From My Heart

Did you know that...
Each year, 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen?

Did you know that...
25,000 children under age five die of preventable deaths every day?

Did you know that...
HIV/AIDS has killed more than 8 million African farmworkers, increasing the risk of famine and leaving 4.2. million children orphaned?


All over the world, people are hurting. But they are not just statistics.... they are God's precious children whom He loved enough to die for. I want to also do whatever it takes to love them.

Over the past month, I've really come to realize just how much need there is all around us. Why aren't Christians doing anything about it? What am I doing about it? Why do I have so much? Just like the Lord commands us to carry out the Great Commission, He also commands to care for the hurting. It is not an option. It's a requirement. If Christians are not involved in at least some type of form of ministry, how are we really making a difference for the Lord? How are we supposed to share the gospel?

While I agree that everyone could always be doing more, does God really only want us to be doing "enough?" I am determined that I do not do enough. I am determined to go anywhere, at anytime, at any cost, to do anything to testify to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:24.)  That is the only reason why I'm alive.

I am not saying that we should spend so much time on loving others that we don't even have time for our own family. But just start somewhere, even if it's doing something small. Don't wait until you are older to live a legacy; start now. God can use you to do great things for Him right where you are. Take time to pray about it and ask what He wants you to do.

God did not put us here to change the whole world. HE will do that; we are merely a small part of His plan. If you were to think about just how many bad things happen everyday, it will literally overwhelm you, but our job is not to fix all those things. Our job is to trust that Jesus has a plan. Our job is to listen for Him, to be obedient to Him, to say yes when He tells us to do something. Our job is to point as many people to Him, so that when the day comes that we stand before the Lord, He will say, "Well done good and faithful servant."

We Are Never Alone,
Michal

My Life Since Last Summer..

I cannot believe it's been this long since I posted on here! I've been trying to take a break from the internet, just because it's so addicting. I'm sure many of you can relate. ;)

Anyway, let me just say that it's been a great year. It was my first time back in public school since 4th grade, and it went really well. One of the best parts was getting to help lead a See You At The Pole!! We had around 167 students show up, and it was just a great time of prayer. God had it all worked out. I'll be a high school freshman this school year, but I'd love to be a part of leading another SYATP.

Another thing that I loved about 8th grade was choir. It was so much fun, and I made many new friends. I loved being able to grow musically, and I finally got up the courage to sing in front of people! A few months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of doing that! :D

I have many good memories from this year, but there were some struggles. It was harder than I thought to stay focused on God, and towards the end of the February, I'll admit that I didn't do a good job doing that. I started thinking more about guys and other things. As a result, I slowly stopped having reading my Bible as much as I had been before. When it came to witnessing, I wasn't that inspired. I still wanted to do it, but I guess I just became discouraged. 

The week after school ended, and our church held a D-Now. The speaker was talking about how we need to be completely sold out to God, and how we need to identify stuff in our life that sometimes hold us back from Him. I came up withe a bunch of things: Technology, guys, arguing with siblings, excuses, laziness, and complaining. These have all not been helping me to bring God glory. Once I pinpointed those things, it became a little easier to slowly get rid of them, or to stop thinking about them all the time. 

That brings me to mention something else: Once you start saying no to some things, you have to start saying yes to other things. Christians should be known for what they do, not what they don't do. We need to be 100% sold out to God! You are either hot or cold, but don't be lukewarm. The Lord COMMANDS us to live a holy life, and he commands us to share the gospel. I started to think about this question: What am I doing to glorify God? What am I really doing to glorify God? See, once you start saying yes to God, He will use as his instrument. But one thing to remember is to stay alert! Always be focused on God, and don't let Satan distract you. 

After D-Now, I think I was re-inspired to get back into the Word and to work on whatever was hindering me from the Lord. My Mom also gave me a great book, I Would Die For You, about a 15-year old guy named BJ Higgins who was very involved in missions. He went on two very intense mission trips to Peru, and was always looking for every opportunity to share Christ with someone. Even back at home, BJ was on fire for God. He mentioned to a few people that he felt like God was calling him to be martyr. Unfortunately, in 2005 BJ caught a serious illness in Peru. He died shortly after, but his death has not been in vain! His story has inspired millions. MercyMe wrote a song in honor of him, which like the book, is also called I Would Die For You. If any of you are interested in reading the book, I highly recommend it! It will really challenge and encourage you! It was written by BJ's parents, Brent and Deanna Higgins. 

