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It’s National Fitness Day!

Apr22

Hey, tween girls! Do you like keeping fit? I hope so, as everything works better when you’re keeping yourself fit… your energy, that glow in your face, the way your clothes fit. And besides, it’s just fun!

So what are your faves? Running, rollerblading, dancing, or cheer, or maybe even some walkovers in the backyard? There are lots of ways to keep fit, for sure!

If it’s not really your thing, it’s just about getting your body moving, that’s all. So just for fun, how about making a list? Maybe riding a bike, or hiking on a fun trail, or walking around a lake. Whatever you come up with, I’m sure you’ll love it once you start up!

And if you’re not where you’d like to be, you could set some small goals. Whether you work out alone or with bunches of friends, you’re sure to have fun!

So Happy National Fitness Day, and remember that everything’s better when you’re feeling more fit!

It’s National Puppy Day!

Mar15

Truly… is there anything cuter?!

They are just so fun and so funny, too! How they endlessly explore and get into everything and sniff with their wagging tail… how they love playing fetch and look up at you with those sweet, tender eyes.

Makes my heart melt… Yours, too?

In my book, The Heart to Dance, whenever Alexis visits her grandmother, Numsie, in Paris, she can’t wait to see Bijou, Numsie’s bichon frisé. Alexis has adored her since she was a puppy and loves scooping her up and talking to her and snuggling with her, too.

So for those of you who have puppies, how about celebrating with special treats, or extra time at the park, or doing what they love with lots of cuddling, too. Or how about picking up a sweet rescue and making their day!

Happy National Puppy Day to you!

It’s National Hugging Day!

Jan21

Hey, tween girls!

So who doesn’t love hugs? I’m pretty sure most of us do! Whether it’s your mom, dad, brother, sister, grandparents, friend, dog, or cat, to name just a few . . . hugs are the best!

What a way to show appreciation or love, or showing someone how special they are. It might also just make someone’s day!

So Happy National Hugging Day! And if you haven’t already, how about getting right on it and maybe giving a few extra hugs today, too!

Happy Dad’s Day!

Jun18

Hey, tween girls! It’s Dad’s Day today! . . . that special day to celebrate your dad.

So what’s happening today? A picnic? Playing some golf? A day at the lake?

While you’re celebrating, how about telling him how special he is and all that he does for you. He’ll be sure to love that! And if he’s no longer with you, let sweet memories and your Heavenly Father be a comfort to you.

So Happy Dad’s Day to all of you! And hoping your day’s filled with laughter and fun!

Summer Dreams Plan B

Jun5

Hey, tween girls!

So how’s it been going with this pandemic going on??? It’s sure changed things a bit, with home-school for all, family lock-downs, and no time with friends . . . Wouldn’t you agree?

Now that summer’s here, maybe your family vacation’s been called off, or no summer camp or fun days at the pool . . . The good news is things are easing up, so looks like you’ll soon be able to get with your friends, just smaller groups . . . still keeping those hands clean, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying farther apart, right?

But are you still disappointed it’s changed your summer plans or those you’ve dreamed up in months past? If so, how about coming up with ‘Summer Dreams Plan B’?

How about sitting under your favorite shade tree and making a list? Here are some ideas for you . . .

  • Bar-b-ques
  • Picnics
  • Summer sleep-overs
  • Movie nights
  • Doing karaoke and singing favorite songs
  • Cooking up yummy treats or fun summer salads
  • Fun family hikes
  • Riding your bike
  • Journaling your thoughts and feelings
  • Writing fun stories
  • Reading cool books
  • Teaching your dog new tricks
  • Creating new dance moves
  • Sitting in a fun, cozy spot, dreaming BIG dreams!

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” So even when our world’s going through rough times, God wants us to enjoy what He’s given us and to be happy in Him. So how about getting going on that list, and let the summer fun begin!!!

HeartDream Chat – What all did you come up with? I’d love to hear!

 

 

 

Summer’s Coming!

May17

Ready for summer? It’s coming . . . !! Are you envisioning all those things you can’t wait to do?

