There's no doubt of this: ALL girls are worth waiting for

by Morgan

When I sat down and wrote my first purity blog, I was skeptical and overall terrified. 

Purity has always been a touchy subject with me, not because I'm afraid of it, but because I don't always have the answers I want to have. 

When I was told blogging about purity would be a smart idea for me, I wasn't even positive of where I should start and what words I would say. Like I said before, purity is a touchy subject for me because I am a strong believer that everyone is worth waiting for, and I'm not sure what would be the simplest way to put that.

After writing that purity blog, I felt called to share my faith in that way with younger girls and even older women. I believe that God calls me to do things I'm not very comfortable with because I grow by learning and sharing. 

I cannot stress enough that everyone is able to be pure, whether it's sexually or being made new. God's kingdom keeps growing, and we all deserve the opportunity to come to know Christ and His pure heart. 

Day 38: Do more than cover yourself with glitter

Today's reading — Proverbs 28-29

Have you ever hidden something? A habit? A sin? A past you wish you could run away from? It takes so much work, time and energy to cover up something. 

And sometimes there isn't enough glitter in the world to add the amount of sparkle it would take to cover up your pain, sadness, anger or hurt. 

What's a girl to do? 

In Proverbs 28, verse 13, it says: 

She who conceals her sins does not prosper, 
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 

When you are ashamed of a past or find ugliness in your physical form or have an addiction that consumes you, the world is pointing its finger and laughing. It certainly feels that way, doesn't it? Our culture is so good at making you feel ashamed, guilting you into negative emotions and force-feeding lies about how you screwed up, are unworthy and have no value. Even when you are a good person who stumbled. Even when you know it was wrong. Even when the past is very, very distant. 

Our God isn't like that. It's true what they say, that the ground is even at the foot of the cross. All sins are equal, and God loves you so much that there's mercy for you NO MATTER WHAT! 

If you feel today, right now, like you just can't get ahead, it might be time for confession. God wants you to hand it over. And as I discussed with my kids this morning, renounce the sins by committing to a new you. 

Our world loves a success story, and you, dear Mighty Strong Girl, have a most lovely story to tell. Don't delay. Bring your sin into the light. Confess and renounce, and get the fresh start that you DESERVE because you are a child of God! 


{leaving it at the foot of the cross}
Amy

Day 37: What are you waiting for? Change the world!

Today's reading — Proverbs 26-27

One of the Mighty Strong Girls challenges is that you grow your faith in an environment that is FUN, healthy, authentic and true.

But sometimes change is hard, and always it requires a commitment.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results."

If your life feels crazy or out of control — perhaps a reflection of the world around you — then maybe you should first look to you. Be introspective and see what needs to be changed there first.

You see, dear girls, we FIRMLY believe God has given you unique, amazing gifts that you can use to change the world. But you can't do it without first stepping out in faith. Looking inward. Looking toward God. Operating outside your comfort zone. Doing things differently than the world does them. And listening for God's still small voice. All of this means doing things different, because after all, that's the ONLY way to get different (new and better, too!) results.

So what does this have to do with Proverbs 26-27? Today's verse is Proverbs 26:11 (one of my favorites):

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

So it seems God is the original author of this concept. Want different results? Stop repeating the same mistakes. There's freedom and beauty and strength in change.

{seeking what's new and different}
Amy

Day 36: Will you stand on the sidelines making excuses or jump into the battlefield?

Today's reading — Proverbs 24-25

Today's scripture is one that popped right out of me. Maybe I was intrigued as soon as I noticed the word "strength." But verse 10 in Proverbs 24:10 almost seems to affirm the world's view of strength, that it's not OK to stumble, that it's weak to fail.

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

I would like to take another perspective of this verse. Do you know anyone who struggles with addiction? Do you know how many temptations they face in a day? An hour? The ticking seconds in a minute?

It's important to remember not everyone's trouble looks the same. So putting it in perspective further means that if I'm only faced with a temptation once a week but overcome only every other time while my sister faces six temptations a day and overcomes five of them, who is stronger?

When faced with a barrage of temptations, how often do YOU succumb? I think we need to celebrate each victory, for each time we turn away from that which can harm us, how strong we are indeed! And we need to focus on our own celebrations without comparing or criticizing our sisters in their battles. 

