Peristeria Spring 2013 by National Girls Ministries

National Girls Ministries Director

Candy Tolbert Teen Girl Specialist Magazine Editor

Katie Mattiuzzo

National Girls Ministries Editor

Lori Van Veen

This Month’s Contributors:

Georgia Peckett

Learning to Devalue the Number

Jenna Dean

Mission Venezuela

Hey girls! February is often deemed the month of love. Sappy songs, chick flicks, and lots of chocolate tend to define this season. Whether you find yourself infatuated with this season or you’re a total cynic, here are a few good pick-up lines I think we can all agree are a little ridiculous. Did the sun come up or did you just smile at me? If there’s one thing we girls love it’s a guy who can say the right thing at the right time. He can melt our hearts, expertly rebound from an awkward moment, and impress our parents with his charm and intellect. The playful verbal banter he exchanges with his friends is attractive and makes you want to be a part of his crowd. Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk past you again? It can be really hard to see past the smooth words and see the guy that he really is. But when the days turn to weeks and the weeks turn to months will he still be that same guy, or will his true colors start showing? Remember me? Oh, that’s right, I’ve only met you in my dreams. Will his true colors be like this? “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people” (1 Corinthians 5:11, NIV). Or will his colors be like this? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV).

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. ©2013 by My Healthy Church. All Rights Reserved. Permission to copy for church use only.

You must be a magician, because every time I look at you, everyone else disappears. While not every God-honoring, life-giving dating relationship leads to an engagement ring down the road, it will at least ensure that the lines of communication between you and God are open and that you’ll be guided by the Holy Spirit as you explore that relationship. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together. When you find yourself presented with a guy that seems too good to be true, just take it slow. Get to know him. Watch him in different situations. Ask the perspective of your friends and family. And pray for wisdom.

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

seasonal

favorites

college bound student

timeline for the

learning to

devalue the

number

count on

Clarissa “Drive On”

seasonal favorites

valentine’s dinner!

Need some fun ideas for a Valentine’s Day dinner with your family, girl friends, or someone special? Check these out!

Amazing Appetizer

Buy a bag of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs and in a large pot on the stove, combine them with a jar of chili sauce and a can of cranberry sauce over medium heat for a savory and sweet Valentine’s Day red appetizer. Stir until warmed and sauce is well blended.

Delicious Dinner

Make Valentine’s Day dinner extra special by having it follow the red, pink, and white color scheme! Make a tomato based soup like minestrone, or serve BBQ chicken and dye your mashed potatoes pink. Maybe serve up some spaghetti with red meat sauce. There are lots of ways to make a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner that’s festively red, pink, or white!

Fun Idea

Chocolate and strawberry flavored milk can be a fun Valentine’s Day drink!

Delightful Dessert

A simple and delicious way to add some Valentine’s Day pizazz to a cupcake is to add a hint of red food coloring to the frosting. Slice a strawberry in half for a heart-shaped garnish!

the

history of

St. Patrick’s Day Little do we Americans seem to

know, but there’s more to St. Patrick’s Day than pots of gold, shamrock-shaped sugar cookies, and “Kiss me, I’m Irish” T-shirts. It’s a holiday that celebrates something with much greater eternal importance. It celebrates the first missionary to bring the good news about life in Jesus Christ to the unreached people in Ireland. Patrick’s story is actually a testimony of the power of forgiveness and a reminder of the awesome things that can happen with our lives when we turn control over to God. When Patrick was a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his home in Britain to Ireland to work, enslaved. After six years in Ireland, Patrick began to sense God speaking to him — calling him to leave Ireland and return to Britain. He escaped captivity and made it home to Britain where he had another encounter with God calling him back to Ireland — this time not as a captive, but as a missionary. After years of schooling and train-

ing, Patrick returned to Ireland to encourage the Christians already there and to begin spreading the good news of life in Jesus Christ to the rest of Ireland.

that is Jesus to the Irish people.

Patrick encountered a huge obstacle as he began to preach about Jesus — the Druids — the leaders of an influential, religious, and intellectual group in Ireland. Until the Irish people began converting to Christianity, most people practiced a pagan (not related to God) religion that worshiped nature.

For more information about St. Patrick’s Day, visit the links below:

Patrick has been said to have “driven out the snakes” from all of Ireland. This does not mean literal snakes, but rather the Druids and pagan religions. Patrick reclaimed the country for the glory of the Lord.

Adventures in Odyssey | Saint Patrick: A Heart Afire, Part 1 & 2 (audio episode download, $1.99 each) http://family.christianbook.com/ adventures-odyssey-4-saint-patrick-heart-afire/pd/DA14882-6

Imagine how different our world might have been if Patrick had allowed bitterness towards those in Ireland who had taken him captive affect God’s call on his life? Patrick would have had every excuse to tell God no and to send someone else, but he forgave them and allowed God to burn compassion in his heart to bring the message of hope

Wikipedia | Druids http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druid

www.discoverireland.com

History.com | Who Was St. Patrick? http://www.history.com/topics/ who-was-saint-patrick History.com | St. Patrick’s Day Symbols and Traditions http://www.history.com/topics/stpatricks-day-symbols-and-traditions

did you know?

aren’t any There really e island of snakes on th t in zoos. Ireland excep

What are you holding on to that might be affecting God’s call on your life?

did you know? Patrick used the clover to explain the Trinity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to those he taught.

People wear the green of the Irish flag on St. Patrick’s Day to ce lebrate.

did you know?

red Green was conside ore unlucky in Irish folkl orfav e because it was th s. ite color of Leprechaun

studytips for a successful spring semester!

You’re now a few weeks into the

spring semester. How did you do during the fall semester? Did you impress yourself or are you still dealing with some disappointment? Did you bite off more than you could chew? Do you need to get better at asking questions or asking for help? Here are some tips to think about implementing so you can confidently face this new semester!

Buy a planner. It’s sickening to walk into class and realize there was an assignment due that you forgot about. Get a planner and be sure to write down the assignments you are given as well as the due dates. Take good notes. Be sure you have a section in your notebook or planner where you can take thorough notes on what your assignment is and what all needs to be included. It’s awful to work hard on some-

thing and then have points taken off because you didn’t follow all of the directions or missed an instruction.

Make a list of priorities. When you get home from school, grab a snack and sit down at your desk or kitchen table. Make a list of everything that needs to be done during the week according to the priority. Don’t start Friday’s homework if you have an assignment due on Wednesday. If everything has the same due date, start with the smaller, easier assignments so you can start checking things off your to-do list right away. Eliminate distractions. Don’t al-

low temptations near you when you need to get some serious work done. Friends, television, social networking sites, video games … these can be the enemy of productivity!

Take advantage of study hall.

If you have built in time during the

school day to work on homework, take advantage of it! It can be tempting to sleep, veg-out, or socialize, but taking advantage of study hall will cut down on the amount of stress you experience in the evening after school.

