Meet The Not-So-Average Girl

Starting next week, you are going feel a lot less alone.

If not next week, maybe the week after. Or the week after that.

On Fridays, I am going to begin a new feature called, “Not-So-Average Girl.”

Who is the Not-So-Average Girl? It’s you. It’s me. It’s every single tough girl out there trying to live life, love Jesus, and figure out their place in this giant world. She’s in high school, college, or just out of college. She’s been a Christian for a long time and she’s pretty new in the faith.

I’ve contacted several tough girls I know who all have one thing in common: they love Jesus. Why do I want you to meet them? I want you to know that you’re not alone. I want you to know there is someone out there just like you. I want you to know you’re not the only one who feels the way you do, hurts the way you hurts, and loves the way you love. I want you to know it’s okay to be different, quirky, silly, loud, quiet, shy, or funny. I want you to know it’s okay to be single and it’s okay to date.

I want you to know it’s okay to be you.

So stay tuned! Read the Not-So-Average Girl profile each week. Be encouraged by tough girls who are just like you.

And always know that you’re not alone.

What You Should Want For Christmas

Gifted Magazine (Photo credit: Creature Comforts)

On Monday I challenged you, tough girl, to try and get more out of wanting less. But here’s the thing – I LOVE getting presents. If I said I didn’t and I was too holy for all that, I’d be a big fat liar.

Not only do I love getting presents, I love giving them! I love the look on someone’s face when they tear open the paper and get all excited because you blessed them with something.

I am certainly not an advocate for getting rid of presents all together. But I am a huge advocate of doing gifts in a way that is cheap yet thoughtful and incredibly memorable. So here are some ideas to transform your Christmas asking and giving:

Under $5 presents

-Things from the Dollar Spot at Target. Okay, technically they should call it the three dollar spot. But regardless, it never ceases to amaze me what adorable things they have in that section. Things that are quirky, things that are practical, and things that are cheap!

-Michael’s and Joann’s also have some amazing and fun things for under $5. Plus, you could pick up materials there for the same price and make something totally unique.

-The Dollar Tree. It’s seriously my favorite place in the world right now. I don’t think there’s anything they don’t have. Think of it as a treasure hunt

Presents That Cost Little To Nothing

-Make dinner

-Plan a game night

-Make a  coupon book (yes, I know you think you’re too old – but if you make it for things they actually want and you actually follow through, it’s totally worth it!)

-Print out a photo colllage

-Make a gift of something of yours they’ve always loved

-At home coffee date

-Movie night complete with popcorn

-At home mani-pedi

Gifts That Make A Difference

World Vision has a gift catalog where something is donated in your/their name

Light Gives Heat offers jewelry, clothing, accessories, and so much more with the proceeds going to the African women who made them

Timbali Crafts is run by a friend of mine and the money from their bags and other fabric products go back to the women of Swaziland (I HIGHLY recommend this one)

Other Ideas

-Buy local. Find someone you know who is trying to make a living running their own business and support them.

-Go used. Spend less by getting things from secondhand stores. Clothes, books, art, etc.

-Be creative. Heart felt notes, silly songs on YouTube, or a mix CD can mean more than anything that a lot of money could buy.

-Be thoughtful. The saying is true: it’s the thought that counts.

Question: What do you want for Christmas? Do the things you want and the things you plan on giving show that you are different than the rest of the world? What’s the most meaningful thing someone could get you this year?

 

Hey Christian Girl

I apologize for the lack of posts these last 2 weeks. I’ve been sick and therefore only have enough energy to spend hours on Pinterest and Facebook. So, as a little treat in this hiatus (hopefully I’ll be back to blogging next week) here is a little something to make you smile.

If you’ve never visited Hey Christian girl on tumblr, you should. You really should.

The “I’m Not Boy Crazy” Workout

Have you seen those things on Pinterest that are “TV show” workout or “Movie” workout? It’s like every time something happens or someone says something, you’re supposed to do crunches or push-ups or something.

We need that regarding guys.

The Tough Girl’s “I’m Not Boy Crazy” Workout

You think about the next time you are going to see him - ten jumping jacks

You create a fantasy or imagine a situation between the two of you – pull out a Bible verse or two and focus on memorizing it. (like Colossians 3:17, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8)

You make plans to go out of your way to see him - go out of your way to re-connect with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while

You get jealous when you see him talking to another girl – pray for that girl…that God would bless her, not strike her down or make her break out

You write your first name with his last name – slap yourself. Seriously. That’s out of control.

