Peristeria Fall 2012

National Girls Ministries Director

Candy Tolbert Teen Girl Specialist Magazine Editor

Katie Mattiuzzo

National Girls Ministries Editor

Lori Van Veen

This Month’s Contributors:

Alissa Walstead

Planning Balanced Meals During School

Jennie Olson

Entertainment Center

Karolyn Olson

Etiquette Fit for a Church

Samantha Smith When the Mirror Lies

Emily Howard Tori Nicktern Natalya Navarro I Am a Role Model

Piper Martinez Danielle Huver Fine Arts Spotlight

Raven Channel

Stand Out From the Crowd

Ashlee Chu Beautifully You

Cover photo by Erica Stephens Photography: ericastephensphoto.com Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Hey Girls!

We all have them. Especially girls. Frankly, we seem to actually have more of them.

I know when I have them I feel like I’ve ruined it for all of the other young women out there who have worked so hard to prove that they’re confident and capable.

I’m talking about awkward moments that threaten to destroy your confidence.

Here are a few of my classic moments: Driving over the curb while pulling away from the car mechanic where the walls of the building were made of glass so everyone and their mother saw Talking about how dreamy the voice of the guy was who took our order at a restaurant drive-thru only to have him say “thank you” since he was still listening through the intercom from inside the restaurant Having the woman ask which ballot I wanted when I showed up to vote at my state’s primary elections and I thought she meant what color ballot instead of what political party ballot I wanted Riding in the elevator for longer than necessary because I forgot to press a button Pressing the button on the elevator three different times only for it to reject my command Nervously giggling in an elevator when someone tries to make small talk but there’s not enough time to actually finish your response before they need to get out again Elevators in general … they make for lots of awkward moments Holding up my garage door opener and clicking it when turning the corner while driving instead of using the turn signal There’s really no spiritual lesson behind this letter — it’s just meant to serve as a light-hearted encouragement to any of you girls who feel like you can’t seem to make it through a day, let alone a week, without an awkward moment creeping up threatening to destroy your confidence. Whether you’re able to laugh at yourself or these recurring awkward moments are really causing you to struggle with your self-esteem, let me assure you, the Lord finds you perfect in who you are!

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

So there — now are you ready to face the new school year?!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Look up Psalm 139:13-18 (NLT). That’ll help. :)

©2012 by My Healthy Church. All Rights Reserved. Permission to copy for church use only.

The symbolism between the Peristeria Orchid and the Christian teen girl is pretty powerful stuff. Peristeria is Greek for “little dove.” The orchid gets its name from the dove-shaped center of the flower, and has also been called the Holy Ghost orchid (read Luke 3:21,22). Peristeria Orchids can grow in light or dark, much like a teen girl who has a desire to grow in her relationship with God despite the circumstances around her. The roots require moisture — pure water — at all times. As Christians, we also need nutrition and to be constantly fed through studying the Bible. As you read this magazine, think of yourself as a beautiful Peristeria Orchid — filled with the Holy Ghost, growing in whatever circumstances you’re living with, whether they be in light or dark, and being fed with the pure truth of the Word of God.

seasonal favorites | page 2 back to school blues | page 4 fall fashion | page 7 bringing back modesty | page 8 planning balanced meals during school | page 10 sounder sleep | page 12 bits of beauty | page 13

tough question | page 14 olympians | page 15 entertainment center | page 16 what do we think about | page 19 feature story: etiquette fit for a church | page 20 book nook | page 22 feature story: when the mirror lies | page 24 count on clarissa: “cruelty” | page 26 i am a role model | page 28 fine arts festival spotlight | page 32 campus clubs | page 34 feature story: beautifully you | page 36

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seasonal favorites

peas and beans mat with frame peas & beans art

sample mat

what you’ll need: craft glue dried peas and beans

(aim for a variety of shapes and colors)

mat and frame

what to do:

1. Determine a pattern you’d like to create with the dried peas and beans on your mat.

2. Apply craft glue to the mat to form the pattern you have chosen, and pour the peas/beans of your choice over it.

3. Repeat until you have achieved the pattern you started.

4. Allow plenty of time to dry.

5. Place the mat over your choice of photo and frame it.

6. Display your new fall photo!

finished product!

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acorn bites

crunchy caramel cream cheese dip

s’mores on a stick

chocolate kiss candy mini peanut butter sandwich crackers peanut butter mini chocolate chips

2 packages of cream cheese 1 jar of caramel ice cream topping 1 bag of chocolate coated toffee Sliced apples

Cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies Jar of marshmallow cream Popsicle sticks Melting chocolate

1. Attach the flat end of a chocolate kiss candy to one side of the mini peanut butter sandwich cracker using peanut butter as glue.

1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a serving platter.

2. Spread caramel over the top of the cream cheese layer.

3. Sprinkle with crushed chocolate coated toffee pieces.

4. Serve with sliced apples.

1. Open the chocolate sandwich cookie and place the halves inside facing up.

2. Spread a liberal amount of marshmallow cream over one sandwich cookie and set a popsicle stick in it.

3. Put the two sides of the sandwich cookie back together again with the popsicle stick between.

4. Melt the dipping chocolate.

5. Dip the sandwich cookie in chocolate and let cool.

2. On the other side of the sandwich cracker, put a dot of peanut butter and attach the flat end of a mini chocolate chip to it to create the stem of the acorn.

have a taste of fall! yummy peach parfait sugar cookies peach pie filling whipped topping vanilla ice cream cinnamon

1. Crush the sugar cookies.

2. In parfait glasses, layer crushed sugar cookies and peach pie filling, alternating several times.

3. Microwave for a few seconds

to warm the pie.

4. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped topping, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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BACK to

School BLUES

• Everyone tends to wait for someone else to take the lead that first week of school — to invite them to be in their group, to sit with them at lunch, and to joke with them.

Be the one to make the first move! You have God on your side — live in confidence!

What if people don’t like how I look?

Going back to school in the fall can bring on a lot of mixed emotions.

You’re sad that the summer and your laid back, relaxing days are gone, but at the same time you look forward to getting back into a routine — especially since it involves being able to be around your friends on a more consistent basis.

practice the route you’ll take from class to class. Plot out when you will return to your locker so you know what materials you need to have with you.

• Check out the lunch line and get an overview of the cafeteria so you can feel more prepared the first day of school.

What if I don’t have any friends?

But going back to school can also Fortunately for you, there will be dozbring on a lot of fear and anxiety. Can ens of other girls throughout your day you relate to the following questions? that have this same fear.

• Meet with your friends ahead of time to compare schedules. See if you have classes in common No one likes feeling helpless walking and plan when you can meet into a full classroom late because they during the day. got lost.

• Meet every morning before • Grab a friend and visit the school class so your day starts out on a a few days before classes start familiar note. Pump each other so you can help each other find up! Tell each other that it’s goyour lockers (and make sure you ing to be a good day and that know how to use the combinayou’re going to be a blessing to tions) and classrooms. others around you!

• Bring your schedule with you and

What if I get lost?

Maybe you’re nervous about coming back to school because you got a new hair cut, lost or gained weight, are worried about whether your clothing and accessories are up-to-date, or have become the victim of puberty and your skin is less than pristine. Maybe it’s the opposite for you — everyone else around you is coming back to school with some sort of change and you look just the same. Whatever the case may be, your fear about going back to school might be what the reactions of others will be.

• Try to see the big picture. Junior high and high school are just a few years out of your whole life, so try to not get so wrapped up in the drama or the quest for a particular image.

• Put on some thick skin! Maybe you love your hair short but your guy friends preferred your long hair. So what?! If you like it, that’s all that matters. Don’t let the comments of others ruin what you think about your new look.

• If someone makes a comment about something you’re already insecure about, blow it off. That’s

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horribly mean of someone to do and that person is clearly not someone that deserves your friendship.

• Adopt the saying, “this too shall pass!” You won’t always be under the influence of puberty.

• A few days before classes start, make a list of all of the qualities you like about yourself — your physical qualities, your personality qualities, and your talents.

Sometimes it does us a world of good to be able to focus on what we like about ourselves so that we can have a boost of confidence before walking into a new situation!

• Stick up for each other. If someone makes a comment about the way another girl looks, stand up for her, whether you know her or not. Band together with the

girls in your circle of influence to make it a safe zone. People will stand up for you when they see you standing up for others.

What if my teachers don’t like me?

answer every once in a while.

Ever been in a class where the teacher asked a question and an endless amount of time passed before anyone spoke? Help your teacher out and participate!

• Write legibly.

• Be on time.

• Acknowledge your teachers in the hallways instead of ignoring them!

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer! God is a God of peace. First Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (NLT). When you find yourself starting to worry, take some time to pray and give your concerns to God and then do what you need to do to feel more prepared.

It can be stressful having to start all over building a relationship with your teachers when a new school year starts and presents itself with a new schedule of them. Will your teachers require a lot of book reading? Will they be ones to give pop quizzes? Are they strict on tardies?

Here are some tips for getting off on the right foot with your teachers: • Turn in homework on time • Be attentive during class • Resist the urge to pass notes or talk during class Remember that God has placed you • Follow directions in your school, in those classes, and • Raise your hand and give an sitting by the people you are for a reason. So be a light to them!

study tips!

1. Make a list of priorities. When you get home from school, make a list of everything that needs to be done during the week according to the priority.

Don’t start Friday’s homework if you have an assignment due on Wednesday.

If everything has the same due date, start with the smaller, easier assignments so you can start checking things off your to-do list right away.

2. Eliminate distractions. Don’t allow temptations near you when you need to get some serious work done. Friends, television, social networking sites, and video games can be the enemy of productivity!

