Only A Boy Named David

posted by Guest Blogger on 08/21/12
Category: Faith; ; 72 comments

It was the final FUAGNEM of our Panama trip. For those of you who haven't been on a Never the Same missions event with Susie Shellenberger, that's short for "fired up and going nuts every minute," correctly pronounced foo-ayg-num. After long days packed full of ministry, each night's FUAGNEM gathering is a chance for hundreds of teen missionaries to testify, worship, recharge, and sit under dynamic teachers.

Susie Shellenberger was speaking, and I was sitting in the back when one of the students on my team quietly meandered over and claimed the chair next to mine.

His name was David.

young man prayingI couldn't really tell where David was at with the Lord. Sure, he came on a missions trip and all. But the more we talked, the more I realized he was still in that "figuring-stuff-out" phase of faith.

He had grown up in Jersey with a past I couldn't even begin to comprehend. As we sat in the back, not really making eye contact, he unexpectedly spilled his wounded heart.

"Man, church people are weird. You know? They just talk different. It's like ... really weird," he whispered.

I laughed, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I guess most of them have grown up around that kind of talk so they don't think twice about it."

"I just don't know if I believe it. I mean, I believe that there's a God, you know. ‘Cause all this stuff couldn't just appear."

I nodded in agreement, "Well ... if you believe there's a God, what do you think He's like?"

He took a few seconds to think about it, "I don't know. But like, have you ever thought about other religions and stuff? How do you know your religion is the right one?"

Now I took a few seconds to think about it, "Well ... I've studied a lot of religions. And I guess the biggest difference I've found is that is that every other religion asks you to be good enough. Christianity is the only faith where I don't have to work to be good enough. Jesus did all the work for me."

We talked some more. I shared some of the personal things God had done in my life and asked if he had ever seen God work in his life.

"Oh yeah. I know God has His hand on me. I mean, I grew up rough. I don't think you understand some of the things I've gone through. Like, I've watched my friends get shot. I've had stuff happen to me you wouldn't even believe. There's no way I should be alive."

My heart twisted, "I think God has His hand on you, too, David."

We both sat quietly for a while.

"Have you learned anything on this trip?" I inquired curiously.

"Actually, yeah. I've learned that there are people you can trust."

I smiled, "That's a big thing."

He smiled back, "Yeah."

A few minutes later he got up and went back to sitting with his friends, and I couldn't stop thinking about his name. David. A man after God's own heart. I happen to believe there's a lot of significance in a name. And I happen to believe that God's not done chasing David down yet.

At the beginning of the trip, Dannah Gresh talked about how God had a divine appointment for each of us on the trip. Someone He wanted us to meet and talk to. Someone we should be watching for.

Turns out you don't have to go romping through the jungles to find the person God wants you to reach. You don't even have to cross the street, really. Sometimes they're part of your youth group or your Bible study. And sometimes they go on a missions trip with you.

You just have to be watching.

Jacqueline GarnerAbout Jacqueline Gardner: Originally from the land of ice, snow, and cheese, this Wisconsin-native works for Dannah Gresh's ministry, Pure Freedom. You might find this self-proclaimed "Jac"-of-all-trades teaching at a Secret Keeper Girl Live! event, furiously tackling stacks of data entry, surreptitiously planting flamingos in people's yards, or using big words like surreptitiously. (She was homeschooled her entire life so she pretty much can't help that last part.) Jacqueline is a recent college grad, but considers herself a ceaseless student of God's own heart. She's a hopeless romantic, former competitive debater, lover of coffee shops, and avid reader of Nancy Drew mysteries.

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Emily
    Off Topic
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6:45 am
    Hey, can you please pray for me. I really, really need it.
    Janice
    praying for you Emily.
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:49 am
    Hey Emily, the title says it all. But whatever situation you're in, hang in there. God will always come and rescue those who cry out to him.

    Also thank you for that post Jacqueline. It was a real blessing. I take so many opportunities and even my church for granted. I've always wanted to go on mission trips but I guess God can always use me where I am too :) For sure, David is blessed being able to share with you about his heart. I guess there are a lot of other guys like him out there, waiting for an open heart and ear.

    Thanks again!
    Mattea
    Emily
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 8:09 am
    I am praying for you Emily. Whatever situation your going through God knows and is taking care of you. He has a plan for your life.
    Thanks Jacqueline for the post!
    Lacey
    Emily
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 8:44 am
    Praying! (: Don't forget, God is always there for you! Thanks so much for the post Jacqueline! :D
    C
    Awesome!
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 9:27 am
    Wow Jacqueline that is so cool and really encouraging. Makes me feel like I don't have to go to school looking out for someone to try telling about God. God may just give me the opportunity, and when He does, THAT is when I gotta be courageous. I hope Daniel will get saved, hopefully some time in the near future.

    Thanks so much for sharing. xoxo
    Brittany
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 10:54 am
    Great post and story! I feel for David, but glad you reached out to him!
    Megan
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 10:57 am
    God is so cool! Thanks for sharing, Jacqueline! I will pray that God's work will continue in David. I had a similar experience last week with my driving instructor. It's so awesome how God works when you least expect it.

    Emily- praying for you, friend!
    Blue
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:36 am
    Said a prayer for David =_(
    Joy
    Emily
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 1:59 pm
    Praying for you Emily!
    This verse has always been a comfort to me...
    "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and NOT to harm you. Plans to give you hope and future." Jer. 29:11
    God is always there for you and he has yur life planned for good.
    Elaina
    Thanks!
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 3:48 pm
    Thanks for this blog post! It's such a great reminder that we don't have to go to deepest darkest Africa to witness or anything!
    Elaina
    Re: Emily
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 4:19 pm
    Emily, I have already said a prayer for you, sister and will continue to do so!! Hold fast to God and remember He will never let you go!! You are safe and secure in the palm of His hand!
    Hugging you in my heart!
    Would rather remain anon
    To Emily
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 9:42 pm
    Emily, first of all. I'll pray for you everyday all week long. If God show me so, I'll pray longer than that, but feel free to ask here on LYWB again if you want me to be more specific as for what to ask for or if by the end of the week you feel you still need prayer.

    I don't know what you're going through. But would you look at my comment here?
    http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/time-weep/
    It might give you some hope depending on what's going on.
    If you feel like reading a lenghty thing, you might read my own struggle here: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/freedom-fear-1/

    Never forget that I'm praying for you, as your sister. And lots of readers here too! And you know what else? Jesus is praying for you.
    Be brave, Emily! God can conquer whatever is troubling you.

    Lovingly,
    Your sister
    Anonoymous 101
    Story inspired me to continue to pray!!!
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:43 pm
    I absolutely loved this post!!! Truly, honestly!!! A wonderful story, and yes Emily you're in my prayers!

    Random thought, don't allow the enemy to over-whelm you with believing the lie you can't become a believer despite your past, or you want to become one, because of family relationships etc!! Remember JSUS IS ABOVE ALL OTHER NAMES!!!


    But I just wanted to say thank-you seriously for this post! God has been opening up doors for me to reach out to one of my cousins, and I was wondering is God opening doors or is God using me to make any difference?

    For the first time, God gave me an opportunity, when one of my cousins was just smoking, and I was sitting next to my cousin and I was like, ok God I want to reach out what should I do?

    So, God gave me the idea to immediately pick up on of the awesome prayer books I got: Called a Book of Prayer!!! And then, I started reading the prayers out-loud and my cousin started listening!!

    One of my desires as I'm healing, is to see people come to know the Lord! There is no person who isn't redeemable! If JESUS can change a heart of a king, can't HE change anyone's heart? :)

    Would you please pray for my growth in Jesus Christ, and God would open up doors for me to reach out to my cousin and relatives? I'd greatly appreciate it!!! Some-times I don't know what to say, but I know it's no accident that my cousin and I are getting a long better and better!!:) Then before!!

    The story of this man David gave me hope regarding my cousin!!!!:) And with God anything is possible!!!:)
    Mandie
    Thank You!!
    on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:47 pm
    Wow, I needed this post. I have been looking "through the Jungles" instead of just being a witness even at home. This shows me that I need to be a witness at home, at work, in the store, on the streets, or where ever I am!!
    Thank you!!

    P.S. I am praying for you, Emily!
    Tabby
    Emily
    on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 2:50 am
    Praying for you Emily!
    Emily
    Off Topic
    on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 4:23 am
    Hey guys, thanks so much to everyone who prayed/is praying for me. I am so thankful. Please don't stop, things are ao bad right now.
    I can't specifically say what it is, but I feel so scared like you have no idea. I feel so much pain and have no where to go that I feel safe and no one I feel I can trust. I was recently betrayed by the only adult, in fact the only person in my life I thought I could trust. What I thought was a secret with the friends I trusted, is no longer. I can't trust anyone or go anywhere that I feel ok. I just want to feel ok, and like everything will be ok, but right now I just don't see that at all.
    Would rather remain anon
    To Emily again
    on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 10:25 am
    Emily, I won't stop. I don't know why, but you moved my heart. I went sleep praying for you and I woke up praying for you. I won't stop praying eveyday until you come here in LYWB and say "It's ok now".
    I've been betrayed a lot by people, even family. Like... There's just one person who didn't. Thankfully, it wasn't all at one time. But I can relate to your pain, though I can't imagine how hard it's been for you.
    The truth is: it will difficult for you to trust again. Humans, remember, are dust and sinners. So they can wrong you so much!
    But God won't never, alright? God won't.
    Just today I was reading these verses:
    "As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you", Isaiah 66:13
    "The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name"", Psalm 91:14
    "What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.", Genesis 28:15
    Would you read this? It's a list of verses to read when you're scared.
    http://christianity.about.com/od/prayersverses/qt/couragebiblever.htm
    Also... If you go to net-burst.net, you'll find things that helped me to overcome betrayal and fear lots of times.
    But above all, do not forget that God is love, which means you have love as far from east to west in all forms: love of a father, love of a mother, love of a friend, love of a husband, love of a God... Whatever you need!
    And I'd love to be your friend, Emily, when you're ready. If you want personal contact with me, I'll try to reach LYWB staff and see what they can do to put us together (though I can't promise anything). We could always talk on future posts or even on this one!

    It will be alright, ok? It will be. I know it sounds like a lie right now, but it's not only my words. God said so over and over in the bible. He can't lie. But if you find it difficult to trust Him right now, then trust me: it's going to be ok. You'll be able to laugh at the future because of what you're going through right now. Yes, it will make you stronger. But as for now, don't try too hard. Trust God and He'll deliver, ok?
    Everynight before you sleep, think: "God promised me it's going to be alright, so it will".

    Loves you already,
    Your sister who knows Someone who won't betray you or hurt you
    Carrie, with the LYWB team
    Emily
    on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 11:57 am
    Hey, Emily…

    We love lifting you before the Father. He loves you so and delights to answer the prayers of His children.

    “Thank you, Father, that you always hear us when we cry to you. Thank you that you are for Emily and not against her. Thank you that your heart is for her good and that your every thought of her is filled with kindness and goodness. Lord, would you meet our friend in the place of her deepest need today. Thank you that you’re faithful and are always at work even when we cannot see it. We trust you Heavenly Father and praise you today for the ways you are going to reveal yourself to Emily today. Because of Jesus we pray… Amen.”
    Christina
    This Is So True
    on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 2:14 pm
    A person God may want you to be reaching might be someone in your youth group, someone you sit by on the bus every morning to work or school, or so many other places! For me, I grew up with that rough life and so much happened. I wasn't in the best position myself just a few years ago. To look at how I was and where I am now is a huge difference, back in my past I would have never imagined me being where I am today. There is a woman that was always there for me, she was there to give advice to me to talk to me to just be a friend. When I went through all of it, she was there. Let me tell you, being that good Christian influence to someone really does have an effect and that person will be so thankful! I know from personal experience! Now this lady is always still there for me, she's my best friend, and the mom of my guy. It's amazing how God plans things!:) Me being the one that needed the advice a few years ago, I have grown so much. There are people now who come to me for advice, I've been told I'm a strong Christian and that when they see me they want what I have. They want the relationship with God that I have. They've told me that I'm the reason they grew in God. Do you know how humbling that is!? People can't believe that from the past I've had that I could be where I am now, but God can do anything! Be that Christian influence, always have a listening ear and don't judge just show them what the Bible says. Pray for them! See if God is giving you someone, and if you want to experience it, pray that He gives you something that will change your life and humble you! I know I'm humbled.


