Forever Young

Stuck in Summer School?

Jackie Overpeck — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:07:10 GMT

It’s summer vacation! Yeah… wait, what was that? You’re not cheering? Perhaps it’s because your friends are at the beach while you’re trapped in a classroom?

I wouldn’t cheer either. You’ve already been through the regular school year with noisy class bells and exhausting exams. And now this! You’re probably asking yourself, “How am I going to make it through the hot summer studying instead of swimming?”

If this sounds like you, you’ve got a bad case of summer school blues.

Whether you’re in summer school for remedial instruction, to make up credits due to absence or failure, or for advancement purposes to boost your GPA and lessen your load during the next school year, there is a plus side to this experience. You’ll benefit from endurance.

Endurance is the ultimate “school supply” because it gives you the ability to bear prolonged hardship. It helps you tolerate more paperwork and tests. It gives you the power to remain strong when your friends are outside having a blast and you’re inside wearing out your eraser on Algebra. (I know! I was there. Algebra was not a good subject for me.)

The hit reality TV show Survivor is a good example of endurance. Week after week, the contestants are isolated in the wilderness as they compete. Some are more successful than others. What’s the biggest difference between the “Sole Survivor” and those who are voted off? The ability to endure. You were also created to survive and win. How?

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

But here’s an important point, endurance in the spirit is not the same thing as willpower. It’s not about you mustering up the might to master mathematics. It’s about God’s ability in you. Our goal as Christians isn’t to live by our own resolve or to rely on ourselves to invoke self-discipline. Yes, we need to act on our faith and take responsibility, but in everything we do, we should submit our will to God’s. We learn what His way is by attending church, reading the Bible, and remaining in prayer.

So how do you and I endure the challenges we face?

We lean on Christ. Romans 8:26 says, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.”

Paul considered his limitations, reflected on God’s Word and wrote, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (II Cor. 12:9-10)

As Paul spoke to the Corinthians about the hardships they were facing in life, he encouraged them to give God their troubles and the things that were distressing them. God hears your and my prayers for help and He responds by extending His favor and offering us His salvation. (II Cor. 6:1-10)

The determination of man only goes so far, but the Psalms say, “For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (100:5)

You’ve got an enduring God! And you can ask Him to empower you with the grit and guts you need to get through every challenge and situation in your life… even summer school.

~ Jackie O.

Positively Promless

Jackie Overpeck — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:29:07 GMT

No limo. No ruffled dress. No dancing shoes.

Just a boat full of average girls like me who are dateless too.

How come a cute guy hasn’t asked me to prom?

This is so typical.

I didn’t want to go anyways…

Does this sound like a conversation you’ve had with your girlfriends? If so, here are three tips to help you survive when you’re positively promless:

1. Forget the formality of a date.

You can go to prom with your girlfriends and have just as much fun hanging with them. Or, if you prefer to skip prom, set aside some fun time for another graduation celebration activity. Create your own theme for an evening and take lots of pictures of you and your friends. Stay up late talking and telling stories about how you survived high school. Recall your ups and downs. Doing this gives you strength for the next chapter in life.

2. Look to the future.

Sure prom is special, but it’s not everything. Anytime you feel jilted, try flipping loss on its side, and consider what you have gained. I have learned that what might look like a loss may not really be a loss at all. I missed my senior prom. I was positively promless, but I attended Grad Night at Disney World with my friends instead.

I’ll never forget all the fun we had running around Tomorrow Land in tennis shoes and riding Space Mountain. How much does standing in the moonlight under Cinderella’s Castle beat hairspray and high heels, anyways!? When I missed prom, I didn’t know I was going to get to go to Grad Night at Disney. See? There’s always something good around the corner. Don’t let yourself get too down. Keep looking to the brighter side of things.

3. Realize you are loved.

Your value isn’t dictated by whether some gorgeous guy asks you out on a date. No way! You are way more special than that. As you think about yourself, take the word “average” out of your vocabulary. Why? Because average doesn’t describe the wonderful young woman God make in you! Believe it. It’s true.

