Merry Christmas to You!

Dec25

Hey, tween girls!

So Christmas is here! I love the Christmas season . . . Don’t you? I love how cozy it is filled with love, joy, and peace . . . wrapping special presents for those we love, putting shiny decorations on the tree, baking yummy cookies, sitting by a crackling fire watching snowflakes fall down . . . But what’s most awesome about this season as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, is knowing God gives us peace.

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Now how wonderful is that???

So when you’re handing out presents and opening them, too, don’t forget that our greatest gift is our Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Happy BD, Jesus! And Merry Christmas to all of you!

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to You!

Nov26

Thanksgiving is here! So what are you thankful for?

How about making a list?

I’d love to share mine . . .

  • That God is my Creator and Heavenly Father and LOVES me so much!
  • He knows me in and out
  • He’s always with me and for me and knows what I need
  • That I can talk to Him about ANYTHING at ANY time
  • That He’s faithful and fun!
  • For God’s gorgeous creation . . . mountains, oceans, forests, trees
  • For family and friends
  • That God never changes in this ever-changing world
  • That He’ll never leave me and gives me sweet peace
  • That no matter what’s happening in my life, He works all things together for good, and the same is true for YOU!

God’s love, joy, and peace to you, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!

God’s Got This!

Sep8

Hey, tween girls!

So how are things going? And what’s been happening? Fall’s sure in the air . . . !!

I LOVE the fall season . . . How about you??? I love the crisp air and the leaves changing to bright colors and falling from the trees . . .

A new season, new school year . . . There’s just something fun and fresh about that!

In spite of that, I’m guessing you’re uncertain about the pandemic and all. Maybe you’ve gotten used to doing the new ways of school, or maybe not! Or maybe there’ve been other ‘not fun’ things going on . . . Not getting with friends like you used to or doing things you love to do . . . Things are just different, that’s for sure!

But one thing is certain . . . We can always trust God. No matter what’s happening. He never changes. He’s always there. And what’s totally awesome is He works everything out for your good!

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I love that truth!

In my book, The Heart to Dance, Alexis is heartbroken to not make her last audition. What if it happens again? But with help from her grandmother, Numsie, she learns to trust God. And you can do the same, too!

So whenever you’re going through a rough time, remember to lean not on your own understanding . . . Just lean back and trust God . . . God’s got this! Now what could be better than that?!

I invite you to pick up a copy of my book:)

HeartDream Chat – What have you been trusting God for? And how did it turn out?

 

 

 

4th of July Freedom and Freedom in Christ

Jul3

So the 4th is here! . . . the day our country declared freedom from England way back when . . . Yay! And we’ve been celebrating since!

There’s nothing like freedom, right? Free to be who you are . . . who God created you to be?

Did you know you can be free in Christ? Free from every worry and fear, from sickness and disease, fear of the future and all that’s been happening in our world? All it takes is trusting God with your life, and once you do that, He’ll do that for you!

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” I love that God tells us to not be afraid . . . no matter what’s happening. And wow . . . isn’t that great??!!

So what are your plans for the 4th of July? A picnic, bar-b-que, or a day at the lake? Whatever you’re doing, you’re sure to have fun! And while you’re out watching every firework go off, how about casting every worry and fear onto Him, and once you’ve done that, you’ll be left with God’s peace 🙂

So a Happy Happy 4th to you, and God’s peace to you, too!

HeartDream Chat – How was your 4th? I’d love to hear . . . 🙂

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!

 

 

 

4th of July Freedom and Free to be You!

Jul1

Does anything feel better than being who you are? Feeling free to be you? The you who you truly are?!fireworks 2

The 4th of July is a day about freedom . . . the day our country declared independence from Great Britain, being no longer under its control. Since the king’s laws were unfair, the people wanted freedom to govern themselves. And even though it took a while, they finally became free!

What’s so awesome is we can be free, too . . . from worry, fear, what others think of us, just to name a few . . . But for all that to happen, we need to receive Christ into our hearts and trust Him as our Savior and Lord. Maybe you’ve already done that, and if so, that is great! But if you haven’t just yet, just know that He wants to set you free from sin, or going your own way, since that separates you from Him. And once you ask Him into your heart, you’ll be at the start of an amazing adventure. Just imagine . . . a relationship with the Creator of the universe and your Heavenly Father. And what’s amazing is when you turn your life over to Him, you totally become free! . . . free to be who you love to be . . . to be uniquely you . . . the you who you truly are!

So how does that work? Well, only God who created you and the entire universe could work that all out! The more I surrender, the more me I become! I can be free from fear or worry, knowing He knows what’s best for me and what I truly desire. And the same is true for you!

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

So how will you celebrate the 4th with your family and friends? A picnic? Baseball? Bar-b-que? Of course, fireworks, too! When you take a moment to remember what this day’s all about, don’t forget to celebrate your freedom in Christ and freedom to be you!

HeartDream Chat – What are your plans for the 4th of July?  Tell how it feels to be free . . .

Colorful Confetti

Colorful Confetti

Those Hot Summer Days . . .

Aug4

Been loving summer? Having tons of fun? Been a bit hot and need to cool off?

When I was little we’d run through the sprinkler. It was the really cool thing back then. And the coolest thing to keep cool.

Or we’d take trips to Dairy Queen. The choices were chocolate or vanilla. You’ve sure got it made!shutterstock_116126008

But my favorite memory was when my dad took all of us, late at night, to A & W for root beer. That’s when the AC had gone out at home, and we got to ride in the car in our PJ’s with the windows rolled down taking in the late night summer air. We sure thought that was great!

So what do you do when those summer days are hot and the sweat’s dripping down?

Do you sip on something cool? Chomp on ice cream? Dive in a pool or lake?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s refreshing.

And you know what? That’s the way it’s with God . . . when we feel hot, in trouble, in ‘hot water’ . . . when we need a way out, a way to cool off. Whether it’s friends, parents, or just simply life. Remember, He wants you to come to Him. He’s got the answer for what you’re dealing with, and He will cool you and refresh you when you listen to Him.

Jeremiah 31:25 says, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” I love that verse!

So when things are hot and you need to cool off, turn to Him, run to Him, and let Him cool and refresh you . . . just like you do on a hot summer day.

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HeartDream Chat – How do you keep cool in the summer? How has God refreshed you?

 

 

 

 

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?