    Emily I will be praying for you!
    Emily
    RE: Would rather remain anonymous
    on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 5:53 am
    You are such a beautiful, kind person, you know that? Thankyou. I honestly can't say things are better, although I really wish I could. Thankyou to everyone. You guys nearly had me in tears because I was so shocked and surprised that people could actually care about me, especially when they don't even know me. So thanks. Thanks for all your prayers, and if you could keep praying, I would really appreciate it.
    Will no longer remain anon
    RE: Emily
    on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 10:42 am
    Don't know if you'll see it, but there's no other way to contact you...
    Don't pressure yourself to be better so that you won't be a burden. There's no such thing between family and we have the same Father.
    Thank you for your warming words, Emily!
    But really, I'm not special at all! All I'm doing is to show you God's love for you, the same way He's been using people to show me.
    So would you try to change your mind from believing "No one cares" to "God loves me more than anything in the world, more than I love myself"?
    I know it seems a cliche, but try to meet God everyday, would you? Just read His Word and pray... See, you don't need to do this in order to have God taking care of you and loving you - He already does.
    It's like a bridegroom who won't stop loving his bride if she shows up in jeans and tshirt on their wedding day - but he'd be delighted if she wore her best dress and her best smile! And she dresses up to show her love and thankfulness... And she also feels special on that day, isn't it? This is just like your relationship with Jesus, you know?! If you would turn to Him, He'd be delighted, and you'll feel special for having such an amazing God taking care of you personally!
    I'll keep praying - haven't stop since I read your comment. I'm praying that God would reveal Himself to you even more, that He'd take care of you and provide everything you might be needing - be it love, security or any physical need. I'm praying that He'll give you strenght to never give up and also would move your heart so that you'd see you're not alone, but have Him on your behalf.
    That your heart may be still knowing nothing can harm you if you're if Him, my sister!
    I love you and so does God, much more than I ever could!

    I'd like to thank you... You've been helping me to forget my problems and focus on you, who is also a princess of God's Kingdom. I'm very shy... But I see how brave you've been and now I have the courage to reveal myself thanks to your courage!

    From your loyal sister in Christ, Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 4:38 am
    Wow Larissa. Thankyou again so much. I can definitely agree that God loves me (and more than I love myself, but that is a whole other prob) but I just haven't been seeing that lately at all. But thanks to you, I am starting to again. Thanks :) Things are confusing but your words help me, and encourage me to turn to God.
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 6:11 pm
    Happy that I can be useful to you Emily - believe me, things aren't so great for me either, but thanks to you I've been able to focus on God instead of focusing on the storm. You, my dear, is a blessing for me, someone I've been asking God to put on my life - and I'm not saying it to cheer you up, but because I mean it!
    You know what's like to have a REALLY hard trial and not be so sure you've made the right call, but then you get home and hear "Thank you. I haven't give up yet." from someone you admire? (Because I admire you, your unwillingness to turn away from God, your strenght, your always sweet words, the very fact you believe Jesus in this day and age!)
    Well, I'll tell you what it feels like: it's a miracle. You, Emily, are a miracle for me and a beloved to God.
    Maybe you don't see His love, but do you see that I've been sent to you and you've been sent for me because of God's works? That must be because He loves us both!
    Knowing this, would you read Romans 8:24-39? It's lenghty and it may be over used, but if you'll pray, I believe God will open your eyes so that you can see how these words were written for you.
    I pray that even if you don't see God's love, you'll believe and step in faith nothing can ever stop you from walking in God's perfect love!
    And if my words and prayer can be of any help for you, Emily, I will keep talking and praying, alright?
    Revive Our Hearts (the older wise sister of LYWB) has a series I'd love you to read or listen to if you could!
    Here: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/Programs/p/Revive%20Our%20Hearts/series/Dealing%2520With%2520Depression%2520and%2520Doubt/
    I believe you'd find this particular part to be especially good to you:
    http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/where-is-god-1/
    Looks what it says: "Have you ever felt forsaken? You’re in good company. Even Jesus felt that way."
    Is this how you feel? Go get some wise words about it and see if God won't work in your heart!

    Your (older? Younger? I'm almost 17, read it as you find better) sister who can't stop hoping to see you smile,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 4:00 am
    Hey Larissa,
    You said that you have been asking God to put someone in your life and that you believe it is me. Well I have also been wanting someone in my life to talk to about my problems with and as a Christian mentor and support. I prayed for someone older, female and a Christian, and you are all those things. I am younger than you, still a teenager but a bit younger. (If you want to know my exact age I can tell you).
    You admire me?? I admire you sooo much. You reached out to me when you had your own struggles, and were able to put them aside to help someone you don't even know! You're faith is so strong and you are so kind.

    Thanks for the links, I will check them out (also the bible verses). I haven't read them yet, but from the headings, yes they do relate to me a little bit. Hopefully overtime I will be able to tell you everything about me and all my struggles, but for now I will start with this. Self-confidence. I have none. I also have no self-esteem. I really don't think much of myself, although I know God made me, and He made me perfectly because God doesn't make junk. I know that. But for some reason that doesn't make all that much of a difference (it sounds terrible, I know, like God didn't do a good enough job). I compare myself to others HEAPS, and never feel good enough for people. Then I feel bad for doing this because I know God made me, and get angry and ashamed of myself :( I am also afraid of being in situations where people might judge me or something embarassing will happen to me. I will talk about this a bit more when I get more comfortable with you, and hopefully the rest of the story too. You might not understand this at all, and half the reason I am afraid of talking to people is that I am afraid they won't understand me, or misunderstand me, judge me, think badly of me, dislike me etc.

    Thanks for being that person to listen to me and offer to help me. I would love it if you would be my ''Christian mentor/support/friend" online :)
    You are an awesome person. I will be praying for you also Larissa, that whatever your struggles may be, God will guide you and help you through. Also, if you ever want to talk about your struggles on here, I would love to help you out as much as I can. I know I am younger than you though, and talking about it is VERY daunting (that I do undertsand) but I am here if you ever want to talk, but it is up to you :)
    Thanks again,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 11:58 am
    Emily! I get so happy everytime you answer me! Your words never fail to lift me up, to teach me something, to put my own sufferings in perspective.
    Isn't amazing how we have a Father who answers our prayers just perfectly? He gave me a mentor just like that too! I felt like dancing when I found out I can be a blessing to you as someone's been for me! Praise God!

    Self-confidence and self-esteem are tough issues. You've been through a lot on your own, dear... My heart feels your pain.
    It will be a rather lenghty comment. Feel free not to read it all at once and take your time to answer me. It's important you understand each Bible verse. If you have doubts, ask me and I'll see if I can explain it better, ok?

    So let me say something you'll probably laugh at: you're twice a princess. You're a princess because you're the daughter of the King of the Kings and you're a princess because you're the Prince of the Peace's bride.
    Now, by princess I don't mean you're a pink creature who does nothing but sing and be pretty. Don't get me wrong. What I mean is that you have a royal right to claim your value - and you should.

    Don't feel guilty that though you know you're a masterpiece you still don't feel like it, but rejoice in knowing that at least your mind knows this truth!
    It's a long way from head to heart - and I know it very well (someday I might share it with you, but not now, as it's too lenghty!). But it would be a longer still road if you didn't know it at all, ok? So don't feel ashamed if you can't feel what you know.
    My dear, feelings can be so deceptive! It's like when you're 6 years old you're sure you won't even master writing! It seemed so real, so unchanging back then, right? And look: now you're writing, aren't you? That's why you can't believe your feelings, ok?
    But feelings are a natural thing, so don't try to repress them, it will only make things worse. You feel as you feel and you can't change it by sheer will.

    But I have good news! Look what our Lord says in Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you". A new heart, new feelings!
    You'll be able to feel differently, because the faithful God is promising you so!
    But maybe you don't believe you'll be able to do anything worth, even with a new heart.

    Let me ask you: what are diamonds good for? Can you cook it? Can it make you warm? Can you eat it? Can you hunt with it? Can it love you? Can it talk to you? No! It's just a useless piece of rock, no matter how you think. Yet, they're worth a LOT! They're so beautiful when they get the right treatment. But before, people would walk over it as if it were nothing, but that's their fault, not the diamond's: it's not the diamond that has no value, it's people that can't see it yet.

    A natural diamon and a diamond in a jewel has the same worth for a specialist. That's you for God. You're valuable enough that He bought you with His own Son's sacrifice! And you feel you're "just a useless rock", but I'm promising you'll accomplish great things. Now, don't believe me - I'm no specialist! But I think God knows a thing or two about you, right? And He says in Ephesians 3:19:
    "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or THINK" (emphasis mine).
    He will make you far worthier than you could ask or think.

    Want to catch a glimpse of it? Go to 1 John 3:1-2:
    "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
    Sounds great? There's a lot more I can't even begin to say here. Actually, it's one of the works of the Holy Spirt: to make us aware and believing of the transformation that happened within us because we're now children of God (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-15; John 14:26; 16:13).

    You've been worrying you're not match for people. That concerns me, sister! I was as dead as you and now we're as alive as we could be now, so don't think sin can make you a worse person, because it can't as long as you've been forgiven - which I believe you were. If there's something you're struggling with, confess your sins to God and He'll cover you with forgiviness that goes as far as east to west!

    But my princess, do you believe that God has favorites? I tell you. He does. You. Each drop of blood the Savior shed was for you only, and now you're as good as anyone could be:
    Galatians 2:6 "But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me."
    Ephesians 6:9 "And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him."
    Job 34:19 "Yet He is not partial to princes, nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; for they are all the work of His hands."

    Emily, let me say something: there are lots of things in the Scriptures that say how amazing you're and the hope you have for the future. I'm sharing some with you, but that's not really the point. I can do nothing for you. But what can God NOT do? There isn't such a thing! He can change you in EVERY way. Keep praying, dear! Keep praying, ask for a revelation, ask that He would change your heart. Don't give up and He'll change you!

    Sis, look at 1 Corinthians 1:26:
    "Look at what you were before God called you. Not many of you were wise by human standards. Not many of you had great influence. Not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. HE CHOSE WHAT THIS WORLD THINKS IS UNIMPORTANT AND WHAT THIS WORLD LOOKS DOWN ON AND THINKS IS NOTHING in order to bring to nothing what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one could boast in his presence." (emphasis mine)
    John 17:23 "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME." (emphasis mine)
    Meaning: it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, Emily, God thinks you're as valuabe as Jesus, the perfect, blameless lamb!

    In Jonah, God uses a worm to change the History. Are you more than a worm? Then God can use you for great things, Emily!

    I'm sure you know that God loves you, Emily, but I can give you some other verses to warm you heart... I won't do it now because this is getting too lenghty, but if you ask me, I'll show them, alright? If you want some right now, go read Song of Songs!

    As I said Emily, I can do nothing but say "Come see a Man" and pray that He'll change your heart. But the good news is that you don't have to fight this battle alone! Ask God daily to show you His will and ask for strenght to obey. Believe me, whatever He asks you to do is the best. He won't ask you to do something you can't.
    Even if you think "This has nothing to do with my issues", obey and watch God put you in somewhere where you'll start to get your royal rights back from our Enemy!

