Questions, questions, questions!

Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I do not know many people who really enjoy shallow, boring conversations and small talk. I know I do not!
If you have a hard time getting to meaningful conversation because you do not know what to talk about, here are some great questions to ask!

• What four things are most important in your life?
• If you were on a game show and got a chance to call a friend for help, who would you be most likely to call?
• What is your biggest pet peeve?
• If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
• What do you think your friends would say is your best quality?
• What do you think is the ideal age?
• What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?
• What qualities do you look for in a friend?
  

If your friends are Christians:

• How has God been working in your life?
• What is your favorite Scripture? Why?
• If Jesus physically walked with you every day, would you act differently? If so, how?
• How do you see God's glory displayed?
• What would you accomplish for God if you knew you couldn't fail?
• What Bible character can you relate to? Why?
• If God would answer any one question of yours audibly, what would you ask Him?
• In your mind, what trait is characteristic of a strong Christian?
  

Quiet Life

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
¹¹Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹²so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Girls like to be right in the middle of things; to gossip, to get attention, because that's what seems to fulfill us and make us happy. However, God has so much He wants to do with our lives and when we are the center of attention and have our nose in everyone's business, we aren't living a respectful God-glorifying life.
I know in my case, sometimes it's hard not to just try to fit in with everyone and be right in the middle of all the drama and attention. But that the same time, I know that God doesn't want me to act like everyone else. That's not the best He has in store for me. And it's not the best He has in store for any of you either.

For example, my parents do not want me to have a facebook. And for awhile after I was told that I couldn't get one, I was kind of upset at my parents. I would always feel left out when my friends were talking about something funny said on there or laugh about some funny picture that was uploaded. It's gotten to the point that not one of my friends doesn't have a facebook. That was really frustrating to me for a long time. But I have come to the realization that I don't need a facebook, and all it would do is suck up time I could be spending with my Savior. Overall, facebook isn't a bad thing. But I don't think it would help me live a quiet life and to mind my own business. In fact, I think it would do just the opposite.

Those verses also talk about being busy with your hands. I believe that as young woman we have to be training ourselves to take care of a home and family. The best way for you to learn how to do that is to help take care of your families now. I see so many girls my age that don't know how to cook a meal or do a load of laundry. Those are things that you have to learn at some point! Ask your mom what kinds of things you can specifically do to help her take care of your home. Maybe make dinner one night, and then clean up after yourself. If you have never done that before, it's a lot of work. When you have a family someday, you can't text your friends and sleep all day long. God doesn't want us to be idle, He wants us to work and busy ourselves so that we don't get caught up in things of this world. Make it your ambition and goal to lead a quiet productive life that brings glory and honor to Christ.

In His Love,
Jessica

Psalm 28

1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone
down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the
wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their
neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what
they deserve.

5 Since they show no regard for the
works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am
helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his
anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your
inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them
forever.

Where the Healing Begins

Taking Risks

Matthew 9:20-22

²⁰Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. ²¹She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."

²²Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

This woman had been sick for years, she had gone to doctor after doctor and yet her illness had still not left her. She had such faith in Christ that she knew if she just reached out and touched the edge of His cloak she would be healed. I'm sure that was one of the most nerve-wracking things she had ever done. Imagine this woman standing in the middle of a huge crowd that is pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of Christ. This woman knew that this man was Jesus Christ and had power over all creation. She knew He could heal her. All she had to do was reach out her hand and touch his clothing. And she did! If only we could have the same kind of faith as this woman. If she didn't have full faith and trust that Jesus could heal her, maybe things wouldn't have ended up the same. God has each of us on the earth for a specific purpose. His desire for us is not to get comfortable in our everyday lives. He wants us out of our comfort zone so we will rely on Him for everything. Maybe God is calling you to do something risky for Him. Maybe He is knocking on your heart waiting for you to respond to Him. Will you reach out to Him like that woman? Will you have faith that God can do anything and everything? Are you willing to risk your dreams for His?

