Monthly Archives: April 2012

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The next GG's meeting will be Sunday, April 29 at 3:30  in EDU 102 at FBC.  The focus will be "You and Your Family, You and God".

We will make refigerator magnets.  Check them out under Craft and Game Ideas-Modge Podge Mama.

You'll be starting a Whatever/Lovely list which will be something you can invite your entire family to join in on at home. 

We'll also have a time for devotion.  If you want to read over the devotion ahead of time, we'll be doing Grin and Bear It which you'll find on the God's Girlies website.  Hope you girls have had some special time with your big girlies.  You may want to share anything cool you've been doing together!

There's always room for new God's Girlies!

 

GG's is a fellowship gathering geared towards pre-teens and and Big Girlies (moms grandma's, aunts and friends), but anyone is welcome.

 

Questions?  E-mail me at kristiburden@gmail.com

                     or call 936-577-7446

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Jason and I on a recent date.  We've been married for almost seventeen years.  I sure love that man!

Me and my guys-Jason and Hayden  I dread the day when some girl steals Hayden away from me.  I'm praying she's a good one.

Hallie and Rylie!  My favorite girls!

Can't leave out Griffin.  He's deathly afraid of thunder and doesn't mind the best, but we love him.

Crab huntin' last summer at Galveston

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Had an awesome time with the Freshman and Sophomore girls the weekend of Spring Retreat.  Glad I got to know some of them a bit better.  Look forward to getting to know them more.

All of our Bible Drill girls qualified for the state meet.  Go Girls!!

Had part of our GG's group at my house for our March meeting.  I had a blast!

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 Well, yesterday I went to the dentist.  Even the word dentist makes me nervous.  I’m not exactly sure why I have such a dislike for going to the dentist because it usually ends up not being as bad as I imagined.  In fact, most visits I’ve made were pretty much pain-free.  The dentist who checked my teeth and the lady who cleaned my teeth were super friendly.  I thought they could tell I was one of those patients that needed some calm reassurance.  I’ve wondered before if the folder they have with my name and dental record has a brightly colored sticker on front warning- “special (hard to work with) patient”!  Am I the only one who feels this way?

     I brushed my teeth twice as long and flossed extra good in the morning.  I wanted to make sure my teeth looked dazzling.  I also wanted to ensure that there wasn’t much work that they would have to do.  I ‘m a pretty good girl.  I brush and floss daily though I doubt I’d get an “A+” on my teeth care report card.  Truth be known, I don’t brush after every meal.  And even though I make sure and brush the front and back, down low and every gum line, it doesn’t make up for the times that I don’t brush.  I should also mention that I didn’t go to the dentist for six years.   So, in some ways I’m doing great, in other ways-UTTER FAILURE!

      While I was lying back in the dentist chair I tried to distract myself.  I could see the giant metal hook scraping my teeth moving back and forth.  (It’s easy to notice when it’s right between your eyes!).  So I tried closing my eyes, but the sound has got to be just as bad.  It equals nails scratching a chalkboard.  I had decided at this time I should try and think about how even this moment was in God’s hands.  And immediately I began to think about sin.  Yes, sin.  You see plaque, the sticky film that forms on our teeth naturally, is bad for our teeth.  It can harden and cause tooth decay and gum disease.  While we can brush and floss, it is necessary to go the dentist regularly to have it removed.  And like sin, plaque can be hidden in places where we don’t see it.  It often takes a professional to see the “plaque” and remove it.  Though my mouth is often tender after having my teeth cleaned, I know that my hygienist is preventing bigger problems in the future.  Likewise, when God is helping us rid ourselves of some sin in our life it may be uncomfortable.  I can think of a particular time growing up I was caught in a lie.  My cousin and I were cleaning my aunt’s living room with a friend.  While vacuuming I stepped on a lamp cord and my aunt’s beautiful glass lamp hit the floor shattering into pieces.  My friend saw what happened, but blamed my cousin.  That lie worked in my favor so I went along with the story that it was my cousin’s fault.  My aunt knew we were lying and sent us home.  That was so embarrassing!  Looking back, I know that it was a good thing that I was caught in that lie. It hurt my aunt and my cousin and maybe even my friend who knew I was a Christian. Would I have even thought twice about that lie had my aunt not revealed it?   Even more sad are the hidden sins I’ve committed; sins I’ve held onto with an exhausting grip.  Like plaque that hides beneath the surface, sin quietly grows and eats away at our peace.  God wants us to have peace. And though sometimes the process is uncomfortable he offers to clean up our “sticky” situations.