    I'm so happy you're praying for me Emily! But if you find yourself burdened, don't force yourself to pray for me, ok? But I find it easier to pray everyday when I know I'm helping not only myself, but other people. If that's your case, would you pray that I can be a wise older sister to you, my angel?

    I'm not a very experienced person myself, so I'm not sure I'll be a good mentor, but by God's grace I'll help you at least as a friend, ok?

    Thanks for offering comfort for me, Emily. You're so unbelievably kind and strong! You'll be a great woman of God someday!
    Right now I'm feeling well, thanks to God, but if I feel like it, I trust you enough to share my trials with you, thanks.

    That you may be filled with the Holy Spirit!
    Praying for you,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 3:16 am
    Hey Larissa. Wow, you amaze me sooo much. You know that? Thankyou!! I know I say that alot, but I truely mean it, and am so thankful for you, and your comforting words.

    I will rejoice that at least my mind knows the truth, and have never thought of it that way before. I would love for you to share you're experiences with me about it being a long way from head to heart, but if you don't want to, that's cool.

    Thanks for these verses! That was so sweet of you to list them all for me. Thankyou. It is nice to know that God values me as much as Jesus! Also that He promises He will make me far worthier than I can ask or think! Wow!!

    You said alot that you can do nothing, but you have already done so much! Lately I have felt disconnected from God (although God is always with me!) and sort of turned my back on Christ. But now, by reminding me of God's love again, you have helped me to start turning to God again. Thankyou.

    It is no burden for me to pray for you! I would love to pray for you, and do not at all feel forced. I really want to. Actually, you saying that made me think of you praying for me. I also do not want you to force yourself to pray for me, or cause it to be a burden for you. I would NEVER want that!!! If you ever want to stop doing this, I will not be offended. I do really, really, really appreciate it though.

    Thanks Larissa,
    From your sister in Christ,
    Emily
    Ashley
    Prayer!
    on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10:18 am
    This was a great post and I will pray for David and Emily!
    Emily
    Ashley
    on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 2:35 am
    Thanks Ashley! :)
    God bless you
    Emily
    Thanks to everyone
    on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 3:07 am
    Also a big thankyou to, Christina, Mandie, Tabby, Ashley, Anonymous 101, Elaina, Megan, Joy, Lacey, Mattea, Janice and of course Carrie form LYWB. Thankyou so much to all of you for taking the time to pray for me, and for some you to give me advice, it was all very much appreciated. I am sorry if forgot someone, but you're prayers are also very much appreciated.

    And of course, I want to say a HUGE thankyou to Larissa :)
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 11:29 am
    Emily, right now my internet has been having some problems. I think I'll be able to answer you by tomorrow, but if I happen to take a long time to come here again, don't think I stoped being your older sister! I'll keep praying.
    If I take some time, use these days to pray and sing and read the Word, ok? Actually, do this regardless of I coming back soon or not - that will make wonders for you!

    Your friend who longs to see you closer to the Father,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 2:33 am
    No worries Larissa. I understand :)

    Thanks,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 10:20 pm
    Hello, Emily.
    First of all, I've been reading our talk again and noticed several English mistakes. I'd like to clarify for you: I'm a Brazilian, so my English is not that good. So if you find something hard to understand, I'm sorry.
    You asked me to share my struggles. Alright.
    There are several things I could tell you. I choose to focus on one truth I was sure my heart wouldn't ever believe. In fact, I was positive no human being could live up to that (which, by the way, is true for most of things: it's not you that conquer sin, it's the Holy Spirit who lives in you).
    There was this young man... Back when I was barely 15. I had lots of things in common with him. The way we thought was alike, the way we acted was alike, the way we had fun was alike... I was sure he was older, wiser, that since we were so alike he could teach me lots of things. Back then I wasn't a Christian yet (that's why I'm unsure if I should mentor you: I don't have much age as a child of God). I was really close to this guy, to the point I called him my older brother. Several things happened and it turned out that he was putting all our common friends against each other and plotting lies. He hurt about everyone I loved and hurt me too. Now, back then I was a very cold girl - I didn't cry, I didn't complain (in fact, if you asked me, I'd have said I wasn't even annoyed! - and believed it).
    Did I get over coldness? Not 100%. I still am for some things, but I ask God to make me sensible - this has to do with what I'm about to say.
    I started plotting revenge. Now, back then I took too much pride over my intelligence. I don't even know if I'm smart, but back then this was what defined me: if I was smart enough, brighter than everyone I knew. Shame on me and may I by God's grace never fall back on this same mistake!
    So, I was all for the "he must pay!" mindset. My reason wasn't evil: it wasn't just that I wanted him to suffer from the start. It wasn't for what he did to me either. It was because he hurt people dear to me, people who I wanted to protect. But as devil often does, he twisted a natural desire for justice into an evil act, a sin. Remember, I was no Christian and didn't have fellowship with none, either. I didn't want him to suffer more than my friends suffered, so I was looking for a rule to decide how much was too much.
    I ended up in a Christian site which said some amusing things, like: "he deserves more punishment than you think. Yes. He must be hurt, he must be humiliated, he must suffer more than you did, because you were innocent, he's guilty". Then it went on to say a thing that made me come to believe Christ: Jesus had already payed for everything this guy did. I didn't need to find out the perfect justice, because that'd morethan I could handle.
    Alright. I gave up revenge, became a Christian, forgave him in my mind... sounds like the end, right? No. I still hated him. Why? Because my heart was pretty sure he did need punishment! I couldn't get the boy out of my head!
    I spoke to two psychologists, both of which after several questions told me chances are that he was a psychopath. I panicked.
    Remember: we were alike! Could it be this is why I was so cold? Oh man! Did I fear!
    So I asked God for emotions. I wanted it. Not because I wanted to be like everyone else, but because I didn't want to be like the person I hated the most! Know what God said? "Forgive him. You'll get nothing good from emotions if you don't let that go. Forgive him." After several "Yes, I understand, but that's impossible!", I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed. It was hard work! Only by this year's February or so that I could forgive him in my heart. Middleway I got to have some emotions, but you know what happened?
    Around March this guy came to my house. He said he came to know God in a travel he did and was asking for forgiviness and seeking to be my friend again. He looked afraid of me and truly sorry. But I still forgave him and offered him help in anything he might need. I saw him again some times, but he was always trying to trick someone. I kept forgiving (which didn't mean I trust him! That's a different matter). Eventually he disappeared from my life. I can even pray for him now and have no hard feelings at all. I can say "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
    Keep in mind: it took one year and a half of constant praying and pleading and meditating for traveling from mind to heart! Sometimes it may take longer.
    I assure you that it may take even a lifetime, but eventually the truth reach your heart.
    Now, I don't want you to think that once you learn the way, things will be easier. Not at all.
    Right now I'm struggling with several issues: complete surrender to God, self-control, holding my tongue, managing anger - even forgiveness!, just to list some. I know God's truth about them in my mind, but I still have to battle everyday for making it reach my heart! So much that even today I wept over knowing the truth and not being able to make my heart feel such hate towards this sin that I actively pursue defences against it.
    What comforted me is that Jesus said in Matthew 5:3:
    "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven".
    When someone is poor in spirit, they know they still have a long way to go.
    Barnes put it this way:
    "To be poor in spirit is to have a humble opinion of ourselves; to be sensible that we are sinners, and have no righteousness of our own; to be willing to be saved only by the rich grace and mercy of God (...)"
    Yes, on our own we have no hope of changing our hearts. But God can. And if you and I agree with this in our hearts, Emily, then we must claim this bless!
    Isn't it amazing what we find to be a weakness can be the very thing that bring us to our knees where the Lord can help us and lift us? Hallelujah!

    What a long story, isn't it Emily? I talk too much! But it's been truly a hard week for me, of broken pride, trials and sin. I'm crying out for God every day, more than once. Like, really crying out! So I'm not sure I'm able to bless you with what I shared. There was not a lack of spiritual love for you or a heart to help, but my mind seems to be off in a vacation, so I'm sorry if this was a lenghty useless talk. If you take not from the whole thing, learn this: God is able to move hearts. Maybe not in our time, but He can and He will.

    I'd like also to thank you for your compliments. You're such a sweet girl. I like it when you appreciate what I try to do, but I'd like you to remember that you should blame me for the mistakes and thanks the Lord for the rights, ok? He's the only One that can work on you, I'm only a tool He uses, alright?
    And it's not a burden, but a joy to be able to pray for you. It also helps to keep me from falling into the "Oh, I don't need to pray anymore" mindset which is SO dangerous. You've been a bless in my prayer life as I'm developing more consistent habits that (hopefully) I'll carry into my life forever.

    Your sister,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 2:43 am
    Hey Larissa,
    I think you have great English, seeing as though you are Brazilian!'

    Ok, first of all, you're letter was not at all useless. It was very helpful. Thankyou for sharing it with me, you are very brave. I would be extremely scared if phsycologists thought I could be a Physcopath. You are soooo brave. That leads me to something else. Fear. Not quite just any day-to-day normal fear and worry. Anxiety. I have anxiety. (And no, that is not all of my problems, but the one I feel most comfortable talking about.) In the moment it is really scary. Imagine this: you're foot is stuck on a train track and you can see a train approaching. That is how scary the worry is at the time. When the worries pass, I can look back on them and say "Hey, they weren't that bad. In fact they are silly things to be worried about!" But at the time, it is very real.
    So yeah...
    Thanks again for sharing that story with me. It really was helpful, and I admire you for you're perseverance, determination and love for God and God's will for you're life.

    From you're friend and sister in Christ,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 4:33 pm
    Hi Emily!
    You're making me blush with such nice words! Thank you so much!

    I had to pray for it and I'm still unsure... Based on what you shared with me, I think maybe you should try to contact a psychologist. Don't get me wrong: it's not that God can't fix it, is that it would be foolish of me to try to help you when I don't have enough experience to help you.
    On the other side, I can and will help you with the spiritual side.
    It's not normal to be in panic, Emily, it really isn't. You shouldn't ignore it as "that's just how things are". Jesus called us to live a life full of joy and love, and love, as you know, casts out all fear (1 John 3:8). It's not God's will that you live in fear, dear, so please don't.
    Please seek help of a professional. I know it's difficult to open up for someone you don't know or trust, but still, try. I pray that our Father will show you someone you can trust to help you out.
    But also don't forget to "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." First Peter 5:7
    Emily, you're not going to be less of a believer if you need medical help. Remember that God uses people (both believers and unbelievers) to help His children!
    If money is a issue, there are lots of free psychologists if you search really hard. Maybe you could ask in a more recent post here for people to explain you how to get in touch with a doctor who doesn't require money?

    Either way, would you like to further explain your feelings? They're not stupid, I really care and want to know.
    I'm not a strange to anxiety either! I'm human, remember.

    Your friend and older sister,
    Larissa
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 9:37 am
    I'm worried about you, dear.
    Did something happen?
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 1:39 am
    No, nothing happenned to me. Thanks for being concerned about me, but truely, I am ok. I don't want you to worry about me alright?

    Thanks,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 12:41 pm
    I'm glad nothing happened, Emily!
    I miss our big messages exchanges, but maybe you've been busy, or just isn't on the mood to talk. Whatever it is, I just want to say: seek God everyday. Even if you're VERY busy, make time (maybe you can pray while you brush your teeth!).
    Your sister,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:25 pm
    Hey Larissa,
    Sorry I didn't reply for so long I just... Well i guess you could say had alot going on and yeah. Sorry.
    How are you going? Thanks for your advice, I am working on that.

    Thanks,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 11:39 am
    Hello, Emily!
    It's alright, don't apologize!
    I also took a long time to answer, right... I'm sorry, I got a cold! I'm better now, but I'm sorry I had to make you wait.

