I've been sitting at the hospital now for six hours, waiting on my grandfather to have his bypass surgery & recovery. During the waiting time today my father and I have had a lot of time to chat. We started talking about our relationship, and how our family works. We were remembering times of frustration in the past and how our relationship has changed. Today's entry is all about respecting and relating to your parents.
It's not a surprise to anyone that knows me that I was grounded fairly frequently. I didn't have a rebellious heart, I just made mistakes from time to time. Careless, irresponsible mistakes. There was a process to my grounding. I did something wrong, I got "the look" from my dad, and promptly heard, "Go to your room!" from my mom. Of course, it didn't end there. But, that's the way it always started.
From my experience, there are ten things that are almost always the reason for an argument between parents & their children.
10. Keeping your room in a way that looks as if a tornado went through and left nothing but debri behind.
9. Using the word "like" every other word, or speaking in pig latin or jibberish. (My dad despises jibberish.)
8. Having disrespectful friends.
7. Getting distracted from school and homework.
6. Abusing curfew or other set rules.
5. Dating boys that do not value themselves, you, or your family.
4. Skipping out on family time to be with friends.
3. Text messaging during church/family meals/conversations/school.
2. Leaving out important details/not telling the whole truth.
1. Having an attitude.
(note: $700 cell phone bills will aslo result in arguments. Also, my dad wanted me to include "head-wagging" is infuriating.)
:)
Read Exodus 20:12 (NLT)
Notice that this verse is not a "If you do this, then _______ will happen." It's a command. Honor your parents. A command that has a great reward!
Read Ephesians 6:1-3 (NLT)
God promises us, as children, that if we honor our parents, "things will go well for us, and we will live long on the Earth." Just like God promises our parents if they direct their child in the right way, when they are older they will not leave it."
So, how do we relate to our parents, and make it till we're "older"?
Look at the list above, if you start twitching because you can remember a recent argument or full blown-out fight with your parents, start thinking about what you can do to change your attitude, speech, and thoughts to better honor your parents.
Do you fight about keeping your room clean? Honor them by respecting the money they have invested in the home they’ve created for you — at the end of each day bring any dirty laundry to the hamper and wash your clothes! If you don’t have time or energy to put away your clothes, at least lay them over the back of a chair instead of continuing to walk over them.
Do you fight about your cell phone usage? Honor your parents by putting your phone on silent and keeping it in your purse during dinner to show that you value your time with them and the meal they’ve provided.
And if you fight about your attitude, which all of us girls are guilty of generously dishing out, honor your parents by taking a deep breath before you speak so you have a second to analyze the tone of voice you’re about to use and the sentence you are about to say. Does it sound respectful? If someone spoke to you that way would you think they were a brat or would you appreciate their answer?
Above all else remember that you and your parents are all individuals trying to love and live under the same roof. There will be times when you’re on the same page and times when you can’t see eye to eye at all. But knowing what frustrates your parents will help you make better choices in showing them that you love them! Though it is difficult to cope with at times, God has called you to be under the authority of your parents. Are you doing all you can to fulfill that calling in a way that would please God?
In your journal write about a time you dishonored/disrespected your parents. Write about what changes you could have made to better honor them. Ask God to help you have the self-control to pause before speaking/arguing with your parents. Thank Him for the guidance and love your parents give you.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Can a Leopard Change it's Spots?
Beauty is a wonderful thing. But it comes in all shapes and sizes. Waterfalls are beautiful. Brand new babies are beautiful. Dresses are beautiful. Songs lyrics are beautiful. And you are beautiful.
Beauty doesn’t look the same to everyone. What my husband finds beautiful about me is different from what the man you might end up marrying will find beautiful about you. So why change anything about yourself? It might be the very thing your future husband finds absolutely adorable. A leopard can’t change his spots, so why try to change yours?
For years I wrestled with comparing myself to my sister. She is tall, super skinny, has amazingly beautiful hair, the perfect white teeth & amazing smile...I could go on and on. She had a prettier skin coloring than I did, gorgeous green eyes, and looks adorable even without make-up. Every one always comments on how insanely beautiful she is.
I am short, chunky, have thin hair, a smile that isn't straight... and I most definitely did not look adorable without make-up.
I have spent hours crying and thinking about how much I wish I looked like her.
