Why Mighty STRONG Girls?

Someone asked me recently about the name Mighty Strong Girls. Where did it come from?

Honestly, at the time, it just came to me as though not my own. Several things happened afterward to affirm that this was what God would name our little ministry. And then, it stuck.

Today I came across some notes I made from a sermon I heard about the time we were unveiling Mighty Strong Girls on what it means to be strong biblically. The sermon, the scripture and the reasons were all affirming what was already going on in my brain. Strength is so misconstrued, misunderstood and misused from a worldly perspective.

Our world says strength is overpowering, either physically or mentally or maybe even emotionally, another person. The strong will survive. It's a concept central to evolution, too, interestingly enough. Bullying behavior is simply a mirror of what our kids see in the world — the "strong" overtaking the "weak." A theme played out again and again in movies, books, music and even homes.

1 Corintians 1:27 (NIV) says:
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

So maybe you are a "weak thing of the world." What does that mean? Should you throw yourself a pity party? That's what the world wants of you.

Or, you could realize in this one verse that God has destined you — yes, YOU — for greatness. Would it not be so if He had not hand-picked David to not only defeat Goliath but to rise up as king of a nation, to be leader of his chosen people? He loves calling out the unsuspecting to greatness.

Oh, dear girls, you are also HIS CHOSEN. He will use you, when you are ready to listen, hang on to Him and be obedient as He calls you into greatness.

It will be a wild ride, though! Something the weak of our world could never handle.

Because being obedient means having the courage to turn your back on immoral behavior, take on new challenges, have persistence in everything you do, stick up for those being bullied, ignore ridicule, walk away from unhealthy relationships and say NO loudly to a boy's unwanted sexual advances.

Courage is a muscle, and you need to use it to grow it. Today I challenge you to put it to use. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about how you can grow your courage:

• Speak out in youth group. Voice your opinion. Start a conversation. 
• Start your own Bible study or Mighty Strong Girls small group. 
•  Befriend a widow in your church. 
•  Sponsor an orphan. 
• Share the Gospel. 
• Go on a job interview. 
• Confront a problem situation. 
• Apologize to someone in a letter or even face-to-face. 
• Raise money for a good cause. 

You will find the more you employ courage, the stronger you will be. You will hear God's voice more loudly, and you will move into the greatness He has planned for you — your destiny, your very identity.

And as you do, please remember these words from 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message):

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

{Seeking greatness in Him alongside you}

Amy

Not just a random act of kindness

by Morgan

     When you get to a point of feeling relaxed and comfortable in your walk with Christ, it becomes less and less fulfilling and less and less glorifying to God. 
     These past couples weeks, I’ve felt relaxed and comfortable with where I’m at. I started going through the motions instead of getting something out of what I was doing. To say the least, I started to feel alone in my walk. 
     A couple nights ago, my friends and I made plans to go out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings for a post-prom fundraiser. My friend Kayla and I felt obligated to go, since our parents were in charge of the whole thing. I also had been praying and asking God how much my limit was on going out, instead of staying in and building the relationships with my family, especially my little sister. I truly believe that I felt obligated to go because God was going to put something or someone in my path to turn me back to Him. 
     Before my friends and I ate, we prayed — as we always do. We prayed for continuous nourishment and strength with the essential tools God provides for us. We, too, prayed for the relationships He has given us and guidance in our everyday life. 
     We then ate our food and talked about random things that were going on in our lives and just caught up on things we don’t get to talk about as much anymore. 
      While we were waiting on our check, the waitress came up to us. She informed us that someone saw us praying before we ate and paid for our check. My reaction was just as you all would think. I got the chills and prayed. I then realized that God reminded me I’m not alone in my walk with Him, nor will I ever be. He reminded me that although storms and troubles may come, He will always be there to calm down the storm for me. He controls all things. He is in charge of all things. 
     We will have doubts along the way, and we will stumble, but God catches our fall. He has caught mine several times, and I know He is always right there with open arms, waiting to catch yours.
     "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." – Philippines 4:19-20. 
     God will exceed all the needs we might have. If we’re feeling lonely, He will hang out with us. If we are feeling down, He will lift our spirits back up. If we think we are failing, He will help us succeed. God never fails. 

