"Set the Example!"

By: Mary Geer

1 Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV)

I have a very hard time with being disrespected. In fact it makes me angry. I’ve had toddlers hit me when I was trying to care for them and older people yell at me on the phone because they felt they were “allowed.” The truth is that neither is acceptable behavior.

I have also experienced what it’s like to be respected. When I was 19 years old, I spent 81 days in the hospital due to a brain stem injury from a car accident.. The doctor came in to change my feeding tube but before he started, he asked me some questions. I was very impressed with him because though my speech was very poor at the time and I had to speak extremely slowly, he took the time to listen to what I had to say. I felt heard and respected by him.

How about you? Have you ever been disrespected? Maybe someone felt you were too “young” or inexperienced and therefore didn’t pay any attention to what you had to say or kept you from doing something you were capable of doing. What is it like for you to feel disrespected? For me, it is frustrating and hurtful. I feel like the other person does not consider that my opinion or who I am is important.

What about when someone shows you respect? How is it different? Maybe someone asks your opinion on an issue and this person is genuinely interested in what you think. Or perhaps someone shows you he trusts you enough to let you complete an important project for him.

The difference between the two is extreme, isn’t it?

Have you ever thought that showing respect is a way to be an example to others? God’s Word says not to let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for other believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. That’s a lot of example-setting! It means not just respecting others, but also speaking kind and truthful words and living love, faith, and purity through your actions.

When we strive to be our absolute best for God, we set an example for others of how to live an honorable life for Christ and that is respect-worthy! People will look up to you, no matter what your age, when you set a godly example.

You can do it! Set the example and set it high!

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to be an example to everyone I come into contact with, that they may see You in me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Being a Girl Who Leads: Becoming a Leader by Following Christ by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio

Think About It:

How has respect been shown to you?

How do you show respect to others?

Live It:

Evaluate yourself in the following areas using a scale of 1 to 10 in which
1 = Not so hot and 10 = Doing really well at this

How well are you setting an example in…
…What You Say?
…The Way You Live?
…Love?
…Faith?
…Purity?

Choose one area you want to improve. Write down things you can do to improve it…and do them!

Tell Us About It:

How are you learning to be a leader in your family, among your friends, at school or at church?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 11:16, “A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.” (NIV)

Romans 13:7, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Mary Geer. All rights reserved.

* Virtual Makeover *

Have you ever had a virtual makeover? If not, there’s no time like the present. If you’re looking for a new look for summer, this is a great way to try out different hairstyles and makeup colors without the expense of having to buy products or getting your hair cut and colored at the salon.

Mary Kay has a great, free virtual makeover tool to use: http://www.marykay.com/whatsnew/virtualmakeover/default.aspx

If you’re over 13, you can upload a photo of yourself and try out all kinds of new looks.

Here are some helpful tips for taking a photo to upload:

-Pull your hair back tight against head
-Take off all jewelry and other accessories
-Stand against an off-white or white background
-Face the camera straight ahead
-Take a close-up head shot


If you’re not over 13 yet, Mary Kay has pictures of models you can choose from to make over. Choose one that has a similar skin tone and hair color to you.


Once you’re finished doing your makeover, you can email it or print it to share with family and friends, or your hair dresser.


Have fun making yourself over! And remember: It’s always fun trying out new looks, but also know that you are beautiful just the way you are!


~Your Radical Revolution Team

"Wise Foolishness"

By: Autumn Sisk

1 Corinthians 2:14, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (NIV)

It is great to keep up with the news and to be educated. The world tells us that we will gain wisdom by reading all sorts of magazines, newspapers, and every best-selling book. But we must not forget that we also need to feed our minds the words of God too.

Why is it that people believe everything they read in a magazine or book, yet they won’t give the truth in God’s Holy Word a second thought?

When I was reading today’s verse, I found a paraphrased version of it in a book my Granny gave me. It read, “But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these things from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him, because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.” This hit me like a ton of bricks! This statement is so very true and I see it every day. It seems that the more knowledgeable a person is as far as the world is concerned, the more ignorant that person becomes to God’s truth. This is not always the case, but we often think that by being open minded about worldly things, we become wiser.

The funny thing is that, since the beginning of time, our God has chosen to use young, less educated, weak people to carry out His works. People who seemed insignificant were the ones that God chose to use. One of my favorite examples of this is found in the book of Samuel. A 16-year-old shepherd boy named David refused to allow a giant to curse his God, and stood up against him when none of the strong, well-trained soldiers in the army would do it. Everyone thought he was insane until he walked out and took out the giant with one blow. After that, it didn’t matter what David knew or how young he was, others respected him for his faith. He became the great King David, and went down in history because of his faith in God.

