Fighting Your Romantic Fantasies

Are you struggling with impure sexual thoughts? Do you lay awake at night imagining the perfect romance story? Here are some basic truths that will help you in your fight against impure sexual thoughts.
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Watch Your Mouth

We live in a society where free speech is not only allowed but encouraged. I love that. But the downside is that we have become a people who over-talk, over-promise, and under-think.
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When You Always Choose The Best For Yourself . . .

As I was praying about how to write this post, I stumbled on the story of Abram doing some serious peacemaking. Rather than being like me (who tends to choose the best for myself—claiming the soft bed over the hard floor; choosing the corner piece of cake with gobs and gobs of frosting), Abram gave Lot first dibs in something that had much higher stakes. What was he thinking?
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What's Victoria's Secret? (She's Not Telling The Whole Truth!)

Victoria boldly tells us that the secret to true beauty is a sexy body. What should we do with that message?
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Serena's Secret Sin

Whatever your struggle may be, keeping it a secret will not set you free.
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The Four Stages Of A Dream

Do you have a dream that God has set in your heart? What can you do to make it a reality?
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Should You Play Sports?

Lots of people are going to church less so they can play sports more. Why does that matter?
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An "Unplanned" Encounter With Abortion

Thousands of babies have died in my own zip code, and I had been oblivious to it.
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What's The Big Stink About Submission?

For a lot of people in our culture, "submission" has become a dirty word. Why? And what does God say about it?
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When You Want A Clear Complexion And Clean Clothes More Than A Pure Heart

In every other area of life (except our hearts), we want to be clean. Why is that?
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A Radical Way To Pray For Mother's Day

More and more young women are saying "no thanks" to the idea of becoming mothers. What about you?
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The Big Mistake Your Tongue May Be Making

Do your words bless and build up, or do they start fires by cursing and tearing down?
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How Close Do You Want To Get . . . Really?

Are you hanging back with the adults or pressing forward with the children?
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From The Archives: Excuse Me, Your Tongue's On Fire

Have you ever been burned by the words of others? Or wounded someone with just your words? Yeah, me too. 
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A Quiet Girl Learns To Speak Up

I was proud that I was an "observer" and didn't engage in small talk . . . until I came across these verses.
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How Cool Can A Christian Be?

Want to be "cool" for Jesus? The truth is, there is no place for "cool" in Christ's version of Christianity.
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Your Mercy's Showing . . .

True mercy is more than just empathizing with someone's need—it means we do something about it.
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Visions Of Cheesy Pizza And A Hunger For Righteousness

Righteousness is one food that's not typically found in my fridge. What is righteousness anyway?
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Hand The Cup Over

Do you struggle with "empty cup syndrome"? Find out how get it filled up ... with what will last.
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A Permanent Cure For Emptiness

Do you know what it's like to try to feel full, only to find that the emptiness returns over and over again?
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A Few Ideas For Using Your Time Well

How can we as young Christian girls use our time to its fullest to make an eternal impact?
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Equal But Different

Two things do not have to be the same to be equal.
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Don't Hit The Snooze On This

When it comes to prayer don't back off, don't break off, don't call it a day. Just talk to God.
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A Wise Checklist

What does it means to be a girl gone wise? Let's check it out . . .
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A Foolish Checklist

Do you treat foolishness like a good friend? Do you let her influence the way you live?
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Hummus In Hand, Meek I Was Not

What does it mean to be meek? And how is it even possible?
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LYWB.com Makes Big Announcement

After more than five years of replacing lies with God's truth, we've decided to switch directions ...
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What's Love Got To Do With It?

Today's definition of love is far different than what I grew up with. It makes me wonder ... who is right?
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Rivers of Tears And Those Who Mourn

Have you ever cried over sin? Not because of its painful consequences, but because it hurts the heart of God?
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A Pastor's Dying Wish

What things do you put your hope in? Do they lead to perfect peace? Or are they more like sinking sand?
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Strap On Your Mining Hats, We're Digging For Treasure!

Are you ready to be a diamond cutter and study the treasure God gives us in His Word?
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Poor In Spirit And The St. Paddy's Day Parade

While we're busy admiring ourselves, Jesus stoops down looking for someone who is destitute of spirit.
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Cha-Cha-Cha Your Way Out Of Temptation

Wanting to escape temptation? Why not try the cha-cha-cha?
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The Effect of Hollywood's One Hundred Hottest

Do you ever get caught up in comparing yourself to the world's standard of beauty?
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A Place For All Those Tears

Where is God when your tears start to flow? He sees you … and He has a plan for all those tears.
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New Labels

What are your labels? Do you wish you could rip them off and replace them with something new?
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Choose Your Own Adventure

When we try to live our lives to please others, it's like walking into a trap.
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Are You A People Pleaser?

Are you a people pleaser? Take this quiz, and find out more . . .
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Putting The Lid On Peer Pressure

Struggle with peer pressure? Here are five questions to ask that will help you overcome it.
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I Want To Be Noticed!

So often we think if we were loved, noticed, and cherished more, it would be enough. But it never is . . .
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Growing Into What You Already Are

What would YOU have said if you'd been asked this question between bites of pepperoni and extra cheese?
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Sinner Or Saint?

What would YOU have said if you'd been asked this question between bites of pepperoni and extra cheese?
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What A "Great Nose" Can Do

Can you imagine being born without any arms or legs and using that disability as a tool to share the gospel?
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Anyone Can Fall In Love . . . (A Valentine's Day Challenge)

What if instead of falling in love this month, you practiced preferring someone else above yourself?
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Best Of: Being The Girl That No One Wanted

Have you ever felt like the girl that no one wanted? But there is Someone who does . . .
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Best Of: I've Never Been Exposed To Satanic Activities

It's easy to become comfortable with evil when we are exposed to it casually or repeatedly.

Best Of: Eating Disorders

For those who struggle with an eating disorder . . .
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Best Of: What If I've Blown It?

When it comes to being physically and emotionally pure, many of you feel you've blown it. But there is hope ...
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Best Of: Battling Discouragement And Depression With . . .

Does Scripture memory sound like "just another thing to do"? What if you learned it was a powerful weapon?
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Best Of: It's Harder For Me To Dress Modestly Because . . .

Today's styles make it harder on those who are a little curvier, but with a few tips you can pursue modesty.
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Best Of: Are Beautiful Girls Really Worth More?

What messages are you receiving about your own beauty? What you believe will be determined by where you look.
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Best Of: But Why Can't I Look Like Her?

Playing the comparison game is a dangerous trap, one that has been carefully set by our enemy.
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Write A New Story in 2013

As we close the book on 2012, it's a chance to let God write a brand-new story with your life.
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They Really Were Wise

We don't know all the details about the wise men, but their story teaches us a few things about being wise.
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Interrupted

As we look at the Christmas story with new eyes, it's worth looking at what happened after Jesus arrived.
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Lean In. Look Closely.

We tend to embellish the Christmas story, but maybe Luke kept it simple so we would see what's most important.
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Letting Mary's Story Read You

The Christmas story hasn't changed in more than 2000 years, but that doesn't mean God can't change us with it.
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Where To Sit At A Wedding

Where you choose to sit at the table might just tell a little bit about your heart.
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Showdown With A Tiger

When I was a little girl, I loved curling up on my mom's lap to hear stories like this one . . .
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Set Free From Anorexia

I've struggled with anorexia and never thought I was good enough for God to love. But I've found freedom . . .
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You Did It. You Hid It. You Will Never Be Rid Of It.

