Lemons make Lemonade!

     Sometimes we don't have a choice.  Sometimes things just happen to us, and we can't do anything about it.  Nothing at all.  We just have to accept it.  But sometimes that's not very easy.  Sometimes we think, "What if I just did this..."  Sometimes we are just born into something, and no matter how far you try to get away from it you just can't.  So what do you do?  Go crawl in the corner and cry?  Nope.  Make lemonade!!!!  (Not literally)  Have you ever heard the saying, "If you have lemons, then make lemonade."  Well sometimes we get into a sour situation.  And there's nothing we can do to fix it.  So what do you do?  Accept the fact and move on.  Pick up the fallen pieces and move on, then if you are ever in that same situation you know what to do. 

I am

     This is the last post for the Names of God series.  So for the last one I decided to do my favorite name for God, which are the "I Am's"  God is so many things, He is the vine and we are the branch, He is the way the truth and the life, He is the light of the world, He is the sacrifice for our sin, and SO much more.  He is everything that we need, "I am what I am" that's what He told Moses.  He is everything that we need, if you need a comforter He's there, if you need a friend He's there.  You need a strong foundation He's there.  You need a redeemer He's there.  You need a savior, life,or a miracle, He's there.  He will always be there for you and He will never leave you. Never ever, ever, ever, leave you.  He loves you,and He is everything that we need, and more.

Your Size

     So many girls these days worry over their weight.  They worry about how they look and what their body weight is.  Sadly, some consider starving themselves or throwing up there food, so they can loose weight.  This is called an easting disorder.  It is never right to starve yourself or throw up on purpose to loose weight.  It will turn into an addiction.  Yes, you can become addicted to loosing weight.  You can become addicted to pretty much anything. 
     God made you the way you are for a reason.  He knew you since you were in your mother's womb.  He knew how many hairs were going to be on your head, He knew how tall you were going to be, He knew EVERYTHING about you.  So God made you this way.  Now, it's a completely different story if you're eating unhealthy things.  If you are not taking care of your body and eating unhealthy then that is why you are gaining weight.  But in the other case, God made you the way you are.  And starving yourself or throwing up your food does not help.  Not only will it hurt you in the wrong run, but it will also hurt your family members.  They see you suffering, and want to help you.  Even if they don't notice it now.
     If you really think you need to lose weight then talk to you parents and then ask your doctor for the best way.  When dieting make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.  And make sure you are dieting the right way.  There are wrong ways to dieting, one of those ways is by starving yourselves or throwing up your food after eating.  To learn more about these eating disorders please look at the labels to the left, scroll down until you see the label Eating Disorder, click it and there should be the post.  If you have any questions feel free to comment or if more comfortable e-mail us at leeparkgals@hotmail.com

Savior

  This might be the most obvious name for God.  He is our Savior.  He saved us from Hell.  If He did not die on the cross then we would not have hope for a better life.  Life would be pointless and no use for living.  BUT, He did die on the cross and He did raise again on the third day.  And now that He has done that, we can be forgiven of our sins.  Now some people think that they have sinned to much, or they did a really bad sin that can never be forgiven.  But that's NOT the case.  When God bled and died on the cross, He was able to forgive EVERYONE of EVERY sin.  No matter what you have done.  Weather you do drugs, have sex with multiple people, kill someone.  Anything, God CAN and WILL forgive you of your sins.  John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
     If you confess with our mouth our sins, God will forgive you of your sins.  All you have to do is believe in Him.  If you have any questions then e-mail us.  We love to get e-mails from you guys.  Our e-mail is in the top right hand corner.  If you think you sinned to much read this verse.  Romans 5:20  "The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.  But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,"  So no matter what you have done, God will be your savior and forgive you of all of your sins. 

Deliverer

     1 John 1:9 says,  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"  So what does that have to do with God and being a deliverer?  He delivered us from sin.  So what does deliver mean?  In this case deliver means, to help or save someone.  God saved or delivered us from sin.
     Have you ever read the book of Judges?  It's all about the Israelites not following God's commands, then they have a consequence, and then they need help.  God then delivers them from their trouble.  But they do it AGAIN!!!  (My teacher gave me that example, thank you Mrs. Carmen!!!)
     That's how we are.  We sin and then we repent, but then we sin again, and then we repent again.  Over and over and over  again.  But as the verse said when we confess our sins, "He is faithful and just to forgive us or sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  We had a problem.  That problem was sin.  Sin was what separated us from God.  But then God became our deliverer and now we can be with God.

Redeemer

     God is our redeemer.  To understand what a a redeemer is you have to know what redeem means.  Dictionary.com says, "to buy or pay off; clear by payment:"  So how is God our redeemer?  Well Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  We have a debt in sin.  From the time we were born till the time we are saved that debt keeps piling up, higher, and higher.  And we can do nothing about it.  There is no payment you can pay, no labor or work you can do, or ANYTHING.  You cannot pay of this debt.  The ONLY way you can, is by being redeemed by Jesus Christ.  He redeemed us from ALL of our sins when He was nailed on the cross.  And now and FOREVER more you can be forgiven for your sins.  No matter what you do or did.  God can and will forgive you of your sins.  That is how God is our Redeemer. 

I can do all things thorugh Jesus Christ our Lord!

Everlasting Father

     We all have a Father on earth.  But we also have a Father in heaven.  God is our Everlasting Father.  He will never leave us, nor forsake us, Hebrews 13:5b "...Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."  God will never leave us, nor forsake us.  So what does forsake mean?  It means to forget or leave.  But God will NEVER do that.  He is ALWAYS here for us.  He is our Everlasting Father because His love never ends.

