Joe Blow from Cocoa Moe

Alright my dear followers! Its time to talk about something us girls obsess, idolize and dream/worry about. Boys. As teenagers it's normal for us to think about guys a lot, because, hey, our hormones and raging and we're weird that way. But when is it too much?

The other day I was talking with my mom and she said something that hit me. "It's all just a game. You worry and worry about which guy likes who. And then try to figure out if 'so and so' actually likes you or why did he get mad at you etc. But in the end, your still in high school and there is nothing you can do about it. It's just what girls do while they're waiting for life to happen." Isn't that so true? You like a boy, so you have your best friend who is friends with some other chick who's brother knows your crush and have him ask if your crush likes you? Seriously? In the long run does it really matter? If God wants you to be with this guy He will arrange it in His own perfect timing. And I can guarantee you that sitting at home with all your friends gossiping and worry about the dude isn't gonna help.

I wonder what would happen if we saw a cute guy, and instead of trying to figure out ways to get him to notice you. We looked heavenward and say, "Hey God, I know You saw that I like this guy. If this is Your will, please put things together and have us fall in love. But I leave it in Your hands." And then stop worrying about him. Remember you just put it all in God's hands, let him do the work, and just be you.

The other thing that I really thought was good about what my mom said was: "It's just what girls do while they are waiting for life to happen." Why can't we make life happen now? I can promise that you will get into the most tizzy about dudes when you have nothing to do. When you have tons of empty time on your hands. Do something with you life! Don't wait around till your older. You can volunteer at a local shelter or nursing home. Start a blog. Use your talents for God. Don't let anyone get on your case because you're young. There is so much you can do. So many things to better the kingdom of God rather then eating ice cream and having a pity party with your friends because Joe Blow from Cocoa Moe doesn't like you. Please, don't let this precious time of your life be wasted. God has so many great and wonderful things He wants you doing right now in your life.

1 Timothy 4:12- Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

Bloody Clown Smiles

Please do not quickly freak out at the title of this post.... But maybe you should. I feel like so many Christians walk around with these fake red clown smiles. I even find myself wearing one often. Right before I leave to go to see my friends, no matter what the day. I paint on this smile. I exaggerate it by lifting the ends and make it bright blood red so no one can see the expression I really have. I hide the pain and agony of the week and make sure that bloody smile is in place.

Why do I do this though? Why do I feel I have to be always smiling and excited? Is it because I want to always be loved and accepted? Maybe. It feels like that is what my friends want from me. Someone who is always cracking jokes and giggling about the superficial. And they are so easy to fool.

 But sometimes I even fool myself. I make myself believe I am this walking clown designed to make people laugh, but never showing the true me. Many of my friends think they know who I really am, but they don't. They don't see the tears of hurt or the battle scars that are hidden underneath, because of my beautifully painted blood red smile. I have missed out on being there for a friend who is hurting and sympathizing with a person who needed to hear my testimony, because my happiness is so hugely exaggerated, they don't think I can relate. 

Now don't get me wrong, I think we as Christians should be happy smiling people. But God hasn't called us to be clowns for him, juggling balls, and cramming into a small car to make other people laugh and smile. He called us to be like Jesus. Jesus cried and wept sometimes. Many times he went away from his crowds of friends to just pray. But yet people still loved him and adored him. So maybe today when I go out, I will wash the red from my face and show the real me. Not caring if my scars show or if my face might frown a bit when someone says something that hurts me. I won't let this bloody clown smile define me. And you shouldn't either.

Busy, Busy.. But With What?

Don't really know where to start, to be honest. I know its been a long time since I posted on here, and I do apologize for that.  But I have been busy with life, busy with school, busy with family, busy with friends, busy with boys, busy with texting, busy with movies, busy with, busy with, busy with. Basically, what I'm trying to say is: I've been busy with wasting my life. Now don't get me wrong, school, family and friends are important, and they do deserve a special place in our lives. But I am in awe with how I can be so busy, without actually accomplishing anything.