  • Staying up lateshutterstock_126592436
  • Sleeping in
  • Bar-B-Ques
  • Summer sleepovers
  • Watching movies
  • Days at the pool
  • Picnics
  • Reading fun books
  • Writing in your journal
  • Hiking and biking
  • Boating at the lake
  • Summer camp
  • Vacationing with your family
  • Visiting relatives
  • Discovering new places

So how about getting into those fun summer clothes? Your swimsuit? Will you love it or dread it? Do you love wearing less or would you rather not go there? You know, there are some girls out there who don’t love how they look . . . They look at others and feel they don’t measure up. They cover up or hide so others won’t notice. Some even starve themselves or end up throwing up. You probably know this as being anorexic or bulemic. Maybe you know someone who is, or maybe that someone is you. If so, know you’re hurting yourself and hurting God, too. God loves you and doesn’t want that for you. So stop and get help. Talk to a friend. Ask your parents for help. You don’t have to do this alone, and God will help you, too. It’s about taking care of the body He’s given you . . . to eat the right foods and be active and to enjoy your life!

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And that means exactly that! That Christ will give you strength to do whatever you need to do, no matter how difficult. Just trust Him and see!

shutterstock_106049945HeartDream Chat – So what’s on your list of summer fun? Would you like to feel great about your body image? If so, seek help from others, and seek God’s help, too. Then finish that list, and jump right in! Happy Summer to you!!!

 

 

 

 

 

When You Don’t Know What To Do . . .

May5

Do you ever feel stuck, like there’s no way out? When you feel you’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked? shutterstock_1435012

Maybe your best friend’s avoiding you. You know something’s wrong. But when you try bringing it up she says nothing is.

Or maybe your parents are arguing lots. You fear they’ll get divorced. Maybe you’re taking sides and feel stuck in the middle.

Or maybe you didn’t make the cheer team when you’d practiced for days.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, know that we’ve all felt that way. Know you’re not alone. So the next time it happens, remember God’s always with you. He has the answer you need.

And just how do you get that answer?

First, God wants you to pray. Give the problem to Him. Pour out your heart, and tell Him every detail, even though He knows about it, anyway.

Next, listen to what He’s telling you. Just be still and listen. He may give you the answer right then, but if not, He will.

Finally, while you wait, just trust Him. He loves you and wants the best for you and knows what you want and need.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

So what does that mean? . . . to not try and figure it out yourself. He wants you to look to Him and lean on Him. Remember, He’s the Creator of the universe and knows everything! He knows everything you’re going through and is saying, “Wait on me,” and “Trust me,” and He will answer your prayer.

So what do you do when you don’t know what to do? Pray to God who loves you. Then listen to Him and trust Him. He’ll give you the answer you need!

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HeartDream Chat – What’s something you’ve felt stuck about? How did God answer your prayer?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say ‘No’ to Doubt!

Mar10

So how’s it been going? What’s happening in your life? Are you doing those things you love to do? . . . those things God’s put on your heart? Or do you doubt sometimes you can do those things and that your dreams will come to pass?

Did you know when God says something He means it? His promises are true, and we can count on Him to do what He says. He loves us so much and wants us to know that what He’s put on our hearts will come to pass. They really will. We just need to trust Him.shutterstock_86139091

So what is your dream? Acting? Dancing? Or maybe it’s riding and jumping horses, or becoming a Christian singer leading others to Christ. Just remember, whatever it is, He’ll make it happen.

But don’t forget . . . we all have an enemy, the devil, who’s against those dreams coming true. So if doubt enters in, know it’s coming from him. That’s not to scare you, but to remind you to stand guard against him. And the way to do that is to say ‘no’ to the devil, and trust God for those plans.

Jesus says in Mark 11:23, “For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.”

Now isn’t that awesome? So if ever you’re going about your day and doubt creeps in, just speak to that mountain and just say ‘no!’ And God will help you do just that!

HeartDream Chat – Do you ever feel doubt? What will you do the next time it creeps in?

