Tuesday, November 30, 2010

New Hair for a New (Looking) You!~ A Beauty Article by Madeline Hunt

Changing your hair routine is not hard but can take a little extra work. A new hairstyle can brighten any outfit, while having the same one everyday is boring.  Taking good care of your hair is a must since healthy hair is the foundation for every hairstyle.

 Unless you have really oily hair, don’t wash your hair every day. If you are a curly girly like me my stylist recommends washing only once to twice a week. For you curly girls who are thinking Yuck! My hair would be so gross if I only washed it once or twice a week. Believe me I was skeptical at first but my hair looks a lot better, and I still shower and rinse my hair everyday so my products to get washed out on a daily basis.
  
There are many simple hairstyles you can try to change up your look. Here are some ideas you could try.

Braids


  • Try a mini braid starting at your part. ( French looks best but normal braid work as well)
  • Try a French braid in the back or one on the side. If you don’t know how to French braid, look up videos on you tube on how to french braid. 
  • Loose low pigtail braids are really cute and simple.
 This picture is an example of a type of french braid you can do. This one is a long, loose french braid.








Ponytails

  • Curly ponys are super cute! If you don’t have naturally curly hair, curl your hair after you put it up
  • Try a half up pony. This style looks good with all hair types, though it is easier to do with straight hair

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Buns
  • A loose messy bun on the middle of the back of your head is so cute and perfect for when you’re having a not so good hair day. If you can’t get it to stay with just bobby pins try putting it up when your hair is slightly damp.
  • A polished low side bun is a great style for going out.


Tips and Tricks

  • Try headbands, bows and clips to add extra flair to your style.
  • Just before you get out of the shower rinse your hair with cold water- this makes it shiny.
  • Use serum to smooth frizz and create a polished look. (This can be purchased at your local drugstore)
  • Don’t straighten, curl, or blow-dry your hair every day if you can help it.
  • Have fun creating a fabulously, fun new look!
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Monday, November 29, 2010

Nikita~ A TV Show Review by Kari Willinger

Nikita is a new TV series that aired on September 9, 2010 which is directed by Danny Cannon. The series revolves around Nikita, an assassin, played by the fierce Maggie Q. Nikita is a rogue assassin working towards bringing down the secret government agency known as, Division. Division is an agency that takes teens with a troubled background, erases everything from their past lives and turns them into assassins.
 
During the season you find out that Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca) is really working for Nikita as a mole in Division, to bring it down from the inside. You find out the backgrounds of the characters and the trials facing them. Seeing all of the obstacles Nikita has to face in order to bring Division down. So far, this series is very promising. Very enjoyable and with lots of action. A great story full of problems so you can forget about your own.
 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Permanent Curls and Some Crazy Caramel Apples That You WONT Wanna Miss! ~ A Fun Article by Emily Ciszewski

In Mid-October, I received a perm from my mom and her friend Ann. It was one of the worst experiences ever! Nothing could have prepared me for the horrid smell that came from the "solution" they were drenching my head of curlers with! You know the smell you get a whiff of when you walk into a salon? The slight eggy smell? Well - imagine that 200 times worse! Ugh! And having to breathe that stuff? Putting a rag over your mouth and nose isn't very helpful. How are you supposed to breathe at all?!?
But I guess, in the end, with this awesome '80's style 'do - it was worth it! I mean, I'm a girl with slick straight hair, but I love poof! Here's the out come!   


And hey, it may not be in style now but how long has straight hair been in now? I just saying, I'm a little ahead in the fashion fads! 




 







And while we're talking about crazy stuff, I thought of this recipe. So if you are totally into doing crazy bizarre things here goes! Try it out! 