God wants us to get to a point where we don't falter, because we have learned to lean on Him. Will we succeed every time? No, because we are human! Will we grow our faith and be transformed when we seek Him with our whole heart? You bet!

But look at the next two verses:

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

I actually like the Message version even more, Proverbs 24:11-12

Rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help. If you say, “Hey, that’s none of my business,” will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know—Someone not impressed with weak excuses.

I think what impresses me most about teen girls is that they see the struggle of their peer group and — even when they themselves are facing serious battles — they desire to pull their sisters from despair. They so wholeheartedly seek to help each other, and they are begging for more to join them! They want us to come alongside them in this effort to overcome the damage done by low and negative self image.

So, here's my challenge to you today. Find a way to get involved with the work of Mighty Strong Girls. Many women and girls of all ages will be needed to fight this battle. Can we count on you to help? Or will you stand on the sidelines and know what our girls are facing and yet make excuses for not getting involved?

God is calling us. Girls are asking for this. The time is now, and the work is plenty.

{stepping up in faith}
Amy

Day 35: How you can get rich beyond measure

Today's reading — Proverbs 23

I had a well-meaning family member who spoke over me as a child that I should seek a high-paying profession. 

As long as I could remember (from age 6 or 7), I wanted to be a writer. It was my absolutely passion, and I could envision nothing else. Plus, when it came to other subjects, there was none I was better at in school. I was definitely not strong in math, and while I loved science, I did not perform well in chemistry and physics. I felt conflicted by what this man was telling me. Writers don't typically earn a very high income! In my naïveté , I simply sought happiness, which he left out of the equation entirely — something creating an utter confusion in me.
Proverbs 23:4-5 offers a kind of wisdom contrary to that given to my family member:

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. 

Does this mean people who are wealthy are bad? Of course not! Money is amoral. It is without blame. It's the coveting of money and the uses of money by a human mind or hand where blame comes in! 

I know many physicians and successful business people who have been financially blessed. As a result, and because of their heart to follow their passion and calling in life (and not to chase money), their donations and contributions toward Christ's kingdom have a multiplying effect. They are cheerful givers who are living out their identity in Christ in both occupation and gifting. 

How do you measure up here? Do you think about how much money you will ultimately earn when you weigh career choices? Or do you follow where your heart leads, ask for God's guidance and seek out a blend of your heart's desire and His will for you? 

I must admit I've done both in my lifetime, and I came to wisdom in this matter much later than I'd like to admit. It wasn't that long ago that I sacrificed godly service to work more hours so I could "make more money." But I was no longer giving back with my creative talents to the God who handcrafted me and made them a special part of who I am. And when I did that, I was not blessed. My "riches" seemed to go out of my bank account as quickly as they were deposited with nothing to show for it. 

There's a balance in here that God wants for you. Girls, God has a unique plan for you. When you cast aside the money matter, you will be blessed beyond measure! He will pour riches upon you that have eternal value, and your checkbook may not be overflowing, but you will have ALL that you need!

{grateful for God's blessing}
Amy

Day 34: Serving can lead to spiritual riches!

Today's reading — Proverbs 22

This chapter was very convicting to me. Made me think about wealth, poverty, debts, fear of the Lord and how all these things can either work together for His glory ... or not.

Today I'd like to talk about verse 16: 

He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth 
and he who gives gifts to the rich — 
both come to poverty. 

For some reason, this made me think about the photo shoot we did not long ago for a Mighty Strong Girls magazine column on different body types. (For the record, I made seven girls FREEZE for an outdoor photo shoot. They probably still haven't forgiven me...it was brutal!) 

But as I edited the photos this morning, I was reminded that God isn't examining the outer shell, though they are all uniquely different. The bottom line is that girls of many shapes, sizes and colors are ALL beautiful to Him! 

I think in verse 16, poverty isn't necessarily material poverty but spiritual poverty. It comes in many shapes, sizes and colors — just like the body type. So beware....whether you are oppressing the poor to increase your wealth or whether you are giving something to someone who doesn't need it. Because the path he wants you to take is the one that leads to a cheerful, giving heart. One that leads to eternal life and spiritual riches!