Well, I guess that's about all I've got to say. I'm going to Super Summer in less than two weeks, which is a really cool Christian camp. Please be in prayer for that. It is very intense, but last year I learned so much about God. The worship service is AMAZING. It's like you can sense God's presence. There are no words to describe it! Seriously, you all need to come to that camp next Summer!

I will be trying to post regularly again, so stay tuned. :)
- Michal

Hunger Games Review From a Christian Perspective

I saw this movie last night after reading the books, and it was very good! Out of five stars I'd give it three and half for violence and sometimes language. It is rated PG-13, so talk to your parent before seeing it. All the actors did a great job, and the movie stuck with the books pretty well.

As for the plot summary, The Hunger Games is basically about a girl named Katniss Everdeen who lives in Panem, which is what used to be America but is now controlled by dictators. There are 12 districts, but years back they rebelled against The Capitol, known as "the dark days." As a form of punishment toward Panem, The Capitol forces one girl and one boy ages 12-18 ("tributes") from each district to compete in The Hunger Games, a competition for survival. The awful thing is that there's only one winner. Once the tributes have been selected, they are sent to The Capitol to train, which includes learning how to fight and use survival skills. They each have a training mentor and stylist who try to prepare them for impressing the officials and gaining sponsors.

Katniss is a teenage girl who is hardworking and tries to take care of her family. Her father died when she was young. She enjoys hunting in the woods with her lifelong friend, Gale. When her sister is chosen for The Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers as a tribute. It's then that she once again meets Peeta Mellark, the boy also chosen to compete from her district who helped her during a time when she had no food. That's where a little romance ties into the story. ;)

Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss, Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta, and Liam Hensworth is Gale. I thought they all did a good job with the acting, including Rue and "The Careers." Jennifer nabbed her role perfectly, and Josh was really a great pick for Peeta.

There is some violence in this film. We see arrows pinned to kids, dead bodies lying on the ground, blood, and many wounds. The two most violent scenes include a girl getting stung by a swarm of venomous wasps (causing her whole body to swell up), and near the beginning when the the tributes are running toward the Cornucopia. The good thing is that the camera takes quick, almost blurry shots during some of these scenes.

I was able to get some positive elements out of The Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta are bother very selfless and are willing to risk their lives for the ones they love. Katniss truly cares about her family, and we see this when she volunteers to take her sister's place at The Reaping. She is also determined not to let Rue or Peeta die. The same could be said about Peeta. When Katniss is taking care of his wound in the cave, he refuses to let her go to The Cornucopia to get the medicine for him. He is willing die for Katniss. Bravery, friendship, sacrifice, and loyalty are all things you will find in The Hunger Games.

I think watching this movie also showed me how blessed we are, and having the privilege live in a free country. If you think about it, it's the sad truth, but America is almost like The Capitol. Here we are with everything we could ever need, while children in some countries are struggling just to find food and make it through the day. We don't know how blessed we are! That's why we need to thank God and reach out to others who need help. Because what if we were one day to wake up, and our oh-so-beautiful life was gone? Jennifer Lawrence describes The Hunger Games as,"This is what our society could be like if we became desensitized to trauma and to each other's pain."

Overall, I thought the The Hunger Games was a good movie. I laughed, I cried, and I was rooting for Katniss to stay strong throughout the whole thing. They left out some parts from the book, but did a nice job sticking with most of it. I think at times it could have used some better background music though.

While some critics are claiming The Hunger Games to be the "next Twilight", I agree and disagree. I never cared for Twilight much because of how dark it is, but I agree that The Hunger Games could be the next big franchise.. and actually, I'm thankful for that because I'm sick of Twilight. I disagree with COMPARING The Hunger Games to Twilight. Twilight is very dark and has, well, no point. The Hunger Games is dealing with much more serious issues and even has some good messages in it.

