Gift for God in 2010

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

This new year, let's put a new spin on the concept of New Year's Resolutions. Rather than making a list for yourself of all the resolutions you have for yourself for 2010, why not instead give a "gift" to God?

Decide on one thing you want to do for God in the new year and write it down and put in a special place.

You may want to write it in your journal where you can easily turn back to it, or you may even want to place your piece of paper in a beautiful box that you keep on your bookshelf to remind you of your gift to God all year long.

Here are some examples of what your gift to God could be:

• Forgive someone you've been holding a grudge against
• Spend the first 5 minutes of every day with God
• Do one random act of kindness each week in 2010
• Start a new tradition with your family or friends
• Face a fear that you have
• Read your Bible 5 minutes every day
• Speak only nice things about others
• Memorize a few Bible verses that mean a lot to you
• Keep a list of 3 blessings you've received from God every day

It doesn't really matter what your gift is. What matters is your heart and that you are willing to offer up something to Your Creator, Savior, and Friend.

What gift will you give to God in 2010?

* It's a New Year! *

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Whew! 2009 is winding down and just ahead is a brand new year. There’s just something really special about the “first” of anything, almost as if we have permission to start over.

When it comes to our clothing and makeup wardrobes this is the best time of any to access what you have and determine if it’s something you should keep in your closet and drawers.

The first question you should ask yourself is, “When I put this on, what does it tell others about me?” Here’s the thing. How you make up your face and dress your body tells the world who you are. Take a look at what you have on right now. If someone were to look at you from the outside world, who would they determine you are based on your clothes and makeup? Would they think you are sloppy, messy, uncaring in your appearance, sexy, clean, put together, gaudy, overly made up, immodest, modest, nice, bold? Turn on the TV sometime today and take a look at the teen girls you see. What is the first word that comes to mind when you see how they’re dressed and made up? You can flip channels and each one will portray a girl differently.

You are no different. Each time you put something on, you advertise to others who you are.

Here are some things you can add to your list of “to do’s” to kick off 2010.

• Go through each of the items in your closet and drawers and try them on. Does it still fit you or is it getting a little snug? Maybe you could pass it on to a friend or your little sister.
  

• With each item of clothing, check for the 5 B’s: no bust exposure, no belly, no bottom attention (remember no words on your behind, either!), no bra straps, and no bubbling (as in too tight jeans and shirts).

• Hang your clothes in categories. All shirts together, by color, all pants, all dresses, you get the picture. This will keep you organized so you know what you have.
  

• Do the same with your drawers and shelves. Pile your items nicely so you can see what you have at a glance.

• Time to hit your makeup case! Do you have some stuff in there that is just a little too loud and bright? Or too dark? Try it on, look in the mirror at yourself and decide if your makeup is demonstrating your inner beauty on the outside. It should say soft and pretty, not harsh and bold.
  

I pray you have a beautiful 2010. Remember that you are a striking beauty of the King of the most high…how would His princess dress today?

Love you!
Shari

www.sharibraendel.com

More about Shari

From early childhood, Shari Braendel always had an eye for style. She earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising, and for the past several years has joined with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She now speaks nationally at Christian women's retreats, conferences, and youth events. Her focus is to remind each of us that we are beautiful, made in His image, exactly as He intended. She shares her knowledge and experience with practical style advice and tips on how to present our positive assets in a modest and feminine fashion.

She believes that your own personal style trumps the trends every time. Her advice: browse for the looks you love, but only buy the ones that love you back. And never get rid of anything you look great in! Always remember, fashion is fickle, but you can count on the fact that real beauty comes from within.

Recipe: Crunch Bars

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Looking for a quick and easy and oh-so-yummy treat to take to your New Year's Eve party? This might just be it!


Here are the ingredients:

35 - 40 saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
   
2. Arrange crackers in a single layer on the bottom of a 10x15 inch baking sheet.
   
3. Boil the butter and the brown sugar together for 3 minutes. Pour evenly over the crackers. Be careful it's extremely hot and sticky.
   
4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 5 minutes until golden.
   
5. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot mixture.
   
6. Wait about 5 minutes for them to melt, then spread evenly over entire sheet with the back of a spoon.
   
7. While still hot, spread finely chopped walnuts or almonds over the top.
   
8. Once cool, break into pieces.
   

"Rocks"

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Katie Rath

Isaiah 26:4, “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (NIV)

My friend Joey and I were driving to Knoxville on I-40 over the Tennessee/North Carolina border, and we found ourselves enchanted by the icicles hanging off the large and magnificent rock faces on the side of the highway. Joey is a very talented photographer, and she looked at those rocks and commented how beautiful that photograph would be. To say that I take pictures well would be a stretch of the truth; I do not see things photographically, and I struggled to see what Joey saw in those rocks.