Crazy Fall Caramel Apples
2 to 4 Honey Crisp Apples (or any crunchy sour apple)
20 to 30 wrapped caramels (or caramel apple kit caramel)
1/2 cup crushed peanuts (or your favorite nut)
1 cup melted chocolate
4 small snack size Snicker bars
(For those of you who are REALLY brave) 1 cup white melted chocolate
4 or 5 table spoons of milk
Fall sprinkles
2 or 4 sticks (the kind you use, you can usually find then in the produce section at your local grocery)

1) Empty the caramel into a small sauce pan with the milk and cook till melted and gooey. 
2) Take your apples and stick in the wooden sticks, then carefully coat the apples with the caramel. 
3) Coat the the caramel with the crushed nuts.
4) Melt your chocolate with some shortening or cooking oil and stir. 
5) While the chocolate is melting, put the Snickers in a food grinder or in a plastic bag and pound it with a rolling pin.
6) Coat the apples with the chocolate then with the Snickers. 
7) Put them in the freezer for awhile on waxed paper
8) Melt your white chocolate with shortening (If you dare!)
9) Remove the apples from your freezer and coat them with the white chocolate. 
10) With the air of an experienced apple coater, sprinkle on your fall sprinkles. 
 11) 'Voila!' Stick those fattening babies in the fridge for a few hours and then wrap them up for some friends or pig out with your fam! 

And by the way, I have no way of telling you how MANY MANY calories are in these things! So, hey, for you girls on diets - make 'em for your friends! :)

 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving from LAT!

Hello Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! God has been so good to us hasn't He? He has blessed us all way more than we deserve!


I asked the LAT staff these 3 questions...


1) What are some things you are thankful for this year?
2) What are some of your family traditions?
3) What do you think Thanksgiving is for?
Here are their answers :)





I am very thankful for my wonderful staff, being able to hear and feel God close to me, and Coconut Coffee Creamer! Without any of these, I would not survive, seriously, I live off that creamer!
I don't really have any 'family' traditions, but I have a tradition only I do. Every year, I try to outdo the number of pieces of pie I ate on Thanksgiving! Last year I ate 8 pieces, this year I'm shooting for 10! ;D
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what God has blessed you with and how you can be a blessing to others :)
Haylie



Happy Thanksgiving Girls,
This year I am definitely thankful for many things. I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I am thankful for a safe country to live in with soldiers who defend our freedom and of course I am very thankful for Jesus who saved me! That is definitely something to be VERY thankful for. In our family we don't have definite traditions other than going to my Nana's house for turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. I believe that Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for everything we have. Actually, we can even be thankful for the challenges we face because they help shape us into the people we are.God Bless,Renee
 This year I am thankful for God's love and for Him getting me through a pretty tough year in my life, great friends who've stuck with me through everything, mercy, forgiveness, and family. Oh! And my cat Gracie, with out her I would not have warm feet at night! (I love my sleeping buddy!!)
 My family doesn't really have any traditions; Thanksgiving is pretty much a stay at home with family and eats until you explode for us!
I believe that Thanksgiving is a time for looking back on the year and seeing what really mattered most. A time to really see how far you've come, or how much God has changed you or done for you.

Haley


 
Hello and happy autumn! (That's such a cool word, I love it!)

 Let's see, I'm thankful for my boyfriend, my wonderful family, my writing, my iPod and cookie dough. I couldn't live without music and cookie dough is one of the simple pleasures of life.
 My family usually has friends over for Thanksgiving dinner. We always have turkey and cranberry sauce, and the rest of a traditional thanksgiving meal. Other than that, it's an ordinary day.
 I think Thanksgiving is for families and friends to get together and enjoy the company. It's also a great day to eat until you explode!!!





Rachel A


 

 I am thankful for friends that love me, good books, and music. I am also thankful that for chocolate. These things get me through most days :)
 We usually go to our very good friend’s house for Thanksgiving dinner and the mom is a wonderful cook. I usually bake a pecan pie to take, along with bringing vanilla ice cream to have with it. Yummy!
 I think Thanksgiving is a time when we remind ourselves that we do indeed have a lot to be thankful for. We remember that Jesus provides for us, and remember to give Him the thanks, praise and glory he deserves. Also Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving! Not Turkey Day! It's a day to give thanks and honor God, not honor a turkey. Turkey is good, but not that good.