You may feel like the only one who doesn't have a fairytale story to tell. If so, this video is for you.
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Herbie The Love Bug And Wesley's Heart Cry

What's your heart cry? What motivates you to do what you do, wear what you wear, and think like you think?
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There's Just Something About A Story

Sometimes the best lessons are woven into great stories, the best sermons are preached through lives changed.
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The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth

If we're all born with deceitful hearts, then why shouldn't we just keep lying? What's the big deal?
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Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire

What motivates you not to lie? When you do lie . . . why?
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Lies And Truth When Mascara Is A Lost Cause

I believed the lie that if I was a better Christian, I wouldn't be single. But God is showing me the truth.

Ridiculous Service

In the midst of all of your Thanksgiving activities today, I'd like to propose you do something ridiculous …

Finding God's Will: It's Not Rocket Science

God's will is not so much a place, a job, or a specific guy, as it is a heart and a lifestyle.

Tony The Tiger And The Gospel

When I was seven, Tony the Tiger taught me an important lesson—always be ready to give an answer.
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Thinking Beyond The Screen

Limitations on our media usage are wise, but how can you know which media to partake in and what to ditch?
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Back To The Book: It's Not A Waste Of Time . . .

The truth is our days are numbered. But God's Word urges us to make the best possible use of our time.
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Becoming God's True Woman . . . While I Still Have A Curfew (And A Freebie!)

How can girls understand God's design for them? Check out this book  . . . and maybe even get a freebie.
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An Ironic Twist To Rushing And Trusting

In an ironic twist, I'm rushing—and very much trusting—that God will use this haphazard post in spite of my time limit.
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Rush AND Trust?

Is it possible to trust God and be in a hurry at the same time?
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Mess Into Message

There may be areas of your life that you're tempted to toss out with the trash, but God wants to use them.
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A Twist On The American Dream

When it comes to where you find your worth, do you reflect the American stereotype—or Jesus Christ?
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The Lessons Autumn Teaches

Fall perfectly demonstrates that sometimes even death is beautiful. The same is true of our spiritual lives.
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A Lies Guide To Halloween

As Christians, should we celebrate Halloween—or not? And if so, how?
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Prayer Box Or Prayer Life?

We have a lot of prayer boxes we get stuck in. They're not bad, but as long as you stay there, you'll never have a prayer life.
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Let's Ask The Hard Questions

When suffering sings beauty on the corner, it is hard not to be sober. It is even harder, perhaps, not to ask "why?"
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A New Reason To Pour Your Heart Out

Think of some hard times you have gone through lately. Whatever the struggle, think back to what your reaction was when you were first hit with that tragedy. Did you automatically run to God, verbally pouring out your thoughts and needs as if you were talking to your best friend?
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Back To The Book: I've Never Been Exposed To Satanic Activities

It's easy to become comfortable with evil when we are exposed to it casually or repeatedly. And while casual exposure alone may not destroy your faith and values, you need to be aware that exposure plus a lack of awareness of what you're exposed to can be dangerous.

Diva Or Doula?

You probably know a diva or two—a girl who's full of herself, who thinks she's all that. But do you know any doulas? And which one do you act like?

Back To The Book: When I Don't Agree With My Authority

Since no one in authority is perfect—and let's face it, some people in authority are really, really not perfect—what should we do when we think our authority is wrong?
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Memorize James With Me

Join Erin in memorizing the most practical book in the Bible this fall.
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The Hole In Our Holiness

Legalism isn't the only problem area for us as Christians. Since we're under grace—since we have a relationship with God, and since our sins are forgiven—sometimes we can be careless about obedience. In fact, we can be pretty bold about it.
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Pure Truth About Purity Rings

Do you wear a purity ring and have a commitment to stay pure until marriage? Whether you do or not, read this challenge to think about that commitment and be exposed to a deeper understanding of "why" you are wearing (or not wearing) a purity ring based on the gospel.
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Back to the Book: I'm My Own Authority

Tell me I'm not the only one. When your parents give you a chore ... when your teacher makes you re-do an assignment ... when your youth leader points out an area of sin, isn't your first response to push back? But just because that is our natural response doesn't mean it is the right response.
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A Fierce Women Checklist

How do we know if we are the kind of fierce women that others will be drawn to?
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A Fierce Answer To A Lunchroom Pick-up Line

What is a fierce woman? And what is it about our fierceness that appeals to the guys around us? Is being fierce a good thing?
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Back to the Book: God Is Not Enough

If I were to ask you to identify the biggest lie young women believe, what would you say? In my opinion the lie catching the most girls in its net is this—God is not enough.
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A Basic Anatomy Lesson

Can you imagine a body that's just one giant ear? Or a body made up of only one eyeball? That might make for a hilarious picture, but a pathetic body.
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Psst . . . You Were Not Born Pure

You weren't born yesterday, so you can handle this . . . you weren't born pure. You were innocent when you were born, but Scripture says you were born sinful. So this notion that you have "lost" your purity is nonsense. You never had it.
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Moving Truck Reflections

Everything I own is in sitting in a truck. And you know what? I'm doing just fine without it.
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First, Draw A Circle

It's so easy to pray that everyone else would be changed. But what if God wanted to begin His work in you and me?
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I'm Being Devoured By The Monster Of My Flesh

The last few weeks, it's seemed like everyone and everything has grated on my nerves and added to the weight I carried on my back. Why the freak out? Why was the monster of my flesh suddenly devouring me? The answer was simple . . .
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Final Advice From A Fiery Fighter Of A Grandfather

I've been taking this advice over the past couple of weeks, and it's been revolutionizing my life!
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When You Want To Be Seen. NOT Serve.

I want to be seen. Noticed. Celebrated. That caused a whole lot of angst when I first came to Revive Our Hearts as an eager college graduate, expecting to travel the country, meet and eat with famous people. My expectations were dead wrong, and I hated every minute of the job that I did have. But seven years later, I was given another shot at serving with the right heart attitude.
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From The Archives: Should You Get A Tattoo?

The world increasingly says that we have the right to do anything to our bodies that makes us feel beautiful and accepted, including piercings and tattoos without limits. But what does God's Word say?

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The Real Deal: What True Womanhood Is All About

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a young woman? I'm not talking about a young woman the way the world defines it, but the way God does. After all, He created women, so He should know!

Mix & Match Girl, Marathon Girl, and Monument Girl

As we strive to live for God, we need to be aware of some of the biblical womanhood counterfeits, frauds, and fakes. I should know, because I've been all three at one time or another in my life.

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When Headaches Mean Something More

Sometimes a headache is just a headache. MBut sometimes a headache is a physical manifestation of something more. It's your body's way of saying, "Something is wrong here!" It is possible for chronic pain, patterns of broken relationships, constant fear, ongoing depression, or daily exhaustion to rise as a result of believing lies.

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When The Pain Won't Go Away

Chronic pain can be a real mind bender. When it seems like relief is impossible, feelings of despair, frustration, and even depression like to show up and taunt. If you have pain that hits you day after day after day, your faith can begin to feel pretty beat up. Or ... that very same pain can be the water God uses to grow your faith into full bloom.

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Grading Your Pop Quiz

The fact that so many of you took last week's Style Quiz by Nancy Leigh DeMoss—and did so with such thoughtfulness—tickles me pink. If I really were your teacher, I'd give you all extra credit points and send you out for recess. But before hitting the playground, though, I'd ask you to grade your quiz and let me know how you did.
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All The Single Ladies! All The Single Ladies!

What do the majority of girls do after high school? Typically they get a job, start college, hang out with friends whenever they can, follow the latest TV shows, get a boyfriend, vacation, etc. Most of the time, we do not use these activities and pursuits to serve God and invest in eternity but rather we work to make ourselves feel special and important. But as Christians, shouldn't our activities after high school look any different than the world's?
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It's The Stuff That Movies Are Made Of!

The story of David and Goliath is likely familiar to you, but maybe it's about more than a boy with five smooth stones taking on a trash-talking giant. Maybe it's a story with something to show us about the heart of Jesus. Maybe it is the exact message of hope you need as you face "giants" today.