You talk about him because…well, you like talking about him - jog in place while you stay silent for at least 60 seconds

You talk with his friends to see if they say anything about he feels about you – 5 push-ups and 5 crunches

Any other ways you can think of to combat a bad case of the boy-crazies?

When Distraction Is A Good Thing

Hey Ya! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Crappy things happen. Hard things. Heartbreaking things. And, more often than we like, they’re out of our control. So what’s a tough girl to do? How do you keep from being weighed down while you wait for something to shift, change, resolve, or get better?

Well, the first answer is Jesus (duh!)

But let’s assume you’ve done that. You’ve read your Bible. You’ve prayed, you’ve cried, you’ve cried while you prayed and prayed while you cried.

And yet, you’re still waiting.

Tough girl, that’s why God invented distractions. While they may be the worst thing in the world during school or church, they are awfully helpful when you’re trying to take your mind and emotions off of something that you can’t do anything about at that moment.

You see, it’s okay to not hold your breath. It’s okay to not let that bad or scary thing fill your thoughts every moment of every day. All worrying does it get us riled up about something that we can’t change.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for today is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34

If you’ve done all you can and can do no more, give your heart and brain a rest!

Fantabulous Distractions To Soothe The Weary Soul

-Bubble bath with Michael Buble playing in the background

-Merlin or Cosby Show marathon

-Dance party to “Hey Ya” by Outkast

-A fiction book that you just can’t put down

-Going on a walk

-Going on a walk while listening to “Hey Ya” by Outkast

-Pinterest

-Writing out Scripture and hanging it in various places

-Baking

-Baking with the goal of giving it away

-Baking while listening to “Hey Ya” by Outkast

-Video games

-Knitting

-Taking a nap

Question: Are you a worrier? What distractions do you engage to give rest to your mind and heart? When was the last time you thanked Jesus for the gift of “distractions” that help you not to be anxious? Anything you would add to the list?

Tough Girl Summer Reading Intensive Challenge

If you were following this blog last summer, you will remember the Tough Girl Summer Challenge I issued. The goal of the summer challenge was to make the most of these lazy summer days and do something that matters. If you didn’t do it or if you did it and really enjoyed it, I would highly recommend doing it again.

This year, I’d love to invite you to participate with many high schoolers and college students at my church who are participating in what we call “Summer Reading Intensive.”

The goal? 5 books to stretch your mind, heart, and faith in 3 months. That equals out to one book every two weeks.

Why are we doing it? Simple – we need to read! How amazing is it that we can spend time with heroes of the faith like John Calvin? That we can hang out with fantastic preachers like John Piper and Francis Chan? We’d never miss the opportunity to spend face to face time with these guys – and we can…through books.

Here’s the list of books. Our group is getting together every other week to talk about the book we just read. If you decide to read along, feel free to post your comments, questions, and reflections here. I will post a review of each book after I read it.

Book 1 – Think by John Piper (you can download a free copy here): June 24

Book 2 – Crazy Love by Francis Chan: July 8

Book 3 – Portrait of Calvin by T.H.L. Packer (you can download a free copy here): July 22

Book 4 – The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan: August 5

Book 5 – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: August 19

If you’re a total nerd like me, feel free to join our summer intensive Facebook group. We will have study guides for each of the books (a couple written by yours truly )

So, are you up for the challenge? Ready to work out those mind, heart, and faith muscles this summer? I’d love to have you join me!

P.S. If you decide to do last year’s summer challenge, the FIRST thing on the list is to read five Christian books. Well, isn’t that something…

Duct Tape Prom Dresses

I can’t tell if I love or hate this. But they for sure get an A for effort!

 

I found all these here. Would you ever wear a Duct tape dress?

Proverbs 31 – Kick Butt Edition

A kick butt tough girl who can find?

She is far more precious than the latest iPhone.

The heart of all guys trusts in her

Because she dresses with modest style.

She does them good and not harm

Treating them like brothers in Christ.

She works hard at everything she does

And helps out without being asked

She is like that awesome book series turned into a movie

Everyone wants to see her

She rises even when she’s tired

And cares more about spending time with Jesus than sleeping in

She isn’t wasteful with money

And prides herself on being content with less

She isn’t all about “stuff”

And would much rather give than receive

When she starts something, she finishes

Unless it’s a craft that got way too hard and out of control

She opens her hand to whoever needs it

And could care less about popularity

She is not afraid of photos, Facebooks, and text messages

Because her life isn’t ruled by them.

