Don't worry; be happy!

Allow me to introduce two fabulous ladies: Kelli & Hannah. They've got some valuable thoughts to share with you on the topic of worrying.

Read. Process. Share. Grow. :)

Have you ever taken an hour to get dressed just to feel like you’ll impress someone Or not said exactly what you wanted to say because you felt like they wouldn’t agree? Well, I’m pretty sure everyone feels that way every so often, but most often, it’s girls that feel this way.

We shouldn’t worry because God has our backs no matter what. And if you worry, really, you’re doubting Godand what He has planned for you.

Kelli says,

"Personally, sometimes I feel like I easily get on peoples’ nerves. Just by talking too much! When I start to feel like that I turn to god and ask Him to help me just trust in Him instead of doubting myself. Another big one for me is gas; it’s so expensive and I have job and I babysit, so my little car sees the gas station quite a bit. I know I need to lay my worries at God’s feet and let Him take control."

Hannah says,

"I usually feel like people are judging me and that people are always talking behind my back. And I’m always trying to impress people and try to make them think I’m cool by doing whatever they’re doing…even if it’s not good. But lately I’ve been doing what God wants me to do and not worrying if people judge me. I just want to be the person God wants me to be."

If you’re struggling with worry, check out some of these verses to easy your anxiety.

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Timothy 4:12

Joshua 1:9

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

John 3:30

Luke 12:7

Luke 12:25-26

1 Corinthians 6:19

Summertime!

Summer is almost here...and not a moment too soon!

Summer means...

- sunshine

- vacations

- no school

- longer days

- more time with friends

- poolside days

- Pineapple Whip

- suntans

and

- Girls Bible Study!

Summer 2011 Schedule

Meet at Jessie's house from 6:30-8:30pm on the following dates:

June 6, June 20, July 11, July 18, August 1, & August 8

We'll talk about girl stuff, enjoy some munchies, and talk through the book "Lies Young Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss & Dannah Gresh.

For directions, please email Jessie at jstone@ridgecrestbaptist.org

Who are you fighting?

Let's be honest: fighting with your parents and siblings probably isn't a foreign affair. In fact, if you're anything like me, sometimes the battles (no matter how small) tend to occur on a regular basis. And try as you might, you just don't hold your tongue like you know you should. Nor do you practice patience, extend grace, or forgive freely. In reality, even the most insignificant little tiff can create a real bump in the road, that turns into a thorn in your side, and a grudge against the other person.

All too often I find myself brewing for hours after even a minor clash. I dread the next interaction and hope that things will just naturally resolve so that I don't have to humble myself and admit my wrongs. However, as I've been processing some personal disagreements in my own recent history, God has brought to mind a couple of key truths. So, I thought I'd share them with you.

First, it's my responsibility to show kindness, mercy, and-yes, even this-forgiveness to those that I perceive as being wrong.

Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Secondly, I need to remember who I'm fighting. My dad, mom, sister, best friend, co-worker, teacher, etc, is NOT the enemy. Satan is the enemy. And he wants to use those closest to us in even the smallest way to get a foot-hold in our lives.

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

I've got to remember these truths as I seek to follow Christ and be a better me. Forgiveness has got to be a priority, even in my deepest hurts and most intense irritations. And I've got to remember that my loved ones are NOT the enemy. Remembering that truth and letting it saturate in my heart helps me extend grace and offer forgiveness.

How about you? Who are you fighting? Are you making forgiveness an active part of your life and relationships?

"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

Strap on your armor, sister, and fight hard--but don't knock-out your teammates in the process.