FAMILY "FIRST AID"

Being in a relationship can be challenging at times, especially with your family. Emotions clash, words are said that cause you pain, anger, and offense. All of this can lead to separation. However, God has provided us with a proven method for improving our relationships -- PRAYER.

I know the last thing you want to do is pray for someone who has hurt you. However if you think about it, what do you do when someone hurts you? If you are like most of us, you go tell everyone what happened to you. If you don't tell someone then perhaps you internalize the pain. Neither of these methods is helpful. They actually cause us more pain and strain on our relationship.

Instead of talking negatively, pray for that person and ask God to help you heal from the pain. When you pray for the person, you take the focus off you. It also causes your heart to soften which will allow God to enter in and help you.

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

There is only one person who has the answer to every question you have or ever will have about relationships. No, it is not the physic mind reader adverting their services on the internet or tv. No, it is not palm reader at the local carnival. It's Jesus! He is THE Relationship Expert. He is waiting to help you with every problem that you will ever encounter. Let Him guide you in everything that you do. Make the decision today to receive Christ as your personal savior by asking Him to come into your heart and re-create you in His image. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus, the the son of God, is Lord. You will be saved.

REFERENCE SCRIPTURES: John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:21; 2 Corinthians 5:17

WHO CAN YOU TRUST?

My relationship with my mom is awesome. I can talk to her about anything, and anyone; even things that happen at school. I think that every girl should have a good strong relationship with her mom or even her grandma. It feels good talking about things you couldn't tell your friends. I'm not saying don't share secrets with your friends, but sometimes you need to talk to someone you know won't gossip about the subject. My mom always told me a child is a gift from God, but we need to thank God for putting an amazing mother on earth for us. They are the ones that help us pursue our dreams and pick us up when we fall.

Callee

PARENTS FROM VENUS?

Sometimes we think our parents are from another planet but the truth is, that they are looking out for our safety. No matter how mad you get at your parents because they punished you, you still have to honor, respect, and love them. Your parents are there forever and your friends won't be. According to Matthew 15:5, when you honor and respect your parents you honor God. So, listen to your parents.

TTYL
Olivia

BATTLEFIELF OF THE MIND FOR TEENS

This book by Joyce Meyer will help you deal with everyday challenges. You will learn how to overcome peer pressure, negative thoughts and low self-esteem. Our battle begins in our mind and this book provides you with scriptures on how to change your thoughts to line up with the word of God. Don’t wait another day to read this awesome book!

REAL BEAUTY BEGINS ON THE INSIDE

What the world views as beauty is merely physical and fades with time. True beauty comes from the inside. We have all seen a very attractive person who we thought was "beautiful" but as we got to know that person, and learn about their values and personality, we realized that they were not what we thought they were. God’s greatest desire is that we cultivate who we are in Him. God wants us to see and present ourselves in the best possible light - the light of Jesus Christ. He made each and every one of us, beautiful, in His image. (Genesis 1: 26—27 NIV)



As Ambassadors-in-Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV) we are charged with reflecting God’s Holy beauty in the world. Which means that we should spend more time becoming more like Him. This does not mean that we should not be aware of our appearance. However, before you put on the lip gloss, eye liner, or blush you must answer this question: Why do you want to wear make-up? Do you wear make-up because you think it will make you look sexy and older or to help you attract the attention of a boy? If so, your motives are not in line with God’s desires. Your motives are very important because they reveal the true issues of your heart. Your motives must be pure (Matthew 5:8 NCV). Your heart/conscience monitors your thoughts, motives, and actions. If you do make the decision to wear make-up. Make sure that you take care of your face, now, by developing skin care habits that will last a lifetime.

Tips:

 Always cleanse your skin to remove makeup and oils before going to sleep at night.
 Avoid foundation - use a concealer to cover up blemishes.
 Always use sunscreen - protect your skin and looks for the future.
 Select tinted lip gloss or sheer colors rather than lipstick.
 Choose neutral colors.

What God's love means to me - by Olivia S.

God’s love is something He freely gives to everyone. The one thing that some people don’t know is that it’s their choice to receive it or they can push it away. But, how does He show His love, you ask? When I pray and read my Bible every day, I feel His love. Another way I feel God’s love for me is in the joy I have when I help someone in my neighborhood.

But the most important thing to remember is that He gives His love to you whether you want Him to or not. I choose to receive God’s love, how about you?

Be A Leader!

God has called you to be a leader! Yes! You were born to be a leader. Within everyone is the power to be a great leader. The first step is to start by learning how to self-lead with God’s help. You are the most important person that you will ever lead. As tempting as it might be to want to lead others, you must first develop and maintain self-leadership.

It is never too early to become an effective leader. Joan of Arc led men into battle at the age of seventeen. The Bible is full of examples of young women following God’s lead. Esther became an instrument for God because of her devotion and willingness to listen to the voice of God; she was able to prevent the devastation and destruction of her people. Another quality of a good leader is the ability to serve with love. Ruth showed this love by sacrificing the life she knew to stay with her mother-in law, no matter what happened, including great hardships and poverty.


While the Bible contains many examples of good leaders, we know Jesus is the most influential leader the world will ever know. He is a great example of a powerful leader who has a positive impact, through love, on the world. Being a good leader is a challenge but it is not as hard as you might think. It is not impossible. God has placed within you everything that you need to become a great leader. If you have invited Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior, you have the Holy Spirit working inside of you, guiding and directing you through life.

There are many great resources to help develop the leader in you. Let the Bible be your primary resource even as you read other materials on the subject of leadership.


For references, please refer to the books of Ruth and Esther in your Bible. You should also check out The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey!