A Christian Woman's Beauty Regime

An elderly woman, with a beautiful complextion, was asked what kind of cosmetic she used. Replying, she offered this prescription: "I use truth for my lips; for my voice, prayer. For my eyes I use pity;for my hands, charity. For my figure I use uprightness and for my heart love. This perscription can be filled without expense, and the supply will be increased with continued use."

Heaven's Grocery Store

Here is a poem that was in Florence Boulevard Church of Christ's Bulletin, and since women are the ones who usually do the grocery shopping I thought it was pretty relevant.

-Linzee

Heaven's Grocery Store.

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.

One day I saw a sign that read, "Heaven's Grocery Store".

As I got a little closer the door came open wide.

and when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.

One handed me a blanked and said, "My Child shop with care".

Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store,

and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more.

First, I got some Patience,Love was in the same row.

Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith,

I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.

I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this

race,but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I

needed Grace.I didn't forget Salvation, which like the others was

free,so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,

for I thought I had everything to do my master's will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in.

for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.

Song and Praises were hanging near, so i just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe?"

The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again, I politely asked "How much do I really owe?"

The Angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill

A Long Time Ago."

BE A REBEL!!

What is a rebel??? Dictionary.com defines the word rebel to be a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition. Well, we have a lot of those in today's day and age don't we?!? People who refuse to fall into the definition of "normal" and "orderly." But when most of us think of a rebel we think of a teenager who runs away from home, or some huge pop star who says certain things that just should not be said on the radio, television, or just plain anywhere. And although those people are Rebels in their own sinful way, our friend Jesus was too a rebel when He was alive. When Jesus began his ministry, He was the scandal of that day and age. Everything that the Jews had been taught was being thrown in their face and their world was becoming topsy-turvy. In that day and age, the Jews looked to the Pharisees and Sadducees for spiritual guidance. But when Jesus came along, he not only shunned the outrageous practices of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but he taught new and different things to the Jews. All their life Jews were taught "an eye for an eye", but Jesus taught them to forgive and forget. (Matthew 5:38)The men had been taught to treat their women like property, but Jesus made women a man's equal. (Ephesians 5:33)The Jews were taught to stay away from Gentiles and sinners, but Jesus befriended them and ministered to them.(John 4) Jews were instructed to rest on the Sabbath day, but Jesus healed the sick. (Matt. 12: 9-14) Jesus didn't do what society thought was right at the time. He rebelled against the socials graces and only did His Father's will. I would say that Jesus was the ultimate rebel. He was a rebel for God. Because of His rebellion, you and I can be saved from our sins. Because of His rebellion, you and I have a hope of one day joining Him in heaven. But having said all of that, we too can be rebellious for God and our Savior Jesus Christ. How can we do that?!? Well the choice is really up to you. But fitting in is not an option. A rebel never fits in. Show people that Christ lives in you. Be a servant to others, spread the gospel, stand up for what is right, forgive others, talk to someone you wouldn't regularly talk to. But never fit in with the world. (2 Cor. 6:14) Be a rebel.

-Linzee

Sisters in Christ.

This past week I have been thinking about friends. Especially our girlfriends. I truly believe that our sisters in Christ will help us in our daily walk. We will experience sorrow, pain, joy, and laughter,but with Christian friends and God on our sides there will be no reason in the world to worry about today, tomorrow, or the feature. Keep your friends close.

-Linzee

Sister's (of the Kingdom)

Our friendships build a fortress;

a haven for our souls...

we share our trials and triumphs,

our hopes, our dreams, our goals.

We are "sisters" for the Kingdom

blessed with God’s eternal light...

determined to walk straighter,

loving Him, with all our might.

We serve Him with conviction,

striving hard to be our best...

as we rise to every challenge,

we welcome every test.

We are women of tomorrow

we are "sisters" of today...

we stand in faith together

knowing "God will make a way".