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It's Pop Quiz Time!

You must be missing school terribly. I mean, no textbooks, no homework, no pop quizzes . . . what an absolute drag. Lucky for you, it's Paula to the rescue with a summertime pop quiz! Not just any pop quiz, mind you, but a style quiz . . .

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Why Do You Want That?

At the deepest level of who we are, we can hunger for praise and admiration for ourselves or we can hunger for God to be praised and admired through our lives. Even unbelievers have the first core desire, but only one who has been transformed by the gospel desires God to be front and center stage in their lives in all things.

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Dannah Weighs In On Shopping For Swimwear

Summer is quickly approaching and that means the dreaded swimsuit shopping adventure. Let's just face it. Swimsuits are not modest, period. Nothing about them is. But if you're going to the beach this summer, keep these tips in mind. 
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Now That You Know You've Got It, What Should You Buy?

It's summertime, and the livin' is supposed to be easy. But one thing that can really pull the breaks on a carefree summer is swimsuit shopping. I do know that finding a suit that is body flattering and affordable is really tough. Add to that God's desire for us to dress modestly, and the waters of swimwear fashion can get muddy in a hurry.
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The Science of Bikinis

It's summertime, and the livin' is supposed to be easy. But one thing that can really pull the brakes on a carefree summer is swimsuit shopping. I do know that finding a suit that is body flattering and affordable is really tough. Add to that God's desire for us to dress modestly, and the waters of swimwear fashion can get muddy in a hurry.
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When I Don't Believe In Jesus

It is wise to stop from time to time and ask ourselves: What do I hunger for? Where do I turn for satisfaction? The answer reveals our treasure—that is where we invest our love.

Let The Dog Off The Leash!

And lately I've been learning a tough lesson. Our insatiable (as in insistent, quenchless, unappeasable, urgent) desire for others to like us, to approve of us, to compliment us, to think we are pretty ... is a trap. Because sooner or later we start to cater to that craving.
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Have You Ever Pulled A Jonah?

Carrie Gaul reads looks at the story of Jonah from The Jesus Storybook Bible. Like Jonah, have you ever told God "no"? What does His response to our no's reveal about Him?"
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Whatever You Get, Get . . .

If you're like me, you just got inundated with high school graduation party invites. It seems everyone is getting their high school diplomas in the next few weeks. Many of these students will go on to pursue a college degree. But I wonder, how many of these graduates will pursue and get . . . wisdom?
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A Guy Weighs In On Our Comparison Game

Many girls live and die by the Comparison Game. It determines who is popular, accepted, and revered. It is when you set the standard by which other people are compared. You determine beauty, intelligence, social status, athletic ability, and relationships—get ready for this—based on yourself.
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I Just Have To Tell!

You know that feeling that if you don't tell someone you just might burst? Someone tells you something really important, or really exciting, or really terrible. After gushing all of the gritty details, they punctuate their story by saying, "But you can't tell anyone." Argh! Now you're stuck right between a rock and a hard space.
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Because All You Need Is . . . Nothing

Ever heard of Naaman? After watching this short video, check out his incredible story in 2 Kings 5. And don't forget, all you need is . . . nothing!
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Being The Girl That No One Wanted

In this week's Jesus Storybook Bible, Erin discusses the author's favorite story to write that focuses on what God sees when no one else does.
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Christian College Wasn't For Me. Or So I Thought.

I had no intention of going to a Christian college when I began my college journey. It wasn't even on my radar screen.
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So You Want To Go On A Missions Trip

I love mission trips. I love going on mission trips. I love organizing mission trips. I love hearing about what God has done on mission trips. But as summer approaches, I wanted to remind you that missions and ministry are a lifestyle—not a trip to block off on your calendar each summer.
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Iceberg Right Ahead!

The book of James describes the tongue as a fire. That's certainly true. But it's also just the tip of the iceberg, revealing something bigger and deeper in each of us.
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Am I Pretty Videos Are Asking The Wrong Question

The occasional compliment is nice, but if you depe nd on the words of others to know if you are beautiful, if you matter, and if it’s okay to be you, you’re gonna spend your whole life chasing the next positive stroke. 
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Do Something Hard; Learn From Someone Old

We're not called to be taught by our peers or those just a tad ahead of us so that we can relate to each other. But we're called to embrace the heavy weight of someone who's walked with the Lord for years.
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A Little "Fun" At Puddin's Expense

I was a pretty "funny" girl in high school. You know what made me funny? I'd pretend that I was in love with the most unpopular guys in school. My friends thought it was hilarious.
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When Humor Isn't Funny

I am blown away by how many of you confessed sins of the tongue yesterday and gave the rest of us permission to hold you accountable. Many of you expressed that you struggle with sarcasm. One reader asked a great question, one I thought deserved its very own post: "Is sarcasm wrong if it's just your sense of humor?"
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My Tongue Is A Weak Spot In The Area Of . . .

How many of you have been badly burned by the words of others? How many of you have deeply wounded others with just your words? In fact, I think our tongues are a lot like a pile of kindling, just waiting for a spark to burst into flames and cause us to sin.
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SAT: Blow It Off Or Hit It Hard?

The SAT is one whopper of a test, and it can feel like everything hinges on it. With counselors, teachers, and parents pushing hard for you to do well and college admission on the line, how should you respond to the test?
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My Yellow Boots

Those yellow rain boots used to be my most prized possession of fashion. They were that one thing that came to mind when I asked myself, "Is there anything I own that I wouldn't be able to give up if God asked me to?" I held on to them as if they were mine, but deep down (or not so deep) I knew who they really belonged to. So I let them go. Not literally though . . .
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Can Walking Scream Loudly?

Few things create a head-in-sand response stronger in me than the abortion debate. The numbers are too staggering for me (42 million worldwide each year). The politics are too complicated for me. The stories are too heartbreaking for me. And so most of the time I ignore abortion altogether. But then, this little video found it's way into my inbox.
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The Tree Outside My Window

When I lifted the bathroom blinds the other morning, it nearly took my breath away—this delicate, flowering tree of purple God-glory reaching up, up, up. Yesterday, the tree's Creator whispered two things to me . . .
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A Few More Reasons To Tithe (And A Few Reasons Not To)

Yesterday I gave you four reasons to give a percentage of all of the money you make back to God through tithing. Just in case you're still not convinced that you should part with your hard-earned cash, here are a few more reasons to tithe. (And a few reasons not to.)
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Too Young To Tithe?

Whether you make a little money or a lot, the Bible urges us as Christians to give back a portion of all of the money we make. But parting with it can be tough, especially if you don't have a steady job or hefty income. And yet the Bible gives us lots of reasons to tithe, regardless of our age range or income bracket. 
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So You Want To Write A Book?

Recently, someone asked me to share some tips with her on how to make her dream of becoming a published author come true. I thought I'd share my response to her with you, because I figured you just might want to write a book, too! And even if you don't, I know you have other dreams—big dreams!—for your future.
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Skipping Out On Church

Maybe church seems boring and irrelevant. Maybe church is a lonely place. Maybe you find yourself always giving, but rarely receiving. I admit, I'm not the most enthusiastic churchgoer. I go because I'm supposed to. But I want so much more than going out of duty . . .
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On Lingerie, Modesty, And Giving Each Other Grace

If you're like me, you don't exactly associate Victoria's Secret with modesty. That's why I couldn't help but notice when the lingerie company shared headlines with the virtue in the national news last week.
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Chihuahua-Hearted Living

I am learning something, and it is changing this Chihuahua heart—sitting at Jesus' feet like Mary, choosing the one necessity, is not meant to end with morning devotions. We can "sit" at His feet all day, even while we "run." In some strange twist, it is only when our souls are quietly alert to receive from Jesus that we can run at all. 
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Redefining V-Day

It's taken me thirty-one years, but I think I finally have Valentine's Day all figured out. It's not really about chocolate, roses, or tiny candy hearts. It's not about cards or balloons or stuffed teddy bears. It's not about romance or relationships or having a date for the dance. It's not even about love, at least, that's not all it's about.
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One Blind Man And Two Dead Guys

Honestly, I have a hard time with today's resolution. I'd much rather "force a fairy tale"—insist on one—than relinquish my dreams of what I think will bring me happiness. But God won't let me alone about it.
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Glancing Sideways

Yes, I have a preoccupation with mirrors. And yet, it's so much deeper than that. Really, I have an eye problem that's connected to a heart problem. Without even thinking, I find myself glancing out of the corner of my eye to see who's watching me.
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What You've Been Becoming

It's not always something we like to think about, but "every act, every choice you make, no matter what age you are, has consequences."