Matthew 17:20

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

God says we can do anything if we have faith as small as a mustard seed. If we would just take step of faith and do whatever God asks us to do, we would be amazed at how He works in our life. Look at the areas of your life you are maybe getting a little too comfortable in. Is your quiet time becoming more a routine than a personal time of reflection with your Savior? When was the last time you shared your faith with a friend? Ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do in a step of faith. I can almost assure you that it won't be something that you will be overjoyed about doing. It might scare you to let God consume your life and to do whatever He wants you to do. You might have to give up something you have always wanted, something you have dreamed of doing or having. But ultimately, what He has in store for us, the story He is writing for us, is better than anything we could ever imagine.

In His Love,

Jessica

A Kiss From God

"A letter represents something far more than a kiss ever could. It evidences thoughtfulness and the gift of time. While a kiss can prove tender, it must overcome the stigma of impulsiveness to truly display love. A letter, on the other hand, when written in the spirit of ardor and romance - even if it never mentions passion - strokes the heart deeper than any other form of physical touch. A kiss cannot be felt again and again from great distance; but a letter can be read and reread thousands of times. A kiss only familiarizes lips with the physical body of a lover. A letter familiarizes the heart, mind, and soul. Maybe that's why God chose to write us a letter."

~Eric Ludy, When Dreams Come True

Sometimes I wonder why God did not give us a more obvious display of His love, like a kiss. He gave us much better. Not only did He gave us a letter, to read about Him and His love, but He gave us the most precious gift; the life of His Son.

As We Wait

Titus 1:16
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

In that passage of scripture, Paul is writing to Titus about the mere talkers and deceivers (vs 10); the people who don't live what out what they believe. These people had heard all about Jesus and His mercy and grace, but yet they still clung to their worldly passions. According to Paul they were "unfit for doing anything good." They were undisciplined and were not training themselves to be more like Christ.
When we first become a Christian, our sin doesn't just magically disappear. It is a gradual process to cleanse yourself of sin. Unfortunately, that sin will never completely be gone until we get to Heaven. My point is that we are all in the process of being transformed more into the likeness of Christ. We are training our bodies to run the race set before us. In order to be ready to run this race, we have to discipline ourselves. One of the things most forgotten by Christians is that we are sinful and undeserving and we continually have to make an effort to be more like Jesus.

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...

We have to say no to that sin in our life. We have to do as much as we possibly can to rid ourselves of everything that displeases God. He teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness. God will never ask you to give anything up for Him that isn't for your good. So if God is convicting you of sin in your life, don't wait to give it up. All that sin does is hinder your relationship with Christ.

Titus 2:13-14
...while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Jesus has redeemed and purified us from our sin! We are His very own. Be eager to live a life that brings Him all the honor and glory. As we await the glorious appearing of our very own Savior, remove from yourself everything that is a stumbling block in your relationship with Him!

In His Love,
Jessica

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 (Today's New International Version)
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

What does it mean to not conform to the world?
Some people think it means to just not do everything the world does or just live for Christ.

The meaning of the the word conform is this:

con·form   /kənˈfɔrm/ Show Spelled[kuhn-fawrm] Show IPA
–verb (used without object)
1. to act in accordance or harmony; comply (usually fol. by to ): to conform to rules.
2. to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group: One has to conform in order to succeed in this company.
3. to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.
4. to be in harmony or accord.
5. to comply with the usages of an established church, esp. the Church of England.

That sure makes this Bible verse a lot bigger!! Most of the Christians here on earth have "conformed" to this world one way or another.
We have such a short time on this earth to make a difference! There is no time to be conformed!
We have to get out of our comfort zone and be different!
Christians are constantly in the middle, we have to choose a side with all our heart. God doesn't want lukewarm. Lately, I've been too lukewarm and I realize how wrong I was!

Revelation 3:16 (New International Version)
16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Throw out those things in your life that make you lukewarm and the same as everyone else! Be transformed!