-unknown

DORCAS

The featured lady that I want to talk about is the lovely and caring Dorcas. Dorcas lived in the city of Joppa around the Mediterranean coast. "Being a seacoast city, Joppa saw numerous husbands and fathers depart into dangers of perilous waters. Many men never returned from the sea, and they left behind bereaved and destitute widows and orphans." (woman's study Bible) It is very likely that Dorcas came into contact with these certain women and children. In Acts 9:36 it says that "This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did." And because of these good works, many people were very well acquainted with Dorcas, and knew what an honorable woman she was. But around the time that the disciples and Peter were in the region, Dorcas died. Dorcas' "grieving friends prepared her body for burial, then sent two men to the nearby city of Lydda to fetch the apostle Peter." When Peter came to the house that Dorcas' body was being prepared, her loved ones cried to Peter and showed him the tunics and garments that Dorcas made them while she was still living. Peter then ordered everyone to leave the room and then raised Dorcas from the dead. "Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows he presented her alive"(Acts 9:41). So what can we learn from Ms. Dorcas? Well, I think that one very important lesson we can learn from her is the importance of doing good works. Having faith in the Lord God is very important. But doing good works for the Lord is another way of showing God our love and devotion for him. In James 1:22 it says "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only." I recently helped out with Florence Blvd. Church of Christ's vacation bible school. And one of the many classic song we sung was "This little light of mine." And a small part of that song says, "This little, light of mine I'm going to let it shine, let it shine all the time, let it shine." As Christians, we should not only let our light shine through our faith, attitudes, prayer, and thanksgiving, but also by our actions and good works towards others. In. James 1: 27 it says "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." Ms. Dorcas obviously did just that. Her charitable, selfless deeds not only helped those who were in need, but more importantly glorified God to the highest. In Proverbs 31:20 describes a virtuous woman as "stretching out her hand to the poor and reachers out her hand to the needy." All in all we can shine our Christian "lights" out to the world by our charitable deeds and good works. Let your light shine.



http://youtu.be/CVeB7ACVgO0



-Linzee-

THE WIDOW WITH TWO MITES!!

We can take an incredible lesson from the woman who gave two mites. In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus and His disciples "sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury." As Jesus was watching He noticed the rich putting much into the treasury. But then, this poor widow woman went to give her treasury contribution and put in only two mites. When Jesus saw this woman and the contribution that she made, "He called the disciples to Himself and saying to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."" When growing up I always heard the story of this poor widow when discussing how one's attitude should be when giving back to the church. Certainly, we should have a very selfless attitude when contributing back to the church. God has given us so much,(James 1:17) it is very important that we show thanks and gratitude when the collection plate is passed around on Sunday morning. But what other lessons can we learn from this special woman?!? Well, I think that we can apply this to our spiritual life in general. I discussed earlier in a post about never looking back to our old life of sin when we become Christians. Well, not only should we not look back, but we should give the Christian life all that we have within us. All of our time and effort should be spent glorifying God and His Son. We should be giving God and Jesus everything that we have. Whether it be our time, money, family,or our friends, we should give our ALL in doing what God wants us to do. After all, He did such an amazing thing for all of us. Also, consider the amount of faith this great woman had to have had to put in her whole livelihood and know that God was going to provide everything that she was going to need. That takes tremendous faith. This woman's love of God was great. Let's show God that He is great and loved by giving Him our ALL.

This story is also found in Luke 21:1-4

-Linzee

Mary-Mother of Jesus

What can I say about Mary that hasn't already been said?!? Well, for the past couple of months at Florence Blvd. Church of Christ we have been discussing women in the Bible as well and the subject of Mary was one that interested me the most. In the particular Bible lesson that I had, my teacher Ken McKinnon went over three major myths that some have about Mary and the Biblical evidence that tells us that those myths are certainly not true.

Mary Myth #1. Mary is the "Mother of God."
In today's day and age, there are many in this world who believe that Mary is lifted up to a God-like status, and since she gave birth to one of the three parts of the Trinity ,she is therefore the "Mother of God." They believe that since she gave birth to the Son, she acts as an intercessor for us. However, the Bible tells us completely different. In 1 Timothy 2:5-6 is tells us, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." Romans 8:34 says,"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." All in all, Mary is not an intercessor for us, Jesus Christ is.