Looking back at all of that makes me laugh. It was ridiculous! There was nothing wrong with me. I had a beautiful body, skin, and hair. I was unable to see myself the way things really were — the lens I was looking through was tainted with my own insecurities and the way I thought I needed to look to be beautiful. We are each made in the image of God. The God who created creativity created you and me (think about that!) uniquely. By the way, years later I have found that my sister was treating herself the same way-wishing she looked like me!!! (she's nuts.)
My sister was not and is not the definition of beauty. I was my own definition of beauty. Jessica Alba, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift are not the definition of beauty. You are your own definition of beauty. And if you get married someday you will be your husband’s definition of beauty. If you were to ask my husband what he finds attractive he would say he has a big thing for short women with blue eyes & funky hair. He’d say that he loves that left ear is slightly larger than my right and that it’s adorable that the right side of my lip goes upward when I smile.
Look what the groom said to his bride in Song of Solomon: “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7, ESV). His bride was his definition of beauty.
Read 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)
So there … take a deep breath. Stop trying to change your spots. You and the leopard are beautiful.
In your journal list 10 beautiful things about your appearance (not personality-but appearance!)
Try to look at yourself through God's eyes. Write a prayer thanking God for creating you for such a time as this!!!!
Beauty doesn’t look the same to everyone. What my husband finds beautiful about me is different from what the man you might end up marrying will find beautiful about you. So why change anything about yourself? It might be the very thing your future husband finds absolutely adorable. A leopard can’t change his spots, so why try to change yours?
For years I wrestled with comparing myself to my sister. She is tall, super skinny, has amazingly beautiful hair, the perfect white teeth & amazing smile...I could go on and on. She had a prettier skin coloring than I did, gorgeous green eyes, and looks adorable even without make-up. Every one always comments on how insanely beautiful she is.
I am short, chunky, have thin hair, a smile that isn't straight... and I most definitely did not look adorable without make-up.
I have spent hours crying and thinking about how much I wish I looked like her.
Looking back at all of that makes me laugh. It was ridiculous! There was nothing wrong with me. I had a beautiful body, skin, and hair. I was unable to see myself the way things really were — the lens I was looking through was tainted with my own insecurities and the way I thought I needed to look to be beautiful. We are each made in the image of God. The God who created creativity created you and me (think about that!) uniquely. By the way, years later I have found that my sister was treating herself the same way-wishing she looked like me!!! (she's nuts.)
My sister was not and is not the definition of beauty. I was my own definition of beauty. Jessica Alba, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift are not the definition of beauty. You are your own definition of beauty. And if you get married someday you will be your husband’s definition of beauty. If you were to ask my husband what he finds attractive he would say he has a big thing for short women with blue eyes & funky hair. He’d say that he loves that left ear is slightly larger than my right and that it’s adorable that the right side of my lip goes upward when I smile.
Look what the groom said to his bride in Song of Solomon: “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7, ESV). His bride was his definition of beauty.
Read 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)
So there … take a deep breath. Stop trying to change your spots. You and the leopard are beautiful.
In your journal list 10 beautiful things about your appearance (not personality-but appearance!)
Try to look at yourself through God's eyes. Write a prayer thanking God for creating you for such a time as this!!!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
There is more to St. Patrick's Day than pinching, green, and "kiss me-I'm Irish" t-shirts. St. Patty's Day celebrates the first missionary to bring the good news about life in Jesus Christ to the unreached people in Ireland.
Patrick’s story is actually a testimony of the power of forgiveness and a reminder of the awesome things that can happen with our lives when we turn control over to God.
When Patrick was a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his home in Britain to Ireland tas a slave. After six years in Ireland, Patrick began to sense God speaking to him — calling him to leave Ireland and return to Britain. He escaped captivity and made it home to Britain where he had another encounter with God calling him back to Ireland — this time not as a captive, but as a missionary.
After years of schooling and training, Patrick returned to Ireland to encourage the Christians already there and to begin spreading the good news of life in Jesus Christ to the rest of Ireland.
Imagine how different our world might have been if Patrick had allowed bitterness towards those in Ireland who had taken him captive affect God’s call on his life? Patrick would have had every excuse to tell God no and to send someone else, but he forgave them and allowed God to burn compassion in his heart to bring the message of hope that is Jesus to the Irish people.