  Even as a child you know the rules.  Don’t lie.  Be kind.  Don’t be jealous.  And most of the time I bet you follow the rules pretty well.  Does it seem like the one time you break a rule there is an adult there to catch you?  You heard me say catch right?  When you’ve done something wrong it’s easy to feel like an animal caught in a net with nowhere to run.  I want you to picture getting caught differently.  Picture someone falling from a height with nowhere to go but down.  That person wants to be caught.  God has put our parents and other adults in our life as our safety net.  They are in our life and in our business to help us rid ourselves of what isn’t good for us.  You’re fighting with your sister and your parents get on to you?  Just maybe they’re thinking of what’s best for you. (Thank you mom and dad!). Next time I go to the dentist and they’re in my face and in my space I intend to grin and bear it.  And when I have a beautiful smile to show for it, I will remember the ones who patiently worked with me and be thankful. 

1.Can you remember a time when you were caught doing wrong?

How did it make you feel?  Angry?  Guilty?  Sad?  Disappointed?  Mistreated?

 

2. Who are some people God has placed in your life to guide you and correct you?

 

Listen to this prayer and say amen if you agree.

 

Dear God,

We know that we are not perfect.  And we know that there is no perfect adult.  But we know that you have placed adults in our lives to guide us.  Help our moms and dads, grandparents and teachers, coaches and other adults to listen and trust you so they will be able to lead us to you.  Even when adults seem unfair, help us to be obedient.  Help us to know that you will bless our faithfulness to obey.  And help us to always remember that you want every part of us; good and bad.  There is nothing that we should hide from our parents.  And there is nothing we could hide from you.  Most of all, help us remember that by knowing you “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of (you) God”

 (Romans 8:39)

Amen.

 

 

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I read The Legend of the Bluebonnets for the first time in school at about the age of ten.   Talk about a hero.  She-Who-Is-Alone is a young Indian girl who has lost her family in a terrible drought.  The only reminder of her family is a much beloved doll made by her grandmother.  The Great Spirits have called for a sacrifice from the people; an offering which in turn would cause the drought to end.  It is the young girl in the story who selflessly gives all that she has for the good of her people.  While others dance and “ask for help” she goes it alone.  She knows what she has to do and she does it.  She sacrifices her precious doll; the one thing she has left of her family. As she casts her doll into the fire, she waits in darkness as the fire cools.  Then spreading the ashes and waiting through the night, she awakes to a blanket of blue.  In place of withered grass and death, the land is now covered in bluebonnets. Because of She-Who-Dearly-Loves-Her-People  new life has sprung. 

      Does a hero like this exist?  Sure.   From a child offering the last cookie to a friend to a firefighter or soldier giving his very life to save another’s; sacrifices great and small are made every day.  But no sacrifice ever made in history compared to the sacrifice our God made two thousand years ago. 

     The world we live in (like the world two thousand years ago) was much like the land in this story.  People were sick, just as we are sick in sin. We have not been perfect and holy, we sin every day.   In all the land there was a thirst that brought about death because there was no water to carry on life. A great sacrifice was needed to bring about a rain from heaven.   Because we have each sinned we don’t have a forever life.  In my mind, this is like the picture of the grass which was fading in the story.  There must have been hungry bellies with such little food.  Likewise, each of us has a heart which is made to hunger for God.  In each of us is a hunger all the good of the world could never fill.