The Rock

     No, I am not talking about the actor. Psalm 95:1 says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
   let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."  God is our rock and salvation.  Now when you are planning on building a house where would you put it?  On a foundation that is on loose ground like sand, or on a solid ground?  You would put it on solid ground of course!  Because if you didn't then when the ground shifts so will your house, and it will be ruined.  Have you ever tried to run on dry sand at the beach?  It's really hard isn't it?  Because the sand is always shifting.  So when the world is your rock, it's going to shift and change.  What might be true today, may not be true in a year.  But with God, His word is ALWAYS true.  It never changes or shifts.  It is always solid.  What He said 2,000 years ago has been the same today, and it ALWAYS will.  So who is your rock?  Is it the Lord or the world?

The Names of God

     There are MANY names for God.  God can be so many things.  He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty Counselor, The Great I AM.  And so much more!  We tend to forget sometimes how amazing God can be, how He is whatever you need.  If you need a strong foundation, He's a strong foundation.  If you need someone to comfort you, He is the mighty counselor.  God can be anything you need, and SO MUCH MORE!!! 
     That's why we made this series, to remind us all of the names.  So the next time you are looking through our blog, check out "Names of God"  It will be under labels.

Left Out

    I remember the first time I went to a youth group.  I was miserable in the first five minutes.  Do you know why?  So many people come to a youth group and they get rejected.  Please know that I am NOT saying all youth groups are like that.  I am NOT bashing youth groups, I am just saying there have been people who have come to youth groups and have felt left out.  We should never be like that.  We should reach out to everyone.  No matter what they look like, dress like, or talk like.  God loves every single one of us.  The last thing He wants to see, is one of His children feeling left out.  So the next time you are in youth, please remember to talk to those who are sitting by themselves.  You can never know anything about them until you talk to them.  You might never see them again.  So take every chance you get.  Make every second count.

Heavens Grocery Store

Its really cute and neat :) ☺

Heaven's Grocery Store

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read "Heaven's Grocery Store".
As I got a little closer, the door came open wide.
When I came to myself, I was standing just inside.
I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said, "My child, please shop with care".
Everything a Christian needed was in that Grocery Store.
All you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for.
First, I got some PATIENCE; LOVE was in the very same row.
Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you needed it wherever you go.
I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH.
I just couldn't miss the HOLY SPIRIT, for He was all over the place!!
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race.
By then my basket was getting full but...I remembered I needed some GRACE!
I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free.
So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.
As I wind up the aisle I saw PRAYER and I just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
PEACE and JOY were plentiful; they were on the last shelf.
SONGS and PRAISES were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, "How much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again I smiled at him and said, "How much do I owe?"
He smiled again and said......
"My child, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG TIME AGO!"

Telegram

     I was in class one day for Bible study, we were talking about modesty.  One of the points were, "I am like a telegram, what message am I sending."  If you don't know what a telegram is, it is a machine that used to send messages to one place to another.  Of course we don't use them anymore, we have more advanced technology.  But when they were used, it really helped people know things faster.  It could keep families in touch, and tell if a train was going to be late.  Anyways, back to the quote.  When we dress, we are kind of sending a telegram to the people we see.  So the next time you are in doubt of what you are wearing, just think..."What message am I sending to everyone?"

Question of the Month

     If this was your last day to live, how would you spend it?  Who would you say you love?  Would you ask for any forgiveness from someone, or who would you forgive?  Just think about it, if you want to, post how you would spend your last days.  Don't worry, you don't have to get personal.

Hey

Hey y'all! So I know that there are people reading this, so please tell us what you want to read, what question do you have? Come on hit me with ya best shot! ;P

IDOLS

I was laying in bed one day, and this thought came out of the blue. America has A LOT of idols. Yup, that's right, I said idols. I bet a lot of you guys are thinking, "What? I haven't seen anyone worshiping a calf lately?" And yes, I doubt you have. But bowing down to an object isn't the only way to worship an idol.
If you could list the things that you use, think, or do, what would be at the top? If there was one thing that you just could not live without, what would it be? I am hoping it's God. There are times when people put things before God. Now everyone is familiar the Ten Commandments, one of them is "Thou shalt not put any gods BEFORE me." Did you read the before part? I hope so, I put it in bold! But there are times when we do put things before God. Now they may not be golden calves, or anything like that. BUT they are put before God. Wether it's a cell phone, or an i-pod, or money. It could be ANYTHING! It's scary to think about. So America does have idols, and sometimes we never even notice. Please note that I AM GUILTY of it too. We all have sometime or another. If you ever find yourself in that situation remember who should be first. Then I think you will know what's best.

Quotes!!!!

I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do. Hellen Keller
I love quotes ♥

Silent and Deadly

That's funny title.  Well there is a good meaning behind it.  I went to church today and I realized something.  A lot of the teens in my class are silent.  Now what do I mean by silent?  I mean whenever the teacher asked a question hardly anybody answered!  Now, don't get me wrong!  There were a few answers by some people but not as many as I hoped for.  Maybe two or three at best.  And the class had twenty-four people in it!  It really surprised me at first.  But, then I realized.  You know I used to be in their same shoes also.  I used to hesitate when they asked if someone will pray, read the Bible, or answer the question.  But why?  My excuse was because I didn't want to get made fun of.  Then I thought, "Why would I be made fun of?"  My excuses were pretty lame also. 