Mary Myth #2. Mary is the "Perpetual Virgin"
Many also believe that Mary was a "perpetual virgin." (virgin for the rest of her life). This too is also a big misconception. In Matthew 13:55-56 it says,"Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? where then did this man get all these things?" Mary did not give birth to only Jesus. Jesus had half brothers and sisters as well. It was not until 533 A.D. that the second Council of Constantinople(part VI) declared that Mary was an "ever-virgin".(perpetual virgin) The Bible most certainly contradicts such beliefs. Mary was able to and did have children with Joseph after she gave birth to Jesus.

Mary Myth #3. Mary lived sinless life.
Finally, many believe that since Mary was "God-like." That she was also a sinless being. However, Mary indeed was not sinless. In Romans 3:23 it says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." In Galatians 3:22 it says,"But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." As sinners today we needed Jesus to die on the cross so that we might be saved, and even Mary, Jesus mother needed Jesus in the very same way. The only person who was ever sinless on this world is Jesus Christ himself. In 1 Peter 2:22 it says "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth." Jesus was perfect, and Mary needed His precious sacrifice just as much as the rest of us. All in all Mary was just as much of a regular person as you and I.

Now that we have busted a couple of myths about Mary, it is important to recognize the tremendous qualities that she possessed. Mary accepted God's role for her in tremendous and humbling ways, In that day and age, the pregnancy of Mary would have been the community scandal. Even though the people around her gossiped about her and scoffed her, she kept the Word of the Lord in her heart and did just as God told her to do. This takes a tremendous amount of faith. Another important aspect of Mary's, was her ability to be humble. Twice in the book of Luke it says that Mary, "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." or she "kept all these sayings in her heart." (Luke 2:19 and Luke 2:51). Mary intently listened to Jesus and His teachings and learned from what He was saying. This takes a great amount of humility and meekness. Ultimately, Mary was obedient. She did just as God told her to do and was faithful to Jesus until the very end. Mary is definitely a woman to learn lessons from.

LOT'S WIFE

The story of Lot and his disobedient wife is very much an infamous one. Sodom and Gomorrah were two wicked cities. The cities were so wicked that the Lord wished to destroy them. But Abraham reasoned with the Lord and asked him saying, "Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it?" Abraham asked the Lord this because Lot, Abraham's brother, resided in the city of Sodom. The Lord then answered Abraham saying ,"If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes."But the Lord could not find fifty. Abraham then asked the Lord for the same request except only to find forty-five righteous within the city. But the Lord could not find forty-five. This downward cycle continued until Abraham asked the Lord to save the city if only ten righteous were found. But yet again, not even 10 righteous souls were found in the city. Then, two angels of the Lord came to Lot by night and instructed him to take his family out of Sodom.The two angels explained to Lot that they were instructed to destroy the two cities because of the sin that both of the cities had were exceedingly great. Early in the morning Lot took his family and left the city of Sodom. The angels of the Lord instructed Lot "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains lest you be destroyed." Lot did just as the angels instructed him to do and set off away from the two cities. But Lot's wife did not take the word of the Lord seriously. As she was traveling away from the two cities with her family, Lot's wife looked back on the city where she once lived and immediately became a pillar of salt.
How can the story of Lot's wife help us today. Well it's quite simple. Lot's wife could have been saved if only she obeyed what the Lord said. The same goes for us! The Lord tells us we can be saved ."Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."Acts 2:38. But the Lord also says that if we do not obey Him we will also be condemned. "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Another important lesson we can get from Lot's wife is the lesson of true repentance. Lot's wife had salvation in her midst but turned and looked back at the sinful life that she was once a part of. As Christians we must be different. We must totally leave the sinful life that we had before we were baptized, and live the Christian life that Jesus sets before us. Looking back should never be an option. We must press forward to the ultimate prize, and that of course is HEAVEN.

-Linzee.