As we continued to wind our way between the mountains, it occurred to me that everyone sees those rocks differently. Where Joey saw a great picture opportunity, I looked at the same rocks and thought about how much fun it would be to climb them. Some people might become anxious about the “Falling Rocks” warning sign, imagining an avalanche catastrophe. My engineer friend would probably look at the towering rock faces and think about the amount of dynamite it took to chisel the rock away for road construction. Other people might drive on that same stretch of highway and never notice the rocks at all.

Rocks were frequently used in the Bible in different stories of faith. In Exodus, God hides Moses in a rock while He passes by; the rock protected Moses from God’s blinding glory. While the Israelites were wandering in the desert, Moses and Aaron drew water out of a rock for the thirsty people; that rock was a provision given to the people by God. When God called Gideon, He showed His power when flames came from a rock to consume Gideon’s sacrifice. Jesus told a parable about two men who built houses, one on a rock foundation and the other on a sandy surface.

Rock imagery is also used to describe God and Jesus. Multiple characteristics about God can be discovered from studying the way rocks were used in the Bible. God is a strong place to protect us, like with Moses. He will give us everything we need, like the rock providing water to the Israelites. God can do miraculous things, like with Gideon’s sacrifice. And God is a firm foundation on which we can build our faith.

The Old and New Testament stories imply that God is a firm foundation, that He is stable, that we can trust Him not to break, and that we should use Him as a base on which we build our Christianity. Everyone sees rocks differently, but regardless of how you imagine them, the concrete characteristics of rocks can teach us incredible lessons about our God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are an amazing and powerful God. Thank You so much for the lessons we learn about You. Thank You for being our Rock and our Fortress. Help us to realize the amazing way that You teach us about Your qualities though Your creations. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

LIFE: A Teen Devotional: Words from the Rock by Melody Carlson

Wise Up by Rebecca Powell

Think About It:

When you hear that God is a Rock, of what does that remind you?

What other Bible stories use rocks or stones? What can we learn about God from those stories?

Live It:

To remind yourself about God being your Rock, go comb your yard for a great stone. Paint it with words that remind you of God, or with the key verse, Isaiah 26:4.

Power Verses:

Psalm 62:7, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty Rock, my refuge.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Katie Rath. All rights reserved.

+

Tell Us About It:

How has God been a Rock for you?

Merry Christmas!!

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Merry Christmas from RadRev!!!

We hope your Christmas is very special and that you make lots of good memories as you celebrate with family and friends!!


Here's a fun Christmas video you might enjoy today:

Favorite Christmas Memories, Part 3

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

My favorite Christmas memory is one we recreate year after year. On Christmas Eve, we each get to open up a new pair of pajamas. I don’t know about you, but I love me some quality PJ’s—it is such a treat to go to bed Christmas Eve in new jammies! Through the years, I have developed quite the collection! Then on Christmas morning, the sibling who wakes up first runs around and gets everyone else up. Once we’re all finally up and out of bed we line up on the stairs to take pictures before going into the living room to see what “Santa” brought us.


There’s something so special about making Christmas memories and upholding traditions, even simple ones like new pajamas and pictures on the staircase, that can be recreated year after year. As the years have rolled along, we’ve added two husbands to the mix, and this year we’ll have my precious eight-month-old niece. I love that even as our family continues to grow, without a doubt, come Christmas morning, we’ll all be lined up on the stairs, new pajamas in tow, ready for a day filled with family, food, traditions, and remembering together the greatest gift of all—Jesus!


Elizabeth R. Williams

Elizabeth writes devotions for RadRev.

+

For me one of my favorite parts of Christmas is celebrating family traditions. Whether it is eating monkey bread on Christmas morning or the counting down of the long never ending 24 days till Christmas. I love it all!

One thing our family does every year is fight over who gets to hide the pickle in the tree. Yes a pickle, a pickle ornament. The tradition is that whoever can spot the little green pickle before Christmas in the our very big green tree gets an extra present from Santa for being an observant child.

Have a great Christmas and a super New Year to go with it!

Love,

Mattie

Mattie writes for our RadRev fashion column.

+

When some people are asked to talk about their favorite Christmas memory, they think to their childhood and enjoying all the cute little gifts received to fill their toy box. But I have to think back to last Christmas on December 25, 2008. To some, it is just another Christmas and to me, it was, until now. Looking back, last Christmas holds some of the fondest and most unforgettable memories I could ever wish to experience.

