I began to see their weakness and the burden on my heart grew heavy:

Who could I turn to?

Who could I trust?

Who could I talk to about all this?

Who would listen?

Who would understand?

At that age, none of my friends’ parents were divorced so I felt no one would understand the unhappiness in my home. My sister, the only person who would understand, was too cool for me. So I turned to God. I didn’t understand God but I just knew He would listen. And though it took years for someone to witness to me about a relationship with Jesus, it did happen at age 16.

Though my walk with Christ was long and rocky, God gave me wisdom on what to do when my parents would start complaining. Instead of nodding my head or joining in on the complaints, I would say “I know he hurt you, Mom, but there’s nothing we can do to change the past or change him. We can only learn to forgive. Let’s just not talk about it.” And while that may sound harsh, she totally understood and respected that request. After a while, she stopped complaining about him to me altogether. Looking back, I could have taken things one step further and encouraged her to pray for him.

Anyways, I say all this to tell you this: God does care about you. You’re not in the middle. You’re at the top. You may not believe it, but God is going to use your experience to encourage someone else through a similar situation. I mean, look at me! Decades later, I’m encouraging you through my most painful memories as a child.

Pray for God to show you someone that you can trust enough to talk about what you’re going through. Make sure that person is a God-fearing woman who is a little older than you, a little wiser. Maybe it’s your pastor’s wife or a female youth leader. It is the biggest lie to think that we are alone. Matthew 28:20 says this “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Here’s a heartfelt song that reminds me that God is working on things in my life that I won’t see or understand until later…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAPMRpNoe8

<3, Arista Michelle

Broken-hearted, grieving Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb the first Easter morning to properly prepare His body for burial. Her Lord and Savior was brutally murdered and His body was treated disrespectfully even after death so Mary journeyed to His tomb to anoint His body with oils and properly prepare Jesus’ body for the grave. Nothing could have prepared Mary for what she was about to witness.

Imagine a person you love more than life has died. When you arrive at the mortuary to view the body, the body is gone. Vanished without a trace or explanation. How would you feel? What would you do? We’d do exactly as Mary did. We’d run as fast as we could to tell everyone who loved this person. They would come to the mortuary as fast as they could to see for themselves. The consensus would be…the body has been stolen.

Friends and family would be confused, amazed and even angry. This is what happened to Mary but Mary didn’t leave the tomb. She remained outside crying.  Another glance inside the tomb revealed two angels seated where Jesus’ body had been.

“They asked her, Woman, why are you crying?” John 20:13 NIV

While answering the angels Mary turns and sees someone who she thinks is the gardener.  He also asks.

“Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” John 20:15 NIV

Twice Mary is asked why she is crying; by the angels who are watching over her and by Jesus himself. Mary is so caught up in her emotions till she doesn’t realize Jesus is right beside her, until He calls her by name.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni’ (which means teacher). John 20:16 NIV

Why are you crying today? Is the noise of fear, anger, or stress so loud till you can’t see or feel Jesus?  He’s calling your name and just like He comforted Mary on Easter morning and revealed the greatest miracle of all times, He will do nothing less for you.

Encouragement:

The magnitude of the Easter story is the foundation for our hope. Jesus is as near as the air you breathe so let today, Easter Sunday, be the perfect reminder. Dry your tears confident Jesus has the power to overcome any situation you’re facing. Anything.

Know I’m praying for you, Sherry

It feels like forever since I last posted.  Everything has become a blur since my birthday at the end of January but I take comfort in knowing God has taken care of me.  He has given me many blessings such as getting accepted to my top choice college, Ohio University!

He also gave me a few crucial signs that further strengthened my belief in Him (not saying I never believed; sometimes, series of unfortunate events take place making us question He’s watching over us). I was having some issues I thought were just normal girl problems but ended up being quite serious.  Luckily, I was able to catch it in time to get started on medication.  In my heart, I believe it was my God who led me and who gave me the signs I needed to get checked out.

Recently, my life has been consumed with my school’s drama production of West Side Story in which I played Maria.  It was fun, don’t get me wrong, but I did not realize how much time being in a play takes, as I have never been in a theater production before.  Between the play, keeping up with school work, and dealing with my medical issue, the stress has been unbelievable and for a while, I thought I might crack and have a mental breakdown.  Thankfully, though, I was given the strength to keep my head on straight and continue on my way.

Something I always look at when I’m in a time of distress is the silver lining; the thing that will make it all worth it in the end.  Ask yourself what can make your hardships worth the struggle when everything is finally done; what can you look forward to in the future?

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Meghan

“For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:45

Today, while sitting alone in a Starbucks Café, my studying was interrupted by a loud table of girls sitting close by. At first I did not mind them sitting there, but it seemed the longer the girls sat there the louder they became. Overhearing the girls’ conversation it occurred to me, for the most part, many of their sentences began and ended with the phrase, “oh my god.”

Soon after coming to this realization, I noticed an older women approach the girls’ table. She told them not only were they offending her and other guests, but they were being more than a little disrespectful to our Heavenly Father. She informed them if they wanted to continue their conversation the way it had been going thus far, they should take it elsewhere.