HANNAH

Hannah is personally one of my favorite women to study about in the Bible. And each time that I have read her story I learn something that I can apply to my daily walks of life. Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah. Unfortunately for Hannah, the Lord shut her womb and she was not able to have children. Depressed by not being able to bear a child, Hannah went to the place of worship in Shiloh and made a vow to the Lord that if He gave her a son, she would in return "give him to the Lord all the days of his life." After she prayed her honest and sincere prayer, Hannah went away and returned to Ramah with her family. The Lord remembered Hannah and her prayer, and gave her a son.Hannah named him Samuel. Soon after, Hannah did just as she told the Lord that she would do. When she returned to the place of worship in Shiloh, she gave her son to the Lord. It was there that Hannah prayed to the Lord one of the most beautiful prayers of thanksgiving and praise. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)So what do we get from Ms. Hannah? Well I think that one of the most important lessons we can get from Hannah is thankfulness. Hannah did not seem to cease to give thanks to God for the blessing of a son. She gave complete credit to where credit was most certainly due. And what can we be thankful for today?!? Well everything of course. Anyone who is reading this has been blessed beyond belief physically. However the greatest gift that we have been blessed with is the spiritual gift of his Son Jesus Christ. The gift of salvation is definately the greatest gift one could ever have. 2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be to God for His incredible gift!" And it truly is incredible. Continue to be thankful, God showers us with blessings.

THE SYRO-PHOENICIAN (CANAANITE) WOMAN

Although we do not know the name of the Syro-Phoenician woman, her faith is what she is most known for. By the time Jesus made his way to the region of Tyre and Sidon, his reputation and miraculous works were well known. However, as my Women's Study Bible states, "few in Tyre and Sidon would cross cultural and religious lines to approach Jesus." The Jews of that day and age did not associate themselves with Gentiles, or Canaanites, and it certainly was not good social etiquite for a woman to approach a group of men as she did. But this particular woman broke all of the religious and social barriers. The Syro-Pheonician(Canaanite) woman met Jesus and his disciples in the street and called out to Jesus to heal her severely demon-possessed daughter. And of course being who she was, the disciples were quick to get rid of her. In my opinion, it seems that the disciples were more concerned about how this woman would effect their reputation rather than the service they could have done for her and her soul. However, Jesus knew the woman's heart and could see her great faith. This woman believed in the name and works of Jesus before seeing any miraculous works. This woman believed in Him and his might before he preached anything. This is the faith that Jesus seeks from us everyday. In Hebrews 11:1 it says "Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The Syro-Phoenician woman believed before she had ever seen. We as Christians should have the same attitude. Another point that one can get from this is not look past the social barriers of today's day and age and look at the person's soul instead. "Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight", really does sum up how Jesus views everyone in the world. As Christians, we too should look past how people look or what they do in their spare time, and see the soul that is underneath it all. That is really what matters the most.

THE WOMAN WHO LOST A COIN!

As described by my Women's Study Bible, the woman who lost a coin is "the second of three parables in which Jesus clearly pictured God's loving concern for each individual sinner." Luke 15:8-10 says "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin,does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together,saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found the piece which I lost!' Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." How does this parable apply to us today? Well ladies, are there any of us who wouldn't turn our rooms upside to find one of our lost pearl/diamond earrings? Or would we not spend hours in a department store to try and find that perfect little black dress? The same should go for a lost soul. We should be just as diligent when trying to search and save lost souls as we would anything else. Evangelism should be one of our main priorities, because just like the woman was concerned and searched for her lost coin, so should we be concerned and search for our lost brothers and sisters. Matthew 28:19-20 says "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."Amen." What more can I say? Share the gospel, make yourselves disciples, and share the GOOD NEWS. The gospel isn't meant to be condemning but rather uplifting and encouraging. It's the greatest news you will ever share.
-Linzee

ABIGAIL

I have turned over a new leaf with the blog. Since this is a blog about helping girls/women in their daily walk with Christ, I figure it would be beneficial to study the women/girls in the bible who kept God/Christ their number one priority. The lessons that we learn from them are beneficial to even women in today's day and age. Having said that, the first beautiful woman I am going to discuss is Abigail.

