2010 was a big year. When I look back over the entire year, there were a lot of major events that happened. Where were you when...

• The earthquake in Haiti hit.
• Toyota announced recalls for about 5.2 million vehicles due a problem with pedals becoming trapped by floor mats.
• The oil spill hit the Louisiana coast and then clean up efforts continued and continued and still continue.
• There was major flooding in the Southeast. Living in Nashville we were hit extremely hard by the flood that first weekend in May.
• CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, unveiled a new invention called the iPad.

There is always something new happening. Change is inevitable.

Each year I ask for the Lord to give me a focus, a word, a scripture to ponder all year. A few years ago the word was "trust" based on Proverbs 3:5-6. Another year it was "listen" and I learned more about silence and solitude before the Lord and went to a deeper level in my relationship with Him.

As I've been praying and seeking God's direction for 2011 it seems that the word He has given me is "new."I don't know if it is the change with the new year or something He is stirring in my heart that will call for a change in my life. But I sense a "newness" and a "freshness" that is coming with the New Year. Kind of exciting and kind of scary!

Over the last six weeks, Psalm 40:1-3 has been a constant passage for me to read and reflect upon throughout the day.

I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  - Psalm 40:1-3

There are plenty of other verses related to being made new or becoming a new creation in Christ, but this verse just resonates with me for whatever reason. And I'm looking forward to how this one word "New" and this passage of scripture from Psalm 40 come to life in the months ahead.

When you reflect on 2010 what lessons did God teach you? Because of those lessons how will you live 2011 differently?

How many of you look for God's direction through a new verse each year? What would be your word for 2010? 2011? What would be your verse of scripture? What do you anticipate as you enter the New Year?

I hope you will take time this last week of 2010 to reflect on how far the Lord has brought you. I pray you will take time to renew and refresh your focus on Him as we enter 2011.

I am amazed by technology. And I am deeply troubled by it.

I am amazed because technology allows us to do things we could never dream of just a few years ago. The clip below is proof of that.

I will admit it. I want an iPad. Not that I need it. I can carry on with my work just fine without it. Therein lies the rub. "Want" becomes "need" and then "must have" in the amount of time it takes for Apple to come out with a new version. Not only that, but technological advancement that was meant to help us do our work more efficiently so that we could have more time with family has created just the opposite: a culture of junkies that spends more time in front of a screen than face to face.

Think you're not immune? You're not. When was the last time you were in your car, heard the text message alert, and checked it, all while driving? Have you ever been tempted to check your phone for messages and texts while at church? Ever been talking with a friend and check your phone while he or she was in the bathroom? Or even while he or she was ordering food? What does this tell us about our inability to live in the present moment? To be still and know that He is God? 

I'm not against technology. I am deeply disturbed by how much technology is costing us, not only financially (I wonder how much money I could have given to various causes if I didn't "need" the latest upgrade or gadget) but also in terms of our spiritual growth, social interaction, and emotional connection. 

One of my favorite movies is Contact. Came out in 1997. It features Jodie Foster, who has a conversation with Matthew McConaughey. In one scene, the character McConaughey plays makes the following statement that still rings in my head when I covet the latest technology:

"Is the world fundamentally a better place because of science and technology? We shop at home, we surf the Web... at the same time, we feel emptier, lonelier and more cut off from each other than at any other time in human history..."

I may not agree with everything in that movie, but I agree with that statement. And if we're all honest, we'd admit that he's right. We may be the most connected generation in history, but our loneliness has never been greater. Maybe it's time to turn off technology and tune into each other.

It's costing us far too much to keep everything on.

This post is a little different from my typical Thursday culture update . . .

Last night, my boyfriend and I exchanged Christmas presents. To be truthful, I still hadn’t wrapped my mind around the fact that it’s time to give the gifts I’ve bought—I just wasn’t quite ready for Christmas. This week has been unexpectedly crazy at work; I needed to get several things taken care of before Christmas arrives this weekend; and I’ve been suffering from mouth ulcers so painful that I’d just prefer not to talk. Harried, I arrived at his house with his presents in hand and plopped down in his living room.
 