3. Get a snack. Trying to be productive is really hard on an empty stomach!

When you get home from school, make a quick snack to regain some energy before you hit the books!

4. Take advantage of study hall. It can be tempting to sleep, veg-out, or socialize, but if you have built in time to work on homework during the school day, take advantage of it!

5. Start studying ahead of time. Start studying a week out, briefly reading over and familiarizing yourself with the main points.

As the test day approaches, gradually step up the amount of studying you do for that particular subject.

6. Determine what type of learner you are. Some people retain information well by just reading it. Others need to talk it through, be quizzed by a friend or family member, use flash cards, re-write their notes, etc. Figure out what works best for you so you can make the most of your studying time!

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fall

word find APPLE CIDER BACKPACK BOOKS BUS CAFETERIA CRISP FALL FOOTBALL HAY RIDE HIGH SCHOOL HOMEWORK JACKET LEAVES LOCKER LUNCH BOX MIDDLE SCHOOL PENCIL PUMPKINS SCARECROW SCHOOL

S S D I W T W U X P T L B I C E R I D E S L U G F D D Q L H Y U T

S H U K A Q A M M L U R F D D A Z B Y U T A Q W P O L G A I D J H

C G F D D Q L B I U T A A W P O F G R S D J H G T E Q D T G L P O

A T H U K A K W D P L U G V D D Q E C Y U T G Y U A S C E H M A T

R Y U T G Y S R D C B N M A E L T H T A A Q W M P U U G N S A K B

E S L I W T N U L P T L T H U L A Q W E B O O K S G O Q I C Y U A

C H U A A Q W M E L U G F D D Q Z B Y U R P Q W P U M G G H D J C

R G F D T Q Z B S U T A N W P O L G R S D I I G T L E D H O L P K

O T O U K E Q W C R I S P F D D Q R E A D I A G U U F C T O M A P

W Y O T G Y D R H C B N H A S L T H U K A Q W M P N U G S L D Q A

A S T I W T N I O P T L O H U K P U N E P L U S F C E Q Z B Y U C

T H B K A Q W M O L U G M D D Q U U Y U T A U G L H T A R S D J K

I G A D D Q Z B L H T A E W P O L G M S D J H G T B Q D V J L P U

O T L R K A Q W M R T U W F D D Y Z B P U T G Y U O E C B E M A R

N Y L T I Y U R F A L L O O S L T H U K K Q W M P X C P F D D S E

A S D I W E N U X L T L R L U K A Q S M P I U G F D D E O B Y U S

P U M P K I N S P J A C K E T Q Z B Y U T A N W P O L G C U D J H

U E F D D Q Z D Y X T A K E P O L G R S L A K S T E C R I S P P O

L T N U K A Q W S I L U G P D D Q Z B Y U T G Y U R F C B N E R S

B Y U C G Y U R F N B N M I S L T H U K A Q W M P L U G F D D A S

A S D I I T N U X G T L T N U K A Q W M P L U G F D D Q Z B Y U M

T H U K A L W M P L U G F G D F A H A Y R I D E E O L G R S D J H

U G F D D Q Z B Y U T M I D D L E S C H O O L M O L E A V E S P O

L T H S U M M E R J O B G N D D Q Z F Y U T G Y U R F C B N M A S

B Y U T G Y U R F C B N M A S L T H U K A Q W M P L U G F D D Q Z

A P P L E C I D E R M M A N S C H O O L P G R L O C K E R A M U T

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fall

fashion

fashion! fall 2012

color palette

Need some ideas of cute outfits to wear this fall? Look at these great options! Notice the common theme of layers and jackets. What better way to make sure you stay at a comfortable temperature all day as you’re going from class to class?

This black floral blouse looks great under a lightweight jacket with skinny jeans and a pair of tan slouch boots. This outfit is perfect for the school day because since the blouse is layered with a jacket over it. The boots are adorable but comfortable at the same time since the heel is flat.

This outfit perfectly demonstrates how to wear serveral layers. The thin, long-sleeved brown tee is shown here under a light blue, zipup sweatshirt. The dark blue denim jacket is a great finishing touch, as are the cute brown flats. Khakis are a comfortable option for school since they tend to offer a more relaxed fit than jeans!

These wide-legged jeans make an awesome statement! Pair them with a plum purple short-sleeved sweater and a three-quarter sleeved plaid jacket overtop. Add a pop-of-color with a great pair of shoes and you’re ready for the school day!

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fashion

In a culture that’s becoming increasingly immodest, these four girls broke the mold and took an unconventional approach to personalizing their formal dresses — Have you had opportunities to share with people about they added elegant sleeves. why you altered your dress?

How did you go about making the alterations to your dresses?

“We had to search for the right material, the right color, and someone to do it for us. It may have taken longer and been harder than most people would have preferred, but it was definitely worth it. Looking in the mirror and seeing that I can be beautiful and covered the way God wanted it.”

“We have had tons of opportunities to share how important modesty is — from store owners, to seamstresses, even to moms that thanked us for being positive role models for their younger girls. I was able to talk with store owners about ordering modest dresses.

Therefore, they know there are still girls that want to be godly in a modest way.

You can dress cutely and still be modest without settling for whatever is out there.”

Randalee, 15 Caden, 15

bringing bac

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fashion

“I want people to see Christ when they Why should girls care about modesty? look at me.”

“I think that girls should care about What made you decide to make some alterations to your dresses?

“I want people to see Christ when they look at me and know that I have respect for myself. When people see our pictures they will know we are the same in and out of church. We looked only at dresses that had modest backs and no low cut fronts, so we could try to cover the rest more easily.”

modesty because they care about themselves. Dressing modestly is a sign of respect for yourself and God. The Bible says in Proverbs that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised and that tells me that dressing in a way that pleases God instead of everyone else will gain respect from others and respect for yourself.”

Savannah, 17 Autumn, 15

ack modesty

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As a busy teen it can be hard to have a balanced diet.

With school, sports, spending time with friends, etc., having a healthy diet is not always number one on your list.

planning balanced meals during school by alissa walstead

It

is often difficult to find tasty, healthy options that are quick and easy to make but it is important, especially as a teenager, to develop good eating habits now because they will carry on into adulthood.

You have probably heard someone, at some time say, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.� The reason this is true is because while you sleep your metabolism slows down because your body is at rest.

It is not burning calories and fat as quickly as if you were to be actively going throughout your day. When you wake up in the morning eating breakfast will give your metabolism a kick-start for the day and will help you start burning fat more quickly than if you were to wait to eat until later in the afternoon. Breakfast can be the most unhealthy meal in your day because mornings are often times when you grab whatever is at hand before rushing off to school. Protein

bars, sugary cereal, or Pop Tarts, may are just a few options. taste good but can be extremely unDinner may be the easiest healthy healthy and will not keep you feeling meal to eat but the easiest to over full for a long period of time. eat at as well. When you over eat Having a filling lunch is also impor- you are gradually expanding your tant because it can help you not to stomach making your stomach think become as hungry throughout the it needs more food than it actually day, causing you to eat unnecessary does. Even if you are making healthy snacks. Often times we can look at eating choices it can be too much of the calorie or fat count of a food. It is a good thing and the food you are important to make sure that you are eating will eventually turn to fat. A also factoring in how filling the food lot of times we think we are hungry may be and making sure it will not when we are, in fact, thirsty. Drinking cause you to become hungry again a glass of water before a meal will within the next couple hours. Hav- help you not to overeat as much. ing a small portion of protein in your Although eating healthfull takes lunch will help you to feel full longer. discipline it will give you more enEven with a filling lunch inevitably ergy and help you feel better about you may become hungry again. It is yourself. Indulging is okay once in a easy to grab a bag of potato chips as while but we are called to make our soon as you get home from school bodies a temple (1Corinthians 6:19). but having accessible healthy op- Eating healthfull and taking care of tions such as pre-cut veggies, frozen your body is all a way to honor and grapes, dried fruit, and pita chips respect God.

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Need some ideas for healthy, balanced meals for a school day? Check out these yummy suggestions! breakfast

lunch

dinner

greek yogurt & granola

bbq chicken sandwich

chicken, pork, or shrimp fried rice

A single serving Greek yogurt

Flatbread 3 Tbs. BBQ sauce ½ c. deli chicken or grilled chicken 1 c. of your choice of vegetables

(comes in a variety of flavors such as: strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla)

¼ c. granola cereal Put granola over top of yogurt and stir together.

Alissa is a homeschooled high school freshman.

She enjoys playing piano, guitar, and singing, and is a 4th and 5th grade girls Sunday school teacher at her church.

(lettuce, cucumbers, sprouts, red pepper, carrots)

Spread BBQ sauce evenly over flatbread and top with remaining ingredients.

Note: A serving of fruit is also a good addition to make it a more complete meal.

snack pita chips and hummus

did you know?

1 c. peas 1 c. carrots Olive oil 1 egg 3 c. prepared rice 1 c. cooked chicken, pork, or shrimp ¼ c. soy sauce ½ tsp. ginger 1. Stir fry vegetables in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.

2. Crack egg in pan with vegetables and mix together until egg is fully cooked.

3. Put prepared rice, cooked meat, soy sauce, and ginger in pan with egg, and vegetable mixture and stir together until heated through.

...that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new graphic that demonstrates the portions of each recommended food group? Take a look at it now!

According to the USDA, girls ages 14-18 need: 1½ cups of fruit a day (1 cup = an apple, a banana, 8 large strawberries, etc.)

2½ cups of vegetables a day

(1 cup = 2 medium carrots, an ear of corn, a tomanto, etc.)

