What's your priority?

Internet. Education. Friends. A relationship. A job. What exactly is your priority? Are you pushing the most important thing in your life aside for...other things? Well, if you're a Christian, your number one priority should be Jesus Christ. As a Christian, the priority can sometimes get pushed off. Sure, you're busy. Sure, a lot of the other things we fill our time with are important but, the real question is this- "How do we make time for Jesus?" Sure, mealtime prayers and studying a bible curriculum (to some of you who homeschool or go to a Christian school) are every day practices. But, how can you get more? Well, one way to grow closer to God (and it's not always easy) is to push other things aside. I know balancing school, chores, work and other commitments can be tough. And most of the time, you can't push those things aside or tweak them to make time for extra bible reading. But what about the other stuff? That book series you're working on that you just can't put down, that show on Netflix keeping you at the edge of your seat, the TV show you just 'can't' miss or even the hours you spend on the internet. Those things you can change. Yes, it's easier said than done. But it's possible. Cut your screen time in half and Study God's word. Wake up half an hour before anybody else does and memorize scripture. Put the book aside for awhile and study a devotion. Change your general music playlist and maybe add in some Christian songs. Make sure God isn't just a side thing added to your checklist. Make His time more meaningful. Love Him with your everything. After all...that's what we're made for. You'll find it rewarding and you'll see yourself growing spiritually as well. It's not an option to put God aside for other things. Nothing will ever be as important as God. Ever. Think about it. Jesus died for you on the cross. He gave His very life for you. So, the least you could do is give him part of your day. It doesn't even have to be a certain time. Just be reverent and prioritize God first. You'll find it more rewarding than any other thing you do in your day. ~KJ

Top 5 Christian movies

Hey, y'all! Well, I thought you might like to know what my top 5 Christian movies are. Well, I've seen quite a few Christian movies so I decided to pick 5 of them and put them up. You guys can leave your comments and tell me if you agree. :) So, let the countdown begin!

                                                                                 1.
Courageous. This movie is good in so many ways. It's funny, it has tension, it has emotion, and it's impactful.

                                                                         2.
Bringing up Bobby,. This movie is actually a favorite of mine for a lot of reasons....But the main reason is because it's so funny! There aren't many Christian comedies out there. They exist, but there aren't many. That being said, this is a nice, refreshing change. Also, if you watch it and don't laugh...I don't think you're human. :P

3. 

Cutback. This movie is one I've seen probably literally a dozen times. It's also emotional (I cry probably every time. lol) But it revolves around one message. Redemption.  

4. 

Grace Unplugged. SUCH a good, relatable movie!! I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!

5.

Finally, God's Not Dead!!! This was literally my favorite movie invented...on the planet of the earth...if that makes sense. I loved it to bits and it's impacted me in ways you wouldn't believe. So...go watch it and love it. :) :)

Anyway, those are my top five...at least for now. ;) I'll do another one very soon, I'm sure. I still have to see Heaven is For Real and Mom's Night out and of course that movie known as "The Song" coming out next week. ;) Anyway, you guys leave your comments and tell me YOUR top five. :) Love y'all! ~KJ

Why I love Teenager posts

Teenager posts are the best. Plain and simple. But why? Why do I love teenager posts so much? Well, that's also plain and simple. The same reason every other teenager on the planet loves them! Because they're relate-able!!! They make even outcasts feel like they aren't alone. In all reality, most teenagers share a lot of the teenager posts in common. So, that being said, I'm going to leave fourteen of my favorite teenager posts for you guys to read. :)

                                 #1

                                 
                                   #2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

Okay guys! Those are only 14 of my favorite teenager posts! If you liked them, leave a comment and ask me to do another list of teenager posts! :) Love you guys! ~KJ