If you want to understand your true worth, you’ve got to look into Jesus’ eyes, not the eyes of any common man. That’s a good lesson to learn now, because even later in life when you’re married you’ll need to be secure in Christ first. No one can fulfill the deepest longings of your heart but the Lord. As you get hold of God’s image of you, you’ll become a beautiful reflection of His glory.

The Lord cares for you deeply. He’s the only one who loves you so much that He gave his life to win your heart.

I like the song “You Laid Aside Your Majesty.” Try thinking about these lyrics when you feel lonely or disappointed.

I really want to worship you, My Lord
You have won my heart and I am yours
For Ever and Ever
I will love you
You are the only one who died for me
Gave your life to set me free
So I lift my voice to you in adoration

Regardless if you’re going to prom or not, God makes this awesome promise to you:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

You did it! You made it through high school and you have so much to celebrate. Congratulations!

I know God has great things in store for you.

~ Jackie O.

Every Step You Take

Jackie Overpeck — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:52:50 GMT

According to an article from The Washington Post, increasing numbers of teenagers and college students report feeling under stress. We all need God to step into our lives and ease the worries and pain. We need His redeeming love to wash over our hearts and carry our cares out to sea.

Is there a trouble that’s keeping you awake at night?

God doesn’t want you to fret, agonize, or live in fear. He respects your choices. And it’s your choice if you will go to God and seek Him or not. I like the way Jeanne Guyon, a Christian author who lived during the late 16th century, puts it. In Experiencing God Through Prayer, she writes, “Everyone is capable of praying, but many have the mistaken idea that they are not called to prayer. Just as we are called to salvation, we are called to prayer.”

There is power in prayer. When you lift your heart to God in prayer and worship, He hears and He moves on your behalf! In the book of Acts, we see many stories with positive outcome in the lives of those who pray.

“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31, NLT).

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (Acts 16:25-26, NLT).

Nothing is too hard for God! He can shake loose anything that’s binding you; whether it’s addiction, codependent relationships, or low self-esteem. With God’s help, you can overcome anything that’s troubling you today. God stands ready to bring your breakthrough, but it’s up to you to believe in His word and pray.

The Secret Place

In the Lord, we find a mighty God, a faithful Father, an understanding Comforter, and so much more. God longs to reveal Himself to us in new ways. Others may have hurt you and let you down, but you can trust God with the private matters of your heart. He will cover you and help you find good answers to the issues you face.

Psalm 91:1-3 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence” (NKJV, emphasis added).

Did you notice the word “dwell” in Psalm 91? To dwell means to hang out with God or settle in with Him. He wants to connect with you every day. But how? We link up with Him through the secret place of prayer.

Go to the Lord today and tell Him how you are doing. Then, ask Him what His will is concerning the situations in your life. He cares about all the details that are important to you. Only He can keep us on the path that leads to His loving arms.

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).

Every step you take, the Lord is watching over you.

~ Jackie O.

That’s So Doubtful!

Jackie Overpeck — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:02:43 GMT

What do you doubt most often?

For some, it’s their ability. Their hearts are filled with worry and they ask themselves: Will I ever be successful?

I cannot get this algebra! I’m just not as smart as everyone else in my class.

Others doubt their social status. Negative self-talk leads to uncertainty and they say:

I’ll never be as popular as he/she is. I’m not quarterback material and I’m too embarrassed to stand up in front of a stadium, jump around and cheer.

It’s normal to think about things such as these and analyze your life experiences. We all do. But when you find yourself hesitating to get involved because you’ve been emotionally inhibited by fear and stress, it’s time to re-center yourself with God’s Word. Comparing yourself to others around you only leads to self-doubt. Instead, look at what God says about you. Then, be the best “you” that you can be.

