A Word From the Wise(The Wise being God)~ By Nadia

 Dear Nadia,

I have a crush on this really cute guy.  I'm 12 and I know this is natural for my age, but how do I handle it?  I mean, I'm no beginner to the whole boy thing.  I dont date, but I've been having crushes since age two and I got "engadged" about ten years ago.  Back to the current boy.  I only see him at church. We dont' go to the same school.  Sometimes I babysit his baby sister, but that's it.  What do I do?!  How do I handle this?!

 --A Little Confused


Dear A Little Confused,

"Cast your cares on God, for He cares for YOU" (1 Peter 5:7). I've
probably quoted this verse before, but that's because it's super
important! God cares about us with a depth that we can't even begin to
understand. I mean, if He cares about us and knows us so well that
He's even numbered the hairs on our head (Luke 12:7), I know He'll be
with you as you develop relationships with guys and seek His will on
those issues.

Bring everything to God. Sometimes I start to over-think issues or
just focus on them way too much, so what helps me is to just give my
heart and mind up to Him every time I even start thinking about the
issue, no matter how many times it takes (this is one of those 7 times
70 things).

Maybe one thing you can commit to right now is letting God write your
love story. Put the pen in His hands, because He is the best Author in
the universe! If you dedicate your heart to that right now and
continue to pray about it, He will help you and keep you on His path.
God bless you, girl!

A Word from the Wise (The Wise Being God)

Dear Nadia,

There is a girl in my class who joined my school in the middle of the year.  She has been at the school for a few months now, but she still seems to keep her distance.  I want to be friends with her, so I have tried talking to her.  "How do you like ACE?" "Cute headband!" "I love your belt." She gives short answers then stays quiet.  So, do I just leave her alone? Or should I keep trying to talk to her?

-Be a friend?


Dear Be a Friend,

I honor you for reaching out to this girl! You are living out God's
command to "be openhearted to your [sisters]" (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Maybe one thing you can do each day is ask her how she is doing or how
her day has been. If you consistently are showing her you care, she
will be blessed by it even if she does not show it.

Also, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. If you are alert and listening
for his promptings, He can lead you into conversations beyond anything
you could have planned. Ask Him, and He will give you the perfect
words!

You are being Jesus to her, and I know he is so proud of you and
honored by even the littlest things that you are doing for Him! Keep
it up - "for you are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14)! May He
bless your efforts!

A Word From the Wise (The Wise Being God)

 Dear Nadia,

My parents are really over-protective.  Mostly my Mom.  I feel like I can't do anything without her watching me or telling me I can't.  There are a few things that I want to do that I don't see any harm in.  She says no.  I've tried talking to her.  She says I'm just too young and I need to adjust my attitude.  But I don't think I have an attitude at all - I'm just frustrated!  What should I do?  I can't just wait to get older! That takes too long!

 ~Not Old Enough for Anything

Dear Not Old Enough for Anything,

I know this sounds cliche, but your mom is doing what she does because
she loves you. You might not want to hear it, but it's true. With
regards to your attitude, keep on having a good attitude! 1 Peter 3:8
says, "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, [sisterly]
love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." I challenge you: each time
you feel like you are unfairly judged as having a bad attitude and
every time you have to wait to do something until you are older, have
a joyful attitude! Like Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good
medicine."

God has called us to be obedient to our parents and to go even
farther: to HONOR them (Exodus 20:12), which ties back into having a
good attitude. I think God is giving you a good opportunity to
practice even more your humility and patience. You can glorify Him by
continuing to strive to have a good attitude, and in the process you
will bless your mom and show her that you want to gain her trust by
displaying a patient, humble heart.

~Nadia

A Word From the Wide (The Wise Being God)~ Nadia

Dear Nadia,

What is God's definition of beautiful?