Abigail ,unfortunatley, was the wife to the wicked man Nabal. Nabal was said to be, as 1 Samuel 25 describes, a very rich man who "was harsh and evil in his doings." When Nabal was so quick to deny King David's request to dine and relax in Nabal's house, David soon after condemned the house of Nabal to death. Abigail would ultimately be the one to save her household. Forewarned by a servant, Abigail was moved with determination and precision to try to avert the extermination of the entire household. As David and his men were on their way to the house of Nabal, Abigail met and greeted them with humility and warm hospitality. The Bible that I use in study describes this perfectly by saying "She used all her creativity to minimize the damage done by her foolish husband. In going against Nabal's wishes, she acted to save his life." Abigail used her wit and honesty to melt the hard heart of David, and in return save her household. What can we take from this particular part of Abigail's life? In my opinion there are many different lessons we can take from Ms. Abigail. However, the one lesson that sticks out to me the most would have to be the willingness to put others before herself. Even though Nabal was a wicked husband and ultimately sentenced his own family to death, Abigail thought about the safety of her husband before she thought about the safety of herself. It was very dangerous for a woman in that day and age to approach an army of men and ecspecially the king like she did, but it was Abigail's selfless atitude that pricked the heart of David. Abigail teaches us that we need to be selfless in our actions and serve others just as Jesus did in his daily walks of life. Galatians 5:13 says "For you,brethren,have been called to liberty;only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." So how can we be selfless and serve one another? Well, I guess that is really up to you. Volunteer for something. Do something for your boss/mom/friend/etc. without them asking. The options are neverending. Overall do a good deed. These things will not only glorify God, but in the process bring lost souls to Christ. Show others the loving nature of Christ by serving them.

-Linzee

"I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY"

Gavin McGee preached this lesson on gossip one Sunday Morning at Florence Blvd. Church of Christ. The lesson was on the topic of gossip, so I thought I would share. Let's face it, girls are gossip queens.

When it comes to gossip I think that the first thing one has to understand is the definition of what gossip is. Gossip is said to be "a rumor or talk of personal, sentimental, or intimate nature", according to Webster's Dictionary. The Bible refers to a gossiper as a talebearer or a whisperer. Ultimately if you are talking about someone in a way that is not going to help he/she spiritually, you are participating in some juicy gossip.

Let's figure out the nature of gossip.

1) Gossip springs from false motives. Phil 4:8, Romans 15:1 Most of the time if we are gossiping about someone it is not for their benifit, but for our own. When we gossip about someone the ultimate goal is to degrade the other person to make ourselves feel better. When we gossip we are not focusing on the things we need to have our minds focused on in Phil 4:8.

2) It finds its life in our tongues. In James 3: 5-8 the tongue is compared to a wildfire. in verse 8 it says "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." This verse alone should be enough to tell us how damaging gossip can be. Think of how fast and how widespread a wildfire can be. Gossip can hurt and destroy someones feelings and reputation if the exact same way. In James 1:19 it warns us to be slow speaking, so maybe we can use our tongue for something greater than silly gossip.

3) It spreads and grows. like said earlier, gossip can be so widespread, that the real truth of a story is so diminished and changed that a person's reputation can be ruined.

4) Hurts others. In Galatians 6:10 it says "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." In Galatians we are commanded to do good to everyone who we come in contact with. The same hold true when we talk about someone. If what we are talking about is not going to end with something Godly and good happening, then the likely hood of it being a good conversation about someone is slim to none.

5)Hurts our example. As Christians, the kind of example we should be setting is of someone who does not participate in gossip. How bad does it look to someone who might not be a Christian if we as Christians are participating in gossip. How are we then any different than non-Christians.

6) Hurts the Church. In Psalms 133:1 it says "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity." What would the chruch be if brothers and sisters in Christ were not able to dwell in peace with one another? The answer is simply nothing. A Church with divisions will not survive, it is not what God would want when he looks at his church. Gossip will ultimately cause huge divisions in a church.

7) Causes Strife. In Proverbs 26:20 it says" For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer quarreling ceases." I think that this sums the nature of gossip up in a nutshell. Where gossip is you can always expect quarreling and strife, and as Proverbs 26:20 says, where gossip stops the quarreling and strife ceases.

So now that we have covered the nature of gossip let's look at what the result of gossip is.

1) Makes one guilty of spreading lies

2) condems soul

There are many old testament and new testament refrences to prove that fact: Lev 19:16, Prov. 11:13, Prov. 16:28, Prov. 17:4, Prov. 18:8, Prov. 20:19, and Prov. 26:2o. Phil. 2:3-4, Titus 2:1, Titus 3:1-2, James 4:11, Romans 1:29, 2 Cor. 12:20.

So What can we do to Prevent Gossip?