6 ounces of grains a day

(1 oz = 1 slice of bread, 1 cup cereal, 1/2 cup rice or pasta, etc.)

5 ounces of protein a day

(1 oz = an egg, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1/4 cup beans, etc.)

3 cups of dairy a day

(1 cup = 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup pudding made with milk, 1/3 cup shredded cheese, etc.)

For more information, visit choosemyplate.gov.

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sounder sleep

Do you get enough sleep?

According to WebMD, it is recommended that teenagers get between 8 and 9 hours of sleep each night. night!

It’s easy to let time get away from you in the evenings, but now that school is in session again, set a bedtime and check out these other sugggestions to help you get sounder sleep!

tips to help you get enough sleep at

Turn off all electronic devices 30 minutes before you go to bed. This will allow your brain a chance to slow down.

Take a hot bath or shower before bed to relax you.

Keep your bedroom dark — pull the shades, draw the curtains, close the door.

Make notes of things you need to remember to do before you go to bed so your mind is clear.

Establish a bed time routine — wash your face, brush your teeth, get your jammies on, and settle into bed around the same time every night.

Get a lot of activity during the day. Sometimes a lazy day with a lack of activity can contribute to sleep problems at night. Instead of being tempted to take a nap after school, go for a brisk walk.

Avoid consuming caffeine after dinner.

As you lie in bed, relax all of your muscles. Unclench your jaw and your hands too — you might be tensing up in those areas without even knowing it!

Avoid drinking anything an hour before bed — this will reduce your need to get up and use the restroom so many times in the middle of the night!

Refrain from going to bed really late at night and sleeping in a long time on the weekends. This can really mess up the sleep routine you’ve established during the week!

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Silence the phone call and text message function of your phone to prevent being woken up sporatically through the night.

beauty bits of

back-to-school beautification

The summer is coming to a close and it’s back-to-school season. All girls deserve a night of Queen Esther-like beautification before heading into a semester of classes! So call up a few friends, pop in a movie (hey, maybe watch One Night With the King which is about Queen Esther!), make some yummy snacks, and have fun pampering yourself with some of the suggestions below. deep condition

moisturize

face mask

Give your hair some TLC and do a deep conditioning treatment. Whether you use a hot oil based treatment or another product that you leave in for a period of time, deep conditioning your hair will bring life back into your dry, damaged hair.

Days of being in the hot sun can really dry out your skin. Find a rich lotion and moisturize your body. Use a lighter, unscented lotion that will allow you to moisturize your face without clogging your pores. And then find a thick lotion to moisturize your feet. Put a pair of socks on to let the lotion soak in.

Face masks are a wonderful way to pamper yourself! Buy a product that has a little bit of grit in it that can act as an exfoliant, wearing down on the dead layer of skin to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath. Face masks also do a great job minimizing pores — those little dots on your face that can trap dirt and cause zits.

floss & fluoride

mani/pedi

drink water

Your teeth even deserve some beautification. Take some time to floss your teeth, brush them well, and focus on the hard-to-reach areas. Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen those pearly whites!

Pick a pretty color to polish your toes and fingernails! Start by filing your nails into the desired shape (rounded or squared off) and buffing the ridges in your nails. Push your cuticles back and polish. Use a top coat to protect your nails from chipping and to give your nails a glossy shine.

Drinking enough water seems like the hardest thing to do, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! Water not only keeps you hydrated, but it flushes toxins from your body, keeps your brain alert, aids in digestion, and plays a big part in keeping your skin beautiful!

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tough

question

Q.Are ghosts real?

space as God’s Spirit!

A.

And 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

We’ve all heard our share of stories, but the fact of the matter is, ghosts are not real. According to dictionary.com, a ghost is defined as: the soul of a dead person, a disembodied spirit imagined, usually as a vague, shadowy or evanescent form, as wandering among or haunting living persons.

How do we know ghosts, or the souls of dead people making appearances on earth, aren’t real? Because 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. It’s instantaneous and it’s permanent. When a person dies their soul goes either to heaven or to hell. It does not linger on earth.

Hebrews 9:27 and Matthew 25:46 tell us that each person is destined to die one time and that after that they will face judgment. For those who have given control of their life to Jesus, that means heaven, but for those who haven’t, that means hell (John 3:16).

Ghosts aren’t real, but demons definitely are. Satan is a liar. His whole existence is based on deceiving people.

Just read John 8:44 and 2 Corinthians 4:4. He thrives on leading people astray. Second Corinthians 11:14,15 talks about how Satan masquerades

himself as an “angel of light” and his demons masquerade themselves as “servants of righteousness.” This shows that they are most certainly capable of giving eager ghost hunters exactly what they want to find by taking on the persona of anyone, putting on an orb light show in an old abandoned building, or even causing mysterious noises or movements.

Satan and his demonic following would love nothing more than to draw in people who are fascinated with their world and to further blind people from the truth of God. But let’s be honest — we can all manifest quite a frightening experience with our imaginations. A lot of “hauntings” might not be anything more than an overworked mind.

That’s why it’s so important to watch what we feed ourselves. A steady diet of horror movies, ghost hunting shows, and supernatural stories will do a number on your nerves after a while! Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because “everything [we] do flows from it.”

If you’ve given your life to God and are pursuing a relationship with Him, then no, you do not need to be afraid. When you become a Christian and accept Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit dwells in you.

The Holy Spirit provides guidance, boldness, and insight into different circumstances. Demonic forces have no interest in dwelling in the same

Look at what Romans 8:9 says — “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”

Simply put, if you have God’s Spirit living in you, then don’t be afraid of Satan having power over you. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us that, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

There are plenty of Scripture verses that tell us as Christians to resist Satan, to keep our minds on God, and to flee evil, so it is possible that Satan can throw as much at us as he can to trip us and discourage us, but he can’t lay a finger on us (so to speak). Here’s a great Scripture passage — “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

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Olympians dedicated to sports . dedicated to God D

id you get your fill of Olympic events this year? If you’re like many Americans, dinner was eaten in front of the television, you only got up during commercial breaks to quickly get things done, and you had way, way too many late nights because you couldn’t make yourself turn off the excitement. You’ve probably also been walking around humming the famous Olympics theme song (duuuun, duuuun, dudun dun dun dun dun dun dudun, dun-dun-dun dundundun dun dunnnnnn).

Did you know that some of your favorite olympians have been very public about their faith in God throughout their competitions? Check out some of these awesome tweets!

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No one is a stranger to fear — no matter what the person believes in. That’s why Travis Ryan, a worship pastor at Saddleback Church in California and a dynamic new artist signed to Integrity Music, journeys through the topic on Fearless, his distinctly reverent yet musically vibrant debut.

travis ryan entertainment center submitted by jennie olson “The title track, and the whole album, is really a prayer that the church would live out 1 John 4:18 (NIV) — “There is no fear in love; but, perfect love drives out fear,’” he says.

Music and church have always been key components of life for Travis.

From watching his own father work through the challenges of being a songwriter/worship leader, to the encouragement found in time spent at Saddleback as a teen, to a discouraging pursuit of a mainstream record deal, Travis eventually discovered his love for music through the calling of a church.

even pack a guitar. But when a small congregation near his campus was looking for a worship leader, Travis says, “I stepped through that door and fell in love with the church.” And he began to see music in a completely different light. “I began to feel a calling, like every part of my life had been puzzle pieces that were now coming together,” he continues.

accepted a full-time position as worship leader at Saddleback.

“My heart was burning for the church,” he says, a clear sign that Fearless was about to take shape.

Rooted in definitive rock influences and propelled by the love for beautiful worship melodies, Fearless inspires believers and seekers to press on past fear, becoming courageous and marked by God’s boldness. You can hear it in the themes of overcoming and awe on these songs Travis penned with a remarkable list of worship writers including Matt Redman, Brenton Brown, Anthony Skinner and Ben Cantelon.

Immersing himself in life as a worship leader, Travis discovered a new level of enthusiasm for writing songs with the church in mind.

While still in school, he reconnected with Saddleback’s Rick Munchow who offered him the chance After the record deal fell through to lead worship for the church’s and Travis headed back to Califor- singles group. Travis accepted For more information about Travis nia for college, he was so discour- the invitation, finished college, and to listen to his music, visit his aged about music that he didn’t married his wife Hayley, and later website: travisryanmusic.com 16

entertainment

center

Top Christian Artists who Tweet A compilation of a few of our favorites

NewSong

Decyfer Down

Chris Tomlin

Tenth Avenue North

Newsboys

Group 1 Crew

Brandon Heath

Downhere

Steven Curtis Chapman

Kutless

Natalie Grant

@newsongonline @tenthavenorth

@jeremycamp

Matt Redman @Matt_redman

@group1crew

@newsboys

@brandonheath

Jeremy Camp

@Christomlin

@Decyferdown

@stevencurtis

@downhere

@Nataliegrant

@kutless/ @jonmicahsumrall/ @ jrmeadkutless/ nickysixx/ @davelux/ @kutlessdrummer

Casting Crowns @castingcrowns

Music We Like: Bluetree Northern Irish contemporary Christian band Bluetree is back with its sophomore album, Kingdom.

After touring and spending much time away from their home church in Ireland, the Bluetree band members decided to clear their schedule and head home in hopes of becoming more settled and musically inspired.

The group was then able to naturally start composing songs for Kingdom, which was recorded in Coldplay’s studio in Liverpool and mixed in Paul Mills’ studio in Franklin, Tenn.

The album was released May 8 and is a follow-up to their debut album, God of this City.

The songs show an intimate snapshot into the life of the artists, like their hit single “Jesus Healer” that talks about frontman Aaron Boyd’s journey with his daughter, who has cystic fibrosis.

