The Perfect Girl

That was my google search today. "The Perfect Girl." I was sitting here thinking, "man..I just wish I was this, and wish I was this..." I made a list of things I wished I was. After a while, I realized, I am more than half those things; I need to stop doubting myself and letting those thoughts get to me! And the other things on the list are completely attainable. Now, I don't know what the world wide web says the perfect girl is, nor do I want to know. But what I do know is, everyone is different, and you can't please everybody. You should live to please God and God alone. "Wait, is she saying I shouldn't please my parents or leaders or husband, etc?" ..Of course not. When you please God, you'll be pleasing the right people. Whoever you are and however you act, as long as it's pleasing to God, it should be acceptable to other people.

One thing I wished I was said about me: "She doesn't care what anyone else thinks." And you know what? I have mixed feelings about this statement. I, personally, almost always care about what other people will think. And half the time, it's bad. I shouldn't care what people think of the music I like. I shouldn't care what people think of my choice in shoes or dress. There are so many little things, that just do not matter. If they do care, they think too much! It's really none of their business. But half the time, I think it's acceptable to care what other people think - as long as you're not living in fear of how they'll react to you or how they perceive of you. You should care how people think you treat them. You should care how you look - in a "am I presentable, well-kept?" way. There's kind of a fine line. Everyone draws that line differently. Make sure your line isn't too far or too thick or thin.

Ah, ok.. another thing I said. I wish I was a good cook. THAT is attainable. And I knew that when I wrote it. There will always be things that will be a continual work in progress. You can always work on skills, you can always work on your attitude, your expandable vocabulary, your appearance, your knowledge of desired subjects..etc.

So, the things you wish you were.. are they attainable? Are they practical? If so, and if they'll please God and those who matter, then do work at them. Become that girl. The girl who's everything and more. Each of us is different. Each of us has a different calling in life. Each of us has different skill sets. Different ways of communicating. Be who you are. Let there be a balance in all things.. And stop worrying so much.

Oh! and let me not forget to tell you.. Be confident! That's HUGE. major. The way you carry yourself matters. It shows a lot. People will be confident in you if you're sure of yourself. So, just do it. Know you can and will be everything God has called you to be if you work at it, and then run with it! It's a process. So, proceed.

Xx
Kirsten

More Than a Statistic

We all know what statistics are: the numbers and figures that you hear, when you're at assembly's or church, about teen drinking suicide drugs etc. Well while I was in my preteen to early teen years that's all I thought I was - a statistic..

By the time I was 11 I had such a terrible body image I would cry almost every night because I thought I was fat. By the time I was 12 my parents both worked so I could get away with skipping meals and working out excessively. By the time I was 13 I was a full out anorexic. Both my parents worked full time so I was able to hide it. So when we'd be out when they saw how little I ate they thought it was normal and always said I "ate like a bird" they had no idea the inner turmoil that was going on inside of me. I was so ashamed of my body and how I wasn't perfect like the people in church or magazines that I started taking it out on my body with self-harm. I felt worthless and numb to everything around me. I lost all my friends had no real relationships with my parents and hated church. A month before I turned 15 I gave God and ultimatum. I said if your real you need to do something. I'm a wreck and I'm falling faster everyday. I need you to take action in my life if your even real. Because if not after my birthday im done holding back. Because I just don't care anymore.
Then I got an email from a friend. She wanted to get together ans have a little girls night. I have no idea why but I said yes. It was the first time I felt like I was loved. And at dinner I unraveled a bit. Later that night I prayed that God would forgive me and help me.

But that's not the end of the story. I still had the guilt and shame of what I had done to myself and to top that I was still addicted to cutting myself. I still felt worthless. How could God ever love me? Look at everything I've done. How is it possible to be anything when all I am is a statistic?

It wasn't easy but one day I was so mad and no longer at myself but at the devil who was trying to bring me down everyday. I had had a candle burning and all the wax was melted inside I took my nail file which I used to cut and threw it in the wax and blew out the wick. I made a choice that day to change the way I was thinking about myself. I was not just a statistic. I was loved by the creator of the world. He thinks I'm beautiful! He loves me! Even when I felt like everything was falling apart I knew there was a reason he intervened in my life when he did. He has a plan and a purpose for my life! I am not worthless but a masterpiece created exactly how God wanted me to be.