Be proactive. If you are genuinely stressed out by the amount of homework you have, don’t just let things pile up or your grades slip. Make an appointment to talk to your teachers and tell them what’s going on. Maybe they can give you an extension or tutor you through a particular assignment. Maybe they can help you learn the material in a different format. Teachers don’t want to see their students fail, but they do want to see them take initiative and responsibility for their learning. If you go to them before your academic career spirals out of control, your story will have a much happier ending! You may also need to take a look at your commitments. Your calling for right now is to be a student. It’s to take school seriously and finish strong. Teenagers are often involved in numerous extra-curricular activities, jobs, church groups, family obligations, and still try to maintain a social life. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed you may need to re-evaluate your commitments and simplify life a bit! Take a look at these study tips on the next page that were submitted by others who have experience!

you said it! “Find someone to study with!” “Find the right study space for you.” “Take notes!” “For words that need to be memorized in any fashion ( spelling, vocab, memory verse, etc.) I put the word on an index card and put it in places I see as I move about the day. Like the bathroom mirror, the shower wall, by the light switch, over the kitchen sink, on the wall next to my bed. When I am waiting somewhere and have a paper and pen I can practice what I know on paper and see what I need to work on.”

“I did flash cards, it really helped me writing them out and then testing myself. And then if there were a list of things I would either create an acronym for it or a song so I could remember them.” “Don’t study at home. You get distracted doing laundry, cleaning and watching Netflix. :) “ “Don’t waste your time studying stuff you already know the answer to.” “Take regular breaks. If you keep at it for hours and hours you quit retaining. And make sure the breaks are short.” “Divide & Conquer! + Time= Success. Break up what you need to study into sections. Read each section individually and write notes on

an index card. Once you have your notes on index cards, re-read them all together (repeat as necessary!).” “Note-taking is key because it’s the way that your brain has processed the information. It’s easier to study from how you understood the information (your notes).” “I write out what I am studying a few hours before going to bed.” “Get comfortable! It’s hard to study if you are in uncomfortable clothing or in an uncomfortable position.” “I try to associate the main points I’m trying to remember with familiar things or people.”

Prevents constipation. Protects skin from looking dry and wrinkled. Helps kidneys as they process toxins. Keeps your ears, nose, and throat moist. Flushes toxins from the organs in your body. Prevents fluid retention. Carries oxygen to your muscles. Increases your brain’s cognitive abilities by delivering oxygen. Keeps your joints moving smoothly. Helps regulate body temperature.

benefits of

drinking To read more about the

benefits of water,

check out webmd.com and mayoclinic.com.

water

find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/TeenGirlMinistries

college bound student

timeline for the

junior year Spring

senior year

#1.

q Narrow your college choices q Visit colleges you have selected q Tour of the campus q Attend chapel/Campus Bible Club q Eat in the cafeteria q Meet professors q Spend the night in the residence halls q Take the ACT/SAT. Refer to your guidance counselor for help in taking the test

#3.

college

nselor Before Summer ollege admissions cou lasses c c for your q Ask the ister early g re n a c u ampus if yo ased on c b l a iv rr a r u q Plan yo g in n embark e op re about to a u o Y .. y. d q Get rea zing journey! on an ama

Summer Before

#2.

q Begin your scholarsh ip search q Start a rough draft of your admissions and scholarship essays to include with applications

Fall

q Submit applications to the colleges you have chosen q Complete any scholar ship/financial aid forms in addition to interviews/ audition dates, etc q Consider retaking th e ACT/SAT if you think you can improve your score

Spring

q Make your final colle ge decision, if at all possible q Complete financial aid applications as soon as possible q Fill out your housing /roommate application. Your colle ge may also require a deposit. q Based on the financia l package from your top schools, dete rmine college and living expenses q Decide whether to tak e

Used with permission by the Allianc e for Assemblies of God Higher Edu the Assemblies of God College Gu cat ide, learn about scholarship opportu ion. Download more at http://colleges.ag.org/. nities, and so much

ask an

admissions

think that community college is a great way to delay college decisions and give them more time, but the most successful community college students are those that plan ahead. Community college can be a piece of the puzzle and fit perfectly. Remember that community college is just a part of the journey. You will want to make sure you are in good communication with a counselor or advisor at the school you plan to graduate from. That person can help guide you each semester to choose classes that will transfer into your program. CLAIRE MONTENEGRO

counselor

Admisions counselors from several different colleges weigh in on commonly asked questions Is there any benefit to taking the SAT over the ACT? Or vice versa? Our institution will take ei-

ther the SAT or ACT. No preference is given to one over the other. However, we do recommend checking if other institutions you are applying to have a preference before taking the exams. CHRISTY PETERS

Admissions Counselor Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA

What’s the difference between a major, a minor, and a concentration when it comes to deciding what kind of degree I want?

At most colleges and universities your major is your area of academic specialization. It is the subject that you devote the majority of your course work to and it can even be considered a springboard for your career, or advanced study. A concentration is often an area

of more specific focus within a major. For example here at VFCC we offer a major in Psychology and a concentration in Equine Therapy. This concentration is directly related to the major. Minors are often unrelated to a student’s major and are equivalent to roughly one semester’s worth of study. You may want to ask yourself what kind of career you would like to have before you choose a major, concentration, or minor. That said, many people have deeply fulfilling lives in fields outside of their major. Mark Cernero

Admissions Counselor Valley Forge Christian College, Phoenixville, PA

If I start at a community college first, how do I know what credits will transfer? If community college is something you are considering, you will want to make your decisions and plans while you are still in high school. Many students

Admissions Counselor North Central University, Minneapolis, MN

What if I don’t know what to do with my life? Facing the reality of

life after high school can be a scary thought for any high school studentit can be even more daunting if you are unsure of what vocational path you want to pursue. For those undecided students, it is really important to find a school that helps you find not only your career goals, but aids you in discovering your life’s calling. In the real world, jobs may come and go and life can take all sorts of unexpected twists and turns, but your calling remains the same. Your college experience should teach you what makes you unique and different from those around you, what makes you tick, and what you are truly created to be passionate about. What innate skills were you born with, and what tasks or ideas spark a fire within

you? Answering questions like that will lead you to what careers would fit you best. LAURA GUMMERMAN Admissions Counselor Evangel University, Springfield, MO

What mistakes can I avoid my freshman year of college? Don’t

make the mistake of limiting yourself to what you already know. Be courageous, try out new classes and hobbies, and remember that you are a work in progress. Your character and personality will develop significantly during your college years, so be flexible and open to those new opportunities instead of sticking with what you did in high school. Don’t shy away from an activity because you’ve never done it before, but give it a try — you may love it. Racheal Arteaga

Admissions Counselor Northwest University, Kirkland, WA

What was your favorite part of your college experience?

