“And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Excerpted from The Real Me by Natalie Grant. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.” Ephesians 6:10
Excerpted from The Real Me by Natalie Grant. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Do you ever have days where things seem a little crazier than normal? Yep, so do we. Next time you’re having a horrible no good day, watch this video until things are sunny again. Thanks, Francesca Battistelli!
“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Excerpted from The Real Me by Natalie Grant. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
“Best be yourself, imperial, plain, and true!” -Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Excerpted from The Real Me by Natalie Grant. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
“The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly.” (Luke 4:18)
This is such an exciting verse! Did you know that you have been chosen to tell the Good News to the poor? The Lord has sent you to announce freedom. But not only have you been sent to announce freedom; you can have freedom as well! There is freedom in Jesus-freedom for everyone who struggles or suffers. What kind of needs do you have? What kinds of needs do your friends have? You’ve been chosen by God, and you’ve also been equipped with the power of God to get free, stay free, and bring freedom to anyone and everyone who needs it! Now that’s power-power over drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, lust, sex, bitterness, or whatever.
There was a movie about a man who gave up his life just to bring freedom to his people. He was beaten, tortured, and put on a chopping block. All he had to do was simply surrender his freedom, and he would live. His people would remain in bondage, but he could live. Instead, he let out a bloodcurdling cry, “Freeeeeedom!” He lost his life, but his people gained their freedom.
There is another story that hits home for all of us. Jesus died a horrible, shameful death on a cross so we could be free from sin and spend eternity with him. Don’t allow yourself to be in bondage over some stupid sin-a sin that Jesus has already paid the price for. Choose freedom today, and watch God work a miracle in your life and in the lives of your friends! He is the One who sets you free!
See for yourself: Matt. 1:21; John 8:36; Rom.6:14; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1, 13
Excerpted from Revolve: Dream On, The Complete New Testament. © 2010 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Do you remember what you were doing waaaay back in 2008? You might need to grab your old yearbook and spend a few moments skipping down memory lane. We found this photo in the Revolve Tour vault and had to share.
Does anybody remember this concert? At The Revolve Tour in 2008? With Natalie Grant? She was and still is wonderful.
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9
Excerpted from The Real Me by Natalie Grant. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
“Don’t be confused, don’t be afraid. Everything passes. God does not change. Patience wins every time. And if you have God, you lack nothing. God alone is enough.” -Teresa of Avila, paraphrased
Test Yourself: Just a Crush or Something More?
1. How often do you talk?
A. Never. I just stare non-creepily from a distance.
B. Occasionally, in between classes and stuff.
C. Several times a day.
2. When you talk, it is usually…
A. We don’t talk; I’m not sure the love of my life knows I’m alive.
B. Through text messages mostly.
C. In person or on the phone.
3. The first thought that pops into your mind when you see him or her is…
A. Wow! Looking good today!
B. I wonder if he/she really likes me.
C. What a kind and thoughtful person.
4. If your dream date has had a bad day, you…
A. Don’t notice.
B. Wish he/she would quit complaining and pay more attention to you.
C. Listen, and then try to think or something cheerful to say or do.
5. How much do you know about him/her?
A. His/her class schedule and the best times to “accidentally” meet.
B. Who his/her friends are.
C. His/her thoughts about life, the future, God, and relationships.
6. The feature you find most attractive is…
A. Appearance.
B. The way he/she acts around you and your friends.
C. Personality, demeanor, looks, and intelligence.
7. When you are together, you mostly talk about…
A. My dream date doesn’t know I exist, remember?
B. Yourself, or what’s going on with people and school.
C. What’s happening in your lives.
8. You trust this person to…
A. Be eye candy and that’s about it.
B. Be a fun date.
C. Have your best interests and others’ interests at heart.
9. If your parents/close friends didn’t like this person, you would…
A. I haven’t told my parents/close friends.
B. Ignore them. I make my own decisions.
C. Listen to them and talk it through with them.
10. Your age is…
A. 13 or younger.
B. Why does that matter?
C. Late teens. I know that’s still young, but…
If you answered mostly A’s, then this is a crush. Pure and simple. And that’s okay, it’s natural. That’s what teenage girls (and guys) do.
If you answered mostly B’s, you’re thinking about yourself too much and what you can get out of a relationship. This isn’t love or anything like it really, but it is a part of growing up. Just make sure you continue to grow up and out of this stage.
If you answered mostly C’s, you could be on your way to something deeper. Perhaps it’s friendship; perhaps it’s something more. You’ve broadened your horizons enough to start putting something else before yourself. You’re interested in more than just appearances and in what happens today. But be careful. Take it slow. And relax. Love is something that grows over time; it shouldn’t be rushed. And remember, you’re still a teen- a maturing, growing teen, but still a teen.
Excerpted from The Truth About Dating, Love & Just Being Friends. 2011 by Chad Eastham. Thomas Nelson, Inc. pgs. 81-84. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