Let me preface this by saying last Christmas was my last Christmas with my Nana Lowman before she went to be with the Lord. On this particular Christmas, the whole Lowman family got together to exchange Secret Santa and play Dirty Santa like we do every year. My Nana always bought "Dirty Santa" gifts that we would choose and "fight over" until the last person chose their unknown gift or "stole it" from someone else. But something about it was different. Our family added my aunt's husband and my best friend. These two additional people provided more excitement and "fighting over" what we wanted from Santa. Unlike other Christmases, my best friend took pictures of the whole day and got a new family portrait.

To some, pictures may seem trivial, but forever capturing the beauty of my grandmother and our family's last holiday together (unknowingly) means the world to me. Something was sweet about this Christmas. I must admit I do not really remember what I got for Christmas but I will forever remember the unity and love that filled my Christmas Day. I can never express enough the importance of enjoying every moment I have with my family even if we don't always get along. The joy of knowing Christ came to give us life and seeing that life lived out in my Nana until the day she went to be with the Lord is so precious.

So this CHRISTmas season, remember the reason for the hope that we have in Christ and share that hope and love with those you meet along the way. Merry Christmas! :)

"For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (HCSB)

Rachel Lowman

Rachel writes devotions for RadRev.

Favorite Christmas Memories, Part 2

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

My favorite Christmas memory is going to Midnight Mass every single year. I grew up Catholic and even though I'll tell you I didn't understand about having a personal relationship with Jesus (that happened much later in my life) I still felt close to a God that I knew was there...in fact, it's the closest I ever felt to Him back then....at those Christmas Eve services. My family also had a tradition every Christmas day of going to our family friends' home and spending the whole day with them. It is such a beautiful memory to me and one that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.



Love,

Shari Braendel

Shari coordinator of and regular contributor to our fashion column.

+

I loved staying up late on Christmas Eve. It was the one time of year that we had the late 11 o’clock service at our church. Trying to keep my eyes open until it was time to go was the hardest part. It was always such a thrill to walk out of church knowing we had crossed over to Christmas Day in that one magic hour of church. Our church was hundreds of years old and spending that one hour lit by candlelight, singing beautiful Christmas carols had to be the dreamiest time possible for any child. The pews would be overflowing with kids, families and excitement — I loved sneaking backward glances at the warm faces all awash in the beauty and wonder of Christmas.After services, we would always stop and admire our church’s beautiful outdoor manger scene — it had been there for the whole month of December. Yet there was something so remarkable about stopping to admire it on the early moments of Christmas Day. You couldn’t help but stop and adore — my five brothers and sisters would gather in front of the rough hewn scene, seeing it with fresh Christmas eyes.We would head home, a short walk across the street, sometimes with fresh snow falling all around. In that moment on the first hour of Christmas, everything would feel perfect, unspoiled. The magic of Christmas had been revealed once again.

Cara McLauchlan

Cara writes devotions for RadRev.

+

My favorite Christmas memory is taking a road trip to Mexico with my sisters and my mom to visit my grandparents! We enjoy eating amazing Mexican food and visiting family we only get to see once a year!

Have a Merry Christmas readers!!

Yvonne Mendoza

Yvonne writes devotions and articles for RadRev.

Favorite Christmas Memories, Part 1

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Christmas is coming up this Friday and we thought you'd like to hear from some of our Radical Revolution writers. Today, tomorrow and Thursday, we will be sharing what some of our favorite Christmas memories are. We hope you enjoy!


We would love to hear your favorite Christmas memories too! Just leave a comment to share yours with us.


My favorite Christmas memory is from 2005. My now husband, Matt, and I had been dating for 3 years and he kept telling me that my gift was in the back of his jeep. I knew it had to be a golf club (because we play a lot).


So on Christmas night, we went to his parents' house. When we I got there, he asked me to get my gift out of the back. He handed me a huge box shaped like a golf club. Noticeably disappointed, I took it inside the house. When it came time to open gifts, he handed me the box and said, "What do you think it is?" I said, "A golf club, duh."


When I opened the box, there was a new golf club with the biggest fake engagement ring you've ever seen dangling from the head cover! I wasn't sure what was going on, when Matt says, "Do you want to go shopping for a real one?"!!!


Wow!!! We went shopping the next day and got married in May of 2006.
That's my best memory of Christmas.


Autumn Sisk :)


Autumn writes devotions for RadRev.


+


I love that moment when I wake up and lie in bed, just thinking. Everything's quiet, and I'm the only one awake. A solemn stillness fills the air. Inside, I whisper to myself, "It's Christmas!" The thought fills me with wonder, hope, and awe. I enjoy the warmth of the quilt over me and feel the expectation hovering in the air. Presents, turkey, family, and the last door on the advent calendar. Then I remember that Jesus, the Son of God, became a human baby! The thought is too overwhelming. I can't process it. My heart swells with gratitude and amazement.

I jump out of bed and begin the celebration.


Blessings,
Esther Grace <><

Esther Grace contributes to our RadRev fashion column.