Here’s how: Take a few steps back from your school day, family, and life and ask yourself this question, what are my doubts based upon? Keep a journal on your nightstand and write about your fear and your faith. It’s therapeutic and will help you see life more clearly.

It’s important to be real about our feelings because this is natural. But here’s an important building block: Doubt turns to faith when we accept the natural, but believe the supernatural. As a Christian, you’ll want to step back from “it all” and consider what God is saying. What is His message for you? What does He want you to believe?

If you’ve become distrusting of yourself and others, turn to the Lord for restored confidence and faith. One of my favorite Christian hymns is “Because He Lives” by the Gaithers. This song reminds me that no matter what doubts I may have, tomorrow is a valuable day in my life (and yours) simply because of Jesus.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Losers and Winners: What Does It All Mean?

Sometimes we all feel like losers. And sometimes we all feel like winners. Regardless of our changing emotions and circumstances in life, we are assured that every day of existence (honoring the life God has given us and the lives of others) is chief because of God’s love.

Whatever you are dealing with today, be encouraged. Don’t let depression take hold of your heart. You are too precious and your life is too significant to suffer that anxiety. You can change your way of thinking and move away from doubt by realigning your heart with the truth given in God’s Word.

Begin to exercise spiritual strength by taking the times when you are doubtful as opportunities to build your faith in God. Here are three passages of Scripture especially for you:

1) Romans 8:31, If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV) Read the whole chapter of Romans 8 to see that you are more than a conqueror.

2) Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV) Read the whole chapter of Isaiah 41 to see that God has chosen you and not rejected you. He is present every day of your life to help you through.

3) John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV) Read the whole chapter of John 15 to see how you can have lasting joy and understand the Holy Spirit’s role in your life as the Comforter when bad days come.

Will bad days and doubts still come? Yes, they will. Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is perfect. But it does mean that deep in your soul you will remain free and unharmed. You have the gift of everlasting life. Your spirit is sealed with the power of redemption and Heaven is your eternal home.

Be filled with faith today. Lay all doubts aside. And most of all, keep the hope of Heaven alive in your heart because you are God’s super star!

~ Jackie O.

Not Rejected and Not Alone

Jackie Overpeck — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:25:40 GMT

According to a recent report from the Family Research Council, 55 percent of teenagers live in families where their biological parents have rejected one another. Of the 12.8 million teenagers ages 15-17 in the U.S. in 2008, 7 million were living with one birth parent only, with a birth parent and a stepparent, with two cohabiting parents, or with neither parent (in adoptive or foster families, in group quarters, or on their own).*

Are you one of the 7 million? I was.

As families break up, teens suffer rejection and loneliness. Rejection causes us to replay negative experiences in our minds. Each time we hit rewind and replay the situation our depression deepens. It's a vicious cycle and a spiritual battle. You and I need God to break any mindset that keeps us trapped in a negative place. But how?

During the time when I was healing from my parents divorce, a minister came up to me and said, "God tells me you are replaying the pain. Stop rehearsing it. Instead fill your heart and mind with what God's Word says about you."

I knew he was right, so I did as he said. And that was the beginning of a greater liberty in my life. From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to let go of my bitterness.

Your Place in 2011

There is a place of belonging for you beginning today. And that place is close to the heart of God. You can experience healing. You can leave the pain of your past behind. You can move into the future, whole and complete in Christ. God did it for me, and He will do it for you.

Maybe your parents divorced, your dad or mom left, one of your parents passed away, or a brother or sister betrayed you. Maybe you have a parent who is serving in the military and you miss them. Perhaps your family is struggling with unemployment; your parent is laid off and out of work. Your parents’ home may have been foreclosed and you wonder when the fighting over money will end. Whatever the root of your rejection has been in 2010, you must hold onto hope. A New Year is here! You can throw off bitterness and experience healing in your soul.

Habakkuk 3:16-19 shows us that God works in the bad times in our lives. The hard experiences we endure really do make us stronger. Romans 8:28 goes on to say that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)

Restoration is a process. Psalm 30:5 declares, "Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." No matter how cutting the pain of darkness is, the light of day always breaks through it.