~ Curious





Dear Curious,

1 Samuel 16:7 says: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” God doesn't base beauty on what our face or our body looks like – His definition of beauty is based on what our heart looks like. We can get a good idea of what God considers beautiful by looking at Proverbs 31. A beautiful, godly woman:

• Brings good, not harm to others: a godly girl will encourage and lift others up; she will not gossip. She is thoughtful and puts others first.
• Works with eager hands/sets about her work vigorously: a godly girl does not complain, but serves diligently – happy to do the work God has set before her (check out Ephesians 6:7).
• She considers a field and buys it: this verse is basically saying that a godly girl thinks before she acts and is a good steward of what she has (including money).
• Her arms are strong for her tasks: a godly girl will seek to strengthen and develop herself – physically, mentally, and spiritually. She will strive to do her best in everything.
• She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy: a godly girl is humble and quick to serve others – especially those in need. She gives generously and selflessly.
• She is clothed with strength and dignity: To be clothed is an analogy for completely covering yourself. Basically, all a godly girl does will reflect the strength and dignity of her character.
• She can laugh at days to come: a godly girl trusts in God. She is not worried about the future because her life is in God's hands (see Proverbs 3:5-6).
• She speaks with wisdom: a godly girl knows the truth of God's Word and speaks it.

Bottom line? Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Did you know that Nadia likes to sing and dance?!?!

A Word From the Wise (The Wise Being God)

Dear Nadia,

 I'm a shy girl and I'm not very good at starting conversations with the girls at my church. Do you have any tips on how to start a conversation with them?

 ~ Ice Breaker


Dear Ice Breaker,
An amazing thing about making friends at Church is that you already have the greatest common point you could ever share - your faith in God! I know it might feel uncomfortable to use that as a topic of conversation at first, though. One great way to break the ice is to give sincere compliments! Complimenting a girl on her cute outfit or on an awesome youth group sharing brightens her day and may open doors to more topics. Asking questions also stimulates conversation. Breaking the ice can be/feel really awkward, but you need to push through the stickiness! You can do it, girl! And Jesus, our Best friend, reminds us: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust in me also" (John 14:1). Jesus will always remain by your side and you can run to Him - especially when you feel lonely and disheartened (I know how that can be)! He is the Best friend ever! Talk to Him about how you feel and ask Him for opportunities to talk to your Church girls. He will guide you! Even if it seems like something like starting a conversation isn't important to Him, I know it is! Let His Spirit guide you. As Romans 8:14 says (my paraphrase), the Holy Spirit will guide God's children!


Dear Nadia,

People at my school make VERY rude comments to me because I make it known that I am a Christian. Right now, I'm getting sick and tired of gritting my teeth and keeping my mouth shut. I pray as I walk down the hall and pass them, but my mind is swarming with comments to say to them. Help me please!
 
~Tired and Angry


Dear Tired and Angry, 

I'm sorry you're having to deal with these rude comments. Remember what Jesus said? "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20). But that's not it! He also promised "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). He also said that He would send us an Advocate - a Helper - who would strengthen us (John 14:16, 15:26). Now I know, that's all well and good, but it doesn't change the fact that these people at your school are bullying you. But I encourage you, beautiful daughter of the King, Take Heart! You are so beloved by Him and He is pleased immensely by your big heart and your faithfulness to Him! He wants to whisper words of comfort, a soothing balm to your soul: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). It's still hard and chances are, it will continue to be hard. The fact that Satan is putting such effort into getting you down suggests that you are doing an amazing job of shining for the Lord, sister :) Please don't let the criticism those who don't understand get you down! I'll leave you with this: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 1:1-5).

 

Did you know that Haylie, the editor, gave Nadia the nick name, Noodles?!

A Word From the Wise (The Wise Being God)

Dear Nadia,

What is your viewpoint on purity rings? Do you have one? Do you suggest we all have one?

~ <3

Dear <3,
Purity rings took off in the 90s as abstinence began to be really strongly promoted. A purity ring is a type of promise ring - a promise that we will "[not awaken] love until the time is right... not stir up or awaken love until it pleases" (Song of Solomon 8:4).

For me, my purity ring - received on my 14th birthday - is an awesome way to remind me of my pledge to remain pure until marriage. I know most people pray a special prayer and fill out a pledge card with their promise to remain pure, but the only kind of ceremony for me when I got my ring was a quick but heartfelt prayer said in the car with my mom that the Lord would be my strength to keep me from temptation and lead me to true love. I have never had a boyfriend, but that doesn't mean that my purity ring is pointless! If anything, my ring provides an even stronger reminder - I need to save myself even when it seems like there is nothing to wait for.