We put on the movie Elf, one of my Christmas favorites that I hadn’t yet seen this year, and then started giving gifts. I opened fun Christmas slippers, a beautiful cardigan, and a Beyonce concert DVD (Don’t judge me; she’s an amazing performer—or at least I was so enthralled watching her concert when it came on TV that I sat glued to the television. For hours. While my boyfriend cleaned his house—around me—without me realizing it. I can’t wait to watch it again!) And then, I opened a small box containing a new digital camera. I hadn’t even asked for one, but I needed one. My camera is six years old and makes colors extra vivid. Everyone looks really tan and shiny. It’s like my camera is in Lisa Frank mode or something. But I think the new one will actually take normal-looking pictures. It even has an LCD screen on the front of the camera too so you can see what the picture will look like when you’re snapping it of yourself! I was so excited about this unexpected gift. I love getting something that you didn’t realize you really wanted/needed until you open it. Completely blown away by my presents and thankful, I settled down to watch Elf with my boyfriend and a mug of egg nog.

Then, my boyfriend got up, went to the closet, and said that he had one more present to give me. He grabbed a large, oddly shaped package and brought it over to me. A little overwhelmed at the gifts I’d already been given, I cautiously took this last present from him. I set it in my lap, tore off the paper, and opened up a violin case.

You see, I’ve been absolutely mesmerized by every talented violinist I’ve seen in the past several years, and lately, I’ve been wanting to learn how to play. But I wasn’t sure how I was going to buy a violin. 

To know that my sweet boyfriend recognized that desire in me and thought I should be able to learn, well, it made me cry. Right there in his living room floor, my eyes filled with tears at this completely unexpected and thoughtful gift. I don’t think I’ve ever been so touched or caught so off-guard by a present or someone else’s generosity. (And then I proceeded to screech out some really awful-sounding notes on my new violin. Hopefully I’ll get the hang of it soon!)

Still glowing this morning from the thought of all those gifts, I sat down to breakfast and my quiet time. I was struck with the knowledge that as wonderful as my boyfriend is to me and as awesome as the presents I received last night are, the best Gift really did come down at Christmastime. God thoughtfully gave humanity a gift that we desperately needed. A gift that we’d longed for but weren’t sure how to get for ourselves. Jesus and the salvation He brings is that gift, and I hope that you are ready to celebrate Him this weekend.

Know that you are loved and prayed for by all of us here at LifeWay Girls’ Ministry.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I know there are people who dread the holidays, but for me my whole life seems to come back into perspective. I don't have some special formula or a secret that I am keeping from others. For me it comes down to a simple list of do's and don'ts.

Don't...

Eat everything put in front of you. You only end up feeling stuffed or gaining weight. And then you are miserable during the holidays or mad at yourself in January.

Don't...

Buy every little cute Christmas novelty item. They come and go each year and only add to our materialistic culture and commercialize Christmas.

Don't...

Wear a tacky Christmas sweater unless it is for a tacky sweater Christmas party. These are reserved for the people who can actually pull it off - usually teachers because the kids love it and/or grandmothers because their grandchildren love it.

LIKE I SAID...DON'T WEAR THE TACKY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS!!!

Don't...

Try to cram every Christmas program and holiday special event into your schedule. There is no way a normal person can add that many extra programs into their schedule during a three week period and survive at a healthy level.

Do

Eat some favorite holiday treats and even better bake some of you own to give to others. There is no other time of the year when your neighbors (especially those who are not believers) will be more open to receiving a gift of homemade goodies and hearing a simple message about Jesus being the reason for the celebration.

Buy a Bible to give to a non-Christian and highlight or mark the gospel where the true Christmas story is told of Jesus' birth. Even those family members or girls that you are trying to reach will usually receive any gift at Christmas, even a Bible.

Spend some time going through your closet. Find a local ministry through your church where you can give away extra coats, jackets, or clothes that are appropriate for your climate.

Keep your focus on Jesus. There are so many things that will distract you and try to draw you away from the true meaning of Christmas. Before you know it, you can be lost in the busyness and your time of worship and celebration stolen away. Fix your focus on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes with lights and tinsel.

"So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  - 2 Corinthians 4:18

What are your do's and don'ts of Christmas? What helps you to keep your focus on Jesus?