Learning how to lead, take risks, face failure. How did this happen? Well, I loved event planning and joined SEU’s event planning committee my freshman year. By my sophomore year, I was asked to lead a committee! I was terrified because my Type A, “perfectionist” personality hated making mistakes or risking failure by trying something new. The event director’s words still resonate in my mind: “Abby, if you fail, it’s OK. You need

to learn that it’s OK to make mistakes.” So I decided to take a risk by accepting the leadership position and facing my fear of failure. It was quite the journey! Mistakes, failures, and successes! I took a huge risk and became the leader I had always dreamed of being! Without SEU’s commitment to developing servant leaders, I would not be who I am today. Abby Jones Admission Counselor Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

I’m scared about being so far away from home. What advice do you have for me? Feeling homesick when going off to college is a natural emotion for many students, so it’s important to know that you are not alone. We host hundreds of students from all over the country and the world who share this same feeling while being away from home for the first time. Living on campus in the dorms is truly a once in a lifetime experience and should be viewed as an adventure. Immerse yourself in campus life by joining an intramural team, participating in student organizations or simply having a girls’ movie night on your hall. Your fear and anxiety of being away from home will soon be replaced with meaningful friendships and memories that will truly last a lifetime. You arrive at college with the goal of at-

taining an education, but if you embrace the adventure, you will walk away with much more. Olivia Rice

Asc. Director for Communications Admissions Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, TX

How can I get the most out of my college experience? Ask for advice and get to know your advisor. This person is essential to guiding you through the required courses for your degree in the appropriate amount of time. Students that insist on taking classes according to their personal timeline often end up studying extra semesters and paying for more tuition and fees. Attend classes. It seems obvious, but class attendance is a valuable component in your studies. You paid for it; it is expensive, so get the most out of it. Stay healthy — spiritually and physically. Welcome to greater personal responsibility! Eating well, drinking water, staying physically active, and sleeping enough to keep your body healthy will affect your academic performance. Don’t neglect your spiritual health! Keep up personal devotions and find Christian friends. This helps prevent feelings of isolation and overwhelming homesickness. Most of all, college is fun. Enjoy it! Kerri Fransisco Director of Enrollment Management Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, ND

CANDY CROSS EASTER EASTER EGG FLOWERS GOOD FRIDAY GRASS GREEN PINK RED RESURRECTION SHAMROCK SPRING ST PATRICKS DAY SUNDAY SUNSHINE TREES VALENTINE

spring

word find 10

spring

fashion

valentine’s day

Feel like ushering in this Valentine’s Day a little more dressy? Wear a button-up red dress with a cardigan over it and an awesome blingy necklace for a great accent piece. Add a cute pair of black ankle boots to complete your outfit.

For a more subtle approach to Valentine’s Day, wear a soft pink cardigan over a plain white tee with straight-legged, dark wash jeans. Add some pretty red accessories for a touch of Valentine’s Day class!

fashion

spring

fashion

st. patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day

For a less traditional approach to St. Pattyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day green, wear a slightly different shade! This seafoam green skirt and complimenting jewelry is a great way to celebrate the day without feeling like a shamrock. :) And the gold shoes tie in the gold from the necklace and serve as an awesome way to carry the festivities to your feet!

Deck out in green with a a pair of skinny jeans and a white and green striped tank top underneath a cropped denim jacket. Wear a pair of casual flats and add a simple green and silver necklace for an accessory.

spring

fashion

easter sunday

Show off a little spring color! Wear a simple, elegant dress with white trimmings and a classic pair of brown strappy heels for your Easter Sunday celebrations.

Add some spring to your power suit by adding a coral pink tank top under a cute white jacket and accessorize with a brown belt and some brown and gold bling! Pair this Easter Sunday outfit with white capri bottoms and brown heels.

entertainment

center to various organizations to support causes that are close to her heart.

country-Christian artist

chelsea

musick

Chelsea Musick is a Christian-Coun-

try Artist. She believes and promotes, within her music and image, a positive message and sound. In a world with so many negative influences, Chelsea encourages her audience to stay true to who they are and not to conform to the peer pressures of today. She also encourages them through her music to take a positive stand on purity. Her new CD, “Perfectly You”, relates to many of life’s challenges that our society encounters. Chelsea is just 19 years old and she is well on her way to doing great things. Yes, Musick, that’s her real last name; pronounced, “music.” She’s been singing since the age of 2; maybe that has something to do with her having been born in Tennessee. The Military and veterans are really special to her. Her father is one of them. He was in the 101st Airborne Division, stationed on the Fort Campbell

Base. Her father spent 10 months in the First Gulf War on the Iraq/ Saudi desert border. Chelsea’s grandmother is fighting Stage IV Lung Cancer. Over the years, Chelsea has had the honor and privilege of getting to know many others, both adults and children, battling cancer. In 2006, at the age of 13, Chelsea co-wrote “I Wish You Were Here” with two songwriters from Nashville. This song was heard by a producer and was chosen to be included on a charity project called “Songs for the Cure.” Chelsea donated 100% of all proceeds from her song to this charity, which helps continue the fight against cancer. Chelsea’s last song on her new album, “Someday,” delivers a powerful message about losing someone close to you and holding on to the faith of seeing him/her again someday. Chelsea continues to give back

In Sept 2011, Chelsea appeared on “The X-FACTOR.” She was given four “YES VOTES” from the judges, including Simon Cowell. Chelsea made it to the Top 23 girls in the country. When asked how she felt while waiting on stage for the final cut from Simon, Chelsea stated, “I had an overwhelming presence from God letting me know that I wouldn’t move forward. At that moment I knew God had bigger plans for me. I was not upset when I was cut, instead I smiled, then I wiped the tears from the other X-FACTOR hopefuls who were crying when they were cut. I think they wanted me to cry but I wasn’t sad. I was actually happy and relieved. I really wanted to record this CD that I have been writing for the past year. I have a mission and positive message I want to spread.” Chelsea set her goal to record the songs she wrote and completed the new CD, “Perfectly You.” She recorded her sophomore CD with music producer, Conrad Johnson, Owner/ Producer at Inertia Sound Studio in Lakeland, Florida. Chelsea wrote or co-wrote every song on the album. Her album is more that just a CD, it is a message. Chelsea stated, “I wrote my new songs for a purpose to connect with many issues we all face everyday. These songs are an instrument to help talk about purity, antibullying, faith, shooting for dreams, and many more topics of today.” http://www.chelseamusick.com/

entertainment

center

winter jam

Academy

Awards

The Academy Awards will be held on February 24 at 7:00EST. The nominees have already been selected, but if you were to pick, who would you give an Oscar to in the following categories for movies released in 2012?

2013 tour

TobyMac, Matthew West Among Musicians at Winter Jam 2013

Some of the biggest artists in the Christian music scene are hitting the road this winter to spread the gospel.

Best Picture ______________________________ Best Actor ______________________________ Best Actress ______________________________ Best Supporting Actor ______________________________ Best Supporting Actress ______________________________ Brush up on Oscar history, watch trailers for nominated movies, and read Oscar Blogs at http://oscar. go.com/.

The Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular will feature TobyMac, Red, Jamie Grace, NewSong, Royal Tailor, Jason Castro, OBB, Capital Kinds, Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets, and Nick Hall. The tour kicked off in January and will travel to 44 cities. The tour was first created by NewSong in 1995 and has featured top artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, and others throughout the years. For more information about Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular, visit www.jamtour.com.

top 10 Christian songs #1.

Whom Shall I Fear Chris Tomlin

10,000 Reasons Matt Redman

#6.

s One Thing Remain Passion

#2.

Need You Now Plumb

#7.

