When Your Heart is Heavy

Apr23

Feeling sad? Gloomy? Down in the dumps? If it makes you feel better, everyone does from time to time, so welcome to the human race! Maybe your dog just died, or your best friend is moving away, or your parents are getting a divorce. Whatever it is, feeling down is definitely not fun.

Did you know that God created emotions? And that even Jesus wept? God knows everything that happens to you . . . He knows every detail. He knows what you’re going through when life is rough.

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That’s the good news . . . that He’ll heal your broken heart and make things right, no matter what you’re going through. He will comfort you and strengthen you when times are tough, and He will lift you up.

So when your heart is heavy, look to Him and trust Him. He will heal your broken heart!

Jealous? Envious? Not!

Apr6

Ever want something your best friend has? Or totally NOT your best friend? Or someone just passing by? Is it her cool hair? Fun clothes? Popularity? Or smarts?

Or maybe you dreamed of winning that contest, when someone else did . . .

If that’s ever happened, it’s TOTALLY not fun. It’s being in that awful place called jealousy . . . envy . . . dying to have what someone else has.

But you know what? You don’t have to be there. Really. And God doesn’t want you to. In fact, He has a perfect plan that fits exactly who you are . . . your strengths, personality, talents, and desires . . . and you don’t have to compare or compete with anyone, because His plan is designed just for you.

And how do we know that? Take a look at Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Now how awesome is that? That when you think about Him, how amazing He is, He will truly give you what’s deep in your heart. So listen to your heart and discover what’s there. Do you love to draw? Bake yummy stuff? Ride horses? Help others? Remember that it’s God who’s put those desires there, and He’s the one who will bring them about. Now isn’t that just the best news yet? Is there anything better than being totally who you are?

So whenever feelings of jealousy or envy try to creep in, just remember God’s truth, and hug a friend instead!

How Do I Look?

Mar19

Can you imagine your day without looking in the mirror? But when you do look, do you love what you see? Or are there other times not? Do you love what God’s given you, or do you wish you looked different?

Isn’t it all about hair and make-up and the clothes that you wear? And if not yet, maybe soon down the road? I mean, that’s what people first notice about you and what the world tells you, right?

Well, let me tell you what’s true . . . That’s not really so! Let’s look at what God says about this, anyway . . .

1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

So what does that mean? . . . that you can’t have fun hair and cool outfits and look really great? That you need to be quiet? Now that doesn’t sound fun.

Well, it may sound like it, but want to know what it really means? That God loves that you want to look your best and to love your life. He just really does. He’s not against fun hairstyles and fashion and make-up. No way! And how do we know that? Because He’s a god of beauty and design. Just look at all He’s created . . . gorgeous flowers and trees . . . lovely snowfalls and sunsets, along with everything else! And because He’s so creative, He loves it when you are, too!

He enjoys when you love a new outfit or hairstyle or make-up and when you’re trying something new. He’s not against you having fun. He just wants you to know what’s most important . . . that true beauty comes from within. When you radiate kindness and love toward others is when you’re most beautiful and shows what’s in your heart.

And about being quiet? God created you to be totally you . . . to be who you are and to laugh, and yes, to have fun! He’d just rather you not do it in a loud arrogant way. He wants you to be other-centered and not self-centered . . . to not think more highly of yourself than someone else. Now doesn’t that feel right?

So if you ever start thinking it’s all about how you look, remember that true beauty comes from within and that nothing’s more beautiful than when you’re glowing with God.

When God Seems Far Away

Mar8

God is always with you, right? You learned that when you were little. Or maybe that’s something you just learned right now, and if so, so happy for you! Just remember, wherever you’re at, it may not feel like He’s always there, or He may seem far away. And when that happens . . . it probably will . . . what’s a girl to do?

Good question. And God likes questions . . . it brings us closer to Him.

Well, what’s truly cool is you can know in your heart that He’s with you even when it doesn’t feel that way. And why do we know that? Because that’s what the Bible says, and God’s word is true.

Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And that means exactly that. He’s always with you. ALWAYS! Got it? And the cool thing is even if you don’t feel that God is there, He still truly is. So when you have a fight with your best friend . . . He’s there. When your parents don’t understand you . . . He’s there. When you feel nothing’s going your way . . . He’s there. Now how comforting is that? It’s awesome, isn’t it? . . . just knowing you’re never alone . . . that He’s working things out in your life far greater than you can imagine.

So when it seems like God is far away, know He’s really not. Get cozy with your Bible and let Him speak to you. When you listen to what He’s telling you, He’ll soon seem right there. So yes, go ahead . . . just try it and see!

On Your Side

Feb24

Fighting with Mom or Dad or both? Feeling they don’t ‘get’ you? Do you sometimes feel you can’t take it anymore and just want to escape? Maybe you’re not in that place at all, and things are going great. And if so, that is awesome! If not, know you’re not alone and that things will get better. It’s all a part of this whole family thing. But you know, without families, we wouldn’t be here! So they’re a good thing, right?

It’s TOTALLY not fun to feel misunderstood . . . feeling your parents don’t love you . . . that they’re not on your side. Well, I’ve got news for you . . . It’s just SO not true! Don’t believe it for one second! Just know that they love you and want what’s best for you, even when it doesn’t feel that way.

You know that God loves you. He even hand-picked your parents. And just like your heavenly father loves you, your earthly parents do, too.