What did ya'll think of The Hunger Games? Have you read the books? Which one do you think was better? For me surprisingly, I'm going to have to say the movie. Now I cannot wait for Catching Fire! :)

- Bookworm

Beauty from the Heart: Faces

Hey guys! I know it's been quite a while since I updated with school and all. Today I wanted to share with you a video I found by a young lady named Hannah Farver. She has written a book for girls and started her own really cool website/blog, Beauty From The Heat. Hope maybe you'll find this video encouraging. God can take the most broken things in this world and turn it into something wonderful! And he loves you SO MUCH! :)

We Are Never Alone,

Bookworm

How We Roll (Music Tag)

This is a really fun music tag! Grab your ipod, shuffle, whatever, and answer each question according to what song your ipod lands on.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "THIS IS OKAY" YOU SAY:
Have Your Way by Britt Nicole

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
London by Brandon Heath.... well, I do love to talk in english accents!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY?
Headphones by Britt Nicole. That just does not make sense!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath. My purpose in life IS to love others!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Ruin Me by Jeff Johnson....okaaay...

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Glow by Britt Nicole

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Hanging On by Britt Nicole AGAIN! I do think about God a lot..

WHAT IS 2+2?
All By Myself by Pia Torscano... yes, I did watch American Idol this year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Leaving Eden by Brandon Heath. What could that mean??

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Melodies Of Christmas by David Archuleta.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
No Good To Be Alone by Brandon Heath. I guess that's true...

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts.. sure....

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Walk On The Water by Britt Nicole. I think half of my ipod is Britt!

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Holiday by Britt Nicole. Awkward..

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTERESTS?
Parachutes and Airplanes by David Archuleta. No, I am not a fan of

parachutes OR airplanes.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
What Child Is This by Andrea Buccelli and Mary J. B. Did I mention that I cannot wait for Christmas???

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
These Little Lies by Dave Barnes. Hey, they don't lie!

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Falling Stars by David Archuleta. I hope that will never happen!

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Down by David A. That does not sound too good..

WHAT'S THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Outcast by Kerrie Roberts. I have to admit, I wish I made friends more easily!

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole. That's not exactly the laughing kind of song!

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
God Gave Me You by Dave Barnes.

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Keep Breathing By Kerrie Roberts. No Comment.

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Ave Maria by David Archuleta. Yup, I DO have opera music on my ipod.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Glory to God by ???? And I would not change that...

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Like A Star by Britt Nicole. Told you Britt was half of my ipod!

WHAT DO YOU MOST OFTEN EXCLAIM?
Inside Out by Kristian Stanfill. Hey cool, the song I named my blog after!

WHERE IS PARADISE?
Your Love by Brandon Heath. So true! God's love is paradise.

WHAT DID YOU FIRST SAY AS A BABY?
Emily by Francesca Battistelli and Dave Barnes. Ha, ha, NO. My first word was mop.

IF YOU HAD A PET, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT?
Set The World On Fire by Britt Nicole. Interesting name...

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SIGHT TO SEE?
It's Your Life by Francesca B.

WHAT ARE YOU BEST AT?
I'll Be Home For Christmas by David A. Last year I did manage to be home for Christmas instead of the hospital. Thank you, Lord!

IF YOU WROTE A BOOK, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT?
This Love Doesn't Run by Kerrie Roberts.

WHAT DID YOU WISH FOR LAST?
Kung Fu Fighting by ???? Since when did anyone wish for kung fu fighting??

WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE?
Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath.

HOW SOON WILL THIS BE OVER?

This Is The Stuff by Francesca B.

WHERE ARE YOU SITTING?
Feel The Light by Britt Nicole...AGAIN!!!

WHAT DO YOU MOST HATE?
Vanilla Twilight by OwlCity. I don't hate that song, I love that song!

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE?
Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca B. Oh yes!!

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET NAME?
One Hundred More Years by Francesca B. OMG this is like my new favorite song!

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
How We Roll by Britt Nicole

Hope you liked! I tag anyone who wants to do this. :)

We Are Never Alone,

Bookworm

Beautiful.

Lately the Lord has put it in my heart to start a new blog series about true beauty. Every day girls hear the negative messages that they need to be perfect and look thin or they will never amount to anything. These are all lies that are not true! God is the only one who will ever define you, and in His eyes you ARE perfect! He loves you, treasures you, and thinks you are beautiful. And once you really come to know just how wide and high and deep the love of God is, your life will never be the same. Take a look at the video clip below. I hope it inspires you!

We Are Never Alone,

Bookworm :)

Set The World On Fire For God!

This song by Britt Nicole is so inspiring and totally my prayer as well. Submit your everything to the Lord and he WILL use you in mighty ways to bring Him glory! How will you set the world on fire?

(Acts 4:31)
After they prayed, the place where they had met was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly...