You Were Made To Make A Difference

In the early fall, my mom received a review copy of "You Were Made to Make A Difference," written by Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna Lucado Bishop. I am sure you have all heard about Max Lucado. Right? I grew up watching his Hermie and Wormie videos. For those of you who don't know about Max Lucado, he is a well-known author and preacher, as well as a husband and father. He has three daughters, and his oldest helped him write "You Were Made to Make a Difference."

I am sure you have all heard about Max Lucado. Right? I grew up watching his Hermie and Wormie videos. For those of you who don't know about Max Lucado, he is a well-known author and preacher, as well as a husband and father. He has three daughters, and his oldest helped him write "You Were Made to Make a Difference."

In his most recent book, Max Lucado and his daughter write about people who are making a difference in this world and how we, ordinary real girls, can make a difference, too. In every chapter, Max and Jenna both share their personal thoughts, inspired by someone who has made a difference in this world.

Over the past few months during my daily devotions, I read through this book, and it has definitely given me a different perspective on why and how we can make a difference. One story that I found particularly inspiring was written in the chapter two.

Chapter two is about a boy named Austin Gutwein who started the organization, Hoops of Hope. When austin was nine, he tried out for the boys basketball team. Unfortunately, he wasn't that good at shooting and so he got cut. He later on saw a video about orphaned kids who had to take care of them and their siblings every need. After that he got thinking and asked his dad if there was anything he could do. So on national World AID's he shot free throws in honor of every person who would die that day of AIDs. Because of all the money his sponsors gave, he raised over 3,000 dollars, and continues to do so today.

Here are some of the organizations they write about so you can visit those websites also.

http://www.worldvision.org/

http://www.hoopsofhope.com

http://www.showhope.org/OrphanCare/MariasBigHouseofHope.aspx

http://leelandonline.com/

http://www.sparrowclubs.org/

http://www.dosomething.org/

http://www.zachhunter.me/#/lc2lc

If you would like to purchase this book, which I highly recommend, you can go to http://www.thomasnelson.com/.

Sunshine Makers

This past week, in my devotional, A Girl of Beauty, by Carol Fiddler, I read about being a sunshine maker. Have you ever thought about what a sunshine maker is?A sunshine maker makes others happy. Have you ever had a moment when a family member or friend was laughing and then all of a sudden you started laughing also? Laughing is contagious. Smiling is contagious. When you smile, yes, just a smile can make someone’s day soar.

Let’s take a look at what God says about being a sunshine maker!

The Message (MSG)

Proverbs 15:13

A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face;
a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

Proverbs 15:13 talks about how a cheerful heart helps you get through the day, but a sad one makes it hard. That is very true. When you aren’t happy, it is harder to get though the day.

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

When you are happy you feel terrific. Don’t you? You feel like everything is good and you just fly through your day.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

This verse talks about being cheerful no matter what. Would you agree that the hardest time to be cheerful and thankful is when your going through something hard. This verse pushes us to always be cheerful and thankful.

Colossians 1:24

I want you to know how glad I am that it's me sitting here in this jail and not you. There's a lot of suffering to be entered into in this world—the kind of suffering Christ takes on. I welcome the chance to take my share in the church's part of that suffering. When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God's way of helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth.

Wowee! That is the only thing that I can say. Here Paul is in jail and is cheerful and thankful that he is the one in jail and not his friends.

*A sunshine-maker is one who brings joy into everyday situations, whether work or play. This ability comes from an attitude of thankfulness.

Inspired by A Girl of Beauty by Carol Fiddler

*From Carol Fiddler's a Girl of Beauty

Chicken Salad

This recipe is one my mom has made many times. I call it her famous chicken salad. The recipe below serves three people. Hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients:

cooked chicken breast (half piece for each person)

3/4 of a cup mayo

1/2 a tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 apple finely chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

almonds (chopped)

bread (optional)

lettuce (optional)

goat cheese (optional)

1. Chop the chicken, apples, and almonds. Put them in a bowl.
2. Put in lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Stir well.
3. Add mayo. Stir until combined.
4. Chill in fridge. Serve on top of bread or salad. If desired, put goat cheese on salad.

Phenomenal Brownies

Here is a brownie recipe that I took out of my Bible book from Apologia. My siblings and I a thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
8 1-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate
1 cup butter
5 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
Preheat oven to 375 degrees f. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with pan spray. Melt chocolate and butter on stove. With a mixer, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla at high speed for 10 minutes. Blend chocolate mixture, flour, and salt until just mixed. Stir in the nuts. Pour your mixture into a sprayed pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. If desired, place chopped nuts on top.

*This recipe comes from Aplogia's, "Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him?" 

Homemade Spiced Chai Tea

Here is an awesome tea mix that my mom and I very much enjoy. Hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients:

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup French Vanilla non-dairy creamer
1 cup sugar
2 cups unsweetened instant vanilla tea granules
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. each: ground cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice
1/8 t. white pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Blend the mixture, in small batches, in a food processor until is a fine powder. Store in an air tight jar. Stir 3-4 heaping spoonfuls into a mug of hot milk or water. Enjoy!








* This recipe was inspired by Carmen at: http://raisinghomemakers.com/. My mom and I came up with a slightly different version.

Welcome

Welcome to Real Girls:  Becoming Titus 2 Women!

Here you will see everything I have been learning while being home schooled during my sixth grade year.  Mom hopes to teach me all the practical things that will help me to get through life.  As I learn these lessons, and share them here, I hope I can be an encouragement to you.

