"Male and Female He Created them..."

 

"There is something genuinely beautiful about a wedding. People fly in from all over just to see someone they love swear before God and before their family that the person in front of them is the one they want to be with for the rest of their life.

There is something angelic about seeing a woman dressed in white and feeling like a princess walk down the aisle with her father by her side as she walks toward a man all dressed up in an uncomfortable tuxedo with tears of joy in her eyes. 

There is something bewitching about that exchange of vows in which they swear to each other that
for “richer or for poorer, in sickness and health until death do us part” they will remain faithful that brings everyone to tears.

There is something dazzling about the smile on her face after that first kiss as man and wife.
There is something captivating about the way he looks at her that makes every little girl dream of her wedding day.

And there is something glorious about the love between a man and a woman who now desire to live together as one and create the future.

We support marriage. We support the love between one man and one woman so that together they may create the future. A future based on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

 

 ~ Monica Marie

 

---
 

When I was in 7th grade, the topic of gay marriage came up at my lunch table. I wasn't really in the conversation at first; I was just listening to what some of my friends were saying. Then they paused, and looked at me. And I said, "I don't believe in that sort of stuff."

 

The girl who was sitting across from me is someday going to be a politician, or a lawyer, I'm telling ya. She had a very opinionated mind, which I admire about her. But with an opinionated mind, comes an opinionated mouth, and we got into a debate of sorts.

 

She, of course, was on the side of "love is love" and "everyone deserves to be happy" and things like that. In 7th grade, I didn't really know how to defend myself! I tried my best by saying it was not God's plan and things like that, but on the inside I was screaming for answers. Situations like this didn't come up often, especially because I attended a Catholic school. The normal lunch conversations were about how immature boys can be and how much homework we had that day. :)

 

Soon after that debate, the whole grade knew I was against gay marriage. People would stop me in the hallways and ask me "So you don't like gay people?" or make fun of me and talking about their gay uncles or what not in front of my face.

 

It was hard, especially since I was young and in a sense, defenseless.

 

Now that I am a older (hey, a year can do a lot :D) and I have educated myself... and it couldn't have been at a better timing.

 

As most of you may know, a few days ago the Supreme Court made it official. Gay "marriage" is now legal in all 50 states.

 

How very, very sad.

 

The sacrament of marriage is now being redefined by people who think that the Bible verse "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one." means something totally different. This beautiful sacrament is now being torn apart, ripped by the seams. The pages of marriage are being ripped out, and instead being stuffed in by "morals" that some believe they can just make up.

 

God never planned this for us.

 

In the beginning, God created man and woman. Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. God created the man for the woman, and the woman for the man. That is why only a man and woman together can create life. Because marriage has both love, and life in the union.

 

Think about it this way, even animals do not do it! Every animal "couple" if you will, is a male and a female. What's the difference with humans? Two words: free will.

 

What is next, marrying your pet? Having two wives, or three husbands? It sounds crazy now, but only a few hundred years ago people scoffed at the idea of same sex marriage.

 

But let's get this straight. Many people have the stereotype of pro-traditional marriage people, especially Catholic pro-traditional marriage believers, that they hate gays.

 

One couldn't be more wrong in fact.

 

We do not support gay/lesbians if they choose to act upon their homosexual feelings. However, we  will support them if they try hard to go against this temptation. Ever heard the quote of "hate the sin, love the sinner?" It's pretty much the same thing.

 

WHAT CAN WE DO?

 

My favorite part of this video is towards the beginning. I will rephrase it here just in case you didn't watch it. :)

 Imagine God lining up every person that will ever live. He goes down this line and goes "You sir, you will live during the time of the Crusades." And to the next person, "You will live during the Holocaust." And another person, "You will live during the American Revolution." Then He comes up to you. "You will live during 9/11, a time where killing babies is legal and a time where traditional marriage is falsely redefined."

 

God purposely put us in this position. God knows we can do something about it. It was no mistake that you are alive today, on June 28th 2015. Because God makes no mistakes, especially when it comes to the people He loves, and the plan He has for them.

 

It's going to be hard. We are going to be faced with tough decisions, laughing people, and terrible names. We are going to have to really think about what we believe and why. But Jesus promises to us: "...those persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." The most used phrase in the Bible is "Do not fear."

 

So do not fear. I am here for you, and God is here for you. :)

Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.

