never really your friends to begin with. In these hard moments, it is important to surround yourself with people who are with you “heart and soul.” These are the people who build you up instead of tearing you down, the ones who tell you to go for your dreams and not look back.

The people who are with us no matter what happens, who we turn to when the going gets tough, who pray with us, challenge and encourage us to follow the dreams that God has for us are our true friends. These are the people whom God wants us to surround ourselves with and share our lives with.

Who has your back?

Are you surrounding yourself with people who encourage you or people who tear you down? Who do you turn to when you are having a rough day? Who encourages you to keep going when things get hard? Who are the people that you know love you and only want the best for you?

We do not just need good friends, but we also need to be a good friend. It is important as a young woman of God to be the friend that is encouraging, loving, supportive and trustworthy to our friends. This can be as simple as not allowing someone to gossip to you or spread rumors about a friend. Be honest with your friends, encourage them and challenge them to grow in their relationship with Christ. Sometimes being a friend is hard work. It may mean telling someone the truth even if it hurts. However, be the type of friend that you want to have, even when it is hard! Being and having this type of friend is definitely worth it!

My Prayer for Today:

Father God, thank You that You are first and foremost the best friend we could ever have. I pray that You would give me the strength and courage to be a good friend to those around me. Guide and help me as I build strong friendships with the people around me and help me to be the type of friend that I want to have. Allow me to shine your light and love to my friends and the people that You place in my path. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Every Teen Girl’s Little Pink Book on Girlfriends, by Cathy Bartel

Think About It:

Am I surrounding myself with good friends that look out for me and encourage me?

What can I do to be a better friend to the people in my life?

Do I encourage my friends to have a deeper relationship with Christ?

Live It:

Don’t talk bad about your friends or the people around you.

Pray for strong friends and pray for your existing friendships to be strengthened.

Be a listening ear for a friend in need.

Power Verses:

John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (NIV)

Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Bradelyn Levi. All rights reserved.

* Totally Totes *

Okay, so we all have to carry our stuff around somehow, right? At school, you probably use a book bag. When you’re going out with your friends or family, you probably just take your purse. What do you do, though, when you have too much stuff to carry with you to fit it all in your purse but you don’t want to take your book bag? The answer: get a cute tote bag to match your beautiful self!

Here are a few sites to check out for some stylish tote bags:
www.christianbook.com
www.c28.com
www.christiangear.com

They’ve got just about any style you would like, whether it be…

• Sweet and sophisticated
• Casual and cute
• Fun and silly OR
• Grunge

You can also choose your bag based on the message displayed on the bag. The ones below have different messages and Bible verses, such as: “Store your treasures in heaven” and “Let go.”

Or if you want to be really creative, you can design your own tote bag. Simply buy a plain canvas tote bag at a craft store like Michaels or A.C. Moore and get some canvas-safe markers or fabric paint or iron on letters and designs. Michaels.com has some neat decorating ideas for your tote bag, AND it tells you the materials you need in order to create your bag.

What are you waiting for? Go get that bag!

~Your Rad Rev Fashion Team