    I'm doing fine. I must say I've been having some pretty harsh convictions lately! I've been asking God to make me more like Jesus, and Emily, I must say He's sure answering me! Small things and big things, He's convicting me on lots of things and I'm surprised to see how happy I am to try to be holier. I thought I'd be happy, but not THAT happy! Now I understand what they mean when they say the Spirit brings joy: my life is a mess, but I started to laugh because God sent a butterfly to fly around me! It's amazing Emily, so I'm really looking forward for you to get closer to the Lover of our souls!

    Has God been talking to you lately?
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 2:27 am
    Hey Larissa,
    I am glad your cold is better! That is really cool that God is talking to you. I will confess that lately, due to a lot of events happening in my life, God and I haven't been so close. I think satan has been trying really hard to turn me away from God, and to be honest, it was starting to work. There is something in me that will not let go of God though, thank-goodness.I am praying and trying to read Gods word, but at the moment I have no motivation to do anyting really :( What should I do?

    Thanks,
    Emily
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 2:28 am
    I meant to say *anything :))
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 10:28 am
    Hello dear!
    First of all, I want to give you a big virtual hug for praying and trying to read God's Word even if you don't feel like that. As someone said once "We march by faith, not by warm fuzzies", and that's just what you're doing!
    Be glad you're trying so hard not to let go of Him - that's a really precious thing! You might want to check the following scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:11-13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Proverbs 28:20, Luke 16:10, Luke 19:26.
    God is not asking you to read the whole Bible on a single day and ALWAYS feel His presence, my sister. He's asking you to remain faithful with the little faith you do have! (Luke 17:5-6, Luke 10:25-28, paying special attention to Luke 10:27)
    If loving Him is the greatest commandment, what is your reward for keeping it so faithfully despite your feelings? Turn to Revelation 22:14:
    "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city."
    Actually, if Satan is trying to win you over, you should be somewhat happy (but do NOT give in to him, Emily!)
    Think like this: if you were Satan, who'd you try to tempt? Someone who was already doing to wrong thing? No! You'd tempt someone who's learning to do great things to God!
    But while this is true, try not to win by yourself: by yourself you can do nothing, but by God's grace you can do anything!
    It seems to me you may be on a spiritual wilderness, dear. Do you know why there's such a desert? God calls us so that we can learn that He's everything we need. It doesn't mean He's forsaking you or punnishing! Jesus was on wilderness for 40 days, and He never sinned.

    There isn't such a thing as do so and so and you'll feel God near to you. But there IS such a thing as a great promise for those who remain faithful regardless of their feelings. I tell you, my fellow princess, your Prince is coming to take you and you'll live SO near Him that you won't believe you ever felt like you're feeling now. But don't believe me! Listen to Jesus' words, not mine!

    “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
    Revelation 22:12-13
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 4:06 am
    Hey Larissa,
    Wow, thankyou soooo much. That was really, really comforting and helpful. That really got through to me (More than anything Christian that I have read before!) So thankyou :) You have made me feel better about my faith, and now I feel even more encouraged to not give up. Praise God!

    Thanks,
    Your little sister,
    Emily :)
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 12:21 pm
    Hello, Emily!

    I'm so proud of my little sister, growing in wisdom each day, just like Jesus! (Luke 2:52)
    I'm not ashamed of how I've had to use these words several seasons of my life, even recently. We have so much in common Emily, and that's because we've got the same spiritual DNA. Which, by the way, is also shared by our big brother Jesus.
    Praise God that He put us together to sharpen each other so that we look more and more like the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word! (Proverbs 27:17 and Ephesians 6:17)

    Your sister who will surely meet you in Heaven,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 7:44 pm
    Aww thanks Larissa. You never fail to comfort me when I read your comments.

    One thing I have started to struggle with is... popularity. This is mostly a new thing to me, I mean there have been plenty of times when I have wanted to be 'popular'! But now it is different. The so-called 'popular' people actually started to talk to me. That really excited me. I had been doing my hair really nice for like the whole week. Not to impress anyone, but just because I like to look nice and enjoy things like 'hair'. (I know that sounds funny, but I enjoy trying new hairstyles and things like that) That is the first thing that triggered tho 'pops' to talk to me. They started talking to me because of my hair. The most 'popular' girl in my year came up to me and said "Sorry if you noticed me staring at you in maths! My friend and I were like 'Wow, Emily is really pretty'! I never realised how pretty you were!" At first, I was honestly, over the moon. The most 'popular' girl in my year had just told me how pretty I was!!! Then the 'poular' boys started to talk to me in maths. I was esctatic by then.
    I went home that day and realised the only reason that they had talked to me, was because I had changed (and the change had apparently made me look prettier) They had never talked to me before, but they decided to talk to me when I I 'looked' differently. Thats the thing with the 'pops'. I realsied they don't pay attention to people as, well, 'people', but they pay attention to how they look.

    Now I kind of feel stuck. I still want to do my hair nice, because I enjoy that, and I wasn't doing it to impress anyone in the first place. But I don't want to get distracted by the sudden attention from the 'pops'. I also don't want to feel like I need to do my hair nice to actually get noticed by people and to get people to like me. I want people like me for me, however my hair is. I also know that the 'pops' are not the people to hang out with. But I can't help but to enjoy the compliments. What should I do?!?

    How are you Larissa? I am still praying for you :)

    God bless you,
    Love from your little sister in Christ,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 12:20 am
    I can say the same about your words: you always bright up my day with your deep commitment to God!
    I LOVE hairstyles too! I used to have pretty short hair, but now I'm aiming for it to grow specially to do it on bery different ways! I think you'd like this website: http://www.princesshairstyles.com/
    Dear, you put me on a tough situation! I honestly don't know. Could you give me some time to get into God's Word and maybe even ask a few godly women about some heart issues that arised while I thought on this? I don't want to mislead you, so I want to make sure my answer is grounded on our Rock.
    Interesting of you to ask. I'm on a very stressful situation, singing hymns and praying in tears some nights. My family is facing some tough financial issues and that's very hard for me to deal with, because I really need to trust God, as I'm unable to do anything to change things. I'm so glad you're praying for me! You're really a sister a cherish, a miracle God sent me!
    As you wait for my answer, why don't you read Song of Songs? Every girl loves a love song, and one from God is wonderful!
    As we're talking about hairstyles, a taste of it:
    Behold, you are fair, my love!
    Behold, you are fair!
    You have dove’s eyes behind your veil.
    Your hair is like a flock of goats,
    Going down from Mount Gilead. (Song of Songs 4:1)
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 1:18 am
    Thats fine, thankyou Larissa.
    This is a completely different topic but... I just found out my best friend is in hospital with an eating disorder :( I am having a really hard time and am not handling it well. Please pray for me Larissa, and my friend.
    Thankyou
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11:25 am
    Already prayed and will keep praying! God will act in His perfect ways, so be still and know He's God!
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 10:24 pm
    How is your friend, Emily? "Shell-sea", right?
    I'm praying for both of you, and I'm really worried!
    And if you feel like pouring your heart to me, please do so.
    (Also, this may be an opportunity to minister to your friend... Show God's love for her! May God comfort the two of you as you support each other.)
    I know things are tough right now, I can feel it in your words, but please remember that God's promises for you...
    If you have the time, listen to one of your favorite hymns. If you don't know where to start, try "Trust His heart".
    A small part of its lyrics:

    "All things work for our good
    Though sometimes we don't see how they could
    Struggles that break our hearts in two
    Sometimes blind us to the truth
    Our Father knows what best for us
    His ways are not our own
    So when your pathway grows dim
    And you just don't see Him
    Remember you're never alone

    God is too wise to be mistaken
    God is too good to be unkind
    So when you don't understand
    When you don't see His plan
    When you can't trace His hand
    Trust His heart"

    I'm praying for you two, Emily. Remember Jesus is right by your side.

    With great love and worry,
    Your sister
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 2:36 am
    Hi Larissa,
    Thankyou so much, you are a very kind, caring person.

    Things are tough at the moment but don't worry too much :) I am trying to stay positive but it is so hard, and I can't help but blame myself and feel guilty. She is doing ok at the moment and is very positive about the whole situation. She was never starving herself, but she is a Vegan and wasn't taking any supplements- as you can imagine, her body was very deprived of vitamins, nutrients, fats and sugars. So many people told her she needed to stop being vegan and be realisitc about her health, but she was so stubborn and determined to prove us all wrong. And look where she is now :( Sh eis where she needs to be now I guess.

    Thanks for your support, it is much appreciated.
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 8:39 pm
    Hello, Emily!
    You're really a ray of sunshine... I love your positive attitude about everything. Just don't push yourself too hard, or you'll end up falling for the trap of feeling you're "not doing enough therefore guilty". Remember, joy is from God, but fake joy isn't. So when you feel it's too much, go to Him and lay down your problems, because He cares. It's very important you understand this. In fact, God told this over and over:
    Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28, Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 56:3-4, Isaiah 12:2, 1 Timothy 4:10, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 37:24, Psalm 68:19.
    Why don't you share these verses with Shell-sea? So that you both may find strenght in the Lord.

    I prayed about your popularity issues, dear, and it took me lots of praying to come close to an answer. I can't say that with all confidence, so you might want to pray on your own for wisdom as you study the Word on your own, alright?
    Here's where I found our answer:
    "And do not lead us into temptation,
    But deliver us from the evil one.
    For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
    (Matthew 6:13 NKJV)

    I do mean it. I found an answer about hairstyles in the Lord's prayer! Praise the Lord for He's wise!
    I like how Matthew Henry puts it on his commentary:
    "Keep us, that either we may not be assaulted by him, or we may not be overcome by those assaults"
    That's pretty much what I believe we all ought ask God:
    If there's an opportunity to sin, keep me from desiring to, if there's a desire to sin, keep me from the opportunity.

    Did you see the "An Ugly Secret About Friendships" here in Lies Young Women Believe? Why don't you keep talking about God's love whenever someone compliments you?
    Like this: "Your hairstyle looks lovely today!" and you could say "Thank you! You see, I'm thankful God has put people in my life who can teach me how to do this! Would you like me to teach you? Then maybe we could pray together!" or maybe a simple "Thank you! God bless you!"
    Or something like that. Remember to try to keep the law of kindness on your tongue!
    Do you know Dare2Share ministry? There you'll find lots of ways to share the gospel with people who approach you for any reason, including hairstyles!
    Just a word of caution: if you'll get together with a guy even if it is to share the gospel, no matter how you think he's not into you or maybe how you think you're into him, don't be alone with him. It's VERY harder both to tempt and be tempted when you have people looking (especially if you can find a godly person to watch over you). Of course this also applies to girls who you think that could tempt you in any way.
    Another caution is this: if you think your relationship with our Lord will be damaged in any degree, either just say "Thank you!" and try to avoid conversations in a polite way or don't do your hair (especially in days you think you're more needy of attention even if it doesn't come from godly people).
    Read Proverbs 1:8-19 if you think you can't handle it, but also don't want to turn away from their attention. Remember 1 John 3:15 if you think they aren't that bad. If they are the kind of popular people who look down on others in a hateful way and after praying you see God doesn't want you near them, don't be. If God wants you to reach out to them, however, step up in faith that he'll make their hearts ready for you. (Just don't forget that maybe you're just opening a path for other people to bring them to God!)
    As for knowing the difference... Pray for wisdom with all your heart!

    I hope this was useful for you, dear!
    I'm praying for you and your friend.
    (And maybe that's not really the time for saying this, but I've been meaning to say it for a while now: do you know how PRECIOUS it is for Jesus that you're seeking wisdom for every area of your life even in this season of trouble? I think He'll say "Well done!" when you meet Him, my sister! Keep like that and you'll be growing up straight for Proverbs 31!)

    Love, worry, prayers and proud smiles,
    from a fellow daughter who admires you,
    Larissa
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 9:01 am
    Hey big sis,
    I am so sorry that it has taken me this long to reply to you. I read your comment a few days ago but didn't get time to reply. So sorry about the late reply.

