Summer’s Coming!

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

Staying up late
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!

HeartDream 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?

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!

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.

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?

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?!

HeartDream 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?

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 music, 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!

Things That Are New

Jan1

New clothes, new friends, a new look, a new year . . . Don’t you love things that are new?

New things are fun, fresh, exciting, adventuresome . . . going to new places you’ve never been . . . doing new things you’ve never before done.

What’s awesome is that God has new things for you, too, when you let Him lead the way.

What new hopes and dreams has God put on your heart?

Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing . . . ”

So let Him take you there, and watch what He’ll do!!

Happy 2019 to you!!!

HeartDream Chat – What new things do you love? What are your hopes for the coming year?!

Christmas Bliss

Dec6

Christmastime’s a ‘favorite’ for most people I know. I love how special it is, thinking what makes it so . . .

Gentle snowfalls or raging blizzards, a white blanket all around; early shopping and hiding presents, trying to not make a sound

Skating on the frozen pond, sledding down steep hills; skiing on a mountain top, seeking wondrous thrills

Decorating the tree with shiny bulbs and twinkling lights; “oohing” and “aahing” at the sparkly sight

Baking yummy cookies shaped in stars, bells, and snowmen; after nibbling on a ‘few,’ later wondering where they all went

Wrapping presents with bright colors and bows; listening to Christmas songs and singing cheery carols

Sipping on steamy hot chocolate or spiced apple cider; watching a holiday movie, cozying up by a crackling fire

Glowing candles flickering tiny light; a festive holiday mood, bringing great delight

Giving gifts to those you love; ripping yours open and thanking the One above

Christmas Eve and Christmas morn, celebrating when Christ was born!

Thinking on these things is blissful, and God loves it when I do. Enjoy this wondrous holiday season, and Merry Christmas to all of you!

Philippians 4:8 – “. . . whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.”

HeartDream Chat – What do you love about Christmastime?

Turkey, Love, and Thanks

Nov28

Thanksgiving . . . a season and day of thanks, turkey, and those you love!

So what are you thankful for? How about making a list?!

Here’s mine . . .

that God chose me to be born
my dad’s zest for life, my mom’s heart for serving
love from my family and friends . . . loving and giving and sharing with them and people He puts in my path
growing up in Minnesota . . . the cold snowy winters and fun summers at the lake
living in Colorado . . . hiking and skiing in gorgeous mountains
evergreens, aspens, and palm trees
the ocean and white sandy beaches
sunrises, sunsets, and gentle falling snow
puppies and monkeys
movies and songs that touch my heart
Swiss cheese omelettes, wedge salads, shrimp stir fry
comfy jeans, a fun sparkly top, black dress boots
a warm cozy home
my relationship with God and how much He loves me
peace and joy in surrendering to Him
His perfect plan for me

Psalm 106:1 says, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it’s a wonderful day.

HeartDream Chat – What’s on your list? I’d love to hear . . .

Friends and Enemies

Oct25

So the new school year is coming, and you’ll soon be back . . . back with best friends and old friends. You’re sure to make new ones, too! But you might even run into some not-so-good friends or some you don’t like at all.

Maybe you weren’t invited to that birthday party, or you heard someone talking behind your back, or maybe your best friend turned against you, and now she no longer is. If so, those things can HURT . . . and you may even feel that friends you once had are now TOTALLY your enemies.

Well, you know what? Sometimes friends hurt us on purpose and other times not. Maybe it just was a misunderstanding . . . when what you thought happened didn’t happen at all.

Have you heard that hurt people, hurt people? . . . that those who hurt us feel hurt themselves? Maybe they feel jealous or envious, or what they thought you said is not what you said at all.

God says in Matthew 5:44 to “Love your enemies . . . and do good to those who hate you.” Wow . . . how ever can we do that?! Well, what it means is even though we may not like everyone, God still wants us to be kind. And don’t forget to check things out, as maybe a misunderstanding is all that it is!

So the next time you feel like being rude to someone or even ignoring them, too, how about just loving them, and watch what He’ll do?!

HeartDream Chat – Do you have any enemies? Friends who are no longer friends? How about just doing what God says and watch what He’ll do.

End-of-Summer Blues?

Aug28

Have a good summer? Or maybe you’re wishing it’s not over yet. Still thinking about that family vacation at the beach or that awesome week at camp? Whatever you did, I hope you had fun.

Now with the new school year, are you ready to dive in? For some, you’ve already started.

But if you’ve found you’re not quite in that place, know that even though change may not always be fun, we’re all in this together . . . It’s just a part of life.

What’s cool is our memories and how God gave them to us . . . a place we can go, like it happened yesterday. And even though we can go there whenever we’d like, just know there are more memories to make and greater adventures ahead.

Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold, I make all things new.”

So how about envisioning this upcoming season? What are those dreams and desires in your heart? And once you can name them, remember it’s God who put them there.

So just go about your way and trust Him to bring them to pass, and I bet that’ll soon end those end-of-summer blues . . .

HeartDream Chat – What’s your most awesome summer memory? What dreams do you have for this new season ahead?

HeartDreams for Tweens

Living the Dreams That God's Put in your Heart