I also wondered if that is how they were when it came to ministering.  Were they just a hesitant?  Or what?  How are you when it comes to ministering?  Or in Sunday school class? Do you hesitate when it comes to praying out loud or reading the Bible?  Now please don't misunderstand me.  I am NOT saying that every teen is like that.  I have met MANY teens who are the complete opposite.  But, there are teens who do that.  I have seen them with my own eyes!  And it makes me feel so sad to see Christians doing that.  So if you are ever in that situation what will you do?  Step forward, or hesitate?

Trials

     Have you ever had to face something hard?  Have you ever had a HUGE change in your life, that crushed you?  Many people have, and someday you might also.  Sometimes terrible things happen to us.  Sometimes unspeakable things happen that just leave us feeling empty and lonely.  It happens to many people, and other people have never had that feeling.  Well, I will tell you something.  It has happened to me.  When I was young my parents divorced.  There are days when I think the world is awesome, and there are other days when I just never want to get out of bed.  But you know what?  We MUST keep fighting.  Don't let trials and storms leave you lonely and depressed.   God gives us these trials. Some of you might be asking, "WHY?", don't worry I asked the same question.  Then one night while reading in James I found the answer, James 1:2-4 says, " ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  So even though it is hard and sad, and even though you may feel lonely, we should be happy.  Because through this trial you grow stronger, and closer to God.
      Even though we go through hard times, and feel so sad and terrible, there is a reason.  You see we are a small piece in His beautiful puzzle.  Who knows!  One day maybe you will meet someone who is going through the same trouble you are going through.  Maybe they need your help.  God has a wonderful plan for all of us, He has a plan just for you!  So we go through hard times, yes.  God never promised believing in Him was going to be easy!  He never promised that!
     Sometimes God has to give us these trials so when He is ready to give you His plan you will be ready to.  And when these hard time come, God wants you to come closer to Him.  He wants you to learn more about His love.  It may sound weird that God would give us something that would make us feel sad, but it helps us in the end.  Just remember James 1:2-4, and when hard times come what will you do?  Will you draw closer to God?  Or turn away?      

Definition: Love

     *WARNING!!!! WILL GET PG-13!!!!!!*
I'm sure that you've heard someone say, "we made love", meaning they had sex. But is sex really love? Do you believe that a guy and girl must have physical contact to show love? The world says that love is an emotion, something that a guy and a girl show toward each other, something anyone can tell the opposite sex. BUT that's NOT love! Why do we believe that, that is love? Because all over TV actors say that's what love is? Because, every time you hear people talk about love, that's what you hear? Isn't that sad that, that is what people now-a-days thinks is love? Trust me I'm guilty of it to! You know even when we're all "You love that guy you wish he was your boyfriend", to a friend. But hey, how in the world can she love a guy who she barely knows!?!?!
I''m sorry but that just isn't love :( You want to know what love is? I'll tell you what REAL love is!
 1 Corinthians 13:1-8,

Love is patience, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Did you read that?? Did you see a guy-girl relationship in there or sex or feelings?? No, I sure didn't see any of that! Then if you go down a little farther in 1 Corinthians 13:13, it says, And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. That right up there 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 that is real love! Love is more than a guy and a girl even more than a parent and his/her child. So remember that next time a guy/girl tells you that they love you look and see, are they patient with you, polite, forgiving, trustful, or humble? Just really think about that, cause if they can do that with you then yes they really do love you!

Quick Question

     Hey everyone!  Just a quick question.  When Jesus comes back what do you want Him seeing you doing?  What will you be doing when He comes back?  Will you be doing what you want?  Will you be helping others?  Will you be sinning?   Just something to think about...

BOYS!! XD

Like the title? Haha, but aren't us girls like that? We're like "Ah he smiled at me, he's so in love with me!" Careful guys cause just looking at us and BAM! your trapped into this world were for like 1 whole month we wont stop talking about you looking at us.
Now I'm sure some of you girls reading this is thinking to yourself, "Ummm I'm not like that at all, guys are friends and nothing but that." Some of y'all might even be best friends with a guy, like I was until I moved. But sadly the vast majority of the female population (like that usage of words?) aren't cool with being a guys friend, and you know what?........ THAT'S TOTALLY OK! Now what a minute I'm not saying to be all boy crazy, what I'm trying to say is God created us to desire the opposite sex "Oh great well then ttyl, I've got an excuse to crush on that super cute guy." NOOOO that's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is that you shouldn't feel guilty to like a certain guy, the problem is what we do with that attraction. When you think non-stop about this boy or try to make notice your feelings to the boy is when you go overboard. Now saying to your bff, "I really like            " and just leave it at that, that is so ok. And its that simple dont over do it. Now some of us girls want those boys who they like to know with out a dout and that is very bad! You dont relize it but its sexual and most important its causeing your brother-in-Christ to sin and thats really REALLY bad. Another thing some of girls dont stop thinking about that boy, maybe even imagening what it would be like to be his girlfriend, and without even knowing it but what we've just done doing that is we've made him our idol, and that would be breaking one of the Ten Commandments.
So girls I'm not trying to make you feel horrible thinking that you do that, but its just a reminder to help all of us, even me ;P
Love all you girls that read this! <3