It's easy to believe lies when that all you hear. Its hard to change. It's still a choice for me everyday, I have to get up and choose to think about what God says about me.

No matter how far you are He's always there ready to pick you up and help you through. You are his treasure, and He knows every hair on your head, every freckle on your face AND what your jean size is :-). All you have to do is ask Him for help and it will come. Even if its in email from from a friend you haven't talked to in months.

by Tyler J.

Coffee with a Friend: Staying Grounded

Coffee with a friend.

This morning I had the opportunity to go get coffee with a friend of mine. Our schedules are complete opposite, so this is a rarity, but when we make the time, I am oh so happy it works out.

See, drinking coffee may be an everyday occurrence for most of the population, but for me, "going out for coffee" with a friend involves so much more than downing a liquid to keep me awake. (I don't even drink coffee).

Keeping up my relationships with my close friends is so important to me - no matter how busy life gets, or how it changes. During the hour we spent at the coffee shop this morning, we got to catch up on each others lives and talk about how life is changing: graduating college, applying to grad school, running a business, having new relationships, family updates, and the list goes on. But 2 things in particular stood out to me today.

We talked about how words have such a powerful affect on us - on everyone. And yes, you've heard it before - "life and death is in the power of the tongue." But how does that relate to your everyday life? How can words do so much?

I've been reading this dancer's blog for a couple months, and recently I read her book. She's very artsy, and I love everything artsy. I often times wish I was looked more artsy, spoke more artsy, dressed more artsy, etc, but that's besides the point. The point is I have been so into her blog, that I read it almost every day. And the thing is...she wrote about heartache and being sad and depressed. She also wrote about love, and your dreams, and pushing through in life. But, somehow, it all got to me. I found myself being sad, and going back to my past thoughts of heartache. Even though, I'm not in that season of my life anymore, it really affected how I carried myself, and what I thought about me.

I walked around for days wondering why I was so down. Then, I realized..I haven't confessed God's Word. I haven't prayed how I should be praying. My Bible reading hasn't been too much more than a routine. And where did the guard on my heart go?

You see...I allow myself to be influenced very easily if my guard isn't up. I have trusted people I shouldn't. I have one too many times mistaken being naive for innocence. I care too much about people. I carry their burdens, knowing it won't help them, but wishing it would. I cry when other people are hurting. And..I've just recently come across something that changes everything: "Your job isn't to be their Savior. It's to point them to Jesus" (marshill). God, how could I take on their cares along with mine, and not cast them on You?

Life is funny sometimes. The way our minds work is amazing. They way His Word transforms our lives astounds me. God created us in His image. Right? Well if we're to uphold that image, we need to do something about it. It just doesn't happen on it's own. We need to stay grounded in our faith by continually putting His Words in our heart, spirit, thoughts and mouth. (not a dancer from LA, a rapper from Missouri, your friends or the devil - who will constantly try to bring you down).

Moral of the store of my life? Watch what you say, what you read, what you listen to ((music)) and what you believe. Words can kill or nourish life.

PS. I'm doing a study on prayer. Hopefully a good blog will come from it in the near future.

<3 Kirsten

The Choice of Happiness

The first day of college was less than pleasurable. I lost my 50-dollar train ticket; forgot to write down the room numbers of the classes I was in, so I was late to my first class; what would have been a five minute walk turned into a 45 minute walk to my next class; learned that most art students are weird! And all this was done with me carrying three bags in 80-degree weather. This was the start of my semester, and also the start of my absolute distain for school.

I hated everything about it: the commute, the teachers, the class, the material, the bathrooms, the list goes on. I was so miserable and I constantly thought of how better it would be if I was somewhere else. I constantly sat there feeling sorry for myself and cringed every time someone asked me how school was.