Michelle




I am so blessed by the 'servings' of things that I 'take' every day that keep me grounded:
- a serving of chocolate that helps me to smile :)
- a serving of 'portable sounds to take me higher' (tobyMac) and all the great Christian music that lifts me up -- Beckah Shae, Nichole Nordeman, Britt Nicole, Casting Crowns, Group 1 Crew, and tobyMac to name a few :)
- a serving of laughter and love from my family and friends, mostly crazy but fun :)
- a serving of God-confidence -- still working on that one :)
- a serving of Summer -- this summer was a time for bonding with my great camp friends who I miss like crazy, and it brought me closer to God :)
- a serving of school work (grrrr, but I'm learning and it's really interesting :)
- a serving of God time -- trust me, waking up a bit earlier in the morning is worth it if it means you have more time to spend with God. Anyway, He is my Refuge (love that word) and He keeps me grounded :)

Family Traditions:
I eat dinner with my family every year... so much fun, even though I usually eat enough to last for the whole year -- that's a slight exaggeration ;)
Also, my cousin started a journal a few years ago and so on each big holiday (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.) we pass around the journal and write about where we're at this year and what we enjoyed about this celebration. It's also cool to look back on all the visiting family members and remembering the good times we had while they visited. GREAT tradition (if I do say so myself). Looking back on all the memories is wonderful.

Insights:
Thanksgiving is a great time for me to count my blessings. I tend to make mountains out of molehills, so focusing on my blessings and the ways God is working in my life just invigorates me and gives me lots of joy and confidence. Thanksgiving is also an awesome time to spend with my family. I love being around my crazy, wonderful family -- who happen to be very good cooks, also :)


Nadia






Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Three Turkey Crafts for Thanksgiving~ By Heather Young

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! You have most likely traced your hand to draw a turkey for Thanksgiving.  This craft goes back to those little fun times, only with a new twist.  You can create various types of turkeys, but in this article, I am only including how-to steps on three.

Drawn Turkey:
 
For this craft, you will need:

Pencil
White paper
Hand
Something to color it with if you wish (colored pencils, crayons, paints, etc…)

1. Just as you probably did when you were little, you can trace your hand with a pencil onto the paper.  Place your hand flat fingers spread out) onto the paper and trace around it.
2.Add a beak, eye, legs, and whatever other accessories you wish to adorn your turkey with.
3. Now comes the hard part, or really, the easy part. Think of at least four things you are thankful for.  I say four because that is how many wings your turkey most likely has. Think of how God has blessed you. I know, it’s hard to choose four! In the turkey’s wings, write them down.
4. You may want to color the turkey to make it more pretty and realistic.




Cut-out Turkey:
 
For this craft, you will need:

Pencil
Paper (brown construction paper is recommended)
Fall colors of construction paper (red, orange, yellow, etc…)
Hand
Scissors
Glue

1. Place your hand flat (fingers spread out) on the brown construction paper and trace around it with the pencil.
2. Cut out the outline you just drew.
3. Trace around at least one of the fingers (wings) onto each of the different colors of construction paper.
4. Cut out the fingers (wings) you just drew on the fall colors of construction paper.  You may also want to cut out a beak and legs.
5. Glue the various colors onto the different wings.  Likewise, glue the beak and legs on.  The turkey also needs an eye drawn in.
6. Inside the wings, write out at least four things you are thankful for, as explained in the craft above.





Last but not least, the Apple Turkey:

For this craft, you will need:

Apple (any kind will do, although red apples resemble actual turkey color more than say green)
Toothpicks
Popsicle sticks (colored recommended)
Soft treats (marshmallows, raisins, gumdrops, etc…)
Paper towel or plate
Googly eyes and glue (suggested)
1 candy corn (suggested)
Sharpie®

1. Using the Sharpie®, write out things you are thankful for on the Popsicle sticks.
2. Take the stem out of the apple and place the apple sideways on the paper towel or plate.
3. Stick the toothpicks and Popsicle sticks into the apple, so that they look somewhat like wings.  Also, be sure to stick a Popsicle stick into where the stem of the apple was; this will be the neck and head of the “apple turkey.”
4. Glue the googly eyes onto the head of the turkey, one on each side.  Or, if you’d rather, you can just draw eyes with the Sharpie®.  Also, stick the candy corn onto the end of the Popsicle stick head for the beak.
5. Skewer the soft treats onto the toothpicks.  This will make for a sweet treat with the apple.
6. Don’t forget to stick two toothpicks into the bottom of the apple for the legs of the turkey!