Atlanta, GA Augusta, GA Knoxville, TN Greensboro, NC Norfolk, VA Cincinnati, OH Chicago, IL St. Louis, MO Omaha, NE Oklahoma City, OK Memphis, TN Tupelo, MS Bossier City, LA Tulsa, OK Little Rock, AR Columbia, SC Lexington, KY Birmingham, AL Ypsilanti, MI Cleveland, OH Champaign, IL Grand Rapids, MI Springfield, MO Wichita, KS San Antonio, TX

*West Coast tour dates to be announced in Spring 2013

(for the week of February 16, 2013, billboard.com)

I Need a Miracle Third Day

#3. #8.

2/10/2013 2/14/2013 2/15/2013 2/16/2013 2/17/2013 2/22/2013 2/23/2013 2/24/2013 3/01/2013 3/02/2013 3/03/2013 3/07/2013 3/08/2013 3/09/2013 3/10/2013 3/15/2013 3/16/2013 3/17/2013 3/21/2013 3/22/2013 3/23/2013 3/24/2013 3/28/2013 3/29/2013 3/30/2013

ness ForgiveWest w e h Matt

#4.

Redeemed Big Daddy Wea ve

Your Love Never Fails Newsboys

#9.

e #5.YoMu erArcyeMI Am

Kings & Queens Audio Adrenaline

#10.

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

social media

We think social media can be an amazing tool. We can stay in touch with friends and family, we can have ano ther avenue to communicate rath er than the standard phone or email, and we can share photos, though ts, and updates in an instant. While social media can make us feel connected and informed, it can also cause us to miss out on life happen ing around us. Have you ever hung out with someone who was constantly on their phone? It can also get us in trouble if we don’t watch what we post. Be sure to run all photos, comme nts, and status updates through a maturity filter — think about how what you’re about to post will be perceiv ed. Everything you put out on the Inte rnet remains in cyberspace fore ver, whether you delete it or not. So make sure what you post reflect s your integrity, your purity, and your love for the Lord! We think social media is amazing, but that it must be handle d with maturity.

g. You can’t underestimate the pow We think thank you notes are amazin so t’s tha ure your gratitude. In a cult er of a handwritten note expressing s e to write a note will speak volume entitled and so busy, taking the tim n people want to be around you eve about your character and will make nk tha t tha e um contagious! Don’t ass more. The attitude of gratitude is of a trendsetter and get in the habit you notes are old-fashioned — be nd’s you get a gift, go to dinner at a frie sending a thank you note any time . tors pas or rs n day, like for teache house, or have a special appreciatio

thank you notes

It’s so exciting to finally get your driver’s license ... even if your parents decide to deem you their errand-runner! With all new drivers comes lofty dreams about what kind of car you’ll get and what amazing features will make your friends jealous. But here is your wake-up call — you’re in high school. Take a moment to adjust your expectations. If you are part of the small percentage of teens who are given cars, consider yourself fortunate — not entitled. A ‘98 Toyota will get you where you need to go just as well as a 2013 Lexus. A car is a blessing, and your parents will appreciate and recognize your attitude of thanksgiving. You can also expect to have a conversation with your parents about who will fill up the gas tank, pay for insurance, and take care of minor care, like washing, vacuuming, and checking the fluids. We think that with first cars comes great responsibility! So be prepared to talk openly and respectfully with your parents, recognizing the gift that a car is at your age.

first cars

daughters & their mothers by katie mattiuzzo

rowing up I watched the relationships my friends had with their mothers. Some were much like the relationship I had with my mom, where there was a parent and a child, but we got along great and had mutual respect for one another. Other relationships were more like friends, where the parent was trying too hard to make their child “like” them, and there was more of an emphasis on being cool and fun than on being a parent. And then there were relationships that were horrifying to watch. Even though I was young, I could still pick up on the disrespect, the lack of trust, and the poor decisions that were being made. I remember overhearing a friend talk to her mom on the phone while she was at my house and I was so embarrassed and shocked by the tone she used and the things she said to her mom when she wasn’t getting the answer she wanted.

The mother-daughter relationship can sometimes get complicated when you enter your teen years. Think about it — when you become a teenager, everyone in your family has to stop and re-evaluate how to treat you, shifting a lot of the dynamics in your household. Your parents are struggling with how much responsibility and freedom is appropriate to give you for your age, and you are struggling with your own conflicting desires to still live the carefree, responsibility-free life of a child and the life of productive young adult who has the ability to make her own decisions. Your siblings might be left on the sidelines trying to figure out what their place is in your life now that you have new friends, fun school activities, possibly a job, and more freedom to be out and about on the weekends. Being a girl can be truly exhaust-

ing. You worry about not fitting in because you don’t have the right kind of clothes, because you’re maturing faster than the other girls around you, and because you refuse to gossip or being overtly mean to another girl. You struggle with your self-esteem and reputation, dealing with peer pressure, figuring out what it means to be friends with a guy, and balancing family time with all of the other things you have going on. Who better to be your ally during these teenage years than your mother — someone who has been there before. She may not be able to relate to every specific circumstance you find yourself in, but she can relate to the emotions surrounding it and now, years later, can see your situation through a different lens and from a broader perspective. When your mom tells you stories from when she was younger, she’s

trying to help you see that you are not alone, and that she can support and encourage you in your situation because she’s been there. When your mom doesn’t swoop in and just give you answers to your problems but instead asks you open-ended questions, she’s not trying to be annoying or difficult. She’s teaching you how to think critically, talk out problems, and make decisions, preparing you for adulthood. When your mom wants to talk with you about what’s going on, she’s not trying to pry. She’s trying to show you that she’s available to be a sounding board for you, that you have valuable things to say, and that she is interested in you.

Inconsistency: You also shoot yourself in the foot when you’re inconsistent — when you’re only home for curfew half of the time, do your chores when it’s convenient for you, sporatically call and check in with your parents to tell them your whereabouts, are flaky about doing the things you say you’re going to do, etc. Laziness: You’re perfectly capable

of putting away your own laundry, keeping your room and bathroom tidy, helping your mom bring in the groceries, and helping to clear off the dinner table after a meal. Don’t be lazy and expect your mom to do be a one-woman show!

Emotional Over-reactions: While

damage your relationship with your mom is by disrespecting her. This comes in many forms — rolling your eyes, sighing dramatically, shaking your head out of disagreement, talking in a tone that reeks of bad attitude, or telling your mom she’s being dumb, stupid, or any other variation of the word. Disrespect can also rear its ugly head if you’re not appreciating all your mom does for you.

I know none of you reading this are ever guilty of letting your emotions dictate your actions (*giggles*), pretend for a moment that you can at least understand what I’m talking about! Sometimes as girls it is easy to let ourselves be controlled by our emotional highs and lows. We flitter around and are peppy, talkative, and helpful when we’re on an emotional high, but we’re sluggish, irritable, and short when we’re on an emotional low. If you had someone in your life who constantly acted like that, wouldn’t it be hard for you to take them seriously? Living by your emotions can be exhausting for your mom, so when you feel an emotional response welling up within you, pause, take a deep breath, and then have a chat with your mom once you’ve regained

1. When your parents talk to you about a mistake you’ve made, you: a.) Listen, admit, and learn. b.) Listen, admit, and defend yourself. C. Listen, argue, and dismiss it.

no one knows about yet, you: A. Feel bad and make it right. B. Linger in guilt but wait for someone to say something. C. Hope no one noticed and try to cover it up.