God doesn’t judge us based on our earthly knowledge or status. He obviously doesn’t want us to live under a rock with no knowledge of what is going on the in the world, but He doesn’t want us to allow earthly things to keep us from following Him. He wants us to give Him our heart, and He wants us to spend time studying His Word.

The knowledge we can gain from spending time reading the Bible will give us true wisdom. When we study God’s Word, we are able to hear His voice and understand His ways. If we become obsessed with worldly knowledge rather than God’s Word, we will lose our ability to hear the voice of God in our lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of Your Spirit in my heart to help me see the truth. I pray for those around me who do not know You, and don’t understand Your love and Your grace. Help me to spend more time studying Your Word so that I may gain more wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

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

Teen People of the Bible by Daniel Darling

Think About It:

Do I feel pressure from those around me to deny my faith and follow the world’s belief system?

Do I spend time reading God’s Word each day?

Live It:

Pray and ask God to reveal His truth in your daily life.

Begin reading your Bible each day. If there are parts you don’t understand, ask God for His guidance, as well as seeking the guidance of an older Christian mentor.

Tell Us About It:

What do you do to keep focused on the Bible?

Power Verses:

James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:26-27, “Brothers think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things in the world to shame the strong.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Autumn Sisk. All rights reserved.

"Family Ties"

By: Katie Rath

Matthew 1:1 says: “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, descendant of Abraham.” (NIV)

Have you ever met people and after telling them your name, they say, “Oh! You’re so-and-so’s daughter!” or “I know your sister!” – they automatically connect you with someone in your family? That can be frustrating, especially if it’s a teacher who didn’t like your sibling and now your reputation is connected to his or hers. We often do not like being known by someone else’s name.

The Gospel of Matthew begins by going through all of Jesus’ ancestors. This genealogy, this long list of the people Jesus was related to, some of which are unfamiliar. So why is it there? Why a long list of names, “so-and-so was the father of so-and-so”?

Throughout Scripture, people are referred to as the sons or daughters of a person, and each time, it’s because the relative’s reputation is important. In biblical times, being called the son of someone was an honor and gave you all the benefits of being a part of that family. Being called the son or daughter of someone also gave everyone an indication of what you would be like.

The genealogy of Jesus does all of these things for Him, as the author of the Gospel of Matthew prepares to tell us about Jesus’ life story and ministry. Though God was Jesus’ Father, the author lays out the human line from which Jesus descended. That line included people from Jewish history that were incredibly important and had huge reputations, men such as Abraham and David, and women such as Tamar and Rahab. In listing these names, Jesus is being shown to come from an honorable family, a family of kings, because Jesus is the King of Kings.

Elsewhere, Jesus is referred to as “the son of” or by another connection to His descendants. Each time, the author reminds us of Jesus’ connection to real people, even though He is the Son of God. In mentioning those real people, Jesus becomes associated with highly respected Jewish men and women. Before Jesus became well-known as a miracle worker or a prophet, those family associations told people He could be trusted.

It’s not always easy being associated with someone else, but the next time you’re frustrated because your teacher keeps calling you by your older sister’s name, remember that God put you in your family for a reason, and being associated with your siblings, parents, or grandparents can be one of the biggest compliments you’ll ever receive.

Also, not only are you a part of an earthly family, but you are also part of a heavenly one. Every time someone calls you a Christian, they are saying that you are related to Christ. And you are! Being connected to Jesus is an honor, and definitely sets a reputation up for you. Isn’t it cool to be a member of the family of God?!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You have called us Your children. Thank You so much for taking us into Your family, and for letting us be called by Your name. Every time someone calls us a Christian, help us remember that they are saying we are related to You. Help us to live in such a way that we honor our family name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Wisdom on Getting Along with Parents by Mark Matlock

Teen Devotional Bible

Think About It:

If Jesus were sitting with my family tonight at dinner, what would he say about my family and how we treat each other?

Am I living up to the name of God?

Live It:

Read through Matthew 1:1-17, which is the full genealogy of Jesus. Are there are any names you don’t recognize? Look them up to find out more about Jesus’ earthly family.

Tell Us About It:

What is one thing you love about your family that makes you proud to call them your family?

What do you think about being a member of God’s family?

Power Verses:

Ephesians 3:14-15, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” (NIV)

Galatians 4:7, “Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.” (The Message)

© 2009 by Katie Rath. All rights reserved.