What are you holding on to that might be affecting God’s call on your life?
Read Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
In your journal, write a prayer asking God to place a passion in your heart, to open your eyes to the opportunities to share His word, and thank Him today for using an ordinary man from a seemingly impossible background to reach the people of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is inspiring, exciting, and should bring you hope-if God can use Patrick, He can and wants to use YOU!
Patrick’s story is actually a testimony of the power of forgiveness and a reminder of the awesome things that can happen with our lives when we turn control over to God.
When Patrick was a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his home in Britain to Ireland tas a slave. After six years in Ireland, Patrick began to sense God speaking to him — calling him to leave Ireland and return to Britain. He escaped captivity and made it home to Britain where he had another encounter with God calling him back to Ireland — this time not as a captive, but as a missionary.
After years of schooling and training, Patrick returned to Ireland to encourage the Christians already there and to begin spreading the good news of life in Jesus Christ to the rest of Ireland.
Imagine how different our world might have been if Patrick had allowed bitterness towards those in Ireland who had taken him captive affect God’s call on his life? Patrick would have had every excuse to tell God no and to send someone else, but he forgave them and allowed God to burn compassion in his heart to bring the message of hope that is Jesus to the Irish people.
What are you holding on to that might be affecting God’s call on your life?
Read Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
In your journal, write a prayer asking God to place a passion in your heart, to open your eyes to the opportunities to share His word, and thank Him today for using an ordinary man from a seemingly impossible background to reach the people of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is inspiring, exciting, and should bring you hope-if God can use Patrick, He can and wants to use YOU!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What to Wear Wednesday!
*Sorry there was no post for yesterday. Life was crazy, and I didn't slow down until after midnight. I will try my best not to let that happen again! :)
Every Wednesday our blog will be about modesty and how to dress appropriately, yet still with style! You girls do a great job of that already, but this will be fun and might provide you with some choices you never considered before!
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
Here's an outfit that says "Hey, I'm fun and stylish-but I care about how others view me!" :)
In your journal, write down what modesty means to you and if you think it's important or not. Be honest, and list the positives and negatives of dressing modestly.
Every Wednesday our blog will be about modesty and how to dress appropriately, yet still with style! You girls do a great job of that already, but this will be fun and might provide you with some choices you never considered before!
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
Here's an outfit that says "Hey, I'm fun and stylish-but I care about how others view me!" :)
In your journal, write down what modesty means to you and if you think it's important or not. Be honest, and list the positives and negatives of dressing modestly.
Monday, March 14, 2011
True Love....
I’m just fascinated by the word love. I can’t get over how strange it is that in the English language we use the same word to describe our feelings towards pizza, our best friend, our pet, God, and then the man we marry.
The Greeks had it figured out — they recognized the various forms that love takes.
Eros is a love that is passionate and intimate. A married woman might describe her love for her husband as a mix between eros and agape.
Storge is the love that is felt from the bond between family members.
Philia is the brotherly love. One might use philia when they talk about their feelings towards their best friend, the hurting people of Haiti, or for their job or hobby. I have a philia for cheese pizza, for example … mmm!
Agape is the highest form of love. It’s unconditional. It’s “true love.” It’s the unchanging love between a husband and a wife or unchanging love a parent has for her child.
When I turned 16 my parents gave me a True Love Waits ring. I loved it! I never needed that symbol in my possession to keep me from making a bad choice, but there was something so special about looking down at the finger that would someday wear an engagement ring and see my promise to my husband there. It reminded me not to get jaded when a dating relationship would end. It reminded me to pray for my future husband. And it reminded me that I was valuable — a treasure — and that I shouldn’t compromise anything for anyone.
When I realized that Josh was the man I was going to marry, I was so thankful that on my wedding day I was able to look in my new husband’s eyes and stand before God having never compromised my standards. And I was even more thankful that I had a man who shared my convictions and never pushed me into anything and also held those values.
In your dating relationships, be sure that you aren't compromising your desires and that you are constantly in open communication with God. There are two verses I am going to share with you, and in every relationship you should ask yourself: Is the guy I am interested verse #1 or verse #2? If he's #1 steer clear, if he's #2 see where the relationship goes!