My attitude started spilling into my family life as well. I would come home upset or mopey everyday and which, of course, wasn’t pleasant for them. SIDE NOTE: You may think that your attitude and you’re your decisions are only affecting you, but this is a very selfish way of thinking. You aren’t thinking how your stinky attitude is affecting the people around you... Anyway, this is all pretty pathetic huh? Yes! It was! I had to make a decision and make the most of my situation. For a while I just sat there expecting myself to just Boom! Be happy but, of course, that’s not how it works. Happiness is a choice, and I had to choose that even though everything around me was less than pleasurable, that I was going to be happy. That doesn’t mean that I sat myself down and say, “ok think happy thoughts…. chocolate, puppies, warm exotic beaches…” No! I had to change the way that I thought. I had to replace those pathetic thoughts with the Word of God. I constantly listened to praise and worship music, and thanked God for the day. Thanked him for giving me the opportunity to go to school. Thanked him for the great parents I had that wouldn’t even let me entertain the thought of dropping school :) And slowly my thoughts started getting more positive and I wasn’t miserable. I didn’t allow myself to be miserable anymore.

My dad always says that we are often thrown in situations that we don’t like, but it’s how we react to those situations that determine our character. Whether you are hating school, or you really can’t stand your boss or if there is this really weird girl who just won’t leave you alone. You have a choice to make.

-Sam Schoessler

Easter What??

Ok, so I was making a sign for our store's door to let people know we'll be closed on Easter Sunday. I entered the word "Easter" into the clip art search box of Microsoft Publisher, and 99.99% of it was eggs and bunnies. Cute, but I immediately asked myself, "Where is Jesus?" Yes, I'm all about Easter baskets and getting people excited about Easter. Coloring eggs is still fun to me. And I think everyone should get Easter candy :). Don't get me wrong, I love Easter celebrations, and have the utmost respect for anyone involved in celebrating Easter!

However, I will ask you - Where is Jesus?

I grew up in church. You may have too. Yet, I read that only 20% of only the American population goes to church each weekend. So, what happens to this generation's kids? When they're older and go to make an Easter sign, will they even question what they find?

It's deeper than this. What do you believe in? Do you act on what you believe. Get ready for a cliche phrase.... actions speak louder than words. Do you share what you believe? Do you do what you believe?

I encourage you to research more about Easter. I hope you find more than you already knew. You'll find amazing facts about Jesus that may make you cry. I hope they remind you about what this season is all about. Delve into the scriptures and ask God to show you something new this Easter season. Please look up the word "crucifixion." Read all about it; I pray that it opens your eyes to a whole new meaning, and God gives you a revelation of what Jesus actually went through to save YOU from hell.

Also, you may find that eggs and bunnies do have a significant meaning. :) Who knew? I'd like to share those meanings with everyone, so the next generation does think of Jesus when they see and celebrate with Easter eggs.

I won't be giving you the answers :) so, please comment below to let us know what you find!

-K

Rainy Day Thoughts and Shoes

Heyyy girls... so it's quite dreary out today..and sometimes the weather puts me in a funny mood. Not like funny-haha, but just strange.. I'm not depressed or sad.. I'm actually ecstatically happy inside. But on the outside...there's a complete aura of mellowness.

Do you ever just want to sit inside on a rainy day, read a book, sit by a fire and sip a hot cup of insert your favorite hot drink here? I would like to do just that..and read inspirational blogs and quotes. I often times get completely obsessed with reading other people's thoughts and am completely amused at that fact that I too feel that way. Or have felt that way.


Do you ever think you're the ONLY girl in the world that is thinking what you're thinking? Welll....I can tell you that that's not true. Somewhere someone has felt how you feel. And you know what? Feelings and emotions are great! As long as they don't run your life. Feelings and emotions aren't always good or true. But fact is fact.

Feelings: I'm not good enough. or pretty enough. or strong enough. I don't have this or that..I can't do this or that..I wish this or that...

Facts: You're only as good as you think you are - HOWEVER, God thinks you're amazing. He created you to be just like Him.. and you need to embrace that - think THAT. God loves you. God will take care of you. He's strong when you're weak. He says you're beautiful and made in HIS IMAGE. God will provide all of your daily needs according to HIS RICHES AND GLORY. let God give you strength, peace, love, faith, joy, happiness, and everything else He's promised you. He's ready to give it to you - ALL you have to do is...... ask.

