Recently I was asked to share part of my testimony of overcoming obstacles and hardships as a teen with a website for teen girls called Girls 4 God. The editor of the site, Annika, has featured the stories of various women to encourage girls to grow in Christ and I was glad to be able to contribute my experience.

Visit the website at www.girls4god.de/ENGinhalt.html for awesome inspiration for girls, and click here to read my and other girls’ testimonies, or read my full testimony below.

My Testimony – He Touched Me & Made Me Whole

Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…

It is amazing how God has taken me from being moss under a rock to being planted as a blooming flower in His fertile ground. Our teen years can be really difficult at times when we’re going through changes, pressures and frustrations, and mine were no different. Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…

Growing up I as a child was extremely shy but entering my teen years my self-esteem plummeted. I became increasingly self-conscious and would not ever step out or let my voice be heard aloud except when needed. I disliked the way I looked, felt as if I didn’t really matter and would cower at the sight of people, only speaking freely to my closest family and friends.

Coupled with that I felt abandoned after my father left the family when I was a child. I was also struggling with an illness at the time that made it difficult to go to school regularly, and so in high school I missed many days because of trips to the doctor’s office. It was a dark and lonely road.

Everything seemed bleak and I was merely going through the motions, not embracing life to its fullest potential. At 15-years-old I became depressed and only half aware of being alive and I was hardly taking care of myself.

My body and spirit were shriveling into a tense, broken, guarded existence.

I only felt good about myself when I could please and have the approval of others through my abilities. My life revolved around serving people but not only in a godly way; rather I felt that my only worth was in doing what people wanted me to, that they would be angry with me if I didn’t, and that there was nothing else about me left to offer. I had lost all joy I had as a child and even forgot the hobbies and pastimes I had enjoyed; nothing seemed worth it anymore.

I grew up going to church and still went with my mother, but the truth of God’s love didn’t quite become real to me until a few years ago when God showered me with His love in a real way. It began when I was very ill and had to be rushed to the hospital as a result of a complication. At the time I could remember being only half aware of what was going on around me. My chest was tight and I was scared that I might die there in the hospital. The fear didn’t last long because an intense feeling of peace and calm that I’d never felt before captured me.

In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back.

In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back. The thought of, “Who told you that you were worthless? Who said you weren’t allowed live? Who said you can’t?” kept repeating in my mind. I felt as if He was telling me to stop trying to make sense of my circumstances, stop belittling myself and to trust Him with my heart. He controls every beat, created me wonderfully and He is always there with me – just let go. Obeying that command has been a day-by-day release, but I can feel Him enveloping me in His freedom more all the time.

Before I was afraid to speak, to share, and to live freely. Now I am speaking, sharing and living to show and tell others about the love that saved me. From speaking engagements to sharing my thoughts on my youth website www.dreaminsoul.com/soar God has been amazing in revealing my purpose and launching me into hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

My pain has become a conduit to reach others going though the same.

I know He loves me, and I know He loves you – will you let Him into your heart?

You don’t have to wait until a major event like an illness to happen to realize that you and your life are worth it in God’s eyes. Let Him takeover today – let loose your fears, hurts and troubles to Him. Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

You will be amazed at how trusting in the Lord and deciding to live your life by only His opinions of you will liberate your heart, mind and soul.

He freed me from darkness and nurtures me to grow beautifully into His light; for that I am ever grateful.

Visit Girls 4 God for more inspiring testimonies:

You can find out more about me and my youth ministries and webzines at my websites:

http://www.dreamfleur.com

http://www.dreaminsoul.com/blog

Lyrics by Bill Gaither
Shackled by a heavy burden,
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.

He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I’ll shout it while eternity rolls.

He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.

The Legacy 2010 Conference, “for those that are serious about being a disciple of Christ and making disciples for Christ,” will be held July 29 – 31 in Chicago at the Moody Bible Institute. Visit www.legacy-conference.org for more information.

Below are two videos that highlight Trip’s teaching series during the institute, a few reflections from attendees, and a short interview about Trip’s new album “Between Two Worlds”. Videos by Sketch the Journalist

Check out Sho Baraka’s video “Oh Well” from his sophomore album Lions & Liars:

There are so many pressures to want to look a certain way today, and we as girls often scrutinize ourselves in the mirror and compare ourselves to others. I love this blog post by singer and speaker Paige Armstrong, on what really makes girls beautiful. Paige said on her blog:

“I am finding that it is not a style that makes people’s head turn. It’s not the amount of make up or the exquisitely crafted hair. What sets a person a part, is just being themselves.

“Whether they’re short or tall, pale or tan, wearing glasses or not, round or long… it doesn’t matter. It takes knowing yourself: Who you are and what you’re not. Where you’ve been and where you want to go. What you like and how you want to come across.

“So the bottom line? Just be yourself. That’s what’s beautiful.”

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Click here to read the full post

She’s right, everyone is unique in their own way and though society tells us what is supposedly beautiful – a certain weight, hairstyle, clothing – it is really loving the way God made us and taking care of the body He gave us that makes us truly beautiful. Express your own style and be yourself – remember that God regards the heart as most important.

Paige also has a song called “Airbrushed Magazines” on her latest album “Wake Up,” talking about this very subject. I love the edgy rock sound and especially the message; take a listen below:

“You’re beautiful the way you are, don’t let this world define you, what’s wrong, what’s right don’t give up the fight, it’s time, to feel, what it is to be real, and though, they say we should live life their way, who are they, to say who we are?” – Paige Armstrong

About Paige

Paige Armstrong is a 20 year-old music artist and speaker, and what’s most amazing is that she’s a former Make-A-Wish child and cancer survivor (click here to watch her story). She’s a regular host of the show iShine Knect on TBN, aimed at Christian tweens, and her music and speaking ministry show how passionate she is about encouraging young people to embrace their purpose. Visit her website online at www.paigehasastory.com and follow her on Twitter @PaigeHasAStory, she’s always sharing something uplifting and inspiring.