I feel like it's all starting to encroach upon our purpose. Yea, I said the word, and I mean it. Purpose. What's our purpose here on earth? Why did God put us here? Think about that. In the midst of all the "stuff" I was spending my time on, I forgot what was really important. Like posting here and encouraging all of you! I forgot about the book I was supposed to be writing! I forgot about lives that God wanted me to touch. I was just too busy. So I'm gonna be different now. I'm tired of the same old boring, stressed, busy me. God has helped change my focus to what he really wants me to be doing, and I am gonna change that from now on.

Maybe I'm not the only one. Maybe you have noticed that your life is being crowded with a bunch of "stuff" that really isn't important or worth your time. Maybe this is God's way of telling you its time to clean out house and focus on your purpose. STOP. Don't go any further. Stop for a minute and talk to God about what things He wants you to clear out, so you can get refocused on what truly matters.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV 
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Digging to Find Me

Have you ever thought that you were incomplete without a cute pair of shoes, or a shirt that was flattering to your figure? Well, if you had asked me yesterday I would have smiled and gushed, "No! Of course not! I am complete in Christ and I know that." But today I found out that I wasn't. I realized I couldn't stand to let my friends see me unless my hair was perfectly in place and I was wearing something either a) new b) flattering or c) colorful. When had I become this person that was addicted to the outside stuff? I couldn't be just ME anymore. Shoes, clothes and hair had become an idol without me even realizing.

So I am writing so that you don't fall into the same trap I have. You may not even see it coming. Don't let this beauty idol be accepted because your just a "teen girl that wants to be pretty". I know you have probably heard this about a million times, but please listen "YOU are beautiful." No I'm not talking about those hot heels you wore yesterday. Those shoes aren't you. Your dazzling smile, your kind words, your compassionate heart. That's YOU. Please don't let this dark world brainwash you from that concept.

Yep, I'm gonna have to dig myself out of this ugly trap... But its worth it, because I will find the beautiful person God has created me to be. I also know, I am not alone. God isn't gonna leave me in this mess. He's right at my side helping me get out of this one. So goodbye all. I need to dig beneath all the shoes and hair and clothes and curves to find ME again.

Prayer Lesson: Those Wooden Things on the Top of Apples

Hey all! Here is a video I made about prayer. I hope you enjoy!!

"Acts of God"

Too many times when bad things happen we immediatly point our fingers at God, asking where He is and why He isn't helping us. Why do we rarely ever thank Him when good things happen? I mean, how often when we hear about a terrible hurricane, we whisper a, 'God, please help them'. Then when we walk outside and it's a beautiful day, we don't even take the time to say 'Thank you Jesus'. This video talks about those "Acts of God" that may enter our lives. I really hope you enjoy the humor and the message behind it.

If You Really Knew Me

Now before you read this post I would like you to watch the entire video. Late one night, I saw this video and my heart broke. But I kept watching knowing that at the end she would hold up a card that said, "God changed me. He healed my brokeness." I waited and waited at the edge of my seat for the card... but it never came. Never. I couldn't believe that Cassie thought she would have to go her entire life broken, a mess, complicated, misunderstood etc. She said, she would just have to get used to it. In her mind, that's where her story ended.

But Cassie isn't some make believe girl on the Internet. She lives across the street from you. She's two seats behind you in math class. She bags your groceries. Do you not see her pain? Can't you see past the plastic masks she holds up? Cassies all around the world are crying out for help! You can help them. You have the hope that they are looking for. You have Jesus. That is the only thing that can save them. You and me hold the key to Life. So please, please! I am pleading with you to no longer sit in your computer chairs while the world is dying! You are the Change, the Hope and Life. Find a way to show others Life through Christ. Stand up for those who are being bullied. Become friends with the outcasts. Raise awareness about people like Cassie. Pray for the Cassies.

