YOU Set the example
Uncommon, different, above average. These are all words that I want to
describe me. Average is so overrated, normal is sub-par, and common
is a cop-out. I want to be someone that people see and say, “wow that
is an above average, high quality, kind, hardworking, and respectful
girl.” Romans 12:2 says, “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.” Transformed: to change in form,
appearance, nature etc. (dictionary definition) God knows that this
world is filled with junk, He does not want us to conform=to act in
accord with prevailing custom or to be similar. (dictionary
definition) Basically, He does not want us to, “ fit in”
because,“fitting in” would mean putting up with the bad stuff of this
world. If being, “cool” in the eyes of the world means saying curse or
crude words, having a boyfriend, not honoring your parents, not giving
your best effort, teasing others, being a hot-head, not wanting to
pray in public, or being ugly to siblings, then I want NO part in it!
Let’s explore more in depth what the Bible says about these things.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you in your youth, instead you should set the example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
Written by Kathryn
Being
thankful is something that can easily be underestimated. Many
children and teenagers have a sense of entitlement that often leads to
not being thankful for what they are given. If you go back to the
Bible, there are a lot of examples of not being thankful and the
consequences that can follow.
Romans 1 talks about when God turned the people over to their sinful desires because they did not glorify God as God and WERE NOT THANKFUL. This is a humbling fact.
In our culture, it has become all too common to not express even the slightest forms of gratitude. We should not tread lightly on not being thankful. God has blessed us abundantly. What do we have that we should not be thankful for? Expressing thankfulness is becoming a lost art.
As believers, we should be so full of joy and thankfulness because of what Jesus has done for us on the Cross. What a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus by something as “simple” as being thankful!
It is so impressive when (especially) a young person expresses gratitude. Let us challenge you reach higher than the culture’s standards of gratitude. Next time you are at a restaurant or store, say thank you to the the worker. It may not seem like much, but you could have a positive influence on someone for Christ!
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21
1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you in your youth, instead you should set the example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
Written by Kathryn
Thankfulness
Being
thankful is something that can easily be underestimated. Many
children and teenagers have a sense of entitlement that often leads to
not being thankful for what they are given. If you go back to the
Bible, there are a lot of examples of not being thankful and the
consequences that can follow. Romans 1 talks about when God turned the people over to their sinful desires because they did not glorify God as God and WERE NOT THANKFUL. This is a humbling fact.
In our culture, it has become all too common to not express even the slightest forms of gratitude. We should not tread lightly on not being thankful. God has blessed us abundantly. What do we have that we should not be thankful for? Expressing thankfulness is becoming a lost art.
As believers, we should be so full of joy and thankfulness because of what Jesus has done for us on the Cross. What a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus by something as “simple” as being thankful!
It is so impressive when (especially) a young person expresses gratitude. Let us challenge you reach higher than the culture’s standards of gratitude. Next time you are at a restaurant or store, say thank you to the the worker. It may not seem like much, but you could have a positive influence on someone for Christ!
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21
Modest Swimsuit Idea
Summer
is coming, with summer comes swimming, and with swimming comes the
hardship of finding a modest swim suit. As Christians, we should be
setting the example for others in what we do, including the way that we
dress. It can be hard to find swimwear that is honoring to God, and
that is also “in style”. Here is one way that we have tried to make
swim wear decent and comfortable.
*Most stores sell sporting shorts that have a liner in them. The shorts dry fairly quickly and they also are very comfortable.
*For swimsuit tops, we use full-length sport tank tops that come up high enough and that are also lined inside. If the tank top is too low for your modesty standard, they sell sport-type bras that go great underneath. The sport tank top is made of similar swimsuit material so it dries easily and looks like what most others are wearing.
We have used this method of swimwear for two years now, and we love it. With this method, we are able to meet our modesty standards in a functional, contemporary, and comfortable way. written by Kathryn
*Most stores sell sporting shorts that have a liner in them. The shorts dry fairly quickly and they also are very comfortable.
