Resolution Solution

New Years Eve 2012 (Photo credit: okchomeseller)

Goodbye 2012 with your drama, disappointments, dilemmas and down right crumminess. Hello 2013! Year of….

Year of what?

Whether your 2012 was epic or an epic fail, there’s a real sense of anticipation as a new year rolls around. What will it be like? What will happen? Who will I be? We get excited, full of wonder and hope at what the new year will bring.

So, of course, we make giant resolutions. And we do really good…for a month or so. Then they slowly fade to a memory as 2013 starts looking a whole lot like 2012. And 2011. And every year before that.

How can you make 2013 different? Allow me to offer some different kind of resolutions.

Instead of just saying you want to “read your Bible more,” make an actual plan to:
-Daily read your Bible (find a plan to follow – here are some ideas), journal, and pray
-Weekly go to church and some sort of youth group, small group, or Bible study
-Bi-weekly meet with an accountability partner
-Monthly read a Christian book

Instead of just saying you want to “be healthier”:
-Make plans with a friend to work our two or three times a week
-Start eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-Give up soda for the year
-Do some sort of outdoor activity once a week, no matter the weather

Instead of justing saying you want to “be a better friend”:
-Create a prayer lists of your closest friends and pray for them every day
-Cut back on texting and Facebook and increase actual phone calls and face to face conversations
-Never eat lunch alone…and never eat with the same people two weeks in a row
-Pick one friend to intentionally go deeper with this year and make an effort to do something with them once a week
-Pick one person who doesn’t know the Lord and make an effort to do something with them once a week

Instead of just saying you want to “be more organized”:
-Simplify your closet by giving away a large chunk of your wardrobe
-Make your bed every morning and take 15 minutes to pick up your room every night
-Do your homework first thing when you come home
-Daily do something to help out around the house

In all of these resolutions and whatever else you come up with, always remember:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Don’t set resolutions to make yourself a better person, to make yourself feel better, or to look good in the eyes of other people.

Do it for the glory of God.

Question: Where do you hope to grow in 2013? What’s your plan to help make that happen? How did you do on your resolutions from this last year and how can you do better this year? How does doing all of this for the glory of God change your attitude?

When You Need To Have A Little More Fun

Silly string in action (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Monday I wrote about being a little more serious. Which is good. But too many good-intentioned tough girls take it to an extreme and become nothing but serious.

Why so serious? Do you need to lighten up? Do you remember how?

“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again – rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

Have fun with your friends. Plan a girls night out or a girls night in where you do something totally zany and awesome. Give them little gifts that remind you of inside jokes. Play pranks.

Have fun at school. Be creative on assignments and put a smile on your teachers’ faces. In fact, just smiling can make you really stand out!

Have fun with your family. Plan a game night or pack a picnic for all of you. Send random texts to your parents or brother or sister and let them know you love them. Post silly things that remind you of them on their Facebook walls.

Have fun with being thoughtful. Seek out people to build up with encouragement. Look for people who need a good laugh. Wear clothing that reflects the joy and peace that Jesus has placed inside of you.

Have fun with Jesus. Rock out to some upbeat Christian music like TobyMac or Group1Crew. Read a Christian fiction book. Go on a thanksgiving walk with a friend.

Question: Where in your life could you try and have a little more fun? Who is someone you’d describe as “fun” that you could pattern yourself after? Where do you draw the line between too serious and too fun?

Why You Should Like Things That Suck

Shadows in the late afternoon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I hate birds. And frogs.

Grocery shopping in the rain is one of the most miserable experiences of all time.

Traffic makes me cringe.

Smokers make me want to throw up.

This world is full of things that suck. Big things. Little things. Daily things. Once in a while things. It seems like there’s always something that will make us sigh in frustration, roll our eyes, and grumble in our hearts.

Here’s the thing – we need those things.

Grocery shopping in the rain helps me to really appreciate when it is sunny and dry.

Traffic helps me smile when I cruise down the road (at the speed limit, of course) with nothing to stop me.

Smokers help me appreciate places I can go where the air is clean.

Those daily, monthly, momentary or long-lasting joy suckers don’t need to be simply that. They can be reminders of the things that don’t suck. They can remind us that, when we weigh awesome versus sucky, awesome always wins. They remind us of what the Scriptures say:

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Not only are there more wonderful things in this world than terrible, those terrible things are reminders that this world is not our home. After all, if we had everything terrific and perfect in this life all the time, why would we want heaven?

In the words of Switchfoot, “The shadow proves the sunshine.”

Don’t let sucky things get you down. Instead, let them serve as a refreshing reminder of the good we have in this life and the greatness of the life to come.

Question: What are little things that make a big (negative) impact on your heart and attitude? How can you turn those things around to remind you of the greatness of God? What are you looking forward to leaving behind in this life when you move on to spend eternity with Jesus?