God goes before you into 2011 and He is greater than your circumstances. He sees your past, present, and future. He gets you. He stands with arms open. His love can heal your deepest sorrow. He can lift the bitterness you feel and bring liberty that will cause your heart to sing again.

I understand people you love have hurt you. Just remember, you are not rejected and you are not alone. You have a place of shelter, a Heavenly Father, a Christian family, and an eternal home.

Six Rejection Breaking Keys that Show How You B-E-L-O-N-G

B – Begin

Starting anything new can be hard. In fact, there’s not much good we can do in our own ability without the Lord. That’s why God wants to be your strength as you begin embracing Him (Psalm 46:1 and II Corinthians 12:9-10).

E – Embracing

Here’s where you act upon your faith. To embrace is to accept and welcome God in your life
(Acts 16:31 and Romans 5:1). You might ask, "But, how do I embrace God?” Well, you talk to Him just like you talk to your best friend. (At the end of this post, there's an opportunity for you to experience God's love through the power of prayer.)

L – Love’s

I John 4:16 tells us that “God is love”. Is it possible for people like you and me to know Love’s open arms? You bet it is. Never forget, you are God’s favorite one.

O – Open arms

Jesus died on the cross, but He also rose from the grave. We aren’t embracing a dead or made-up diety. Our God is alive. The Holy Spirit enables us to feel His presence and sense His open arms. When we call on the Lord Jesus, He hears us every time (Isaiah 58:9).

N – Never-ending

Isaiah 9:6-7 reassures us that God is forever. He isn’t going to walk out on us. Isaiah says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (NIV, emphasis added). Did you get that last part? The kingdom of God is never-ending (Psalm 16:8).

G – Grace

Favor surrounds you when the God of love is with you. John 1:17 reminds us, “…the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (NIV). God will transform your life with His grace. He is the lifter of your head. No more rejection, only acceptance in Him.

A New Year's Prayer

God can heal your broken heart. Are you ready to pray?

Lord, who is more powerful than you? Who is more able to restore than you? Not anyone! So as I start 2011, I empty my heart of the rejection I have experienced and I ask you for peace. Will you revive me again? Will you take away the pain?

I believe you will! I will not hang my head low in defeat; I choose in this holy moment to hold onto hope. I lift my head high, knowing that you have created me to be an individual, as unique as the snowflakes outside. Help me to forgive my family. I release my resentment. Bring purity to my life, restore the trust. Heal the brokenness and cause my heart to sing with new joy! Thank you for being my Heavenly Father and for welcoming me into your family and home. I am neither rejected, nor alone because I BELONG to you. I ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God hears and answers, so expect His breakthrough in your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (NIV). God is going to do something mighty for you in 2011.

* Family Research Council
CBN News: Family Report Shows Brokenness in U.S. Homes

~ Jackie O.

Honoring 303 (Mom), Especially at Christmas

Jackie Overpeck — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:52:32 GMT

I’ve heard teens say they hate when their parents ask, “who are you texting?” Sure, it can be annoying to have to answer. Can't a gal or guy even text without getting the run around? Geez.

But, what if your parents didn't have to ask who you are texting because you are actually texting them?

Yes, this may seem a bit weird at first. But consider how it might help your parents feel loved. Texting 303 or dad any time of the year would be gr8, but especially at Christmastime. After all, u text your pals 24/7 to let them know ur thinkN about them, so why not txt yr parNts so they feel yr lov too?

Are u guilty of texting CD9 (“parent in room”) or 99 (“parent has left”)? Come on, tell the truth!

Instead of separating yourself from your parents during the holidays, give them a special gift this year for Christmas. Include them in your circle.

Why bother? Exodus 20:12 has the answer. It says, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long..."