+


My favorite Christmas memory is yet to be determined. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas that it is hard to choose just one. I enjoy everything from listening to my kids sing Christmas songs while we decorate the tree with old ornaments to watching the kids having a scavenger hunt with the nativity pieces and telling each other that baby Jesus is worth extra points. They try extra hard to find him and shout with great joy when they do!! It reminds me to seek Christ with all my heart and then to rejoice exceedingly with great joy just like when the angles announced His birth to the shepherds. There is so much about Christmas that I love, but most of all – my very favorite thing is sharing the birth of our Savior with my children. That is by far the most precious gift – truly priceless!


Amy Pucillo


Amy writes special articles for RadRev.

"Use Me, Lord"

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Autumn Sisk

Luke 1:38, “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’” (NIV)

Mary certainly thought of herself as an average Jewish girl. Her reaction to the visit from the Angel of the Lord is evidence of this in Luke chapter one. The Bible says she was troubled by the words the Angel used in meeting her when he said “Greetings you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (NIV) I’m sure she thought it was a dream. She must have thought to herself, “Why would God find favor with me? I’m only a poor teenager from a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, and I’m not beautiful or even well- educated.” She may have even asked the angel if he had the right Mary (it was a very common name in that day!).



I believe that is the same way most teen girls would react if God sent His angel proclaiming that they were highly favored and God had big plans for them. We see, though, from today’s key verse that Mary may have been caught by surprise, but she eagerly accepted with gratitude God’s assignment for her. She knew it would be a rough road. Her reputation would be tarnished when her family and neighbors found out she was pregnant before she was married. She knew that convincing Joseph that she had not been unfaithful to him would be tough, as well. However, God took care of all the details for her.



Mary knew it would not be easy for her or her fiancée. But above all, Mary wanted to do God’s will and accepted whatever He asked her to do for Him. She saw it as an honor to do God’s work.



We all know that Mary had a very hard life, but God used her to bring about the greatest gift mankind has ever known, Jesus. God needs more people working for Him like Mary.



She decided in her heart that no matter how difficult the task, she would work for God with all of her strength. She also realized that if He asked her to do something for Him, that He would see her through it. You and I may not be given a task as tough as giving birth to the Messiah but it is certain that God has big plans for all of His children. We just have to be willing to accept His calling for our lives.



God may call you to do something that requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. It may require that you move to a foreign country to do mission work. God could call you do start a Bible study in your own neighborhood with friends who don’t know Him or care to know Him. It could be anything as we see from the story in Luke chapter one. We just have to be willing to hear God’s voice and keep our hearts open to His will. That is what Mary did. That is what I want to do, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things God is going to do through me! Are you willing to do the same?



Prayer:



Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your servant Mary. I want to be like her in spirit and obedience to your call. I ask that you make me attentive to Your plans for my life and give me the strength to follow Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



Related Resources:



Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Bret Harris



Think About It:



Have you ever heard God ask you to do something for Him?



What was your reaction to the call of God?



Live It:



Begin to pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to His plans for your life.


Ask God to give you a great desire to serve Him no matter the cost.



Power Verses:



Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (NIV)



Isaiah 41:9-10, “…You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Autumn Sisk. All rights reserved.

+

Tell Us About It:

If you could do something big to make a difference in the world, what would it be?

"Passion for God"

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Samantha Roberts

Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (NIV)

All too often, we associate the word “passion” with steamy romance novels and movies that involve a lot of kissing and possibly an “R” rating. Because of this, it’s easy to think that passion is a feeling that you’re told you’re not suppose to feel yet – a feeling that’s reserved for adults and people in college who are looking to get married sometime soon. And in a way, passion is all of those things. It is an out of control desire and a burning feeling in your heart that makes you feel like you’re going to explode. But it doesn’t have to be all about physical attraction and finding your soul mate in life. Passion – this same crazy feeling – can be about God. In fact, it should begin with God.

It may feel a little strange to try and think about loving God in that steamy romance kind of way, but you know what? That’s how He describes His relationship with you. Isaiah 62:5 says, “…as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so will your God rejoice over you” (NIV). You are God’s bride. He’s crazy about you! He’s passionate about you, and He desires for you to feel the same way about Him.

Chances are you’ve heard someone in your lifetime quote the old saying, “love makes you do crazy things.” Well, when that love is a genuine passion for Christ, those crazy things can change the world. The Bible is full of story after story about people who changed lives and rerouted history because of their passion for God. You can be one of those people too if you allow you passion for Christ to spill out of your heart and affect the world around you.

You may not ever be called to stand up in front of a million people and proclaim the Gospel of Christ. You might not ever be put in a position of power or fame that draws attention to your heart for God. But be assured that God can work through you right where you are. The lives of the people in your home, your school, and even your church can be changed forever by the passion for God that they see in your heart.