    Thankyou so much for that comment. That really, really helped me with the whole popularity thing. You see, I struggle alot with self-confidence and self-esteem, so the compliments (which are still coming!) really made me feel... I guess special. Like someone cared and noticed me. That I wasn't as ugly as I thought I was (I still don't think I'm pretty, but I no longer believe I am the ugliest person in the world- and yes, that is what I believed!)
    I want to just say 'Thankyou' when I receive a compliment instead of disagreeing or rejecting it, but I don't want to let the compliments get to me. I don't want to become 'up myself'. For example, there is a girl in my year who is extremely naturally beautiful. Everybody tells her she is beautiful and she knows it. In fact she now knows it so well that she has become conceited. I know it might sound weird but that is what I am afraid of. (Because usually-although I don't show it- people who are very conceited annoy me a little bit.) I am I sure that with God's strength I can handle the attention without becoming conceited but I am still worried... I will give my worries to God though, like the verse you gave me, (1 Peter 5:7) said.
    I know what you mean by not letting the attention tempt me, but in some way I need the compliments to have self-confidence, but I don't wan to rely on words to make me happy with myself. I wanto be happy with the the beautiful masterpiece that God made me.

    As you can probably tell, I am a little confused at the moment, and have no idea if this is making sense! :)

    Thanks to your comment and some talking with God, I am no longer interested in being one of the 'popular' people. I feel that God doesn't want me to be with those people as new best friends, but I should still (like you said) share the gospel with them. And I think I should do that, by not directly talking about God, but reflecting Jesus by showing kindness and compassion, and just being really nice and humble. Please pray for me though :)

    And thankyou sooo much for sharing your advice with me, it has really helped me. I admire you so much and want to be like you. Your relationship with God is so strong, and in everything you do, you seek God's counsel. In my opinion, God has given you so much wisdom.

    I wasn't 100% sure what you mean when you said:
    "Just a word of caution: if you'll get together with a guy even if it is to share the gospel, no matter how you think he's not into you or maybe how you think you're into him, don't be alone with him. It's VERY harder both to tempt and be tempted when you have people looking (especially if you can find a godly person to watch over you). Of course this also applies to girls who you think that could tempt you in any way."
    Would you be able to justify what you meant by that? Sorry, I hope I am not being a nuisance :) I understand you are Brazialian (And by the way, your English is really, really good seeing as though it isn't your first language!)

    Thanks for your prayers for my friend, they are much appreciated. It is heartbreaking to see her like this but I trust God that things are going to get better for her from here on. She is doing well at the moment. Don't worry too much :)

    Thankyou again so much. You are an amazing person, and I have admired you from your very first comment. You were so kind to me, and you had never talked to me, or heard of me before in your life, and yet you cared. You still have never met me, but you come on this website, and give up your time to write advice and give support and friendship to me. I think you deserve a pat on the back. Haha :)

    From your little sister, who loves and admires you,
    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Monday, September 24, 2012 at 10:42 am
    Hi lil sis,
    I loved being called a big sis! =D
    Don't worry about how long you take to reply. Who you need to talk to is God, not me, so it's ok if I have to wait a little bit before you answer me.

    Bless you heart, Emily! I don't know many people who'd say "I love compliments, but I do not want to be conceited". People generally say "I love compliments. Period".

    You made perfect sense. I think everyone struggled with it in a point or another.
    Actually, it will take me a long comment about it, because it's such a important thing!

    Have you ever read Matthew 4, where our Lord was tempted? The things the devil says that He should do always appeal to how mighty Jesus is as God's Son. That's who He is, so that's how He was tempted. So I think it's ok to believe the devil will try to tempt us for who we are, right? If he thought it'd make JESUS fall, I think he must be sure it will make us fall also!

    What are we?
    We're human beings. But why?
    Do you think God needed human beings for anything? I mean, what can we do for Him? We can do nothing! So why did you think He made us?
    I think it was in order to love and be loved back.
    Remember the two greatest comandments? (Matthew 22:37-40)
    Love. It's all about love. What we all wish for is to be loved with a great love, and the devil sure knows how to use that! He did it to our Older Brother, he'll do that to us.
    Since God is love, it's only natural that He'd like His children to love Him, as a Father, and to love His other children, as brothers and sisters. In other words, we are to worship God and to bless each other - to compliment God and our brothers and sisters. (So it's not only you who likes compliments and are tempted by them!)

    Dear, did you know that we as woman are especially sensitive to love?
    Men are ordered to love us, we are ordered to learn since young to love our husbands, we love our children dearly...
    Men like respect - that's why compliments get to them. Women like love - that's why compliments get to us.
    Either way, it's easy for us humans to fall for the trap of compliments.
    So when you say to me "You're wise", I feel all warmed up and very tempted to say "Oh, thank you!" - and stop asking God what to do.
    But then I need to remember myself that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). I am not wise - God makes me wise as I depend on Him. You're not beautiful - God makes you beautiful as you show His glory.

    But so how are we not to become conceited? I believe that would be "by serving with a servant's heart". To serve is easy, but the "servant's heart" part can sure be difficult, right? It's just so easy to become bitter when you do your best to serve and no one seems to care!

    Where did this "servant's heart" thing come from? I think mainly from John 13:1-17, when Jesus washed His disciples feet.
    Could you please read that passage?

    So, there we are, the King of Kings and sinful men around a table. Back then, whenever people were invited to a house, the host would provide a low servant to wash the guests' feet. I don't know why, but on this particular situation, there were none. So imagine this tense silence, like "Ok, who will do that? Please, not me!" - more or less when a teacher asks a question no one wants to answer.
    Then who washes everyone's feet?
    Jesus! Angels bow to Him, but He went on to wash feet!
    Were they thankful? No, in fact, Peter said "No, I won't let you do that!".

    I've experienced this kind of answer once. My sister doesn't believe God. Once I had wronged her very strongly, but God convicted me while we were both still angry. So I went to her chair and sat on the floor near her to ask for forgiveness. Yes, on my knees. She told me not to do these things and did not accept my apology. On that moment, tears came to my eyes. It feels TERRIBLE when someone doesn't accept your services! So, why do you think Jesus was not troubled?
    If it were you, what would you have done in Jesus place? I know I'd say "Well, then wash these feet yourself, if you're that annoyed with me serving!"

    But Jesus still washed their feet! Why did Jesus keep a humble attitude?

    Check out verses 3 to 5. Jesus was able to be humble because He knew what God thought about Him!
    That, dear, is the secret for handling all this attention and yet find your worth in God: know who you are.

    These compliments, yeah, they're nice. But don't get conceited, as you wisely said. Instead, think about God's Word about you. Think about Jesus.
    I believe when we truly live thinking about Jesus, we find no place to get conceited, because we know what He did, and we do the same. We serve. We love others more than self. As you break your pride to reach out, vanity starts to disappear.

    You say God told you to show what Jesus was like. Yes, do that! It's amazing, and can be more convincing than just saying "Do you know God?", if that's Father's will for you at the moment.

    Jesus knew who He was, because He read the Word and because He prayed. Do that too, and ask God for help to live as who you are - a Princess. God willing, you'll learn your true worth, and God may even use those compliments to build you up (not saying He will, but that He might).

    A tip: whenever someone says or do a nice thing to you, thank God first (maybe only in your mind), and THEN thank the person. This helps to keep our eyes on Jesus.

    Of course I'll pray that you'll reflect Jesus! I did it this morning, even! I love it how you set your mind and heart to do God's will! I'd like to be as strong as you, dear! Oh my, I would SO like to hug you tight!!! It's amazing how you're offering your life to God! He won't forget how you gave up some friendships in order to please Him!

    I am the one who wants to be like you! But God just convicted me: let's both try to be like Jesus! But it doesn't change how I admire you :3

    Do you think God gave me wisdom? Thank you! Well, I am not wise at all. But I do try to ask Him what to do, especially when I'm talking to you. I am not wise, I just have a cool Heavenly Dad! =D

    You're not bothering me when you ask what I mean. Because you see, sometimes I read something I write in my journal and think "Just what did I mean?!" *laughs* I get carried away easily, so... I can't say I have a gift for languages!

    Let me try to explain better.
    Let's say you want to share the gospel with a guy. That can happen. You know this boy isn't interested in dating you. So you think there will be no problems if you two go to your home in a time you'll be alone. You think it'll be easier to talk if no one else is listening, and you're sure he won't - sorry for the expression - hit on you.
    As an older sister, I don't want you to do that. Why? Well, that's because if someone is looking is difficult to sin, right? You won't kiss a guy you aren't dating if you think people will know it. You won't lie if you think people will know you aren't telling the truth. You won't gossip if you know there's someone who will say "Don't gossip!".
    That's why it is very good to have someone standing by your side as you talk with your friends. Of course, God Himself is watching. But if you think you could be tempted by being alone with someone, please do find someone else to be with you.
    Maybe you're tempted in giving your heart to a man who isn't godly, maybe you're about to do some gossiping with a female friend. Maybe you think you'll show more skin that you should, maybe you think you'll make a friend believe that her parents are unfair. There are several things that can lead to sin before you know it.

    I just meant to say that you should take care about who you spend your time with, yes, but also HOW you spend it.
    Did I make myself understandable?

    Thanks God your friend is a little better!

    Emily, I could say the same about you. You go through a lot, but you're always choosing to remain faithful to God. You teach me a lot about pure thankfulness, about having a teachable spirit, about talking in a meek way. I can't say enough times how much of a difference you made in my life. Because of you, I learned to pray at all times. Because of you, I learned the joy of serving. Because of you, I learned to admit I'm wrong.
    When we meet in heaven, God willing, I'll hug you and say, rather then write, how thankful I am that God made you.
    Not wanting to sound conceited, but I really think God was thinking of giving me a little sister when He created you.

    From your older sister, who always talks so much and will spend the rest of the day smiling because her sister is so sweet,
    Larissa

    PS: Forgot to say... But have you ever read Louisa May Alcott's Little Women? It's priceless for we as young Christian ladies and also lovely to read. And the love the March sisters share reminds me a lot of the love I feel for you. You may also find some tips about using your God-given personality to show God's good work. I know I did: with Meg I learned how I can't think only about the past and the future, with Jo I learned to control my tongue, with Beth I learned to be meek, with Amy I learned not to be conceited. It's a good read, do try it! I think it can be of some help on your life season...
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 1:52 am
    Hey Larissa,
    Thankyou so much for your comment! It has been really helpful (Like always) :)

    I had just written out a ginormous comment and then accidentally shut the window. Urggh :) So I might forget to mention some things, sorry. Haha, owell :) It reminded me of a song called "This is the Stuff" by Francesca Battistelli:

    "This is the Stuff, that drives me crazy
    This is the stuff thats been gettin' to me lately
    In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed
    And this is the stuff that gets under my skin
    But I've got to trust you know exactly what you're doin'
    Might not be what I would choose, but this is the stuff you use"

    You are so sweet, thankyou for all the kind comments. You are right we should both try and be more like Jesus, but like you said, I still admire you. I admire that you always seek God's counsel in everything you do! And for that, yes I do believe God has given you wisdom.

    You are right! It is easy to be bitter when you do your best to serve and no one even notices, let alone cares! I pray that God will give me a humble attitude like Jesus had.

    Thanks for justifying what you meant, I understand now. That is a really good thing to remember.

    Also, thanks for your tip. I will try that :) I think it is a great idea!

    Thankyou so much for all of your kind comments. You are very sweet and caring <3

    I am also praying for you, and funnily enough, I also prayed for you this morning.

    My friend is doing well and I plan to go and visit her again soon. I am so thankful that it happennd to a friend with a strong realtionship in Christ, otherwise I think it would be hard for them to see hope. (Although I'm not thankful for her being sick and all, but I am thankful she has a Heavenly father to help her through this time) She can only get better now :)

    I am sorry, I had written so much more before and I think I have forgotten some things, but thats ok.