But maybe as you are sitting in your computer chair you think, "but I am Cassie...." You are not alone. I have a past, I used to be a Cassie. I used to Cut. I couldn't handle my life, so I Cut. The pain inside of me overflowed to the outside in the form of Cutting.  It was the only way I thought I could release the pain. I tried to stop, but it just seemed impossible. I was suddenly entrapped in a vicious cycle I couldn't get out of.  I found myself going back to it again and again.  Then someone cared enough to come clean with me about the path I was headed down.  So I finally stopped, but the hurt inside didn't. I would cry myself to sleep. I used to scream at night, wanting so badly to get a scissors in my hand. Then in the midst of my brokeness Jesus entered in. There is Life and Hope in Jesus Christ. I was so afraid I would be lost in that world forever. But He saved me.
Please contact me: we have a page called Lean on Me. You can post there and I can give you my help and prayers. Remember: "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair; out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3.

It Could Have Been You.

I've really wanted to write a post about the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, and the shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, but I couldn't until now. I don't even know how to start or where to begin. When I heard about what happened in Aurora, I was immediately in tears and my heart bled for the victims and their families. The shooting that happened on opening night of "The Dark Knight Rise" in Aurora, Colorado, is one of the worst mass-shootings of U.S. history. 71 were wounded, and there were at least 12 deaths. What am I even to say about this crazy upside down world? The victims were not special people that lived abnormal lives. They were people just like you and me, who went to see a thrilling movie and it turned into a horror show. You can look anywhere over the web and hear countless stories of victims, heroes and eulogies. Some of them shot were children, mothers, fathers, spouses, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, girlfriends etc. It could have been you. It could have been me.

Then I found out just this Sunday that there was a shooting just ten minutes from my house. It was in a Sikh temple, and left 7 dead and 3 injured... To them it was just another church service. Another day you had to get up extra early for church. Smash some breakfast in your face, and pile in the car as your parents speed to church. Meanwhile you pray in the backseat that they won't get another speeding ticket again. You think its another crazy Sunday, just like any other, and in a blink of an eye, you realize it could be your last... It could have been you. It could have been me

Do not take your life for granted. Never. Remember tomorrow is not promised to you. Enjoy the little things. Take time to play with your little sister. Tell your dad you love him. Take your dog for a walk. Take a walk with God. Life is so fragile. There may be no tomorrow. So please don't get into fights with those you love about trivial things. Because when the curtain falls, and your life is done, what can be said about it? How many souls did you save? How was your relationship with God? I'm begging you! Do something with the life God has given you!

I would also like to remind you to please, please, pray for those still in the hospital or recovering from injuries. Also pray for the families of the victims that have been wounded or died in these horrible massacres. But remember, even though what happened was abhorrent and terrible event, do not forget: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. In this verse it doesn't say all things are good....because this wasn't a good thing in any sense of the word....but all things with God's influence can work together so that something good can come out of it. So now you can decide to do something special and different with your life because of  these circumstances.

I've Been Changed

Now before you click the Play button, I want you to read what I am about to say.

A couple weeks ago I went to our Church Youth Camp. This is the first song the choir sang. It's about being changed, healed, freed etc. from your past. The song goes on to say, how no matter what, we will never go back to the way things were before. When they were singing, I was lifting my hands and singing along, but my heart wasn't in it. My mind wandered from the basketball game a few hours before, to that cute guy standing a few paces away from me, to what we were eating for breakfast the next morning. I thought I was praising God, but I really wasn't.

As the week progressed, things didn't really change for me, until one night God spoke to my heart. I was kneeling down and praying, and then all of a sudden, everything was different. It's not something I can explain to you very well in words, but it was a night I will never forget. I cried in the prescence of my Almighty God, and couldn't stop. I realized how confused and mislead I really was. It was somehow like I acquired the mind of God and He spoke right to my heart, and filled me with love. That night totally changed how I worshiped God. From that night on, I praised the Lord with my whole heart.

Then on the very last night of camp, the choir came up and sang this song again. This time I lifted my hands not because of routine, but because I was making a promise with God that I wouldn't ever go back. I closed my eyes and listened to the words of the song:


I've been changed, healed, freed, delivered. I couldn't believe it! Every single word of that verse was true. God had changed me. Healed me from my emptiness. Freed me from addictions. Delivered me from my problems.