As the girls’ faces turned bright red they realized the woman was right. They had been using the Lord’s name without even recognizing they were doing it. Sadly, we are all at fault for doing this from time to time. Often, the Lord’s name is used in vain for the most ridiculous of things. Not only is this common phrase overused, but it has even been shortened to ‘OMG’ as if to make it easier for us to disobey His commandments. Perhaps one of the worst parts is just how desensitized we’ve become to the use of it in everyday conversation.

If while scrolling through your texts, partaking in daily conversation, or hanging out with friends, you begin to notice this phrase is being overused, please don’t be afraid to make your friends aware they’re doing this. Many times, people won’t even know they’re making this mistake because of the way society has grown accustomed to hearing it. The more aware we are of this occurring, the better we can be at preventing ourselves and aiding our friends to no longer make this mistake.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

<3, Paige

During Biblical times sex meant marriage. The man took the woman into a tent and they were considered married when they came together intimately. Marital sex is the cure for immoral sexual activity. I’ve heard too much about the wonderful grace we have through Christ giving us leeway to have sex without a marital agreement providing you are in love or planning to marry anyway.

Some ladies act like it’s no big deal to have premarital sex with their boyfriend. It’s quite the contrary! If you truly love the Most High with all your soul and all your heart, it means following His commandments.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (KJV)

Scripture tells us not to put a stumbling block in front of our brothers or sisters. Letting your boyfriend come to you intimately before marriage, is not only sinning against your own temple but causes him to sin against his temple as well. Luckily we have Christ who takes away the bloody part of judgment. He died so we may be forgiven. What a wonderful reminder of His tenderness in John 8:7.

When an adulterous woman is presented to Jesus surrounded by angry accusers ready to stone her, Jesus addresses the crowd and says, “he who has no sin cast the first stone.” Slowly everyone put down their stones, turned, and walked away. Jesus turns to the woman and says, “neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” John 8:11

Be strong. Lead your love, don’t endanger his or your soul.

Alexus

Phone Cover at www.zazzle.com

  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Sometimes, it actually really sucks being in the real world. Personally, I think there are so many things drawing and pulling us down. Stress, relationships, bills, depression…it’s like you don’t know where or who to turn. As a young person, you don’t always keep God as a consideration or option as the place to turn. I know this by the actions and decisions I have personally made.

Being close and staying close to God can sometimes be hard. Sometimes you think everything’s going good then all of a sudden it just stops. I’m actually having this problem right now. I think everyone is against everything I say and do. I am not making dumb decisions because my faith remains firm, but how can I stay firm in God if sometimes I don’t see action taking place?

Well, this is what I told myself.  Just because things aren’t going the way I want them to, doesn’t mean everything I’ve ever wanted or dreamed is going down the drain. It just means I should work a little bit harder in what I want to do. God has plans for everyone and some of the plans we have for ourselves aren’t exactly what He has for us.

Example; I had plans, not dreams but plans, already processed for going to a university in another city to start my own life. These were plans I had before I became closer to God and my faith was firm. I was all set to leave, all I had to do was make the appointment and go to orientation. I had the financial stuff ready to go and everything but I never set my appointment. Clarity for me was when I realized moving away from everything I held so dear just wasn’t best for me anymore. So I stayed.

Sometimes I wonder what would’ve been, but my life here is something I couldn’t have ever imagined for myself. I am so glad I stayed because I’ve met people and become friends with people I would’ve never thought possible. Just because something doesn’t go the way you want right now, doesn’t mean everything you’ve ever worked for is not going to happen. Never give up, just keep working harder. You’ll know when God’s plan starts coming together for you.

<3, Susan

Earlier this month during New York Fashion Week, I was in the city and had the chance to attend a few Fashion Week events. My agenda included various fashion shows through PLITZS, a fashion marketing company, who showcases emerging fashion designers. The variety at the fashion shows was undeniable.

Designers of all ages traveled near and far to the Big Apple. Alfredo Leij only had to drive over the Brooklyn Bridge to present his designs, whereas students at Ying Sheng International Art Center located in Bejing, China, crossed the Pacific Ocean to attend. Another prime example of variety was sixteen year old Kate Walz, who’s only a sophomore in high school. She showcased her designs which consisted mostly of evening wear.

During NYFW I met Kendell and Kylie Jenner from the reality TV show, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” The teen sisters were promoting their new line at PacSun and were modeling in the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. I also went to Lulus.com Style Studio Party in Manhattan, before ending my week and heading home to New Jersey.

This year as models strutted the latest styles and designs on the runway in New York City, Christian women were doing the same in Tampa, Florida. Christian Fashion Week was a positive event that encouraged modesty through uplifting fashion shows. The schedule included a presentation by Shari Braendel who is a speaker, fashion blogger, and author of style guide “Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad”. Christian Fashion Week also started a national awareness campaign called, “You Don’t Have To.”

