How He Loves…Always
He loves me?
I guess it’s almost every girl’s dream, cliché as it seems, to have Prince Charming sweep them off of their feet. Then real life happens and they interact with guys their own age and the daydream of the prince quickly fades. That’s when settling comes in, lowering our standards just so we can experience “love” and be accepted by someone – anyone…
Sometimes experiencing what we call romance in this world leaves us wondering what love truly is. You feel that happy pounding and patter in your chest when he reveals a bouquet of roses, candy and tickets to “that thing you love”. Getting hurt though can peel away the layers of our hearts, like someone plucking the petals from a flower.
He loves me not…
When we’re young, and throughout our lives, we want to feel loved but sometimes we rush out too blindly looking for a person to fill us, and feel the eventual impact and pang of disappointment. I’ve been there and so have so many others – what we thought was sweet sometimes turns sour in the end. With our heart still tender we search for healing – looking for someone, something to mend the torn pieces back together. God is always there, before, now and always waiting for us to give Him our all. Before looking for that type of love from man He wants us to let Him satisfy our every need and want, to fall deeply in love with the One who knows us best.
He loves… ME?
The Bible tells us “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8. While we were broken, battered, sinful, shameful – Christ died for us. It’s amazing and humbling to have a love like that.
When someone is that in love with you, you want to delight in him, get to know him totally, be faithful to him. We delight in God by finding our joy and contentment in Him. We get to know God by spending time with Him, reading His word and basking in His presence. We are faithful to Him by putting our trust in Him and not in things that are momentary. We might find temporary pleasure in the world, but the God who created the world offers us limitless treasure. Even if man’s lack of affection hurts, God’s love completes and restores.
He LOVES You.
With God it’s never a question but a statement – He loves me. He loves me. He loves you. He loves us. Oh, how He loves us.
John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” If we are worth it in the eyes of the God of the universe, who sent His only Son to die for us, then our hearts are worth the wait for true love that resembles His, and a love story written by Him.
God’s love is full of patience and grace, “it is not self-seeking… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” (1 Corinthians 13). Whether in friendships or romantic relationships let’s pour out that type of love in our own lives today and everyday, and wait for what God has in store… He’s worth it.
“The LORD your God is with you, ?he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
He IS love: Agape, unconditional, always – FOREVER. Nothing can compare.
Now that’s my kind of Valentine.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
To Save A Life: Movie Now in Theaters
To Save A Life is a powerful film from New Song Pictures that recently premiered in select theaters around the nation, and is getting positive reviews. The movie’s tagline is “Some People Are Just Dying to Be Heard,” and the plot is based around the social lives of teens, mainly the primary character Jake, and how prevalent and real the issues of depression and suicide are today. The story has a great message of faith that shows the impact of spreading compassion to others who are hurting. Check out the trailer below:
Plot Summary:
Read More »
You might also like
Picks & Clicks for Girls: Susie Magazine
Our first media pick for Girls Who SOAR is SUSIE Magazine. SUSIE is a great resource for girls 13-22, featuring inspiring stories, and tips about everything from faith, family, boys, beauty, and everything in between. The goal of the magazine is to ” lead girls into intimacy with Christ, guide them in developing healthy relationships, showcase positive entertainment choices, provide healthy role models and teach positive self-image.”
As a teen I loved reading Brio Magazine, another Christian teen girls’ magazine which my sister got me a subscription to. The magazine provided a void in the teen magazine world for content that had substance and related to a girl’s walk with God. Unfortunately the magazine was discontinued by the publisher Focus on the Family in 2009. The former editor of Brio, Susie Shellenberger, recently launched Susie Magazine, and SUSIE is even better then the magazine I remembered.
Each month the magazine presents cover interviews that show a more personal side of performers and other women role models, and their walks with God. Some of the past interviews have featured singer Ayiesha Woods, actress, singer and dancer Alyson Stoner (featured in Disney’s movie Camp Rock, and several Missy Elliott videos), singer Francesca Battistelli and January’s feature interview with actress Debby Ryan (from Disney’s show “Suite Life on Deck”).
The vibrant, glossy pages are also filled with devotionals, life and wellness advice, and lots of other fun features. If you subscribe you’ll also have access to the SUSIE online community where teens can interact with other girls and view video devotionals among other features. SUSIE is great for every teen girl who wants to get closer to God and take part in the “global sisterhood” and fellowship provided.
Visit www.susiemagazine.com to access the online features and to subscribe; you’ll be sure to love it!
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Dream in Soul Updates: The David*Crowder Band on Social Change & A Love Song for Haiti
If you missed them, check out some of the recent updates from the main Dream in Soul Blog:
Reflections: The David Crowder*Band On the Mechanics of Change
The David Crowder*Band recently spoke to the philanthropy organization Causecast about some of their views on the mechanics of social change and leveraging the arts to address the current climate of the world. In the interview they also touched on challenges music artists face today, and of course Twitter. The interview is really candid and interesting, and was part of Causecast’s series with influential musicians, aimed at asking them questions about relevant issues that might not come up in other interviews, and to inspire others to take steps of change. You can read the entire article on Causecast.org: The David Crowder* Band On The Mechanics Of Change.