Note for Apple Turkey: You can complete these steps pretty much in any order just as long as you write on the Popsicle sticks before you stick them into the apple.

These crafts can be fun little things to do for Thanksgiving. Even little crafts like these can help us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Giving thanks. Not just to God, but to the people around you. For the little moments in life that keep us going. For our blessings.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Turning Into the Positive~ A Spiritual Article by Abby Massung

Ok, I realize now as I look at the title that it looks like I might be preparing to tell teach you how to meditate and tune into positive energy or something, but let me assure, that’s not my goal here. At least, that’s not exactly my plan….

  Music has always had a huge affect on me for as long as I can remember. Before, my one last link to God and sanity used to be through the music I listened to. I could destroy myself all I wanted, but I could never bring myself to turn from that one link that told me that somehow, I’d be alright. The promise that I was going to make it through every one of my parents’ fights and everything I face. The belief that God was still there and cared about messed-up me. Then, though I still don’t know just how it happened, I stopped listening to that music, turned to secular music, and fell into the darkest time of my entire life. I had severed my link to God, and closed out the one thing I had never before omitted from my life. 

  Now, don’t get me wrong, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, 3 Doors Down, and Lifehouse are usually all pretty good for the most part. What these artists are frequently missing though, is the hopeful note that points towards Christ and His mercy; something that I desperately have been in need of since I stopped listening to most Christian music. So, finally, realizing how dark and hopeless my life has become, I’ve begun taking a pretty serious look at the music I’m listening to and have, consequently, been mirroring the mood of.
 
 
 
Making a Change…
 
  A couple of weeks ago, I went through my computer’s and began deleting songs that my conscience had already been telling me over and over that I shouldn’t be listening to. As a result, I had to give up some of my favorite songs by Adam Lambert, Ashley Tisdale, and other artists. I don’t even really miss those songs much anymore since I have a great deal other awesome music to listen to, but it was surprisingly extremely difficult to delete those songs from my computer and iPod. To be honest, I’m still working on removing some artists from my life. For instance, even though I know how badly Three Days Grace affects my mood and general attitude, some days I like nothing more than to simply fade into that “hate the world and everyone in it mood” that seems to fill almost every single song. So I definitely need to still work on that elimination process.
 
  After cleaning out my ipod and computer, I started really thinking about the music I was tuning into on 102.5 The Hit Music Channel on my radio. Sure, I have a soft spot for “DJ Got Us Falling in Love Again” and though I haven’t closely examined the lyrics, the song seems clean enough. What about songs like the one where Nickelback is singing about essentially spending all day, every day, getting drunk though? Sure, the beat is good, but it’s definitely not a good song to be listening to. So although I might not completely nix listening to that station, I’ve decided that I’m not going to listen very often, and that I’ll turn the channel when stuff starts to get positive about what should be negative.
 
 
Seeing the Difference…
 
  This past week I’ve been listening to a Christian station that you guys might be familiar with: KLOVE. Now generally, this is not my station of choice; not unless my parents are within hearing range anyway. Mostly, I prefer a local Christian station that’s more upbeat and teen-savvy (if you’ve ever heard of 101.7 FUSE FM, I’m their official stalker Abby, whom they know by name and voice now and are want to talk about at times. They even have a phone call I made to their station two years ago that they frequently play during their fundrives; it’s scary).  

  Anyway, while I’ve been listening I’ve been realizing just how much I’ve missed listening to Christian music. Over the past few days, despite that they’ve been spending a lot of air-time trying to raise funds for their station, God has used them to teach me and remind me of several things. It’s truly been an incredible experience for me. Through them, God’s reminded me that He can help me break free from the things I struggle with; that I can get right back up even when I’ve fallen so far; that He knows what He’s doing with my life and I can trust Him; that my faith needs to be more than superficial; and dared me to believe that I still have a reason to sing (that’s literal too, but a story for another time). All that in just about three or four short days! Like I said, awesome experience, and one I’d recommend anyone try. I used to laugh at radio stations’ “three song” and “one week” challenges. Now though, I see just how amazing actually trying one of those challenges can be.
 