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Resolved To Praise God On Good Days And Bad

I don't personally find myself often using the words "praise the Lord," but I'm sure that 2012 will bring me new opportunities to continue to thank Him excitedly. I'm also sure that this year will be strewn with heavy, hard days. I will cry—and I will probably cry hard. But I'm commanded to rejoice continually and give thanks in all circumstances.
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Letting Truth Rule When It Comes to Forgiveness

You've blown it. You've messed up. Maybe you keep sinning over and over and over. And then Sunday comes. You go to church. You sing about God's forgiveness. You hear sermons about God's forgiveness, but inside you secretly suspect that God's promise to forgive stops just short of where you are and what you've done. As a result you feel suffocated by the weight of your own sin.

If this describes you, I have good news for you. This can be the year where you find freedom.
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Love Like An Iceberg

Surely You, the God with scars, won't be surprised when I tell You that life's not fair, and people wound, and I often feel more afraid than deeply loved.
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Resolve to Make Your Chin Shrink

Some people get high blood pressure when they're stressed. That's too normal for me; my worry goes to my jaw.
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Cinderella . . . And Back Again

I got some new clothes, gorgeous curls, and—of all things—fake eyelashes! We filmed for hours, but it was over all too soon. The next morning, I felt a bit like Cinderella must have felt when her coach turned back into a pumpkin and her gown returned to rags. Glamorous Paula was normal Paula once again (sigh).
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Not Letting Stuff Rule

Have you ever been tempted to use "stuff" to  make you feel better when you're down? Instead, why not get intentional about your feelings and choose to let the power of God's Word overcome your sorrow and sadness.
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TV Time And God's Word

If you and I added all of the time we spent indulging in media, I wonder how many hours a week it would be? How does that compare with the time we spend in God's Word?
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How To Beat Anxiety

Are you anxious about anything today? If so, watch this short video to learn how focusing on Jesus will beat your anxiety and keep you in perfect peace!
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Enter Our Truth Boot Camp

The Bible is more than just a book. It isn't just words on a page or a boring homework assignment from heaven. The Bible is living and active. It is the words of a living God who longs to be active in each of our lives.
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How An Old, Dead Guy And A Diet Taught Me To Replace My Idols

You can't talk yourself out of loving something or someone. But you can find someone or something even more lovely and beautiful and delicious to feast on!
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Your Gods Don't Love You

How do we kick out idols from our priorities. One answer is fairly straightforward. Don't believe in their power. The long answer? It's a lot harder than that.
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More Than A Bush Demon

We keep idols with us all the time. How do we fight them? How do we kick them out of the temple that is our soul?
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How F-l-e-x-i-b-l-e Are You?

Have you ever seen White Christmas? The family I live with watches this 1954 film every year while they put up their Christmas tree. Last night, I probably should've gotten off the couch to help them string lights and hang ornaments, but I was too preoccupied watching Judy's (actress Vera-Ellen) beautiful dancing . . .
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The Bare Facts: Is It Too Late For Me?

While it's true that the majority of you seem to be saving sex for marriage, for those of you who have sinned in this area we need to answer the question, "I'm not a virgin. Is it too late for me?"
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Wide Hearts For The World's Pain

We may know in our heads that people are thrown in jail or prison camps because they love Jesus in distant places like Bahrain, Pakistan, and North Korea. But it's far easier to become obsessed with what that classmate might think of us than to think about the rest of the world.
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All Those Little Things

I can't pinpoint the day or the time exactly when I realized the significance of small things, but I know that it changed my life forever.
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Bailers

Has anyone every bailed on you? They said they would call, but the phone never rang. They said they'd help you with your homework, but they never showed up. It's not much fun to be on the receiving end of a broken promise, but we all have a tendency to bail.
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Just Coasting Through Life

What do you think? Is it possible to follow Jesus and "coast through life"?
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Uncompromising: Modesty

It's more than your clothes. Modesty spills over into our behavior and how we think of ourselves in relation to others. How do we see the BIG PICTURE of modesty—and not just limit it to a list of wardrobe do's and don'ts?
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Spiritual Eating Disorders

You may not have a strained relationship with food, but it's possible that you still struggle with a spiritual eating disorder. Many of us binge and purge on Jesus or fast from Him altogether, and our souls quickly become malnourished.
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What Does The Bible Say About Food?

The Bible is far from silent on the issue of food. In fact, if we take a hard look at all that is written about food in God's Word, it becomes very clear that our patterns of disordered eating should not be ignored.
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Taming The Tiger In The Box

The statistics about eating disorders are alarming, but the disordered eating habits of most young women do not fit into the blanket categories of anorexics or bulimics. In fact, it is my experience that while we don't all have eating disorders, many of us have disordered eating.
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Broken Glass And Why Beauty Matters

When we feel broken, we live in a way that invites others to throw stones at us. But a girl who knows who she is according to God's Word and understands that she has value because the God of the universe created her and proclaims His love for her will guard herself against damage.
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Uncompromising: Please Drill This Into My Head--An Interjection on Legalism

Stop. I'm sorry to say, this book club can go no further. At least, not until we've covered this topic. Legalism. It's bigger and scarier and more destructive than it sounds. Let's talk about it.
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Uncompromising: Eating Disorders

For those who struggle with an eating disorder . . .
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Uncompromising: Beauty ... And All That Jazz

We all know about unrealistic beauty standards in magazines, Barbies, and, well, all that jazz. But why does beauty take up so much of our thoughts? Why does this issue so capture us? And can it be replaced by something healthier?
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Thoughts On Suicide From One Of Its Victims

In yesterday's post, eighteen-year-old senior, Will Jaggers opened up about the impact of his father's suicide, fifteen years ago. Check out the second half of his interview here. (Note: Pay close attention to where Will finds hope.)
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Eight Reasons Not to Worry

At a recent girls' ministry forum I attended, someone asked a pair of psychologists what problems they see young women dealing with the most often in their clinic. I expected to hear horror stories of sexual abuse, eating disorders, or thoughts of suicide. Instead, the psychologists looked at each other and said together, "Anxiety."
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Uncompromising: Let's Talk About You

Are you a part of our virtual book club? We're reading Uncompromising along with the book's author, Hannah Farver. Join the conversation and check out what Hannah reveals from God's Word this week.
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Needy, Desperate, And Loving It

God wants us to come to Him clingy and needy. Yes, it does bring to mind that annoying OCD type who latches onto victims like a burr, but I want to be latched onto Christ obsessively, too.

Looking For Work? Ever Considered This Job?

Did you work a summer job this year? Are you looking for one now? I know this probably isn't what you had in mind, but did you know that GOD is looking for workers? Well . . . worshipers, actually!

The Lasting Impact Of Suicide

Your life is a gift from God, and you don't have the right to end it. What would you miss if you chose to die ... a wedding one day? Kids? Christmas mornings? Seeing your child go to kindergarten? Friends and family who love you?