If you have not had the pleasure of being led in worship by the sister duo The Sonflowerz, you have missed something unique and special. I have been able to not only watch them lead thousands of girls in worship through our You and Your Girl events, but I have also had the privelege of talking with them backstage, eating meals with them, and hearing their hearts for ministry, worship, and teen girls. A little known fact? They just got married in September---in a double wedding ceremony.

They took some time from their busy touring and writing schedule to answer a few questions:

Meet Elissa (the brunette)
What is your favorite  food? Strawberries and French Toast

What is your favorite vacation  spot? In the Rocky Mountains

Hidden talents:  I’ve been told I can give the best head massages!

Pet peeve: Toe nails clipped on the carpet

Reason you love girls' ministry: I understand their struggles, being a girl myself, and I just have fun hanging with the girls!

If you had to do it over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? A traffic ticket. I’d like to reverse that.

Kind of shoes you want to be buried in: Red  Sparkly Dorothy shoes

If you could say one thing to girls or their  leaders and that one thing stuck with them forever, what would you tell them?  Prioritize being a friend of God before doing things for God. He wants relationship first and the stuff we do for him flows from that place.

What books are on your nightstand, desk, or in  your car?  Bible, my journal, and Atonement by Derek Prince

What new songs have you added to your iPod lately? I'm listening to songs from the new Hillsong and Phil Wickham CDs

What's one thing that your spouse would say is absolutely annoying about you? My reminders to brush his  teeth

Meet Becca (the blonde)
What is your favorite food? Italian and anything with chocolate!

What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii

Hidden talents: I can make strange sounds with my mouth.

Pet peeve: Out of tune instruments or fingernails scratching

Reason you love girls' ministry: Girls rock!  God has incredible plans for each one of them. Just being part of what God is doing in their hearts is a blessing.

If you had to do it over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? I would listen better.

Kind of shoes you want to be buried in: Slippers. If I could wear them outside I would!

If you could say one thing to girls or their leaders and that one thing stuck with them forever, what would you tell them?  Hold loosely to the things of this world.  Those things fade away but God is unchanging.

What books are on your nightstand, desk, or in your car? Jesus Calling devotional stays on my nightstand.

What new songs have you added to your iPod lately? Songs from the Passion Conference Awakening CD.

What's one thing that your spouse would say is absolutely annoying about you?  Chewing gum.

Girls' Ministry Forum 2011 highlights some great speakers, women who are pioneers, trailblazers, and leaders in this field. This blog spotlights Selma Wilson, vice president of B&H Publishing Group at LifeWay Christian Resources. During her tenure at LifeWay, Selma has provided extensive leadership to a variety of ministries, including serving as director of organizational performance and director of the discipleship and family magazine department. She was the original editor of Journey magazine and was one of the key players of getting women's ministry established at LifeWay. Not only is she passionate about women, she is also passionate about the next generation. You will not want to miss her insight, vision, and wisdom.

What is your favorite food?  Italian

What is your favorite vacation spot?  Any beach!

Hidden talents: I grew up on a farm so I can ride horses and milk a cow (or at least I could at one time!).

Pet peeve:  I struggle with negative, grumpy people, complaining, whining people.  I don't do well with the "glass is half empty" attitude.  

Reason you love girls' ministry: I love the wonder and beauty of God's delightful and diverse creation that shows up in girls! God made us "women" for a reason and it is to be celebrated in all its hormonal comlexity. I love helping girls see the wonder of God and helping them anchor on the reality that God has made them, redeemed them by grace, given them the opportunity to received His Spirit through faith in Christ, and that He has gifted them, called them and has a plan for their lives. There is that special moment when their eyes light up and they receive that truth that is just the best ever.  And I also love girl stuff like hair, shoes, nails, make-up, bows, ribbons, and boy talks.  Precious stuff.

If you had to do it over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? Nothing. All of it has been a part of what God has woven together to make me who I am today. Even in the toughest places in my life, God has reformed it to transform me more in His image. Mistakes, you bet. Grace, all the time and everyday. 

Kind of shoes you want to be buried in: My houseshoes!