Being that "best" friend

Okay. First of all, there IS no perfect friend. But...everybody has standards of, should I say..."Best Friend Material." And people think you HAVE to have only one best friend. Not true. Here's a tip: BE the friend you want others to be to you. Live out those best friend qualities and your true friends will be attracted to that. That's just the honest truth. People will either accept you for who you are or they won't plan and simple. I'm a people pleaser. I want everybody to be happy. Truth is, I can't do that. I can try...but I can't make everyone happy. AS long as I follow Christ, I CAN'T compromise, therefore, people WON'T be happy. That's just the straight truth. But, finding the right friends is hard. Here's "25 rules for strong friendships" from the website "Lies Young Women believe"

25 Rules for Strong Friendships

 ERIN DAVIS  0 COMMENTS  PRINT

We could all use a little help in the relationship department from time to time. Here are twenty-five “rules” for friendship, straight out of the book of Proverbs.

Rule #1: Don’t get mad over nothing.

Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm (Prov. 3:30).

Rule #2: Don’t try to change a friend who is unwise.

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you (Prov. 9:8).

Rule #3: Hatred leads to more fighting. Choose love.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Prov. 10:12).

Rule #4: Don’t be two-faced.

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips (Prov. 10:18).

Rule #5: Don’t talk trash.

Whoever utters slander is a fool (Prov. 10:18).

Rule #6: Pick humble friends.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom (Prov. 11:2).

Rule #7: Keep criticism to yourself.

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent (Prov. 11:12).

Rule #8: Keep secrets.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered (Prov. 11:13).

Rule #9: Don’t be a mean girl.

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself (Prov. 11:17).

Rule #10: Be an encourager.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad (Prov. 12:25).

Rule #11: Just because you think it doesn’t mean you have to say it.

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin (Prov. 13:3).

Rule #12: Choose wise friends.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20).

Rule #13: Don’t get mad easily.

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Prov. 14:29).

Rule #14: Don’t be jealous.

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot (Prov. 14:30).

Rule #15: Don’t be cranky.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Prov. 15:1).

Rule #16: Stay away from that girl with the temper.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention (Prov. 15:18).

Rule #17: Get advice from wise friends.

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed (Prov. 15:22).

Rule #18: Speak sweetly.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24).

Rule #19: Don’t talk behind your friends’ backs.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends (Prov. 16:28).

Rule #20: Don’t get mad easily.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Prov. 16:32).

Rule #21: Don’t jump ship.

A friend loves at all times (Prov. 17:17).

Rule #22: Pick a few close friends over lots of acquaintances.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24).

Rule #23: Don’t be easily offended.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11).

Rule #24: Avoid the drama.

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling (Prov. 20:3).

Rule #25: Don’t celebrate when your frenemy has trouble.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him (Prov. 24:17–18).

Anyway, I hope you guys loved this post! Please follow my blog by email and let me know if my posts are encouraging you in the comments below! :) ~KJ

Is it okay to be a directioner?? -Part two

I just felt like I should add this too my last post, as I came across it like right after I wrote the last post.  It's an article I read from "Lies Young Women Beileve.com and It's super cool. Check this out (it's speaking to me too, by the way).

"Dear One Direction Fan,

I get how Liam, Niall, Harry, Zayn, and Louis melt your heart. I do. They’re sexy, they’re funny, and they’ve been coached by the very best to know just how to tug at your heartstrings.

They’re your life. You feel like they complete you. Like they’re perfect. Like they love you even though they’ve never met you.

I don’t know how to break this to you gently, but . . . it’s all one beautifully packaged lie.

The truth is, they don’t know you. They probably don’t even care about you—other than to be grateful in a vague sense that as one of their millions of fans you give them the attention and acceptance they crave.

See, ultimately, they’re no different than you. They, too, have an emptiness—a wild, restless craving to be loved and accepted.

So they get up on stage after stage to sing songs someone else wrote that play to your insecurities and send your emotions soaring and your tears falling. And then they walk off the stage and probably never think about you twice . . . or at least not in a way that’s in your best interest.

It’s not that I take pleasure in deflating your world. It’s just that I know One Direction won’t always be there for you. Like every other band in history, they will be replaced. Like every other human in history, they will die.