To honor means to respect and admire. Your parents my get on your nerves sometimes, but we all need to hear this. To honor also means giving credit and tribute to your parents. They aren't ignorant. They know how important texting is to you, so one way to honor them might be to send a text to say 143 (“I love you”). After all, who bought the phone and pays the phone bill? Probably your parents, right? And, I bet you don't have a prob txtN em to say what u want for Xmas!

Think of how surprised yr 303 n dad will be when they learn how gr8 you are at communicating! Shock them by sending a warm or thoughtful message when you’re out with your friends. Who said it's not QL (“cool”) to let your parents into your world and show them that you care for them? Perhaps texting 303 and dad will help them understand you better. Soon they'll find out your listening and texting isn't an enemy that's totally distracting you from life.

If your parents are befuddled by your texts, share the meaning with them. Help them understand your txt language. They don't mean to be out of it; and they're not as ancient as you may think. Tell them that "K" means "OK". Remember, one reason texting may concern your parents is because they may feel powerless to understand it all. Only you can help quiet that fear.

As you teach your parents what being a texting teen means to you, it will help strengthen your R/Ship with them. Some parents don't get that technology is causing your gNR8N (generation) to advance quicker than those before and that in some ways 13 is the new 18. But as you include your parents in your life, battles will begin to cease and balance will come.

Instead of the Great Wall of China separating you from your 303 and dad, you'll establish a new closeness. Why not send them a text right now? Let them know that U R OK. Let them know when U R not OK. It's OK to say FGM (“forgive me”) when you've done something wrong. And it's good to FG them too! Holding a grudge hurts too much, so keep your youthful spirit fresh and let go of offenses. Heal and text it out.

Most importantly, remember that even when ppl (“people”) like parents don't understand u and they let u down the Lord loves you AAF (“always and forever”)!

Mrry xmas n hpE kin txtN!
(“Merry Christmas and happy family texting!”)

~ Jackie O.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Jackie Overpeck — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:45:24 GMT

Psalm 92:1 declares “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” (NKJV). Colossians 4:2 continues, “Devote yourselves to prayer being… thankful” (NIV).

Prayer is when you stop everything else to actively communicate with God. You might offer Him praise, make a request, seek guidance, confess sins, or simply express the thoughts and feelings of your heart.

During the month of November, I’m reminded that we need to offer thankful prayers. I love to walk outside, take a breath of the crisp autumn air, look up at the colorful trees, and thank the Lord. This is the season of harvest, bounty, and blessing so it’s easy to allow the overflow of the golden goodness all around to bubble up inside and come rushing out in prayer.

A lot of people claim to pray, especially when they are up against the wall, but many don’t really understand the power of prayer to deliver them from temptation. Prayer makes a real difference in our lives. It enables us to shut out the distractions of this world and lift the petitions of our hearts to God, where we can leave them for His divine intervention. Then after we pray all we must do is believe. Sometimes that’s easier said that done. When my faith is low, I remind myself one hundred times a day that God is able to keep what I entrust to Him (see II Timothy 2:12). At all times, we must believe, then keep on believing, and believe some more. God will come through. How can we be sure? Because our belief is based upon His might not our own ability to stand strong.

Prayer blesses God, but it also serves to encourage us. How? Prayer builds hope where there was despair. Any time you are in trouble, you can ask for God’s help. He will give you peace where there was confusion, but you must be honest with yourself and the Lord.

The thing about thankful prayers is that we don’t have to wait until we’re hard-pressed to call out to God. We can lift a prayer of thanksgiving to Him right now for all the wonderful things He has done!

Prayer can be spontaneous, in your own words, or it can even be a song that you sing. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Matthew 6:7 reminds us, “When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (NIV). Prayer is best when it comes directly from your heart. Ecclesiastes 5:2 encourages, “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (NKJV). God has it covered. He can be trusted and He is worthy of our adoration.

So how can you and I express our thankfulness to God in a practical way? By receiving His love and being grateful for it.