Thanks for stopping by, 

Planning a Party

Don't you just love parties? I do! Here I have every thing you need for a party nobody will forget. Every good party needs to have some measure of organization. Use this checklist to make sure all the details are considered, so that your party will be a blessing to everyone.

The Facts

This is helpful for the planner of the party to be able to remember who’s doing what and, what’s happening. Things to include:

• Celebration for
• Date
• Time
• Location
• Host
• RSVP date
• RSVP contact

Theme

It is always nice to have a theme. If you chose to do a theme, here are somethings to take into consideration:

• The people who are coming and their ages. You don’t want to do something to grown-up or little kiddish.
• Some fun themes might be:

A Spa Party

A Princess Party

Daughter of the King Party

Treasures in Your Heart Party

• Put thought into your theme. Make it fun!

Budget

Always think about how much money you want to spend. You don’t want to be overly expensive. Inexpensive parties are just as great!

Food and Drinks

Food and Drinks are very important. How do you have a party without something to eat?

• For a snack, chips and pretzels are both yummy. If it is hot out, think about cold fruit or a smoothie. If it is cold, hot chocolate with cookies is scrumptious.
• If your party is lasting through dinner, homemade pizza is a likable treat. It is fun to make and, gives the you and your friends something to do..
• For dessert, cake, cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream works fine.

Decorations

With decorations, you don’t have to go all out. Here is a list of fun and inexpensive decorations that make your party awesome:

• matching table cloth, plates, cups, and napkins
• birthday banner (homemade or store bought)

Shopping List

When it comes to parties, a shopping list is a must. You need to have a shopping list so you know what to buy to get ready. Here is a list I have put together for you:

• food
• drinks
• decorations
• party favors
• gift(s)
• supplies for an activity or game
• service ware

RSVP & Contact Info

This is a must for the invitation. Your guests need to know when to RSVP by and who and how to contact you.

For your invitation

Include the following information:

• In Honor Of 
• Date
• Time
• RSVP date
• RSVP contact
• Special Theme or Instructions

Hope these instructions help you to have an awesome party!

Do you have any tips you'd like to share?
 

Press Towards the Goal

Today we're focusing on Philippians 3:12-14. These are some of my favorite verses. Listed below I have the verses in the NIV and in the Message. The Message, is a version that puts it into easier text. What do you think it means to press on to a goal?

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 (Message)

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

These verses discuss the fact that we need to press on to the prize-Jesus Christ. As the Message puts it, reaching for Christ. In the NIV, it says to forget what is behind you. Forget the past. Stay in the Moment. Don't let the things of this world get in front of you. Instead, press onto your goal, Jesus Christ.

What are things that could distract you from pressing on to your goal?

How could you prevent that?

Let me leave you with this suggestion: 
Did you know that the Latin words " Carpe Diem" means, "seize the moment"? If you are ever feeling down and you are thinking about the past, think of the words, Carpe Diem, and press on to your goal.

Becoming Real,

Yes!

Do you want to know Jesus as your Savior?

I love Jesus! He is my best friend, comforter, and redeemer. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was five years old.  I was in kindergarten and I really wanted Jesus to be my Savior, so when my teacher asked if anyone wanted to become a Christian, I said yes!!!

Did you know that Jesus wants to be your Savior and live inside your heart?
If you want to make that commitment, you can read below and follow the steps* to invite Jesus to come into your heart.


1.  Admit honestly to God that you have sinned by disobeying Him.

Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death (everlasting punishment)." 

2.  Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again.  His blood was shed to pay for your sins.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

3.  Choose to trust Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sin.

Romans 10:13 "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 


John 3:18 "He who believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned."

Sometimes, I think about how accepting the Lord as Savior is as simple as Proverbs 3:5-6, which is the first verse I had ever learned in school:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight."

Reading this verse in the Message translation may help you understand it a bit better:

Proverbs 3:5-12 ~ The Message

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

If you are ready to give your life to God, believing in Jesus Christ as Lord, you can follow the steps above and also say the prayer below.

Dear Jesus,

I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done. I know I am a sinner, and that I need you to help me because I am not perfect. I ask you right now, to come into my heart and be my Savior. Help me Lord Jesus to do what is right and follow you in everything.

In Jesus' Name, Amen!

If you have done this, I would love to know. You can email me at realgirlsbecoming (at) gmail (.) com.   Please include your first name and age.  Also if you would like to, you can give me permission to announce this so our other sisters in Christ can rejoice also!






*These steps are inspired by one of my favorite devotionals, Keys for Kids.

The Rock: Jesus

Are you familiar with the story of the wise man and the foolish man from Matthew 7:24-27? The story goes like this: The wise man builds his house upon the rocks and the foolish man builds his house on the sand. A storm as bad as a hurricane comes, and the house on the sand completely fell apart but, the house on the rocks stood firm. Obviously the wise man really was wise. He might of thought about building his house on the sand but he made the right choice.

Many other times in the Bible it says that God is our rock. If it says it a lot you know that it is no lie.

Here are some examples:

2 Samuel 22:32

For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?

2 Samuel 22:2-3a

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

Deuteronomy 32:41

He is the Rock.

Psalm 31:3b

Be for me a great rock of safety, a fortress where my enemies can not reach me.

All these verses have something in common. They all talk about how Jesus is our rock and that we should rely on him to help us, and to not do it on our own.

The wise man in the story represents a christian who trusts in God to help him. He does the right thing even though he wants another thing.

The foolish man represents people who don’t trust in God to help them and try to do it themselves. He chooses the foolish way instead of the right way.

If you haven’t excepted Jesus into your heart, you can do so now. Just click the button on the sidebar that says, YES, and it will give you some tips.  I will be overjoyed and will pray for you!!!!!!!!