  
My Challenge to You…
 
  Ok, so here’s a challenge that I have for you; it’s a three-parter:
 
    1. Look at the music you’re letting into your life, including radio, CDs,   iPods/mp3 players, and friends’ music. What’s the mood of the music, and what’s the affect that it has on your general attitude. Also, what are the songs focusing on, positive things and relationships; or negative views, feeling sorry for yourself, and bad relationships? It’s very important you’re honest with yourself about this part.
 
  2. Next, clean out the negative music that makes you think about thing and feel ways that you shouldn’t. Yeah, it might be hard at first, and you might miss those songs for awhile, but after a week or two, you’ll realize that those songs aren’t a must for the soundtrack of your life. Whether you have to skip those songs on your CD, delete them from your computer or ipod, request your friend play something else, or even break the CD, you need to eliminate the negative vibes they’re sending out to your life.
 
  3. Just spend three days listening to a Christian radio station or just Christian songs. Whether it’s KLOVE, Air1, or another station that’s in your area, it might amaze you how different you may feel or see things, and God may teach you a thing or two in that time too.
 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Am I In Love With You?

Am I in love with you?
Or are you just a phase?
You don't have a clue,
How I'm stuck in this craze.

You smile and you wink,
you compliment and stare,
but all the parents can think,
is we're too young for such affairs.

Known as a joy,
but reputed with pain.
How did I meet such a boy,
who makes sun look like rain?

You say it's ok.
God says to wait.
We'll be together everyday,
but I know it'll end with hate.

My knowledge is too deep.
My desires too shallow,
so which should I keep
when wisdom is found on low?

You push and you nag.
You pressure and you wish.
Your words start to drag,
into an endless, used bliss.

You do not plan my fate.
So if I love you
and you love me,
you'd easily let me wait.

Am I in love with you?
Through useless hopes and sighs,
this life hides lies
that seem to be true.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lies Young Women Believe~ "On Our Nightstand"~ A Book Review by Michelle Pell

Lies Young Women Believe by Dannah Gresh and Nancy Leigh DeMoss 

Author Background
Dannah Gresh is the author of the bestselling book, And The Bride Wore White. She is also the author of the Secret Keeper series and Pursuing the Pearl.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss is also a bestselling author of the book Lies Women Believe, directed toward adult women.

We all know what it feels like. . . . those little voices inside our head telling us, “You're not good enough,” or “It'll be okay. Just this one time.”
In this book, Dannah and Nancy uncover 25 lies that are deceiving many young girls out there. They provide hard-core truths that counter the lies, truths to help young girls who are struggling to get out of bondage. They share true life stories from girls they've interviewed, along with stories from their own past. We learn how, through the Word of God, they were able to uncover truths opposing the many lies they believed as young girls.

The authors address lies about God, Satan, Ourselves, Guys, Relationships, Faith, Sin, Media, and the Future. Each category includes hard-hitting scriptures that inspire you, testimonies of girls who have struggled with the same things as you, and practical ways to counteract the lies swarming in your head.
They tell you how to stop fueling lies, how to find freedom from lies, and the truth that sets you free.

Lies covered include:
God should fix my problems.”
Beautiful girls are worth more.”
I need a boyfriend.”
Everyone at church is judging me.”
I can't overcome my sins.”
What I do now doesn't affect the future.”

At the end of the book there is a section that lists 25 lies with the scriptural truths that prove them wrong, ready to tear out and put in your locker, on the mirror, or somewhere that you will see it everyday.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Human Trafficing~ An Issues Article by Rachel Melillo

Human trafficking.  Maybe you’ve heard this term before and don’t know what it means, or maybe you haven’t and you have no idea what I’m talking about.  Either way, it’s time you found out.  Be prepared for some horrifying facts. 

What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons: by the threat or use of kidnapping, force, fraud, deception or coercion, or by the giving or receiving of unlawful payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, and for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor.  Does this sound familiar?  This, my friends, is modern day slavery. 