If you could say one thing to girls or their leaders and that one thing stuck with them forever, what would you tell them?  You have been wonderfully and beautifully made by the God of the universe. 

What books are on your nightstand? the Bible, Radical by David Platt, The Millennials by Thom and Jess Rainer, Book of Days by James Rubart, The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins, and The Painful Side of Leadership by Jeff Iorg.

What new songs have you added to your iPod lately?  I am a Christmas song nut so I am loaded up with a wide variety of Christmas music.  'Ts the season.

What's one thing that your spouse would say is absolutely annoying about you?  It is a little thing but my entire family loves to get me on this one.  The way our dining room table sits, I face the kitchen.  I can't stand to have the cabinet doors or drawers in the kitchen open when we sit down to eat. They love to open all of them and watch me. Fun time!

This has never happened before.

Due to the threat of inclement weather last night, church activities were canceled. Which meant that our huge Christmas celebration for our students at church didn’t happen. And for the first time in my four years of serving as a leader in my student ministry, I didn’t do a happy dance at the unexpected free time. I was genuinely disappointed that I wasn’t going to get to see the girls in my LifeGroup again before the new year!

Fortunately, some of them were able to get together for a Christmas brunch this past Saturday at my apartment, which will just have to suffice. I use the term “brunch” somewhat loosely. It started at 10:30 a.m. and was supposed to last until noon, but the girls didn’t leave until 3:30 p.m. I had a lot to do that afternoon, but all of a sudden, it didn’t seem that important. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them (and our awesome girls’ minister!), and the comfort of being in a home fostered some really great conversations. I’ve never opened my home to the girls in my LifeGroup before, but after this experience, I look forward to doing it more often!

What about you? Do you have girls over to your house? Take the poll below and let me know!



In culture news, go here to see the top ten YouTube videos for this year. Most of these are hilarious videos, and I hope you've already seen most of them (because I'd be willing to be most of the girls in your ministry have)! I’d hadn’t yet seen videos 2, 4, 8, and 10 until today, and I’m only sorry that I’ve missed out on seeing video No. 10 this whole time! Now, I love cars, and this guy is an amazing driver. He literally drives the tires off the car! So check out all those videos for a little taste of some of what your girls are looking at online.

It seems that our culture and methods of telling others about Christ are constantly changing. I saw this great Digital Christmas Story and thought it really applied to the girls we are trying to minister to today. Hope you enjoy watching this and sharing it with the girls in your ministry, others in your church, and who knows maybe even some who don't know Jesus at all.

And so the Christmas wish list continues...

Last Tuesday I started a "top Christmas gifts for teens" list with some pretty amazing items. And some...well, not so amazing. Actually, most of the gift ideas last Tuesday made me laugh more than fill me with a desire to purchase them. However, it was so fun I thought it was only appropriate to continue (and conclude aren't you glad) the list this week! So, here are more fun Christmas ideas for those girls in your girls' ministry. And these actually might be some of the things your girls are asking for this Christmas.

Now I really did think this was awesome...it is a "time squared clock." Unique, trendy and actually fairly easy to read. I can see it sitting on a bathroom counter. It looks like you would be able to put some earrings or small jewelry in the squares...or maybe small containers of makeup. And the girls can watch the clock as they are getting ready for school or whatever so they are not late...well, we can hope.

 

Here is something that looks fun and would truly make a great gift...it is a laptop sling bag. They come in multiple colors and patterns and really are a useable, practical gift for teenage girls (or girls' ministry leaders)! Don't you want one for yourself? How fun is that?!

The earphones inside or connected to the hoodie is supposed to be a hot gift item this year. I'm not sure how I feel about this...I mean can you ever wash the hoodie? How well do these really work? I just remember the nightmares I've had when a regular hoodie drawstring gets caught up inside the material. You try to have those knots tied on the end so it won't happen, but inevitably the hoodie comes out of the washer or dryer at some point and the drawstrings are gone. They've been sucked up into the hoodie. And boy are you lucky if you ever get those drawstrings back out of that hemline and in proper working condition. I already spend too much time in the laundry room. I'm crossing this one off the list.

Of course, there are always the standard gift ideas for teen girls such as tickets to their favorite sports team, movie passes, gift cards, clothes or make-up  - maybe not as creative, but truly something they will like and use.

