Dear Diary...

"I have a secret and it is destroying my life. I use to think this secret was great. A girl at school first shared this secret with me. Oh I loved the idea and started doing it right away. It was so easy way to keep from gaining weight. My secret is bingeing and purging. However, now I'm scared and I really want to stop but no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to stop. I feel so hopeless. I am ashamed and too embarrassed to tell anyone; what should I do?"

- Teen in trouble

First of all, don't be discouraged, embarrassed or ashamed. The key to treating bulimia is not self-control. Your fight is not with food. You must deal with the issues that are triggering you to eat and purge for comfort, and you must be willing to put up a fight. Remember that eating disorders are addictions, and it will require a lot of TEAMWORK between you, God, a trusted caregiver, and perhaps a therapist to finally win this battle.

I know that it might seem difficult to do, but I encourage you to push past your fears and share your secret with an adult who can help you get the help you need. Remember that no matter how hard you might want to tackle this issue on your own you must realize that you will not be able to do it alone. In Romans 7:15-20, Paul voices the struggle that wages inside of us as we fight to over come matters on our own, independent of God. In verse 18 he tells us that while we have the intentions and urge to do what is right we have no power to carry it out.

As you seek counseling, regarding your eating disorder, trust God. He has provided you a way out through Jesus. He knows your struggles and He wants to carry this burden for you. Allow God to heal your heart, build your confidence and restore your strength. I know that it might be hard, but I promise you that God will not fail you.

GOSPEL GIRL: Hannah

We find the account of Hannah's struggle in 1 Samuel chapter one. Hanna lived in hill country of Ephraim in Ramah. Her name meant "gracious" or "favor".

Hanna was a woman who was provoked and irratated by other women. They taunted her because she was different from the others. Yet, in her misery she prayed to the Lord for help and praised Him for His faithfullness. Instead of striking out at those who provoked her she turned to God for help.

Perhaps in your life you are being provoked by someone because of the way you look, how you speak, or your decision not to have sex until you are married. No matter what the problem is God can help.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM HANNAH? God wants to help us in every area of our life and we should pray to Him for direction on how to overcome our obstacles.

WHAT FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT CAN WE SEE IN HANNAH? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love
Patience
Faithfulness
Self-Control

WHAT'S YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE?

Do you ever feel like your family and friends are speaking a foreign language and no have no clue how to communicate with them? Perhaps they buy you gifts and all you want is a hug. Maybe they do special things for you and you want words of encouragement. Then there are some of you who want to spend quality time with someone but it never seems to happen. You feel as though you are missing out. You even think that there might be something wrong with you.

Well, I have great news for you. There's nothing wrong with you. Perhaps you just need to identify your love language and share the news with your family and friends. According to author Gary Chapman, their are five love languages.

Words of Affirmation are words of affection, praise, encouragement and affirmation with positive guidance.

Physical Touch refers to the need to be touched appropriately and at the appropriate time. Perhaps a hug, a touch on the shoulder or a pat on your back.

Quality Time means giving of your time -undivided attention

Actions of Service is freely performing a service for someone with no alternative motive.

Gifts is the giving of a visible, tangible item that reflects emotional love.

If you want to learn more about your love language, check out The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman. The book is written to parents but it is a great read! Check out a copy at your local library and share it with your parents and your friends.

RELATIONSHIPS

Is your sister or brother getting on your last nerve? Are you tired of having to listen to your parents tell you what to do? Do you wish you could pick another family? Do you have the "perfect family" in mind? NEWS FLASH ---There is no perfect family. Perfect families do not exist because perfect people do not exist. Conflict, frustration, and hurt occur because we are human and we make mistakes.

So, the next time you start complaining about how you wish you were part of another family, relax and consider what you can do to make a difference. You are not as helpless as you might think. You can learn to live in peace with your family. God tells us how in Romans chapter 12. Take the time to read what it says in verses 17-18. You can also check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Give your problems to God and follow His instructions on how to deal with your family. Don't give up on your family. Trust God to show you what to do to develop and strengthen your relationships.

GOSPEL GIRL: Mary Magdelene

Do you feel like your life is out of control? Do you feel tormented by past failures,or broken relationships? Don't give up. I know of a person who experienced torment beyond your wildest imagination. An account of her life was printed in a book for all the world to read. Mary Magdalene was her name and her story is found in the the book of Luke in the Holy Bible. Mary was tormented by seven demons. Her life seemed beyond repair, however, everything changed when she meet Jesus and He healed and restored her. God wants to restore you. No matter what you have been through, God has the power and desire to change your life for the better. Mary's transformation was so great that her dedication to Christ led her to follow him, even to the foot of the cross. Don't give up on God. Let Him heal your hurts and help you to understand how to move past the hurt, anger and torment.