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 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 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 26: Act out your anger

Today's reading — Proverbs 14

My morning devotion — delivered daily to my email in-box (you can sign up to have ours sent to your email, too!) was all about anger. Then I opened up Proverbs to our place today, and guess what? 

It seems today's theme is anger. 

So let's chat. What makes you mad? Bullying? Gossips? Peer pressure? Ungodly behavior among your friends? 

Anger....well, I don't necessarily think the emotion of anger is a bad one. It's what you do with it that can cause you to stumble and sin. 

Take a look at how it's discussed in Proverbs 14. 

From verse 16, it's clear that hotheaded and reckless behavior are considered foolish. But the wise fear the Lord and "shun evil."

Later, in verse 22, it says that if you plot evil you will go astray. So it's unwise to use your anger to do "bad things." 

But I believe you can take the anger and use it for good — developing a plan for love and faithfulness, also from verse 22. 

As I write this, it kind of reminds me of Mighty Strong Girls. It's pretty easy to get mad when you think about how girls are portrayed in the media as sexual objects, how they are shoved into a box with all the expectations and stereotypes for our gender, how they are second-class citizens. It's angering to learn about how prevalent female genital mutilation still is in most African nations. It's downright disgusting that many women are pressured to have abortions or even kill their newborn babies — simply because they are girls. 

Most people believe these facts justify a plan for evil against those who would commit such atrocities. But God. He says NO. He says make a plan that is written in love and faithfulness. 

So instead of attacking the enemy, Mighty Strong Girls is attacking the problem by offering a positive alternative. We aren't the only one. There are so many wonderful organizations doing great and awesome things out of love and faithfulness to help girls RISE UP!

My dear girls, you can do this with the anger in your lives, too, no matter the situation. Pray about it. Think about it. Don't be hotheaded and act out your anger with immediate hatred. Instead, take that energy and pour it into something positive. Be the change you want to see! 

{xoxo}
Amy

Day 22: Pressure your peers JOYfully

Today's reading — Proverbs 10

Perhaps at no other time in life is it harder to see and hear what a "herd" of people are doing and seek to do something different than in high school. Peer pressure can be intense, to say the least, in the adolescent years! 

But Mighty Strong Girls, it does not go away! Peer pressure exists at all ages, in all socio-economic situations and it all forms — blatant and sometimes subtle. We covet, we mimic, we behave badly ... all rooted in jealousy. 

There is absolutely nothing positive or redeeming about going along with a crowd that is self-indulgent or self-seeking. From one sermon I heard at Christmas time, JOY comes when we correctly set our priorities: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. 

From Proverbs 10, we learn that when we heed discipline — such as employing the JOY technique in our lives — it leads to life, from verse 17. This verse also says that when we ignore correction, we can lead others astray. 

This, my precious lovelies, is no different than peer pressure. More subtle perhaps, but it's the same thing with different packaging. 

Mind you, there is a form a peer pressure that works for the kingdom. In fact, positive peer influence is perhaps the greatest thing you can do for your generation. 

It doesn't mean that we flip open a book of religious law in front of others and point out the rules and where we are all going astray. It doesn't mean calling everyone out. 

What it means is gracefully living a life of discipline. Modeling by example JOY. Showing Christ to others through your actions. In this way, you will not only draw your fellow sisters in Christ closer to you, but you will also help them seek Him more when they see you live out your life in sync with His desires for you. This is the opposite of leading others astray!

And believe me when I say that when you can stand up to peer pressure now by being a living example of faith, it will become second nature to you as you grow more mature. Others will seek you out because you are a pleasure to be around. That kind of positive peer pressure is beautiful!