When we recognize that only God deserves the honor, glory, and power, we align ourselves for a special miracle. Answered prayer is a supernatural gift. Only the Lord protects us, provides for us, blesses us with life, and sent His son Jesus to die in our place. The miracle-working power of God is great in your life and in mine.

Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (NIV). When you pray the Lord inclines His ear. He stops everything and listens. He is ready to respond to your faith. Never doubt that the Lord is touched by your prayers or that He cares.

Let’s offer our ardent love to God this November. Let’s declare His faithfulness in the morning and at night (Psalm 92:1-2). This Thanksgiving season (and all the year long), God is more wonderful than our hearts can receive.

Fall Fashion for the Fearless

Jackie Overpeck — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:53:05 GMT

According to New York Fashion Week, the hot trends for fall 2010 are conservative glamour, chick urban warriors, and eccentric color combinations.

While fashion trends come and go, true style is generated from an inward beauty that emanates inside out. After all, how can you really be a chick urban warrior on the outside if you’re torn up inside?

A few weeks ago, I read that by the time teenagers reach age 16 only 5 percent feel good about themselves. Maybe you're one of them or perhaps you know a young person whose self image is sagging. If so, you can relate. You understand that poor self-image and the fear to be uniquely you chokes confidence and stifles happiness.

During my teen years and early twenties, I filled journals with my inward struggle between faith and fear. I wanted to succeed wildly, but too many times worry stifled my sense of savoir faire. I sought after the ability to say or do the graceful thing, but many times I couldn’t vest up. I feared that if I stepped out, I wouldn’t be good enough. Rather than grasping God’s view of myself and my true beauty, I fell into the trap of gauging my worth by the ever-changing opinions of others.

Through these struggles, I discovered God’s love provides peace and overcomes fear. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God has overcome all your awkward feelings. He has overcome rejection. He has overcome insecurity. You are good enough.

When fear says, “You aren’t cool. Don’t try out for the ______ (the band, the team, etc.).” Choose faith that exclaims, “I will put a new song in your heart” (Psalm 40:3). When fear whispers, “You’re going to make an idiot of yourself. You were made for the background.” Faith pronounces, “I have called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

What are you struggling with today? It may be fear of failure (not getting in to the right college or finding a job) or fear of the future (not being sure of who you are and what to do with the next few years) or even fear of letting someone you love down (not meeting expectations). You’re not alone; we all deal with these issues. Fear is subtle. It sneaks in, dampens your spirit, and ruins what would otherwise be a great day.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you’re one who is fighting fear (as I did), I have some tips that can help you.

Fall Fashion Guide

F-E-A-R no longer has a place in your closet. Go ahead; try these Scriptures on for size. God isn't a respecter of persons. The faith He’s granted another, He'll give to you too! Here are four faith-filled garments no one should leave home without.

1. Favor and the fuchsia scarf

You’re wrapped up in God’s favor. How can anyone as beautiful as you doubt their true worth? The next time you tie a scarf around your neck remember God's favor is with you. "You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit." (Job 10:12, NKJV)

2. Endeared in your embroidered jeans

Anytime you step out in your skinny jeans, remember God's got you covered. You are endeared by Him today. "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16, NIV)

3. Acknowledge the ankle boots

Your boots were made for walking from sin straight into the sanctuary. Kick up those heels knowing that your steps will be firm as you walk the way of salvation. "Stand therefore… having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:14-16, NKJV)

4. Restoration and the ravishing headband

Headbands are in. (Right now as I type this, I’m wearing a cute black velvet one.) Whenever you slip on a headband, remember that God is your restorer. It doesn't matter what you've done, He stands waiting to forgive and forget. You’re always on his mind. His will is for your good. "The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us." (Psalm 115:12, NKJV).

God's view of you is what matters most. When you get that, true beauty shines from the inside out. This is your season to break free from the fears that have held you back because Christ has given you all faith. With this panache principle in tow, you'll never doubt that you are clothed in His love. So be fashioned full of faith rather than fear!