An Important Perspective On Suicide

Suicide is a permanent decision based on what is likely a very temporary problem, and it leaves a path of destruction in the lives of those impacted that cannot be undone.

A Rare Beauty

In our world, people are constantly saying how you have to look and dress and act. They are constantly pressuring us to conform to what they say is beautiful. Tell me, who are they to say what is beautiful? Who are they to say what is worth more? God's creation is beautiful, and He doesn't make mistakes.

Awkward Situations

It's tough and sometimes a little awkward saving my body for one man's eyes alone. In fact, I had to face a tough situation recently when I was asked to be a bridesmaid in a longtime friend's wedding. How exciting was that? There was only one problem; her bridesmaids' dresses were strapless.

The Reason For Our Wimpiness

Is it possible that the battle you face today is a reminder that God is strong, you are not, and depending on Him is the only way to win the war?
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My Backyard Bible Club

I've shared before about my fear of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers. Well, I'd like to tell you what God's done since then!

You're A Wimp!

Here's the bad news. You can't handle it. You can't handle your circumstances. You can't handle your sin. You can't handle the challenges you face today or the challenges that lurk right around the corner.

At least not on your own.
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Should you get a tattoo or piercing?

The world increasingly says that we have the right to do anything to our bodies that makes us feel beautiful and accepted, including piercings and tattoos without limits. But what does God's Word say?
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Why do I wear what I wear?

Why do we want to wear clothes that barely cover our most sacred and intimate body parts? What is our goal in wearing such limited clothing? With an open mind and honest heart, let's answer a few questions before the summer days are over.
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Finding the Remarkable Within

God designed each of us as a remarkable woman. You may not feel remarkable right now, but it's important that you don't let your feelings define you.
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If Only I Could Be More Beautiful

My friend recently sent me an email admitting some of her struggles with beauty. She asked if I'd ever struggled too (uh . . . yeah!). I thought I'd share her questions and my answers with you in the hopes that it will encourage you and remind you of who and what your beautiful body is for!
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How to Share Your Testimony So That Others Think GOD is Awesome . . . Not You

You've been reading our testimonies all this week . . . now we'd love to hear yours. Here are a few tips to think about as you tell others what God has done in your life.

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Hannah's Story: A Story of Faith Maturing

Coming to know Jesus is just the beginning. From that point on, He teaches us. He takes us by the hand and shows us what it means to belong to Him. Because of sin, our minds and hearts are bent and twisted. Jesus saves us, then He works to break the bent parts and make them straight.

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Lindsey's Story: A Story of Letting Go

It was always very clear to me that Christianity was not simply one facet of life to be dutifully attended to but the whole orb that everything else was somehow linked to. Life was about Jesus for my parents—and so it was for me too, externally. I prayed, obeyed my parents, memorized Scripture, shared the gospel ... and did it all because I loved myself. I was spiritually dead, but I thought I was alive.

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Erin's Story: A Story of Freedom

A reader recently asked the blog team (Paula, Hannah, Lindsey, and I) to share our stories. Since the best stories are those that tell how God has worked in our lives, we decided we would each share our testimony. Here's mine.

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Born This Way: Basically good or bad to the core?

Understanding what's innate (present from birth) is a hot topic of debate. Are we born good or bad? Are we born with a sexual preference or is that determined later? Are our likes, dislikes, habits, and personality hardwired into our DNA or are they determined by our circumstances or experiences?

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Is this the summer of service?

I'm all for fun summers. But I think summer also offers a unique opportunity to do some serious ministry. A whole lot of free time offers a whole lot of opportunities to reach out to others and share the good news.

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My Extreme Makeover: Before and After

Don't you love those "before" and "after" pictures of women who have just had a makeover? The "before" picture is an ugly mug shot; the "after" picture is gorgeous enough for a model's portfolio! Today, I'd like to show you my "before Jesus" and "after Jesus" pictures, because He has truly changed everything about me.
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One Reader's Take on Real Beauty

It started weeks ago when I happened to see a makeup commercial. It wasn't the actual commercial that bothered me, but what the spokesperson said in the very beginning: "Inner beauty is important, but outward beauty is even MORE important."

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What To Do When the Compliments Don't Come

I don't mind confessing that when my praise tank doesn't get filled up, it leaves me feeling pretty bummed. So what can we do when the compliments don't come and our craving for affirmation remains? I've been searching for my own answers to those same questions lately, and here's what I've come up with.

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Goodbye, crutches!

When the Lord Jesus saved us, He gave us a new life, a fresh start. We are chosen, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven, but some days we forget who we are. We go back to crutches, allowing our sin to cripple us.
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Four Ways to Fight Insecurity

It's no fun to live with the burden of insecurity. What are some ways to keep it from dominating our lives?

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Should Christians use anti-depressants?

One recent study showed that around 10 percent of 13 to 17-year-olds have been prescribed antidepressants. That means that if our readers are a representative sample of American teenagers, one out of 10 of you have been given anti-depressants by your doctor. With thousands of you reading this site, that represents a significant number—which makes it worth asking, "Should Christians take antidepressants?"
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Are my emotions making me sick?

Have you ever considered that your chronic pain or headaches or exhaustion is just the leaves and that there is a root that needs to be yanked up? Or is it possible that the root is a lie that you've believed that is contrary to God's truth, and the fruit that lie is bearing in your life looks like feeling crummy?
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How many times has the Bible been through you?

I've been a Christian for eleven years, and I have to admit, I have not yet gotten through the whole Bible.
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The Shell Collector

It's hard to know people when you don't let them see you ... really see you. And it's hard to see others when you're busy trying to keep all hands and feet inside your shell at all times.
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Isn't modesty the guy's problem?

If you're a little like me—you don't understand why modesty matters, you don't know for sure if your clothing is modest or not, and you don't fully grasp why what you wear matters to the guys your around—consider this a wake-up call. After reading this post and watching the video, you will have to face the fact that what you wear matters and that immodesty is truly everyone's problem.
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No drama queens allowed!

You may think of meekness as a wimpy sort of thing, but meek women actually exhibit a powerful strength.
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Doin' things MY way!

As we're investigating the topic of modesty this month, it is important to realize that submission to authority plays a huge role in being a truly beautiful, modest woman.
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Being True to Yourself

Are you living "true" to your new Christ-nature, or are you denying who you really are by acting like your old self is still alive and kicking?
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Are you a chicken or an eagle?

Are we still sinners at the deepest part of who we are? Or does our new identity in Christ make us saints who continue to struggle with sin?
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The Overwhelming Thing

Common sense says proper sleep, exercise, eating right, and getting out in the sun for a while can get those endorphins pumping and brighten your day. But I'm learning that a great deal of my Bad Days can be traced to spiritual issues.
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Feeling funky?

Common sense says proper sleep, exercise, eating right, and getting out in the sun for a while can get those endorphins pumping and brighten your day. But I'm learning that a great deal of my Bad Days can be traced to spiritual issues.
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My Hormones Have Me in a Tailspin

I have all the telltale signs of a hormonal overload. My skin has betrayed me. There isn't enough chocolate in Hershey to satisfy my cravings. Worst of all, my emotions seem to have stamped their ticket for a rollercoaster ride where there are no exits.
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I Need to Vent

It's a widespread belief that every once in a while we all need to blow off steam and that holding anger in is dangerous. But researchers have actually discovered that venting is not an effective way of controlling your anger.
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Eight More Ways to Change in 2011

Earlier this week I challenged you to take 13 specific actions toward living out God's truth this year. Here are eight more steps you can take in 2011 to allow God's truth to change how you live. 

Will You Resolve to Choose Truth in 2011?

Yesterday, I challenged you to resolve to put God's truth into action in 2011. I gave you five action steps based on the truths Nancy and Dannah write about in “Lies Young Women Believe.”

Here are eight more ways you can live out God's truth in 2011. 