Do you realize how many people you come into contact with every day? By the time you add up everyone you walk past at school or see at the mall, the number can easily reach into the thousands. You have no idea how God might choose to reveal Himself to them through you.

Don’t get too caught up in thinking that your passion for God is about letting other people see how great He is, though. Yes, that will naturally happen when you love God with your heart and your life, but there’s so much more to it than that. Your God – the God of the universe who died to be with you for eternity – is passionately in love with you and wants to have an intimate, intense relationship with you. He desires to be your groom and to love you as His holy bride. And there’s not a relationship on earth that could ever be sweeter than that.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit would ignite a passion for You in my heart that can’t be put out by doubts or the world. Help me have a love for Christ that shines in the way I live, work and talk, so that others may see You and be changed. Please help me understand a little more what it means to be Your bride and to love You the way You desire to be loved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:

His Princess Bride: Love Letters from Your Prince, by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Think About It:

Do you know someone with a passion for God? What difference does that make in his/her life?

How might having a stronger passion for God change the way you live?

Live It:

If you don’t yet have a passion for God and want it, pray for it every day! He will give it to you.

Find someone else who’s passionate about God and learn from them how you can be more passionate about Him.

Power Verses:

Psalm 45:11, “…the King is wild for you…” (Message)

Ephesians 3:18, “…May you have the power to understand…how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” (NLT)

© 2008-2009 by Samantha Roberts. All rights reserved.

+

Tell Us About It:

How have you seen a passion for God influence your life or the life of someone else?

All I Want for Christmas

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Kristen Sigmon

Radical Revolution Coordinator

For years, I wanted a boyfriend to spend the holidays with. Mariah Carey’s song, “All I Want For Christmas is You,” was my theme song (click here to listen to it). In it, Mariah says the only thing she wants for Christmas is the man she loves. Unfortunately, listening to songs like this and watching all the Christmas movies with love stories wrapped into them only seemed to make me want what I didn’t have even more.

What I needed was a change in perspective – to realize and be thankful for the things God has given me rather than dwelling on what He hasn’t given me.

Even to this day, if I spend too much time focusing on what I don’t have (i.e. a boyfriend), I could easily fall into the same pit of loneliness and longing for that man of my dreams. I’ve learned that I must focus my attention on the Love of my life who’s already in my life – Jesus. By focusing on Him, being captivated by His love, and spending my energy loving Him and other people, I have found so much more fulfillment than I could ever find in a boyfriend.

Does that mean God doesn’t have anyone for me and that I’m forever meant to be single? Not necessarily. I believe He has someone just for me and I am waiting expectantly for that handsome, godly young man to enter my life. However, I also believe that God’s timing is perfect and for this season of my life I’m meant to be single. Maybe that’s where you are too. Some people find a significant other in middle school or high school, but many don’t. And that’s okay. Just think of how many cool things you get to be involved in because you don’t have the responsibility of being in a relationship!

When I finally quit fighting with God over the state of my love life, or the lack thereof, I found a peace, joy, and contentment I’ve not known before; I’ve come to know myself and my purpose; I can say with certainty that God’s love is better than life.

It took a while – and years of discontent – before I came to accept my state of singleness. Now, I can happily say that I not just accept that I’m single but I’ve learned to embrace it. (And honestly, I’m glad I’m single for now after hearing the challenges of marriage from my married friends!)

What do I want this Christmas? Good quality time with family and friends. To be fully content with what God has given me. A deeper, more passionate relationship with Jesus. And all the same things for you!

Father, I pray for my sisters who are single and want a boyfriend. Show them that ultimate contentment comes in a love relationship with You. I pray that they would experience all the fullness of Your love. Deepen their faith and reveal to them the beautiful plans You have for their lives now. Be their priority now and always, and if or when you choose to bring that special man into their lives, I pray that they’d be ready for each other, perfect and complete in You and lacking nothing. Thank You for the gift of singleness and thank you for the gift of a life partner. Help us be thankful and happy with whichever gift You give us! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Keep Him First *

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Christine stared at her desk.


“Help,” she sighed.


Her pink laptop was buried underneath a mountain of books, crumpled papers, and several energy bar wrappers. She wondered how her desk could’ve gotten to look like that. Wasn’t it just yesterday that she had given it a thorough cleaning? Wait, no. Weeks ago. Okay, months ago.


Christine brushed a layer of dust off her lime green swivel chair and slouched. Exhaustion swept over her. She rested her elbows on a copy of her magazine and closed her eyes. Visions of gossip and fashion magazines danced in front of her. A frown crept onto her face. She tried to push away images of celebrities, gowns, and prom; but they only returned to haunt her worse than ever.