      He-Who-Is God-Alone  is the hero of our story. He alone is perfect. He wants to share holy heaven with us.  We can’t be a part of something perfect with our sin attached to us.  God alone could make a way for death to die; a way to take our sin from us.  Because He doesn’t wish for us to waste away he gave his most prized possession over to death; his very son.  Yes.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (die) but have eternal (forever) life.  John 3:16 NIV

      He-Who-Dearly-Loves-His-People allowed his only son to die. And as his perfect son died, our sin died with him as we believe in him.  I think sometimes we mindlessly think our forever lives with God start when we die and go to heaven.  Not so!   In the story new life was bright in bloom as the bluebonnets covered the land the next morning. Remember that Jesus didn’t stay on the cross.  He rose again.  The moment you give your life to Jesus, that old sin life dies.  You are a new creation.  Your forever life has begun!  It’s the season of the bluebonnets.  Be bright and beautiful as you display God’s love and sacrifice to a dry and thirsty land.

 

*If you have never given your life to Jesus.  Answer these questions:

1.Do you know and believe that God is perfect?

2. Do you know and believe that you are not?

3. Do you trust that Jesus died on the cross and came back to life three days later?

4.Do you believe that your sin (all your imperfect ways/the things that you have and will do wrong) were put to death on the cross with him?

5. Just as Jesus rose again, do you believe that your forever life in Christ has begun and he lives in you?

If you believe these things, he already knows you do.  Thank him and share with others what he has done for you.  

Click on the link to read The Legend of the Bluebonnets.

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/culture/story/story_texas.htm

 

 

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He’s the Must Have with the must haves.

He’s my diary-He knows all my secrets.

He’s the whole pizza-He satisfies my hunger.

He’s home base-I’m safe.

He’s your one stop shop, but visit often.

He’s a sno- cone in June-He refreshes me.

He’s the glass slipper-He’s the perfect fit.

He’s a hot air balloon-He lifts me up.

He’s a double chocolate chip muffin-full of goodness.

He’s my favorite cap-He’s with me on bad hair days.

He’s my BFF!

He’s my nightlight-He’s with me in darkness.

He’s my favorite movie-He never gets old.

He’s my flat-iron-He smoothes my rough places.

He’s the invite to the ultimate party.         

He’s like a mom in the stands, my biggest fan.                                          

He’s my ipod and the songs of my heart.

He’s the gift that keeps on giving!                                                              

He’s my perfume-I am the aroma of Christ.                                   

He’s ice-cold water on a summer day-He quenches my thirst.

He’s that cute cardigan-He covers a multitude of sins.

He’s that gotta have handbag-Hey carries all my sorrows.

He’s my Iphone – He makes and takes unlimited calls.

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!....

The Lord is near!

Philippians 4:4-5

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Our March meeting was themed around friends.  During a meeting, we usually have a devotion time (one listed in Devotion Posts), a craft or game and then some type of sharing time.  Remember the old fashioned autograph books?  This meeting the girls received The Ultimate Girlfriend Handbook.  There was a section where the girls could sign each other's book.  Also, with the help of moms, grandmas and other honorary members of our GG's group we compiled an advice/etc. section. Ladies sent in recipes, letters, prayers, poems and so on.   The book also contained an activity section with a favorites survey to fill out;one for yourself and one for your Big Girly (your mom or grandmother or whoever attends GG's meetings with you).  There were also doodle pages which were included (the web address is included below).  The books were a hit and I found myself inspired and encouraged reading through the pages.  The goal of this book and really the GG's group is to bridge the age gap and to remind us that we are all God's Girlies on this journey of faith.  I'm having the best time really getting to know girls of all ages.

www.doodle-art-alley.com/coloring-pages

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Blingometer

1.When it comes to reading the bible:

  • A. You listen to your teacher or preacher when they read from it.
  • B. You read it, listen to it and try to follow what it says.
  • C. You have one somewhere.

2.When others see me on a bad day:

  • A.    Only my friends know I’m having a bad day.
  • B.     They know that even though it might not be the best day, I’m counting on God to get me through.
  • C.     They know to stay out of my way.

3.God’s word:

  • A.    Is a book I can pick up if I need an answer.
  • B.     Has the word’s of life needed everyday.
  • C.     Sure is LONG!

 

4.People would best describe me as:

  • A.    A really trendy dresser.
  • B.     Someone who loves God and loves others.
  • C.     How should I know? 

5.My greatest desire is:

  • A.    That others would think I’m beautiful.
  • B.     That others would see through me that God is awesome.
  • C.     For my enemy to trip in the cafeteria.