 

All through Christ,

 

Maddie

 

(I encourage you to also check this post by Fire of the Spirit Blog out, they have more information and resources than I do.And it was written way better, and way less confusingly. :) )

 



 

 

 

 



Modest and Fashionable?: It's Possible

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."
 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Modesty is one of the hardest topics teenage girls have to face daily, especially in the summer time. If someone from the 1800's magically transported to today, they would be appalled at the sight of how women dress today. With each year, there seem to be shorter shorts, tighter fitting dresses, and skimpier bikinis. Society pushes harder and harder against the walls of modesty.. and since everyone else is doing it, why shouldn't you...right?

Fashioned by Faith is a wonderful devotional that talks about everything you ever wanted to know about modesty. The author, Rachel Lee, is an ex-model who throughout her career, felt like she could be doing something better. The book is stock full with bible verses, real life stories, and journaling. What really struck me the most was that before every chapter, Rachel added a paragraph or two of guy's views on modesty. There were views from all different ages, but the main opinion stayed the same. Immodesty appeals to the eyes, but modesty appeals to the heart. Or as Rachel Lee says in an interview, "The world says, 'If you've got it, flaunt it' but they're saying, "if you got it, protect it."

Of course, the less clothing you wear, the more eyes are on you. But do you really want that kind of attention? If Jesus came to visit you, is that really what you would be wearing? Of course, it is summer and God does know how hot it is. But being modest doesn't mean you have to wear ugly, old clothes. It's not some far-away idea that means you have to go against fashion. God created modesty to be fashionable! The true meaning of modesty means appreciating yourself and your body that God gave you, and using them in the right way.

My parish priest came and visited my religion class to talk about the topic of marriage, chastity, and so on. He briefly touched on modesty, but what he did say was "remember the swim suit rule." As a child, I remember watching those scratchy old videos that said "Anything that your swimsuit covers shouldn't be touched by anyone other than your parents, doctors.." yada yada. But that old video does have a point. Never, ever should anything that your swim-suit covers be shown, even the tiniest bit. It really is a simple rule.

I don't know about you, but where I live it can get pretty hot. Not like 80 degrees hot, but more like 100 degrees on a bad day. That is the biggest temptation to just wear the shortest pair of shorts you have and a camisole. But what are you showing to others? Are your protecting your dignity?

 

YOU WERE MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE 

 

"So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them. "

 

-Genesis 1:27

 

At the very beginning of time, God created us in His image. And you know what? When he was done with us, he said "It is very good." Not just "good" like he said for the sky, and the moon, and the animals, but very good. He created us in His image so we could glorify Him through our bodies. Are you glorifying God through your clothes? 

 

 

 

" Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven."

 

- 1 Corinthians 15:49

 

Here, Paul is saying just like we resemble Adam and Eve, we also resemble God. If a person who has never heard of Jesus heard that, and looked at an immodest Christian, what would he/she think? Believe it or not, we are evangelizing through our bodies and what we wear, along with what we do, say and act. You want people to notice your Christian values through how you dress, as well as other qualities. 



 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

 

Don't get too caught up in numbers. "Shorts have to be 4 inches above the knee," Or "The lowest cut can be two inches from your collar bone." Just follow these simple rules.

 

 





You can start out on your trip to being modest at the store. First off, don't buy anything immodest. Don't taunt yourself with a fitting dress or see through blouse. Buy shorts that are approaching your knee, not your behind. Make rational choices but also have fun! Modest is fashion. Just as fashion should be modest. The whole point of clothes in the first place was to cover up your body.

Second off, add a short-sleeved cardigan or sweater to any spaghetti strap or strapless top. Even a scarf that you could wrap around your bare shoulders would do. Another good tip is buy white colored camisoles to put under muscle tanks. Personally, I don't get what is fashionable about tanks where the arm holes go all the way down to the bottom of the shirt, but hey! There are some cute ones out there. Same for crop tops, just add a cami and you're good to go!

Layering is key. If the shirt goes too low, add a necklace or a scarf. If your skirt or dress is too short, add some capri leggings. Have a strapless top or dress? Add a jean jacket, cardigan, or vest to spice it up and make it modest. In the winter time, add boot warmers to tightfitting leggings. Add a skirt, as well!

See, modesty isn't that hard!

SO... WHAT ABOUT BIKINIS?

 

First off, let me start you with this wonderful video from Life Teen's Jackie Francois.