She covers herself while swimming in public

And can bend over while wearing shorts and not be embarrassed.

Her reputation is spread all over school

Of being kind, generous, joyful, and fun.

She makes friends and keeps them

Even when they drive her crazy.

Strength and dignity are her clothing

She could take out a ninja without breaking a sweat.

She opens her mouth with wisdom

And actually knows what she’s talking about.

She looks well in the eyes of her household

Because she’s also kick butt to her parents and siblings.

Her friends rise up and call her blessed

Because she’s there for them, keeps them accountable, and is a good friend.

Many girls have done excellently,

But you surpass them all.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a kick butt tough girl who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her a hug, a pat on the back, or a finger sizzle

Because she makes Jesus smile by how she lives.

 

12 Days of DIY Cheapskate Kind Of Christmas

Christmas time is here! It’s all about joy and Jesus, snow and hot chocolate, fun and festivities.

And money. Oh, the money!

If you’re anything like me, you’re slightly stressing over the expectation to get something for everyone. Parents. Siblings. Other family you only see twice a year but still need to do something. Teachers, pastors, neighbors. The list goes on and on. And then there’s friends…

But wait! What’s that I hear? Is it sleigh bells in the distance? No, something else. Something much more delightful.

It’s the sound of celebrating Christmas with your friends – FOR FREE!

12 Days before Christmas starts on the 14th and carries on through Christmas Day. Why not figure out a way to create super fun, super meaningful traditions with your BFF or a group of friends?

Day 1 – Write a poem. It can be as cheesy or as sentimental as you want. They are your friends, so you know what will mean the most of them.

Day 2 – Make cookies. Okay, this one isn’t totally free. But between you and whoever you are together with, I’m sure you can scrounge up the ingredients.

Day 3 – Go for a walk. Bundle up, link your arms, and spend some quality time together enjoying this winter wonderland.

Day 4 – Create a pack of Scripture cards for them. Take some paper or some index cards and write a dozen or so verses that they can carry around or hang up that will serve as encouragement and a Jesus boost.

Day 5 – Do something nice for someone else together. Rake the neighbor’s yard or shovel their driveway. Raid your cupboards for canned food and your closet for forgotten clothes and give some stuff away.

Day 6 – Go caroling. Seriously.

Day 7 – Sit down and support each other as each of you calls/texts/Facebooks three people to invite to church on Christmas Eve.

Day 8 – Head to the Dollar Store and see who can come up with the best present for $1.

Day 9 – Make Christmas cards from stuff you find around the house. Give them to friends at school or friends at church.

Day 10 – Watch a Christmas movie together. If, for some strange reason, you don’t actually own one, there’s about a million on ABC Family, Hallmark, and Lifetime. Not to mention the plethora online.

Day 11 – Read the Christmas story together in as many translations of the Bible that you can find.

Day 12 – Pray for each other. On the phone. In person. Whatever. Take the time to thank Jesus, together for His love and life.

Question: What friend or friends can you specifically invest in this Christmas season? What kind of experiences can you give them that will mean more than any present bought with money?

Ten Little Ways To Be A Big Friend Today

 

Image by nègFoto via Flickr

It’s the little things that make life worth living. Well, little things and Jesus. You get what I mean. So here are ten little things you can do for a friend today that can make their day, week, or possibly year.

1. Snag her phone and download a ringtone of a song that makes the both of you smile (but make sure you give her the $2 or whatever the ringtone costs).

2. Write her letter. By hand. And put it in an envelope. With a stamp. Did you know people still do that?

3. Pick some wildflowers (from a field or the side of the road, NOT someone’s yard…unless it’s your own) and give her a bouquet.

4. Every hour, tag her in a post on Facebook, saying something that is great about her.

5. Make a mix CD for her with songs that you know will make her think of your friendship.

6. Make a friendship bracelet. We’re talking old school here.

7. Make her lunch and bring it to school. Include a note, like mom used to.

8. Grab her by the arm and take her for a walk after school. Tell her you just want her to talk and that you want to listen.

9. Write several encouraging Bible verses on notecards and put them random places for her to find.

10. Call her on the phone or, better yet, get together face to face and pray out loud for her.

Remember – little things can make a big difference.

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