A Homecoming to Remember

Jackie Overpeck — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:49:25 GMT

It’s autumn, football season, and time for the homecoming dance.

Do your texts and conversations sound like this?

I wonder if he’ll ask me out?
What! He asked you out?
That’s the end of our friendship! You're no longer my BFF!

It is an emotionally charged time. So let’s step back and think about this whole homecoming thing. Though it's sure to be an exciting evening and important high school memory, the night will pass and your life will soon go on. The most valuable base theme on homecoming night and throughout high school is that you keep your faith strong… despite all of the drama.

One way to accomplish resilient belief in God is to acknowledge that He is the basis for all goodness in your life. He helps us get through disappointments, rejections, and betrayals. Having experienced those wounds Himself, He understands how you feel when your friends aren't there and you're left alone in an awkward place.

Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin."

The key to a great homecoming is first coming home to Christ. When you accept the salvation of the Lord, your heart is sheltered from the emotional ups and downs of high school and life. Frustrations will still come, but you won't have to manage the hard stuff alone. The Lord is there any time you pray.

Tips to Strengthen Your Faith

1. Acknowledge that you don't have it all together. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

2. Repent of wrongdoing with genuine regret. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)

3. Confess that you need a Savior. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive." (I John 1:9)

4. Believe that Jesus died for you. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

5. Receive life and love that never fades. "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." (John 1:11-12)

Sometimes high school is awesome! You find the right dress and a cute guy asks you out. Other times, it's awful and it seems nothing is going your way.

As a Christian, you have a sure foundation to live for beyond homecoming and high school. God wants you to know today that you have acceptance in Him. All you have to do is receive and believe.

Now you're really ready to dance!

~ Jackie O.

What Are You Being Pressured to Do?

Jackie Overpeck — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:02:08 GMT

Most teenagers will say it’s one or more of the following:

Get better grades
Dress in a certain style
Lie, steal, or cheat
Be mean to someone
Alcohol or drugs
Sex

But how about you? What pressures are you feeling today, right now?

Are some of your new friends already pulling you down? Think about each new friendship and determine if it’s positive or negative, good or bad. If you’re holding onto to some friends who may be negative or bad, you can pray and ask the Lord to bring positive and good friends into your life.

Let’s create a game plan now so you’ll be able to resist temptations that would otherwise make you weak due to their heaviness. You see, when you’re weak in resolve, it’s easier to succumb. You can make up your mind today to go through the 2010-2011 school year with good grades, good friends, and good times. Let’s put an end to unwarranted pressures before homecoming even hits.

Three Ways to Alleviate the Pressure

1. If you fear social acceptance, choose friends who accept you for you. Pick people who are individuals. If you appreciate the uniqueness about them, they’ll appreciate your quirky ways too.

2. If you fear rejection, make an effort to remove yourself from questionable circumstances. You don’t have to say “yes” to every party invitation you receive. Be choosy and avoid situations where you think you might compromise your values.

3. If you fear missing out on some perceived benefit, use scripture as the guide to whether the “perk” is truly best for you. For example, maybe you’re tempted to cheat on a test. Proverbs 1:10 warns don’t fall for the enticement of sin. Based on this, you’ll know it’s best to simply study hard and take whatever grade you get.

Now that’s a Real Friend

Anything or anyone who causes you to change your attitudes, morals, or behaviors just to be part of the group isn’t cool. Never forget I Corinthians 15:33! Bad company corrupts good character.

Make your closest friends other believers in Jesus who also want no association with sinful things (II Corinthians 6:14). These are the confidants who will empathize with you according to His grace. They will build up your self-esteem on days when your hair is flat and you couldn’t fit in your skinny jeans. And best of all, they’ll be on guard to protect you against the risky stuff that could not only damage your school year, but also your life.

Until next time, remember that God is your best friend!

And if we obey Him, He considers us to be His friends too! (John 15:14)

~ Jackie O.