Personally, there is the route I'm taking with my girls and everyone else. If they can't really use it, I'm not buying it. I don't want to sound like Scrooge, but after reading Crazy Love and Radical this year (and my Bible) I want to make a difference and change lives including my own. I want those changes in my life to impact others. And I want my girls to see the value of "only" getting a mission trip for Christmas and the difference it makes in their lives and the lives of others. Sometimes that one gift will make a greater impact than all the little trinkets and toys that will be forgotten two years from now.

How is your gift shopping going? How intentional are you in the purchasing of those gifts?

There are so many great gifts out there. The more you look, the more you find. In our culture we always seem to have more than we could ever use or need. I have to admit that some of these gift ideas are so fun...but do we really need more donuts or the donut maker?

Recently I got a speeding ticket. (No surprise to those of you who know me well.) In order to have the ticket erased from my record and not appear on my insurance rates, I had to go to court. It turned out to be a fascinating experience.

The room was complete with a judge's bench and a baliff. A woman actually said, "all rise" and said something about "God save" the city, which I thought was interesting. In walked a grandfather of a man, a judge with a calm demeanor and pleasant smile.

Each of us to appear before the judge was required walk up to the front of the room, stand about a foot or so from the bench, and state our name. Then, the judge would read aloud our offense (yes, everyone got to hear that I was speeding) and ask us what our plea was. Non-guilty got you another court date. Guilt got you driving school (which I will be attending tonight).

Seems simple, doesn't it? I thought so. But I guess others thought there was option #3—explain to the judge your situation and maybe, just maybe, he'll give you a free ride. I guess that was the thought, because person after person began to explain why they were speeding or why they didn't REALLY run the stop sign or why they thought they had insurance or how time just slipped away and they let their registration lapse.

Listening to each story, I thought to myself, "Why are you telling him all of that? He doesn't want to know. He just wants your plea."

He was a nice man, and I'm sure he could sympathize with their stories. But he couldn't change the law. In fact, at one point he said, "I don't have any room for leniency with this law."

Standing in front of the judge declaring my guilt reminded me of Advent. The Judge, loving His children with an everlasting love, provided a way for you and I to experience mercy instead of judgment. The judgment fell on Christ thirty-three years after His birth.

And just like all of the people tried to explain their guilt away with excuses, lots of people do the same today, not realizing that the judgment has already been executed if they'd be willing to accept the gift.

We are all guilty, but Advent is the hope of innocence restored. That's the greatest message we can offer those around us, those teen girls who need to know that no matter what they've done, there is a Savior who wants to declare them "not guilty."

I hope this season isn’t leaving you frazzled. I love Christmastime, and I also love relaxing—so I try to maximize my relaxing time around the holidays. Unfortunately, I also love to celebrate the season with other people, so I’m planning and attending as many Christmas parties and activities as possible in these first few weeks of December in an effort to take it easy once Christmas actually gets here. (And that’s on top of crazy deadlines and busyness at work.) Which means I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off during my waking hours (I’m sure you feel the same way), and I’m getting 5 hours, tops, of sleep a night. For some of you, that may seem like more than enough. Not for this girl. I operate optimally on 8 hours a night. So forgive me if this post seems weird. I feel weird—and I’m fully blaming it on the lack of sleep and the 90 directions my brain is running at once.

However, in a moment of rare mental clarity this week, I happened to catch Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” on the radio during my drive home. Now, I grew up singing that song. I know most of the words, but hearing it on Tuesday, it was as if the words were making sense for the first time ever. I started crying in my car at how well the songwriter put it. Just read it for yourself:

Hark! the herald angels sing,
    "Glory to the new born King,
    peace on earth, and mercy mild,
    God and sinners reconciled!"
    Joyful, all ye nations rise,
    join the triumph of the skies;
    with th' angelic host proclaim,
    "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
    Hark! the herald angels sing,
    "Glory to the new born King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
    Christ, the everlasting Lord;
    late in time behold him come,
    offspring of a virgin's womb.
    Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
    hail th' incarnate Deity,
    pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
    Jesus, our Emmanuel.
    Hark! the herald angels sing,
    "Glory to the new born King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
    Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
    Light and life to all he brings,
    risen with healing in his wings.
    Mild he lays his glory by,
    born that we no more may die,
    born to raise us from the earth,
    born to give us second birth.
    Hark! the herald angels sing,
    "Glory to the new born King!"