The album seeks to build up the church through a grace-centered approach to life with overarching themes talking about who we are as children in the Kingdom of God. For more information and to listen to Bluetree’s music, visit bluetree.exchangechurchbelfast.com/.

top 10 Christian songs

(for the week of August 25, 2012, billboard.com)

out

10,000 Reasons Matt Redman

#1.

#6. ChCerisnterAuofgustIt

#2.Me WtobyithMYoacu God’s Not Dead Newsboys

#7.

#3.

Losing Tenth Avenue North

rt & the The Hu Healer e MercyM

#8.

#4.Where I Belong Build ing 429

Jesus, Friend of Sinners Casting Crowns

#9.

ness #5.MFoatrgthive ew West

. Overcome #10Jere my Camp

Need some pointers on how to choose what movies and television shows to watch and music to listen to? Download the free Music, Movies, and TV Hot Topic at tgm.ag.org.

17

entertainment

center

lara

landon

S

inger/songwriter Lara Landon does more than just sing about the love of God. The California native also lives it out in her personal and professional life.

Through traveling the world, Lara saw the pain of those suffering from extreme poverty, disease, and injustice — and decided to do her part to help.

“My sister and I started dreaming together about the kind of reality we wanted to see in the world,” Lara said. “We wondered how we could take the words of Jesus seriously to treat others as we would treat Him.” The singer launched a nonprofit called New Reality International with her sister in 2006 — an organization dedicated to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to those in need.

in their lives were medical professionals with a heart to serve, Lara says. But as they visited various countries and met with people, they discovered some of their other needs.

Fans are asked to share stories and photos of people they know or meet who reflect the image of God. The images can then be found on her blog at iseegodinyou.blogspot.com.

“While in Haiti performing surgeries and medical clinics, one of our team members befriended our translator,” Lara said.

“He had lost his house and everything in the earthquake, so we decided to get into home building. New Reality has been building two homes in Haiti, and we are branching out to respond to the spiritual needs we are encountering.”

“Today with all of the social networking opportunities it’s easier than ever to start campaigns, blogs, Facebook pages, and videos to bring attention to what you are passionate about,” Lara said. “I believe if you share your passion with people and offer them ways to get involved you will be surprised at what God will do through them to provide.”

But Lara says we don’t have to go to a third-world country to find people who inspire us.

For more information about New Reality International, visit newrealityinternational.org.

“‘I tell you the truth, when you To drive this point home, she’s did it to one of the least of these launched a national campaign my brothers and sisters, you called “I See God in You,” were doing it to me!’” (Matthew New Reality started out as a based on her radio single and 25:40, NLT). medical missions organization music video by the same title. because the people God placed 18

Extracurricular activities are a great way to deve lop your interests in other things besides school work. They provide a grea t outlet for students who love to sing, dance, play sports, play an instrume nt, paint, mime ... you get the picture! They’re also great to include on colle ge resumes and job applications. Colleges and employers love peop le who are well-rounded in life. It also shows that you are able to successfu lly manage your time while juggling several different things. On the other hand, extracurricular activities can be devastating to your grades if you aren ’t one of those people who happens to be great at time management.

Or it could be that one semester is more difficult than the other and requ ires more focused time

studying, and any activity above and beyond school is overwhelming. So what do we think about extracurricular activities?

Go for them! But don’t overcommit yourself. Don’t join 17 clubs because you think it’d be good for your future. Use wisdom. Your calling for right now is to be the best student you can be!

late with school work, exhausted from While it’s easy to get overwhelmed tion pta tem the st weekly routine, resi nights of studying, and tired of the class. Aka, being truant: absent with to play hookie! Hookey is skipping a or for a dentist appointment, a fever, out leave. This isn’t missing school , spend the day at the mall, the movies family vacation. This is deciding to ent abs ng bei [who is also truant]. It’s the lake, or your best friend’s house we proper procedures. Don’t do it! As from school without following the se of life is to be the best student you said above, your calling for this pha akfast and pack a good lunch. Get can be. So be all on. Eat a good bre s. And don’t think God will think enough sleep and be attentive in clas a creative excuse to play hookey. you’re hilarious for coming up with

Are you doing something to make them mean? :) Ha. Just kidding. We’ve all had teachers who just seem not to be happy people by nature. And that can make for a really difficult year if you spend your days feeling like you’re walking on egg shells and are honestly not doing anything to make them mean. What do we think? Pray extra hard for them. Just like you, your teachers have a personal life outside of school, and you may not ever know what kinds of struggles they’re facing when they

go home in the evenings. So pray for them. You can also remember them at

special times during the year — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Teacher Appreciation

Day, their birthday, the last day of school, etc. You don’t have to spend a ton of

money, but get them a card, a $5 gift card, or a goodie basket of candy. You can

make a conscious effort to make eye contact, smile, and acknowledge your also

teacher when you enter and leave the classroom. Teaching can be an exhausting

way to spend a day! So your acknowledgment might go a long way in making your teacher feel like he/she is making a difference. And back to suggestion number one ... pray some more. Your teachers, mean or nice, need an extra dose of energy, patience, kindness, and creativity!

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etiquette fit for a

What’s your church like when you

first enter the main sanctuary doors?

For some people, church is a quiet place where solemn music is being played and people enter silently and with a sense of awe and worship. For others, church is a place of boisterous talk where people greet friends they haven’t seen all week long and upbeat rocking music welcomes them. No matter what your church is like, there is a standard of etiquette that should reflect what church is…the house of God. There are basic standards of behavior in most public places. When you go to a movie or a play, you are asked to turn off cell phones , to lower your voices, to keep within your space. Sometime it’s easy to think that church is the exception. It’s not!

The church has often been labeled as a place with a whole list of things you can’t do. Have you ever felt like

people are judging you because you are young and you may not do things exactly the way older people do them? Instead of rebelling, try to think about what church really is and why your behavior even matters.

The Bible tells us to meet together as believers and to encourage one another.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25, NIV).

We cannot meet together and encourage each other if we are offending each other. Think about a time you were somewhere and were really interested in the program or play or sermon and someone behind you was kicking your seat or crumpling candy wrappers. The last thing you probably

church

thought about was being an encouragement to them.

Church is a place where we come together to worship God, have God speak to us, and are instructed in the ways of God. When we think about the privilege we have of coming before the holy, righteous, awesome we want to show God, it follows that we want and our behavto the ior to reflect that. we are That means we don’t want to do anything to draw attention to ourselves and away from God (talking, snapping gum, cell phones). That means we don’t want to disrespect His house (put our feet on the pews ahead of us, leave trash behind, use offering

respect honor

One coming to worship in the first place.

— continued — 20

envelopes to write notes). That means we do want to show respect and honor to the One we are coming to worship in the first place.

I got in trouble once after communion because I started to play with the plastic communion cup and it cracked loudly when it broke in my hand. There were nasty looks all over the place. I learned from experience that proper etiquette was to take communion and then put the cup down immediately before I was tempted to see how far it would bend before it broke.

Our church had theater-type seats that bounced up when you stood.

One time after church a couple of friends and I had a race by lying down on our stomachs at the front of the sanctuary and scooting as fast as we could through the rows of seats all the way to the back of the sanctuary. It was after the service had ended, but that didn’t matter. Legalistic? Not at all. We were in God’s house and that was not showing respect.

Another time I started giggling with my brothers … you know the kind of giggles that you can’t control. All it took was one snap off the fingers of my mom to know that I had crossed the line. Legalistic? Not at all. I was drawing attention to myself and

causing the people around me to be distracted from the service.

You might not have anyone who holds you accountable, but you should know that you would never act like that in front of someone important. How much better should you act in the house of God! There are times when it is so fun to be with our friends that we sometimes forget why we came to church in the first place. Get in the habit of trying to enter church quietly and sit for a few minutes before the service begins and ask God to open your heart to what He has for you. That’s a great way to surrender your will to Him, and then good etiquette can’t help but follow because you recognize Who you have come to be with in the first place.

What happens when your friend is showing bad behavior in church?

Remember that we meet together to encourage each other. That means you have the opportunity to turn things around.

1. Gently tell her you really want to hear what’s going on. Often

your good behavior can make it less fun for your friend when she realizes you are not going to join her.

feature story easier to make good behavior decisions when you are engaged in the service than when you are an observer in the back or in the balcony.

3. Come prepared. Pray before

the service that God will show you something special in church and that He will let you be an encouragement to your friends.

First Timothy 6:15,16 describes God as “…the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever” (NIV).

How can we ever consider coming before Him with anything other than complete awe and respect?

Karolyn has been married to her wonderful husband, Denny, for 32 years. They live in Missouri, have two grown daughters and just got their first grandbaby at the beginning of June. Karolyn’s childhood as a pastor’s kid has given her a special appreciation for the church, but also some funny stories as she learned some lessons the hard way!

2. Suggest that you move closer to the front. It’s much

REFLECTon your church 1. When I’m at church people see me as ________________________________________________________.

2. When I’m at church I think I do a good job of __________________________________________________.

3. When I’m at church I could do a better job of ___________________________________________________.

4. My favorite thing about my church is __________________________________________________________.

5. The biggest etiquette lesson I’ve learned at church was __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________.

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The start of a new school year is a perfect time to begin a daily devotional time with the Lord if you’re not already doing it!

Prayer and Bible study are an important part of growing in Christ, but often those are the last things we think about during our day. Establish a designated quiet time with the Lord everyday and watch how much you grow in Him as the school year progresses! Here are some suggestions for devotionals: Teen Girl Daybook

Each week this free monthly calendar focuses on a different theme and provides a daily activity and Scripture passage. Visit tgm.ag.org to download.