Then one thought entered her head that pushed all others away. When was the last time I prayed? The thought made her eyes open wide. She almost wished her old thoughts would return instead of this horrible guilt. Oh, help. I’ve barely remembered God. What happened? What could have stolen my attention away from my Savior?

Now the images returned. Two tears spotted the smooth surface of her magazine. Her heart brimmed with remorse.

Christine caught sight of a gilded Bible underneath her math homework. She grabbed the Bible and scratched a Coke stain off the cover. Sunday school memories flooded her mind. She remembered how Jesus – holy, perfect, kind Jesus – was crucified because of a murderous mob and a cowardly governor. On the cross, Jesus paid for every sin (Christine sighed to think how many of hers He paid for).

Jesus endured God’s fury. Separation from His Father. Death.

Yet even death could not restrain the King of life. Jesus rose from the dead.

Gratitude bubbled up from deep inside her. Jesus had died for her! Christine, who was obsessed with fashion!

Christine knelt on her carpet and sobbed, “Oh, Jesus, forgive me! Don’t let anything else take your place in my heart. Please help me to love You most! Oh, Jesus, thank You for the cross! Help me love and serve You, and You alone!”

An incredibly clean feeling swept over her. She stood, rubbing the tears from her eyes, and dropped an armful of magazines in the trash can.

“Thank you, God,” Christine said. She flipped through her Bible to John 6:67-68 (ESV):

“So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’"

~Esther Grace

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.

Christmas Gift Idea: Scripture Box

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

My favorite gift to give at Christmas (or any time) is to give the gift of the Word of God. It’s a free gift available to all of us but it’s so easy to forget that these words… God’s promises… were written just for us.

Have you ever put your name in a verse as you read it? It makes God’s promises come alive. Here’s an example:

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Before:
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Now here’s the same verse personalized just for me:
“The LORD your God is with you, LeAnn, he is mighty to save you. He takes great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he rejoices over you, LeAnn, with singing.”

Here’s another one:

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Before:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

And, personalized just for me:
“Call to me, LeAnn, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Friends, God’s Word IS alive and He meant each word to be personal - just for you and just for me. Placing our name, or the name of a friend or family member, in the verse makes it come alive in a very real and personal way, just as God intended.

If you would like to give a very meaningful gift to a friend, family member, new believer, mentor, teacher, or someone special in your life, you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of God’s promises personalized just for them.

Here’s what you do:

Find a pretty box. You can purchase a beautiful box at a home décor store or a crystal store for under $15.00. One of my favorite places to find interesting boxes is Hobby Lobby. They have great sales so you can usually find one that’s 50% off. I have also purchased paper maché boxes at the craft store and painted/decorated them to make the gift even more special. These boxes are typically less than $5.00!

When you are looking for the perfect box or container for the verses, keep in mind the number of verses you will be putting inside. A shallow four-inch box will hold about 50 verses. A deeper 8 or10-inch box will hold a few hundred.

Once you have the perfect box, type up your verses. You can go through your Bible and choose verses that really speak to you. As you type them, read them with the recipient in mind. Then place their name in the verse. Since this is my favorite gift to give, I already have a few lists created (with names inserted) and I would be more than happy to email them to you. I have lists ranging from 31 to 365 verses! Like I said… this is my favorite gift to give.

If you would like me to email a list of verses to you, just send a quick email to

LeAnn@Proverbs31.org.

Simply cut the verses so that each one is on a separate slip of paper and then fold them and place them inside the box. I always pray for the person as I place the verses inside the box.

Tie the box with a beautiful ribbon and attach a card. Your very personal, very special gift is ready to present to the recipient.

Merry Christmas!
LeAnn

"All for Me"

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Cara McLauchlan


John 10:10, “...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)

It was an ordinary day unlike any other when God whispered an idea in my head, “did you know all of this is for you?”



“All of what? What do you mean by that?” I responded.



“Everything, all of it. The trees, the flowers, the way the sunlight reflects on the treetops. Every single thing in your life. I placed it all there for you.”



When I first started thinking about the “all for me” idea, I treated it like a gift I didn’t want or deserve. In fact, I wanted to give it back.



“All of this could not possibly be for me. No way Jesus, nice try, but it’s got to be for other people who do more important things like come up with cures for cancers or invent amaze things that change the world. Those people are who it all should be for.”



“Nope, it’s you.”



The “all for me” idea took awhile for me to completely get. After God planted it in my mind, I couldn’t help but see things very differently. Typically, I am lost in my busyness, making plans, chattering away, filling every moment and not really noticing life around me.