* Fast Fixes for Summer Beauty *

Summer is just around the corner and school is almost out! It’s time to prepare for some summer fun! This week I bring you some fast fixes for your beauty routine that will have you dancing all the way to the pool!

Rough Heels: Seek out a 100-grit emery board and start filing those cracked heels. This is an inexpensive way to work down to some smooth skin. You might have to find this emery board at a local beauty supply store if your regular drug or discount store doesn’t have one. Another way to cut down on your rough feet is to hit your very own kitchen! Find a piece of citrus fruit and cut it in half. Rub it over your rough spots and the acid from the fruit helps to buff away the dead skin. Make sure to follow both procedures with a good body lotion. Another good product to try is the Ped Egg found in stores like Rite-Aid and Walgreens.

Hair Removal: Want an easy way to get rid of unwanted hair? Try Sally Hansen’s Sensitive Skin Spray-On Shower Off Hair Remover. All you do is spray it on before you step into the shower then buff it away with your washcloth. Make sure you leave it on for at least 3 minutes. This spritz will cost you about 8 bucks!

Long Lasting Mani and Pedi: I was recently in Alabama speaking for an event when I had a little time between sessions so I popped on over to the local drug store. I was shocked and surprised to see a name brand nail polish in there called Borghese. Oh my goodness, it is so good! They used to only sell this brand in big department stores for about $20 a bottle, but I found it in the drug store for less than $10. It is the best nail polish ever!

Beautiful Blessings sweet girls!

Shari Braendel

www.fashionmeetsfaith.com

"Enduring Hope"

By: Kristen Sigmon


Romans 5:3-5, “…We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (NIV)

What do you do when life gets you down? Something doesn’t go the way you expected it to, and often it seems like more disappointments follow. You bomb your math exam, you have a big fight with your best friend, you find out the guy you like likes someone else. Or maybe something more serious happens, like your grandmother facing a life-threatening illness or hearing your parents argue and fight day after day.


Whatever happens in our lives, we choose how we respond to it. Chuck Colson says, “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” That goes for all of us. Essentially, we have two choices of how to respond to life, either as a victim or as a victor.


“Victims” tend to have a pessimistic perspective, getting mad at others or God for their life circumstances or having a “pity party.” They tend to ask God why He let those things happen to them, and they believe that they can do nothing so they wallow in their pain and their bad attitude.


The other option is to be a victor. “Victors” express the emotions they feel about their life circumstances, but rather than getting stuck in their pain and in anger, they ask God what He wants to show them through their circumstances. They have an attitude of thankfulness. They have hope even when their situation seems hopeless. Victors find strength and power in the Lord and choose to overcome difficult circumstances rather than be overcome by them. They have victory because of God.


Life is tough, but the good news is that God is always with us. For those of us who have a personal relationship with God, the best is yet to come. We know this life is not all there is, and one day we will experience eternal life in heaven with God. This is the hope to which we hold, the hope which enables us to have the attitude of a victor!


Prayer:


Dear God, Thank You that You are always with me no matter what I face. Help me to be a victor rather than a victim. Show me the hope I have in You when I difficult circumstances happen in my life. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Related Resources:

Get to Know Jesus!


Faith: God Can Work It Out, by Stephanie Perry Moore


Live It:


Listen to Natalie Grant’s song “Our Hope Endures.” (Click Here.)


Search your Bible for verses on hope and endurance. Write down one or two that you can come back to in hard times.

(If you do not have a Bible, read the Bible online at www.biblegateway.com.)


Tell Us About It:


What challenging situations have you faced recently, and how has God helped you through them?


What is a Bible verse that is meaningful to you when you face hard times?


Power Verses:


John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)


Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Kristen Sigmon. All rights reserved.

"A Friend in Jesus"

By: Elizabeth R. Williams

Hebrews 13:5-6, "…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (NIV)

Have you ever felt alone in your faith? Sometimes it can be hard to be a Christian in today’s world, and we often feel alone. I remember the summer I became a Christian and finally started getting excited about my faith, I came back to school to find some people I thought were my friends who didn’t want to hang out with me because I was “the Christian girl.”

There were nights I would cry myself to sleep because I felt so lonely, but the truth was, I was never alone. I had a friend in Jesus who was there to comfort me, strengthen me, and assure me that I was loved. Today’s verse reminds us that no matter how alone we may feel, He will NEVER leave us. No, not ever! Even though I felt alone, Jesus was always there.

I began reading through the Psalms a lot and writing prayers about how I was feeling. I told God that I felt alone and I needed Him, and I found so much comfort in His Word. There was one night when I prayed, “Jesus, I know that following You is worth it, but I feel so alone. I pray that You will bring me Christian friends.”