How can you apply this to life. Instead of taking a prized pair of jeans or prom dress to a consignment store or giving it to a friend who lacks nothing, perhaps you can donate it to a homeless shelter or ask your pastor if there's a family struggling in your own church with a daughter who could really use and LOVE your selfless donation.  

As a side note, I want to mention that we had MANY, MANY dresses donated to Mighty Strong Girls for a style show and dress sale fundraiser last month. It was amazing. I'd like to share one story from that event. The mom of one of the girls happened to tell me days later that her daughter is given an "allowance" of $100 per prom or homecoming dress. Anything above that she must pay for on her own. This girl donated a $500 dress to Mighty Strong Girls. This was a big sacrifice, as she might have been able to sell it for $300. A girl attending the event bought it for $50, which was donated to Mighty Strong Girls. What a priceless, amazing act of kindness. My heart is full when I hear of these stories! And that, dear girls, is what a Mighty Strong Girl does! 

{seeking spiritual riches alongside you}
Amy

Day 33: Does God really CALL people to jobs?

Today's reading — Proverbs 21

One of my favorite books of 2012 was Richard Stern's "Hole in the Gospel." It tells his testimony of how he came to the helm of World Vision, and his fast-moving story had me twitching. 

God wanted him to give up his riches and position as a corporate CEO and oversee World Vision, a Christian organization that helps combat poverty and more. 

I used to wonder how people could say they were "called" to do something. It sounded like a nice word to persuade the rest of the world they had a personal relationship with the Lord. The Lord doesn't care enough about a person's job to "call" them there. Or. Does. He? 

I loved Stern's story because he dug his heels in. He did NOT want to take the job. He did not want to give up his comforts, and he didn't even think God was calling him even as the signs started to build up. 

But eventually it became too much. God's fingerprints were all over it. He WANTED Richard Sterns, and God would stop at nothing to prove it to him! 

Girls, I have attempted to resist God's subtle urgings in the past. He usually doesn't stop at one attempt. He's been so faithful to give me more than one sign to convince me of His will for me. 

That's why I loved verse 30 in today's reading: 

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. 

What He wants, He gets. And if it involves you, there's no tool at your disposal that could stop Him. And girls, would you really want to? 

He KNOWS best. And best of all, He knows you. Those special passions, gifts and desires in your heart, He will draw those out of you so you can do His work in His time.  

I know. Because He called me here. To Mighty Strong Girls. To use the best of what I have been gifted with to serve Him. And you. 

Sometimes it's scary. But all the time, it's a pleasure. It's part of my identity in Christ. And you have one, too, right now that will continue to grow and evolve and stretch your faith! It's that beautiful thing that makes you shine from the inside out; it's what makes you who you are; it starts and ends with Him!

{xoxo}
Amy

Day 32: How to give your friends more than they expect!

Today's reading — Proverbs 20

One of the wisest things I ever learned at photography seminars and workshops had nothing to do with how to make a photography technically better. It didn't have to do with Photoshop or even how to order or package deliveries. It had to do with relationships. 

Under-promise and over-deliver. A message that came up over and over again. Give your customers more than they expect!

Is that how our relationships should be, too? 

In today's reading, Proverbs 20:25 says, 

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. 

Have you ever done this? Made a promise to a friend or a boyfriend? You meant well at the time. It sounded good ... then. But reality set in and you couldn't deliver. 

I try hard to avoid this, but last year in the midst of a busier-than-usual season of life, I desperately wanted to help a friend with something I felt passionate about. She was on a tight deadline, however, that I knew I wouldn't be able to meet. And yet, I promised her I would. Because I wanted to. Even our best intentions cannot overcome the reality of our situations!

How much better would it be for our relationships if we didn't err in this way? If instead of promising anything, I just dove in to help if or when I was able? 

Carefully contemplate your commitments today. You will find when you put Jesus front and center, He will make more things possible for you than you ever thought you could do alone. And all those other things, you will be able to way over-deliver on! 

{seeking improved relationships}
Amy

Day 31: Seek a new definition for wisdom!

Today's reading — Proverbs 19

Is the concept of wisdom, as defined by God, beginning to sink in with you in the reading of Proverbs? I think one of the biggest benefits of this book of the Bible is to see wisdom as God does, not as the world does. 

It's a MAJOR change in thinking! 