 

 

If you answered:

Mostly A’S -You’re on your way to Dazzling! But you know those little sparkles fall off easily.  Stay in God’s word and he will keep your life bright.

Mostly B’s- You go, you Bling Thing!  Continue to shine big and bright by living out God’s word.

Mostly C’s-First find your bible. Trust that it is your jewelry box.  Read it, love it and live it to the glory of God.

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I'm no crafty girl.  In fact I normally despise anything potentially messy!  The other thing you should know about me is that I strongly believe that most things worth doing should take five minutes or less.  That's why I have to share this five minute craft.

Five minute magnets 

You will need:

-a set of dominoes

-Mod Podge

-Paintbrush or sponge

-a magazine or scrapbook pages

-an index card

-scissors

-magnets (You can find a bag of magnets in the craft section at Wal-Mart)

-Hot glue gun and glue stick

I have an old set of chicken foot dominoes that haven't been used since I decided to stop playing competitive sports (I tend to have a bad losing attitude).  I bought Mod Podge off of Amazon.  Found an old paintbrush, but heard you can also use a sponge.  I found some un-busy backgrounds on pages from an old magazine. I also found random letters and words to place on top of my background.  For instance I found a "K" for Kristi and cut out the word "brilliant".   I traced around a domino onto an index card to make a pattern.  After cutting the pattern, I brushed some Mod Podge on the domino then put the cut-out background magazine piece in place on top.  I did the same with the letter (or word).  Brush over your completed picture and allow to dry. Hot glue your magnet to the back of your domino. The front of my domino had a few bumps, but that's how I roll.  Someone let me know if you know an easy way to fix the bumps.

*This craft may be "so yesterday".  If so just humor me.

*I know there are other things you could use instead of a domino.  Any ideas?

These are going to be made at our next GG's meeting themed "You and Your Family, You and God".  We are going to make refigerator magnets.  The refrigerator magnet is going to be used to hold up our "Lovely List" based on Philippians 4:8-"Whatever is lovely...think on these things".  It's a list that family members will be called to add to as they think of lovely and praiseworthy thngs, people and blessings in their lives.  I'll try to post a copy once I figure out how.

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 /bling/: an adornment (usually a ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems or imitation gems

You have to admit that everyone loves a little bling.  Maybe it's a pair of those Miss Me jeans bedazzled with rhinestones across the back pockets.  At some point in your life you may hope to be surprised with a ring  topped off with with a blinding diamond; one given to you by someone who thinks you're "IT"!  And though some us would not be willing to admit it if we've seen  Toddlers and Tiaras; I bet we' ve even dreamed of having a ultimate grand supreme piece of bling on top of our head. Whatever piece of bling you may wish for, you want it to be noticed.  It's also THE BEST if you've been given your bling by someone who wants to show they love you very much.

Bling can be costly.  I have to tell you that I own a pair of those expensive jeans with bling. Did you ever stop to think that the jewels are not only fake but when I sit down you can't even see them. Once when I lost my wedding ring I was just sick thinking of how much money was spent on it.  And have you seen how some mamas and daughters can act when they want the crown and pageant title?  Ugly words are spoken, tears are shed and when those little girls come out strutting their stuff, they're anything but themselves.

Should bling require that we cease to be ourselves?

Hopefully you're aware that God has an abundance of bling.

  What does God's bling look like and can it be ours?

We have a rich God who gives freely to all who ask.   It says in the book of Psalms in chapter nineteen starting in verse eight that

 "the precepts(directions) of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the LORD is radiant making the eyes light up....They are more desirable than gold".

We know that God's word is a love letter given to each of us.  And we know that he tells us in these verses that by

1.Listening

2.Learning and

3.Following these directions that we will shine not only on the inside but outwardly too.

I like knowing that there is beauty in having God's word in my heart.  Even more important,  God is so rich in bling (love that shines),  that he wants to share it with everyone.  He lets us not only have it for ourselves, but share it with all those we come into contact with.  When you have God's shining light in you, you are called to " let your light shine".  Matthew chapter five tells us that shining for God gives glory to our father in heaven.

And who wouldn't want to do that?