1) Learn to mind our own business.- 1 Thess 4:10-11, 2 Thess 3:11-12

2) Look for the Good in ever situation.-Romans 3:10

3) Don't believe everything you hear.- James 3:8-10

4) When you hear Gossip, Handle it properly

a. Go straight to the Horses mouth

b. If it is not true, keep it to yourself

c. If it is true, keep it to yourself

5) Choose your associations wisely.- Prov. 20:19, 1 Cor 15:33

6) Would I want that said about me? -Matt. 7:12

7) LEARN TO LOOK PAST THE GOSSIP AND SEE A SOUL!

I thought this would be a good post because I figured it is something that the everyday girl struggles with on a day to day basis. I know I do for sure. Lets face it, its fun to talk about people! But that is just the kicker, sin is fun!!! Gossip is sin!! They go hand in hand! Just think of how much greater the world would be if we didn't gossip about people. Think about how many things would be different. The ultimate goal in life is to get to heaven and bring as many people as you can with you along the way. There is absolutely no way you can do so if you are gossiping. We can not expect to be uplifted if we ourselves are not willing to always uplift others.

-the girls-

Would You Kiss God With That Mouth?

When speaking of taming of the tongue during this day and age, I am guessing most people think about cursing. I mean let's face it, using dirty language is all around us. Whether it comes from movies, television shows, music, classmates, fellow employees, or family members, filthy language is all around us. And yes, refraining from using dirty language is a struggle and something we need to refrain from. However, I feel that another form of taming the tongue needs to take place in today's society and it takes the sly form of gossip. I have a feeling that gossiping about someone is becoming laxed in our conversations. Noone really stops to think "hey is what I am about to say going to hurt this person?" or "I shouldn't say this, it really isn't any of my business." Actually it is quite the opposite. Gossip is a juicy part of our everyday conversations. Look at all the gossip magazines for example. Does God consider gossip filthy language? I think so! In James 3, the idea of taming the tongue is being discussed. In verse six it says " the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." Think of how a fire works, from the starting point of the fire, the flames only spread farther and wider. That is the same exact way gossip works. From the starting point of a conversation that is enthralled with gossip, the lives that are impacted by what is said is only going to get larger and larger. In James it says that no one can fully tame the tongue, but there are ways we can try. Bite your tongue the next time you feel the need to talk about someone. We are here to lift one another closer to heaven. So let's all talk about heavinly things. When it comes to using filthy language I have often times heard the phrase "Would You Kiss Your Momma With That Mouth"?. I found it humorous, but effective. Often times we wouldn't say the things we would say to others in front of our moms. So why would we want to act the same way towards our God. So when you hear the latest gossip or feel like repeating some, ask yourself and others the question " Would You Kiss God With That Mouth?"

-The Girls-

LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE.

In I Corinthians 16:14 Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth saying "Let all that you do be done in love."............ But, what kind of love is he talking about here? Romantic love? Brotherly love?...... The Greeks had various definitions of love. Eros is probably what most people mean when they announce with a smile, "I'm in love." This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy feelings to strong sensual passion.We recognize philia and its meaning from the name Philadelphia, that is, the city of brotherly love. This is the love of friendship, best friends, and the fellowship of being with those people you enjoy.Unlike the previous two types of love, agape is not limited to being held hostage by its environment and someone's perception. The reason why agape can soar above these is because it is based upon the commitment of a decision. It entails the decision to proactively seek someone's well-being.

Is the love that Paul is talking about any of these three? Well, lets find out.

In I John 4:7-8 it says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." The love that Paul is talking about is neither of the three, but merely the love of God. Yes the concept of eros, philia, and agape are great, but the love of God surpasses them all. Paul is urging the people to love as God would love. Paul tells us to have a heart that loves with joy, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, and peace. The love of God is keeping all of His commandments. 1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments And his commandments are not burdensome." As we go through out our day to day lives, everything that we do should be done in the love of God. And if you really think about it, how burdensome could that be considering what all He has ultimately done for us.(John 3:16). When we do God's will and stay faithful to Him there is no greater love in this world. And what a reward we get when we love Him so. (Matthew 7:21)