You see, our cultural view of wisdom is lots of academic degrees, scholastic awards, professional achievements and accolades. Our world would have you think wisdom is tightly connected to authority or maybe even directly related to someone's career or income. 

Someone who is wise never stumbles, ask questions or seems in doubt — at least according to our worldview of wisdom. 

I was reading an older book, "The Power of Believing in Your Child" by Miles McPherson before falling asleep last night. I decided to stop on this line so I would remember to share it this morning with my daughter who has never stopped asking questions since the day she could form complete sentences: 

Kids with leadership qualities are inquisitive. 

Whoa! The world says leaders don't need to ask questions. They already know it all, right? 

Good leaders are humble, compassionate, always learning and seeking wisdom, and embracing opportunities to serve. 

In Proverbs 19, verse 8 says: 

She who gets wisdom loves her own soul; she who cherishes understanding prospers. 

Girls, it doesn't say "she who is wise." You see, God has big, big plans for you. But you don't just get to have them. It's not a soup kitchen where He's pouring into every bowl equal servings. 

You, my precious girl, must ACT. Seek wisdom. Get wisdom. How do you do that? 

Ask questions. Learn. Read your Bible. Pray. And serve. 

Finally, don't ever stop. Nobody ever arrived at wisdom. They keep actively pursuing her, so they can become even more in tune with God's will for their lives! 

{chasing His wisdom}
Amy

Day 30: Are you a good friend to 1 or a friend to many?

Today's reading — Proverbs 18
Many of the last blogs have been about practicing discernment with the tongue and in friendships.

Some of the Proverbs can be hard to swallow. Some seem contradictory. Others seem downright ridiculous!

But I want to draw your attention to the very last verse, verse 24.

Have you ever known a friend who seems to crave the attention of EVERYONE? Someone who wants to be friends with absolutely everyone? A popular seeker? Someone with more than 1,000 Facebook friends?

I've had friends like this. Notice the word "had." Because these so-called friends always seem to come and go. That's not by coincidence!

See what the verse says:

A woman of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

I was almost relieved to read this! I've had friends who seemed so close, but then in another season, they would disappear like the wind — quietly and mysteriously. It's so nice to know it's not my fault!

One of my best friends in college was like this. It was almost like she was addicted to attention. She would commit to doing things with six different people on a Friday night. She couldn't bear to let down any of her friends. Guess how many real friends she was left with in the end?

Girls, one good friend is worth the affection of 10! And if you are the kind of girl who seems to need everyone's eyes on you, liking you, adoring your every word and dividing up your attention, it's time to ask yourself where your loyalties lie. What are your motives in friendship? Are they true? Or are they taking you on a path of self-destruction?

{embracing authentic friendship}
Amy

Day 27: Ever want to reel in your words?

Today's reading — Proverbs 15

I grew up hearing "Think before you speak." I don't remember if it was my mom or dad or grandma, church or school, but this was a mantra spoken over me as I matured. 

I'm sure it helped curbed my tongue a time or two. But what probably made a bigger difference was screwing up. Sticking my foot in my mouth, which — incidentally — I still do from time to time. It was embarrassing and made me feel less of a person that I would say something rude, gossip about a friend or not think about a person's feelings before I spoke. That icky feeling made me not only more regretful but also more cautious in the future. 

God has a saying, too. It's a little more lengthy but way more introspective. 

Verse 28: The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 

That's right, when we just say things without thought, we are prone to sinning, to gushing evil. When we pause to think about what we're about to say, when we really ponder the words our tongue is forming and contemplate their consequences, we are acting with righteousness. 

When we do it, when we weigh our words, there are no icky feelings. It's just one way you can live more joyfully! I don't know about you, but happiness is what my heart desires. 


{thinking before I speak}
Amy

Day 25: God says pick good friends!

Today's reading — Proverbs 13

If you ever want to dissect what the Bible says about money matters, this would be a good starting point. Much of Proverbs 13 speaks to the heart of finances and wealth and poverty. 

But I'm going to focus today on one verse here that doesn't. Verse 20. 

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. 

Have you ever been frustrated by a parent who doesn't see eye-to-eye with you on the choice of one of your friends? Sometimes parents just have a "sixth sense" when it comes to bad, or even ungodly, influences. Parents just want the best for you. 

