November 6th, 2009
Hi everyone,
So for the second devo there were a lot of different topics I could have chosen from. As you all know, high school isn’t just black and white. It’s a complicated time in life with many up’s and down’s that can become difficult to deal with. There are so many pressures that are put on you guys everyday in high school. People make it seem like you have to act, dress, or talk a certain way in order to be liked by both girls and boys.
When you wake up in the morning, you all brush your teeth, do your hair, put on some clothes, and maybe make up. But to be honest, are you guys really, truly picking out those clothes because they are comfortable and that you don’t care how you look? It would be so easy if we could all just roll out of bed and head to school… but we dress to impress, whether it’s because it makes us feel better about ourselves or we’re looking for attention from someone. How we look shouldn’t be our main focus. Who we are on the inside is more important than how we look or dress on the outside. One particular passage that jumped out at me was 1 Peter 3: 3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”.
If you think about it, anyone can be “beautiful” (the worlds view of beauty btw). With all the different surgeries, make up, and workouts we now have access to, it’s pretty easy. At first glance, you can tell if someone’s pretty, but as soon as they open their mouth, you sometimes can see how nasty they really are. I think everyone has come across someone who is like this. They may be pretty on the outside, but they’re pretty ugly on the inside. So which is more important to have- outward or inward beauty?Three words to describe today’s’ clothing styles: tight, short, & low cut. We have all worn something that isn’t appropriate at some point in our life. But what I’m trying to say is how you dress is really important. I mean, being modest about your clothing choices doesn’t mean you have to wear a turtle neck and sweatpants all the time. It’s more about how God would want you to dress. In today’s society, girls have been taught that wearing less makes you be seen more… which is completely messed up if you think about it.
I deal with this on a daily basis. I try to wear clothes that don’t show a lot of stuff but I’ve messed up too. For example, I remember one incident that made a huge impact on me and my clothing choices. One night when I was heading to gel group, I remember putting on a new shirt that I thought was acceptable. However, when I got there, I was informed that anyone taller than me (which is pretty much everyone) could see directly down my shirt. WARNING: boys like girls & their bodies! Yay for being blunt … but it’s true! When you’re wearing clothes that show off stuff, guys are going to look. I’m sorry, but guys can’t miss an open chest or a short skirt. They can’t help it and we all know they aren’t too sneaky about looking either. This also applies to Christian guys, even if they know they’re not supposed to look. If you think about it, it’s not fair to guys who are trying to be pure too.
Do you want a boy to like you, or be attracted to you just for your body? Looks can fade but you personality wont. One day, when you’re dating your future husband, he should love you for who you are on the inside, not just for your body, and definitely not based on your clothes. This is your responsibility too. Dress so both yourself and others will respect you. But for now, it’s better to be a mystery to the men. Your body is a privilege, not a right or something expected. Each of you are special. If a boy doesn’t like you because you dont show stuff or act a certain way, he’s not worth it. Do not lower your standards for youself or for boys. Try living for God’s standards!
Do you want a boy to like you, or be attracted to you just for your body? Looks can fade but you personality wont. One day, when you’re dating your future husband, he should love you for who you are on the inside, not just for your body, and definitely not based on your clothes. This is your responsibility too. Dress so both yourself and others will respect you. But for now, it’s better to be a mystery to the men. Your body is a privilege, not a right or something expected. Each of you are special. If a boy doesn’t like you because you dont show stuff or act a certain way, he’s not worth it. Do not lower your standards for youself or for boys. Try living for God’s standards!
Yup that’s about it…
Love you all,
Brooke
Love you all,
Brooke
October 16th, 2009
Hey girls, I hope high schools going well for everyone this year. I’m really glad I’m getting the opportunity to write some devo’s for you while I’m off at college. It’s been a huge adjustment and it’s nice to be able to share with you guys about my experiences since I left. Some of you may not even be thinking about college yet, while others are buried in the stressful application process. Where ever you are in your high school career, it’s important to have a relationship with God and make it your number one focus. Yes, I know Dan has repeated this to you guys over and over again, but it’s incredibly helpful now as well as once you get out into the real world. Not only is it what God wants from you, but you’ll be able to get through any situation you face in life.