Being Prejudice

     Do you know what that means?  Well the dictionary says, "An unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason."  Now I know I am guilty of this, many of us are.  We sometimes judge people before we get to know them.  Some of us, NOT all of us, but SOME of us are very judgemental and prejudice to some people.  Lets say you meet a Muslim.  And if you are a Christian, you automatically know they don't believe your belief.  Some will be very rude, and not talk to that person.  And some treat them like any other person.  While others wait till there gone, and talk bad about them behind there back. 
     We should never shun, reject, be rude, or talk bad about ANY nonbeliever.  You SHOULD show love, respect, and be polite to EVERYONE.  Would being rude, and mean show someone to Christ?  Will talking bad about a nonbeliever and be disgusted about them, show others and that person to Christ? No!  Never!  That hurts you, God, the nonbeliever, and even sometimes the people around you!
     We must remember that we are always being watched.  There are people out there, who watch Christians and just wait for them to slip up and sin.  So then they can say "Oh well, look at them, if they do it how can they be saved?" 
   Now, I said EVERYONE.  I did not say "To only Christians." or "Only Baptist."  I said "EVERYONE!"  Because, God loves everyone, and He wants everyone to go to Heaven.  Not just the Christians, or just this certain race or that certain race.  He wants everyone.  Because He loves everyone. 
     When someone is not a believer in Christ we have to be an example of Christ for them.  Show them the way to God.  Not shunning and rejecting them.  That would be unchristian like.  God loves everyone.  So show your love to everyone as well.  (I am not saying,  "Go door to door, and shows God's love.  If you want to do that, then make sure you a have a group of people and and adult with you!  It is better to be safe than sorry.!)

Question of the month

Ahhhh the month is nearly over and I haven't done a question!!!

So since the summer is about to start, your at the store about to but a bathing suit for the pool. You buy a.....

A) Bikini

B) Tankini

C) One piece

Please answer! Just so we know, your views :)

Book list

I LOVE books! I don't know about y'all but i love to read them. So here are some good Christian books.

Karen Kingsbury! She is my all time favorite author in the world!
Some of her books-
In Between Sundays
A Thousand Tomorrows, Just Beyond the Clouds (they're the Cody Gunner series)
Then there's the Redemption Series, after that there's the Firstborn series, then the Sunrise series (read those series in that order because they sorta come after each other)
The Bailey Flanagan series

For those who like mysteries Ted Dekker is your man!
Here are some of his books
- Thr3e
- Bride collector
- Adam
- Bone Man's Daughter
- Skin
and a lot more!
I mean there's alot more but those are the main people I read if you have other suggestions please tell I'd love read them!

Responsibility

SO! sorry I've sorta been MIA!
Anyway responsibilities, such as doing my chores,  are something I sometimes struggle with. Let me just tell you some of my chores. I own 11 little baby ducks (they're SUPER cute) and so every morning I need to feed and fill their little pool up with water (they're not old enough to swim in our huge pond), then I need to feed and water my dog,ok that's not hard to do.  The hard chores would be keeping my room clean *cough, cough, hehe* and sweeping all the downstairs floors and mopping everyday, that would be what's hard. Oh, and staying on track with this blog. And I'm so sorry about that!
So responsibility is something I think a lot of people struggle with, but a lot of times the easiest thing to do is ignore them, "Oops, I forgot, oh well!" is what we, or at least I say. But maybe when your sitting down watching TV or texting all your friends hoping someone will text you back, because your bored, what we really need and I recommend is you stop and pray to GOD, "Please help me LORD! I need you to give me the strength and just do it!" Ya know my totally awesome mentor told me something, she said when it comes to struggling to do some things, say these three simple words, because they help a lot, "Just do it!" Those are the words she told me and my friends. How simple right? Yet how come we don't just do it? Really think about it....................





I'll tell you why! Because the devil has put in our heads that doing stuff is bad, work is bad! But guess what?!?! Work was in the garden of Eden before sin, do you know what that means? That means work is PERFECT! HA! Beat that Mr. Devil! Also the devil has given us so many distractions to keep us away from being with GOD and doing the responsibilities that GOD's given us. Here's a quote that might help, "Saying no to what I want may feel like death, but it will lead to life!" That was a quote from a drug addict! If he can become clean and stay clean with the help of GOD, we can ignore all the distractions and do our responsibilities!
If you have any questions email us or comment and I will help you!

Lights

  Luke 8:16  "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light."
  Have you ever heard the song "This Little Light of Mine"?  It goes like this.
     "This little light of mine,
     I'm gonna let it shine."
     If you have a light you wouldn't hide it under your bed, or in your closet.  You would put it high so everyone could see.  That is how we should be about Christ.  Don't just keep quiet about what Jesus has done.  Minister to others.  Show your light through this darken world.  Don't be to afraid to tell.  Jesus died for EVERYONE, and he wants EVERYONE to be in heaven.  So let your light shine, and let it shine bright!
  
ministry

Friends

We all know what BFF stands for, (Best Friends Forever), but i found this awesome other for BFF (Blessed Friends Forever). To me i think that sounds much better! But we have to be careful on who we consider a BFF.
Picture this your just about friend your 600th friend on Facebook, but do you even know, know, those people? I'm not saying that it's bad to have all those friends, but they're all to safe. What do i mean by safe? I mean there are 4 different friends-
1) Facebook friends-- you kinda know them or barely know them, you barely talk to them
2) Acquaintances-- You talk to them once a while when you pass them in school
3) Risky friends--you guys are pretty close you consider them your best friend
4) Friends till death-- you guys are inseparable and the best best friends
 The point is that we need a risky friend! If your like me your like, "Wait, what in the world is a risky friend????" A risky friend is your friend that is going to tell you, you did wrong, not like, "OMGoodness i cant believe you just did that, shame on you!" I'm not talking about that i mean, they'll say something like, "Hey, i know you know that what you did is kinda wrong, and you know what the bible says, you should probably tell them your sorry." They are also there for you to tell them your secrets and ask if they'll pray for you.  I'm not saying everyone you meet should be a friend-till-death type of friend its OK to have safe friends but you should have that one friend, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about that is your risky friend.
In Proverbs the Bible says, "A man of many companions will come to ruin, but there is a friend that will stick closer than a brother."