*For swimsuit tops, we use full-length sport tank tops that come up high enough and that are also lined inside. If the tank top is too low for your modesty standard, they sell sport-type bras that go great underneath. The sport tank top is made of similar swimsuit material so it dries easily and looks like what most others are wearing.
We have used this method of swimwear for two years now, and we love it. With this method, we are able to meet our modesty standards in a functional, contemporary, and comfortable way. written by Kathryn
Thoughts on Modesty
Likewise [I desire] that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control,... but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
We as girls want to dress in a way that pleases God. In a way that does not cause others around us to sin.
Men are very visual; the way we dress truly does affect them. As their sisters in Christ, we should respect their feelings when it comes to how we adorn our bodies.
I want to encourage others around me to grow in their faith, I cannot control other people's actions, but I can control mine.
I want the way I dress to honor God and the men in my life. Even if it means that the really cute, super fashionable, short dress I love stays at the store. I want my guy friends to feel comfortable being around me. I don't want them to feel the need to look everywhere in the room but at me while we talk.
If a simple action like dressing modestly can help encourage others in their pursuit of Jesus, I want to do it. We know that men are visual, and can be tempted with the way that we dress. I want to create an environment that is conducive to the furthering of the gospel and not to the temptations of the world.
The way we dress says something to the world and the people around us. If we are dressing like we want attention, thats what we will get, but it won't always be from the right kind of people. Guys notice when well dressed (and covered) women enter the room.
Making good and simple choices in the way that we dress can be an easy solution. Ask your dad or older brother how they feel about the way that you are dressed. Ask them honestly if your outfit is in any way immodest to them. If it is, ask them how to make it modest. God has provided us with our dad as a safe person to ask these questions. It may be frustrating or embarrassing if they do not approve of your outfit, but it is much better to have them tell you than to expose yourself to those who do not have your best interests in mind.
Written by Emily and Kathryn
Modest Summer Clothing Idea
I am a runner, and running shorts are well, short. I do not necessarily want to wear basketball shorts to a Cross Country meet, but I also do not want to expose myself. My parents do not like our shorts to be much higher than our thighs. One great thing that I have discovered is Under Armour-like compression shorts to wear under the shorter shorts. With these I can still wear running shorts and I can honor my parent’s modesty expectations. This way my standard of coverage is met in a comfortable and contemporary way.
See that the black is the compression shorts under the blue- running shorts.
Written by Kathryn
I am a runner, and running shorts are well, short. I do not necessarily want to wear basketball shorts to a Cross Country meet, but I also do not want to expose myself. My parents do not like our shorts to be much higher than our thighs. One great thing that I have discovered is Under Armour-like compression shorts to wear under the shorter shorts. With these I can still wear running shorts and I can honor my parent’s modesty expectations. This way my standard of coverage is met in a comfortable and contemporary way.
See that the black is the compression shorts under the blue- running shorts.
Written by Kathryn
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED COURTING RATHER THAN DATING??
What is courting? To
me and my family courting means a relationship with someone where the
final goal is marriage. Things are conducted in a group format with
parental supervision. Dating just for the fun of it is not in my
agenda. I want to live life full of fun, not with baggage that can come
from unnecessary relationships. Here are some pros to courting, and cons
to dating.
Pros to Courting:
*Marriage is the goal
*Family monitored with parental involvement which equals less chance of temptation
*Group setting
*You get to see how the other person acts around their family and friends
*Purity is a standard
*You get to know each others families
*You get to know people in a nonthreatening environment
*Chances of getting your heart broken are lessened
*It is not an all consuming relationship
*You really get to know the person on a deeper level
*Your parents are aware of what is going on and you get to have their advice
*You are chaperoned which helps with temptation. If you wouldn't do it in front of your siblings, parents, or friends you probably shouldn't be doing it at all.