For those of you who can relate to this loneliness, have you ever asked God for Christian friends? I didn’t just want girls that I could sit with in church, I wanted girls that knew the real me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and held me accountable.

Praise the Lord that my season of earthly loneliness did not last forever! Soon after that, I began a Bible study with some girls who were excited about their faith and wanted to go deeper in their faith. Their prayers and support carried me through some very difficult and lonely times over the years. Nearly ten years later, these three girls remain some of my oldest and dearest friends.

Even though that season was difficult, and there were days when I wanted to give up on my faith, Jesus never left my side. He was a constant comfort and support. As hard as it was, looking back, I’m grateful for that season because it taught me that no matter what, Jesus will always be my best friend. There’s an old hymn called “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that says,

“What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!”

No matter how lonely you may feel, I pray that you will know how loved and cherished you are in the eyes of the Lord, and fully believe that you have a faithful, loving friend in Jesus!

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that I am never alone. Thank You that You will never leave me and I will always have a friend in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources:

A Young Woman’s Walk With God, by Elizabeth George

Holding His Hand: A Devotional for Teen Girls, by Beka Dewitt

Live It:

Pray and ask God to bring you Christian friends that will encourage you in your faith.

Do you already know some Christian girls? Gather these girls together and start a “Gather & Grow” group with RadRevolution and encourage each other in your faith! Click here for more information.

Tell Us About It:

Do you ever feel alone in your faith?

How has Jesus been a faithful friend to you?


Power Verses:


Psalm 68:6, “God sets the lonely in families…” (NIV)


Psalm 145:18-20, “God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love him…” (The Message)

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

RadRevolution Gather & Grow Groups

A New and Exciting Opportunity!!!

Matthew 18:20, “For wherever two or more are gathered

(drawn together as My followers) in My name,

there I AM in the midst of them.” (AMP)

What is Gather & Grow?

Gather & Grow groups are membership-based groups that meet locally on a regular basis all over the country. Members will use spiritually encouraging materials from the Proverbs 31 Ministries Resource Center. These materials are designed to lead discussions that will offer godly perspectives to the issues facing today’s teens.

Why Gather & Grow?

The purpose of Gather & Grow groups is to gather together and grow in one with the Lord. Groups can meet anywhere, anytime, and as often as they would like.

How much does it cost?

The $15.00 annual membership fee includes:

· A book of your choosing from our NG Resources (up to $11.99)
· Access to the members-only RadRevolution G&G blog
· 10% discount on all resources

How do I start a Gather & Grow Group?

Talk to other girls you know who are interested in being in a small group.

Find an adult leader/mentor. Groups may be led by a teen however, they must have an adult advisor.

Contact Lynn@proverbs31.org for a registration form and for more information.

Proverbs 31 Ministries recommends using G&G groups as an enhancement to church youth ministry.

* Smile! *

A smile is a seemingly simple thing. But it’s not. A single smile can brighten someone’s day. Isn’t that our job as Christians: bringing joy into people’s lives? Yes! After all, everyone knows that a clean smile is the ultimate fashion accessory.

But when you have braces, cleaning your teeth gets a lot harder. As if the temporary discomfort of braces isn’t enough, food gets stuck in braces and doesn’t want to come out (which can be especially embarrassing if you’ve been eating greens).


There are many different ways to keep your braces clean; below are a couple tips:



Do:

• Brush your teeth. You may be dragging from your exhausting day, but you should at least brush your teeth twice a day.


• Brush over each tooth in a circular pattern.


• Make sure your toothbrush reaches under the braces’ wires to dislodge any food underneath.


• Rinse. You can buy all sorts of special antibacterial mouth washes. It’s best to rinse your mouth with a mouth wash after brushing your teeth.


• Okay – what happens when you’re eating out? Good question. First: select your meal carefully. Instead of choosing the extra-sticky cheesy item, maybe you could select soup. Second: take advantage of any toothpicks provided. (Preferably in the bathroom so you don’t gross out your family!) Third: Rinse out your mouth with water in the bathroom. Fourth: Relax. When you’re eating out, you’re meant to enjoy yourself – please do!


• Waterpik. This device is a godsend to me. It is a somewhat-cylindrically shaped device with a spout at the top. Once you fill the back with water and press the on button, water shoots out and cleans your teeth. The Waterpik was designed to keep your gums clean, but it does wonders for removing food from braces!


• Don’t forget to check your smile before any event, whether you’re meeting the president or simply heading for church.
  

Don’t:

• Eat messy, sticky food.