Watch this clip of Paige from an episode of iShine, about how much God loves us and how we were created with purpose:

Some Lyrics From Beautiful:
I’ve been thinking bout the way I see, myself and I, just can’t understand why I say
All those hurtful things about myself, insecurities, they don’t seem to just go away

And it’s hard for me to understand, you loving me, through all the mistakes that I make
I’m so glad that you will never leave, keep reminding me, how you see me each day I wake…

Visit the Group 1 Crew website for the rest of the lyrics, more videos and for updates on their album and tour. Also, listen to the entire “Spacebound EP streamed online from their Facebook page. Click here to order the EP on iTunes.

The Buzz: Check out Trip Lee’s New Album “Between Two Worlds,” John Mark McMillan on “How He Loves,” Israel Houghton in the Studio, Download a song from Group 1 Crew’s EP Spacebound and more…

Word: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 – What is Unseen

…Do not lose heart…

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…

Here’s a ministry event combining the creativity of dance and praise, submitted by a SOAR reader:

F.L.A.V.A. Dance LLC, presents America’s Best Praise Dance Showcase and Competition,
July 10, 2010. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

A wave of Praise is coming to Nashville Tennessee. The call has been sent out for all Praise, Mime, Liturgical, Holy Hip Hop, Flag, Lyrical, and Modern dancers to bring their best dance. On July 10th 2010 Youth Groups, Ministers, Mentors, Councilors, Community Leaders and Fans will descend on the campus off Vanderbilt University for a praise event like no other.

At ABPD, we are interested in the story behind each dancer we strive to bring their testimonies and talent together with pastors, councilors, mentors, college administrators, and supporters from all over the country in order for our young dancers and performers to receive the feedback they need to take their lives to the next level. The competitive component of ABPD offers a chance to get feedback from qualified judges in a constructive and friendly environment.

America’s Best Praise Dance is produced in association with: The Vanderbilt Black Culture Center, Jubilee Magazine, HiFi Communication and Americans for the Arts; and is sponsored by Proclaim, Inc., Inside/ Out Construction Services, MI Promotions, Debbie Moore of World Renow Brokers, K&G, and Arvester Faulkner of Your Mortgage Source.

If you would like more information about this topic, sponsorship, vendor information or to schedule an interview with Tonya Nance Or Paulette Robinson, please call Tonya Nance at 678-907-2046 or email tonya@americasbestpraisedance.com. Visit www.americasbestpraisedance.com for more information about this event.

The Dream in Soul Store

The Dream in Soul line of uplifting line of apparel and gifts were made for you to express your faith in a bold way. The goal of the line is to bring glory to God through creativity and to present unique pieces that speak truth and inspire others. The apparel caters to a variety of tastes, from those that prefer a colorful and youthful look to the more refined.

More designs for men, women and kids will be added shortly. Click here or on the Store tab in the navigation bar to visit the store. Stay tuned for the next series of gifts and apparel coming up soon, and check out some of the first designs below:

Real Love is Worth the Wait T-Shirt for Women

Click here for details…

Shirt Description
“Real love is worth the wait…” If we are worth it in the eyes of the God of the universe, then our hearts are worth the wait for true love that resembles His, and a love story written by Him. Based on 1 Corinthians 13 – The top right heart says “Patient” and the “T” in “wait” drips hearts with the words “love,” and “kind.”

Click here for details…

Shirt Description
God’s love is never ending, never wavering, always flowing. Based on Lamentations 3:21-24: Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is Thy faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him!” He loves you. Always. Forever.

Pursuing A Life Mapped By the Maker

His music and ministry spans generations. From producer, to musician, speaker and host, Kirk Franklin’s ability to be both light-hearted with humor and raw with realness and honesty draws in people of all ages and backgrounds. Adding a new level of transparency and spiritual insight, Kirk Franklin launches his first book The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms on May 18. In the book he charts a guide of personable wisdom speaking on everything from faith and marriage to race and life in the black community. “The Blueprint” aims to inspire anyone to view and plan his or her life from an unearthly perspective.

Kirk Franklin spoke to Dream in Soul about the vision of the book, his ministry expanding into the Twitterverse, his definition of success, and creating a bridge between contemporary Christian and gospel music. Tune into the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi, thank you so much for talking to me today, it’s such an honor. I wanted to start out by asking you what inspired you to write this book at this point in your life and what was your vision in writing it?

KF: The book came about because I’ve been doing a lot of public speaking, and speaking at colleges, churches, and conferences, and so people thought that it would be good that I did a book. So a couple of publishers became interested in the idea, and now here we are with “The Blueprint.”

DS: What was your vision, did you have a specific age group in mind when writing the book or is it for everyone?

Check out the latest buzz in all things Christian music and the latest albums coming out this month…

Soul Dreamer: Discovering Your Artistic Purpose with Art Lessons From God

Most everyone has asked these questions:

• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• What should I be doing?

Artists in particular, from painters to musicians, may ask these questions regarding their gifts:

• Who am I as an artist?
• Why do I have this talent?
• What does God want me to do with it?

Navigating these questions might be frustrating when we don’t “hear” what God wants us to do with the gifts He’s given us. How do we know what route to take with our abilities?

No Dancing In Church? A Documentary Featuring DCLARE Dance Ministry

“No Dancing In Church” is a documentary by Consuela Hayes featuring the DCLARE Dance Ministry. The concept of dance in the church may be a topic of conflict to some…