Guess what? Are you surprised to find out that God wants the best friends for you, too? Just because you are to love your neighbor doesn't mean you spend the bulk of your time with that person. 

You see, love is not so much an emotion but an act. So while you act in love toward everyone around you and minister to the unreached and the rejects of our world (serving), you walk with the wise. 

Maybe there is some overlap in these groups. Maybe not. 

You see, you become what you are influenced by — and that's why it is SO IMPORTANT not only to be grounded in the word of God but to stay connected with Him in prayer and communication, and to be on your faith walk with those who will help you grow wiser still. 

God doesn't want to see you hurt, and that's why He warns you that if you are friends with fools, harm will come your way. 

It's OK to be discerning in your friendships. God WANTS you to pick your friends. Find those pals who build you up, encourage you, speak honestly to you, challenge your faith as you challenge theirs, pray with you and bring out the best in you. 

When you do, you will be a powerhouse of leadership working toward a common goal in growing closer to God and determining your individual identities in Christ. That's one Mighty Strong Girl! 

{hugs}
Amy

Day 24: Is your tongue a tool for destruction or for hope?

Today's reading — Proverbs 12

Sometimes it feels so confusing when it comes to dealing with mean people or bullies. On the one hand, the Bible tells us to turn the other check and love our neighbor. But many of God's beloved prayed for their Lord to strike down their enemy — and He did. God also tells us to love ourselves, and some people who tear us down consistently are hard to be around because they challenge this very notion. 

What's a girl to do? 

From today's reading, verse 16 states: 

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent woman overlooks an insult. 

Mighty Strong Girls, that's what we call self-control. Practice it early and often. It's a gift, particularly when you join as one in marriage. Sharing a living space, bank account, schedule and children are all instances when it's not all about you. Learning to submit or control our selfish notions is a gift in relationships! 

So, at the heart of this verse is really the best advice my mom ever gave me: ignore them. Just ignore the bullies. It drives them crazy. They act because they are seeking a (your) reaction, and they are jealous. (Eventually they will give up on you if you continue to overlook insults, and in this way, God will strike down your enemy by removing her from your path.)

But please be careful that you are not on the delivering end of insults. Because you know what? Jealousy is not only ugly but it's rooted in fear. Jealousy is NOT from God. It's a sin that causes us to stumble in other ways — seeking approval from man, cursing God's name, plotting against others, coveting our neighbor's possessions. It's a slippery slope. 

Also, look just a couple verses down in verse 18: 

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing. 

Just like the insults hurled at you hurt, so does your negative reaction. Your words can either tear down or build up, so choose them carefully — even as you overlook the words of fools. For, there is JOY for those who promote peace, as promised in verse 20. 

Today, use the tool between your teeth to build up. I love the devotion in my Bible that speaks of three-word groupings: I love you, You look great!, Good for you, I forgive you. Three words that can transform relationships and lives. 

Girls, GET WISDOM! 

{Hugs}
Amy

Day 21: Watch out for slick promises by Folly

Today's reading — Proverbs 9

Two distinct types of people are compared here. Those who are wise (righteous) and those who mock (the dead). 

If you are wise, you will seek wisdom continually. You will not be offended by instruction. You will fear the Lord. You will be rewarded. You will receive eternal life. 

Read and reread verses 13-18. This is scary, isn't it? Folly is EVERYWHERE. It is our world — full of lots of promises of sweet water and delicious food. All clothed in the darkness of shame and death.  

If you are a mocker, you will fall for these shiny promises. You will trip over yourself to grab the bling that is dangled in front of you by "Folly." 

You get to decide.  If at this moment you feel "simple," you are being actively sought after by both types of people. You can be persuaded by either type of person. Make the right choice. Choose wisdom!

{xoxoxo}
Amy

Day 20: Wisdom and riches go hand-in-hand!

Today's reading — Proverbs 8

Girls...GET RICH!

This chapter is so RICH with promises. 

Verses 18, 19
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 

The "me" in verse 18 is wisdom. The riches, honor and wealth are not the riches our world values — gold and silver — it is actually BETTER than that! 

In fact, to seize these riches, you may actually have to choose WISDOM over silver and gold, from verse 10. But then in verse 11, we are told that NOTHING we desire can even compare to wisdom. 

That's a pretty awesome promise, don't you think? 