I especially love these lines: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see / hail the incarnate Deity, / pleased with us in flesh to dwell, / Jesus, our Emmanuel.

God came down and was PLEASED to dwell with us in the flesh. It was such a thoughtful plan He put in motion. I love Him for it.

The words that brought tears to my eyes (not a good thing when driving on the Interstate!) were: Light and life to all he brings, / risen with healing in his wings. / Mild he lays his glory by, / born that we no more may die, / born to raise us from the earth, / born to give us second birth.

AMEN!

Maybe these words don’t move you to tears like they did me. But I’d encourage you this Christmas season, instead of just letting the Christmas music be background music, pay attention to the words of the Christmas hymns. Let them sink in. Cry if you feel so inclined. Take pleasure in this season and all it means!


And while I’m on the subject of music, here’s what’s happening in pop culture’s music these days:

Top 10 on the Billboard Charts:
1.    “Firework” Katy Perry (Wow—a KP song with which I don’t completely disagree!)
2.    “Raise your Glass” by P!nk
3.    “What’s My Name?” by Rihanna & Drake
4.    “The Time (Dirty Bit) by The Black Eyed Peas
5.    “Grenade” by Bruno Mars
6.    “Only Girl in the World” by Rihanna
7.    “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
8.    “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha
9.    “Just a Dream” by Nelly
10.   “Bottoms Up” by Trey Songz


Top 10 on iTunes:
1.    “Firework” Katy Perry
2.    “Grenade” by Bruno Mars
3.    “The Time (Dirty Bit) by The Black Eyed Peas
4.    “That’s All She Wrote” by T.I.
5.    “What’s My Name?” by Rihanna & Drake
6.    “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha
7.    “Raise your Glass” by P!nk
8.    “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa
9.    “Bottoms Up” by Trey Songz
10.   “Welcome Christmas” by Glee Cast

What are the top Christmas gifts for teenagers this year? What are your girls asking for and wishing for as they are bombarded with advertisements this Christmas season?

I started checking out the hot Christmas gifts of the season, and some...not so hot. Actually, there were some "gift ideas" that were....well, unique and I thought you might like to evaluate how they would go over with teenage girls. Let's start with this one....

I saw this on a website and thought, "my daughter would never want that...what is that?" Yes, if you look closely, you're right. It is what you think it is...an iplunge! It looks like a mini-toilet plunger! No plumbing required! Just lick it and stick it! Hilarious...and kind of gross!

OK - this is another one that is supposed to be a hit this season....MonsterHoodies....

See the little eyes on the top and the edge of the hoodie that looks like...what is that...teeth? I think this one is supposed to be a whale. Yeah, I don't think so. Not buying it.

Now this is something that I really liked because they were only $15.00 for a string of lights. Yes, they are funky, fun, fuzzy lights. Cool, huh?! But, then I thought about the fire hazard of leaving those lights on...because my daughter would absolutely never remember to unplug them when she left her room.

Here is something that I really think some girls would love. It is a game based on the popular TV show "glee." But does anyone really play board games much any more? It sounds fun and they might play it if they have a snow day or something. However, I think the company would be better off creating a glee app for girls to play on their phones or laptops.

I actually found something that I think I would really like...if it is not a total piece of junk for $35! It is the EyeClops mini-projector. You are supposed to be able to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and video games through this teeny, tiny projector. Wouldn't it be fun to watch a movie on the ceiling of your room? Or use it to project games on a wall or even outside the house? Think of all the ways you could use it with girls' ministry!

Sure I'm skeptical...especially since it is designed for 8-12 year olds. I am just thinking by the time all the adaptors are plugged in this thing is going to require multiple extension cords or drain your batteries dry in about 10 minutes. But look at how small it is...doesn't that look fun!

Now are you ready for the final gift idea for today? This is one of those love it or hate it gifts. Three pounds, 4000 calories of gummy worm! You can get it in all kinds of flavors. Personally, I think I am going to be sick...ewww...yuk....gummy worms!