Verse #1: 1 Corinthians 5:11 (NLT)
Verse #2: Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Use your knew-found knowledge of the different words for love and spend some time thinking about the things in your life that you love, and the people in your life that you love.
In your journal make two columns. In the first, make a list of qualities that you want in a crush or boyfriend, and in the second make a list of qualities that are absolutely necessary in a boyfriend.Does the guy you like meet up to the list? Does your boyfriend have positive qualities? Since I am married I will be skipping this journal entry, but will leave you with an example! (my sister's list!)
My wants:
-country/southern accent
-plays an instrument
-has money
My Needs:
-close relationship with God
-family oriented
-attractive
The Greeks had it figured out — they recognized the various forms that love takes.
Eros is a love that is passionate and intimate. A married woman might describe her love for her husband as a mix between eros and agape.
Storge is the love that is felt from the bond between family members.
Philia is the brotherly love. One might use philia when they talk about their feelings towards their best friend, the hurting people of Haiti, or for their job or hobby. I have a philia for cheese pizza, for example … mmm!
Agape is the highest form of love. It’s unconditional. It’s “true love.” It’s the unchanging love between a husband and a wife or unchanging love a parent has for her child.
When I turned 16 my parents gave me a True Love Waits ring. I loved it! I never needed that symbol in my possession to keep me from making a bad choice, but there was something so special about looking down at the finger that would someday wear an engagement ring and see my promise to my husband there. It reminded me not to get jaded when a dating relationship would end. It reminded me to pray for my future husband. And it reminded me that I was valuable — a treasure — and that I shouldn’t compromise anything for anyone.
When I realized that Josh was the man I was going to marry, I was so thankful that on my wedding day I was able to look in my new husband’s eyes and stand before God having never compromised my standards. And I was even more thankful that I had a man who shared my convictions and never pushed me into anything and also held those values.
In your dating relationships, be sure that you aren't compromising your desires and that you are constantly in open communication with God. There are two verses I am going to share with you, and in every relationship you should ask yourself: Is the guy I am interested verse #1 or verse #2? If he's #1 steer clear, if he's #2 see where the relationship goes!
Verse #1: 1 Corinthians 5:11 (NLT)
Verse #2: Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Use your knew-found knowledge of the different words for love and spend some time thinking about the things in your life that you love, and the people in your life that you love.
In your journal make two columns. In the first, make a list of qualities that you want in a crush or boyfriend, and in the second make a list of qualities that are absolutely necessary in a boyfriend.Does the guy you like meet up to the list? Does your boyfriend have positive qualities? Since I am married I will be skipping this journal entry, but will leave you with an example! (my sister's list!)
My wants:
-country/southern accent
-plays an instrument
-has money
My Needs:
-close relationship with God
-family oriented
-attractive
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Are you attractive?
I asked my husband to think back to the time before we were married, and he was in the dating scene. I asked what the top qualities that attract him to a girl were. He replied, "confidence, sense of humor, personality, appearance, loyalty, and cares about what she does."
I was delighted to know that he put more importance on behaviors and personality characteristics rather than physical attributes. Of course, appearance matters, but beyond the initial attraction he looked for more of who the girl really was. Thankfully, I fit at least some of those qualities-because he chose me! :)
When a guy gets to know you, does he find you unattractive?
Unattractive girls...
Are teases. Read 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT) and Ephesians 5:3 (NLT). This is such a big deal, because a tease arouses curiosity. A tease wears clothes that are revealing enough to peak a guy's interest. A tease acts suggestively in the things she says and does. Whether she is consciously teasing or not, it's dangerous for the guys around her. A guy might be intrigues initially by a tease, but eventually they will become frustrated.
Lack ambition. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11 (NLT). Believe me, I take time to do nothing and veg out in front of the tv. Life gets crazy sometimes, and you just need a moment to catch your breath. But, typically when you feel you need that time it's because you've been so busy during the rest of your week, you need a break. What's dangerous, is a lack of productivity and ambition. It is not an attractive quality. A guy isn't going to find it cute that you haven't done your homework for three days or that you can't make it to work on time. They'll quickly get tired of seeing that you never offer to clean up, or take the initiative to get involved in school or church. It's really easy to fall into sin when you aren't busy doing something else.