Your sister in Christ,

♥♫•Madison

Scripture Memory

You have probably been told that Scripture memory should be an important part of a Christian's life. Growing up in church, I memorized Bible verses in AWANA and Sunday School, but I didn't have a grasp on what the point really was. Psalm 1:2 says the man who meditates on God's law will be blessed. When you hide His word in your heart, you can use it to combat Satan, as Jesus did in Matthew 4. Start by finding one verse that applies to something you are going through, or pick a Psalm to memorize. Right now I am working on Psalm 16. Repeating what you are memorizing throughout the day will help you focus your thoughts on the Lord and bring you closer to Him!
I pray that you would grow in the Lord and have a fantastic day!

Love in Christ,
Becky

Live like it!

1 John 2:5b-6
This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Recently in my quiet time and even as I write posts for iheart God just keep revealing and bringing to my attention that I must walk as Jesus did. Over and over again I read verses that tell me to imitate Jesus' life, to strive after His perfection. It's something that God has really laid on my heart lately. If you read throughout the first 4 books of the New Testament you have numerous testimonies and witnesses to events that happen in the life of Christ. You can see how to answer people when they frustrate you, what your opinion should be about divorce, how to flee temptation...Jesus paints the perfect picture of how we should go about living in this world. This verse just really hit me. If I claim to have relationship with Christ then I have to live like it. His grace, mercy, compassion, and love should overflow from my heart. It fills up all the holes and cracks in my sinful life and just completely bubbles forth from me. I really want to challenge you girls to seriously live like Christ. To really make an enormous effort to follow His example. I hope that you will join me in my efforts to live a life like my Savior. I can't even imagine the blessings we will receive when we do what God asks of us. When we fully surrender ourselves and live like Him.

In His Love,
Jessica

Priceless Salvation

Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching? -Wendy Mannering

Ever felt like you just had a bad day?
I have.
I had one pretty recently actually. All I wanted to do was come home, wallow in self-pity and maybe cry a little. Because things didn't go the way I wanted them to.
But, as I was sitting in the car on the way home, I got to thinking of all the good things that happened that day. Things that could have not happened, and yet they did.
Sometimes I look past those little things that made my day a blessing. No matter what is going on, I am always blessed. I am blessed to be wearing clothing, blessed to have had a meal, blessed to be able to take a breath on my own.
A lot of times when people have a rough day, they tend to blame it on God. But the fact of the matter is that both Christians and non-Christians alike will have good times and bad times.

Matthew 5:45 (New International Version)
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

That was the verse that came to my mind during my "bad day." God doesn't sit up in heaven and decide that I am going to be frustrated. Life will run it's course and some bad thing are going to happen. My response to that is what really makes an effect on what kind of day I have. Our attitude and reaction makes the biggest difference in our lives. Because, quite frankly, in comparison to some other people in the world, I had a fabulous day. It was just my selfishness that got in the way of everything. Because I decided to be kind of mopey and woe is me. I chose to act like that, instead of looking at God and thanking Him for the good in my life.

Philippians 2:5 (New Living Translation) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

So this is what we do to overcome those bad days. We base our attitude off of Jesus. We see what kind of attitude He had. Three things came to mind when I thought about Jesus' attitude.
The first thing that came to mind was that He was selfless. He always looked to others needs instead of His own. He did not act like everything was about Him, even though it was.
Secondly, He was sacrificial. For the last couple years of His life, Jesus gave up a permanent home, food, personal belongings, family, friends, and worldly comfort. He gave all of those things up so that He could minister to others. Then He made the Ultimate Sacrifice by dieing on the cross for our sins!
Third of all, He was a servant. Although He deserves the highest praise, He gave that up to serve others, to humble Himself, to wash others feet.

Decide to have a good attitude. Choose to have the same attitude as Christ. That is what really makes an impact on your life. And besides that just making an affect on your own life, it will affect the lives of others around you.

In His Love,
Jessica

How He Loves Us

This is how much he loves us!
No matter how unworthy we are, he always loves us. He loves us so much. There is no way we deserve to be here, he died so we could be.