I started to pay attention to life. What if He really did organize things all for me? The crazy parents, difficult people in my life, the song on the radio, a conversation with a friend, a chance meeting with someone from a neat charity opportunity. He gave me crazy parents so that I could be a shelter and guide to others struggling with the same thing. He gave me the song on the radio to encourage me because I was feeling less than amazing. All of the good and bad, the wonder of nature, all of the blessings, the challenges, all the abundance and beauty in my midst, it was all for me. God had given all of this to me to enjoy, appreciate and so I could have life in abundance. It became a wonderful acknowledgement as I looked at each gift on my path and said in my head, “for me, for me, for me!”



When you really stop and think about all the abundance that God lavishes you with each day, it can blow your mind. Sometimes it’s hard to understand when we see the sorrow, the heartache or hard times. But in the end, it always turns out perfectly in His plan for our lives. Christ ordains life with such precision and wonder for us. He uniquely blesses each of us according to His will. I can’t wait to wake up each morning and see what surprises He has in store that are all for me and all for you!



Prayer:



Dear Lord, Thank You for caring for me in such a way that You have given me life in abundance. Remind me to watch for Your blessings and lessons at work in my life and to pay attention to Your goodness. In Your precious name, Amen.



Related Resources:



Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, by Francis Chan



Do You Know Jesus?



Think About It:



What if it really is all for you?



If you believe that, how does it change you?



Live It:



Pick a day that you will pay attention to how Christ has made this day “all for you.” Write down what you recognize.



Write yourself a love letter from Christ – what would He tell you about how He has made His love real to you this day?



Power Verses:



Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)



2 Timothy 1:9, “For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time – to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

© 2009 by Cara McLauchlan. All rights reserved.

+

Tell Us About It:

What are some things in your life that you realize are from God just for you?

"My Thoughts vs. God's Word"

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

By: Melissa Taylor

Proverbs 31 Team Member

John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (NKJV)

Do you ever question if you are good enough? I do – I have all my life. Do you dwell more on what's wrong with you than what's right with you? I do that a lot too.

However, one day I realized I was only surveying myself to get those answers. Well, myself with a little help from my enemy, Satan. For a long time I didn't even recognize him for who he was. My negative thoughts and deceitful suggestions just sounded like my own voice.

The Bible opens with the warning of a serpent slithering into the lives of Adam and Eve, filling their heads with lies that separated them from God. They chose to believe the lies. Jesus, too, was tempted by this liar. He was ready though. He knew the Word of God and that was the only weapon He needed to defeat the evil one.

I know I’m not Jesus, but I can strive to be like Him. I find great comfort in knowing He is with me every step of the way. I can also find great comfort knowing I have the same weapon that He had. I have God's Word available to me in the Bible.

When I compared my negative thoughts to God's Word, I was amazed at the differences:

My thoughts tell me to give up.

God's Word tells me to be committed. Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts tell me “I need it now!”

God's Word tells me to exercise self-control. Galatians 5:23

My thoughts tell me I deserve to come first, be selfish.

God's Word tells me to have humility and put others first. Philippians 2:3-4

My thoughts tell me to get mad and hold a grudge.

God's Word says forgive as many times as it takes. Matthew 18:21-22

My thoughts tell me to seek revenge.

God's Word tells me to be a peacemaker. Romans 12:18-19

My thoughts tell me take all the credit.

God's Word tells me to glorify Jesus Christ. John 17:5

My thoughts tell me I need to look good on the outside and no one will notice the ugly inside.
God's Word tells me to be pure on the inside and the outside won't even matter. Proverbs 31:30

My thoughts tell me I'm ugly.

God's Word tells me I'm wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

My thoughts tell me I'm all alone and no one understands me.

God's Word tells me He will never leave me and He knows the plans He has for me. Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts tell me that I'm just not good enough.

God's Word tells me that I'm His gift to the world and that I was created in His image. Psalm 127:3, Genesis 1:26

I learned the lies must be replaced with Words that are true. That way, when Satan’s lies slither back into my head, I'm ready and I can defeat the enemy.

I admit this has been a challenge for me. I'm so thankful that: I have friends in place who know I struggle with this to remind me of my true identity; I was brave enough to seek counseling when I needed help; I learned that anxiety and depression were not always my fault and I was open to receive medical attention from a professional in this area; I have my family, who stood beside me even when I was miserable to be around; and, each time I felt like quitting or giving up, I never did.

I don't want to waste time that God has given me to live with negative thoughts about myself and lies that aren't true. That only keeps me from Him and keeps me from the work He has purposed me for. Evaluate your thoughts. Condemning thoughts are not from God. Renew your mind with the Word of God. Do not allow the enemy to separate you from the love of God and the life that was meant for you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Fill me with Your Word so that I can live in freedom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

His Princess: Love Letters from Your King, by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Danna Gresh

Think About It:

Are your thoughts reflective of who you really are?Do you look at yourself the way God looks at you?