So how can you get wisdom? 

In verse 34, watch daily, wait for it. For when you find it, you will "find favor from the Lord." (verse 35) When you fail to find wisdom, you are only harming yourself. 

Girls, GET WISDOM and GET RICH! I'm ready to wrap myself up in this blessing. How 'bout you? 

{Hugs}
Amy

Day 19: Don't be a youth lacking judgment!

Today's reading — Proverbs 7

Before I started reading today's selection, I scanned it and noticed I had circled only one small part of this chapter.  A short section of verse 7: A youth who lacked judgment. 

Don't ask me why I had highlighted this. Maybe because it spoke to me. In my confusion as an adolescent, I questioned God. Then when I didn't get the answers I liked, I turned my back on him for nearly a decade. 

I would call that stupidity on my part (thank God for an all-loving, grace-filled Father!). Here, He calls this "simple." 

I'd like to point out that our Lord does not call youth simple. He says like a "youth who lacked judgment." Listen, it's common for your generation to make decisions without wisdom. Heck, people of all ages do this! 

There are a lot of reasons — peer pressure and lack of experience, feelings of immortality or lack of conviction are some that come to mind. But this does NOT have to be you. The beautiful thing about youth is that God has a special love for you that He declares many times in His word. Because your faith can be so pure and deep. 

How can you be in that category? How can you be the kind of teenager that even adults look up to and learn from? It's both the easiest and hardest thing of all. GET WISDOM! 

In verse 3, "Bind (God's commands) on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart." 

If you're bored today, do this literally. Write your favorite scripture citations on your fingers. Or like our blogger Morgan, scribble them on your shoes. 

Wisdom = reading, knowing and memorizing the word of God. 

When you do and the seductress/adulteress (don't take this literally...remember to insert whatever your temptation to sin is in place of this) comes, you will be able to avoid becoming her victim and having your heart turn to her ways, from verse 25. Avoid death and temptation....

GET WISDOM! 

{xoxoxo}
Amy

Day 18: Healing from the sometimes sting of friendships

Today's reading — Proverbs 6

There are many, many themes in this selection and lots of scripture that would make nice Post-it note reminders for you, Mighty Strong Girl!

For instance, the seven things detestable to the Lord could be a good moral compass and reminder to post in your room. From verses 17-19:

        haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
¹⁹         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

I also love the visual that comes to mind with verses 20-22: 

My son, keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
²¹ Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.
²² When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.

But today I feel compelled to talk about the beginning of this chapter, because I think it's at the heart of relationships — all relationships.

Our tongues can really get us in trouble...a lot.

I have a dear friend who is reading a book called "Safe People," which sounds phenomenal. God is softening her heart, and she sent me an apology text this morning, saying she was sorry for not following through with commitments she's made to me.

Oddly enough, I didn't feel that way about her at all. She's always followed through on every commitment that she said YES to.

But I have had plenty of friends who don't. Friends who speak secrets about other friends behind their backs. Friends who gossip. Friends who have good intentions but over-commit and then hurt the ones they love. One of my best friends when I was in college was like this. I won't lie, it stung. And it makes me overly-cautious about investing in a friendship still, which isn't a good thing! Girls need good BFFs!

Maybe you've felt the sting of someone who has not followed through with a promise, from verse 1, or maybe you are that friend. Have you been trapped by what you've said, ensnared by your own words, as in verse 2?

In the next verse, we are told we need to free ourselves when we become ensnared. Plead our case, humble ourselves and make things right. How many of us get defensive instead or wallow in our own self-pity, making our friendships even more tense and untrue? How useful is this? We need to preserve our relationships with our sisters in Christ and not let these things come between us!

My friend was attempting to do this today, and it made me really think about my own commitments. Am I following through? Doing all I can? If not, who's suffering as a result? And how can I make it right? How can I avoid over-commiting and serve my God in a way that honors Him and makes the best use of His gifts for me?

It was a good reminder that we need to make commitments where our "yes" can be "yes" and our "no" can be "no." And we can feel good about our relationships in the process!

{Hugs}
Amy

Day 15: Who needs jewels, gold and silver?

Today's reading — Proverbs 3

It's hard to unpack all the amazing promises, wisdom and counsel in this chapter alone! 