Within this moment I found joy, peace, grace and favor. God gave me joy within my heart. Peace about my situations. Poured grace over all my sins. He had given me favor again in His sight.

The lyrics of these songs were my promise to God, because I was never going back to the emptiness, brokenness, loneliness or pain I had been in. My heart melted in God's presence, and there are no words to describe the feeling God had filled me with.

But, my friend, you don't have to go to some church camp to get back with God. You don't have to have some amazing service where you are crying on your face before God, to change. You can talk to Him right here. You can sing this song as a promise before God. I can assure you, if you truly talk to God and make the promise that you won't go back. He will be right there with you.  You will feel Him like you've never felt before. For now is the time to say my past is over.....right now......today! Hallelujah!

God's Not Going to College

The idea of my big brother growing up and leaving for college, has always scared me. But now that I realize that he will be leaving in only a couple of months, it pratically brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes I just burst into tears for no reason, when he's just standing in the room. The first time this happened, my brother was very touched by this flood of emotion, but now, after about the fifth time, he just rolls his eyes. I tell him how worried I am about him and how I don't know how he will possibly live on his own, how he will get a job, or make friends.

The last time this happened, he actually said something that made me stop and think. He commented, "You know, I don't think your that upset that I won't be okay. I think your crying over the fact that you will be left here alone. Plus you think I will forget about you, because I'll live so far away." That made me stop crying, because inside I knew he was right.

Growing up is a part of life, whether we like it or not. It doesn't matter if we are talking about our relationship with our brothers, sisters, friends or even God. As time passes, things change. We grow and sometimes those things around us don't stay the same. As for God, when we grow, fortunately, God grows with us. When we grow older there seems to be more things to fill our day, and God is many times left out of our growth. He is either too confusing to try to understand, or too simple and childish.

When we were younger, our life with God was predictable. We read our little picture Bible, kneeled beside our bed and prayed every night. As we get older many times we forget that God grows with us, and cares about the same things we do. He is right there beside you talking to you at your level, but often times we aren't listening. It's important,as we grow, we let God grow with us and change us for the better as we  become closer to Him.

With my brother going into college, my relationship with him will change. If I choose to allow myself to grow with this relationship, I think it can be just as strong but in a different way. Fortunately, God won't ever leave you to go to college. He is always there, sticking close by no matter what happens. I may not be able to stick close to my brother, physically, but God will never leave him or me. Just like He will never leave you.

Befuddled

Okay... Where do I even begin? I guess, I should start with I'm sorry. I feel terrible that I haven't been able to post in the past month. I could easily come up with about a million excuses. Let's just say it would be along the lines of: I've been busy, I forgot, been spending too much time on etc., etc., etc.

But one of the real reasons why I haven't posted is, because I've been extremely confused. I've been faced with throngs of problems and trials over the past month. Frankly, I feel so befuddled, that I don't really know how I could encourage all of you, when I am such a mess. What's made it so challenging is that, I've been faced with problems I thought I got over months ago. Things like: loneliness, getting involved in the world's mess, not thinking on those things which are pure and holy etc. I've faced those problems and been done with them centuries ago. But then BOOM! Suddenly, I'm being struck with utterly terrifying loneliness, and find myself listening and dwelling on ungodly junk. Now where did this come from? Hadn't I gotten over this months ago? Am I strong enough to face it again? Now on top of that, a spirit of confusion has now swept around me, like a dark cloak. I sometimes can't spiritually see straight and my feet don't even know where to go. To make it worse, it feels like the devil has been tormenting me at every corner.

Unfortunately, this has left me in a awful disjointed state, and not wanting to write. Today I will not only be encouraging you, but also encouraging myself. So, if you are like me, going through the valley of death, do not fear. You are not alone. I relate, and know how you feel. But just remember that this is only for a season, and keep holding on to Jesus. Even when you feel like you are struggling just to keep your head above the water. Don't give up! For this too shall pass. I have to remind myself that every day. With Jesus and each other we'll walk through this, and climb to another mountain top once again.