Live It:

Read the verses in this devotion and write down what God's Word says.

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, 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)

Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2008-2009 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.

+

Tell Us About It:

What is a lie you’ve believed but now see that it’s not true?

What Do You Need to Be Healed From?

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

On Monday, Yvonne shared with us how God brought healing into her life.


The Bible tells us God is a Healer: "I am the LORD, who heals you." (Exodus 15:26b)


What do you need to be healed from?


Send your prayer requests to radrevolution@proverbs.org and we'll be glad to pray for you!


Want to have a relationship with God? Click here.

* Mattie's Christmas Accessories Ideas *

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

Christmas is just weeks away and I bet you have a mom, girlfriend or sister on your Christmas list but don’t have a lot of bucks to spend! I have a suggestion that will allow you to shop for those on your Christmas list and maybe even leave you with some money in your pocket so you can buy something for yourself while you’re at it.

One word. Accessories!

Rings, earrings, bracelets and purses! Rings look super with jeans and a tee or something fancy like going to a Christmas party or to a friend’s house. Go BIG with rings. No really, big rings are so cute and in style! When you put on one of these fashionable oversized rings it should cover from your knuckle down.

If you’re not a ring person you can always go for some fabulous earrings. Long, dangly earrings look fetching or try to find some that look like feathers. If you don’t wear long earrings that’s okay because fake pearl or diamond earrings are great with everything and you can wear them with your fab ring to go to a Christmas dinner or to youth group with your friends! If you wear pearl earrings, throw on a long pearl necklace.

A tip to make your money go further is to buy a card of earrings that has multiple pairs and then repackage each of them on single cute cards that you create with scrapbook paper. Wrap in a cello bag with tissue and a ribbon. Then you have many gifts and your family or friends will enjoy your personal touch.



You can never go wrong with a charm bracelet. The best thing about a charm bracelet is that, on some, you can change the charms to fit the season. In this case you would change it into something Christmas-y or wintery. It is also a gift that keeps on giving because now you can always get a new charm for your friend as a gift.

Lastly, a girl can never have too many purses! I love purses; they so easily change an outfit. I usually keep my eye on the clearance section for different colored purses for different seasons at an affordable price. This winter, find a purse in brown, black or charcoal, depending on your hair color.


Have fun shopping, but remember to keep Jesus in the center of your holiday. Jesus really is the true reason we celebrate the season.


~Mattie


Just because it’s in doesn’t mean you have to wear it!

How to Help a Friend Who May Be Depressed

This Website Has Moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://RadRevolution.com
and update your bookmarks.

For some people, the holidays evoke feelings of sadness, particularly if they’ve lost a loved one recently or around the holidays. Even if they haven’t, there may be other circumstances going on that are making this Christmas season difficult.

If you know of someone who is having a hard time and you think they may be depressed, here are some tips:

1. Understand Depression Better

Depression is more common than we might think. Roughly 19 million Americans per year experience clinical depression. Depression isn’t just feeling sad or “blah.” It’s more than the normal ups and downs that we all experience. Simply stated, you might think of depression as experiencing a “down” mood, along with other symptoms, for more than two weeks.

It can affect a person in various ways – physically, mentally, emotionally, academically, relationally, and even spiritually.

Although all the causes are still unknown, biological and emotional factors may increase the likelihood that a person will develop depression. Depression is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a serious disorder. For many, it is effectively treated with a combination of medicine and professional counseling.

2. Know the Symptoms

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
  
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
  
• Irritability, restlessness
  
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
  
• Fatigue and decreased energy
  
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
  
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  
• Overeating, or appetite loss
  
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
  
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  

Not everyone who is depressed experiences all the same symptoms. The symptoms, as well as the intensity and duration of them, will vary.

If a person experiences multiple symptoms for a period of two weeks or more, this indicates possible depression.

If you or someone you know might be experiencing depression, visit

WebMD.com to take a depression assessment. Once you finish this assessment, you can print a report for yourself and you can also print a report to take to your doctor.

3. Find Someone Who Can Help

Clinical depression needs professional treatment from a doctor and/or a mental health professional. If you see the above symptoms in a friend’s life, encourage them to get help. If they mention death or suicide and are unwilling to seek help on their own, find a trusted adult and share your friend’s struggle. You friend may be initially upset with you for sharing with someone else, but wouldn’t you rather speak up than not speak up and wish you had? This is the mark of a true friend.

4. What Else You Can Do

• Encourage them to talk to you about what they’re going through. Be a good listener and non-critical of what you hear.
  
• Offer them encouragement and hope. Remind them that their depression will get better with time and treatment.
  
• Be patient and understanding.

• Pray for them.
  
  
  

For more information about depression, visit the National Institute for Mental Health website.