*There is not an "act" going on( ie. trying to impress), you get to know people "in real life"
*It is more fun to hang out in a group setting (ie. with a bunch of friends watching a movie or playing games)
*If you are not interested you have an easy way out of any deep relationship, thus not hurting others or yourself
*You are less emotionally involved.
Cons to Dating:
* You are more emotionally involved, which makes it more likely for deeper disappointments and hurt
*Because dating is usually a one-on-one thing it can lead to temptation
*Typical dating standards do not make purity a high priority
*Expectations are shifted from getting to know one another to a premature love relationship
*You don't necessarily get to know the other persons family and friends
*Parental supervision is not as prominent
*You may not be getting to know the person for who they really are because of the "status quo" of dating expectations
*A protective buffer exists when family and friends are involved. However, with dating you are more likely to give away too much too soon. If you don't end up getting married, you then have baggage that you take into the next relationship.
God designed marriage, and it is a great thing. We are not saying that dating is necessarily wrong, but the way that our current culture does it is not always honoring to God. You can make dating "ok", but you both have to be willing to do the work and stay pure. Or you can take the easier purity route by courting others, which usually yields a more productive ending. Over all courting begins with the express purpose of heading towards marriage. We do not have the desire to give away our hearts and purity solely for the enjoyment or normality of dating. We want to save ourselves for the person that we marry, and we feel that for us, courting the is best option for that.
Written by Kathryn and Emily
Pros to Courting:
*Marriage is the goal
*Family monitored with parental involvement which equals less chance of temptation
*Group setting
*You get to see how the other person acts around their family and friends
*Purity is a standard
*You get to know each others families
*You get to know people in a nonthreatening environment
*Chances of getting your heart broken are lessened
*It is not an all consuming relationship
*You really get to know the person on a deeper level
*Your parents are aware of what is going on and you get to have their advice
*You are chaperoned which helps with temptation. If you wouldn't do it in front of your siblings, parents, or friends you probably shouldn't be doing it at all.
*There is not an "act" going on( ie. trying to impress), you get to know people "in real life"
*It is more fun to hang out in a group setting (ie. with a bunch of friends watching a movie or playing games)
*If you are not interested you have an easy way out of any deep relationship, thus not hurting others or yourself
*You are less emotionally involved.
Cons to Dating:
* You are more emotionally involved, which makes it more likely for deeper disappointments and hurt
*Because dating is usually a one-on-one thing it can lead to temptation
*Typical dating standards do not make purity a high priority
*Expectations are shifted from getting to know one another to a premature love relationship
*You don't necessarily get to know the other persons family and friends
*Parental supervision is not as prominent
*You may not be getting to know the person for who they really are because of the "status quo" of dating expectations
*A protective buffer exists when family and friends are involved. However, with dating you are more likely to give away too much too soon. If you don't end up getting married, you then have baggage that you take into the next relationship.
God designed marriage, and it is a great thing. We are not saying that dating is necessarily wrong, but the way that our current culture does it is not always honoring to God. You can make dating "ok", but you both have to be willing to do the work and stay pure. Or you can take the easier purity route by courting others, which usually yields a more productive ending. Over all courting begins with the express purpose of heading towards marriage. We do not have the desire to give away our hearts and purity solely for the enjoyment or normality of dating. We want to save ourselves for the person that we marry, and we feel that for us, courting the is best option for that.