Human trafficking is a problem that affects the entire world, including the United States. The United States is a principal transit location for sex trafficking.  Although major cities are the most probable place for human trafficking, it happens in minor cities as well.  I live in Massachusetts, about fifty miles outside of Boston, and I found out about a case not twenty miles from where I live.  Currently, Atlanta, Georgia is the number one city for human trafficking in the US.  The largest victims of human trafficking come from Asia.  Southeast Asia trafficks about 225,000 victims each year and South Asia trafficks about 150,000 victims each year.  Horrifying, right?  

Ready for some stories? 

This story is about a young girl name Asha.  Asha was only nine when her father sold her to a procurer in a Bombay (India) brothel. She was told she would have new clothes, and that she would be working for a nice family who lived in a big house. But where she was taken was a strange place. "Where's the pretty house?" Asha asked shyly. There was no pretty house; just a small, damp room with a cold hard floor that Asha was locked in.
           
A woman unlocked the door and came in to put makeup on Asha's face. The woman then opened the door and allowed in a man. Asha was told she would have to do sexual favors for him. She didn't want to, so she fought. Another man came in, beat her with a belt, and continued beating her for several days. They gave her no food. Weakened, Asha decided it was useless to resist. She serviced her first "client" and continued to do so for the next seven years.

After seven years of doing this she met a man named Devaraj.  Devaraj was different than the other men she had known. She met him at a small church near Falkland Road. There he taught messages of hope that lifted her spirits. He talked of freedom. She visited there as often as she could.

Deveraj helped Asha leave the brothel that had been her home since she was a young girl and moved her into a “Home of Hope.” Now she is learning how to live. She is learning a new trade. And thanks to people who care, Asha’s life is no longer surrounded by pain and disappointment. It is full of hope and optimism for the future.

This story does have a happy ending.  However, there are millions more stories like this one that do not have a happy ending. 

If you’re wanting something that may be a bit closer to home, the next one’s for you.

Three years ago, two teenage cousins, Kimberly and Carol (names have been changed), set off for a 15-minute walk to get milkshakes.  During the walk, the skies became dark and it started to rain.  At that moment, a familiar face pulled up beside the cousins in a white Lincoln. At the time, Kimberly believed the man in the passenger seat was a classmate's father who she knew as Mike. Shortly afterwards, Kimberly noticed that the man was not who she thought. He forced the girls into a brick house just miles across town from their home.

Inside the house, the two girls found out that the once-friendly man who offered to give them a ride was actually a violent pimp named Deric. During the next 24 hours the girls were fitted for skimpy outfits, assigned fake names (Ambrosia and Heavenly), and taught the rules of prostituting.  They threatened to hurt the other cousin if they didn’t cooperate.

During the day, the girls were locked in a home and at night they were forced to have sex with men for money in Toledo motels. They earned up to $500 a "date," all of which went to their pimp.

This story also has a somber-sweet ending.  Both girls are scarred emotionally, physically, and mentally.  However, they were rescued, which is more than I can say for the majority of human trafficking victims. 

My final piece here is how YOU can help.  The most important thing you can do is be aware and prevent it from happening.  Human traffickers can pretend to be talent scouts for some agency and either get you to follow them, or make an appointment with them later.  Never get in car with a stranger, especially a male. Follow basic safety advice.  Don’t walk alone in medium to large city, even if it’s daytime.

The second thing you can do is raise awareness.  I’m fairly certain that most of your friends or classmates don’t know a thing about this MAJOR issue, and they should be.  The more people who are aware of this issue, the less likely it will occur.

The third way you can help is through benefits and clubs.  Look online for organizations fighting human trafficking and hold a benefit concert where the proceeds go to that organization.  While you’re at it, hand out materials telling people about this problem.