Have a potty mouth. Read Ephesians 5:4 (NLT) Here's a test: If you would be embarassed if a two year old, or worse your grandma, heard the words that you use, then you should find a different way to express yourself. If you wouldn't tell the joke to your grandma, keep your mouth shut. Your lips were created by God to praise Him and help others. We are so quick to gossip or curse, we forget to praise Him with our words. Read James 3:10 (NLT)
Are prideful. Read Matthew 23:12 (NLT). Lots of girls feel the need to be the center of attention, all the time. We all have our moments where we deserve to be, and there's nothing wrong with being confident and speaking up when you have something to share! But, we need to be careful with how we conduct ourselves. Pay attention to the conversations you have today. Are you interrupting people's stories so you can speak? Are you trying to tell stories that "trumps" another person's story? Do you find yourself constantly needing to add something to every single conversation? You may not even realize you're doing it, but these actions make you appear prideful.
Okay, don't freak out if you just realized that you fall into one or all of these categories. Breathe. I fit most of them at one time or another, and I would imagine that most women do. Don't feel bad. Sometimes, we don't even realize how we are coming across to others until it is brought to our attention. Or, maybe you are aware of it, and are working on it. That's okay.
Numerous examples are running through my head of times when I was unattractive. I talk over people, I try to "trump" people's stories, I get lazy from time to time, in high school I was a serious tease, I use curse words from time to time, etc.
Let's make a commitment to being attrractive, and let's work on kicking these unattractive qualities to the curb.
In your journal, write down some examples of you being "unattractive" in regards to the above qualities. Now, write down at least 5 ATTRACTIVE qualities that you possess. Think of some ways we can get rid of these ugly attitudes and behaviors, and some ways we can increase our attractiveness. :) Ask God to help you stop acting on these unattractive qualities.
I was delighted to know that he put more importance on behaviors and personality characteristics rather than physical attributes. Of course, appearance matters, but beyond the initial attraction he looked for more of who the girl really was. Thankfully, I fit at least some of those qualities-because he chose me! :)
When a guy gets to know you, does he find you unattractive?
Unattractive girls...
Are teases. Read 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT) and Ephesians 5:3 (NLT). This is such a big deal, because a tease arouses curiosity. A tease wears clothes that are revealing enough to peak a guy's interest. A tease acts suggestively in the things she says and does. Whether she is consciously teasing or not, it's dangerous for the guys around her. A guy might be intrigues initially by a tease, but eventually they will become frustrated.
Lack ambition. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11 (NLT). Believe me, I take time to do nothing and veg out in front of the tv. Life gets crazy sometimes, and you just need a moment to catch your breath. But, typically when you feel you need that time it's because you've been so busy during the rest of your week, you need a break. What's dangerous, is a lack of productivity and ambition. It is not an attractive quality. A guy isn't going to find it cute that you haven't done your homework for three days or that you can't make it to work on time. They'll quickly get tired of seeing that you never offer to clean up, or take the initiative to get involved in school or church. It's really easy to fall into sin when you aren't busy doing something else.
Have a potty mouth. Read Ephesians 5:4 (NLT) Here's a test: If you would be embarassed if a two year old, or worse your grandma, heard the words that you use, then you should find a different way to express yourself. If you wouldn't tell the joke to your grandma, keep your mouth shut. Your lips were created by God to praise Him and help others. We are so quick to gossip or curse, we forget to praise Him with our words. Read James 3:10 (NLT)
Are prideful. Read Matthew 23:12 (NLT). Lots of girls feel the need to be the center of attention, all the time. We all have our moments where we deserve to be, and there's nothing wrong with being confident and speaking up when you have something to share! But, we need to be careful with how we conduct ourselves. Pay attention to the conversations you have today. Are you interrupting people's stories so you can speak? Are you trying to tell stories that "trumps" another person's story? Do you find yourself constantly needing to add something to every single conversation? You may not even realize you're doing it, but these actions make you appear prideful.
Okay, don't freak out if you just realized that you fall into one or all of these categories. Breathe. I fit most of them at one time or another, and I would imagine that most women do. Don't feel bad. Sometimes, we don't even realize how we are coming across to others until it is brought to our attention. Or, maybe you are aware of it, and are working on it. That's okay.