    God bless you,
    Love from your little sister in Christ,
    Emily
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 9:40 am
    Hi big sis,
    I have remembered one of the things I forgot to mention and some other things aswell.

    You said that your sister does not believe in God. Is that the case for your whole family too? (Sorry, not trying to be nosy) If so, we are very similair. No one in my family are Christians :( All agnostics or athiests. I am the only Christian in my family, and honestly, some family members tease me for it. (And other adult family/friends). Although, I have an aunty who just got divorced, and her new boyfriend goes to church so therefore my aunty goes too. Unfortunately, my aunty displays no Christian values :( amd her faith isn't 'real'.

    But anyway, this makes it very hard for me to go to church because my brother has soccer games on Saturday, or we are going out for a family lunch, or I have an appt. etc. They also don't believe in the Sabbath, which is hard because I do, but in my mind I don't think it is wrong to go out on Sabbath (For example, I have a bible teacher at school who spends his Sabbath by going to church and then going surfing for the day- doing something he loves while spending one-on-one time with God. The Sabbath is a day of rest, and for him, surfing is his way of relaxing and letting go of stress) So I don't mind if we have to go out on Sabbath at all, but I don't do homework or anything like that on Sabbath. That is just my opinion at the moment though. What are your thoughts on Sabbath?

    I used to see it as such a burden that I was not born into a Christian family- which was probably a bit selfish. But now, funnily enough, I am thankful for it. I am thanful for it because I have experienced a life with and without God in it and at different angles, and I have my own faith.

    My first school was a private Catholic school. I have nothing whatsoever against Catholics, but I didn't enjoy attending that school and found that God was not well... God, and having a relationship with your Heavenly Father and Saviour... instead, it was all about religion. Following rules, or going to hell. (I do not believe in hell. I believe hell is just death [not a 'sleep' death before Jesus returns, but eternal death] and being completely away from God). If God is a merciful God of love, how could He allow us to burn in hell for eternity? I don't know about you, but I would much rather have a relationship with God out of pure love rather than worshipping Him and following rules out of fear of being horribly punished by a horrible God. (Haha, wow, I am really going on a bit in this comment! Sorry Larissa :) I hope this doesn't sound to preachy or in your face at all, does it? Sorry if it does. These are just my opinoins and I would love to hear yours. I promise I will not judge your opinions at all and will not be offended if you disagree with me)

    The second school I went to was a public school. I did not enjoy going to this school, and was bullied for being (not trying to sound conceited) smart. I got very good marks and was bullied for it. I was a bit of a teachers pet also, but I never, ever tried to be. The teachers just really liked me for being kind, quiet and extremely patient. I remember one time (I didn't really like this little 'event') a teacher said in front of the whole class, "Everyone, Emily is such a delightful student. She is a person who would sit quietly and patiently for hours without saying a word. You should all try and be like that". The tiniest part of me was proud of myself for being patient, but the rest of me was mortified! Haha :)

    I didn't stay at that school for very long before moving to the school which is now my current school, whcih I love. It is a private Sevent-Day-Adventist school. This is where I believe God really started to work in my life and started to open my eyes a bit to- what I believe- is the stuff He wanted me to hear and know. Here I have made two really great Seventh-Day-Adventist friends, and I love them to bits. They are so focused on God and they are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. At this school, I have also been fortunate enough to have a lot of great chaplains and pastors preach to me some great stories of how much God works miralces which has really helped me to grow in my faith and trust in God.

    So I believe that all of these different experiences have really helped me to grow my own faith. I know how hard life can be when you don't know God at all- to have never heard of 'God'. I also know how much I want and need God in my life. I am very thankful for these experiences.

    But long story short, getting to the point of what I actually want to ask. :)
    I have a very close family/friend whith two young girls. She lends me heaps of books to read all the time and the other night she told me she has another book for me to read. She said "Now Emily, I know you love God, but I have a book for you on Buddah. It was really good, and Buddhism is really good for you! It is good to be open to all religions." I have been praying really hard lately about whether or not I should read the book, and if I say no, I think my mum would be angry and disappointed in me, because she is sooo big on being open-minded to everything. I don't what to though becuase God is my one and only God, but I do a little bit, to experience (and I am not saying that I will read it and suddenly become a buddhist and worshp aanother God- and I have absolutely NOTHING against Buddhists- but I am just not sure whether it would be a good idea to read it) i don't think it will do any harm will it? I really don;t know :/ What do you think?

    Thankyou again for all of your very sweet comments. You are an awesome big sister and I love you dearly <3 Your comments always make my day and I love your ginormous comments! I appreciate it so much that you give up your time to come on a website to read a random girls' comments and reply to her with Godly advice, and wisdom, love and friendship. You also always seek God's counsel and don't rely on your own knowledge. You amaze me!
    I am still praying for you.

    My friend is doing really well =) I called her the other day and she sounded alot happier. I admire her positve attitude and strong love for God. She is the type of person who will never give up.

    Thankyou for taking the time to read my comment. God bless you Larissa.
    Love from your baby sister in Christ,
    Emily x
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 7:34 pm
    Hey Larissa,
    I was reading the post 'Waitng for Love: The Rest of the Story', and realised there was another 'Emily' on there. I have now changed my name to 'Emily C' so that we all don't get confused :))

    I also remembered the books you mentioned to me. Thanks so much for recommending them to me. No, I haven't read them, but I will have to check with some of my Christian friends to see if they have it and maybe if I could borrow it. If not, I might have to save up or put it on my Christmas list. (Wow! Christmas is getting so close!) :)

    Thankyou Larissa, I can't wait to meet you in Heaven one day and throw my arms around you in a big bear-hug! Haha

    Sorry about the three messages in a row. I just keep thinking of more things t say! I hope that they all make sense.

    God bless you my incredible big sister :)
    Love from Emily C
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 8:08 pm
    Hello my dear!

    I also have lots of times when I write something and just lose it by closing the window! I hate it!! haha

    Not wanting to keep on the wisdom topic, but... I believe God has given you a very teachable spirit, and that, dear, is more important than wisdom! What profit there is in wisdom if you don't accept godly advices? And trust me my sister, you'll be a lot wiser than me because you let people come along and teach you. Your meekness and desire for wisdom will be like a beautiful ornament to your head and necklaces about your neck! (Proverbs 1:1-9)

    I'm so proud of you and your friend! Do you know what they say where I live? "My sister's friend is my friend". So I'm also thankful that she has a strong relationship with our Father and that both of you are such wise girls that joyfully trust God even in trial. God bless you two!

    Now, on to your second comment. (I also LOVE big comments! =3)

    Yes, indeed, my family doesn't believe God. My mom used to, but now her faith is so cold I don't know if she even believes at all. The aunt that I'm living with is a Catholic, and under my window there are always candles lit for saints and angels. I have a grandmother and a uncle that are believers (in fact, Seventh-Day-Adventists). But they live several miles away, so I never see them. Other than those, all my family is either Catholic, agnostic, atheist or kardecist. You could say I'm not in a very good environment...
    You see, I'm teased too. Everytime I act godly. Don't even get me started with what I hear about modest clothes! *sighs*
    I don't go to church, because the closest church is too far for me to go alone (I live in a very dangerous city). I have a mentor (I'll talk more about her later on this comment) and she told me that I shouldn't go against my parents' orders right now. I prayed a lot about it, but God's been reminding me of 1 Peter 3:1-2. But dear, that's only my story! Do NOT think that God wants the same for you. Maybe what He wants for you is that you boldly state your faith! You should pray about it, ok? Either way, remain strong! Remember Galatians 6:7: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

    I keep the Sabbath too! Oh, I'm so happy!! First time I ever meet a girl that keeps it out of her own wish! (Generally it's all about "My family keeps it, so yeah, I have not choice")
    Hmm... I don't think it is wrong to go out on Sabbath. I mean, Jesus told that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)
    Sabbath is a day of 1) rest and 2) worship. One of my best Sabbath was spent going to flower shops and thanking God everytime I found something beautiful or enjoyable.
    I also don't study in Sabbath. But you see, Sabbath is also a day to help people (Matthew 12:9-12), so I still do my chores, but that is to help my mom and my aunt, showing a sacrifice of thankfulness so that they may see Jesus in me. It's NOT a everyday kind of work to gain profit (knowledge, money...), but only an act of love.

    Dear me! What you said about wishing you were born in a Christian family but now being thankful you weren't... These are totally my feelings! I used to wish I was born in one of these families you hear about here in LYWB or Revive Our Hearts... Godly parents, Christian brothers and sisters, Bible standards, modest clothes, Church friendships... The list could go on and on. But maybe then I wouldn't see God as my dear Father, I wouldn't love to reach out to my Spiritual siblings, I wouldn't be so hungry for the Word, I wouldn't value a "pure" kind of beauty, I wouldn't be able to share the gospel with unbelieving friends. God knows what family we should be born in, and I'm thankful that He is making my heart not settle for anything less than loving His people as He did. I probably wouldn't love God half as much if He didn't save me from overwhelming situations that arise when you're a believer on a secular family. Glory to Him because He's wise!

    I have a HUGE problem with Catholic faith (not with Catholics, though. Who am I to judge my Lord's servants? He'll judge them and give each the payment they deserve).
    I think they make idols out of images. Mary was a good role model, but why ask HER to do anything when you can ask the Lord of the Universe?
    Also, I agree with you. They expect you to follow rules out of fear, not out of love.

    I don't think my mind is ready to understand hell just yet. I believe "hell" is God giving what Satan, his fallen angels and those that rebel against God want: eternity without Him. But to spend the eternity away from the source of every good thing is a scary thought. I believe God won't be like... Giving demons authority to torture people. But I don't know what it will be like. Right now I'm doing a study on Revelation together with my mentor. Maybe this issue will arise and I'll find out a more concret version of it, but I don't think it's wise for me to talk about things I understand nothing about.

    Oh my God. This is starting to sound like a God-given fellowship between us, my dear friend! I was kind of bullied for being smart and I was totally a teacher's pet too! I wasn't TRYING to do anything to please them, but I respected their authority and did my best to understand everything, so...
    Unfortunately, Brazil's education is not very good, so I feel I'm lacking a lot in some areas. I do better than most of my peers, but I do worse then American, European and Asian students. Especially in exacts, such as math and the sciences. Tips on how to get better?
    By the way, what is your favorite class?

    There are no Adventist schools where I live. Sadly. Your school sounds like my dream school!
    But my God is bigger than this, right? He actually made me find BY CHANCE an email address of one of a church member when I was terribly depressed. I sent an email just saying "I need someone to teach me, but I can't go to church. God put this desire for a mentor in my heart. What should I do?"
    This email address was actually a lady's personal email, and she wrote me back saying she was happy God was calling me and that she could teach me by email if I was willing. She told some other things that made me think I should open my heart. I did, and my God was faithful enough to give her the answer to many questions I had. That was a month ago.
    I'm surprised to know she is a lot like me and she spent years praying that God would give her a daughter! She says that everything she prayed for her daughter was fulfilled in me.
    I learn A LOT with her and I just love her, you know? She's just a perfect Titus 2 older woman!! Hmm... She's like the people you say about your school.
    Also God helped me to bring my childhood best friend to Him. She's a VERY baby Christian. (I mean, she only knows as far as the basic gospel message: about how sin came into the world, how Jesus was born pure, lived a holy life, died and lived again so that we could have our sins forgiven). Still, I'm teaching her step by step and God's been helping me. She's my best friend, and I laugh a good deal about how she happens to be like David and I happen to be like Jonathan. It's wonderful that God had mercy and claimed her as a new believer!
    So you could say that things are just going as God wishes and that He's been teaching me a lot through people I happen to find.
    THAT is a miracle, right?
    ....and I'm just SO happy you keep the Sabbath! lol I don't know... I feel we're even closer now that I know that as I worship and rest, so do you. Sounds really like we're sisters!