Now give me your opinions!  What are the hot items that the girls in your ministry are asking for this Christmas?

We will continue our "top Christmas gifts for teens" next Tuesday with part 2!

Most of the time, you never know what will come out of a girl's mouth. Some praise, part curses, much gossip, lots of drama. But what are you likely to NEVER hear a girl say? Here are ten things that I thought of. Feel free to add your own in the comments section.

10. Oh, I am so skinny!

9. No, I don't want to go to the movies. I'd rather help my little sister collect bugs to finish her science project.

8. I could live without my cell phone.

7. Can we study the Book of Leviticus again? That was really interesting.

6. Nah, I don't need to go shopping. I have plenty of clothes.

5. Can I help you with that?

4. I'm not busy.

3. My parents are awesome. They never embarrass me, they dress cool, and we never argue.

2. Drama at school? What drama?

1. I know I'm a pain sometimes, and I know I only think of myself a lot, but I want to say thanks for all that you do for me. 

As a girls' ministry leader, you may not hear those precious words—thank you—this side of heaven. So for now, hear those words from me. Thank you for all that you do. What you do matters for eternity. Never forget that.

Now it's your turn...what will you never hear girls say?

The Girl Scouts of the USA/Girl Scout Research Institute recently released some new statistics on girls and body image. Among the findings:

• Nine out of 10 girls say the fashion industry and media place a lot of pressure on teen girls to be thin.
  
  
• Three in four girls say fashion is really important to them.
  
  
• Sixty five percent of girls think that the body image respresented by the fashion industry is too skinny.
  
  
• Sixty percent say they compare their bodies to fashion models.
  
  
• Seventy five percent of girls surveyed said they'd be more likely to buy clothes they see on "real-size" models than on super-skinny ones."
  
  
• Forty-one percent say they prefer to see the latest fashions on skinny models.
  

Did you catch all of the contradictions? Girls are confused. Very confused. They don't know what to believe, who to believe, what to strive for, what to hope to become. They know there's something wrong with the image that culture has placed in front of them, but they don't know what to believe to the contrary. Aren't models popular? Successful? Wealthy?

That's where we as girls' ministry leaders can come alongside girls and voice a new perspective, a different way of approaching body and image and self-esteem.

Use the statistics above (and the rest that I didn't quote from the study) to begin a running dialogue (one-time discussions won't begin to speak into their lives) about how they see themselves and those around them. Here are a few questions to get the dialogue started:

1. Read the first two statistics about the fashion industry. Then ask: How important is fashion to you, on a scale of one to ten? Do you agree with these girls that say the fashion industry and media puts pressure on you? How do you feel the pressure most? Which fashion designer or brand creates the most pressure?

2. Ask girls: What size do you think a "real-size" model is? What is "super-skinny"? Who determines what is "real-size" and "skinny"?

3. Do you think that Christians should have the same perspective on fashion and body image as their non-Christian friends? Why or why not? How does God's Word speak into this issue?

Last night was a good night in my small group. We’re almost finished with The Case for Faith and were discussing the church’s impact, both good and bad, on society. One of my girls said that she gets frustrated by Christians in our country because so many of us take for granted our freedom of religion and approach our faith so casually. She said that she almost wished we were persecuted for our faith so we’d take it seriously. Another girl piped up and said that outlawing Christianity just might be the ticket to getting rid of lukewarm Christians.

I think it’s fascinating the difference between these girls today and how my friends and I acted when I was their age. They have such a better grasp than I did of how global Christianity is. It’s refreshing! But I’m also in love with the fact that they see the difference between being a cultural Christian and an authentic one. I can’t wait to see what kind of impact these girls have on the kingdom of God! Already they’re taking some big steps by being open about their faith in their public high schools. God is certainly at work, and I love getting to watch Him move in and through the girls in my small group.