Green’s Not Your Best Color

by Mieka Phillips

51 devotionals on all kinds of topics relevant to teen girls, with chapter titles like “Ugly Grudges,” “Beyond the Looking Glass,” “Mood Rings,” “Party Girls,” and “Down in the Valley.”

Life Style

Devotions for the God Girl

Daily devotional looking into the lives of radical women in the Bible like Hannah, Miriam, and Tamar.

365 one-page devotions intended to help teen girls learn more about God and the purpose He has for them. Each devotion includes Scripture and reflections.

by Whitney Prosperi

Borrowing God’s Glasses

by Lacei Grabill

Daily devotional broken down into four sections tackling the questions of “Who Am I?,” “Who Is God?,” “Who Are Chistians?,” and “Who Am I Created to Be.”

by Hayley DiMarco

TH1NK Life Change Series

by NAV Press

Five-book series covering the books of the Bible Ruth/Esther, Ephesians, James, Mark, and Romans.

22

quiz:

what is YOUR spiritual gift?

The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 12 is dedi- cated to talking about the spiritual gifts given to Christians. Take this quiz, check out your results, and then head on over to 1 Corinthians 12 to read more about your particular gift. Can you think of someone from the Bible who shared your same gift?

1. What makes you the happiest is:

a. Being able to give financially to a worthy cause

b. Being able to lead a small group or a Sunday

school class

c. Being able to have a group of your friends

over to your house

d. Being able to share your testimony with

someone

e. Being able to be behind the scenes assisting

with something 2. People tell you that you are:

a. So generous of your time, money, and talents

b. A really good communicator and that they

can learn well from you

c. A really good host and that they love coming

over to your house

d. Really good at being able to share your

faith with others in a variety of contexts

e. So helpful and willing to do whatever needs

to be done without complaining 3. You get upset when:

a. You see people in need

b. People are missing out on an opportunity

to learn

c. People don’t take care of their home or

other belongings

d. You encounter people who don’t know the

Lord and are lost

e. Something needs to be done and no one

steps up to do anything about it

Results Mostly As: You have the gift of giving. You give of your time, money, and of your talents as often as you can. It brings you great joy to be able to share what you have with others.

Mostly Bs: You have the gift of teaching. You are a good communicator and not only can people easily learn from you, but they want to learn from you. You have the patience to help others understand and you never make them feel dumb for not getting it.

Mostly Cs: You have the gift of hospitality. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an amazing cook, it does mean that you love to create an environment that is warm and welcoming to the people who come over.

You are kind and pay attention to details. When people walk into something you’re hosting they feel at ease.

Mostly Ds: You have the gift of evangelism. You’re the kind of person that finds all kinds of opportunities to share your faith and to reach out to those who don’t know the Lord. It burdens you to see your loved ones away from Christ.

Mostly Es: You have the gift of serving. You love to be behind the scenes busily working to help out. You rarely complain because you genuinely like to help where you can. People can count on you to do a good job and are blessed by the positive attitude you bring to your tasks.

23

Eighteen years. Five feet, six inches.

100 pounds. These numbers equaled the profile of high school senior, Sarah Stanley. And so did these: 500 calories, 1 hour, 2 years. Only 500 calories consumed and one hour of cardio per day for two years. This is the profile of anorexia. “I’m just not hungry,” she would say. Somehow this phrase went undetected for months as Sarah dropped from a healthy 120 lbs., to less than 100 lbs. at 5’6 ½” tall.

Plagued by inferiority and misguided comparisons, she became entrapped by her own longing to be desired.

Her worth waited to be discovered just under the surface of her own perspective. With the road to recovery still a consistent battle, Sarah relies on her faith to be her guide. She embraces a newfound confidence and is a cherished free spirit who loves people.

Though it was a laborious 26 journey, she believes this life experience will enable her to impact girls

who struggle with eating disorders and self-worth.

Raised in Wagoner, Oklahoma, Sarah enjoyed the quaint culture of the midwest and the security of country life.

Being the daughter of a city billing clerk and an Oklahoma State Game Warden came with the blessing of a stable home and the responsibility of the family name. She reveled in the luxury of a tight-knit group of friends and prominence as the captain of Wagoner High School’s cheerleading squad. Sarah was actively involved in her local church and was cultivating a passion for girls ministry. From an outside perspective, Sarah lived a perfect life.

However, outside perspectives can be deceiving. Sarah had always been small. Small arms, small legs, small waist, and small chest. Not all of which are desirable to a teenage girl. From her physical appearance to

her intelligence, Sarah had been the punch line of many jokes since she was young. The taunting was easy to laugh off, but when the laughter was silent, she was left to consider the truth behind every “just kidding.”

Sarah recalls watching make-up commercials as a child. Like most young girls, she was mesmerized by the model’s beautiful hair and flawless skin. But she would shake her head in disbelief as a L’Oreal advertisement played its famous tagline, “Because you’re worth it.” Looking up at her mom, she would say, “No. I’m not worth it.”

“As women, our ultimate goal in life is to be loved. We want to be desired, and when people’s actions don’t satisfy that longing, we start to believe we don’t deserve it,” said Sarah.

As she started growing during the later years of high school, the change — continued —

24

in her appearance was easily observed but not unhealthy. When two inches of height resulted in gaining 20 pounds, weight became Sarah’s focus. A number was the goal, but comparison became the complex.

For years, Sarah and her best friend, Leslie, were two halves of a whole.

But as her perspective changed, the equation shifted, and Leslie seemed to be everything Sarah was not. Leslie was smarter, smaller, and prettier.

All of Sarah’s insecurities were magnified in the wake of Leslie’s “excellence.” Their friendship didn’t suffer, but Sarah’s self esteem did.

control. It was about overall attractiveness. She would compare herself to stars in the media and models in magazines, even her friends at school and strangers in public. The terms skinny and attractive were synonymous.

Changes in life came alongside the changes in her body. Sarah’s church was shaken by a controversial situation, and her youth pastors resigned.

These mentors had influenced her most impressionable years; now their decision to stand for what was right had removed them from her life. The stability she had once counted on in the church was gone.

Sarah recalls days that she would lie in her bathroom floor and weep, wanting to throw up but unable to.

As a Christian, she knew all the Scriptures about self-worth and identity in Christ, but knowing and choosing to believe were two different things.

When reality plants itself into the center of a teenage girl’s fairy tale, the result can be drastic. For Sarah, loss of control and feelings of inferiority led her to the only attainable conclusion.

“If I couldn’t do anything else, and if life wasn’t good anymore, I could at least be skinny,” said Sarah.

The eating disorder didn’t take shape instantly. She began by cutting calories and exercising, but within the month 500-700 calories was her daily limit. She would run miles everyday, in addition to cheerleading practice. She spent her free time online researching ways to “Drop 5 Pounds in a Week.”

Living on Diet Pepsi and salad, Sarah’s goal was to see her bones.

“The true test was my clavicles. If my collarbones were protruding under my skin, then the day was a success.

If not, eat less,” she said.

In 2007, her senior year of high school, Sarah had returned to 100 lbs. At the peak of the disorder, it wasn’t about

“I didn’t wear big clothes or try to hide my body. I wanted people to tell me I was skinny,” she said. “Not only that, but I thrived off of comments like ‘you look sick’ or ‘you should eat more, you’re skin and bones’.”

Though compliments reflected success, the anorexia was destroying her life.

“I was literally disgusted by my appearance. I would constantly tell God I hated myself and the way He made me look,” she said. “I looked in the mirror and saw a fat, ugly person that no one wanted.”

The summer after graduation, Sarah spent two weeks leading worship at youth camp with the team from her new church. At one evening service, she felt God speaking to her about her eating disorder. She knew that if she didn’t stop, it would kill her. There was no question that anorexia would kill her physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. This revelation shook her core being, and for the first time she told what she had been dealing with. Life from this moment would be an uphill battle.

The next fall, Sarah was a freshman at Evangel University. Anorexia had been like a recurring dream since the summer, but she had been on the defense. However, the transition to college life had been challenging, and the pressure of classes coupled with a long-distance relationship was weighing on her by spring. Over-

feature story whelmed and out of control, she reverted to the one process that guaranteed satisfaction. Sarah dredged up her past habits and made them into her future. She spent those months an emotional wreck, dropping weight as if she had it to lose.

Sarah struggled with her eating habits until the conclusion of her sophomore year. But that summer, she decided the months of fighting her silent battle were over. It was imperative to love herself before she could accept love from others. Though every meal required the choice to eat, she understood the importance of that small decision.

“No matter how much temptation I feel to skip a meal, I constantly remind myself that I am no longer a victim of anorexia. Not eating is not an option,” she said.

Sarah is currently a newly wed and graduate of Evangel University. She has sustained a healthy weight for almost three years. Surrounding herself with a support group has played a crucial role in maintaining this lifestyle. Self-worth and inferiority issues have been weaved through all aspects of her life, now the process of removing them is a constant mental game. Every day is a challenge, but each day Sarah is stronger and more equipped for the struggle. Though anorexia created a “high,” Sarah insists that it’s nothing compared to living free of the disorder.

“It’s not worth it. After believing lies for so long, every thought and feeling must be reframed,” she said.

“Learning how to love yourself is the hardest and most important part.”

Samantha is a native of Conway, Missouri. In 2011, she earned a B.S. in Communication Studies from Evangel University, Springfield, Missouri. She currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the Healthy Church Network, where they work to revitalize and strengthen churches Assemblies of God churches in the United States.