But through it all, their Creator and your Creator will live on. This God who sings songs over you and stores all your tears in a bottle.

This God who knows everything there is to know about you, including the number of hairs on your head.

This God who sent His Son to step onto the stage of time and perform for you on the cross because He knew you could never perform well enough to meet His perfect, holy standard.

This God who raised His Son to life again so in Him you, too, might experience new, crazy-free life.

That’s what I want for you. That you’ll turn from your idol and worship and serve your Creator rather than One Direction—so you can experience true joy. That you will personalize His promises the way you’ve personalized One Directions’ lyrics. Promises no boy band could ever fulfill like:

"I will never leave you or forsake you."

"I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

His love is not a beautifully packaged lie. It is real. Real enough to bleed, to pursue, to wait, and to win your heart."

Anyway, I hope you guys liked. leave your thoughts and comments below! Love Y'all! ~Kiah J.

Is it okay to be a Directioner??

Here's the question a lot of Christian girls ask. And the funny thing is, they don't usually directly say it. But I'm going to talk about the question constantly on people's minds. "IS it okay to be a Directioner??" My answer is simple. That really isn't a fair question. It depends entirely on the person and to what extent you're taking the "directioner" term. Some of the things they stand for (confidence in girls, anti-bullying ect.) I completely agree with!! Some of their songs are really catchy and a couple of them I actually like a lot. But that does not excuse the fact that they still have a worldly mindset (which, quite frankly, breaks this fan girl's heart). One Direction HAS changed lives and they DO promote some positive concepts...but they're STILL a secular band!! :( :( My personal opinion is this - If you're a Directioner, I have no problem with that. But I personally think that, just like any other secular band, you need to be careful. Choose the songs you listen to wisely. Don't make One Direction your life. Don't try and agree with EVERYTHING they say. Though they promote some positive things, they're still of the world, therefore, they won't hit all the points a Christian is looking for. Besides, even though they have some good quotes, they are NOT focused on that. They're musicians. There's a lot more than meets the eye in the secular music industry. Do I think it's okay to crush on the boys? Yes. Niall, Zayn, Liam, Louis and  Harry are absolutely adorable. And i'm not judging if you love them. Just, be careful as you fan over this band. Have fun but be careful. ;) ~KJ

Living Confident

I have a question. Do you conciser yourself insecure? No, really. Think about it. Let me ask a more thought provoking question. Do you truly know what insecurity is? Quite frankly, a lot of people think they know what it is....Some of them are correct (at least to an extent). But how many people truly know the depth of insecurity? Further more, How many people suffer from insecurity without even realizing that's what they're experiencing? Bottom line - Insecurity is the lack of confidence...and often times, the absence of it all together. People handle it differently. But in the end, it's still insecurity. And in the end, there's still only one right way to overcome it. People try and cover up their appearances with makeup or try and  get attention by wearing revealing clothing. Not the right way to approach it. Trust me. I've actually experienced insecurity and let me tell you, this article by Caleb Grimm was super encouraging and changed my entire view on how I was living. So...yup! You guessed it. I'm going to let you read it. :)

What a Christian Guy Is (and Isn’t) Looking For In a Girl ~by Caleb Grimm

 "It would be foolish of me to speak for the entire male gender, so I’m not gonna try. I AM gonna go ahead and speak for myself and other good, stand-up, Christian fellas out there though… Because I’m fairly certain they’ll agree with or at least relate to the following thoughts. I’m also going to assume that most of you reading this are female, because…let’s be honest…if you’re here, you clicked on a blog about “what a guy is looking for.” There could just as well be a blog post about what girls are looking for, but I’m not the person to write that one (maybe YOU are). That said, here are some things that go through our often-oblivious, but occasionally-observant male minds.

    What we’re not looking for… 

Essentially, everything that a guy finds unattractive in a girl is rooted in one thing…

Insecurity.