2. When you make a mistake, you: A. Feel guilty and humble B. Feel defensive but repentant C. Feel guarded and unremorseful 3. When you make a mistake that

Results

If your relationship with your mom is struggling, take a look at these behaviors and attitudes teen girls can sometimes be prone to that can make your relationship with your mom a bit tumultuous:

Disrespect: The fastest way to

Mostly As: You are humble and repentant when you make a mistake. You accept responsibility for your actions and show your parents that you

feature story control of your emotions! Are you guilty of doing one of these above things? Is there something you’re doing that is causing friction in your relationship? Put forth some added effort to improve your relationship with your mom. Even if you already have a great relationship with her, the added effort will truly bless her and bring her joy. Choose to see the good in her and recognize the hard work she does for you and for the household. Be more generous with compliments when you like her outfit, new hair cut, or make-up. Ask her what she was like when she was a teen, how she met your dad, and for funny stories of when you were little. Help her cook dinner or ask her to teach you something she’s great at, like sewing, tennis, painting, etc. Ask her on a date for pie or ice cream. These opportunities will help you learn to enjoy and respect each other. Take some time to pray about what you’ve read, and ask God to show you areas in your life where you can improve and become an even better daughter. Here is a great verse to think about! “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:1,2, NIV). are developing maturity. Mostly Bs: You’re still maturing in this area. It’s hard for you to openly admit your mistakes and you tend to justify your actions. Mostly Cs: Needs improvement. You have a stubborn streak or you are oblivious to your mistakes. You might even be passing the guilt on to someone else. Issues with parents are escalated from a refusal to admit mistakes.

dating on

Theories on the role of dating in the Christian world seem to be as vast as the number of stars in the sky. Here are some great books to read to help you as you pray about it and talk over the subject with your parents!

editi

5 Paths to The Love of Your Life

the art of flirting, and advice on finding out if what you have is true love or just a crush.

Deal,” and “Moving On...Eventually,” readers will get a candid look at the things real teen girls go through.

If you’re faced with the possibility of dating but aren’t sure what approach to take, this is a great book for you. This book describes five different paths a dating relationship can go — the Countercultural Path, the Courtship Path, the Guided Path, the Betrothal Path, and the Purposeful Path.

The Dirt on Breaking Up

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Breaking up is rough. This book gives girls a heart-to-heart on recognizing when the end of a relationship is near, how to handle a breakup, and steps for moving on after heartbreak.

Author Joshua Harris shares his story about giving up dating and turning over control of his love life to the Lord as he lived purposefully single.

The Dirt on Dating

by Kinda Wilson

by Lauren F. Winner, Douglas Wlson, Rick Holland, Jonathan Lindvall, and Jeramy & Jerusha Clark

by Hayley DiMarco

The Dirt on Dating is an honest look at dating, covering topics like the pluses and minuses of dating,

by Hayley DiMarco

by Joshua Harris

Confessions of a Non-Barbie With section titles like “Being a Single Girl,” “Looking for a Date,” “Dating,” “Breakups — the Real

Spring is upon us and that means a barrage of bugs will soon emerge from their winter hiding places to torment unsuspecting victims. For your entertainment and personal use, please read about these (un)proven effective bug killing techniques. The Plume of Mousse: Upon seeing a bug, quickly locate the nearest bottle of hair mousse. Apply generously over aforementioned bug. Wait a few days and return with paper towels for bug extraction.

The Spray and Stay: Supplies needed — high-velocity hair spray; a steady hand; cat-like sneakiness. The Sticky Tape: Requires immense courage since technique involves close contact with offender, tape (any

variety will do), and patience.

The Waiting Game: Limitless outcomes. Potential death of natural causes. Potential nesting. Potential food for

larger insect or animal. Potential surprise on your pillow at night. Potential new home made in available shoes. Potential surprise in shower/bathtub. Potential insanity of homeowner due to unaccounted for bug.

The Scream and Run: Most commonly used method. The Back-Up Squad: Second most commonly used method. Requires the involuntary involvement of a parent, sibling, roommate, kind neighbor, etc. The Thunk and Shake: Third most commonly used method. Extreme pressure from shoe, book, newspaper, or

other inanimate object is swiftly and directly applied to bug, followed by a natural shake-down-gross-out dance by extreme-pressure-applier.

The Joshua Approach: Coined after the repeated words of encouragement, which appear in the Old Testament book of Joshua in which God said, “Be strong and very courageous.” *Disclaimer: These methods are in no way scientific or proven in any official capacity. Testing has only occurred inside the author’s own home and has not been properly evaluated by outsiders to gauge its effectiveness. Techniques are only identified in this blog as a way to help teen girls cope with an influx of bugs now that the spring season is upon us [insert shake-down-gross-out dance].

effective

bugtechniques killing

learning to

devalue the

number by georgia peckett

ero, one, two, three … numbers only. Harmless, right? But when a size is attached to those numbers, they seem to take on an entity of their own. Having struggled all my life with weight issues, size has always been a battle for me. Oh the joy to leave the plus sizes after losing 82 pounds only to say hello again a few years later when a little over half that number had come back to visit and decided to hang around while I get my head together about this health thing. And while I get my heart together about who I really am. How can simple numbers entangle us? Brands of clothing fit differently. Sometimes we are seemingly a size smaller while other times in a different style or make, a larger size is more flattering. Does that change 24 we are? I think not. If your best who friend shows up in a red coat today

and a blue coat tomorrow, you understand that she is still the person you call your best friend. If she gets a new haircut, you don’t quit hanging out because she traded in her long locks for a short ‘do. So why do we short circuit when numbers and clothing meet? Somehow over time we have bought into the lie that a certain size or shape is cooler, better, more beautiful, than another. How sad. We’ve allowed designers to create a pretend world of rail-thin models who wear what is quite often really absurd clothing. On top of that, we’ve bought into that world. We believe that the thinner we are, the more beautiful we become. Is that really true? Have you ever seen photographs of people in a third world country who are starving to death? How beautiful was that to you? Not so much. Painful, heartwrenching, but the word beautiful

probably didn’t come to mind. I want to share a story that God showed me a few years ago. He was talking to me about the different flowers He’d created and how every flower in the world was beautiful to someone. I began to picture the hyacinth, the rose, the orchid. Yes, He was correct! Then He went on to tell me that we as people are like those flowers. He has made each of us beautiful yet different. I got pretty excited when I began to think of this. I was wondering what sort of flower I was like. I’m imagining intensely right now and picturing I am like the beautiful rose, renowned around the world. Yep, that had to be it. But, God said no, that wasn’t it. Ok, I thought, what about the orchid — an exotic hothouse beauty. Surely I was an orchid! That was even better. “No,” said God, “not an orchid.” This went on for a