Related articles

• Finding God’s Comfort in the Midst of Hopelessness (nackynice.wordpress.com)
• It’s all a matter of perspective… (biblicaljournal.wordpress.com)

Passionate About Purity

A water drop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Have you ever wanted something so badly, you would do anything to get it?

Maybe you wanted to buy something or go somewhere and you worked your pretty little tush off to earn the money. You avoided lattes, movies, and vending machines because nothing was going to deter you from that something.

Or maybe it’s a fitness thing. A sports goal or a desired weight. You disciplined yourself, pushed yourself, punished yourself until your crossed that glorious finish line.

Can you imagine if all tough girls were like that about their purity?

Imagine valuing your purity above anything else. Like a priceless treasure. A one-of-a-kind painting. Something of so much value and worth, you would do everything in your power to protect it.

You guard your eyes, not wanting anything that you see to mar your purity even a little. That might mean not watching certain TV shows or movies. Or maybe even avoiding hanging out with certain people who don’t believe in modesty (that goes for girls and guys).

You guard your body, knowing it’s been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. You know you’re walking on this earth, filled with His Holy Spirit, and the last thing you want is to bring Jesus into an unholy situation. So you draw the line at not even a hint. No compromise. You are precious and worth waiting for.

You guard your heart, knowing it is the very center of everything you feel and do. You don’t let lies, compromise, or negativity taint it even a bit. Instead, you fill yourself up with things that build you up, encourage you, and grow you in godly ways. The Bible. Books. Music. Friends. Time. It’s all pure.

Can you imagine being so passionate about your purity, it shapes everything you do? Can you imagine fighting for it?

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:1-5

Question: Is there any impurity in your life? Any compromise or shame? What do you need to change? Do you fight for purity, seeking it in every area of your life? What are you actively doing to cherish purity?

 

Related articles

• How to Pray for Purity (purehopeblog.net)
• “Purity Sucks” (procrastinatingtomorrow.com)

Has Your Christianity Sprung A Leak?

American Leak Detection (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.” – Billy Sunday

When you lack joy, what’s your excuse?

“I’m tired.”

“I’m stressed out.”

“Life is boring.”

“Life is too busy.”

“I’m worried.”

“I’m just not a joyful person.”

Joy isn’t just a good idea. It’s a Biblical command. It’s a fruit of the Spirit. It’s a gift from God. If you’re lacking joy, it’s because there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere – a breach in your relationship with Jesus. Tough girl, patch it up!

“The hope of the righteous brings joy…” – Proverbs 10:28

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…” – 1 Peter 1:8-9

“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy…” – Psalm 5:11

“Rejoice in the Lord always! I say again, rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

So, where is your leak? Hope? Contentment? Desires? Situations? Trust? Faith? People?

Patch it up with the truth of Scripture. Rejoice in the Lord!

The Hardest Place To Shine The Light Of Christ

You’ve read all about Paul. He was chased, yelled at, beaten, imprisoned, and left for dead.

You’ve read stories about missionaries who give their lives to serve in hostile countries and martyrs who actually give over their physical lives for the sake of Christ.

And what do you have? A suburban life where your most difficult trial is who you’re going to vote for on American Idol.

Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But do you ever feel that way? Like your life isn’t dynamic because you’re in a very ordinary place doing very ordinary things?

Tough girl, God has called you to shine the light of Christ. And where you’re at right now may be the hardest place of all. It isn’t big or dramatic. It isn’t far away and fantastic. It’s here. It’s now. It’s…normal. And making conscious choices day in and day out to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary…well, let’s just say that’s pretty extraordinary in and of itself.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (I have this verse memorized because I know a totally cheesy little jingle. Don’t judge me.)

When you’re at school, are you working heartily for the Lord? When you’re bored in class? When you’re at lunch and there are people sitting by themselves? When you see a cute guy walk by and what you say? When you’re having a fight with a friend?

When you’re at home, are you working heartily for the Lord? In the way you take care of your room in the house that your parents pay for? When they ask you to do chores? When you make decisions whether to hang out with your friends or your family? In the way that you talk to your mom, dad, sisters, and brothers?

When you’re at church, are you working heartily for the Lord? In how you pay attention to who is taking? In the way you participate in games and other activities? In how you volunteer your time? In the way you talk to both friends and strangers?

Don’t think you have to wait to shine the light of Christ. Don’t fall into the trap of believing you need to be in an extraordinary place doing extraordinary things. Shine right now, where you are at. God has you where you are for a reason. So shine…and shine well.

Question: When in your day to day life do you find it the hardest to shine the light of Christ? What can you do to shine brighter?

Do You Know That I’m Judging You Right Now?