{xoxoxo}
Amy

How many things are you working on by yourself?

     by Morgan

      Walking down the hallway before our big game, all you could hear was, “The girls basketball team is going to lose so bad tonight! “ 

     We were all use to it, considering we heard it all day, so we realized we didn’t have anything to lose. “Go out there and make this game a trending Twitter feed tonight, “said our coach before we ran out.

     10.6 seconds left in the 4th quarter, and we were down by 1 with a score of 62-63. Our coach called a timeout to give us a play to run to get back up by one or two. The crowd was going crazy, and there was arguing going on back and forth between both sides.

     Abby threw the ball in to Lauren, who passed the ball to Sydney to make the winning shot. Right after that happened with only 1.6 seconds left, Mt.Pulaski’s coach called a timeout to make a sudden come back. They threw the ball, and it touched Kami’s hand and the time ran out. Nothing but loud noises and shouts filled the gym as we told the opponent, "Good game."

     You may be wondering how this has anything to do with being a Mighty Strong Girl, or what it even means to be a Mighty Strong Girl for God. A couple years ago, I would be asking myself the same question, and I would sit there until I figured it out MYSELF.

     Have you ever had a time where you couldn’t do something, or figure something out and you wanted to do it all by yourself until you got the right answer? That’s where this basketball game and being a Mighty Strong Girl for God comes in to play.

     Being a Mighty Strong Girl for God means you devote every day to the Lord. It means you die to yourself because alone you are not strong enough to accomplish anything. I have realized that you may pull one way, and God may pull the other, but He will always pull you back in. You should never try and do things alone. Let God in and let Him be in control of your life. 

     Just like a relationship with God, a basketball game is a two-way street. You lean on your teammates when you aren’t strong enough to make a shot, or make a stop. Every day you should lean on God to strengthen you and provide all the essentials to lead a mighty strong life for Him.

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 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 17: Watch your ways — put on display in the public square!

Today's reading — Proverbs 5

Don't look at this chapter "Warning Against Adultery" and make the wrong assumption that it's for a man who cheats on his wife. Oh, dear Mighty Strong Girl, this chapter is for you! And me! 

An adulteress is one who tempts you to do the impure. It doesn't even need to be sexual. What is tempting you? An impure movie? Lyrics full of adultery or idolatry? Romance novels? Premarital sex? Friends with benefits? 

Whatever it is, the warning here is clear. The temptation will sound good — full of honey, smooth. I remember the ways the boys were in high school; they sound real sweet and convincing sometimes, don't they? Movies and steaming novels, they seem innocent enough. It's fiction, right? Music lyrics....it's just a song. It doesn't mean anything, right? 

But the temptation can lead to "death." (verse 5) 

Check out also the consequences from verses 11-14. At the end of time, everyone will hear of the ruin you brought to yourself from the way you ignored warnings and refused obedience. And in verse 21, your ways are "in full view of the Lord." He sees. He knows! 

Further, in verses 15-17, think of your behavior, your choices to be on display — overflowing in public streets, in the public square, for all to see. And "drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. ...Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers." 

Don't be led astray, Mighty Strong Girls, by a temptation, full of honey or not! 

{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 

Day 12: Put on your armor and prepare for BATTLE!

Today's reading — Ephesians 6:10-21

If Mighty Strong Girls had a theme song, it would be like verses 10-20 set to music! This is what it all boils down to girls. We have to be ready to fight this battle. There is a war "out there" for our very identities. We have to stand up for who we are in Christ — unique, beautiful creatures with a destiny that He planted within us to do His works. 

But we can't do it without truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, prayer and the word of God. 

When we held our kickoff party for Mighty Strong Girls, I referred to this passage. 

I'm going to share it again today, because even if you heard it, it's worth repeating!