According to the organization’s website (http://www.christianfashionweek.com/) the movement “encourages models with Christian values to stay strong in an industry that constantly offers you the world for your surrender.” Their message is powerful and inspiring; I hope to attend Christian Fashion Week next year!

Dressing modest can be a struggle in today’s society. With summer right around the corner, I know simply shopping at the mall for a bathing suit will be a challenge. Remember to stay true to yourself and always respect your body. <3

-Katelyn Darrow

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Recently, while doing volunteer work in my town’s Literacy Center, I was blessed to meet a girl with a learning disability which made it difficult for her to read. After completing an English and grammar lesson we had some time left over at the end of our session. I asked her if there was anything in particular she wanted me to help her with.

In that moment a giant grin swept over the little girl’s face and she pulled out a children’s Bible from her book bag. She was very excited to tell me she had been reading one of the stories all day, and was almost done. She did not want me to read it to her or even help her read it. She told me just to “sit back and relax” as she read it to me.

I realized I was supposed to be helping this girl but in more ways than one, she was helping me. I watched the excitement in her eyes and saw her struggle with one word to the next, fighting through her disability, just to share the message of God with me. Watching the girl’s determination to read the story made me question why I don’t read the Bible more often.

I have no disability that would prevent me from reading the bible, and yet nights go by when I find myself indulging in television, talking on the phone or scrolling through Facebook rather than reading the word of God. As Easter approaches we are reminded God gave His only son, Jesus Christ, for our sins.

If you find you’re like me and leafing through magazines to read about Snookie’s latest gossip, or watching The Office because you’ve found some spare time, maybe take a moment to remember what the Easter season is really about. It’s not dyed eggs, pastel colored bunnies, or flower shaped chocolates, but rather it’s about Jesus paying our debts in full on the cross.

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and then was raised to life to put us right with God.” Romans 4:25 (NIV)

<3, Paige

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28 (NIV)

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend taking place with a lot of teens. A trend I’m not too particularly fond of. In fact, I am completely against the idea all together. I think it shouldn’t even be considered if you accept God and understand what He means in the things He says. I can vouch for the ones who don’t understand because I am still learning myself, but to ruin your body with things you think are meaningful, I just don’t understand the intent.

Tattoos ruin the pureness of your blood and God’s direction on tattoos is very clear. As a teen or a young adult we follow trends of our role models or just basically do what everyone else is doing. Many times we express ourselves based on what someone else does not fully knowing what God has to say about it, and I believe this is the case with putting tattoos on our bodies.

God wants to spread the word but not by using our bodies as a billboard. Instead, change someone’s day by sharing a Bible verse or letting them see Jesus through your actions, don’t just have it on your body. Tattoos really don’t help them understand the true meaning of what God has for them.

Instead of tattooing the Bible verse, carry it around in your pocket; put it on a keychain, a binder, or a necklace, just not on your body. I understand this is a very controversial topic and some may even argue cutting your hair is a sin and we all ignore it because it is acceptable in today’s society. Tattoos are becoming more and more a thing everyone has, but it shouldn’t be the way of expressing your love for God. There are plenty of other ways to express your love for Him.

A song I hear almost every day says: “So let my life be the proof, The proof of Your love. Let my love look like You and what You’re made of. How You lived, how You died. Love is sacrifice. So let my life be the proof, The proof of Your love.” The Proof of your Love by for King and Country.

Practice what you preach, don’t just tattoo a Bible verse on your body because it’s following the latest trend. Share your favorite verse. Share the word. It will do a whole lot more than you think.

<3,Susan

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” Peter 5:7 (NIV)

I remember my very first day of high school. I was so nervous. I didn’t know really where I was going and many of my friends had been zoned to a different school. I slugged to each of my classes wearing last season’s clothes and carrying all my books because we didn’t have our lockers yet. I was trying with failure, to desperately make friends. Most of the people in my classes already knew someone and it didn’t take long for me to realize it was going to be a very long day.

Finally, after a grueling first, second and third period it was time to go to lunch. The cafeteria was jam packed with every grade level. I was so anxious, I didn’t know anyone, and with brown bag lunch in hand, I walked over to a table of girls who looked about my age, and sat down. I was mortified when one of the girls asked me what I thought I was doing sitting with them. Quickly, I got my stuff together and moved to an empty table in the corner.

Embarrassed, lonely and with no appetite I opened my lunch and said a prayer thanking God for my food and asking Him to please help me in some way. Just then I heard a voice behind me.

“Is anyone sitting here?” Another freshman was standing behind me holding her lunch tray. As she took a seat she told me she was new to town and didn’t know anyone in the school, either. Quickly we became very good friends and to this day still remain in contact and meet for lunch dates every week or so to catch up.

God works in mysterious ways; that was the day I met one of my best friends. Just when you think your day couldn’t possibly get any worse, simply say a prayer and express what you’re feelings to God. God is always with you, there to listen when you’re feeling down, and with Him you are never alone.  Take comfort in the knowledge He always will provide what you need and has only your best interests in mind. Nothing is stronger than the power of prayer.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 (NIV)

<3, Paige