• Gum is an orthodontist’s nightmare! (You can imagine why!) If you absolutely must chew gum . . . you should know that sugar free gum doesn’t stick to braces, although it just might get stuck under them!


• Neglect cleaning your teeth. If your family is complaining that you’ve got bad breath, you probably need to work a little harder to clean your teeth!
  

If you’ve got braces, I hope this list of Do’s and Don’ts has helped you. The Bible says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Who’s your neighbor? Everyone you meet! And what better way to love your neighbor than to brighten their day with your beautiful, clean smile?




~Esther Grace

~~~

Esther Grace's Bio

Esther Grace is a godly teenager just like you. She loves singing in choir. Arguing in Debate Club. Helping the church any possible way. Knitting teddies. Listening to music. Reading. Encouraging friends. Tickling the ivories (i.e. playing the piano).

Most importantly, Esther longs for a radical revolution to sweep through today’s world. But that’s not going to happen on its own. So she is resolved to stand firm amidst the storm; to speak the truth no matter what; to live for Christ.

Devotion Writing Contest!

Do You Like to Write?

Do you want to influence others for God?

Proverbs 31 Ministries is offering a number of

Full Scholarships

to our


She Speaks Conference ~ Next Generation Track


for young women ages 12 to 17 who

Submit Winning Devotions

similar to those you have seen on this site.

For contest application and rules or for more information,

contact Kristen@proverbs31.org.


Enter the contest today!!

Contest ends Friday, June 5, 2009.


~~~~

Conference Information:

She Speaks Conference: The Next Generation Track

Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Annual Speakers’ and Writers’ Conference