25

count on

Clarissa “Cruelty”

Clarissa sank into her seat and lost

her appetite. She put the sandwich down she’d been looking forward to eating all morning. All she could do was watch from afar as a table of her classmates poked fun of a physically handicapped girl who was sitting one table over from them. The girl didn’t seem to notice since her back was to them, but Clarissa was very aware of the snickering, the pointing, and the imitating they were doing of her shaking motions and the way she walked.

“What’s wrong?” Clarissa’s best friend, Andrea, asked. “You’ve been whining about being starving all morning. Why are you not shoving your face right now?”

“Look,” Clarissa pointed across the lunchroom towards the table of unashamed bullies. “They’re making fun of that poor girl.”

“Wow … that’s low,” Andrea replied when she saw what Clarissa was talking about.

Just then the girl turned over her shoulder and got a clear picture of the scene that had been going on behind her back this whole time. She turned back around and fumbled around trying to repack her lunch box. Clarissa couldn’t tell for sure, but she was pretty certain there were tears running down the girl’s face.

“What do we do?” Clarissa asked, her eyes fixed on the girl.

“Well, what can we do? Besides, it looks like she’s leaving. They’ll stop once she’s gone,” Andrea said.

“All the more reason to say something now!

They need to know that what they’re doing is wrong!” Clarissa exclaimed as she pushed her chair away from the table and stood up.

With every step she took towards the table of bullies her confidence seemed to dwindle. Afterall, these were her classmates — people she was going to see again in just a few short hours. And every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at that.

What if they started making fun of me too? I just met these people.

We’re only a few weeks into this school year … that’s a long time for them to make my life miserable too.

After making a quick pros and cons list on her slow march across the lunchroom, Clarissa decided that she had no choice but to stand up for the girl who was being mercilessly teased for her physical handicap.

“Hey,” Clarissa called to the hateful table. Now what do I say? Dear Jesus, please give me the words to say so that I can help this girl and not make her even more of a target to these guys. Give me your boldness.

“Leave her alone,” Clarissa said with authority.

The table of her classmates stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to Clarissa. All of their attention. And all of their eyes.

There were 16 eyes, to be exact. A few of them behind glasses.

— continued —

26

“Why should we do that?” said one of the classmates at the table who was clearly positioning himself as the leader of this pack of tormentors.

“Because there are eight of you and one of her and she’s done nothing to you guys to bring on the kind of humiliation you guys are causing her,” Clarissa said while making stern eye contact with each member of the table.

She shocked herself with the amount of confidence she was exhibiting right now. For someone who spends more time tripping up the stairs, burning her forehead with the curling iron, and forgetting things she even specifically wrote

on sticky notes not to forget, she was speaking with the kind of confidence and boldness that could only come from God. Thank you, Jesus, for being with me.

The bullied girl from the next table overheard what Clarissa had said and slowly turned back around to face her persecuters. Her movements were jerky, her steps clumsy and unsteady, but as she stood next to Clarissa her entire disposition changed — she was being validated by a fellow girl who knew her value despite her physical handicap.

A few of the bullies at the table continued to snicker with one another, but the rest of them looked sheep-

ishly down at their lunches. The ringleader of the group backed off and sat down in a spot at the farthest end of the table away from them.

She had done it.

Clarissa turned to the girl, smiled, and introduced herself. “I’m Clarissa. What’s your name?”

“Lauren.”

“Lauren. Nice to meet you. Come on — come eat with us,” Clarissa warmly said while she grabbed Lauren’s backpack for her.

Across the lunchroom Andrea moved her stuff over to make a spot for their new friend.

bullying Bullying is abuse. Typically, bullying can be categorized as emotional, verbal, or physical abuse. It usually involves subtle methods of coercion such as psychological manipulation. Victims of bullying suffer in many ways including emotionally, physically, and academically. Though it can be a very painful and difficult experience it is, unfortunately, all too common. About one in five students feels bullied at some point during their school years.

Have you or any of your friends ever been bullied? How did it feel? How did you react? How did it stop?

Read Proverbs 11:16-18

Would you rather gain respect or wealth? Why?

Do you think kindness benefits you in the long run? How?

What do you think the “sure reward” is? Why does living righteously mean that you’ll receive that reward?

Read Luke 6:27-36

Why is it so important to love your enemies? What does it mean to “bless those who curse you”?

Read Luke 6:31 again. This is often referred to as the Golden Rule. What do you think it would be like if

everyone lived by this rule? What does it mean for you to live by this rule?

What does this passage say about how we should treat the victims of bullies? What does it say about the

way we should treat bullies?

for more Hot Topics, go to tgm.ag.org/hottopics

Read Ephesians 4:1-6

Why is it important to keep unity with other Christians?

What can you do to keep unity?

Is your church a safe place? What should you do if you see someone is feeling left out or bullied at church?

27

role model i am a

to make sure that we are always acting in a way that honors the Lord.

When someone sees our actions they should be able to clearly understand who we are emulating — Jesus!

Here is a great passage about the awesome position we as Christians have as role models to the world around us, and the importance of not letting anything compromise that:

Who do you think is looking up to you? “You are the salt of the earth. But

We all have them in our lives in one sing, but they might not necessarily form or another whether good or bad. They might change from year to year or even week to week, but we always have them in our lives. Some might be older than us, richer than us, or more famous than us, but others might be the complete opposite.

be people that you would look up to for relationship advice, work ethic, or for their morals.

Scripture takes role modeling very seriously. Take a look:

what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?

Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.

Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT).

“If you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it They are role models. would be better for you to have a Role models are people we look large millstone tied around your neck up to. People whom we strive to be and be drowned in the depths of the more like. You might have several dif- sea” (Matthew 18:6, NLT).

In the next few pages you’ll read what ferent kinds of role models in your three teen girls just like you have to Good motivation for us to watch our life. You might have role models you say about role models! own actions, huh?

Since we never look up to because of their great know who is watching us we need fashion sense or incredible ability to — continued —

28

“God has given me the of

joy

salvation and I want to

spread it to the world!”

Q. Why are role

models important?

A. It’s good to learn from oth-

role model i am a

ers. The saying “Learn from your own mistakes” doesn’t have to be true. Learn from others so that you don’t have to go through it too. It’s also good to have someone to watch and be able to say “I want to be like them,” because then you know what your goal looks like.

It’s a lot easier if get a picture of your goal.

It makes life a lot easier when it comes to making hard decisions.

nam gra e: e sta de: 11 t mily h te: oh io

Q. Who are your role models? A. It’s important A. My parents are my biggest role to take the job seriously models for sure. They are some of the most amazing people you could ever meet! They are willing to do anything for those they love. They are hard workers, great providers, great listeners, and they live their lives to please God no matter the cost.

first of all. People are always watching a role model. How the rolemodel acts in certain situations will most likely be how the people that look up to them will react in similar situations they face. They need to be loving, merciful, compassionate, willing, and on fire for Jesus.

Also my youth leaders and teachers.

They are the ones who help me get to How has God used you where I want to be. Without their guid- to impact others because of ance I could honestly say I wouldn’t be your position as a role model? where I am today. They constantly chalJust recently, I started volunteerlenge me, give me advice, and they ing at a café near my home. It’s a nontruly care about me. No matter what I profit Christian organization with the do, they are there to help me get back goal to feed and supply the needs up and point me in the right direction. of the homeless and less fortunate.

What qualities are People can come and get food, counimportant in a role model? seling, and clothes for free. No strings

Q. A.

Q.

attached. I can honestly say it’s my favorite place to go. When I see the smiles on the kids faces when I hand them a bowl of soap or a tuna sandwich, my heart melts. There is no job that is more rewarding than helping people who are in need and showing Christ’s love to them through serving.

God has given me so many opportunities to be a role model. But even so, I try and search out even more opportunities to be a mirror of Christ. I may be the only Bible that some people read, so I must be aware of opportunities that may arise at any time.

29

role model i am a

“God wants

all of His children

to be fishers of men and

set a

good example

for generations to come.“

ri o t e: 0th ey s m r 1 a e n de: wj e a r n g te: ta s

People are always it all balances out. Just like Paul, he

Q. Why are you a role model?

A. I know that by doing well it is

always a blessing for somebody else, even if no one sees it. I also want to grow the faith of generations that are coming as so many have helped me grow in my faith.

Q. Who looks up to you?

A. I would say mostly younger kids.

My sense of humor really helps me to relate with them.

Q. What makes a person a role model?

A.

There are not always good role models to follow. Anyone is a role model when you think about it, good and bad. Sometimes it depends on how open you are about yourself.

watching you, so if you want was in shackles but yet he praised to be a good role model then you God. That man has got some faith let me tell ya! So, God caused the earth have to always remember that. to shake and, hey, no more chains.

Who are your role models? If you declare God‘s love, God will Honestly (even though I hate to show you even more love. admit it) it is probably my parents. I How has God used catch myself saying the things they say and doing the things they do. you to impact others beThat makes me laugh sometimes. cause of your position as And definitely Paul from the Bible! a role model?

He went through so much agony, sufI want every living and breathing fering, and heartache without even giving up on God. I want his desire soul to know that I am there for them.

That God is there for them. I can give and thirst for our God! God parts of me and He will mold it What qualities are im- into different talents, but when I give portant in a role model? Him all of me, He will mold me into I would have to say all the fruit of the godly woman and role model the Spirit, but mostly love. For if you that I am called to be. Right now, I am put God and love before everything, trying to give Him my all.

Q. A.

Q. A.

Q. A.

30

role model i am a

“I try my best to follow

the path that God has for me

without wavering.