Now for some numbers and facts:

·         As many as 27 million people are victims of human trafficking, At the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, 80,000 people were sold each year.
·         After drug dealing, trafficking of humans is tied with arms dealing as the second largest criminal industry in the world, and is the fastest growing.
·         The average cost of a slave around the world in $90.
·         More than 2/3 of sex trafficked children suffer additional abuse at the hands of their traffickers.
·         The average age of entry for girls and boys ranges from 11-15.
·         The International Organization for Migration estimates that each year 500,000 women are sold (trafficked) to local prostitution markets in Europe.
Sources:
·         http://www2.ed.gov
·         http://abcnews.go.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Charlotte Russe~ A Store Review by Renee Arnold

The store: Charlotte Russe, My misson: find an adorable outfit for under $100. Did I succeed? You answer that for yourself......
 
If you love sequins, you will love this ensemble...
 
1. Pink sequined bow cardigan $26.50  
 
 
2. White Cami or tee shirt $7.50 (or add your own)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. Black Skinny Jeans with sequin destroy $34.50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                              4. Black bow flats $19.50 
 
 
                                                                     
 
 
 
   5. Stretch Charm Bracelet $4  
 
                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   6. Big bow headband $5.50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $97.50
 
All in all, Charlotte Russe has some really cute, affordable clothes. Aside from some iffy tops that can be made modest with trendy jackets and some tight leggings and short bottoms including skirts and shorts, this store gets a great rating! There are some wonderful modest pieces to be found at Charlotte Russe it may just take some searching!

The Power of Words~ A Spiritual Article by Lea Sadler

“Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt.” How many times have we all heard this before? How many times have we wished it were true? Words have an unimaginable power to build someone up, tear people down, make someone’s day, or desecrate their esteem. But why do we let other people’s words act as our self-definition? When someone calls us stupid, fat, or useless why do we automatically assume that it’s true? If we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), how could we possibly be all the horrible entities people make each other out to be?
 
The way I see it, the basis of fear of detrimental statements comes from fear of rejection or denial. As humans, we need to have the satisfaction of knowing we are accepted into a group. When a person is unwanted, the need for approval and acknowledgement only grows as that person searches for more. But think about this: How often do you seek God’s approval before your peers? How often do you pay attention to that one diminutive remark tugging at your heart while God is trying to turn you towards Him for healing? Refutation only makes us doubt ourselves, see worthlessness, and brainwash us into believing that God had finally made a mistake. But God doesn’t make mistakes. And He made you. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 139:14.
 
But let’s not start thinking that we’re the only victims of these horrendous declarations either. Let’s face it; we have used the influence of words to damage our enemies too, even our friends and family. But why do we do it? We do it out of anger, frustration, or even if we, ourselves our hurting. We use it as a balance. We drop one insult on one person, and our esteem goes up. We break up someone else’s confidence in themselves to upsurge our own. And that’s really sad. What I don’t understand is why we continue to do it even when we know how bad it hurts; but we’re all guilty of it. So how can we learn to use our words only when we want to build someone up? We might need to know what’s ok to say as building them up. Just as an example, your friend doesn’t wear deodorant, but you can tell that they need to. Will it hurt their feelings to tell them that they need to start using deodorant? Probably, but only because they’ll feel embarrassed. In the end, it only helps them improve. There will be many situations like this. What about if your friend simply straight out asks you what you think of her new makeup style? What if you think it makes her look like a clown at a convention? You wouldn’t say that to her of course, but you would be honest, right? Maybe you could tell her that her face is beautiful without the makeup, but if she wants to wear it she might want to use a little less/try a different color/blend more. Ok, gentle honesty may not feel like you’re increasing their self-esteem, but it does act as the perfect glue for keeping their stability. Read Psalm 39:1 and Proverbs 10:18-20.
 
Healing from hurtful terms unfortunately may take awhile if you’re not used to thinking about what God says you are verses what people temporarily think about you. Remember that time when that classmate called you stupid for misunderstanding the problem? You couldn’t hear it, but God told you he made you with a brain and intelligence to go with it. Remember when you messed up and were called useless? God told you he was going to use you, and he had plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Really, comparing what people think and what God knows, which one seems more likely to be true? The almighty God who knows everything, made everything, and can do anything? Or the kid who just had an angry outburst because he didn’t hear your side? Remember that when it comes to God, He’s always right, and He made you exactly how He wanted you to be. Now let’s practice making words never hurt ;) Read Psalm 16:24.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Habitat for Humanity~ An Organizations Article by Hogan Stevens

There are many people in the world who do not have the privilege of a nice, safe house to live in. These people need help; they need to feel reassured and loved, and Habitat for Humanity is one way to provide for them.

