Summer 2010!

Wow! I haven't posted anything in a while! School just got crazy with finals and all. But, I am back! And it's officially summer 2010! YAY!
Everyone's out of school, and free for the next three months. So how are you going to use this freedom? Youth groups have millions of events planned for the summer. Are you going to any of them? Summer is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship with God. You have no obligations with school. There are no tests to study for, papers to write, or projects to do. So why not go to some camps and continue your walk with Jesus? I know that my summer is chock full with events that I'm attending. Instead of planning beach trips, picnics, and trips out to Cedar Point, just take a weekend to spend with the Lord. Trust me, you won't regret it.
If you're looking for some events to go to, check out www.youngseekers.com. It's the youth ministry I'm apart of. Groups from all over the midwest join us at things such as Vision Week, Mountain Top, and Gospel Odyssey. Come spend some time with crazy Jesus lovers like us<3

my girls:]]

In my own opinion, the most important people in a teenaged girls life, besides her family, are her friends. I had one of the most fun nights tonight with the best girls ever. Being with my girls just makes me happy=]] I thank God everyday for the girls that He's placed in my life. Whenever I'm having a bad day, they're there for me. And the fact that they all love Jesus just like I do makes it even better<3>

Savannah<3/span>
Katie<3
Hope<3
Ashley<3
Rosie<3
Stacy<3
Renee<3

Love God Out Loud!

Imagine this: you're in a basement, with little to no light. There's about fifteen other people with you. All of you have your Bibles open. You're talking about the wonderful, free gift that the Lord has given us- the gift of salvation. All of the sudden, the door is kicked down, and people run in with guns. They grab you, throw your Bible to the ground and spit on it. They tear the picture of Jesus off of the wall and rips it to shreds. Then, they throw you against the wall, handcuff you, and drag you out of the basement. This could very well be your last night....
Scary huh? Well this happens around the world all the time. Christian persecution has become a growing issue in countries such as Nigeria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Ethiopia, and Jordan. People are persecuted for simply acknowledging their Creator? What's so wrong with that? Well, nothing. That's the horrible thing. On January 9th, 2010, a group of Islamic extremist looted and burned a protestant church to the ground in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria. Persecution is happening all over the world.
On one hand, it's a terrible thing. But on the other, it's very motivating and empowering. These people know that they can be killed for exercising their faith, but they do it anyways. So why, as young Christians, are we afraid to ask the new kid if they wanna come to youth group? Or hesitate to tell someone that you're listening to some totally awesome CHRISTIAN music? People in other countries are risking their lives to worship God. But we're embarrassed to really get into worship during youth group because you think people may laugh at you.
We need to have the type of faith that the Christians in persecuted countries have. We need not to be afraid of the outcome of really worshiping the Father. After all, Jesus Christ died for US. The least we could do is stand up and proclaim the marvelous things He's done. So don't be scared, embarrassed, or apprehensive. Love God out loud. Let people know just what He's done for you, for me, and for everyone else. Here's a video about persecuted Christians worldwide. Watch it, and try to have the same faith and courage that these people do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYyNrgkKf6o