Source: teenagerposts.tumblr.com

I ran across this other day on Pinterest and laughed – hard. Not because it’s me, but because it used to be me. And it is now pretty much every teenage and young adult girl that I know.

So, being the obsessive person that I am and craving some more belly chuckles, I clicked over to “teenagerposts” on tumblr and read through a couple of pages of funny teenager related quips and giggles. Do you know what I came away with?

A very low view of teenagers. According to these quotes, you are lazy, conniving, self-centered, sarcastic, naive, and disrespectful. Oh, and you have a potty mouth too.

Here’s the thing – I know lots of teenagers. In fact, outside of my family, they are the age group I spend the most time with. And I know they’re better than that.

Are you?

Do you stand out from the crowd? Can people tell you’re different than the other girls your age?

Can they tell you’re different by how you dress? (Read: Do people think your shorts could pass for underwear?)

Can they tell you’re different by how you talk? (Read: Do you say, text, and Facebook things you’d never say to your parent’s face?)

Can they tell you’re different by how you treat your parents, your siblings, your teachers, and your friends? (Read: Are you an eye-rolling, sighing, whining, critical, disrespectful, not-at-all-like-Jesus girl?)

Can they tell you’re different by how you spend your time and money? (Read: Are you so busy and materialistic that you could have a hit reality show on MTV?)

Does Jesus set you apart from the crowd?

Like it or not, you’re being watched. More than that, you’re being judged. By people you know. By people you don’t know. At school, at home, in the mall – anywhere and everywhere.

So what do they see?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 4:10

Question: Do you look just like everyone around when you’re at school? At home? At work? What can you change to do a better job putting Christ on display?

When PDA’s Are Good For Christians

Boys are blue. Girls are red. Together, they make purple. And purple is not allowed.

Well, at youth group events, anyway.

But apart from awkward two week teenage relationships, there is an affection that Christians should not only desire and strive for but show no matter what. Actually, twelve of them.

Jonathan Edwards, known as the most important American Christian in history, wrote a work called Religious Affections. In it, he talks about how there are certain things which every Christian should display. Evidences which reveal the change inside of us from Jesus who changes us for His glory.

In other words, things that make it obvious if someone loves Jesus or not.

Are you wondering how affectionate you are? How passionate, zealous, and devout?

#1 – A new inward perception. You are created. You are not alone. You were fearfully and wonderfully made by Someone wonderful and worthy of holy reverence and fear. Yes, there is a God.

#2 – A pure love for God. Not a half-hearted, when it makes me feel good, “Hey, there’s a cute boy at that church so I’ll go there,” kind of love. But a consuming, heart stopping, can’t stop smiling kind of love for the God of the Bible.

#3 – A sense of beauty for God’s holiness. Realizing just how big and perfect God is and how little and imperfect you are isn’t a sad thing. It’s an amazing thing! It causes you stop and bust out in song and dance because He’s so worth it!

#4 – A spiritual understanding. The Bible is real. What it says is real. Jesus is the star and everything points to Him. And as a result…

#5 – A true conviction based on Scripture. The things that the Bible says aren’t distant and arbitrary. They’re for you personally.

#6 – A deep sense of a person’s insufficiency. You are a sinner. If you were Eve in the garden, you would have been making forbidden fruit pie on day 1. You are in desperate need of salvation and a Savior. Like, seriously, desperately, can’t hardly breathe in need.

#7 – A growth in becoming Christ like. You aren’t the same as you were last year. You are kinder, more generous, more bold, more loving. Bottom line – day by day you are becoming more like Jesus.

#8 – A Christ centered gentleness. The way you treat people reeks of Jesus. You stand apart from every girl around you because of how kind and gentle you are. And it isn’t something based on their likeability or your own good mood. It’s because you love Jesus.

#9 – A horror and sensitivity for sin. Sin disturbs you more than the idea of the Hangover III. When you sin, you are quick to repent and long to change. And there’s no justifying sin because you know your Bible well enough to call sin sin.

#10 – Consistency and constancy. Good days. Bad days. Busy days and Saturdays. 24/7 you are a Christian.

#11 – An intensified spiritual longing. You seriously get Scripture when it talks about hungering for God. No matter how much of Him you get, you want more. You want to be closer. You want to be more like Christ.

#12 – Holy practices. Commitment to reading the Bible, prayer, and going to church. Generosity, sacrifice, service, and purity. These are just a few of the many, many life-style changes that consume the affectionate Christian.

 

Question: Which of these affections are evident in your life? Which would you like to make grow? Do you have any friends who you think need to see this list and work on their PDA’s?