Written by Kathryn and Emily
Imagine
a beautiful, delicate, ornate box that is locked up tight. It sits on
your shelf in a place of honor for all to see. It has never been opened
and you know better than to let anyone touch it. This box is worth more
than all of the gold and jewels on the planet – it’s your purity. You
have been given this gift to give to ONE man one day. You don’t know
when but you are OK with that. You know that this gift isn't meant for
just any guy. It is meant for the most amazing man in the world. The one
that reminds you of your Dad, the boy that will cherish you, the one
that will love you so much that he will put his desires to the back
burner to protect your purity. You know that this gift can’t be opened
early or it will turn tarnished and rusty, it will no longer be shiny
and new. The box is for you to give to your husband when you get
married. He has a box similar to yours, would you want it to be
tarnished and rusted?? It was meant for you, you saved yourself for him
and then the box you get in return is so tarnished you can’t tell what
it should be... How would that make you feel?? Angry? Hurt? If
you wouldn't want the tarnished box, then don’t think your husband wants
that either. Save yourself. You are worth more than gold; don’t give
yourself away before it’s the right time. If you think you cant wait YOU CAN, and he can to! ~ Written by Emily
Sweet and single
This
Valentine's Day like all the ones that have come before in my
relatively short life I am single - In the eyes of the world. Unlike
many 16 year old girls I am completely devoid of a boyfriend this
Valentine’s Day. Some would feel sorry for me, some would wonder why. I
am more than happy to be alone (in the boyfriend department) this Valentine’s
day because I know that I have the greatest valentine of all, one who
loves me so unconditionally and completely I don't know why I would ever
want or need anything else. I am only human though and I can't wait
for the day when I am married to the greatest man on earth (other than
my Dad and Grandpa.) I am really thankful for both of these men in my
life, and I am so blessed and loved by both of them. I am also thankful
for my sisters (You know who you are ;)) that will be spending this
Valentine’s Day sweet and single with me. :) :) (Even though we won’t
all be together.) ~ Written by Emily <3a Biblical View on marriage
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24
Marriage is a God ordained thing. He knew back in the Garden of Eden that man needed a helpmate. God then created Eve, a woman.
God is omniscient, which means that He is all knowing, God knew that one man and one woman was (and still is) the best thing for us as humans. Men and women were created differently, but they are the perfect fit for each other. Nature echos this principle. Just as opposite poles of a magnet attract, so man and woman are naturally attracted to one another.
The world today is trying to twist marriage into a something that is unnatural. We currently see this in the news as various states in our nation are voting to redefine marriage from a man and a woman to same-gender unions. We also are exposed to this kind of thinking in many popular sitcoms. I believe that if God wanted things to be done differently, He would have done so from the beginning. Since God made marriage a union between one man and one woman, I believe that we should strive to keep it that way. It is for our own good! Men with men and women with women is a perversion of God’s design. It is not natural! It is not right! I have plenty of friends that are girls that I love like sisters! That kind of love is perfectly fine and natural! Girls and boys that think they love members of their same gender so much that they have to be couples are not following God's way! It is sick and wrong! I hate that my siblings see people and have to ask, “Why does that guy talk like a girl?” or, “Why are those two girls holding hands?” I shudder to think that it may get even worse for my future children.
This is a disturbing thing that pop-culture has decided to try to make allowable. I do not agree with people who choose to act against the Bible, but I do choose to love the sinner, not the sin. The "sinners" are not necessarily bad people; they are just deeply confused.
We as a nation should not tread lightly on a subject of such importance. Romans 1 is such a saddening reminder that if we do not glorify God as God and are not thankful, we are turned over to our sinful desires. Sexual immorality is a form of being turned over to our sinful desires; therefore, we should not voluntarily participate or approve of it. America is leaning dangerously close to a Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyle, and we all know what happened to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah! (Genesis 19)
America is falling down around us; it is frightening but true! Praise be to God who is a loving and forgiving God. We as Christians should set the example for others by loving sinners, but not excusing sinful lifestyles. God is forgiving, but is also just. I believe that going against God's wishes will certainly yield grave consequences.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
We can find true deliverance from any temptation we are faced with through Jesus. If you have struggled with something like this, do not feel condemned. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost. In Him, we find true freedom and forgiveness from any sin we face.
Written by Kathryn and Emily
Genesis 2:24
Marriage is a God ordained thing. He knew back in the Garden of Eden that man needed a helpmate. God then created Eve, a woman.
God is omniscient, which means that He is all knowing, God knew that one man and one woman was (and still is) the best thing for us as humans. Men and women were created differently, but they are the perfect fit for each other. Nature echos this principle. Just as opposite poles of a magnet attract, so man and woman are naturally attracted to one another.