    God's been working in our lives, right? My faith is also a lot stronger because of what I went though. I admit that lately I my faith was getting cold. Things are getting harder as time goes on and on and the miracle that I pray for doesn't happen. (My family life is so messy I don't have enough space to write it on this comment!) But now that I see that indeed the Lord is in control (He showed that to me at least twice today!), I got strong again. You shared your story at the perfect timing! God bless you, my sweet princess! You kept me from falling with nothing but serene confidence in the Lord!

    Oh... The book thing is hard.
    Ask God what to do. I know you're already doing that, but I'd like to say once more: ask God. Whenever you don't know what to do, go ask Daddy.
    God's plan is special for each one of us, so I can't say "Do that!", but I can say what I'd do.
    I wouldn't read it.
    My sister loves all these kind of things: Buddhism, taoism... She even flirted with what they call goddess cult!
    When I was younger (and not a Christian), I read several of these books. Thing it: it makes sense. A lot of it makes sense. But there are also lies, and some of these lies still burden me after years!
    Your friend told you that you could learn a lot. Yes, I also think so. But everything that you need to learn as for how to live in in Bible. So maybe you could learn a few extra things, but is it worth of risking your heart purity?
    I suggest you do the "whatever test".
    Ask yourself if this book is something you should fill your mind with, something you should practice in some level.
    Philippians 4:8–9 says how: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

    Let me tell you a little thing I learned a long time ago. Imagine your Mom goes out and says something you don't quite hear. You know she said "Don't forget to--" something, but you didn't catch the rest of it. Some minutes pass and you remember you have homework to do. You think it will be totally harmless not to do it, but then you remember your mom told you not to forget something. Wouldn't you rather do your homework so that you won't risk doing exactly what your mom told you not to?
    Sometimes that's how I approach an action. Maybe I need to make a quick decision and find no Bible verses in my head to support it. If I think that I might be getting close to be doing something that maybe I shouldn't, I run away. Better safe than sorry, right? But that's me. Maybe I'm just not bold enough?

    You told you fear your mom's anger. You have a point. It's terrible when mom gets angry, right? I totally get it!
    http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=1870#commentsAnchor
    Would you read "It's not that simple..." and its answer?
    Well... You should be pleasing your mother, but not if that goes against what you believe God tells you to do.

    A random girl? Oh no! You're everything but a random girl! We have the same heart! (And hopefully our hearts are after God's own!)
    I love you too, my cute little sister!
    You're the best younger sister I could ever wish for! Your comments make me happy all week, you know!
    I SO wish we could meet! Imagine: we could braid each other's hair as we talk about what God did in our lives! hahaha
    Anyway, since we'll spend eternity together, I think we'll have plenty of time to worship together, right? Hope our Bridegroom comes to get us soon!

    I'd like to ask you an advice. You are so sweet you'd melt anyone, do you know that? That's just the kind of person I need to ask this question.
    As I said, my sister could hardly be further away from God. It's not a wonder then that she's bitter.
    She gets angry at me for no reason. Example: just today she got angry because, when asked, I told her I didn't hate Mom.
    It's hard to deal with that. I want to be a good little sister, but how do you do that?
    You're a good sister yourself (at least to me), but I have this problem of wanting to "fix" her, you know. It's for her own good, but God's been telling me it's not my call; it's His.
    So that's what I'd like to ask... What do you do to keep your humble, cheerful, meek, sweet and respecting spirit, sis?

    Also.. Tomorrow is my 17 years birthday! I'm curious... How old are you?

    From your sister who loves you more than you could imagine,
    Larissa
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 12:25 am
    Hey Larissa,
    Man... I know I say this all the time, but thankyou so much for your sweet comments that never fail to lift my day!

    You think God has given me a teachable spirit? Thankyou, you are so nice :)

    I totally understand you when it comes to modest clothes! I always hear so much about this, not as much from my parents, but from a close friend who is my neighbour. She is always saying "Why do you want to be modest?! No boys will ever like you if you dress like that!" It is frustrating :( I have tried many times to share God's word and love with her, but she is completely the opposite of a teachable spirit. She is stubborn and does not like to be proved wrong. Whatever she thinks is always right. She always teases me and doesn't overly care about me as a person :( Of course, there are some great characteristics in her aswell though :) I have to be really patient with her and have realised that talking directly about God is not going to work for her, but instead showing her forgiveness and love, patience, kindness, humilty and being humble is what's going to get through to her.

    Cool, we both believe in Sabbath! :) I totally agree with you on the topic of Catholics. I have a good friend who is a Catholic (she doesn't have a single care for religion or God, and has only been Christened Catholic, so maybe she is not a good example! Haha!) Lots of Catholics worship Mary and Mother Theresa! Mother Theresa was a great person- don't get me wrong- but she is just a person. God used her. She did nothing but perform God's will for her life and help others. (Which is a great thing by the way) But Catholics worship her instead of God for it. They pray to her when she is dead and can do nothing. (I believe the Seventh-Day-Adventist's views on death, that when you die you are dead in the ground until Jesus returns) But again, I have nothing against Catholics and not all Catholics do this.

    I am Australian by the way :) Just thought I would tell you and I am nearly 14. That may seem young to you, or maybe not. I am very mature for my age, as I am told ALL the time. I volunteer at a pre-school and one of the ladies I work with though I was 16! Haha :)

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I hope you have a great day Larissa :)

    We are so much alike! Wow :) My favourite subjects would have to be bible and then English. What about you?
    Hmmm... Some tips on how to get better... I think the best thing to do, would be to study and revise. Now I don't mean stay up all night and spend hours and hours per day studying. No way! I mean, making sure you do all of your homework and study for tests and exams. Make sure you are prepared and know the stuff. Also, if you are stuck on something in class, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for some help. They are there to teach you and you can't learn properly if you don't ask questions. Also if you feel you want some extra help in some areas, you can get a tutor. I have a tutor for maths, which is probably my weakeest subject, although I don't do that bad in it and get good marks, I still want to improve a little bit. Hope this helps :)

    Thankyou for your advice on the book situation, it really helped. I don't think I will read it, but I will keep praying. I am just not sure how to tell the person that I am thankful for her thoughtfullness, but I am not interested in reading the book. Should I explain to her why, or just take the book and not actually read it? That probably isn't a smart thing to do because she might ask me if it was good and I would be lying if I told her it was, and if I told the truth I would have to explain anyway.

    Thankyou for the link, I will check it out. :)

    I am so honoured you would like my advice :)) You really think that I am sweet? Awww thankyou so much, you are so kind. What do I do? Well you are in a tough situation with your sister, and I am sorry to hear that she is bitter and so far away from God. I will also pray for her. I admire your strength to not give up on her. I totally understand the feeling of wanting to 'fix' her. I feel the same way with my neighbour. If God is telling you to leave it to Him, I really think you should. But show her God by reflecting Jesus in your own ways. And how do you do that? Well I am a person who is very sensitive to other peoples' feelings and I care about people so much! I think it is important to always find the good in someone. Never focus on the bad, but instead praise them for the good. Everybody has flaws and not all people have a teachable spirit and want constructive criticism. It is also really important to accept them for who they are and never judge them if they are different or even if what they are doing is wrong. Sometimes it is important to advise them if something they are doing is wrong, but if they don't want to know and get angry, then you can only trust God. You have done what you can and have to trust God because He has a plan for their lives too. And I don't mean just give up one them though :)

    I think it is really rewarding to be kind to someone and genuinely care about them. People really notice someone who shows patience and kindness. I love the feeling when you are out in public and you do something good, which is only small, but the person/people invovled are shocked that a teenager would do this for them when it isn't what the 'typical' teenager would do. Like if a person drops all of their things and you stop to help them, or if you have to wait in line at a shop for ages but do not complain once or show one bit of irritance. Small things like that go a long way.

    Also, listening to people. I have friends calling me up at all hours all the time for tons of different reasons. Comfort, advice, help, support etc. because they know I will sit there and listen for hours. I love to give people advice and absolutely love helping people. Alot of the time, people want a friend who cares about them and actually wants to listen to them.

    But really, all of this comes down to God and staying firm in your beliefs. If didn't have God in my life, I believe I would have had a few boyfriends by now (I have never had a boyfriend before), I would be very immodest, party alot, be rude and disrespectful to my parents, rebellious, have bad grades etc. I have to give God all the glory for being the way I am, and I am so thankful for that.

    You are already very sweet and kind and I think you are very meek in the way you speak also :) I hope this helps you Larissa. I f this is not what you meant or not what you were looking for, just tell me. :) Nobody is perfect though, and neither of us can be perfect sisters. By the sounds of, you are aleady an amazing little sister and I can tell that you really love and care about her. You are also the best big sister ever! I remember when I was little, that I would pray for a kind, caring, loving big sister who would be a good role model. God answered my prayers alright. :)

    I am so thankful for you Larissa and will be praying for you and your sister. I hope you have an fantabulous 17th birthday and would love to give you a present but unfortunately I can't :( I can still give a present of love to you though.

    'Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday dear Larissa
    Happy birthday to you!"
    xxx <3

    Lots of love from your little sister who looks up to you,
    Emily x

    P.s I was just curious, what are some of your interests/hobbies?
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 2:25 pm
    Hey Emily. Things at home are terrible. It seems I don't have strenght even to seek God to give me strenght! I'm trying not to let go of Him, but it's hard. So I'm here to ask you to pray for me and to say I'm sorry, but it will take a little bit to answer you.
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 7:57 am
    Hey Larissa,
    My heart breaks to hear that you are having a hard time.... It really does :( I feel like you are actually my big sister by blood (haha) and I care so much about you Larissa. I love you to bits, I truely do.

    You are amazing and I know you have the strength in you. Through God you have the strength to do anything. I know you are finding it hard to trust God and I totally understand that (I have been there alot) but don't give up. You are so brave and you have already shown amazing strength by trying not to give up and trying to trust God!

    I wrote this for a girl on another post but I thought it might also help you. These are some of my favourite verses :)

    I am so sorry to hear that you are in alot of pain... I have prayed for you and will be praying my heart out for you :) Don't lose hope, "For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear..." (Hebrews 13:5-6) and don't give up because "...At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Galations 6:9) "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God..." (Romans 8:28). This must be a very painful time for you, I understand, but "We can rejoice , too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:3-5)

    Things will turn out ok, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34) and "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear... look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27) all of "These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. " (Matthew 6:32-33) and this includes things like illness, "For I hold you by your right hand-I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.'" (Isaiah 41:13), so "trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock." (Isaiah 26:4) Don't be afraid Larissa, for "You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly... for the Lord is you security." (Proverbs 3:24-26) for you know that "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." (Psalms 23:4)

    "And the Lord will protect you from all sickness..." Larissa. (Deuteronomy 7:15). It is very easy t give up and loose hope and become scared and worried, but God has said, "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord..." (Jeremiah 30:17)

    I hope this helps you :) I put all my favourite verses together like this because I found it more comforting, but that is just me :) But I really, really hope it comforts you Larissa.

    You have been such a great big sister to me in my times of trouble and now I am ready to be a good little sister to you. If you want to (like I did) pour your heart out on here... please do :) I am more than happy to listen and give you support and maybe advice through God's word. If you don't want to, that is totally fine and I understand.

    Are you doing ok? Please don't give up or lose hope. I won't stop praying for you Larissa and will be praying my heart out. God hasn't forgotten you.

    From your worried and praying little sister in Christ,
    Emily <3
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 8:32 am
    Hi Larissa,
    I know you might not get this comment for a while, but I wanted to say how sorry I am big sis. All this time I have been loading my problems on you and didn't let you talk about yourself. I have probably burdened you with my problems when you had your own all along which I knew about but failed to really help you.I am sorry :(

    I am praying for you so hard :) I wanted to tell you something that you told me a little while ago....
    "It will be alright, ok? It will be. I know it sounds like a lie right now, but it's not only my words. God said so over and over in the bible. He can't lie. But if you find it difficult to trust Him right now, then trust me: it's going to be ok. You'll be able to laugh at the future because of what you're going through right now. Yes, it will make you stronger. But as for now, don't try too hard. Trust God and He'll deliver, ok?
    Every night before you sleep, think: "God promised me it's going to be alright, so it will"."....... and now I am saying that to you :)

    I am praying for you. DON'T GIVE UP!!! I love you so much and you are an amazing sister. Don't lose hope.