Twenty-One Resolutions for 2011

There's nothing wrong with making the choice to be healthier or try new things at the start of a new year. But this year I'm feeling motivated to make changes that truly matter. I want the same for you. 
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God, what are You doing?

Whatever your tough circumstance, would you grab a pen and paper (or just type below), and ask God what He's doing through your tough circumstance?

The Truth About Insecurity

It's easy to acknowledge that a girl who flaunts her drop-dead-gorgeous looks has a problem in the area of pride, but am I really saying that a girl who thinks she's completely unattractive and untalented may struggle with the very same issue?

Me and Mr. Kitty

Today I thought I'd tell you about my cat . . . and the valuable lessons Mr. Kitty's teaching me.

Drag Your Struggle Into the Light

I believe that a critical step in everyone's path to freedom is telling someone about whatever might bind you.

Don't Live Under Any Label

If you're struggling with same-sex attraction, don't let anyone slap a label on you.

What does God think about cosmetic surgery? Part 2

Is cosmetic surgery ever okay? Maybe you need to change your heart before changing your face.
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What does God think about cosmetic surgery? A conversation with Dannah & Erin.

What does God think about cosmetic surgery? Dannah and Erin take a look at what Scripture has to say—and challenge us to ask ourselves some hard questions before we do anything!
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Where My Ministry Counts the Most

Since I often write about ministry trips here on the blog, I can see how you might get the impression that traveling and speaking and writing books is the best gig I have going. But the reality is, my most important ministry happens at home.
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Naming Our Exes

As the adopted daughters of the King of Kings we need to have some exes in our lives.
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My True Woman Story

Twenty-one-year-old Erin wasn't bad. She knew the Lord and was doing her best to serve Him. But she had no understanding of her unique design as a woman.
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Change Your Status

How would your life change if you fully understood the truth about who God says you are?
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Poker Face

What about the root of insecurity and perfectionism? We may know it's wrong in theory, but how do we get rid of the heart of insecurity?
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Do-over!

A new school year offers more than an opportunity to stock up on shiny new school supplies—it's a chance to create a brand-new you.

Is your reward gonna last?

I worked stinking hard for these awards! But, ten years later, they mean absolutely nothing to me.
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From the Archives: But why can't I look like her?

We do feel the need to compare, don't we? Often that comparison leaves us feeling like we don't measure up. When we start to use others as our standard for beauty and worth, the results are often disastrous.

My Rooster Just Crowed

I want to be more like Peter. I want to be bold for Jesus. I don't want to hear another rooster crow and feel the regret of sticking to what's comfortable.
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I'm Uncomfortable

If I want God to use me, I'm going to have to let Him squeeze me, stretch me, and mold me in ways I may not like.
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Not Good Enough

Do you actively compare yourself to others? Do you ever feel like your day is just a 12-hourlong scramble for perfection in which you always, always fail? Answering "yes" to any of those questions is a miserable place to be. It's not healthy, right, or fun to live constantly burdened to do better in your own strength.
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Hope For Those Who Cut

God never intendedfor you to take out your stress on yourself. His Word is rich with promises ofhope and practical guidance for how to cope with the pressures of life.
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Do I have a gentle and quiet spirit?

Have you ever asked yourself, Do I have a gentle and quiet spirit? Here's the scoop about what it means to possess that kind of a spirit.
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Do we always have to be happy?

Sometimes we get the message that because we have tremendous hope in Christ, we should never allow ourselves to feel emotions like sadness, anger, fear, or even depression. But this isn't what the Bible teaches.
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Part 2: A "Gentle and Quiet Spirit" Exhibit

Yesterday I asked you to vote on whether Sammy or Melanie won the award for a "gentle and quiet spirit." Are you ready for my vote?
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A "Gentle and Quiet Spirit" Exhibit

Meet Sammy and Melanie, two very different girls. Which one do you think has a gentle and quiet spirit? 
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Make-Up Free Week

There's nothing wrong with make-up, but sometimes make-up becomes a mask. It makes us feel beautiful. We worry about what others would think if they saw us au natural. When that's the case, we've clearly lost sight of the source of true beauty.

Boredom Busters

Summer vacation is great for hanging out with friends, catching up on sleep, and checking out some great summer flicks, but as the weeks pass all of that free time can lead to trouble.

From the Archives: Who Do You Work For?

One of your comments especially caught my eye: "I want to have a job, a job that makes me look good."

I understand. Really, I do. But do you know that there’s something vastly better to seek after than your own attention, fulfillment, and affirmation? 

What Do Others Expect of You?

Do you ever feel like people expect you to act a certain way, excel in a specific area or perform well at a set task? If so, you’re not alone. A whopping 95% of the girls we interviewed for “Lies Young Women Believe” told us that they struggle with tying their worth to the expectations of others. (I wonder if the remaining 5% didn’t admit their feelings because they were worried about how we expected them to respond.)
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The Truth About Body Image

Yesterday, I wrote about the fact that most young women have a distorted perception of what their bodies look like. This flawed body image can have disastrous consequences on our choices and relationships. Together, let’s examine three key truths about body image as part of our journey to unleash God’s Truth in this area of our lives.
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The Trouble With Body Image

As if getting us to obsess over our bodies just the way they are isn’t destructive enough, Satan often distorts our perception to the point that our body image becomes a misrepresentation of the truth. Does he ever whisper in your ear that you are the only woman in the world who struggles with body image? Do you let him convince you that you are bigger than you really are? 
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Ending the Cycle of Self-criticism

Most girls wrestle with self-criticism. We tend to be our own worst enemies and harshest critics. But dwelling on negative thoughts about ourselves puts us on a dangerous path. When we fail to see our own value and when we subject ourselves to a constant bombardment of negative thoughts and criticisms, it willimpact our choices and relationships
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No Such Thing as Procrastination

We all have noble intentions of reforming our ways-- it's just that our efforts tend to crumble quickly. (Producing discouragement, then more failure, then hopelessness, then more failure... it doesn't seem to end.) How can we change when all our previous attempts have only landed us flat on our faces?
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The Sin of Wasted Time

Confessing to habits of “procrastination” and “bad time management” is common enough. In those terms, it can almost sound like a mild (and sometimes even amusing) fault. But there’s nothing funny about sin.
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From the Archives: But Why Can't I Look Like Her

The irresistible need to compare seems to be a part of our fabric as women. In fact, most girls are masters at the art of comparison. And while it's true that we all compare, most of us have noticed that it leaves us feeling unsatisfied...or worse. Often times, our comparisons leave us deeply wounded. Playing the comparison game is a dangerous trap.
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It's Harder For Me to Dress Modestly Because...

Today’s styles do make it harder on those of us who are a little curvier, but with a few tips you can not only pursue modesty, but look a few pounds lighter, too!
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Yes, I’m Small…But I Know His Name

Pride is the sin that is said to be “pregnant with all other sins.” In small doses, it can still be deadly; leading us to envy, to covet, and even to hate.
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The Spoiled Birthday Brat Syndrome

I look forward to my birthday the way most girls look forward to their wedding day. I count down the days . . . all year long. Call me psycho, OCD, or just plain weird, but on the eleventh of each month, I think with delight, “I’m __ years and ___ months old today!” 

Girls Gone Wise

Don't you just love it when a familiar topic is spoken about in a new way, with new depth?
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Drama: Are you addicted?

As a culture, we can't get enough of celebrity gossip and drama. It's the stuff TMZ dreams and YouTube viral videos are made of. And I'll admit I'm one of those gals who loves a juicy story and can't stop Googling the names of the latest drama-entrenched stars. But I'm beginning to see that my drama addiction is taking a toll.


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A Different Kind of Best-Dressed List

I love watching the Oscars to see the beautiful stars adorned in fabulous gowns made by the world's top designers. And I'd love to have an occasion where I’d need a fancy dress, sparkling jewelry, and a beautiful up-do. But God asks us to consider a different kind of clothing.