OK, enough gushing. (I know how annoying that can be if the girls you’re around leave a lot to be desired on the spiritual maturity [and all other forms of maturity!] scale.) You probably came to the blog to see what’s happening in the world our students live in, so here’s some pop culture info:

Flash Mob
Many of you may already be familiar with this social phenomenon, but maybe not with its name. A flash mob is a big group of people who gather together at a specific time and place to do a specific action for a brief time, then disperse. You probably have seen YouTube videos of flash mobs having pillow fights, doing dances, singing the Hallelujah chorus, or freezing in place in locations throughout the world. I’ve even heard of some youth groups doing it. One group went to a mall’s food court and froze in place at the signal from their leader. At another time, that group synchronized their watches, went to Wal-Mart, dispersed throughout the store, then danced like crazy at the appointed time. The students LOVED it, according to their youth minister.

Movies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, in more ways than one. If you’re a movie buff, then you’re probably aware of all the blockbusters being released this year during the holidays. And if you’re not, here’s a list of the current top 10 and a brief synopsis:

1.    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 [PG-13]: (Is a synopsis even necessary here?!)
2.    Tangled [PG]: The animated story of Rapunzel. Looks hilarious!
3.    Megamind [PG]: A villain-turned-superhero (voiced by Will Ferrell) tries to save the day.
4.    Burlesque [PG-13]: Cher and Christina Aguilera star in this movie about making it in a risqué dance club. If you saw the cast perform during the AMAs, you know this isn’t a family-friendly film.
5.    Unstoppable [PG-13]: Denzel Washington tries to stop a runaway train.
6.    Love and Other Drugs [R]: Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this (likely sex-laden) tale of relationships.
7.    Faster [R]: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson seeks revenge. Sure to be action packed and graphic.
8.    Due Date [R]: According to friends of mine who were looking for a hilarious comedy based on the previews, this one was a disappointment.
9.    The Next Three Days [R]: Russell Crow and Elizabeth Banks star in this thriller about a desperate husband who tries to break his wife out of jail.
10.   Morning Glory [PG-13]: Rachel McAdams stars in this feel-good film about turning around a struggling morning news show. According to my coworkers, it’s a cute movie (and one I hope to see over the holidays).


 

I am so glad today is December 1. Not because I'm looking forward to the Christmas season (although I am). Not because I like the colder weather (I hate cold weather). I am glad this day starts December because, quite frankly, November stunk. Or at least the last three weeks did.

The month actually started out gloriously. I spent a weekend in Kentucky on a silent retreat and came away having tasted a thimble full of God's raging love. But then...life happened.

First, I got the flu. So much for the flu shot I got at work in October. I was out for four days. Then, I come back to work and what happens? I had this strange reaction that caused my body to swell (I couldn't wear rings) and my joints to ache painfully. I went to the doctor and his response? "This is really interesting. I don't know what is causing this." The words "this is interesting" should not be uttered in a doctor's office. It does nothing to quell anyone's fear, especially the patient's. 

That reaction finally wanes with the help of medicine, and what happens two days later? You guessed it, I get a stomach virus.I was out of town at the time and had to drive four hours home on Sunday morning with a trash can between my legs, telling my husband when he needed to pull off at the nearest exit with a bathroom. 

I told you the month was rough.

Why in the world did I tell you that story? There really is a point—more than just explaining why I haven't been blogging much lately.

In a moment of sanity, I realized that working with girls is a lot like my November. Some months, some seasons, some years in girls ministry are just rough. None of us is immune to the fallout that results from living in a fallen world.

One thing after another comes flying at you: Unhappy parents who use you as a surrogate verbal punching bag, venting their fears and frustrations in a safe place--you. Girls who make poor decisions and disappoint you. Crisis issues that make your head spin and your heart break (a similar feeling to the flu sometimes!). Budget woes that leave you sleepless.

Yes, you'll have "one of those days" in girls' ministry. But sometimes, you'll have "one of those months" or "one of those years". You'll endure a season where it's just flat tough. Enduring a bad day is one thing; not giving up in a season of bad days is a much tougher test of endurance.

And just like my month from you-know-where, hard seasons of ministry eventually smooth out. That girl who made a poor decision goes on to make better ones. A couple of parents actually say thank you. You see spots of growth in the girls---minuscule, microscopic, teeny-tiny growth, but growth nonetheless.

They key is sticking it out.  Eventually a new month rolls around (thank you, December!)—and a new season will begin.