"Making Time" for God

Here is a video, talking about how much time we spend with God. Seriously, do we "make time" for God, even though He is the Creator of time, and the Creator of us? This video will put a fun spin on how much time we actually spend with God.

Alive Alive Alive Forevermore

Here is an adorable video of a little girl singing 'Alive Alive Alive Forevermore'. This little girl is so cute and precious, that I had to share it with you on this Resurrection Sunday. I pray you had a blessed Easter!

God's Word Tour

Hi All! As many of you know this week I will be taking a week trip with my Bible Quizzing team to our Bible Quizzing Extravaganza. My quiz team mates and I will be driving all the way there (18 hours or longer). I thought it would be an encouragment for all of us if I posted a video of my teamates quoting a verse that we learned this year, and then talking about what that verse meant to us. If there are no technical difficulties, you should be receiving videos for each day I am gone. I hope that those of you here, will be able to watch the videos, and enjoy learning about God's Word with us!

Little Problems

Hunger Games. Need I say more? Practically every teen has read or at least heard of the Hunger Games books. As many of you know the movie came out yesterday, and God gave me the privilege of seeing it opening night. But that wasn't even the best part. Here's the cool part: I wanted to buy the People Magazine Hunger Games Special Edition after watching the movie, but I couldn't find it at any stores. It was sold out. I went to all kinds of stores, asking and searching for the magazine, but no one had it. I was so disappointed, because I wanted to read the magazine on my trip to Texas. As I was walking in the parking lot, I decided to chat with God.

"God, if it is at all possible could you please let me get People Magazine Hunger Games Special Edition. I promise I won't even open it until I get on the trip. But, God, just please let me be able to buy it and get it before our trip. Amen." So my mom and I went into a dollar store to pick up some grocery items. I quick looked around, and didn't even notice an aisle with magazines, my heart plummeted. But just as my mom was checking out, I decided to ask the manager anyway.

"Um, do you have the People Hunger Games Special Edition Magazine here?" I asked. He rolled his eyes.

"All of our magazines are in that rack over there," he droned. That's when I noticed, the small rack. I scanned over the magazines. Suddenly, it appeared! Tucked in the back were four copies of my magazine. I couldn't believe it!

"Thank you, thank you, Jesus!" I whispered. I still was shocked at this little old dollar store had one of the last copies of this magazine. But God had somehow, someway had put this magazine in my path, and even though all the other stores were sold out. He found a way for me to have one.

Sometimes we forget that God cares about our little problems too. I mean, do you think not having that magazine would change my life forever? Probably not. But God still answered my little prayer in the middle of a parking lot, because He loves us. So don't ever think that your small problems don't matter to God. He loves you so much, and won't ever brush you aside. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the People Hunger Games Special Edition for my trip! So what little question haven't you bothered to ask God about?

My Smart Phone Made Me Stupid

A few days ago, I was talking one of my friends telling him a hilarious story. He was laughing, and we were just joking around, when suddenly I heard ding from the inside of his pocket. His hand flew to his pocket and snatched his phone. I thought he was simply going to check his phone and continue the conversation, but he stared intently at the screen. I proceeded to talk, and told him something funny that had happened the day before. He started laughing, and I was happy that I had caught his attention. I told him I thought it was funny too. Suddenly, he glanced up from his phone, "Oh, no, someone just texted me a joke. You can keep going though." Great. That made me feel real important. I guess, whoever texted him was way more important than I was. Was he too stupid to see how much this had hurt me?

The title of this video says it all. Has your smart phone made you stupid? I think it is absolutely crazy that teens treat their phone as if it contains their soul. I, at times, have unfortunately been sucked into that virtual world (don't think that my friend was the only one who had done this). I sometimes need to be reminded that the world around us is much more important than that buzzing, ringing, piece of metal in my purse. After you view this video I pray that it will remind you how important it is, that we enjoy the people around us and put our phones on silent (that means no vibrating either). Also if you have any friends that are addicted to their cell phones, show them this video. It may also help to open their eyes to the way they are treating others around them. Don't forget to enjoy your real family and friends right now. Don't let your smart phone make you stupid.