So what do you do when you’re angry and upset and feel misunderstood? In John 15:12, God tells us to “love one another.” That includes your parents . . . even when it’s tough and things feel unfair. That means talking and working things out, knowing they’re truly on your side. So just do it. You’re sure to feel better, and watch all the good things that’ll come.

So the next time you feel a fight coming on, remember what God has said, and how about a pillow fight instead?!

Candy Hearts, Love, and God

Feb13

February . . . the month of pinks, reds, hearts, candy, chocolates, flowers, and LOVE!

Have you ever treasured a very special valentine? Was it from your mom or dad? A friend? Or maybe from a secret admirer who liked you a whole lot?!

Or maybe it’s one you gave someone that you spent endless hours making . . .

Valentines are special. They’re all about love. And who doesn’t love LOVE? We were born to love and be loved . . . because God created us that way.

1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Isn’t it awesome how God started this whole thing? That He loves you more than you could ever imagine. That we can show love for others because of His love for us. That His plan for your life is one you’ll absolutely love!

So on another special Valentine’s Day, remember where it all first started from, and have love-fun day!

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Like a Snowflake

Feb2

Aren’t the seasons awesome? That God created them just for us? So what’s your favorite thing about winter? Is it the snow and snowflakes falling? Skiing down a mountain slope? Sledding, skating, or just playing in that white fluffy stuff?

Growing up in Minnesota was the best. It snowed all the time, and the snowdrifts were so white and glistening and deep. It was fun catching snowflakes on our tongues, and how brilliant that God’s made each of them unique. That out of the bazillion of snowflakes that will ever fall, no two will ever be alike.

And isn’t it awesome that we’re like a snowflake, unique in who we are? That no one who ever lives on the planet will ever be like us. We all have different looks, talents, and things that we like . . . favorite places and hopes and dreams. And the fact that He has a perfect plan for each of us, makes us even more unique.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” He made you to just be you. Now what could be better than that?

So the next time you catch a snowflake on your tongue, think of it as a special gift, knowing it’s as unique as you.

Bad Hair Day Blues

Jan23

Having a bad hair day? Yesterday? Last week? So sorry . . . totally not fun!

Hair was always an issue, growing up. MY hair, that is. You see, I had naturally curly hair, and that was not cool way back when. So I worked hard to get my hair straight. Way hard. My mom was even in on the whole thing. It all started when I spotted “Uncurl” at the local drugstore, this amazing magical product. It worked perfect every time. It was a whole-morning ordeal, but I didn’t mind. Not one bit. I didn’t even mind the strong stinky potion, as long as it did the job.

This twice-a-year event took place in the basement on newspapers spread all over the floor. After mixing the potent chemicals and draping a towel across my neck, the ritual would begin. Hanging my head down and covering my eyes tight, my mom would spread the cold goopy stuff all over my curly locks, working it in, making sure it covered every last strand. I loved how it felt, so heavy on my head, as it did its amazing thing. Staying bent over until my back could stand it no more, it’d finally be time to wash it out. Then after blowdrying . . . ta-dah! My new hair would be long and straight, and I’d feel overjoyed.

I wore curlers the size of orange juice cans to bed every night. I had the system down. I’d scrunch my pillow under my cheek, the curlers hanging over the edge, and sleep peacefully through the night. Amazing, huh? Anything to get it right!

In spite of all that, I still had bad hair days, until it dawned on me . . . when my hair looked great, I felt great. When it didn’t, I didn’t. I thought, why do my feelings about myself depend upon my hair? . . . when I later learned the truth. That even though most want to look their best, what’s most important is what’s in the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

So what does that mean? That we love God, feel good about ourselves, and we’re kind and caring to others. Wow! Now isn’t that awesome? That we don’t have to compete, but can just be who we are, bad hair days and all.

So whenever you’re tempted with the bad hair day blues, keep following your dreams, and remember that true beauty radiates from the heart!

No Fear

Jan11

Do you ever feel afraid? I mean, really . . . we ALL do, right? Like telling your parents you messed up, or letting your best friend know she hurt your feelings big time, or perhaps freezing up when you’re speaking in front of a crowd? Are you afraid you’ll never be able to do what your heart longs to do? Like singing? Dancing? Or making the basketball team?

Well . . . just so you know, God doesn’t want us to fear. He commands us not to. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you . . . I will strengthen you and help you.”

Did you know the Bible says to not fear over 100 times? Do you think God’s trying to tell us something?

So what do we do instead? Just turn everything over to Him, and watch what He’ll do. Know that He’s there to help. Walk by faith. And faith is trusting God to work things out . . . that is, everything . . . far greater than we could EVER imagine!

Just remember . . . the next time you start feeling afraid, STOP, because God’s got it taken care of. He really does. And isn’t it awesome that your loving heavenly father tells you to do exactly that?!

Something New

Jan2

We all love things that are new, don’t we?! A new puppy? Fun outfit? A wonderful new friend? There’s just something about it that’s exciting and fun! And now that it’s a new year, are you ready for new beginnings? Adventures? And fun-filled new dreams?

What’s cool is that God is a god of new beginnings, and whether this past year was awesome or totally not fun, God’s got something even better for 2020 . . . He always does! As Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold, I make all things new.”

So what are your hopes for the coming year? What dreams has He put in your heart? Just trust Him for them and watch what He’ll do . . . He’s a god of new beginnings!

HeartDreams for Tweens

Living the Dreams That God's Put in your Heart

Archives