Question of the month

You're in a group of friends and they start talking about that one girl/guy. A.K.A. they're gossiping. What do you do?


A. Gossip right along with them.
B. Stay quiet but stay there
C. Go, and walk away.
D. Tell them to stop.

Being young

Hey guys, so sorry its been forever since we've posted, especially me! 

 Don't you wish that we could just grow up?! Everyone thinks we can't do anything because we're teenagers and are incapable of being responsible! It truly stinks if you ask me, but if you think about it, why do they think we can't do anything? Its not like they just woke up one morning and were like, "Teenagers are irresponsible and stupid!" NO!!! We, well maybe not you in particular, but over the years the "teenager" has become more and more lazy. But the question I have is, why and how?

Written by a girl growing up in the 50's - 80's, Barbra Diggs. "When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. To my mind, when I reached that magical idyll, there would be a never-ending stream of convertible cars outside my house, a closet full of poodle skirts, and a stack of 45s, to which I would dance in my bedroom, between dates at the soda shop. To be sure, I would be asked by a handsome college student to “go steady” and would sport his fraternity pin or Letterman jacket with pride. I got excited just thinking about it. Being a teenager of the ‘50’s would be so much fun!
Unfortunately, when I was doing all this daydreaming, it was already 1978. My vision of teenage hood had been led badly astray by retro 1950’s television shows such as “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” and, of course, the film “Grease.” There would be no saddle shoes or sock hops in my future –the big hair and acid wash jeans of the late ‘80s awaited. I have always felt a bit cheated.

But was I? Had I been a teen in the ‘50s what would it really have been like?

The term “teenager” was scarcely heard at the start of the 1950’s, but by the decade’s end, the word rolled off every American tongue with ease. The teens of the ‘50’s were the first teen-aged youths to stand out as a distinct group with interests, fashions, musical tastes and economic power of their own. Their rise to prominence was largely because, unlike the youth of previous generations, the youngsters of the 1950s were unencumbered by responsibilities brought by world war and economic depression. In the 1950s, America was as prosperous as it ever had been; the morale of the white middle-class was high, and parents, smilingly indulgent. For the first time, young people had both the money and the freedom to do what every generation of teens since has expected as its right: have fun. And fun, they had. The average white middle-class teen in the 1950’s often engaged in the type of wholesome activities for which they are so well remembered. They hung out with their friends at malt shops, “necked” at drive-in movies, and gathered around the television with their families – only one set per household in those days – to watch respectable programs such as “I Love Lucy” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Teenage boys – from slick-haired “greasers” to cardigan-wearing preppies – spent ample time salivating over the increasingly sleek and sporty cars that were being churned out each year. Girls swooned over pin-ups of teen idols like Troy Donahue and Fabian, and consulted newly inaugurated teen magazines for advice on dating or fashion. Perhaps if the teens of the ‘50s had gone no further with their exploration of fun, perhaps the world would be a different place. But America’s first teenagers clearly wanted more than wholesome fun. And when rock ‘n rollers such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis Presley burst onto the scene, teens were ready. They latched onto rock ‘n roll’s reckless, thrilling beat and refused to let go. With the advent of rock ‘n roll, and a spate of movies featuring disaffected teens (most notably being James Dean in “Rebel Without A Cause”), America got its first taste of teenage rebellion.

Most parents were appalled. Rock ‘n roll, with its powerful beat, gyrating singers, and sexually suggestive lyrics, was considered to be utterly unsuitable for children. The fact that such music also had strong roots in the African-American blues and gospel traditions made it all the worse. It was denounced by conservatives as “jungle music” or “Satan’s music” – which made the teenagers, in true teenage form, crave it all the more. Record producers were happy to oblige them. Teens flocked the record stores, dropped millions of dimes in the jukebox, and joyfully jitterbugged away in thousands of high school gyms across the nation. And as the song goes, rock ‘n roll was here to stay. Naturally, life in the ‘50s wasn’t one sock hop after another. Teens spent most of their time in school, and were constantly pressured to conform to society’s extremely conservative standards. One such method of pressure were the frequent showing of “mental hygiene” films in schools. These 15 minute films (with titles such as, “Keep off the Grass”, “Are You Popular?” and “Safety or Slaughter”) attempted to steer – or frighten – young people away from drugs, sex, slouching, speeding, or anything that might render them socially unpopular. The consequences for teens that veered from the norm were severe: an unwed pregnant teen would quickly find herself a pariah; homosexuality could result in a jail sentence; an interracial relationship would practically guarantee ostracism from everyone, including your own family. But, overall, Happy Days wasn’t outrageously far off the mark. Few teens stepped far beyond their social boundaries, and life for a white middle-class teen was good fun.

That was written by, Barbra Diggs, if you couldn't tell she grew up in the 50's. You know what i kept noticing? It was TV shows and music that really influenced these teens, and if you ask me i would say that TV, movies, and music STILL influence us! That's why its so important to be careful in what you watch and listen!