And purity rings don't have to just apply to guys either! In all of our relationships, patience is very important. "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12) and "Love is patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). A purity ring reminds us that, in God, we can be strong enough to take all kinds of relationships slowly - in other words, instead of rushing in and out of relationships seeking security in them, basing our security on God alone because: "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Now that much said, a purity ring is pointless if you are not going to choose to hold up its message. A purity ring should not serve to simply make you feel better about yourself. It should not be an excuse for you to go as far as you possibly can in a physical relationship without having sex. In making a promise to be pure, you should dedicate your whole heart to God and your whole strength to remaining pure until you not only meet your future husband, but are married to him! What a beautiful thing to be able to say to your husband on your wedding night, "I saved myself totally for you, and only you so that now I can give myself to you completely."

Stay pure, beautiful girl! If you choose to get a purity ring, I pray that God will use it as a reminder that your heart should be so lost in Him that men must seek Him to find you (Maya Angelou).

Source for history of the purity ring: http://www.purityringsonline.com/history-of-the-purity-ring

Did you know that Nadia attempts to play the guitar and piano?!?!

A Word From the Wise (The Wise Being God)

Dear Nadia,

Christmas seems so commercial to me. It's like everyone just cares about the gifts! How can I focus on the true meaning of Christmas?
 
Un-Christmas Spirit




Dear Un-Christmas Spirit,
Don't forget that it's up to you what you make Christmas about. You can choose to focus only on the superficial parts of Christmas, or you can choose to keep your mind on the beauty of the REAL reason for the season - Christ's birth. Here are some suggestions:

• Play Christmas music with lyrics that focus on Jesus (O Come O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World, or Hallelujah [Light Has Come] for example).
• Set up a manger scene in a central place in your house. Seeing it often will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
• For Advent (the 4 weeks before Christmas), create a special prayer time routine to deepen your friendship with Jesus.Spending good quality time with your Savior, born on Christmas day, will help you stay focused on Him all day long.
• Going along with this, in the weeks before Christmas, read through the Christmas stories in Matthew and Luke: Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-40.
• Don't spend a lot of time thinking about the material aspect of Christmas. I mean, you'll think about it as you're picking out gifts for people, but don't let it take over your thoughts!
• Going along with that, consider giving something other than material gifts for Christmas. Maybe give your mom coupons for making dinner or doing extra chores. Write a letter to your friend to let her know you appreciate her. Gifts like these will keep your focus on the beautiful spirit of generosity that should be present during Christmas, plus they are SO special since they are a piece of your heart :)

Keeping your mind on Jesus during the hectic Christmas season is hard. It can be especially tough if others get swept up in the materialism and can't understand your desire to keep Christ as your focus. But don't forget that your Savior came down to Earth so that you could know Him and receive His power. That same power will strengthen you so that you can keep the CHRIST in CHRISTmas. God bless you!

A Word From the Wise (The Wise Being God)

Dear Nadia,

How can I know what God's will for my life is? I've been praying for Him to show me what I should do, but I don't feel like I've gotten a clear answer yet. I have to make this decision soon. Is there a hint I'm not listening to?

-Torn

Dear Torn,

God has an amazing plan for you. In Jeremiah 29, He says that He has plans "to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future," and later on in the chapter He promises that you can always find Him (and His will) when you seek Him with all your heart. God loves incredibly! And although He longs for our lives to be free from all pain and full joy and love, we're human and we sometimes make bad choices that take us off of His path. So God is willing to pursue us each and every day to bring us back so that no matter what we do, we can still find His love and glory and still be able to do what glorifies Him!

According to John 6:40 and Ephesians 1:5-12, God's will is simply the fact that He wants us as His own - redeemed and loving Him! As you make your decisions, bring God into every aspect of it. Pray for guidance and peace, then think about your options. Talk about it with a parent, older sister in Christ - whether a young woman you look up to, your pastor's wife, or a lady from church - or make a list of the pros and cons of each decision. Take into consideration what will bless the Lord the most and make Him shine more brilliantly in the world!

 Hopefully as you reflect on your options, God will help to make it clear. This might look like: sudden peace about one choice that you were unsure about before, God closing all the doors except for one, God moving so clearly to point at one option. Or it might not be clear at all! But whatever you choose, be peaceful! No matter what you do God will find a way to work through it and you will find a way to glorify Him. I pray right now that the Lord will totally anoint you with His peace. 'Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with [you]!'

 (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

All of us LAT staffers will be praying for you as you discern God's will for your life! God bless you girl!

Did you know that Nadia has 'freckled eyes'?!