Numerous examples are running through my head of times when I was unattractive. I talk over people, I try to "trump" people's stories, I get lazy from time to time, in high school I was a serious tease, I use curse words from time to time, etc.
Let's make a commitment to being attrractive, and let's work on kicking these unattractive qualities to the curb.
In your journal, write down some examples of you being "unattractive" in regards to the above qualities. Now, write down at least 5 ATTRACTIVE qualities that you possess. Think of some ways we can get rid of these ugly attitudes and behaviors, and some ways we can increase our attractiveness. :) Ask God to help you stop acting on these unattractive qualities.
Friday, March 11, 2011
You are honest, stand up for the truth, and gaurd your words....
I love my little cockapoo puppies. Skylor, my boy pup is relaxed, cuddly, and carefree. Ebony, my girl pup is hyper, snuggly, and playful. They always make a bad day better, and even though they bark at random blades of grass waving in the wind, they are a blessing in my life. But...there is a dark, deceitful, evil side to them. Not a lot of people get to see it.....but oh, it's there.
There’s nothing better than catching a puppy in the act of doing something bad. They spin around to look at you, assume the low-to-the-ground “I’m-about-to-run-away” stance, and carefully study your body language to see what’s about to happen. They’re usually standing in or wearing evidence of their crime.
Skylor loves loves loves to eat paper. If I leave a sticky note on the coffee table, or a magazine by my super comfy reading spot....he sneaks over, and carefully eats it. Then, when I walk in and say, "SKYLOR!" He looks at me as if he's done nothing, even though I can see little scraps of paper hanging from his mouth. Ebony loves to swipe food from anywhere she can find it. One evening I was eating popcorn and watching a movie, and I got up to get some more water. I came back into the living room to find popcorn stuck on her nose!
While keeping your nose clean can take a literal meaning with a dog, it takes a figurative meaning with people. Stay out of trouble. Be found blameless. Work on developing a good reputation.
Here are some ways to keep your nose clean:
Isaiah 33:15-16 (I like the NLT version)
Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
Philipians 1:27 (NLT)
Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)
What, exactly, does someone who keeps their nose clean spiritually do?
...Your actions line up with what is right.
...You are honest, stand up for truth, and guard the words that you speak.
...You have pure motives and get what you want through honest means.
...You do not participate in hurting other people or allowing it to happen without saying something.
...You do not have bad thoughts towards people.
Read the above verses. In your journal, confess to God about actions, thoughts, or behaviors that make your "nose" dirty. Make a list of ways to keep your nose clean. Ask God to give you opportunities at your extracuricular activities, or school to act out these verses. We can only keep our "noses" clean when we turn to Him for strength.
There’s nothing better than catching a puppy in the act of doing something bad. They spin around to look at you, assume the low-to-the-ground “I’m-about-to-run-away” stance, and carefully study your body language to see what’s about to happen. They’re usually standing in or wearing evidence of their crime.
Skylor loves loves loves to eat paper. If I leave a sticky note on the coffee table, or a magazine by my super comfy reading spot....he sneaks over, and carefully eats it. Then, when I walk in and say, "SKYLOR!" He looks at me as if he's done nothing, even though I can see little scraps of paper hanging from his mouth. Ebony loves to swipe food from anywhere she can find it. One evening I was eating popcorn and watching a movie, and I got up to get some more water. I came back into the living room to find popcorn stuck on her nose!
While keeping your nose clean can take a literal meaning with a dog, it takes a figurative meaning with people. Stay out of trouble. Be found blameless. Work on developing a good reputation.
Here are some ways to keep your nose clean:
Isaiah 33:15-16 (I like the NLT version)
Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
Philipians 1:27 (NLT)
Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)
What, exactly, does someone who keeps their nose clean spiritually do?
...Your actions line up with what is right.
...You are honest, stand up for truth, and guard the words that you speak.
...You have pure motives and get what you want through honest means.
...You do not participate in hurting other people or allowing it to happen without saying something.
...You do not have bad thoughts towards people.
Read the above verses. In your journal, confess to God about actions, thoughts, or behaviors that make your "nose" dirty. Make a list of ways to keep your nose clean. Ask God to give you opportunities at your extracuricular activities, or school to act out these verses. We can only keep our "noses" clean when we turn to Him for strength.
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