Beautiful

This song is 'Beautiful' by MercyMe. Now I normally don't ever listen to this song, because it is not my style of music, but I loved this slide show. It spoke volumes to me, saying that God loves me, and thinks I am beautiful no matter what. Sometimes, we feel lonely and forgotten inside, and think they we could never be loved again. But God loves you, and thinks your beautiful. If today is just one of those day when you feel ugly and alone, watch this video. I hope it will uplift your spirits and remind you how much you are loved.

The Blind Shrimp, the Goby, and the Flick

Above is a picture of the goby fish and the blind shrimp. These two creatures are really intriguing!  What's so amazing about the goby and the blind shrimp is that they are totally dependant upon each other for their lives, even though they are completely different spieces. The goby is a pretty much regular looking fish, and really has no real means of protection. The blind shrimp is literally blind and is in a totally different category as far as sea creatures go, but has a special talent for digging holes.  These two come together, and make an inseperable, and stunning team. It's the shrimp's job to make a hole under the water, in the sand for a home, and a place of protection. But while the shrimp is digging he can't see if there are predators nearby. That's where the goby comes in. He sits outside the hole that the shrimp is making and keeps an eye out for predators. If he sees anything that might be a threat to him or his companion, he flicks his fin to warn the shrimp. But the cool part about this is that the shrimp always has a tentacle wrapped around the goby's fin, so he can feel the flick as he is digging and removing sand. As soon as the shrimp feels the goby's sudden movement, the two of them dive deep down in the hole and away from danger. So the shrimp gets a protector, and the goby gets a home. Isn't that an amazing relationship!

Thinking about this relationship makes me wonder about my relationship with God. I mean, I'm as blind as the shrimp, but God is like the goby showing me the way to go. While I'm in this world, I need to hold onto God and feel for the flick, that it is time to move on. I have to remember that I am blind, and that I need to depend fully on God to tell me where to go. Imagine if that shrimp took one of his tentacles off of the goby, he would be wandering in the water blind, and not even knowing which way to go. What if the the blind shrimp ignored the flick, and just kept right on moving sand away from his precious hole. Snap! He would be some body's dinner in a matter of seconds.

But lets take a moment to think about God's relationship to us. I mean if you think about it, God really needs us. Angels can't do the work that we can on this earth. The scripture says that God was looking far and wide for a vessel that he could use. God is also in need of a home; in that he wants to dwell among us. On this earth he chooses us to be those vessels he will dwell in. So in a way we are totally dependent on each other.

Radical in our Worship

All of us worship God in different ways, and we each have our own way of giving God glory, but are we just using that excuse to not do anything in church? I mean, how often do we stand in church sing the songs by heart and clap our hands, with absolute no expression on our faces. I tend to do that alot, but I've been thinking that maybe I need to start changing that habit. Jesus died on a cross for me, gave up His life for my sins and I don't even send him a cute thank you card. Instead, I say some words that mean absolutely nothing to me and smack my palms together. Is that really the best I can do? I was thinking it's time to start getting radical for Jesus. That's why I posted this video below. He is a guy, who loves Jesus from the inside out and isn't ashamed to worship God with all that he has in him. His nickname is Spinney, and you'll see why. This guy really inspires me and I hope he inspires you too. I posted both parts of the song, but you should make sure to watch the first part. Now lets start being radical for Jesus.

Love Song

This beautiful song done by Jamie Grace and Mac Powell (Third Day), is called Love Song. It made me realize how much God loves us. The song is taken from Jesus' point of view, and almost brought me to tears. Sometimes I find myself feeling lonely without a boyfriend, but then I listen to this song and it reminds of God's love for me. I mean, He gave up His life for me, I don't know anyone who would do that. So listen to this song and let it remind you that He loves you and even died for you.