-The Girls-

BEAUTY

What is the true definition of a beautiful woman? Long Hair? Short Hair? Blue Eyes? Brown Eyes? Skinny? Fat? Short? Tall? We are surrounded by television shows, magazines, movies, etc. that drill a certain stereotype on the way a woman should look if she is striving to be beautiful. But do these characteristics really make someone beautiful? In the Bible, God says absolutely not. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." God doesn't want us women to spend countless minutes and hours in front of the mirror trying to impress everyone with what we look like. God wants us to spend our time developing the beauty within our hearts, so it can be reflected in everything that we do and are. As we get older, our physical body is going to change, (Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.") but if we keep our heart pure and free from sin physical appearance will never matter. When a women keeps herself unspotted from the world, the Lord could not ask for a more beautiful daughter.I wish all of us could have the mind set for ourselves and others as we do with babies and toddlers. No matter if they are covered in dirt, bald, snaggle toothed, or covered in rolls,a child oozes beauty. But a major part of that has to do with the innocence of their hearts. So girls, as you are running the Christian race and you are unhappy with your freckles, or stomach, or hair just have confidence in knowing you are beautiful anyway, because all you need to worry about when it comes to beauty is your heart.

-The Girls-

SACRIFICE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8s1q4xUUZ0

Sorry that it is in a different language, but if your wanting to get the full effect. There is none better.

What have any of us had to sacrifice in our lives? Maybe some spare time? Maybe a couple of dollars here and there? I mean have we really given up something that was important to us? Something, or someone that we truly loved? My guess is that most of us, including myself would have to say, well, no. At no point in my life have I had to sacrifice for anything. Not for school, not for a place to lay my head at night, food or water, clothing, the privilege of living in a free country. None of these things have I had to sacrifice for. I complain about the smallest things each and everyday and never for a moment stop and realize how blessed I truly am. Did you notice the people on the train? They had no recollection of what happened just twenty feet from them. The father gave his innocent son's life for the messed up lives of the people on that train, and they, at that moment, did not have a care in the world. That is exactly what God did when he sent his son Jesus to die for us sinners. Jesus died for all of us. He died for the righteous, the unrighteous and everyone in between. Could you have done the same? I'm going to be honest in saying that I don't know if I could. Maybe it is because I am spoiled, or weak in the faith, or maybe it is because I have not had to sacrifice for anything. Lets be thankful. Be thankful for Jesus who loves us even when we fail. Be thankful for God who sent his son to make that sacrifice even when we turn our backs on him. God loves and only wants to be loved in return. Giving our lives to God is no doubt a sacrifice. But the sacrifice could not compare to the one He made.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Use Your Talents For Something Great.

Another story told at Camp Wiregrass

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set upon a hilltop cannot be hidden." Use your talents for God and he will make you the light of the world. Just as the third tree did.

-the girls.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

In today's day and age, I think that many of us have the attitude of the wise man. There are so many people we are surrounded by on a day to day basis. How can we make a difference? I think the simple way to make a difference is to stand out from the world. In Romans 12:2 it says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Standing out from the world will no doubt make a difference. Sure, you will go through trials and tribulations, but what a difference you can make when you withstand all of those challenges.(Matthew 5:10 -Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.) You never know how many people you will affect by being yourself and standing up for the one who matters the most. Think about it, the people who are remembered throughout history didn't sit back and follow the crowd.

You're Never Alone

Recently, there has been many tragedies going on close to home. Between a middle school shooting an hour away and a 7th grade child taking his own life, these past few weeks have been emotional and hard to bare for many people. Things like this make me wonder... What is wrong with the world? What are people thinking? Why would anyone have these thoughts? There are so many questions I want answered but the real question is, Did these people know God? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I do know that I need to start taking a higher stand to show people the way. These tragedies were devastating, but I think many have learned a lot from this. The first thing I thought of was Psalm 121:7-8 "The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life, the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." My mom showed me this verse after 9/11 and it has stuck with me ever since. Today the world is a scary place, and if your anything like me you worry about things you have no control over. This verse helps me get through my hard times and sad days, it shows me there is still hope. Second, I thought of Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Here is another verse where we are told not to worry. God is always with us and will always take care of us. He will NEVER give us more than we can bare. So in these hard times, count your blessings and look to God, your friends and family to lean on, they will never let you fall. And always remember, you're never alone.

-The girls-