Japan

     Have you heard what happened to Japan?  The earthquake and tsunami did a lot of damage.  It is very sad and terrible is it not?  Plus with the nuclear explosions.  I mean that country has it tough right now.  And today I was complaining about how cold it is.  We need to remember that we have been blessed over and over and over again.  I was complaining about how cold it was, there are some people who watched there house sink in the tsunami waves.  We all need to remember that it could be worse.  It could always be a lot worse.  I mean can you imagine watching a huge wave just sweep over your house destroying all your belongings, and then have the nuclear explosion poison your air, all in a week? 
     I watched a video where people were all in a line infront of a pool.  But, then as you move away from the pool you see people making a line passing buckets of pool water to be used for bathing and flushing toilets.  The line was huge people across a parking lot and even farther back!  Would we do that.  When the most unthinkable happens would we show team work or would we just complain?  Complain and blaim God? 
     You know I have heard this question all the time, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" here is my answer, we are not good people.  No one is a good person.  All that goodness does not come from us, but from God.  All the bad stuff is us, it's the stuff that Satan has tempted us with and he won.  But God is good, everything He does is good.  So when you are complaining about not haveing good tasting food, or you are too cold remember this, it could be worse, much worse.

Crushes

Okay, so I'm sure you've had a crush before. Yep, I'm talking about that guy down the street or across the classroom. The persons name you write inside a heart right beside yours, the one where you wonder hmmm Mrs. so-and-so. I'm here to tell you that it's totally O.K.!!! God created you to be attracted to the opposite sex, the problem is when you don't stop thinking about him, when you think sexual thoughts, then it becomes bad, it becomes adultery. So, don't feel bad for crushing on some guy, as long a you don't take it overboard. Keep your heart pure for Mr. Right. Because I promise you it will be SO be worth it!

Just a encouraging thought for the day!   1 Timothy 4:12- Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, instead set an example for believers in faith, speech, life, love, purity.

Wise Words

I once heard these wise words before, "Faith makes things possible... not easy."  These are such great words!  You see our lives will not always be easy, and believing in God is not going to make life any easier.  It just makes things possible.  With God we can do all things.  God never promised us an easy life, after we are saved.  He promised us eternal life in heaven with him. 
     So if you are going through a hard time right now, just remember "Faith makes things possible... not easy."  If you think that whatever you problem of trial your going through that feels impossible of think this, "God is the most powerful thing in the world and beyond.  He is indescribable and all powerful.  God will never place you where He cannot reach you."  Isn't that awesome, to know that He will never leave you and He is always there to help you back up when you fall.  So if you are ever in a hard time just remember these wise words, "Faith makes things possible... not easy, and God will never place you where He cannot reach you."  

Parents

     Ugh.  Once again your parents have nagged at you for not putting your clothes away, cleaning your room, or doing your chores.  Don't you hate it when your parents nag at you for little things?  Do you sometime feel like your parents are out to get you?  Well I will tell you something.  There not out to get you. They love you, and they only want whats best for you.
     I know that some of you are thinking "Are you insane?  They are always nagging me!"  But did you know that they nag you to do the right thing for a reason?  If they did not love you then they would not care what you do.  They would just let you do anything you want.  Now that may sound pretty cool, but it's not.  "A man who has half of his wishes doubles his troubles" Benjamin Franklin   Like what Benjamin Franklin said, if we did almost all that we wanted we would get in a lot of trouble!  Even if it is something small like cleaning your room, yeah it might seem unimportant.  But what if your looking for something and it is lost in Mount. Clothes Everest.  So everything your parents tell you to do has a reason.  Now do something really crazy for me pleeeeeeeeeeease! I will do it too, I promise. Tell your parents "Thank you for loving me so much even though I am hard to get along with.  Thank you for getting on to me for the right reasons even when I roll my eyes and stomp up the stairs.  I love you." 

A Note from God

     Some of us may be suffering from a heartache since someone did not ask them out or surprise them with chocolates and roses, so I want everyone to read this.  I have to give thanks to a very special teacher, Miss. Charity.


Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone-
To have a deep soul relationship with another-
to be loved thoroughly, and exclusively.
But God says:
I want you to be satisfied, fulfilled, and content
With being loved by me alone-
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me-
With having an interesting personal and unique relationship
With Me alone.
When you discover that only in Me is your is your satisfaction to be found,
Then will you be capable of the best human relationship
That I have planned for you.
I want you to stop planning, stop wishing,
And allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing-
One that you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best-
Please allow Me to bring it to you.
You just keep watching Me, trusting Me-
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things I tell you.
You just wait.
That's all.
Don't be anxious.
Don't worry.
Don't look around at the things
Others have gotten or that I have given them.
Don't look at the things you think you want.
You just keep looking at Me.
Or you'll miss what I want to show you.
And when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than any you would dream of.
You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready,
(I am working even this moment to have both of you ready at the same time).
Until both of you are satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I prepared for you,
You won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me.
And this is the perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have the most wonderful love.
I want you to see in flesh a picture of your relationship with Me.
And enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love,
That I offer you Myself.
Know that I love you utterly
                                                    God
                                                           Author Unknown

Valentines Day

Some teenagers get so worked up on Valentines Day.  But why?  So kids our age can't wait to see the gift they get and some hope for a romantic guy or girl to ask them out.  But why?  Why do you want to start dating or get gifts from a "girlfriend" or "boyfriend"?  I think of dating or if you court like this.  I will date or court when I know I am ready to get married, and it would be illegal if I married right now!  So why even bother?  Now I know some of us can't help but have your hopes up, that I understand.  But don't get all worked up about.  Don't start daydreaming about how someone will give you something.  So if you are near my age which is very young ( also to young to drive) then don't start thinking of love and dating.  You to young, trust me.