 (For some weird reason, the video wouldn't show up so here is the link.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g-n_XOyJA0

Before you go out shopping for bikinis, think about these questions.

 

What are you trying to tell other people by wearing this?

Do you want people to notice you because of your body

or because of your heart?

What kind of attention do you want to get?

What attention do you think you will get by wearing a bikini?

How is wearing a bikini different then wearing a bra and panties?

The last question gets most people. Really, how is it different? Oh I know, a swimsuit is waterproof. That is pretty much wear the differences end. Ladies, bikini tops and bras are one and the same, minus the waterproof part. Do you really want to show others that? Your body is a gift from God that should be protected and honored. Real men will respect that. You want people to love you for who you are, not how you look. When I say real, I mean men who will love you and respect you for who you are.  They will be the spirit of true love throughout your life because they looked at your heart, not your body.

What would you be rather called... hot or beautiful? Sexy or gorgeous? It all depends on what attention you want. And I am guessing most of you would rather want guys to notice your sparkling personality and pure heart rather than just your outwardly appearance.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT MODESTY?

 

"Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sight." - 1  Peter 3: 3-4

"Also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God."- 1 Timothy 2: 9-10

"Yet she will be saved...provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."

-1 Timothy 2:15

" But the Lord said to Samuel, '...For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.' " - 1 Samuel 15:7

 

WHAT DO OTHERS SAY?

 

 "...and the great charm of all power is modesty." - Lousia May Alcott

 

"I truly, truly believe that beauty is something that comes from within." - Emma Watson

"Modesty is my best quality." - Jack Benny

 

"Your clothes should be tight enough to show you're a woman, but loose enough to show you're a lady." -Marilyn Monroe

 



 "Truth is all I really want is/someone who knows who they are/ beauty found inside her heart/I want her to be modest/that kind of girl is hottest/a lady living for the Lord/ just so you know/ that's what I'm looking for." - Anthem Lights, "That's What I'm Looking For"

 

 

--- 

 

Ladies, if you stay pure and cover up, I promise you people will admire you for that. It takes guts some times, especially when our peers make fun of us. But you know what? It's worth it in the end because you are following what God wanted you to do. And it's one step closer to seeing Him in Heaven. :)

All through Christ,

 

Maddie

 

 

 Works Cited:

 

Thomas Nelson, "Fashioned by Faith Interview with Author Rachel Lee Carter." Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube. 9 January 2012. Web. Accessed 29 June 2014.

 



 





Against the Current

"Have courage. Go forth. Make noise...Go forward. There will be people who will say things to you to slow you down, to block your path. Please, go against the current...Go against the current: and this means making noise. Go forward, remaining true to the values of beauty, goodness and truth.” -Pope Francis

Pope Francis made an excellent point when talking to 500 young people in Italy. For the full report, click here.

The overall message that our wonderful Pope is stating is "Go against the norm." In today's society, most of the "norm" goes against our religion and our morals in general. Sex before marriage, abortion, drugs... the list goes on and on. But most young people today have a comeback, "But everyone else is doing it!"

Yes, everyone else is doing it. But that doesn't mean  you have to. Go against the tide, be different. You will inspire others to come to the "light side".

For all you Star Wars geeks out there, there is that memorable moment in the series where Darth Vader asks his son, Luke Skywalker to join the Dark side. He tempts him with glory and power, but Luke stands strong and keeps to his side. And hey! Luke made the right decision. Spoilers ahead if you haven't finished the series... He eventually defeated his father and his father repented.

Let's be Luke Skywalkers' of the world and help the others who hide behind the darkness and hidden promises, and bring them to the light.

I was watching a TV program one time that had to do with mimes. There was a group of kids who were interviewing them. The mimes had them do an exercise where one of the kids started doing some crazy action such as waving his hands in the air like a mad man. The others looked at him very weird, like any normal person would in real life. The mimes told them to imagine they were in a park, and this "mad man" started doing an action. Slowly, the others started following this boy until there was only one person left. Eventually, that one person joined the other group.

Now think about this. At first, everyone else thought that the "mad man" was weird and they didn't want to join him because he was the only one doing it and they didn't want to draw attention to themselves. They didn't want to be "out of the norm."  Then when everyone else started doing the action, that one person suddenly had all the attention, even though he thought he was doing the "right" thing!

Imagine if we could change the world like that. If one person starts it, others will catch on and eventually, others will notice! That exercise shows that if one person goes against the tide, others will catch on.

