Let's Get Started!

Hey Girls! Let me start off by telling you how pumped I am about this blog! I've been wanting to do something like this for a while and I just can't believe it's a reality. With that said, we're going to have to have a few guidelines that go along with it. We'll cover all of that in a moment.

First thing's first: I LOVE every single one of you and consider you so precious. I don't think I've told you that lately and thought you ought to know. ;) A few weekends ago, I had my sister's bachelorette party in Atlanta. Wow-wild and crazy doesn't even begin to explain it. I did NOT lose my faith for the night, in case you were wondering, but it was very hard. It wasn't hard because I desired to participate in the partying lifestyle. To be honest, it doesn't even appeal to me anymore really. But it was hard because by me not doing anything everyone thought I was judging them even though I never said a condemning word, you know? I left early and on the way home the Lord brought ya'll to mind. I think I got just a taste of what ya'll go through in high school. I mean, the pressure to party and be cool is pretty overwhelming. As the night drug on, I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed and ashamed. (Seeing it written out like that makes me feel even worse about it.) I have nothing to be ashamed of! "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) They were the ones who should've been ashamed! Yet, there I was wishing for someone, anyone, to be there with me that would stand beside me. It's hard being the only one. I think I get it now.

That's why I think this blog is so important. Here's where it's safe to do the right thing...to be righteous. In order for this to be a safe place, we need to ensure that it's safe by following some guidelines.

Be gracious. Whenever you leave a comment, make sure it's thoughtful. I don't mind if you have questions or disagree with what's said by me or anyone else (that's how you learn) but do it in a way that's pleasing to the Lord. (Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 22:10-11; Ephesians 4:29)

Be genuine. Don't just use "church" talk or give the right "Sunday School" answer. Be honest. Be real. If you don't get something, tell me. If you're struggling with something, let me know. That's the only way to grow and pursue godliness. (Proverbs 27:17; James 3:17; James 1:22-24)

Be growing. This is your site, not mine. (I've got a family blog where I can chatter away all I want! :) It's http://www.raisingacorns.blogspot.com/ if you're interested...but that's not the point.) I want you to be able to express yourself here with whatever the Lord's teaching you. I'll get us started but eventually I'd like for you to do the posting. In order to share God's voice, you have to hear and listen to God's voice. So you must be in the Word! (2 Timothy 2:15; Deuteronomy 32:47; Psalm 119)

That's pretty much it. I'm so excited about this year! I know the Lord will do amazing things in your life if you'll let Him. I love you, Girls!