Love, Love, Love . . .

Feb14

The month of love . . . ahhh . . . there’s nothing like love! We were born to be loved . . . we live to love . . . to love and be loved. Isn’t that what life’s all about?shutterstock_127262711

And what’s so amazing is that love is how we all got here in the first place . . . God’s love. That because of His love, He created you and me.

I love thinking about the ways He loves me . . . they’re like wrapped-up little gifts . . .

  • He’s always with me . . . day and night
  • He will never leave me . . . ever
  • He knows me in and out and knows me better than I know myself!
  • He knows what’s best for me
  • He knows everything I’m going through
  • He’s there for me on my very worst day
  • He’s always for me and is on my side
  • He cares about everything that concerns me, no matter how big or small
  • He comforts me when I’m lonely or sad
  • He protects me and keeps me safe
  • He shows me the way to go
  • I don’t have to be perfect . . . He doesn’t expect me to be
  • He forgives me when I mess up and is there with open arms
  • I can bring every problem to Him, and He’ll tell me what to do
  • I can give Him all of my worries and fears
  • He’s always there to listen, and I can trust Him to work things out
  • He wants me to ask and dream big and to expect Him to answer my prayers
  • He has awesome plans for my life, the desires of my heart, when I turn my life over to Him

I John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.”

Love, Love, Love . . . that’s what it’s all about. He’s crazy about you! He’s crazy about me! Now what is more awesome than that?!

shutterstock_127517594HeartDream Chat – What things do you love about God? What are the ways He loves you? 

A ‘God’s Girl’ Chat with Natalie

Feb1

It’s been awesome getting to know God’s Girl* Natalie M., age 14 . . . (*God’s Girls are those who are happy because God is in their lives!)

Come take a look . . .                                                     

What does it mean to become a Christian, and when did that happen in your life?

Becoming a Christian means that I accept/acknowledge Him as God AND give Him control, living in His ways.  I was pretty young when I accepted Him into my heart, at about 5 years old.  But the second part, giving Him my WHOLE life, didn’t come until just a few years ago.  I had always gone to church and said I was a Christian without really giving Him my all. Everything changed at a youth conference at my church, when I really felt God’s presence for myself.  My whole life was transformed because I felt how great and worthy God really is.

When do you spend time with God, and what is your favorite Bible verse?Bible

I spend time with God in the mornings, and I have LOTS of favorite Bible verses.  These three are themes that come up over and over in my life, and always encourage me:

Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 “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.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you.”

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

 What difference does God make in your life?

God brings me joy!  I feel peace leaving everything in His hands.  Just knowing that I’m NEVER alone makes a huge difference.  And it impacts the way that I can love others.

What desires has God put on your heart? What do you love to do?

Music has always been a huge part of my life.  Ever since I was 3 years old, I’ve been playing the piano.  I am a competitive classical pianist, and I play jazz and contemporary and Christian music.  I’m just now learning to play guitar (and ukelele!) and I love dancing and singing.  I thank God for the incredible gift of music!

What dreams do you have for your life?

Really, I want whatever God has for me.  I’ve always known that I would have a career in pianomusic, and I’m so excited to see where He leads.  I’d love to become a worship leader and/or some kind of music teacher.

What encouragement could you give a tween girl about the challenges they will face in life?

Give it all to God.  If you get in His presence to really grasp who He is, you’ll understand. Every opportunity I’ve had in worship (playing in a great band, getting to be on albums, leading worship, etc) has been because GOD has opened doors, not because I’d been looking for it.  If you trust Him with your life, He will move!

 Natalie’s ‘Favorites’ . . .

Favorite Color – aqua blue

Favorite Food – brownies!

Favorite Animal – puppies

Favorite Place to Visit – anywhere warm!

Favorite Way to Spend the Day – shopping or playing music with my family and friends

HeartDream Chat – Thanks so much for sharing with us, Natalie!  It was awesome hearing about your life! Have a comment or question for Natalie?  She’d love to hear!