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Does it matter what I eat?

As I sat down to spend some time with the Lord this afternoon, my food choices suddenly caught up with me. And that got me thinking about the connection between the way I treat my body and my ability to let God work in my heart.

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The Dark Night of the Soul

Have you walked through a period of depression so heavy that you struggle to believe that you'll ever be truly, sincerely happy again? What are we supposed to do in those times? While there isn't a button that we can push to make God automatically feel close by, there are some efforts we can make to ensure that time "in the dark" isn't wasted.

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Happiness vs. Holiness

The Bible doesn't say be happy because I am happy. It doesn't say be comfortable because I am comfortable. Instead, God's Word encourages us to seek holiness because of Christ's example.

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Does God want you to be happy?

I've heard the argument "God wants me to be happy" made often through the years. I've heard Christians defend all kinds of decisions based on the belief that God wants them to be happy. But the truth is I'm not sure that He does.

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The Spiritual Side of Sleep

When we face difficult circumstances, when we feel like the whole world is against us, or when we've lost the desire to go on, sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is get some sleep. 

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Two Views of Motherhood

In spite of massive amounts of Hallmark cards purchased yearly on Mother's Day, it's a cultural taboo if you want to be "a mom" when you grow up—unless you also "do something with your life" in the corporate world first and continue to get on with your career afterward. 

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Checking in with the 30-Day-Challengers

In January, I challenged you to read the Bible every day for 30 days. It's been 29 days since that original post, and I wanted to take the time to see how you're doing.

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Whose time is it anyway?

Scripture tells us that everything that's ever been made was made through Jesus. The psalmist reminds us that everything is the Lord's. That includes us—we are His; our lives are His; every second of every minute of every day belongs to Him.

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Ministering When It's Inconvenient

If we look closely at Jesus' life, we find an interesting pattern. We know that Jesus spent His time on earth serving others. But have you ever considered how often He ministered when it was inconvenient?

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Who's number one?

The world loves to teach that in order to be the greatest, you have to be the best. But Jesus didn't teach us to put all of our effort toward being number one. 

Too young to serve?

God uses the willing to accomplish His work at all ages. If we take our cues from His Word, it seems that youth is the perfect time to do something great for His glory.

Do you want to be free?

I think it's possible that some of you are like me. You know God's truth. You understand that He created you on purpose and for a purpose. You even realize that the world's beauty standards are a sham. But for some reason you've not yet chosen to abandon beauty lies and believe God's truth.

The High Cost of Beauty Lies

Believing lies in the area of your beauty and worth won't likely cost you your life, but it does come at a cost.

Practical Helps for Bible-Reading, Part 2

We can read the Bible every day of our lives, but if we're just processing the letters into words, it won't make any difference. We need to adopt a new method of reading.

Practical Helps for Bible-Reading

How can we shift habits from neglecting the Bible to immersing ourselves in it? Here are a few pointers that I've been learning and benefitting from.

Will you start a Lies Young Women Believe Bible study? Winners Announced!

I want to push you out of your comfort zone this year by asking you to launch a Lies Young Women Believe Bible study in your community. I want you to take the truth that God has been teaching you and pass it on to other young women in your circle of influence.

Spending Like a Macedonian

Buying a latte or another book seems to be no big deal—until I consider how else it could be spent. 

Eight Ways to Change in 2010

How will you live out God's truth in 2010? Here are eight more steps you can take to allow God's truth to change how you live.

What's your New Year's resolution?

Yesterday, I challenged you to resolve to put God's truth into action in 2010. I gave you five action steps based on the truths Nancy and Dannah write about in Lies Young Women Believe. Here are eight more ways you can live out God's truth in 2010. 

Twenty-one resolutions for 2010

There's a difference between knowing God's truth and fully embracing it. I can't imagine the ways your lives would change if you chose to believe all God says about you and your life in His Word and allowed that truth to change the way you live.

My New Fashion Obsession

I still want to look beautiful, don't get me wrong. And I still try to wear stylish clothes. But my motivation—my obsession—has dramatically changed.

Summer camp or fashion show?

Even as I sang about how great and beautiful my God was, I was filled with insecurity and jealousy. This midwestern girl was doing everything she could to compete with the California beauties for the attention of her Christian brothers.

Who's really on the throne?

So often, we live in a way that screams "it's all about me." The reality is, we're not the ones on the throne. 

What's your favorite verse?

When you are battling lies, you need to get practical. Look for specific verses in God's Word that counter those lies. Then saturate your life with God's truth.

Where do you need freedom?

In what areas of your life do you need freedom? Are you stuck wrestling with hopelessness or depression? Are there areas of your life that you can't stop thinking about, such as boys, food, or your appearance? Do your emotions feel out of control? These are the symptoms of bondage, and they are all rooted in lies that are contrary to God's truth. 

Freedom from what?

Do you need to be reminded of your freedom? Are you living like a slave, tied to old habits, old sins, and old ways of thinking when Jesus has purchased your freedom?

Yada, yada, yada!

"Yada, yada, yada!" You can hardly read that without snickering, can you? Seinfeld has made it a well-known cliché. If you're like me, you translate it, "Blah, blah, blah!" But trust me. This word anything but boring.

Are you using your sword?

God's Word is the sword we must use to defend ourselves against the lies told by the world and by the evil one. It is also the shovel we must use to uproot lies once they have taken root in our hearts. We cannot live lives committed to God's truth without loving and reading God's Word.

A Surprising Beauty Regimen

What are some of your favorite beauty regimens?

Painting your nails? 
Shaving your legs? 
Coloring your hair? 
Getting a massage? 
How about choosing—and overflowing—with gratitude? 

Are you a target?

Scripture gives us plenty of evidence that when it comes to lies, Satan has you in his sights.

Who's lying to you?

If you're going to dig up the lies in your own life, you need to know who's lying to you. Otherwise you'll waste your time and energy and efforts fighting the wrong enemies.

Two Truths and a Lie

I've realized that the process of deciphering lies from truth is a difficult one. We rarely fall for something that we know is a lie. Instead, we are deceived.

Are your clothes loud?

Does what you wear speak as loudly about who you are?
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Just Be You

Changing who you are to fit with who you're with may not feel like hypocrisy. But trust me, it's a nasty habit that can have serious consequences. 

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Does Your Closet Match Your Message?

For many of us girls, when it comes to modesty we fail to consistently walk the talk. And we often lose sight of the truth that the heart of this issue is about pleasing God rather than protecting ourselves or others. 
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Modesty & Back-to-School Shopping

The problem with immodesty isn't just about causing our Christian brothers to stumble; it's also about our craving for the emotional rush we receive when we know we're being noticed.
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Bald Women

The women of Zion had gotten pretty wrapped up in their outer beauty, and it showed.
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Your Body is a Temple

Doesn't God's perspective on your body, beauty, and worth free you to focus more on the things that matter and less on the things that, well, don't?
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You Are More Than Your Body Alone

It's great to take care of what God has given you, as long as you realize that the body is not all there is. 
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Three Truths About the Body

Through studying what God's Word says about my body and my beauty, I discovered three truths about the body that led me to see myself in a whole new light.
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The Proof is in the Pudding

Have God's truths about your beauty and worth changed the way that you behave and relate to others?
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God's View of Beauty

What does inner beauty look like exactly? I want to know what you think . . .
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Do You Have a Pretty Heart?

Do you have a pretty heart? Is it full of love for others and passion for the things of God or is your heart preoccupied with worldly beauty and the affirmation of man?
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Free Beauty Book -- Winners Announced!

Your comments on the blog these past several days show that you're looking for a way to be Truth speakers to your friends in the area of beauty. Here's a giveaway (and some ideas) to encourage you to do that!