My walk may not be perfect, but each day I know that

I grow stronger in Him.”

nam gra e: n sta de: 11 t ataly h a te: cal ifo rni a

Q. Why are you a role Q. Why are role model?

A.

models important?

A.

All I can really say is that my foRole models are important becus is solely on God, and whoever cause they are positive influences puts their trust in Him is bound to on people. If they are Christian, then rub off on others in a positive way. they should be reflections of God and should be able to help guide someWho looks up to you? one who is struggling spiritually.

I really enjoy talking to my friends What qualities are imat school about God, and some have even said that they look up to me. I portant in a role model? am very blessed to hear that because Dedication and humility are i know that God is slowly working His very important qualities for a role way into their lives. model to possess.

Q. A.

Q. A.

Q. What makes a person Q. How has God used a role model?

A.

Someone who is honest and can guide others, but also be led by those who are strong in Christ.

A.

I’ve been able to minister to people through music and that has been a huge blessing for me. About a year ago my friends and I were given the opportunity to lead worship at the 2011 Girls Ministries camp and it was so awesome to see what God was doing in the young girls lives. I was able to grow up going to camp, but it was a whole different experience to be a helper. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me, but I know that as long as my focus remains on Him, He will continue use me to impact others.

you to impact others because of your position as a role model?

31

Fine Arts Festival

Spotlight name: piper Q. When did you realize grade: 7th you had a gift for creating state: texas

art?

A.

I realized I had a gift for creating art when I was about 6 years old. When I was drawing a horse, I remember my mom telling me that God had given me a gift of drawing.

Q. How does your piece

fit the Fine Arts Festival theme of Relentless After the One?

A.

classes through my school years, though. Recently, my parents allowed me to begin private art lessons that I plan to continue through the year.

Q.

I believe my piece ties in with What are your plans for the theme because the sheep are How did you come up spotted (sinful) and hurt and they the future involving art? not quite sure yet. I’ll have to with the idea for this piece? are coming after the one who can talk toI’mGod about that. He was the one I love to draw animals and I cleanse and heal them. Some are rewho gave me this gift and He will show wanted to point people to Jesus. So, lentless for themselves and some are me what He wants me to do with it.

I immediately thought of sheep. I be- relentless for others. gan to think of how we are spotted What would you tell Tell us about how you and He is spotless. I wanted to show our need for Jesus. A picture began created this piece — what other teen girls who have to form in my mind and it became materials you used, tech- a love for art?

I would say to have fun doing what it is now as I began to sketch it. niques, etc. it.

I would also say to persevere when I began by using pencil to lightly sketch the composition. I used light, it gets frustrating. If I had not persemedium, and dark charcoal pen- vered when I thought my piece was cils and charcoal sticks. I also used not turning out like I wanted it to and a kneaded eraser and a stick eraser. had I not trusted God that He would Tortillions, stumps, and my fingers use me, I would not be talking to you today. Use it for Him and His glory. were my blending tools.

Q.

A.

A.

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Q. What would you tell Q. Have you had any for- other teen girls who are

mal art training or have still trying to figure out you developed your talent what their giftings are? on your own?

A. I would say to pray, talk to your

A.

For the most part, I have develparents about it, and try things out. oped my talent on my own. I have When you find it, do it the best you can taken a few home school co-op art for Jesus. “Every good gift and every For more informmation about perfect gift is from above, and comes Fine Arts Festival, visit: down from the Father of lights, with http://faf.ag.org/ whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV).

32

Fine Arts Festival

Spotlight

name: danielle Q. When did you realize grade: freshman in college you had a gift for creating state: illinois

art?

A. While taking art classes in elemen-

tary school, I would get compliments from my teacher and friends on my artwork. This made me realize that art is something I enjoy and am apparently good at, so I continued to pursue it.

ing ripped off symbolizes that mission.

Q. Tell us about how you

created this piece — what materials you used, techniques, etc.

I began by drawing a sketch of a Q. How did you come A. girl I found in a photo. Then very care-

up with the idea for this piece?

A.

Well I started with searching the Bible for passages that went along with the Fine Arts Festival theme, Relentless After the One. Then one of my friends actually mentioned the verse Luke 4:18 (originally from Isaiah 61), which talks about proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery for the blind, to proclaim the year of our Lord’s favor. When I heard this verse, I felt like it summed up what the mission for Christ was all about, to go out there and reach those who don’t know Him. So I took that message and decided to draw someone I would like to reach.

After that, I came up with ripping her mouth off from the part of the verse that talks about proclaiming. I feel that it is my job as a Christian to proclaim Jesus Christ to this girl, and her mouth be-

fully ripped her mouth off to the side.

Then colored her using Prisma Colored Pencils, layering multiple colors over and over to give her those different shades and tones, resulting in a more realistic portrait.

A.

I would tell them to continue practicing and pursuing that interest.

My art teacher in high school would always tell me to never go out without a sketch book, which I later realized was such a great tip. Whether your life around you or figments Have you had any for- drawing of your imagination, practicing that inmal art training or have terest will help you develop your style, you developed your talent technique, and creativity. It is also a on your own? great place to put down ideas whenYes; when I was younger I had art ever inspiration comes, because trust classes in school and took private art me, inspiration can come when you lessons on the side as well. Then I just least expect it. continued taking all the art classes I What would you tell could throughout high school.

Q. A.

Q.

other teen girls who are Q. What are your plans for still trying to figure out the future involving art? what their giftings are?

A. I hope to find a career in art. I am A. I would tell them not to be afraid currently thinking about going into Art

of trying new things, you might learn Therapy. I like the idea of using art as that your good at something unexa counseling method. I also hope to pected. Also, to continue seeking have my own business selling art on God, because I believe He’s the one the side someday. that blesses us with different gifts and What would you tell talents. In the same way, I also believe other teen girls who have that God will honor those who use those gifts to glorify Him. a love for art?

Q.

33

stand out from the crowd: here’s my

testimony

Thirteen-year-old Raven Channel overcame her fears and stepped up when she felt like God was

calling her to lead a Bible study

at her school. Can you relate to her story? Check out her testimony!

Hello, my name is Raven and I am

13 years old. I am going to talk to you about my Bible study and getting it started.

At first I was really scared. My friends asked me about having a Bible study and I was afraid to tell them that I wanted to do it because I was afraid of what other people thought of me. I didn’t want to stick out. I have made it so far in life with my Christian friends. I know that I belong to God but I don’t stick out.

I do what I think Jesus would want me to do.

Don’t be scared to talk about God to your friends and don’t be scared to start a Bible study/Christian group. Who cares what people think of you. The only thing that matters is you’re doing what God would want you to do!

self and go after God. He loves you!

Here is one Bible verse that may help you: “Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, KJV).

Set your mind on your goals and follow your dreams.

Everyone gets scared because they don’t want to “stick out” and because they want to “fit in.” I’ve learned the hard way just be your-

34

Have you been thinking about uniting with the other Christians in your school and starting up a Bible study? Well stop thinking about it and do it! The start of a new school year is a great time to launch a small group, and the National Youth Ministries Department (NYM) has some great resources to help you.

Step #1: Prayer

Step #2: Connect

Step #3: Equip

The first step in starting a club in your school is to pray. Pray for God’s wisdom and direction, pray for favor with the leadership in your school, pray that amazing connections would be made with other Christians in your school that can come alongside you and support you, and pray that your club makes an impact on your school.

Connect with other students — ones who would be interested in helping with leadership and ones who would be interested in attending — and connect with your school’s administration. For more information and downloadable .pdf resources to help you better prepare you to talk with your administration, click here: http://youthalive. ag.org/campusclubs/start.cfm.

It’s not enough to just get permission to start a club — you need to be fully equipped so your club is as effective as possible! Between free downloadable resources on the NYM website, the Campus Club Digisource, and an e-newsletter for Campus Club leaders, you’ll have great resources to help you launch your club.

For more detailed information on each of these three steps as well as a complete list of free resources and tips, visit NYM’s Youth Alive Campus Club site at http://youthalive.ag.org/campusclubs/.

Need something just for girls?

Challenge the girls in your group by offering the Teen Girl Daybook, a daily devotional tool from the national Girls Ministries Department.

Each week this monthly calendar focuses on a different theme and provides a daily activity and Scripture passage. To download this free resource, visit http://tgm.ag.org/loft/art/.

Hot Topics are a great option for the girls in

your group. Hot Topics are designed to provide leaders with a guide to lead biblically-based discussion on topics that are relevant to girls today.

For a complete list of topics, visit the Teen Girl Ministries site at http://tgm.ag.org/hottopics/.

Not sure what type of devotional to use as you lead your group? Check out the monthly and weekly meeting guides provided as a free .pdf downloadable on the Youth Alive website. Discussion topics include How to Pray, What Is Temptation?, and Get a Vision. There are also discussion guides on social concerns like cults, suicide, and relationships. Click here for a complete list of topics: http:// youthalive.ag.org/resources.cfm.

LIVING FOR GOD

WEEK

Inning Purpose: To encourage students to live a godly lifestyle.

1

SACRIFICE

DESTINY

Purpose: To discuss the importance of a Christian lifestyle.

YOU WILL NEED: • •

Choose one of the discussion options from “Small group options” below.

Refreshments

MEETING AGENDA:

WEEK

YOU WILL NEED:

• Food

• Items for Icebreaker (pre-cut shapes, tape)

SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA

������� ��������

��������

3. Announcements

SMALL GROUP OPTIONS:

Option 1—Discussion groups

����� ��������

Refreshments • �����

MEETING AGENDA:

����� ������

1. Pre-meeting prayer (leaders) 2. Welcome and attendance

3. Announcements

5. Small group discussion

SMALL GROUPS—SACRIFICE

Purpose: To discuss the importance of sacrificial living.