When a girl is self-involved, speaks highly of herself, and puts others down to make herself feel better… It’s probably because she’s insecure. 

When a girl is constantly putting herself down, making self-deprecating comments, and lacking self-confidence… It’s probably because she’s insecure. 

When a girl acts provocatively, says things to get attention and dresses to turn heads… It’s probably because she’s insecure.

When a girl is clingy, needy, desperate, and assumes the worst… It’s probably because she’sinsecure. 

When a girl has poor self-image, doesn’t think she’s pretty, and the way she presents herself doesn’t reflect how God views her… It’s probably because she’s insecure.

See a pattern? Of course, no one will ever be perfect, and we all have struggles (us guys have our fair share of insecurity issues, trust me). Regardless of male or female, nearly every word and action can be traced back to the way we view ourselves.

    What we’re looking for…

A girl who knows who she is. 

The only way a girl (or person, for that matter) can know who she is, is to understand howGod sees her… 

How does God see you?

He created you.

"For we are God’s masterpiece." (Eph. 2:10a NLT)

He knows you.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." (Jer. 1:5a)

He loves you.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)

He thinks you’re beautiful.

"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." (1 Pet 3:3-4)

No seriously, He thinks you’re really beautiful.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14)

He gave His life for you.

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8b)

He’s there for you. 

"The Lord is near to all who call on him." (Psalm 145:18a ESV)

He has plans for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11)

    This is how God sees you. He sees a heart that He created and longs to have divine relationship with through Jesus. A person who has embraced that relationship and can grasp how valuable the heavenly Father says they are, is a person who can share in a healthy, earthly relationship…and that’s what the good guys are looking for.

    A girl who understands how she’s viewed in the Lord’s eyes, can be irresistible to a guy whose eyes are on the Lord."

A lot of girls try to find security in relationships. More specifically; in relationships with guys. You CAN'T define yourself by your relationship...or by your appearance OR by your mistakes. You need to be able to define yourself in Christ. Further more, on the subject of guys, STOP chasing them! Allow them to pursue you! Here's a bit of advice from Alan Powell I full-heartedly agree with. Even if you aren't dating yet or aren't  quite old enough to date, this advice is something to keep in mind. : "Stop focusing on chasing boys. Just Chase Go. Keep your eyes on Him and keep chasing Him. Then, After awhile, stop and look around to see whose chasing Him with you. THAT'S the guy you want to be with."

That quote was super encouraging and super true. Anyway, I don't wan't to overload you guys. So, I'll leave you with this last video, pertaining to the topic we're discussing. It was super impactful for me, so just take two minutes of your time to watch it.

 This post was for sooo many people who requested me do it so, it would bless me if you left your comments below, telling me what you think. :) I love you all! God bless. <3 ~KJ

Change the World

Caleb Grimm once said, "It's one thing to have good intentions.... It's another to be intentional." I completely agree. We have two choices
 1. Think of all the things we could do to change this world, musing over it and waiting for a sign telling you to do it
OR....
2. Change the world right now.
I know, a lot of you are in different situations in your life. Maybe you're too busy. Maybe your schedule won't allow you to get out there and do as much ministry as you'd like. Maybe you can't afford to attend that mission trip your youth group is is going on. But did you ever think about the fact that you are able to impact this world...just by sitting at home? Yup. That's right. All you really have to do is put things into perspective. When you get on Facebook, you can choose to post another selfie OR you can spread the love and post a scripture. It's such a beautiful thing when Christians across the world, make changes and minister just by the simplest things. A song that encouraged me to do this was by the Newsboys. I heard it last year at the Winter Jam concert and loved it. I listen to it a lot now so I think I'll share it with you. It brings my exact point across.

   

 

Remember,  James 2:17 "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." This scripture is extremely relevant and extremely encouraging. Look at your life right now and find out how you can be a light in the darkness. I"m going to leave you with a super encouraging video from Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky.

 

Love you guys! Be a Light and change the world! <3 ~KJ