Alcohol

     I was flipping through my Bible trying to find a verse, when I came across this one.  Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
     Well I believe the verse explains what this post is going to be about.  "...Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."  What do you think that means?  What it means is that if you are led astray or have a problem with beer and wine, then you are unwise.  Now I know some of you are thinking, "What me? NEVER!"  But, there are some people out there that so struggle with this problem.   Drinking alcohol can give you a lot of problems.  I believe it is obvious what those problems are.  But, whenever you find yourself being tempted by this sin remember this, what good will come if I do this?  Will Satan be laughing saying, "You fell into my trap!"  or will God be smiling saying, "Great choice!"

Trials

James 1: 2-4  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
     So what does that mean???  Whenever we go through times and trials be grateful?  Now I bet you are already saying "What!  Be grateful?  Why would I be grateful that I am going through painful situation?!"  But look closely at what this verse is saying..."because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance..."  Perseverance is a good thing to have, what is perseverance?  Perseverance is to keep on, to persists.  So when God gives us trial some of us eventually have perseverance.  Sadly some people break down and turn away from God when hard times come.  They think that God has turned His back on them.  But that is NOT true, and never will be true!  God is always with you!  He will never leave you.  He is just testing you faith, to see if you truly love Him.  Because if you did then you would never leave Him.  So consider if PURE JOY when God gives you testing in the faith. 
     A saying that I have heard many times is that "God will never place you, where he cannot reach you."  Aren't you glad that that is true?  So I bet your saying "Then why did some people leave God?  Why would He let those things happen if He knew they would not take the pain?"  But, here is another question.  Did they really love God and trust Him.  Mrs.Carmen my Co-op teacher, (A co-op is a homeschool group)  says "Through the whole entire Bible, God says 'I love you', and we are suppose to trust and obey."  We are suppose to trust God and obey all his laws. So if we truly love God then we would not leave God or think that He has left us.  Another question you might be asking is, "Then why did God let those things happen to people who don't know God?  Won't that make them more lost?"  You see the cool thing about God is this, He can see everything that will happen.  When we only see a piece of the puzzle. 
     For example,  God is the puzzle maker and the pieces of the puzzle is our lives.  God knows everything so He know exactly what the puzzle is going to look like, and in the end He will put you in a beautiful frame and admire His work, forever.  We don't see what God is doing but, all we do is trust and obey, and in the end you will be a beautiful art work for all to see.

Being Mature

Hebrews 5:11-14 says, "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
     Wow, that is a really bad insult!  I mean in other word in other words that is saying, "Dude!  When you are suppose to be teachers you are little babies still learning the most simple things.  Your not even mature enough to eat solid food, you drink milk!"  I would be insulted if someone told me that.  So what does this passage mean?  It means that the writer wants to tell these people so much, but he can't, because the people are not mature yet.  They would be able to understand yet.  That's really sad.  But we are the same way.  People want to tell us so much but we won't be able to understand.  Why?  SOME okay remember I said SOME!  Some of us are not mature yet.  So we are not able to learn more and more about God, and SOME of us are not even seeking God.  If we are not mature enough and if we are not even seeking God then how would we know good from evil?
     Now I know you are thinking, "Heck yea!  I still would know what to do.  Trust me just listen to my parents!"  But what happen when your on your own and nobody is there to tell you what is right from wrong?  What if something might not be illegal, but it is still wrong?  That is why we need to study God's word.  I mean yea everybody knows telling a lie is wrong, and stealing.  That's obvious!  But, you will find a time when you really don't know what's right and what wrong.  And that's when you will remember something the Bible says and you will be grateful.  Yes, there will be times when you still chose wrong, but we're not perfect.  But, still one day you will come upon a problem and when that day comes will you be eating solid food or still drinking milk?

Question of the Month!!!

     Hello everyone here is the Question of the Month!  Answer honestly!
     Okay, you are talking with your friends and you talk about how good God has been to you, and how you are so thankful.  But then your friends start picking on you calling you a "Jesus Freak" and other things.  What do you do???
A.  Run away and never talk to them again.
B.  Try to change the subject.
C.  Ignore the names.
D.  Say, "I am glad that I am with Jesus and if you want to know more about him I would be glad to share."

The Narrow and Wide Gates

Matthew 7:13-14
     "Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to a life, and only few find it."
     So what does that mean?  To me it means that narrow is the path that leads to heaven, and wide is the gate that leads to hell.  Sometimes we all start to lean over to the wide gate, and when we do we need to catch ourselves.  We need to always be on our guard, twentyfour/seven.  Satan is always at our shoulder tempting us and trying to make us sin.  But, God is always with you at that same time.  You may not think so but he is.  That's one really cool thing about God.  He is with everyone on the face of this earth. (and if someone is in space, He is with them too)  He's always near us and He will NOT EVER leave you.  So enter through the narrow gate,  the wide gate may look easier but, it leads to death and an eternity in hell.