Beauty is strength. Biblical strength. Over and over again, the magazine Mighty Strong Girls will remind you of true beauty and true strength. You should also know that Ephesians 6 gives you a blueprint for strength; it tells us how to stand against the powers of darkness. Please recognize that darkness isn't something intangible or ancient. Darkness is the powers that work against good, and in this case, darkness is this message — THIS LIE — that we aren't good enough. But of course, there is good news. Found in the blueprint. Paul lists all the weapons we can use to grow strong, described as the "armor of God." 

* Belt of truth

* Breastplate of righteousness

* Shield of faith

* Helmet of salvation

* Sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God

and finally and most importantly, 

* Prayer

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 11: Improve your relationship with your parents!

Today's reading — Ephesians 6:1-9

This selection is a great guide for all of us. Obedience and respect to anyone in authority over us. 

For you, dear Mighty Strong Girl, that means your father and mother. You may not always see eye-to-eye, but you honor your Father in heaven when you obey your parents. He takes GREAT DELIGHT in this!

How can you do this? 

Here's one idea, and I'm completely stealing this from "Every Teen Girls' Little Pink Book." Here are three things to tell your parents: 

1. Tell them when you need help. Whether it's in a relationship, job, school, sports. That's why God gave them to you!

2. Tell them when you've made a mistake. It will also give you accountability to avoid stumbling in that sin in the future!

3. Tell them you love and appreciate them. Regularly express your appreciation for how they invest their time, energy and money in you. Love them — even when they don't show the same love to you in return — because it's what God wants you to do. 

From this same book, there are seven things you can do to bring joy to your family: 
1. Do your chores without being told. 
2. Offer to help with something that isn't your responsibility. 
3. Think of a compliment you can give your mom and dad. 
4. Ask your parents how you can improve your behavior. 
5. Don't procrastinate when asked to do something. 
6. Treat your siblings with the same respect you desire. 
7. Be polite, thoughtful and helpful inside and outside your home. 

If this sounds like more than you can stomach, you need to pray about it. And then realize that if you can't do these things, you will struggle to have a successful career when you leave your home. Why?  If you can't honor and obey those who love you in your home, it's unlikely you'll behave any better with a boss who won't be nearly as likely to forgive. 

Seek joy when you start from within! I know you can do this girls! Give it a shot! And then write a blog or note to us about what happened when you did!

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 10: Learning to be a wife who submits

Today's reading — Ephesians 5:22-32

This may be one of the most understood Biblical concepts. And it's one that kept me far away from Christianity for a long time. As a wife and as a woman, my God asks me to "submit" to my husband. 

I don't know about you, but to my teenage mind, that seemed archaic, ancient, outdated and just plain wrong. Totally unequal, right? 

Actually, it IS unequal. Like women and men are unequal. There, I said it. 

There is a feminism "camp" that would like you to think that women are equal to men. I used to buy that argument, too. 

But, by design, the genders are so different. Not just physically but emotionally and physiologically. Some women don't like it when you say that. As if it's a sign of weakness. When nothing could be further from the truth. 

The genders compliment one another, and the characteristics of women can make wonderful leaders. Are there things women can't do that men can? Certainly! 

Women are not as strong. When one of our freelance writers interviewed girls in Africa for a magazine article, one of the teenage girls said that women in her culture are expected to do the same physical work as men. Even though their bodies aren't designed for that work. It makes life hard when women must haul water, hoe the hard earth and crush rocks at a quarry just like a man. 

So what does that have to do with "submitting"? First, we already know we're supposed to love God, which means we must be obedient and trust him, too. 

And what does submitting mean exactly? It means — as in a corporation or organization — there can only be one leader. A company could not possibly have two presidents. It would never work. Likewise, a house with two leaders — and two totally different sets of rules — could not operate efficiently. 

A man is told to love his wife. We've talked about what it means to love someone. When you love them, you will do anything for them, including submitting. So husbands are also called to submit in ways, too. Men must also submit to the Lord. They are not exempt.