  Habitat for Humanity, an organization that builds decent homes for those in need, was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Millard was a self-made millionaire by the age of 29, and he and his wife chose to use this blessing to give to the poor and needy. Thanks to Millard and his wife, Habitat for Humanity has become an international organization that has provided more than 1.75 million people with decent and affordable homes. Millard passed away in February of last year at the age of 76, but his work is still being carried out today.

  The houses build by Habitat for Humanity follow three simple guidelines: They are simple, which means each house is large enough for the family it is built for, but small enough to be affordable; they are decent, meaning they are built from quality products and are designed according to climate and culture; and they are affordable. Because of the many volunteers and the modest size of the houses, it is possible for low-income families to afford these homes.

  Every house is also built with the family’s needs in mind. In North America and Canada, the houses may be no larger than 1,050 square feet, though Habitat is eager to help meet the needs of a family. For example, if one family member is disabled, an easy access ramp and wider doors and hallways may be built.

  In other countries, the houses are much smaller than those built in the U.S. but they are still built with the families in mind. Each house is designed according to the custom of the country it’s in (some houses are wood, but others could be of concrete or clay). Habitat always uses building supplies that are locally available, which ensures the houses to be as affordable as possible.

  As Millard Fuller once said, “I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help his people in need.” And that is how we all should feel. Maybe we can’t become millionaires and use all of our money to build thousands of houses all over the world, but we still have the power to make a difference, however small.

  There are so many underprivileged people in this world today. But if we are willing to use what God has given us to help others, then perhaps we can show others that it is possible to express the love of God through hard work. Millard Fuller made it possible…what will you do?
 
If you want to learn more about Habitat for Humanity, you can visit the website at
www.habitat.org
. There you can see pictures of different houses that have been built, or if you feel a need to help, you can donate money or report a family that could benefit from Habitat for Humanity. You can also visit their website and help volunteer at a building project near you!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Love, Dating, Obession?~ "Table for Three: Me, Him and God"~ A Column by Haley Oscar

When does love become an obsession? When is dating gone to far away from God's plan for your life?
 I've had friends in my life over the years that have left me in the dust just so they could make their boyfriend their number one.What do you think of that? I've been there, I've put EVERYTHING I have into a relationship and it never seems to last.

 I've let the guys I like become my obsession. They became my everything; without that one guy I would be lost. But girls, God IS a jealous God. If He wants something (You) then He's gonna get it! There are so many verses in the Bible talking about this very thing!
Exodus 20: 3-5 (New International Version)
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God."

Deuteronomy 4: 23-24 (New International Version)
"Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."

Do not make for yourself an idol, what does that mean? Do you find yourself thinking about a guy ALL day. Can you not seem to think about anything else? Then there's your idol! God doesn't want you to leave Him in the dust just because you like some new guy who WON'T always be there for you. I had to learn this the hard way. About a year ago, I was with a guy. He was my everything. He was almost perfect in my eyes.When he made one mistake, my whole world came crashing down when we broke up. I was totally lost; it was the darkest place I'd ever been in my whole life! But through that God showed me that He needed to be first in my life. He needed to be my whole world! God will NEVER let you down. God knows that you want to feel loved, that you need that extra little attention from the guys, Trust me, even I do! God's willing to give you the best love story, but you've got to give Him all your love first. All your time and thoughts as well!
I'll leave you with these last verses,

 
Deuteronomy 6: 5 (The Message Bible)
"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love Him with all that's in you, love Him with all you've got!"

Psalm 145:19, He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.

Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God's writing your love story right now as you read this; He wants what's best for you. Don't give your heart to a guy right off the bat. Do NOT make him your everything or your best friend until you've got a ring on your finger. You may just end up broken in the end.
Remember, put every thought, hope and dream in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!