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Do You Have a Spiritual Eating Disorder?

Sometimes we develop spiritual eating disorders. We binge and purge on Jesus or fast from Him altogether, and our souls quickly become malnourished.

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What's Your "It"?

We agree that God did well when He created sunsets and zebras and ocean waves, but we secretly suspect that when He made our eye flaps or freckles or hair or shape or size He simply goofed. But this is contrary to God's Word.

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Who's the Bad Guy?

Could it be that the source of our struggles with beauty have nothing to do with the reality of our appearance? If truly beautiful women don’t feel comfortable in their own skin, is it possible that the root of this issue is internal?
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Don't Blame Barbie

If culture is really to blame for the frustration we feel with our own beauty, the solution to the problem seems simple. We just turn of the television, cancel our magazine subscriptions, close our eyes every time we pass a billboard, and throw Barbie in the trash. Then we'd never struggle with beauty again, right?
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Bandaging the Burns

Maybe you've been playing with fire. You know that this is an area of your life that needs dramatic change. Now what? 
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Playing With Fire

We hesitated to address this difficult subject in such a public forum, but your questions and comments kept coming. So we decided to respond, using God's Word as the standard of Truth.
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Take Our Ten-Day Challenge

Are you ready to take the challenge? Spend the next ten days digging into God's Word for the Truth about how He designed you to function. 


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Are You a Radical Woman?

What's the life of a radical young woman look like? Check out what author Carolyn McCulley has to say,


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What is Feminism?

What is feminism? Was it just a movement of hippies fighting for a woman's right to work several decades ago?
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The Impact of Feminism

What do you think? Has the impact of feminism been largely positive or negative? 
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Singled Out for Him

Today we're going to continue our conversation from yesterday, exploring five more commitments about being single.
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Serving Him Single

What does God's plan for women look like when there isn't a husband to help, a home to use for serving others, and children to raise?
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Can You Live Out Proverbs 31 Right Now?

Even if you're not married or have kids, can you still be like the Proverbs 31 woman? You betcha! Today, we'll talk about how, plus I'm challenging you to come up with your own ideas.
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Does God's Word Allow Women to Work?

Is it OK for women to work outside the home? Even among Christian women, you'll get a variety of answers to that question. That's why today, we'll look at God's Word for our standard, particularly the life of one woman who has a lot to teach us on the subject.
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Why Were Women Created Anyway?

So why did God create women, anyway? Today, we'll look at a consistent source of Truth for the answer (God's Word), plus talk about how to practically apply that to everyday life.
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Expressing Your Uniqueness

Today, let's consider how we express our femininity in more substantive ways than time spent in malls, dressing up for dates, collecting hundreds of lipstick colors, or the love of “Southern Living” décor.
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Fearless Femininity

What are you afraid of when it comes to living out your feminine design and calling?
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Does God really care what Miss California and you and I wear?

What do you think? Does God really care what we as women wear? I mean, I know He’s passionate about our holiness, but does that seriously have implications on our wardrobe?  
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Lexi's Prom Dress Pointers

Lexi offers her tips for looking modest and fabulous at prom.
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What's your "it"?

One of the Lies in LYWB is about performance. Sometimes we get really addicted to what we “do.” We love it. And we think it is what makes us “all that”...and we feel insignificant without it. Doesn’t’ matter what “it” is. Swimming. Singing. Getting A’s. God doesn’t mind that we love it or excel. He probably enjoys watching our pleasure. But I think that sometimes we have to lay it down.
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The ugly side of girlhood: when hormones and emotions collide

Does God's Word have anything to say about our hormones?
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A Challenge to Act Out Against Performance Lies

Ninety percent of the girls we surveyed for LYWB said they are or have been plagued by the lie that they have to perform to be loved and accepted. Some of them felt that their value was tied to their ability to be star athletes or students. Others were striving to earn the approval of their pastors or youth pastors by being super-Christians, involved in too many church activities. Many, many of the young women we talked to admitted that they felt the need to be good enough to earn God’s favor. Believing this lie left them feeling exhausted and like they were constantly falling short.   

God’s Word douses this lie with a serious dose of Truth! Listen to Ephesians 1:3-5. “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”

According to these verses, when did God’s love for us begin? That’s right! He loved us before the foundations of the world were set. Before we were born. Before we could even breathe in and out, much less do great things for Him. His love for you is not based on your ability to perform.


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The Lasting Impact of Abortion—an Interview with Kelly Roy

Revive Our Hearts recently featured a series on abortion. Kelly Roy was one of three individuals interviewed by Nancy Leigh DeMoss as part of that series. I thought Kelly’s story was especially compelling because she is a Christian who was raised in a Christian home and yet when faced with an unplanned pregnancy at the age of 20, she decided to have an abortion.

Kelly’s story may not be as unique as you’d think. Researchers estimate that as many as 1 in 5 women who have an abortion are Christians. I see this as an important point of conversation for us here on the blog. I asked Kelly for an in-depth interview. Her honest answers are a powerful reminder of the gravity of this issue. Take a look.
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It's All About Me

I saw an interesting bumper sticker this week. It said simply, “It’s all about me!” I thought to myself, “Really? That’s the one statement you want to make to the world?” Of all the things that person could have taken a stand for by their bumper sticker choice, political endorsements, a love for a certain cause, etc., they chose to announce their selfishness? I rolled my eyes and kept on driving.

But as I drove I began to feel the gentle tug of the Holy Spirit on my heart. And while I don’t have the bumper sticker to prove it, I was faced with the fact that all to often, I too live like it’s all about me.



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What Can We Learn From the World’s Largest Pumpkin?

If you’re anything like me, these kinds of records fascinate you. In fact, most of us are drawn to the idea of doing something spectacular, even if it’s as silly as choreographing the world’s largest coke fountain.

But, this idea that performance equals value can easily trip us up. It’s true that the people who are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records have accomplished something extraordinary. But does that mean that they have more value than those of us who haven’t been a part of a giant human peace sign or sat in a tub filled with rattlesnakes?

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My thoughts on your beauty

Several of you have recently commented about your struggle to feel beautiful. This is a common area of heartbreak for young women. In fact, the challenge to embrace my own beauty and worth has been one of the most intense struggles of my life and I know that I am not alone. I have personally witnessed the turmoil that many of you experience in this area and I know how widespread those feelings are among your generation.
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Truth or Bare Fashion Tests

Modesty has become a hot topic here on the blog. In fact, almost 150 of you have left comments on our previous posts about the subject (if you haven’t read them yet, check out our archives).

Most of you seem to “get” why dressing modestly matters. In fact, I have been blown away by the number of you who are willing to buck the culture by taking a stand in this area. But one trip down the swimsuit aisle is enough to remind me that finding clothes that are both fashionable and modest can seem like mission impossible.
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Are Beautiful Girls Really Worth More?

I recently saw a news story about a website that is gaining popularity at an incredible rate. In fact, the site snagged one million new members last month alone. I won’t share the web address, because it’s not a site I want to encourage you to visit (if you’re anything like me, you’d be googleing it as soon as you read it, just to satisfy your curiosity). But, I do think that it’s worth mentioning the site’s premise.

The website is designed as a place where users can play a virtual fashion game. The ultimate goal is to “become the hottest, coolest most intelligent and talented [girl] the world has ever known.” Sounds easy enough right?
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But Why Can't I Look Like Her? A Look at Our Need to Compare

I bet you’ve played a version of the comparison game. Maybe you are constantly judging whether or not other girls are smarter than you, or more popular or more athletic. Maybe you find yourself in constant competition with an older sibling or the flawless celebrities that grace every magazine cover. Maybe you’re always on the lookout to see who is taller or shorter, better or worse dressed or more or less talented than you. The irresistible need to compare seems to be a part of our fabric as women.
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