A wife is told to respect her husband. You see, that's because men and women are designed differently. Women love more naturally, and men respect more naturally. God is simply gently reminding us to be careful to do what our gender is not particularly inclined to do in a relationship. After all, He knows us best. He designed us, and He ought to know how to write an instruction manual that works. 

I trust Him. Do you?

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 9: Change You. Change Your World.

Today's reading — Ephesians 5:1-21

I think one of the biggest challenges in Christianity today is the confusion over salvation. The Old Testament is full of rules. Even the New Testament has parables from Jesus, letters from Paul and stories a plenty about how we should live. It's easy to understand why people are easily confused. 

These 21 verses are full of what looks like "rules." Stay away from these things, don't associate with those people, do not do this, speak ling this, always, never, be very careful. It's almost nauseating. 

Or is it? 

Are these guidelines really for you? For me? Who was Paul talking to? And why? Is this relevant today? 

When I read through this, it reminded me of the book of James. Very straight-forward, concise and condemning. But it's only condemning if I allow it to be. It's only condemning because I want the Holy Spirit to work through these issues in me. 

Here's how I see it. Come to the word of God committing to follow only two "rules," that you love God and love people. The word of God tells us Jesus came into the world to SAVE us, NOT to condemn us. How can you NOT love someone who is so selfless, who models for us the way to love our brothers and sisters? And if you can love Him and love others with an honest and pure heart, you will WANT to become a better person. 

Circle this in your passage from verse 10 (NIV): find out what pleases the Lord. 

You see, when you love someone, TRULY LOVE THEM, you want to submit to them. You want to serve them. And that's what verse 21 says...."submit to one another out of reverence of Christ." 

Here's my boiled down version of not rules, but guidelines, for how I can follow more closely in God's will for me: 

1. Imitate God as best I can. 
2. Do not be sexually immoral, impure, obscene, talk foolishly or be greedy. 
3. Expose your sins and ask for forgiveness. 
4. Live as if every day is your last, always seeking to further God's kingdom. 
5. Seek wisdom in all ways. 
6. Live by the Holy Spirit! 
7. Always give thanks to God. 

Because I love my Lord, I WANT to do these things. You see, Jesus always put relationships first. When you do that, it's not a chore to follow rules. We seek them to improve our relationships. 

Not only does that make me a changed a person, it changes my community and changes my world. And makes me a Mighty Strong Girl.

{Hugs}

Amy 

Day 8: Be Renewed. There's Freedom There.

Today's reading — Ephesians 4:17-32

Lots of contrast in this selection. Reminds me of the small group study at church last night. We spoke of the lies of this world and read Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." 

Interesting, isn't it, that Money is capitalized here. The world is full of many lies that can be turned into our idols. I challenge you to journal how much time you spend each day on God and how much time you spend on the other things you desire — television, your phone, your car or four-wheeler, computer. Do they even compare? 

What happens when Money (or substitute your idol here) takes a higher position, takes authority over God in your life. There's a warning in this passage, in verse 19, "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." 

Our instructions here are clear. The old way, the unsaved version of you is no longer — it is corrupted by deceitful desires (the lies!). You are to put on the new you. The new you is created to be like God, holy and righteous and an all-new attitude in your mind. 

Read and reread the instructions from verse 29-32. Sisters, oh Mighty Strong Girls, it is God's desire for us — His very beloved — that unwholesome talk would not come out of our mouths, that we would only say those things that are useful for building others up, not according to your needs, but ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS. 

Do you fall short here? I know I do! I'm very good at building up those people when I have a vested interest. But what about when I don't? 

Here's the prescription, right out of verse 31-32: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Hard: Yes. Incredibly freeing and rewarding: Yes. Yes. YES!!!

Girls, this is what God wants for you. Follow the prescription and BE RENEWED!

{Hugs}

Amy