    Prayes, love and worry,
    from your little sister who is praying her heart out,
    Emily
    P.s. Don't feel bad or anything after reading this comment my dear. (I mean for me worrying) you having nothing to feel bad for- just in case you were feelign bad. :)
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 8:48 am
    Oh my dear! Thank you so much! That was very encouraging indeed!
    I'm so sorry I took so long to answer you.
    I must confess I fell. Really hard. I think last time I thought about God with love was last week! (Oh, no, actually, I was so happy when I read your comment I said "Praise the Lord!" aloud. But other than that...)
    I'd like to pour my heart, but I don't find enough patience to type it as I am now. Sorry. But a couple of months ago I did pour my heart out on a comment. If you'd like to read, here's the link:
    http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/freedom-fear-1/#comment-612440930
    Don't feel like you must read it, though.
    Hmm.... Things are the same. Somewhere along the path I fell on self-righteousness, I think. Like "I must do my best to be Christ-like". So when things took too long to get better, instead of focus on the "Christ" part, I focused on "MY best" part. Truly a mistake. But now I feel just so descouraged and ashamed of myself that I can't seem to find strenght to turn to God again.
    Oh, Emily, I totally failed as your older sister! Here am I doing the very thing I pleaded you not to do when you had your trials!
    I truly repent and have asked God for forgiviness, but then it seems I just forget about Him all day. So I'm turning to His family (you!!) for help and prayer. Even then, I'm so sorry I have to ask you that!!
    That's it. I'd like to write more, but I just can't express myself with words right now.
    Thank you so much, Emily!
    Your sister.
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 10:24 am
    My dear big sister,

    You have not at all failed me as a big sister. Please don't think that :) We all stuff up sometimes- we are human. Don't be so hard on yourself, you're not perfect. This will make you stronger Larissa. Have you hear the saying. "Learn from your mistakes?" Well we can't learn from our mistakes if we don't make any right? This little (or maybe big) hiccup is helping you to learn and become stronger in the Lord.

    Wow Larissa. I just read the link you shared with me and I am absolutely balling my eyes out... You have touched my heart Larissa. Wow. I am so, so, so, sorry. I really am. A little while ago you shared a comment with me about a man who betrayed you and who was thought to be a phsycopath by two phsycologists. May I ask, was that man your father?

    I just prayed for you my sweet and my heart is aching for you to be happy and find the Lord again.

    Just in case you are thinking of suicide... now or ever, please do not do it!!! There are lots of people who truly love and care about you Larissa, including myself and more than anybody, God. You are important and your life does have a purpose to it (Jeremiah 29:11) , even if you don't know what it is yet. I just wanted you to read this again because there are some really good verses in it :)

    I am so sorry to hear that you are in alot of pain... I have prayed for you and will be praying my heart out for you :) Don't lose hope, "For God has said, I WILL NEVER FAIL YOU. I WILL NEVER ABANDON YOU. So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear..." (Hebrews 13:5-6) and don't give up because "...AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME, WE WILL REAP A HARVEST OF BLESSING IF WE DON'T GIVE UP." (Galations 6:9) "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God..." (Romans 8:28). This must be a very painful time for you, I understand, but "We can rejoice , too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:3-5)

    I really hope this helps you Larissa. Don't give up. Will you promise me that you will not give up? It may get really hard and when you are on the verge of giving up come on here and pour your heart out to me. I am here for you every step of the way until you say things are ok. Things will be ok. I promise I will not give up on you my dear, so please do not give up on yourself. You are AMAZING, and I mean that. You really are. You have such a big heart.

    God will not leave you. Ever. He is there for you every step of the way, but you need to give him the steering wheel Larissa. I think you are so brave to be supporting your family, but you are causing yourself so much stress and heartache Larissa. Don't give up on them, but trust God with them. He will reap harvest of blessing at just the right time if you don't give up. And Jeremiah 29:11 goes for them to :) He also has an amazing plan for your family.

    Larissa, you are soooo brave girl! Wow :) I am so proud to say that you are my big sister. I truly am.

    I am praying for you. Don't lose hope.

    God bless you from you loving little sister who's heart is aching to hear you are happy and close to God,
    Emily
    P.s. There is also a bible verse (which I can't exactly remember where it is. Haha) that says "Draw close to God and God will draw close to you."
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:34 pm
    Thank you so much, my little angel!
    I feel a little better now.
    Don't worry, I'm not thinking about suicide. I wouldn't do such thing. But it's always great to hear I'd be missed!
    You said "Well we can't learn from our mistakes if we don't make any right?"
    That was truly God speaking to me through you, Emily. I really struggle with trying to to the right thing (even as I know God's Word, whenever I don't find an answer, I get really anxious. Even simple things like choosing what to watch on TV can be a mind battle for me in order to make the right call). I never once thought that mistakes may make me a better person. I always thought they were like... Terrible things.
    As I'm writing an answer, God's showing me I'm being too proud. I want to be Him: I want to fix people, I want to choose my life season, I want to always be right, I want to seek God without giving up things to make time. I'm praying He'd change my heart, but now I'm really like Eve: hiding myself from the Lord, sorry as I am and missing Him as I am.
    So what I really need now is to find courage and strenght to go to the cross and believe that "It's done".
    And you, my dearest one, took me there just now.
    So as I wrote, I just stopped and prayed really hard, and God reminded me of an old message of Revive Our Hearts "The Word of Confidence", which in turn reminded me of Psalm 31. I went there to read it... And I... I'm speechless.
    As I started reading it (with all things my heart isn't believing right now, such as verses 7-8), the Lord surprises me with verses 9 and 10:
    "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
    my eye is wasted from grief;
    my soul and my body also.
    For my life is spent with sorrow,
    and my years with sighing;
    my strength fails because of my iniquity,
    and my bones waste away."
    This could as well have been said by me. There's a certain Brazilian translation that would be translated to English like this:
    "O my Lord, please be graceful to me, because I'm anxious! My eyes got tired because I cried too much; both my body and soul are exhausted. Sadness took away my strenght; tears make my life short. I'm weak because of my fails; even my bones are tiring themselves out."
    This is what I've been trying to cry out and finding myself unable to. Then as I read the Psalm, there are all these promises from verse 19 until verse 24.
    Dear me! I even shivered a little. I read your comment again with a new spirit... And you're right! God's not forsaken me!
    You can't even begin to wonder how PRECIOUS it is to me that you said "It's ok. I'll be here with you."
    Thank you SO much. No, really, THANK YOU.
    I'll try to start again, this time the right way: I won't try to fix anything. If things beyond my control go wrong, I'll try to let them be. And most importantly, I'll try to seek God.
    Did you see LYWB's challenge to memorize James? Are you up to that? Maybe we don't memorize, but we could try to study it together, what do you think? As I remember a thing or another about this book, I think it will be really practical for both of us. Just a suggestion. It's cool if you don't want. ^^
    Oh dear, let me just say that again: I love you. You... I could not have asked for a better little sister! In my wildest dreams, you wouldn't be half as amazing as you are!
    I promise you I won't give up. Thank you SO much for everything you're doing!
    Your friend who has the BEST sister in the universe,
    Larissa
    PS: No, that man wasn't my dad, thanks God! Just a friend. My dad is like... 10 times more emotional than me. hahaha
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 2:43 am
    Hey Larissa,
    You are more than welcome and I am so happy to hear that you are feeling a bit better! I am also relieved to hear that you are not thinking of suicude. I just wanted to make sure, as you sounded a bit distressed.

    I can't write a long message today but I will get back to you soon hopefully :)

    I am so happy and relieved now. Thankyou.

    I would love to study James with you. I think I will try and memorize some key verses, but I don't think I will be able to memorize it all!!

    I am still praying for you aswell and you are also the bestest big sister to me ever!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much :)

    Love from your little sister,
    Emily
    Emily C
    Larissa
    on Monday, October 8, 2012 at 12:43 am
    Hey Larissa,
    You haven't replied in a while sis, and I justed wanted to check that you were still ok :) Are you doing ok?

    I am still praying for you.

    Maybe you have just been busy. It doesn't matter, but I just wanted to make sure you were ok because I love you :)

    Emily
    Larissa
    Emily
    on Monday, October 8, 2012 at 10:03 am
    Hello dear.
    I'm sorry I took long to write back.
    I'm figuring lots of things out so my mind's been a mess... Thank you SO much for your prayers, dear!
    Emily
    Larissa
    on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 4:59 am
    Hey Larissa,
    It's ok, I undersand. You don't have to apologise :)

    Are things getting much better for you? Because honestly, it doesn't sound they are. And even if they don't feel like they are, don't give up and KEEP, KEEP, KEEP PRAYING!! :) God will follow through at just the right time, I promise.

    Sending prayers your way,
    Emily
    Erin Davis
    Emily and Larissa
    on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 10:10 am
    Emily and Larissa,

    Thanks for coming to our blog. While we welcome connection with our writers and with other readers here, we are concerned that the relationship between the two of you has become unhealthy. You have not broken any of our blog rules, so we have not pulled your comments at this point, but we want to encourage you to pursue friendship with girls in your own community rather than depending so heavily on this virtual friendship. Talking to someone online about your problems is not a good substitute for having real friends and mentors. You are welcome to continue to comment on our posts, but please scale down the exclusive conversations with just each other.

    Erin Davis
    Larissa
    Just a last comment...
    on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 9:08 pm
    While I do not agree that virtual friendships are unhealthy as long as you have a good personal life (which I believe we have), I understand that on this blog we are under Lies Young Women Believe Team's authority, and so this will be my last comment on this thread.

    Emily, I'd like to say that I am truly better now, and that the Lord has blessed me with a new love for Him.
    You won't EVER stop being my sister, and we can still pray for each other as the Lord puts burdens on our hearts. Yes, I would love to talk with you more, but as we can't, remember we have a Father that won't separate His daughters. If it's His will, someday our paths will cross again. An even if they don't, never give up! Remember someday our Lord will come get us, and then we will live forever together with all our Spiritual Family.
    I love you, my sister, and will keep you on my heart.

    With all love a sinner can give,
    Larissa
    Erin Davis
    Larissa
    on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11:33 pm
    Larissa,

    Thank you for your calm response. You showed a great deal of wisdom and maturity.

    You are more than welcome to continue to comment on this thread and other threads, we just want to encourage you keep the exclusive and ongoing conversation with another reader to a minimum.

    Grace and Peace!

    Erin
    Emily C
    Erin and Larissa
    on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 3:06 am
    Hi,
    Ok, I understand. Sorry. I was not relying on this and I have many other friends in my own community, but like Larissa said, this website is under the team and LYWB's authority :)

    Thanks Larissa, we are still sisters and I won't stop praying for you, thanks for all your comments and wisdom you have shared with me :) God bless you.

    From your sister in Christ who can't wait to meet you in Heaven one day and who is still praying for you and thinking of you adn still loves you,
    Emily

Write a comment

Blog Ground-Rules

If you want us to publish your comments, stick to these guidelines:

  1. No crude or profane language.
  2. No hurtful comments targeted at other girls.
  3. No personal information such as email addresses or MySpace and Facebook accounts. (This is for your own protection.)
  4. Protect the innocence of others. (Not everyone has had the same experiences.)

If you have trouble reading the code, click on the code itself to generate a new random code.
Security Code: *
 

© 2008-2011 Revive Our Hearts. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Permissions

A Gospel.com Alliance Member