Some of the promises here: 
Health, wealth, favor with God and man, blessings, long life, riches. 

Of course, they don't just come automatically! You must seek wisdom, love and be faithful, TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, give to the Lord your firstfruits (tithes and offerings, a giving heart), preserve sound judgement and discernment. 

But there are warnings, too: 
Do not despise the Lord's discipline. Don't withhold from your neighbor in need when you have the means to help now. Do not accuse men for no reason or plot harm against your neighbor or envy a violent man (or mimic him). 

My Bible is marked up heavily in this chapter in pencil and different colors of ink. Different verses have more significance in different phases and chapters of my life. 

But my favorite by far that I think I'll write on my Post-It note today is this: 

13-15
Blessed is the woman who finds wisdom, the woman who gains understanding for wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 

I think that sums it all up rather well! I hope many of the verses in this chapter spoke to your heart!

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 14: Seek a singing, happy soul!

Today's reading — Proverbs 2

Yesterday you learned why you need wisdom. Today's passage talks about what to do with it. In verse 2, don't just turn your ear to it, but apply your heart to understanding, "call out" and "cry out" for insight and understanding. 

What does that mean? 

Pray for God's knowledge. Seek HIM! He wants you to follow Him, and He promises to pour out knowledge and understanding when you do. In verse 7, he holds the "victory." He's a shield, a guard, a protector. 

The promise of wisdom, from verse 9, is that you will choose every good path, and in verse 10, your soul will sing! Doesn't that sound so very wonderful!

Girls, wisdom will "save you" from the wicked! (verse 12) For no matter how hard you may try, there will always be dark people, wicked men (substitute women, girls and boys) in this world. They love their dark ways, delight in their wickedness and rejoice in their devious and destructive ways. They DESIRE to lead you to death. Be aware. Be warned. 

But be protected. When you GET WISDOM! 

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 13: Girls, GET WISDOM!

Today's reading — Proverbs 1

Before diving into this reading, did you know that King David's son Solomon wrote Proverbs? It's quite fitting, since when God asked him what he wanted, Solomon — who could have asked for riches, incomparable wealth, success, power or fame — begged for wisdom. 

Did you know wisdom is mentioned 365 times in the Bible? One mention for every day of the year. Girls, GET WISDOM! When you have wisdom, you will feel rich beyond compare. You will experiences success and have the power of God behind all you do! GET WISDOM! 

Start today by reading and highlighting as you go in Proverbs.  As you read and find something particularly helpful, grab a Post-It Note and write it out. Stick it on your bathroom or bedroom mirror. 

Are you ready, Mighty Strong Girls? We are going after it — wisdom! Woot-woot! 

Check out verse 7. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." 

Okay, so you might be thinking what does "fear" mean. Fear may be a negative word in your vocabulary. But it's not a bad or negative thing. Fear is respect, yearning to know better, to understand, to put things in proper perspective and order. Which is why the second half of the verse says fools despise wisdom and discipline. Those are concepts that are wrapped up in "fear." 

You might think of boiling down this concept into the once-popular acronym WWJD (What would Jesus do?). Put God first. Think of Him always. Fear Him. Respect Him. That kind of discipline yields wisdom. 

Take this to the next level and fear your parents, from verses 8-9. 

Then through verse 19, take heed of the lies and tricks meant to deceive you and tempt you into sinning. From this, my favorite part is the idea that you "rush into sin." Don't swiftly follow along with the pack. Stop. Listen. 

So I said we need to GET WISDOM. What does God say about this? He tells us starting in verse 20 through the end that wisdom is ours for the taking. She is calling for us. How easy is this? Wisdom is right there, and God wants us to seize her! 

But the hard-to-swallow truth is that it doesn't matter because most of us are simple and fools. Often, we miss out on wisdom even though it's right in front of us! God is stretching out His hand, His wisdom — He's waving it in front of us and we reject Him! Then what happens? Disaster, clarity, storms, whirlwinds, distress and trouble. 

Sound familiar? It sure does to me. 

There's hope, though, Mighty Strong Girls. At any moment, no matter how many times we've rejected God's hand of grace before, we can GRAB IT! 

And get this. When we do, He offers us safety. We will "be at ease, without fear of harm." (verse 33)

GET WISDOM! 

{Hugs}

Amy