God — you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration —what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from Now for those of you who love nothing into something. Like an sunflowers, how wonderful is that? open book, you watched me grow But for me, it was a letdown. I’ve from conception to birth; all the never really cared for sunflowers. stages of my life were spread out Nothing feminine and delicate to before you, the days of my life all be found there. They seemed tall, prepared before I’d even lived one gangly, their stems even hairy look- day.” ing. They have big, brown faces and yellow petals. Yellow is so not a There is an old saying “God don’t favorite color of mine. Sounds silly, make no junk.” It is a poor use of grammar, but nonetheless a true doesn’t it? But that is how I felt. statement. God doesn’t make junk. Then God exploded my world with Don’t let Satan dare cause you to His own view of things. He asked believe that you are worthless, valme what are the two things I know ueless. You are a treasure to God. about sunflowers? He then pro- Priceless. Wait a minute. Not priceceeded to tell me those things. less. The price paid was the death Number one: Sunflowers feed of His Son, Jesus. How great is our people. They provide nourishment value when God gives His beloved through their seeds. God told me Son in exchange for us? It is a value that I, too, would feed people. In- beyond our very comprehension. stead of seeds, it would be His Word. Number two: Sunflowers So, let’s take a look at where we always face the sun. Like the sun- are. We live in a world that causes flower, I would always seek to face us to feel empty and valueless if we the Son. Wow. I can tell you now don’t look a certain way — a definithat I was feeling a whole lot bet- tion of beauty that wasn’t given by ter about being compared with God. We are told to dress in a way a sunflower. Forget the roses; no that reveals the beauty of our body hothouse, dainty orchid here! I was that is only meant to be seen and going to feed people and always beheld in that way by our future look to God. Yes, that day I got a spouse. By “putting our goods” little peak of me from God’s view- on display, we cheapen who we point and it was pretty exhilarating! are. It’s like taking a beautiful, exSo, how do we go from thinking we pensive, one-of-a-kind crystal bowl are unattractive in this temporary and using it as a dog dish. I don’t home called our body to a place think most of us would do that. We would treat that bowl carefully, rewhere we know we are beautiful? alizing its beauty and treasuring Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG) says this: it. It is time that we start to do the “Oh yes, you shaped me first in- same thing for our bodies. side, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High What are we going to do about it? bit with me running through quite a few flowers, asking if I resembled this one or that. Finally, feeling frustrated, I simply asked God which flower did I resemble? He told me a sunflower.

feature story Let’s stop taking in the junk that says we are only beautiful and valuable if we look, dress, and act a certain way. We are bought with a price, a high price. If you don’t believe me, ask God how He feels about you. Set a new standard in your life. Decide to wear clothes that flatter your shape but fit properly and leave things to the imagination of whoever is looking at you. Exert a little positive peer pressure. Don’t be afraid to live out the phrase “Modest is hottest!” Last but not least, ask God to let you see how He views you. You just might be pleasantly surprised.  P.S. It wouldn’t be fair or honest if I didn’t take the time to share the following with you. Last Friday I went shopping for some new jeans. I would love to say I walked in, found a flattering pair, bought them, and walked out feeling great about me. But, that would be a lie. I am still a work in progress! I struggle to remember that no matter what, I am beautiful in God’s eyes. Yes, my body bears the scars of a healed food addict, but that in no way lessens my value to the Lord. Remember, we are on a journey. A journey is defined as traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; passage or progress from one stage to another. So take a deep breath, grab God by the hand, and begin. One step at a time. I can promise you that He will be faithful to walk the entire journey with you. Georgia is a wife and homeschooling mom of three beautiful daughters. She enjoys mentoring girls of all ages, desiring to help them grow in the freedom and fullness God has for their lives.

Clarissa sneered at Pete and shoved him out of the way as they started walking towards the commons where the DMV was setting up for the day.

count on

Clarissa “Drive On”

This was the day Clarissa had been waiting for for months! It was Saturday morning and Clarissa and her dad were stopping at her favorite bagel place for breakfast before heading over to her high school where their final driver’s education class was about to be underway. Employees from the Department of Motor Vehicles would be on campus to help the students process through everything to prepare for their driver’s license tests.

Clarissa

At driver’s ed. last week Clarissa was called on out of all 50 students to demonstrate what happens when a suspected intoxicated driver is pulled over. Not only was she so nervous about being in front of all of her peers that she stumbled while having to “walk the straight line,” but she couldn’t pass the breathalyzer test when asked to demonstrate for the class. It was because she couldn’t blow into the device hard enough, not because she was intoxicated. But of course that’s not the part that Pete would include in his jest to her.

She was met at the front door of the school by her best friend, Andrea, and their other friend Pete. They intentionally signed up for the same driver’s education class so they could have the en- They joined their other classmates tertainment and moral support of one at the first station to take their eye another. exam. One by one they processed “Hey Clarissa!” Pete said as he through the station and took a seat on the other side of the room to waved. “Ready for this?” wait to go to the next station. “Eh, I guess,” she responded. “Dad took me to breakfast this morning “Step forward, Miss” the burly man to talk through everything one more sitting across the table ordered. time, so I’m feeling pretty confident.” Clarissa nervously approached the

“Pretty confident, huh?” Pete snort- table to take her eye exam. ed. “Let’s just hope you don’t have “Put your face into the machine and to take a breathalyzer test today!” lean forward with your forehead. Tell “Hahahahahaha, “Andrea exploded me which side you see the lights on with laughter. “Awww, don’t make when they appear” the man barked turned fun of her, Pete! I bet you wouldn’t out without breaking his pace with the papers he was processing. “This have done much better.”

“Good luck Honey!” Clarissa’s dad yelled out the window of the mini van as she jumped out of the front seat. “Call me when you’re ready to get picked up!” “Thanks Dad!” around to holler.

“I don’t do well under pressure,” Clarissa defended herself.

the next portion of the process. Three brand new cars with “Student Driver” stickers covering the doors pulled up alongside the sidewalk and instructors emerged, asking for the first three students to get into the drivers’ seats. Clarissa, Andrea, and Pete exchanged final glances before walking towards the cars.

Geese had sprung from their statuesque state along the side of the road. There was a frenzy of flapping, flying, feathers, and squaks from the sidewalk a few feet away from the driver’s side.

They loaded into the car and buck“I … I think something’s wrong,” led their seat belts. Clarissa awkwardly stammered. “I Cheryl pointed into the distance and can’t see anything.” said, “Go ahead and drive straight The man inhaled and said, “Press to that parking lot across from the driving course.” your forehead in really hard.”

Cheryl the driving instructor shouted.

will test your peripheral vision.” Clarissa obeyed. She leaned forward, putting weight on her forehead into the machine. Nothing. She shifted her weight and tried again. Nothing. No blinking lights appearing on either side. Oh shoot … this can’t be good. “Miss? Tell me what side you’re seeing the lights on.” The burly man had now stopped what he was doing and his attention was completely focused on Clarissa.

Clarissa tried again, neck, face, and ears flushed. She heard a quiet click and noticed blinking out of the corner of her left eye. “Oh … okay … I see the lights on the left.” Clarissa finished the eye exam and passed with a 95 percent. She sheepishly stepped away from the table, avoiding eye contact with the man running the test. Awesome. She sighed. What else could go wrong?