The world today is trying to twist marriage into a something that is unnatural. We currently see this in the news as various states in our nation are voting to redefine marriage from a man and a woman to same-gender unions. We also are exposed to this kind of thinking in many popular sitcoms. I believe that if God wanted things to be done differently, He would have done so from the beginning. Since God made marriage a union between one man and one woman, I believe that we should strive to keep it that way. It is for our own good! Men with men and women with women is a perversion of God’s design. It is not natural! It is not right! I have plenty of friends that are girls that I love like sisters! That kind of love is perfectly fine and natural! Girls and boys that think they love members of their same gender so much that they have to be couples are not following God's way! It is sick and wrong! I hate that my siblings see people and have to ask, “Why does that guy talk like a girl?” or, “Why are those two girls holding hands?” I shudder to think that it may get even worse for my future children.
This is a disturbing thing that pop-culture has decided to try to make allowable. I do not agree with people who choose to act against the Bible, but I do choose to love the sinner, not the sin. The "sinners" are not necessarily bad people; they are just deeply confused.
We as a nation should not tread lightly on a subject of such importance. Romans 1 is such a saddening reminder that if we do not glorify God as God and are not thankful, we are turned over to our sinful desires. Sexual immorality is a form of being turned over to our sinful desires; therefore, we should not voluntarily participate or approve of it. America is leaning dangerously close to a Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyle, and we all know what happened to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah! (Genesis 19)
America is falling down around us; it is frightening but true! Praise be to God who is a loving and forgiving God. We as Christians should set the example for others by loving sinners, but not excusing sinful lifestyles. God is forgiving, but is also just. I believe that going against God's wishes will certainly yield grave consequences.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
We can find true deliverance from any temptation we are faced with through Jesus. If you have struggled with something like this, do not feel condemned. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost. In Him, we find true freedom and forgiveness from any sin we face.
Written by Kathryn and Emily
UNRAVELING THE WEB
50
MILLION ABORTIONS SINCE ROE VS. WADE... LET THAT SINK IN FOR A MINUTE.
THE WORLD HAS BEEN DEPRIVED OF SO MANY PRECIOUS LIVES! WHEN WILL IT
END? PEOPLE MOURN AND THE WORLD IS SHOCKED WHEN 5 AND 6 YEAR OLDS DIE IN
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, BUT WHO MOURNS FOR THE OTHER MILLIONS OF CHILDREN
BEING BRUTALLY MURDERED EVERY SINGLE DAY? HOW MANY PRECIOUS CHILDREN
HAVE TO DIE? THERE ARE COUNTLESS STORIES THAT WILL NEVER BE TOLD.
COUNTLESS LIVES THAT WILL NEVER BE KNOWN, AND FOR WHAT? SO SELFISH
MOTHERS AND FATHERS CAN LIVE THEIR PERFECT, WRINKLE- FREE LIVES?
THIS IS SO VERY, VERY WRONG. THE GROUND IS CRYING OUT AS LIFE AFTER
LIFE IS BURIED IN ITS DEPTHS. THE FOUNDERS OF OUR NATION THAT WAS BUILT
ON BIBLICAL TRUTHS ARE PROBABLY ROLLING IN THEIR GRAVES. I WOULD HATE TO
SEE THE LOOK OF PURE HORROR ON THEIR FACES IF THEY COULD SEE WHAT OUR
NATION HAS COME TO. IS IT WORTH IT? HAVE BABIES REALLY BEEN REDUCED TO
NOTHING MORE THAN FETUSES AND USELESS MOUNDS OF LIFELESS TISSUE? WHOLE
GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN ALMOST WIPED OFF THE FACE OF THIS EARTH DUE TO
ABORTIONS, AND BIRTH CONTROL. NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO DECIDE WHETHER OR
NOT THESE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE LIVED OR DIED. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE
TO LIVE THE LIVES THEY WERE MEANT TO LIVE, NOT HAVE THEIR LIVES CRUELLY
TAKEN FROM THEM! WHAT DID OUR FOREFATHERS FIGHT AND DIE FOR?? I DON’T
THINK IT WAS SO HELPLESS, INNOCENT BABIES COULD BE VACUUMED OUT OF THEIR
MOTHERS’ WOMBS. ~ Written by Emily
Do you feel the pressure to make good grades? Do you struggle to pace yourself and stay organized?