I suggest you put that song on your iPod and just listen to it over and over again. Try and wrap your mind around how much he loves us! It's impossible!! I just fall in love with God again when I think about the way he loves us.

Here are my favorite verses about how he loves us:

Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

Psalm 36:7
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

God is the very definition of love! He laid down his life for undeserving sinners! He is so amazing.

His love just surrounds us daily, lets learn to shine in it and show love to others!

Your sister in Christ,
Madison

Listen to Him

Have you ever been amazed by what your friends can see that you cannot? I know I have. They will say something like, "You're overreacting," or, "Can't you see, he's a jerk!" Sometimes you cannot see what is really going on because you are to close to the situation. However, if you take a step back and look at everything, you usually find that they are right. It is easy to get so caught up in something that you cannot see the bigger picture. The same is true of the Holy Spirit! He convicts us of sins and bad choices in our life that we often overlook.

John 16:7-11
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Jesus himself said it, the Spirit is here to convict us of sin, and Satan now stands condemned! We can be free of our sin through Christ Jesus. Be willing to give it up for His sake.

In Him,
Becky

Today Is The Day

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

This is the only July 5, 2010 there will ever be. Use it to do something that has eternal significance.
Smile at an elderly lady at the grocery store, compliment your siblings, or give your testimony. Make a difference, no matter how small of one it might be.

In Christ,
Jessica

Siblings

Siblings.

The good. The bad. The ugly.
You pretty much go through everything with your siblings around. They are always there, whether you want them to be or not. I personally love my little brothers, but they sometimes really get on my nerves....if you know what I mean!

Last night I was having a fit(yes I know, REALLY bad of me) about ice cream. I fell asleep and apparently I was talking in my sleep saying, "ice cream, ice cream!!". When I woke up all I could think about was ice cream and I was really grumpy. My little brother Cooper came in and started to comfort and snuggle me saying, "aww it's okay we'll get ice cream tomorrow!!" It was so sweet and make me realize how STUPID I was. Anyway, I have the cutest little 9 year old brother ever.

I've really learned a lot (and am still learning!) about how to relate to them and hold my comments in. My brothers are such a blessing and though sometimes I don't realize that, I love them so much.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (New International Version)

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!


I love this verse because it really describes our siblings. Two are always better than one!
As you go through this beautiful day, remember that your siblings are a blessing from God and there is no one like them!! :)

Your sister in Christ,
Madison

Little Things

I read a note someone wrote me the other day and in it she phrased the question: Am I trying to please God? Or the world? I really had to think about that for a moment. I find it so easy to get absorbed in the world even though everything about it portrays the exact opposite of what God wants us to think. For me, I have a big issue with clothes. I will get up every morning and look at my closet and think, "Uhh, I have nothing to wear today." When the truth is, I have 40 shirts that are perfectly fine. I feel like I have this person looming over me telling me, "Jessica... you just wore that outfit to church 3 weeks ago. Don't you think that's a little tacky?" and I feel like screaming back, "yeah I know! But I have nothing to wear!"

Honestly, Satan tries to attack us through avenues like trying to live up to the world's standards. Because we have Jesus in our hearts, he cannot affect us in such a way where he consumes and posseses us, however, he can shove all these things in our face that are hard for us to overcome. Through little things like reading romance novels that make us doubt waiting for the right guy, or when your "Christian" friends want to go see a movie that is "just PG-13" when you know that it will have inappropriate scenes and language in it. Those little things in life are so important for us to conquer. When God asks for our whole-hearted devotion to Him, He is pretty serious about it. In God's eyes, even those small seemingly petty things like worldly music and magazines can have an affect on our attitude.

Galations 1:10
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

I am trying to make a more concerted effort to be thankful with God has blessed me with! He can give me the power and strength to overcome even those small temptations in life. He really does care about every hurt or worry we could ever have.

1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

That's the amazing thing about God! He doesn't want us to be frustrated with trying to please the world. If we ask Him to help us with that, He will! (:
Have a great weekend girls!


In His Love,
Jessica