“Eeeeeeeeee, oh my word, oh my word, oh my word … ahhhh!” Clarissa squealed as she ducked her “Hi Clarissa, I’m Cheryl. I’ll be your head and leaned toward the steering driving instructor today,” said a kind wheel, as if to shelter herself from the looking woman from the DMV. She im- incoming bombardment of geese. mediately put Clarissa’s nerves at bay. “Eyes on the road! Eyes on the road!” In one fell swoop, Cheryl leaned over from the passenger seat and grabbed the steering wheel from Clarissa’s hands to steady their course and applied pressure to the brakes, conveniently installed in the Clarissa lightly stepped onto the passenger’s side for use by the drivgas pedal and pulled away from the ing instructor in an instance just like curb without incident. this. The car came to a stop in the middle of the flurry of feathers. Phew! So far so good. When the geese cleared, Cheryl No sooner had the thought exited her and Clarissa sat stunned, looking mind did a tickle begin in her nose. out the windshield, which was now There was no stopping it. And no pelted with the droppings of a flock avoiding what was about to happen. of nervous geese. A few stray feathers softly floated onto the window. “Wah, ah, achoo!” Clarissa’s head violently bobbed from the force of Silence fell over the car for several her sneeze, sending her hair every awkward seconds. which way. She quickly returned her “Um, do you want me to show you hand that had covered her mouth how I can parallel park now?” Clarto the steering wheel and frantically issa timidly asked. blinked her eyes.

Clarissa briskly walked towards Andrea and Pete who were doing a pathetic job at containing their laughs, and took a seat while they waited for Within the few short seconds it took her to sneeze, a flock of Canadian

test your driving knowledge!

4. a.)

5. c.)

4. Slower drivers should stay in the _________ lane.

5. Recommended following distance between you and another vehicle is: a.) 10 seconds b.) 6 seconds c.) 3 seconds 3. b.)

3. You may turn left at a red light as long as you come to a complete stop first. a.) true b.) false

a.) right b.) left c.) doesn’t matter which lane

2. b.)

2. Before making a turn, you should signal your intent with your blinker: a.) 10 feet in advance

b.) 100 feet in advance c.) 3 blocks in advance

ANSWERS: 1. a.)

1. If the yellow line on your side of the lane is solid, it means: a.) do not pass b.) passing permitted c.) watch for pedestrians

mission

venezuela

interview with jenna dean, 25-year-old missionary to samuel’s house

Missions is at the very heart of

God. We see the command in Mark 16:15 where He says, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (NLT). We are all called. You don’t have to wait until you’re a certain age — you don’t have to fit a certain stereotype, or have a PhD to be a witness to the world around you. Below is an interview with Jenna Dean, who at 22 years old, became a missionary. She has been working for the past three years in Venezuela at a home for abandoned children. Here is her story. When did you first feel the call on your life to go into missions? Missions became a part of my life after I went on my first missions trip to Nicaragua when I was 11 years old. I remember we went and visited a small town, Betel, that was a refugee city for all the survivors of Hurricane Mitch. Almost everyone

there had lost their families, their homes, and everything they owned to the hurricane. We provided medical services to the refugees, and it was in the middle of our medical camp that I met a young girl named Mariana. She was about 6 years old, and had lost everyone in the mudslides from the hurricane. My first day in Betel, she ran to me and hung on me. For 3 days we were inseparable. I remember holding her in my arms and seeing the lice in her hair, her tattered and torn clothing, and her dirty little face, but I also saw a genuine love and a joy that could only come from the Lord. That little girl taught me so much about true love and joy, and the importance of appreciating every day. It was with Mariana in Betel, Nicaragua, that God began to put a passion in my heart for missions. Two summers later I was at a Bible camp and during one of

the evening services, God called me to be a missionary. The speaker simply said, “If anyone here feels a call on their life to missions, please come forward.” After hearing those words, my heart began to pound quickly and my palms It was with b e c a m e in sweaty, and Betel, NicaraI had a feel- gua that God ing deep in- began to put a side of me that I needed to go forward. I went for missions. up front, and as soon as I reached the altar I began to cry as the Lord confirmed His call on my life. It was a life changing moment.

“Mariana

passion in my heart

”

What missions work are you currently involved in? Currently I serve as an Assemblies of God missionary to Venezuela. I work at an orphanage called Sam-

uel’s House, which is a 120 acre farm with 8 homes for the children. We have almost 40 children presently, and I teach Bible and English classes daily, as well as have Bible studies in my home with the teenagers. I help out wherever is needed, including washing the children’s clothes, staying in the homes when needed, cleaning, taking the kids out for their birthdays, planning events, and assisting in our Friday night chapel service. We work hard each and every day because we believe God has a plan and purpose for the children He brings to our farm. We love them, believe in them, and are doing all we can to disciple them to grow up and change Venezuela for Jesus. How did you decide to go to Venezuela? After my experiences on over 15 short-term missions trips all over the world, I knew I had a heart for children and for Latin America. When I was deciding where to serve for my first term, the doors just opened for me to go and help with Samuel’s House. They desperately needed help, and the ministry aligned with my heart exactly. It was totally a God thing. What classes did you take in school that were the most helpful for what you’re doing now?

I attended North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, and majored in Pastoral Studies. I knew God had called me to be a missionary, but I was unsure of when I would get to the mission field. All of my Bible and theology classes have been very useful as I teach the children’s Bible classes each day and when I am invited to preach in churches. Also, my psychology and counseling classes have helped me deal with the children and better understand why they react the way they do. Often I meet with the kids one on one and they share their pasts with me, and the very sad things they have faced. I am always thankful for the training I received in my counseling class at NCU. What’s it like being a missionary at your age? I was 22 years old when the Assemblies of God appointed me as a missionary. I then had to travel to churches all over my district and share my call and ministry. It was definitely challenging but I learned so much about true dependence on the Lord in the process. I was worried that pastors would not respect me because I was so young, however, the opposite happened. People were excited that God had called a young woman to go and

feature story teach, and it was inspiring to both young and older people in the church that God truly can call and equip anyone, at any age, from any place. What would you tell teen girls who have an interest in missions? It is the best! Missions work is so rewarding. It is hard work, and not always glamorous or pretty, but to truly give of yourself to help others know God and grow closer to Him is an incredible experience. I would encourage any girl who has an interest in missions to go on missions trips. It is there that you will see firsthand what missions is all about, and it is on those trips that the Lord changes you. Even if you do not feel called to full time missions work, you can always give financially, faithfully pray for missionaries, and go on a missions trip. We are all commanded to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, so we all must do our part. You will never regret giving a week of your time to serve others and share the love of Jesus. Jenna is a graduate of North Central University in Minneapolis, MN and now serves as a missionary to Venezuela. She is engaged to her best friend, Jose.

tough

question

Q. With all of the examples of dancing and partying in the Bible, why do my parents have such a problem with me going to them?

people attending the party are a lot less likely to try to “get away with stuff.” This can help you feel a bit more safe about attending a party.