I may be in a mellow mood...but that doesn't mean anything other than...I'm in a mellow mood. It doesn't mean something's wrong..or I need to worry or complain. However, if that is ever the case..the moment I start to speak positive things and God's WORD over my life, my happiness level increases. This world isn't about me. It isn't about you. But we do need to take care of ourselves. Remember, you're the only Jesus a lot of people will ever see.

BTW...praying for other people will totally boost your mood (amongst other things). And what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.

Oh..and as for shoes..that's just how my mind works..The second I start to think, I think of 580384237 things within the smallest time frame.. So to reference Gilmore Girls.."hockey puck, rattle snake, monkey, monkey, underpants."

Please share what's on your mind!

<3 Girl of many random thoughts,
Kirsten

Love

Love. So many words may rush to your head when you hear the word “love.” Valentine’s Day, Boyfriends, Hearts, Flowers, Candies, Dates. Or even Family, Friends, Caring, Providing… So many ideas can come from one word. But what is the basis of love? What do we, as girls, need to do to make sure we have the best idea of love that there is?

Thinking of the phrase “colorme31” or “colormeLOVE”…let’s look at Proverbs 31:10, “A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” Now let’s take a look at your character? What characteristics of a Proverbs 31 girl do you have? Ones that make you more precious than jewels, rubies and pearls?!

You know the scripture that says, “and the greatest of these is love”? Well it’s true. And the Bible also talks about God being love. Take a look at this expert from the book “31 Girl” by Mary Simpson.

“Stay Close to Love. The Bible says in 1 John 4:8 that God is love. This means that by staying close and plugged into the ultimate source of love then we cannot but be changed. As you spend daily quality time with God His character is deposited in you. The more time you spend with Him, the more you become like Him.

Staying close to God also keeps us “in love” with Him. Revelation 2:4 says that we should not forsake our first love. Above all else, our Heavenly Father must be our first love. That’s not to say we can’t have other loves in our life but He has to be our priority, our personal Number One.”

When you first read the word “Love” at the beginning of this blog, did “God” come to your mind? Hmmm.. Put God as your Number One and see what happens in your life. I can guarantee you it won’t stay the same. Is he already first?? Step it up, and see what He does! J

Have a very happy Valentine’s Day. Show your love to God, your parents, siblings and loved ones!! Make sure you put your words into action! <3

24 Hours

This seems like a question that could be simply answered: What would you do if you had 24 hours left to live? Maybe some would say: Spend time with family, tell someone I love them, go skydiving….Those are all legit answers, and are actually some that I thought of when I first asked myself the question. But then, I decided to ponder it for a while…What would I do if I had only 24 hours left on this earth…24 hours to make my last impression…to leave my mark…to make a difference in this world…to go down in History! WHAT WOULD I DO?

Here’s a portion of my list, and I hope that you sincerely ponder this question as well. After I thought about these things, I realized, I should be doing these now! I am going to challenge myself to really work on these things…except, skydiving can wait. :)

I want to CHANGE THE WORLD! But it takes steps…and ACTION. Here are a few (in random order):

1) Be bold and spread the Word of God everywhere!
- By talking to people everywhere I go
- Making phone calls to my family and friends. If they don’t get saved before their hypothetical 24 hours is up, or least have the opportunity presented to them, then I would be devastated…devastated doesn’t even describe how I’d feel, if I didn’t take the opportunity to share my greatest knowledge with them
2) Spend time with my family and friends.
3) Write/Record/Perform a full song, so I/it impact(s) lives even after I’m gone.
4) Skydive
5) Give things away
6) Praise and Worship and just spend time with God
7) Write letters to those I care about


Some things that automatically came to my mind would not please God…and I thought, “would I really want to do something displeasing to God if I were going to be meeting him in less than a day?” NO! So, why should I do it now? Tomorrow is not promised to me.

This is PART 1 OF “24 HOURS.” Give us YOUR LISTS and look out for PART 2! Please write as at colorme31@gmail.com and tell us your “24 Hours” list! You could be a part of our next blog! (If you choose to have your name kept private, just let us know). Can’t wait to see all your answers! Feel free to comment here as well. Or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

<3 Kirsten