We sure do! We find ourselves juggling a social life, family time, sports, and other activities.
We are both home schooled, which means that our moms and dads are our primary teachers. We know that every home-school schedule is different, and that of a public or private schooled student is extremely different. I think all would agree that time management is very important!
Here are some tips on how to make your school week less stressful:
* Find your most productive time of the day and work steadily during that time. For me, my most productive time is in the morning, so I try to capitalize on that time. Usually waiting until the end of the day to do your hardest subjects is not a good idea.
*Talk with your parents about the week. If you know that one day in particular is going to be busy, plan ahead. You may need to double up the days before so that you do not fall behind. (From experience, it is best to do extra on days when you don't have a lot to do. This way, on days when you are extremely busy you won't fall far behind.)
* Write out your schedule on a calendar or in a planner. This can be beneficial to you and your family. When I started High School, my parents invested in a large dry erase wall calendar. This has helped with logging workouts, volunteer work, and extra curricular things. If you do not have the wall space or cash, think about a small planner (Target is a good place to look) or smaller dry erase board so that you can have things laid out a week or two in advance. written by Kathryn and Emily
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...” Colossians 3:23
We are both home schooled, which means that our moms and dads are our primary teachers. We know that every home-school schedule is different, and that of a public or private schooled student is extremely different. I think all would agree that time management is very important!
Here are some tips on how to make your school week less stressful:
* Find your most productive time of the day and work steadily during that time. For me, my most productive time is in the morning, so I try to capitalize on that time. Usually waiting until the end of the day to do your hardest subjects is not a good idea.
*Talk with your parents about the week. If you know that one day in particular is going to be busy, plan ahead. You may need to double up the days before so that you do not fall behind. (From experience, it is best to do extra on days when you don't have a lot to do. This way, on days when you are extremely busy you won't fall far behind.)
* Write out your schedule on a calendar or in a planner. This can be beneficial to you and your family. When I started High School, my parents invested in a large dry erase wall calendar. This has helped with logging workouts, volunteer work, and extra curricular things. If you do not have the wall space or cash, think about a small planner (Target is a good place to look) or smaller dry erase board so that you can have things laid out a week or two in advance. written by Kathryn and Emily
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...” Colossians 3:23
Book Review
The
book, The Bronze Bow, is a great read. I was assigned to read it last
year and loved it! I was not too excited to read it at first glance,
but sticking with it proved to be a great decision. The summary from
Amazon.com describes the book very well:
“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. –from the Song of David (2 Samuel 22:35)
The Bronze Bow, written by Elizabeth George Speare (author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond) won the Newbery Medal in 1962. This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.”
For those who love an easy-to-read historical-fiction story this book is for you. It combines the life of Jesus and the history of that era with an interesting storyline that has you invested in the lives of the characters the entire book. I would highly recommend that The Bronze Bow be added to your “fun book” reading list!
Written by Kathryn
“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. –from the Song of David (2 Samuel 22:35)
The Bronze Bow, written by Elizabeth George Speare (author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond) won the Newbery Medal in 1962. This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.”
For those who love an easy-to-read historical-fiction story this book is for you. It combines the life of Jesus and the history of that era with an interesting storyline that has you invested in the lives of the characters the entire book. I would highly recommend that The Bronze Bow be added to your “fun book” reading list!
Written by Kathryn
Movie review
October Baby
October Baby is a great newer movie. Here is the story overview from Netflix.