Do you trust the other people who will be attending? Is the party being

hosted or attended by your group of friends that you trust or is this party going to be full of people you don’t really know but are hoping to win over? If you know and trust the people who will be at the party, it’s probably okay to go. But if you don’t really know the people you can’t really gauge what will go on at the party or how the people will react in different situations. You might think twice about attending a party with a lot of people you don’t really know.

we still do that today with birthdays, homecomings, graduations, or other life Look up the following events, most of the parties that happassages in your Bible: pen today are for the sake of partying. Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel Check out this Scripture: “Because we 18:6; Psalm 149:3. What belong to the day, we must live decent differences do you notice between lives for all to see. Don’t participate in Will there be substances there? If parties in the Bible and parties today? the darkness of wild parties and drunkyou know that there will most likely be enness, or in sexual promiscuity and alcohol or drugs at the party, make the The parties in Bible times were much different than the parties that immoral living, or in quarreling and decision now not to go. First, these are not legal for teenagers. Second, are common today. In the Bible, jealousy” (Romans 13:13, NLT). dancing was usually women with Think about the kind of events you go it’s not worth ruining your reputation, other groups of women, men with to on the weekends. Is the intent of the losing your parents’ trust, explaining other groups of men, or expres- party you’re thinking about attending yourself to the police if they get wind sions of worship to the Lord. Most to innocently hang out with friends or of the party, or getting yourself into of the dancing in today’s contexts celebrate something? Or is the intent a compromising situation. You might are meant to stimulate some sort to loosen yourself up, have a good think you’re strong enough to say no if you’re offered something, but in the of emotional or sexual response. time, and live out your inhibitions? moment when everyone’s waiting for Especially when it’s done in an environment like a club or an unchap- Here are some good questions to ask your response … maybe not? Why eroned party with other people who yourself when trying to decide wheth- put yourself into that situation? have that as a similar mindset, where er or not you should attend a party: “Don’t copy the behavior and custhere’s alcohol or other substances toms of this world, but let God transpresent, and the intention of the Will parents be there? If parents form you into a new person by changare present and are aware of the party, evening is to kick back, have a good they are a lot more likely to keep the ing the way you think. Then you will time, and “live a little.” party from getting out of control or learn to know God’s will for you, which In the Bible, parties were usually from letting potentially harmful sub- is good and pleasing and perfect” thrown to celebrate an event. While stances in. When parents are present, (Romans 12:2, NLT).

like,love,&dating

dating

relationships A lot of girls make the mistake of

assuming life can continue on as normal when they become “boyfriend and girlfriend.” Not so. The very definition of boyfriend from dictionary.com is “a frequent or favorite male companion.” Favorite. You can’t have more than one favorite guy when you’re dating. That’s the upside and the downside of dating.

tempting to blend into your life into the mix. And since guys are also still trying to figure out who they are, they may have a hard time adjusting to being the “leader” in a relationship. The Bible has a few things to say related to dating:

“’Honor your father and mother.’” The upside of dating is that as a cou- This is the first commandment with a ple, you enter into a “committed” promise” (Ephesians 6:2, NLT). relationship where you pledge that you won’t spend tons of time with This covers a lot of ground! Basicalother people of the opposite sex, ly, if your parents don’t want you to and instead you’ll spend time get- date right now, honor them by obeyting to know the person you’re dating their decision. You’re allowed to ing and learning about yourself and ask them to explain their position, what you want in a spouse someday. but do it in a respectful way and accept their authority. The downside of that is that you’re not as free to have relationships with “Run from sexual sin! No other sin other guys on a deeper level. You so clearly affects the body as this limit yourself to one person. Your one does. For sexual immorality is a interactions and the amount of time sin against your own body. Don’t you you spend with them will have to re- realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you main a little more on the surface. and was given to you by God? You One dangerous aspect of dating at do not belong to yourself, for God a young age is that you’re still try- bought you with a high price. So you ing to figure out who you are — how must honor God with your body” to be independent, make your own (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, NLT). decisions, and discover your talents If you don’t trust that you can remain and interests. This process of growpure in a dating relationship, it’s best ing up can be hampered when you not to even go there. add another person who you are at-

Signs you might be in an •Your boyfriend calls you more than once while you’re having a girl night. •Your boyfriend is upset when you have a Facebook or Instant Message conversation with another guy friend. •Your boyfriend walks you to and from class … and not because he’s just being sweet. •Your boyfriend reads or frequently asks about the text messages you get. •Your boyfriend gets upset when you don’t answer your phone. •Your boyfriend tries to distance you from your friends and maybe even your family. •Your boyfriend says things like, “You’re the only one for me,” “I’m the only one who truly understands you,” etc. True, maybe you guys will end up getting married down the road so you will be “the only one” for each other, but as a teenager, this is a little intense. •Your boyfriend pressures you into anything by saying something like, “If you really loved me” or “If you don’t, then….” Not cool.

Your boyfriend has

reason to be upset when:

•You consistently hang out with other guys one-on-one or in groups when you’re the only girl. •You get lots of text messages or Facebook comments from a particular guy. •You blow him off when you’ve scheduled a date. •It appears as though you are flirting.

Teen Girl Daybook

february

m o nd a y

tu e s day

wednesda y

t hursda y

f ri d a y 1 We are not limited to just giving with money. What other things can you give to God? Ex: time volunteering.

Luke 7:37,38

o ffe r in g Make a list of ways you show people you love them. How does God show us He loves us?

Zephaniah 3:17 11

Memorize this verse and recite it throughout the week as a prayer.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

Turn on worship music and spend time being quiet — meditating on God’s love for you.

Psalm 48:9

What are some ways our relationship with God is like that of a parent and child? What does that say about the way He loves us?

1 John 3:1

1 John 4:9-11

G o d ’s lo ve 12

Journal — write about a Re-write this passage in sacrifice you made for your own words. someone you love. How does that sacrifice made out of love compare to the sacrifice God made for us?

Psalm 36:5-7 15

Write the names of 3 people you can prove that you are God’s disciple to by loving them this week.

Sometimes the best way to show a friend love is to let go of petty things. When was the last time you fought with a friend over something silly?

On this holiday that celebrates love, rewrite this passage and underline the qualities of love you need to work on.

Clean the bedroom of your sibling as a way to show them you love them. Clean with love!

John 13:34,35

Proverbs 17:9

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1 Corinthians 16:14

l o ve fo r o t h e r s 18 David had every opportunity to kill Saul but didn’t. Where could you show kindness to your enemies?

1 Samuel 24:1-7

Spend time praying for your List some ways you can enemies/those you don’t get encourage and show God’s love to your enemies when along with. they are in need.

Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus knew that Judas had betrayed him. Look up the word betrayed in the dictionary.

Proverbs 24:17,18

Matthew 26:14-25

Make a card with a kind note and give it to someone you have been struggling to get along with.

Proverbs 25:21

l o v e yo u r e n e mie s 25

You were not a surprise to God. He knew about you before you were even a thought in your parent(s) mind. List 10 positive traits about yourself.

Psalm 139:13-16

What do you worry about? Write them down and pray over each one, asking God to help you trust Him for your needs.

Matthew 6:25-27

Loving yourself means respecting your body — how you dress, eat, exercise, or handle yourself around others. What are some things you can do better?

The phrase apple of my eye means: one’s favorite person; the one you love most. Even in our weakness you are the apple of God’s eye.

1 Corinthians 6:19,20

Deuteronomy 32:10

l ove yo u r se l f c

Look up a famous artwork. Like the art, have you ever thought of yourself as God’s masterpiece? Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you.

Ephesians 2:10