Related articles

• Why I Love Him (spiritualprayers.wordpress.com)
• What is a Christian? (samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com)
• Living in “Less Than” Guest Post by Stefanie Lein (iwokeupyesterday.com)

Lessons Learned From A Zombie Apocalypse

Image via Wikipedia

You don’t know how it happened. One theory is that it all began with God’s punishment on mankind for sin. Another links it to secret government experiments gone horribly wrong. Of course, there’s also the belief that it all began with some guy taking a bite of a tainted gas station burger. But it all results in the same thing…

Zombies take over the world.

Movies, TV shows, and video games are all obsessed with this story line. Why is it that we’re so fascinated with the idea of the walking dead, mindless munching on brains, completely unaware that they just lost a pinky toe? I think it has less to do with the undead and everything to do with the living.

We don’t care about the zombies. We cheer for those left unbitten, hiding behind barricades, shot gun in hand, clinging to the only humanity left in the world. We don’t want them to die! We want them to survive! Even with the odds stacked against them 1,000:1, we still think they have a chance.

Talk about faithfulness! I think tough girls around the globe could learn a thing or two about life from the threat of a zombie apocalypse. (And, no, this won’t be a re-telling of the survival skills from “Zombieland”…though they are good skills for every kick butt girl to know)

5. Fight For What You Believe In
Are you sick of seeing your world crumble to pieces? Everywhere you look, you see people living for themselves, living like God doesn’t exist, and snacking on brains like they’re Dorritos? Then do something about it!  Make sure people know what you believe, know what you stand for, and know that you won’t go down without a fight. Make sure everyone can tell you aren’t one of the zombie masses. Put the fact that you are alive and living for Christ (or just plain alive, in the zombie apocalypse world) on display.

4. Never Give Up Hope
You are hopelessly outnumbered. For every step you take forward, it seems like the opposition takes ten. But don’t give up hope. This battle is already won. The good guys come out on top. So, even when your back is against the wall and it feels like the world is out to get you (and, in Zombieland, it seriously is), keep the faith.

3. Live Each Day Full Equipped
You can’t expect to win any fight based on your own strength. You need weapons. You need training. A sawed off shotgun is the equivalent of the Word of God. You get the picture. No one in their right mind would face zombies without a weapon. Likewise, you should leave the house each day having been filled by and equipped with the Word of God.

2. Live Each Day Like You Might Die
This isn’t a movie. No one is making it out alive. Will it be today? Will it be tomorrow? With zombies on the rampage, you’d never live ho-hum. You do life to the absolute best that you can make it.

1. Have A Good Reputation
If a zombie were about to bite you on the leg, do you have people who would fight it off for you? Someone who would stand in the gap, banging on pots and pans to turn its attention away from you? You should. Make choices and live life in a way that makes people want to be around you. Dare I say, even like you? That way, when the going gets tough, you don’t have to fight off the invasion alone.

Are there any other connections between zombies and life that you can think of? Think you’d survive the apocalypse? Think you’re surviving now?

Related articles

• Zombie Preparedness – How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse (costumehub.wordpress.com)
• Run, Zombies, Run! (wired.com)
• MNQ | Monday’s Noontide Query: Zombies (kestalusrealm.wordpress.com)

How To Be Happy

I Googled this phrase the other day: How To Be Happy. The results were pretty interesting. According to the all mighty Internet, the tricks to being happy are:

-Getting lots of sleep
-Laughing out loud
-Organizing your stuff
-Saying no
-Not watching the news
-Have a pet that you stroke often
-Smile a lot
-Perform anonymous acts of kindness
-Don’t gamble
-Get your hair done
-Read
-Do something you’ve never done before

The lists went on and on. Honestly, none of them are bad suggestions (except the one that I read about living with someone you love and who loves you in return – pretty much meaning living together outside of marriage, which I am soooo not okay with). But will that stuff really and truly make you happy?

Personally, I’ve added some other things to be day-to-day life that I think work as a much more reliable source of experiencing happiness.

-Read your Bible every day. Even if it is just a passage, but it’s especially great to have a much more extended time in the Word. I’m doing Bible in a year, but there are so many other methods. The bottom line is to have that time to listen to God’s voice and let His love and truth fill your heart and mind.

-Pray for other people. Self-pity is one of the biggest joy suckers known to man. If you find yourself feeling blue, take your eyes off of your life and put it on someone else’s.

-Talk with a good friend each day. One of the great things about being married is that I get to talk with my best friend every day. We talk about what we are reading in our Bibles, what God is teaching us, and what we are struggling with. Each and every day I am reminded that I am not going through life alone.

Three things. That’s it. Of course, sleep, exercise, reading, and all of that other stuff are good things to do. They will probably lift your mood, help you be healthier, and improve your attitude.

But those three things that all together take about thirty to sixty minutes a day will truly change you from the inside out.

Question: If you were to make a “How To Be Happy” list, what would you put on it?