Awesome Book

 I finished this book today, were these two girls share a dorm, and start a great strong Christian friendship. But one friend Andi, has lived what she calls a "safe life" were she has been a Christian and been a good little girl, in college she starts to want to live a risky life, a life without GOD, and his protection. On the other hand, Bailey, the other girl has also lived a "safe life" but her faith is strong in GOD, and all in the book people talk about how she has this shine that radiates from her, and what it is, is she is still pure, and always looking to GOD, a women of Him. She is constantly trying to tell Andi that she needs to stay pure for her husband, because in the end it will defiantly be worth it. She has so many great stories, like for example, everyone is a white sheet of paper, but sometimes people want to "experience life" and they start to yellow, but they don't realize it, they think they are still pretty white, but when they come across someone who really did everything GOD told them to do, the yellow-white person realizes that they aren't so white anymore. That's the thing people talk about, when they say that something just seems to beam out of someone else.
So for now Andi is still pure but it's only the first of a whole sires!

Forgiving

     Today many people hold grudges against someone else.  Have you had a fight with your friend and now your mad at him or her?  Has your little or big sister or brother done something to make you mad?  Well are you not forgiving them?  In the Bible it says to forgive one another, or God will not forgive you.  If you don't believe me it is in Luke 6:37,“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  There are bound to be many more verses from where that one came from.  So what am I saying?  I am saying we need to forgive others, but not just so God can forgive us.  But, also because this may be the last day you are alive.  This maybe your friends last day to live, or you siblings.  We need to make every minute last. 

     Try not to make regrets and live like your dying. (To tell you the truth were all dying!)  So make every minute count.  This may be your last day to tell someone you love them.  Like a saying I have said before, "The past is the past, what's done is done.  The future, who knows it may never come.  But today, huh, well there is a reason why it's called the present." 

Freedom

     So, I've been wanting to get my ear pierced for a second time for a while, but my parents are really unsure about this and have decided to talk about this for sometime. So, I was trying to state my case, in a restaurant. And one of the things I said was, "You can't always shelter me, I have to learn to make my own decisions." Don't you think that was the best answer ever!?!? But all in the Bible GOD says that he will shelter, but its always a good thing, he's trying to protect us and keep us safe, because he loves us! GOD shelters you all the time, just imagine how dangerous and hard it would be, if GOD didn't shelter us from all the evil Satan does.

So, next time you get upset at your parents because their "sheltering" you, be grateful because they love you enough to protect you instead of just saying what ever, go do what you want to do. Remember that they love you.

Be Optimist Part two, Joy

     Joy.  Many people misunderstand the meaning of joy.  The joy I am talking about is a unique joy that is only found by God.  This kind of joy is given by God also.  When you have this kind of joy people will notice.  You seem brighter and you seem to be lifted off the ground, even if you're on the ground.  The joy I am talking about is so strong that even when hard times come you seem joyful.  Some people say happy, but what makes you happy?  Is it maybe things that HAPPen in this world?  Did you notice something?  In HAPPy and HAPPen they have the same first four words.  So, to my point of view, you are happy for things that happen in this world.  But, you are joyful for things that are "out of this world", just to let you know I mean things that God gives us.  Not really out of this world, like in space. : 0 )Things that you should be joyful about God gives you.  Pure joy comes from God.  When you are joyful you always look on the bright side.  Just like the kid with the baseball and the bat. (If you have not read that post, it's right under this one)  So today be joyful.  There are many things to be joyful about.  Would you like to me to list them?  If you do comment on this post.  You don't have to have a blog to comment here.  You can always e-mail us at leeparkgals@hotmail.com 

Be Optimist! Part One

     Yesterday I read a short story about a little boy.  He had a baseball and a baseball bat.  He shouts "I am the greatest baseball batter there ever was!"  and he tosses the ball in the air, and swings the bat.   But he misses, then he says "Strike one!."  He then says "I am the greatest baseball batter in the world!"  and he tosses the ball in the air and tries to hit it.  Bet yet again, he misses, "Strike two!"  He yells.  He tosses the ball in the air one last time and says "I am the best batter that has ever been born!"  and he swings again and misses.  But he's not upset or mad, all he says is "Gee, I may not be the best batter... But I am the best pitcher!"
     You see how that boy was so optimist.  He always looked on the bright side.  He wasn't frustrated or mad that he did not hit the ball, but instead, he cheered himself up by saying he's the best pitcher.  Now when you are optimist you always look on the bright side.  Have you ever heard the saying "I see the cup half full not half empty."  Well that's another way of being optimist.  Have any of you watched the movie Finding Nemo.  That's such a cute movie.  Well remember the part where Nemo's dad and Dori are stuck in the whale, and the water start to go away.  Remember the part when Nemo's father says "Look, the whale's mouth is half empty!"  and Dori says, "No, I think it's half full."  I always thought that was so cute!  So let's all be like Dori and the boy with the baseball and the bat.  Be Optimist!

Worried

     Hello everyone, did you have a good New Year?  I know I did.  Yet I can't help but always worry what's going to happen in the future?  What tragedies and trials will I go through?  How will I change in the future, is it for better better or worse?  All these things are natural to worry about.  But, why?  We have God.  He feeds the birds and gives them what they need and aren't we more valuable than birds?  Yes, God loves his creation, but he loves us more.  So He will always take care of us.  So the next time you catch yourself worrying over something remind yourself, God loves me and He will take care of me.  Also I have said this saying before, "The past is the past, what's done is done.  The future... well it may never come, and the present, huh, well there is a reason why it's called the present."  So be thankful that God blessed you with this day.  Because, without God we are nothing with God we can move mountains.  If it wasn't for God we would not have this day, or the week before.  We would not have even been here.  So thank God for what you do have and stop worrying about the future.  Like I said, who know it may never come.