“Stunned and angered by the truth of her birth, college freshman Hannah sets out on a spring break road trip with her best friend Jason and a band of misfits to discover who she is, where she came from and where she will go from here.”
The movie is rated PG-13 mainly for the reference to abortion. The movie is very clean for this day and age. The acting was very well done. The boy/girl interaction is pure and wholesome. The only negative elements are disobedience, abortion, and immature college behavior (which is relatively mild).
I would recommend for mature 10 years old and up. My parents and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great movie for family entertainment. See trailer below.
* It is currently available to Stream through Netflix.
Written by Kathryn
October Baby is a great newer movie. Here is the story overview from Netflix.
“Stunned and angered by the truth of her birth, college freshman Hannah sets out on a spring break road trip with her best friend Jason and a band of misfits to discover who she is, where she came from and where she will go from here.”
The movie is rated PG-13 mainly for the reference to abortion. The movie is very clean for this day and age. The acting was very well done. The boy/girl interaction is pure and wholesome. The only negative elements are disobedience, abortion, and immature college behavior (which is relatively mild).
I would recommend for mature 10 years old and up. My parents and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great movie for family entertainment. See trailer below.
* It is currently available to Stream through Netflix.
Written by Kathryn
Thoughts on Books
Books are things that are used in typical every-day-life; we use them for both school and enjoyment. They are a source that we use all the time, therefore, it is crucial that we make sure that the ones that we read are clean and pure. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” (Psalm 25:21) Many books published today are filled with lies, language, sexual immorality, and perversions of everything that is good and Godly. It isn’t always easy to not read garbage. Temptations to sneak-a-peek into stories like that is hard, especially when someone you know reads and talks about them. But something we all need to know is that we have the strongest ally there is…Jesus. If you feel pulled by your friends or thoughts to fall into temptation, remember, me plus Jesus is always the majority. I believe that when you pray and ask for help to resist tempting thoughts, He’s on your side. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) And when your mind is clean and you endure yet resist temptations, it makes your light shine that much brighter.Written by Ashley
True beauty
" Your
beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate
hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4“I have to be stick-thin, I have to be drop dead gorgeous, I have to have perfect hair, I have to have perfect skin, I have to have perfect curves. To get guys to like me, I must wear tight, revealing clothing, and I must buy for the brand. “ All these are thoughts that threaten to pass through our minds.
There are many emotions wrapped up in the “perfect” mentality. For example, “That model is perfect because she is modeling for Chanel, she is 5’9, and only weighs ninety eight pounds – obviously she’s perfect.” “Perfection” should not be what we as girls are striving for! How we dress and how we look truly does not matter in the long run.
Going to the mall (or any store that sells clothing) does nothing for my self esteem. The clothes and images scream that since I weigh more than the average teenage girl, I should not be shopping in the same sections as my sisters and friends. After strolling through a store or mall, it can be so easy to start comparing yourself to what is "acceptable" in the world’s standards. This can leave you feeling dejected and unhappy with yourself.
The modern world is full of things trying to grab our attention: magazines, TV shows, and advertisements, just to mention a few. The world has tried to paint a picture of what "perfection" should be.
The truth is that we will never ever reach perfection without Christ, it is not attainable without Him. In all the history of the universe, there has only been one perfect person, Jesus. Jesus should be our model of perfection. God loves us JUST THE WAY THAT WE ARE. Until we accept that, we will continue to work for perfection, when we think we have attained it, we will still not be satisfied. When you know the truth that Jesus loves and accepts you, then and only then is when we can stop working towards shallow goals.
Although the models in stores and magazines may appear to "have it all", if they are without Jesus, they have nothing. True beauty is that which radiates from the heart. A girl who may not be in the most fashionable clothing, but who has Jesus, will be much more appealing because of the happiness which is in her.
We are worth SO much more than the media says!!! Nobody should be able to make us feel bad because we don't look like the world’s version of perfection. WE are ALL wonderfully made by God, and because of him, we can be beautiful on the inside and the outside! written by Kathryn and Emily
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