for young women 12 to 17 years old

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 http://www.shespeaksconference.com/ or call 877-P31-HOME.

~~~~

She Speaks 2009

DON’T MISS IT!

Tell Us About It!!

Hello ladies,


We want to hear from you!!


We hope you are encouraged through the devotions and articles you’ll find on this site. We also want this to be a place where you can encourage each other by sharing your thoughts and what God is doing in your life.


So…We would LOVE to hear more from you. When you read a devo or article that speaks to you, tell us what you think!


With this in mind, we’re adding a new section to our devos called “Tell Us About It.”


See today’s devotion below…and leave a comment!

"Rejoice and Mourn"

By: Angela Parsley

Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.” (NIV)

How easy it is to rejoice with someone who is going through a good thing, like if someone receives a special reward, receives Christ as his or her Savior, or gets baptized. These are pretty easy things to rejoice about. Mourning with someone who has lost a loved one or has been hurt in some way is not that hard either. But what if someone falls into making some bad choices or decisions? How do you respond then? Do you ostracize that person? Do you point fingers and talk? If a person falls we should mourn and pray for them. We should love them still and help them back to the path that leads to life.

The Bible says that we [all believers] are one body, the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us when one part of it suffers all the rest of it does; we are all one in Him. We are not lone rangers. We are to love one another deeply and pray for one another as explained in 1 Peter 4:8. We are also told to encourage one another daily, as explained in Hebrews 3:13. Are you doing that in your walk?

I was a believer in my late teenage years but I got caught up with some bad friends. I was not at all a reflection of Christ or a good example. Instead I followed their ways. If someone was not there to love me out of it I probably would have kept going the wrong way, causing me to miss the life Christ had in store for me. Because of my experience I have learned to help others in need instead of condemning them. You never know what a difference you could make in someone else’s life.

The Bible also tells us that Jesus was full of grace and truth in John 1:14. Are you living in grace and truth? It is a fine balance. Dear precious one, this is my prayer for you that you will be a young woman full of grace and truth. May we be a bright example of Christ to this dying world.

Prayer:

Father, I love You so much. Thank You for saving me. Help me to be an encourager to others in need. Help me to rejoice with others and mourn with others. Help me be a healthy part of the body of Christ. Lead me to the people You want me to influence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Teen People of the Bible, by Daniel Darling

The One Year Devos for Teens, by Susie Shellenberger

Live It:

Start by prayer walking your school. Ask God to point others out to you the He would like you to influence.

God has great plans in store for your life. The best time to start serving Him is now. Come up with a project that could be done to help celebrate someone’s accomplishments or bake a cake or meal for someone who is mourning.

Start a group of encouragers whose purpose is to just say kind things to others in the hallways. See what happens.

Tell Us About It:

Who is in your circle of influence that you could sway toward Christ?

Do you truly mourn with others who have fallen into the traps of the enemy?


Power Verses:

1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (NIV)

Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Angela Parsley. All rights reserved.

"Name That Tune"

By: Lynn Cowell

Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (NKJV)

My kids love to show me crazy You Tube videos. One of their favorites this past Christmas was of a guy singing "Oh Holy Night." It made me sad to hear them laughing so hard at this beautiful song that was being destroyed, but at the same time I couldn't help but think, "Surely this guy knows how off tune he is!" Apparently not.

Last week, my 17-year old son was jamming on his guitar. He stopped, looked at me funny, messed around with his strings and played again. "That is so weird" was his comment. "I could have sworn I was playing that cord right. It sounded pretty good, but as soon as I tuned one of the strings I discovered the whole cord really was off."

Sounds a lot like life. Things may look right; maybe even sound pretty good. But if we take the time to tune it up, using God’s Word as our tuner, we often find that we are in fact off a bit.

The Bible tells us His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Not the advice of a good friend or family member, not the info on someone’s Facebook, not the current issue of your favorite magazine. His Word is the true pitch that we need to tune our lives to.

Prayer:

Lord, I have to admit most times when I try to figure out what is right and what isn’t, I tend to look to every place but You. Please help me learn to come to You and seek out what You have said in Your Word as my first source and not as a last resort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lynn’s blog: www.HeIsCrazy4U.blogspot.com

Biblezine 2009: The Complete New Testament for Girls (Ages 13-19)

Think About It:

When you have a quick decision to make, what is the first source you go to for help?

When was the last time you gave your life an overview, took a look at the way you spend your time, the words you use, and the friends you have? Take a few minutes to ask the Lord in which areas you need a tune-up.

Live It:

Ask a close friend who loves Jesus or one of your parents if they see any area of your life that needs tuning. If they have one, ask them to pray for you as you pursue Jesus in this area.

Find a Bible verse or two that you can learn to help you keep a troubled area of your life in tune.

Power Verses:

Proverbs 2:3-5, “and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Recipe: Cream Puff Delight

Ingredients:

1 Box Cream Puffs (from the freezer section of the grocery store)
1 Tub Prepared Frosting (see Variations below)
Toppings (see Variations below)

What to do:

Arrange frozen cream puffs in a footed dish or in a shallow serving bowl (no need to thaw first since they thaw really quickly and will be ready by the time you are finished making this dessert).

Spoon about 1/3 of a cup of the frosting into a microwavable dish and microwave on high for about 10 seconds or until the frosting is a glaze consistency (so it drizzles). Drizzle the glaze over the cream puffs.

Arrange toppings on and around glazed cream puffs.

Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve (up to 3 hours).

If you have any leftovers (not likely), store covered in the refrigerator.

Variations:

Lemon Berry

Frosting: Lemon
Toppings: Fresh raspberries or blueberries or both

Chocolate or Vanilla Berry

Frosting: Vanilla or Chocolate
Toppings: Fresh berries (I like to combine strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.)

Maple Pecan (Great in the Fall)

*Pictured Above

Frosting: Cream Cheese (with ½ teaspoon maple extract stirred in)
Topping: Chopped Pecan Pie Glazed Pecans (Green package in the nut section of the grocery store.)

Candy Cane (Unique Christmas Dessert)

Frosting: Chocolate
Topping: Crushed candy canes

* Maxi Dresses for Maximum Impact *

Are you looking for a super cute way to look fashionable this summer? Maxi dresses are this season’s answer to looking pretty and trendy at the same time!

These dresses are all the rage! No matter where you go, you will see these brightly patterned dresses displayed. Whether you are at the mall, in a department store, or flipping through a fashion magazine, these long flowy dresses are on every mannequin, model, and teenage fashionista.

Where should you go? Because these dresses can be very expensive, do your homework. Look around at the mall at the variety of styles and then head to stores like Target, Walmart, or Forever 21 to find ones that will be very similar but a lot less money. Keep in mind these dresses are a trend item, meaning they most likely won’t be in style next summer, so you don’t want to spend your entire allowance on one. Instead, buy one or two that do not cost as much and then you can wear them more often without feeling like you’re wearing the same one all the time.

A warning, though: be careful of the low cut necklines on most of these dresses. Look for a dress that is cut a little bit higher on the chest or add a cute sweater or wrap with it.

Look for prints that flatter your figure! Remember, bigger girls, wear mid-size to larger prints; smaller girls, go for petite prints. Find colors that look great on you and don’t settle for a color that doesn’t. Keep looking until you do!

Next, add a bold necklace and some colorful bangles with your maxi. Hoop earrings look terrific with these dresses so make sure you don’t head out accessory-less!

Finally, add a colorful wedge sandal to complete your look. You can try an espadrille (a wedge that has a tie that wraps around your ankle) or a metallic slip on wedge, one with a funky heel.

Make sure you wear the proper undergarments with these dresses, though. You may have to don a strapless bra or even wear a slip so we don’t see through! You might even try a pair of bike shorts underneath that are skin color (you can get these in the underwear department) to conceal what needs concealing.

Girls, have fun with these dresses! Wear your hair straight back with a head band or go curly. Whatever your style, you will find a maxi dress to suit you!

Beautiful Blessings,
Shari

www.fashionmeetsfaith.com

Honoring Your Mom This Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, May 10. Have you figured out what you’re going to do for your mom this Mother’s Day? If you need some ideas, this article is for you!

There are tons of ways to honor your mom or a special woman who’s like a mom to you, and show her how much you love her. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be a simple card with just a few sentences that tell her what you love and appreciate about her. Or it can be something that takes more planning and thought, like a day of serving her or a hand-made poem or painting.

We asked a few moms what they would love to receive for Mother’s Day and here’s what they said:

…SPENDING TIME TOGETHER

“The best gift I could receive for Mother’s Day is spending time with my children.” – Karen

“Just being together. The little notes they write me. The songs they have sung. Meals that they prepare (tasty or not).” – Tammy

“If my older daughter would offer to spend one day with me shopping, going to lunch, and just hanging out.” – Wendy

“A mother/daughter weekend – sometimes just committing to spending time together can mean more than a gift from a store.” – Tracie


…ENCOURAGING WORDS

“Put a poem together [for me].” – Laurie

“I love the hand-made cards. It means a lot to me that my children take time to draw a picture and the thoughts they share are always so meaningful…I also appreciate the ones they buy. It seems they find the perfect card and it means a lot to me that they take time to do that.” – Karen

“Get a pretty vase or jar that has an opening that can be reached into. Gather scissors and some paper - plain white or pastel-colored would be nice. [Copy and paste] from your computer, or [handwrite] 365 short thoughts or quotes to go into the jar. Write one encouraging thought for each day of the year to place inside. Consider doing a mixture of computer printed and hand-written sayings. Include Bible verses, favorite quotes, inspirational sayings, expressions of personal gratitude, and precious memories…Once you've got all the sayings ready, print and cut each quote into its own individual rectangle. Fold once in half, place in the jar, and continue until you have a full year of sayings that will say to her, ‘I love you, mom!’" – Rachel


…SERVING

“A meal that I don't have to cook.” – Laurie

“A card filled with hand-made coupons...’will empty dishwasher without complaining,’ ‘one free car wash,’ ‘I will babysit for my brother one night while you and dad go out,’ etc.” – Wendy

“A homemade ‘gift certificate’ for something special [you will] do…[like] clean the house” – Renee

“Letting me serve her during this independent season of her life.” – Lissa


…GIFTS

“A basket from Bath and Body Works with lotion, bubble bath, etc.” – Wendy

“Pictures of their fondest memories and a little note under the picture, explaining why they love these moments.” – Tammy

“A gift basket full of items you know she is interested in: like a spa basket; or a basket with coffee cups with Bible verses, flavored coffees or teas; a basket of scented candles and bath salts; or a basket of gardening tools.” – Renee

“A mini scrapbook or photo book.” – LeAnn


…AND OF COURSE…A great big hug!


We would love to hear your ideas!! What are you going to do for your mom or the woman who is like a mom to you this Mother’s Day??

Have a great time celebrating your mom!!

~ Your Radical Revolution Team


**If you would like to treat your mom (or that special woman who’s like a mom to you) to a YUMMY and tasty treat, come back on Thursday. We’ll be posting an awesome and VERY easy recipe!!**

"Precious Pearls"

By: Emily Watkins

1 John 3:3, “All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own” (MSG).

Today, purity comes with a price. I remember when I was in public school, my friends did not always approve when I refused to gossip or watch R-rated movies with them. My parents were missionaries to Poland and, as almost the only Christian in my school, it was hard at times to “fit in.” However, after a while I grew accustomed to standing out in the crowd. I learned it wasn't me that they were rejecting, but Christ in me.

Purity is not some cheap gadget you can buy at Wal-Mart, but a priceless pearl that only few search for and even fewer find. Why? Because Jesus gave His life for it. The pure Lamb of God took upon Himself our filthy sin, so that the Father could clothe us in white robes of righteousness. Do you know that warm, pleasant tingling you get after you take a nice long shower? It is the natural feeling of cleanliness. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, then God has done the same thing to your soul. You are no longer the “blemished bride” we read about in the Old Testament, but the beautiful daughter of the King of Kings.

Listen to this story. Along the shores of Australia, there once was a pearl seeker. Each day he would go out with his son on his boat to search for pearls. One day while he was out at sea, he saw a faint glimmer on the surface of the water. He knew what this meant - somewhere deep beneath the coral reef there was a pearl.

“Let me fetch it for you, Father,” his son suggested and quickly plunged overboard. After a while, when his son did not appear, the pearl seeker became worried and dove underneath the water to find him. He found his son trapped a few feet from the boat, his foot hopelessly caught in some coral reef. Try as he might, he could not get his son's foot loose. In his last moments, the son handed the pearl to his father. The pearl seeker took the round, smooth pearl from his son's hands, the pearl that his son had given his life for, and swam to safety. He could not save his son. Now, the pearl was his only memory of him. The pearl seeker never sold the pearl. It was precious to him, because he had paid the highest price for it.

As you might have guessed, the pearl seeker represents God, and His son is Jesus. We are the shining precious pearls in the Father's hands for whom Jesus paid the highest price. His sacrifice is the greatest expression of love in the universe, and that is why purity comes at such a great cost (John 15:13). Though by grace we can approach Christ, only those who take up their cross and follow Him are called His disciples (Mark 8:34). Sometimes a life of purity is a life of sacrifice and pain, but, thankfully, it doesn't end there! God promises to give life, joy, peace, and much more to His children! The Lord knows that true happiness can only be found in Him, and that's why he calls us to purity. For only those who walk in purity shall see God (Matthew 5:8). So let's run to Him with arms wide open with the seal of purity on our hearts!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You so much that I am a precious pearl in Your hand, and that You sacrificed Your only Son for me. I ask that You would give me strength and wisdom, and that I might remain pure and holy amidst this sinful world. May I be pure in heart, thought, speech, and action. Thank You that You promise to reward those who follow You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-apart Young Woman, by Leslie Ludy

Holding His Hand: A devotional for teen girls, by Beka Dewitt

Think About It:

What does the story about the pearl seeker tell you about your worth?

Who are some people in your life that you can look up to as role models of purity and holiness?

Live It:

Look in a Concordance and find all the verses in the Bible that speak about purity (you might have one in the back of your Bible or you can do a search on a website like

http://www.biblegateway.com/). What instructions does God give us about living a pure life? Think about some people in the Bible who are role models of purity.

Power Verses:

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (NIV)

James 1:21, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Emily Watkins. All rights reserved.

"Think About These Things"

By: Autumn Sisk

Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (NIV)

Not too long ago I heard a sermon based on this verse. It was AWESOME!!!
I saw this verse in a way I never had before. The pastor described it this way: You and I go through each day, and without realizing it, our actions and attitudes are shaped by our thoughts. If we think about things that are not noble or true or pure, then our actions will be less than noble, true or pure. For example, if I think negative thoughts about the people that I work with, then I will eventually begin to behave negatively toward those people. I may not even realize it, but it’s true! I see it very clearly now.

Think about all of the gossip that goes on at school each day. If you are a girl who allows yourself to listen to and think about the rumors you hear, then you will become a gossip too.

Your mind really has a huge influence over your actions.

Therefore, if we constantly think positive, pure and hopeful things, then we will become the type of person that our Lord Jesus wants us to be. If God’s children are not positive, then we won’t be able to show others the gift of God’s love to us. Jesus said that His followers are “the light of the world,” and that we must share this light and our hope with others because they might find hope in Christ just as we have. If we allow our thoughts and actions to turn nasty, then we are not allowing God’s light to shine through us.

Today I challenge you to write Philippians 4:8 on a note card. Anytime your thoughts turn sour, look to this verse to help you remember what you have been called to do as a follower of Jesus. You see, our enemy, the devil, wants to get into our heads and keep us from doing good and spreading God’s love and hope. Don’t let him win. Fight the good fight and think about these things!!!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me Your Holy Word to help me through life. I commit today to begin thinking about good and pure things. Please help me to do this so I may give glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

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

Wise Up, by Rebecca Ingram Powell

Think About It:

Do I tend to see the bright side of situations or do I immediately see the bad?

Are my friends negative? Do they help me think positive thoughts, or do they influence me to think negatively?

Live It:

Memorize Philippians 4:8 and recite it to yourself when you need a positive lift.

When those around you begin to drag your mind into the gutter, remove yourself from the situation or speak up against it.

Power Verses:

1 Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV)

Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Autumn Sisk. All rights reserved.