This will probably sound cliché, but in high school you may face the mean girls, the stupid boys, the pressures to be successful, and the temptations other put on you. In high school, everyone knows who you are, what you’ve done, and automatically put you in a category. For me, I was the prude, awkward girl who never drank or smoked. Some knew I was a Christian but this rarely affected them. Starting college, no one knew who I was or what I was known for back home. I make sure I am known as the Christian girl who chooses to live in wellness housing because I choose not to drink or smoke. I’m at the point in college where I really don’t care if people don’t want to be friends with me. I have a group of Christian friends who help and support my walk with Christ.
One thing I’ve noticed while attending a secular university is that it’s very easy to be sucked into “college life”. It’s so different from high school because you’re on your own and you’re the one making the decisions. You don’t have parents and teachers reminding you about important stuff, you don’t have Dan telling you to read your bible or go to your Crusade meetings. Everything you do is your choice and your responsibility. For example, my roommate doesn’t drink but she’s not a Christian. The non-drinking part definitely helps a lot because I’m not surrounded by it every weekend. However, she sometimes decides to go to the clubs and invites me. Clubs in New Haven are not like dances in high school. I choose to say no to the invitation because I don’t want to put myself in that situation. A bar is a bar, even if you’re not drinking. I’ve learned there are so many other things to do on campus that don’t involve forgetting what you did the night before.
It’s probably difficult to picture college life since you’re still trying to get through high school. I’m so grateful to have had a youth group growing up. It not only helped me during high school, but it gave me the ability to have a strong faith going into college. Many Christians lose sight of their faith once they leave. It’s not always easy but it’s definitely worth it in the long run. I’m not saying you won’t go through hard times and maybe suffer, but I know God made it clear that with him you won’t be alone as you go through life. I know each of you girls have your own story; some more complicated than others. However, you are all equally valued and loved by God. Friends and boys can come and go, and families can separate, but God can be your constant in life. I hope you find this helpful and get somewhat of a perspective of my life. This is a way you’ll be able to see what I’ve been going through at college. I’d love to know what you’ve all been up to, so stay in touch! I’ll be writing to you regularly every couple weeks so check in often!
This will probably sound cliché, but in high school you may face the mean girls, the stupid boys, the pressures to be successful, and the temptations other put on you. In high school, everyone knows who you are, what you’ve done, and automatically put you in a category. For me, I was the prude, awkward girl who never drank or smoked. Some knew I was a Christian but this rarely affected them. Starting college, no one knew who I was or what I was known for back home. I make sure I am known as the Christian girl who chooses to live in wellness housing because I choose not to drink or smoke. I’m at the point in college where I really don’t care if people don’t want to be friends with me. I have a group of Christian friends who help and support my walk with Christ.
One thing I’ve noticed while attending a secular university is that it’s very easy to be sucked into “college life”. It’s so different from high school because you’re on your own and you’re the one making the decisions. You don’t have parents and teachers reminding you about important stuff, you don’t have Dan telling you to read your bible or go to your Crusade meetings. Everything you do is your choice and your responsibility. For example, my roommate doesn’t drink but she’s not a Christian. The non-drinking part definitely helps a lot because I’m not surrounded by it every weekend. However, she sometimes decides to go to the clubs and invites me. Clubs in New Haven are not like dances in high school. I choose to say no to the invitation because I don’t want to put myself in that situation. A bar is a bar, even if you’re not drinking. I’ve learned there are so many other things to do on campus that don’t involve forgetting what you did the night before.
It’s probably difficult to picture college life since you’re still trying to get through high school. I’m so grateful to have had a youth group growing up. It not only helped me during high school, but it gave me the ability to have a strong faith going into college. Many Christians lose sight of their faith once they leave. It’s not always easy but it’s definitely worth it in the long run. I’m not saying you won’t go through hard times and maybe suffer, but I know God made it clear that with him you won’t be alone as you go through life. I know each of you girls have your own story; some more complicated than others. However, you are all equally valued and loved by God. Friends and boys can come and go, and families can separate, but God can be your constant in life. I hope you find this helpful and get somewhat of a perspective of my life. This is a way you’ll be able to see what I’ve been going through at college. I’d love to know what you’ve all been up to, so stay in touch! I’ll be writing to you regularly every couple weeks so check in often!
Love,
Brooke Whalen
Brooke Whalen
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