YOU WILL NEED:

1. Pre-meeting prayer (leaders)

6. Prayer/dismiss

1

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life— your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1, The Message).

INCLUDE (WEEK 1) SMALL GROUPS—DESTINY

Purpose: To challenge students to find their purpose right now as well as in the future ����� INCLUDE (WEEK 1) ��������

2. Welcome and attendance

• Inspire week speaker • Invest week outreach • Outreach assignments to club members • Other 4. Icebreaker

WEEK

1

Inning Purpose: To learn the meaning of “sacrifice,” and what it means to live sacrificially.

INCLUDE (WEEK 1) SMALL GROUPS—LIVE

1. Pre-meeting prayer (leaders) 2. Welcome and attendance

������� ��������

3. Announcements

Inspire week speaker Invest week outreach Outreach assignments to club members (hang up posters, invite friends, etc.)

• Other 4. Icebreaker

5. Small group discussion

5. Small group discussion

Inspire Week’s Guest Speaker

•

Invest Week’s Student Speaker

��������

•

• • •

����� ������

������� ��������

����� ������

Outreach assignments to club members (invite friends, posters, etc.)

4. Icebreaker: Find Your Spot

•

��������

��������

6. Prayer/Dismiss

6. Biblical support and application

ICEBREAKER: “FIND YOUR SPOT”

7. Prayer/dismiss

Before students arrive hide precut circles (in different colors) or stickers throughout DISCUSSION : the room.

Divide into groups of three to five students and ask them to discuss the following questions.

Have enough for each person or pair and have multiple copies stuck around the room. When Divide into groups of three to five students and ask them to discuss the following questions.

You may want to select a facilitator for each group to keep the discussion moving. You may students arrive give them a circle or sticker that matches the ones hidden in the room. InYou may want to select a facilitator for each group to keep the discussion moving. You may also wish to provide each facilitator or each group with a list of the questions and comments struct students to find as many stickers or circles as they can that match the one they were also wish to provide each facilitator or each group with a list of the questions and comments to be discussed. given. to be discussed.

1. What kind of people do you enjoy being with the most?

The hunt is on a time limit (2-3 minutes, however this can vary per group and on how many 2. What qualities about them do you like? stickers are hidden) Only stickers that match the original one givenInstructions: count as points.

Youthey are on sinking boat and the lifeboat will carry one less person than is in your group. For 3. Describe their lifestyles.

However, the tricky part of the game is that if someone finds a sticker cana take it regardthe purpose of this discussion, there are no creative solutions. One person must surrender less if it is their sticker or not. For an extra twist, if a player sees someone with their sticker or 4. How can you tell if a person is a Christian? his itor(for herexample: life and each shape the player must do something creative about the sticker to get sing aof you must make a compelling case why you should be the one to a. By their clothes? die. You cannot suggest someone else should die; you can only make a case for yourself. You song about the sticker, make up a poem, etc.) need to convince the other people in your group why you should be the person who doesn’t b. How they treat others? step into the lifeboat. After each person has presented his or her case, have your team vote DISCUSSION c. What activities they are involved in? for the person with the most compelling case for who should be left behind.

A. Have everyone pick a partner. Then have those groups of two find another group of peod. What types of people they hang out with? ple who they do not know very well. Go through a list of approximately five questions, involving what the students see themselves doing in the future (may or may not be a career) example: ©2002 Gospel Publishing House. Permission to copy for Youthfor Alive club use only.

1 ©2002 Gospel Publishing House. Permission to copy for Youth Alive club use only.

1 1. What are some things you like doing that you really want to continue in the future? ©2002 Gospel Publishing House. Permission to copy for Youth Alive club use only.

1

start your own

campus club

35 Content used with permission by the National Youth Ministries Department: nym.ag.org.

beautifully

you.

Beauty or brains? Since when did

we have to choose between one or the other? I believe it may have started around the time society told us the pretty girl gets the guy and the book smarts girl only gets the better grades. Contrary to this popular belief, some of the most successful actresses, models, and business women have impressive resumes ­— which inevitably include their academic achievements.

Let me take you back eight years to when I was a freshman in high school. Although my focus was on my studies, cheer, and clubs, I still wanted to be fully accepted by my friends; rather than be singled out. You see, I hung around the “cool kids” but was set apart because of my faith and priorities.

There were many times I wasn’t invited out to parties or included in everyday conversations because I would rather be studying, at cheer

practice, work, or church. I wasn’t even allowed to wear makeup until I was 15; and even then it was in limited amounts. Let’s face it, not being able to wear makeup in high school would make any girl standout. I felt my lack of makeup somehow made me lack beauty. It was then I decided that girls who didn’t take their studies seriously were “prettier” and received more attention. In turn, I would dumb myself down around people — especially the guys — so they wouldn’t be annoyed with or intimidated by me. Needless to say, it didn’t work.

People thought I was ridiculous and that’s exactly how I felt.

You see, I wasn’t myself — which is never beautiful. First Peter 3:34 (NIV 1984) says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment ... it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which

is of great worth in God’s sight.”

It took time for me to fully accept the truth that beauty and brains go hand-in-hand. Because girls that purposely dumb themselves down are unattractive and unhappy.

Beauty is about being who you are — which includes being smart.

Beauty begins on the inside.

A gentle spirit, modest c h a r a c t e r, and loving personality gives a radiance to the face that no makeup could ever replicate. Though it seems cliché, beauty truly comes from within. Haven’t you noticed even the prettiest face can mean nothing if the personality and actions don’t follow suit? The world‘s idea of beauty is found in a makeup

“beauty is about being who you are”

36

bag and on the scale while God’s idea of real beauty is found in the heart and seen through good actions. Know that God called you good, very good. Finished. From the very beginning. For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Don’t be deceived by charm or con-

vinced that outward beauty is eternal (Proverbs 31:30). You possess a beauty all your own. Whether you like to learn, sing, act, build, play, or create, be your own kind of beauty.

Who you are on the inside matters more than what you look like on the outside. Only be concerned with being beautifully you.

feature story

Ashlee graduated from Girls Ministries as a Silver Medalist in June 2008. Ashlee has attended Azusa Pacific University, coordinated international events with Invisible Children, and was a contributing author for Foundation Restoration. Currently, she is the Social Media Manager for SoCal Girls Ministries, a writer for The Be.Loved Blog, and a Marketing and Event Coordinator in Los Angeles.

What would you say to a girl who wasn’t being true to who she is?

“No one can truly love or respect you when you can’t be yourself around them.

Don’t feel scared to be yourself around someone. There will be plenty of people in this world that will love and appreciate you who are worth being in your life.”

- Ryan

“I told my daughter to just be herself; that she is an amazing young lady, bright, godly, beautiful, and a natural leader. That there was no need to be like any of her friends to be accepted, but instead to be an example to them and that they would want to be like her.” - Nick

“If you can tell when someone else is either being fake or is trying to be someone they’re not, don’t you think others can tell when you are? If someone’s not willing to accept you for you who are they’re probably not a person you want to be around anyway.”

- Justin

“Only be concerned with being beautifully you.”

37

38

39

o

Teen Girl Daybook

s e p t e m be r

m o nda y

t ue sd a y

3

According to this passage, what should our number one priority be? What would that look like in your life?

Matthew 6:33

we dn e s day

4

Make a list of your top priorities during the week.

How can you love God in all of those things?

Colossians 3:23

5

th u rs day

6

f ri d a y 7

Make a list of things you treasure — clothes, movies, a boyfriend, money, being the best. Does your heart desire these things over the things of God?

Journal — Write about a time when someone you love made you feel really low on their list of priorities.

Be a list maker! Your time will be much more productive if you can identify the tasks that need to be done each day.

Luke 12:34

Deuteronomy 6:5

Ephesians 5:15,16

p ri o ri ti e s 10

11

Watch your favorite movie.

Make note of examples whe characters show kindness to one another.

Journal — Write about a time you showed kindness and it benefited you.

Ephesians 4:32

Proverbs 11:17

12

Do you have difficult people in your life? Make a list of 5 ways you can show them kindness this week.

2 Timothy 2:24

13

What can you do to make sure you never forget the kindness God has shown you throughout your life?

Psalm 106:7

14

Journal — Write about a time when you showed kindness when it was really difficult. What was the outcome?

Luke 6:35

kindness What is the difference between resting and laziness?

17

Genesis 2:1-3

18

19

Had a bit of a sedentary day? Go for a brisk walk to get some exercise instead of sinking into the couch!

Make a point to wake up at a decent time on the mornings you have off. It’s important to catch up on sleep, but it’s also important not to sleep away the day!

Ecclesiastes 5:12

Psalm 104:19-23

20

21

Think of a few ways you can It can be easy to get be more like the ant in this involved in drama when you passage. don’t have enough going on during your week. Find a hobby if this starts to happen!

Proverbs 6:6-11

2 Thessalonians 3:11

laziness 24

25

Talk to God throughout your day — while you’re jogging on the track, while at your locker, or waiting for class to start.

Tomorrow is See You At The Pole where students around the country will gather before school to pray. Join them!

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Matthew 18:19,20

26

Take some time to pray for government officials — state and national leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1,2

27

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the awesome, how good are you at doing what this passage says?

Luke 6:12

Philippians 4:6,7

prayer 42 c

28

Like in everything we do, we should follow Jesus’ example.

Notice how Jesus found a private spot and carved out time to pray. We should do the same !

2012 Gospel Publishing House. Springfield, MO 65802. All rights reserved.