Something that encourages us to swim with the rest of the generation is peer pressure. Peer pressure happens to the best of us, and it takes an open heart and mind to realize that people are pressuring you. Have you ever caught yourself agreeing with someone else's' opinions just because you didn't want to be different?

I was talking with my friend about 6 months ago about Les Miserables, a pretty new movie at that time. (It really is great, I highly recommended it). Since we are both theatre geeks, we both understand that the movie cast could never, ever reach the quality of Broadway. :) I did like the movie cast however, and my friend... not so much. I kind of found myself siding along with her opinions and then I thought Wait.. what are you doing? It has been my objective in the past month to stop and think before I change my opinions based on what other people said. And it's not like my friend was trying to make me change, it was just me.

I think the reason we all side along with other people is because we don't want to be that odd one out. We don't want people to look at us weird and judge us based on our choices. But you know what? I would rather someone look at me weird then me change my opinions just because of peer pressure.

No matter what society, your friends, or temptation says, the right way will always be common sense. Like my religion teacher said, "right is always right and will never change under pressure."  It will never change, never bend, never break. You just need the courage to go the right way, against the current. Pray to God to let you have an open mind and strong heart to let you take a stand, no matter how big or small.

So I challenge you, teenagers of today, the next generation, to go against the current, be different! Inspire others and get out of your comfort zone. Soon, you will realize that being different, is being better.

All through Christ,

Maddie

God's not Dead~Upcoming Movie

I am actually very excited for this movie! I saw the trailer when my uncle told my family about it. It looks like a family friendly movie that will really teach us a lot about standing up for your faith, no matter what the circumstances. It has a wonderful cast, as well as plot. Even some special guests from Duck Dynasty are in it!

The website, www.godsnotdeadthemovie.com wonderfully explains the summary of the film.

"Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future. Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that “God Is Dead,” he must prove God’s existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God’s existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner, Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn’t it just be easier just to write “God Is Dead” and put the whole incident behind him? GOD’S NOT DEAD weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action. The film will educate, entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions."

The movie comes out on March 21st, 2014 to select theaters. For more information, look on the website that I listed above.

Anyone else excited for any upcoming movies? I can't wait for Captain America: The Winter Soldier to be truthful. The first one was amazing and I bet the second one is even better. Oh, and there is also the new Spiderman! As you can probably already tell, I like Marvel a little. :) Okay, maybe a little more than 'a little.'

Amidst all the other exciting movies, keep your eyes peeled for God's Not Dead!

All through Christ,
Maddie

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Science Proving Religion...That's a Fact!

So I was in science class the other day, which I enjoy. I really like the teacher and the content so it's a pretty good class for me. But I learned something the other day that actually proved our religion and you know, having a blog you kind of have to share it. :)

We were learning about cells and the cell theory and how all living things are made up of cells and how there were one celled organisms and multi-celled organisms. (did I lose you there? It sure lost me before but then I re-read the chapter. :))

So after my science teacher went over the stuff with us, he said something along the lines of "Now this is cool because it proves some of our religion."

And so we all kind of nodded and listened like good students.

Then he said, "When does life begin?"

One student said, "Birth."

Another said, "Baptism."

I was kind of surprised at the answers, and so was my teacher apparently. The thing is, I know a lot about life since my whole family is pro-life and my parents so happen to be the pro-life coordinators at our church. So let's just say I get dragged to a lot of pro-life rallies and hear about a lot of stuff that are relevant to life.


So I raised my hand and said, "Conception."

I guess I got that right and my teacher nodded. "Life starts at conception. You know why?"

We all shook our heads. So my teacher drew 1/2 +1/2 =1 on the board and said, "One half cell from mom, one from dad. And 1/2 +1/2 equals?"

"One!" We all yelled. It made total sense! I kind of had a "duh me" moment there.

"So if the cell theory states all living things have cells and one half of a cell plus another half of a  cell equals one cell, is this "thing" alive?"

"Yes!"

If you aren't a fast learner in science (like me, don't worry) all living things are made up of cells. Even if it has one cell, it is living. (like some bacteria, or in this case a new growing baby.)

So as the baby grows, it's cells multiply to form your cousin, brother or friend that you see today.
So cool!

Tell your parents (mine weren't that surprised but I told them anyway. :)) that science proves our religion!

Life starts at conception, and that's  a fact!

All through Christ,
Maddie