Some highlights from the interview:
Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti
As those in Haiti cry out for help, it’s amazing to see the outpouring of love and unity to come to their aid. Recently the Gospel music community came together to record a tribute song, “Are You Listening.” Kirk Franklin rallied up artists such as CeCe Winans, BeBe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Natalie Grant, Jeremy Camp and many others, to record the song he wrote for Haiti eight years ago.
The proceeds of the song will be donated to Unicef and other charities to help with relief efforts in the rebuilding of communities.
“Are You Listening” is now available for purchase at www.verityrecords.com. The single will also be available next week on iTunes after January 30 at Wal-Mart and other major retailers. Do your part in sending love to Haiti with your continued donations and prayers.
Below is the music video for the song, (it is really beautiful and moving):
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Reflections – Lecrae’s Testimony: Finding a Father in God
“I knew my ways were unfulfilling. I chased power, pleasure, possessions, something satisfying. I knew I kept getting let down. I knew it was insanity, and I was never going to find fulfillment but I didn’t know what else to look for.” – Lecrae
Christian artist Lecrae recently gave his testimony, of how he overcame a difficult past and made the decision to give his heart to God. Watch his powerful story in the video below:
“…My heart is to reach the city, to see the city come to Jesus. If you don’t know Him, you’re missing out on purpose, meaning in life in general. I’m passionate about seeing people spend eternity with Him. He’s awesome.”
“…He’s just loved on me when I felt like I didn’t deserve love, when I felt like I was unlovable. I feel fortunate to have a huge family that is beyond race, creed, culture, and have a Father who shepherds us all. When I think about that, my mind is blown. There’s nothing like it.” – Lecrae
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Blanca Reyes’ Heart to Heart At The Revolve Tour
Blanca Reyes from Group 1 Crew spoke candidly about her insecurities as a teen at a recent Revolve Tour event. Watch the videos below of her inspiring message onstage, and what she had to share behind the scenes.
“God won’t ignore you when you call on Him,” Blanca spoke during the tour. “Do you have a secret you’ve been holding on to for a long time?” she asked the girls. She encourages young people to give their hearts to God because “God sees every secret…and loves you…”
The Revolve Tour is an event featuring award-winning bands and speakers with real, relevant messages for teen girls. For more information about Revolve visit www.revolvetour.com.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Youth Ministry Event: Real Teens, Real Issues
The Enforcer, a youth ministry in Georgia, is launching a new teen talk show, “Real Teens, Real Issues,” to broadcast live at a launch event on Saturday, December 19.
The show is dedicated to promoting the mission of “Pioneering Teens, Teens That Dare To Be Different.” The launch event will take place in Porter Auditorium on the Newton High School campus, at 140 Ram Drive, Covington, GA 30014 (located off I-20 East beyond Conyers). Doors open at 2:30pm and showtime is 3:00pm.
This is a free event for the entire family, with an entertainment line-up including:
– 18-year old male motivational speaker
– 16-year old male, dancer and choreographer
– 16-year old singer/song writer and pianist
– Gospel Hip Hop Artist Street Gospel singing their New Single, “Jesus Walk”
The show will be hosted by a family comedian, Rodney Johnson who has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and has toured with Sinbad and many others. If you’re in the area, be sure to attend this inspiring event! For more information visit theenforcer.org or email adrean@theenforcer.org.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Video Pick: “Go Hard” – Lecrae feat. Tedashii
“Go Hard” Lecrae feat. Tedashii, from the album Rebel, Lyrics below:
Read More »
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Youth Voices: Repping With Purpose – Interview with God’s Prodigy
Growing up in a turbulent neighborhood, 14-year-old Samuel Glass found himself caught up in a whirlwind of temptations and bad choices. A few years ago he decided to begin using his passion for rapping to be a role model to other kids, and to glorify God. He goes by the stage name God’s Prodigy, and in this interview he tells us how he addresses the hardships young people are facing today, especially in the inner-city:
SOAR: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from.
Samuel (God’s Prodigy): I would describe myself as a humble down to earth type of guy. I am outgoing and like to have fun. This year I am entering into the ninth grade. Where I grew up wasn’t the best city to grow up in, which was Montgomery, Alabama it had quite a bit of crime and I would have to say some of the friends I had there weren’t the best and did not have the greatest influences on my life.
SOAR: When did you begin getting passionate about God, and how has that journey been?
GP: I would have to say around the end of my seventh grade year when I was transferred to Christian Fellowship Academy. Since then my journey has been quite hard. For instance people who I thought were good friends have now turned their back on me. They expected me to be the same person I was before and to do the same things. I have to resist the temptations of turning to the ways of the world again and participate in the things my peers are often doing.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
Dream in Soul is a new media site for the young-at-heart and purpose-full, inspiring you to live and use your talents passionately for God. To learn more, 
Click Here for our Interview with Music Artist & Producer TJ Pompeo on Dreams, Faith & Trust
