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Archives for July 2009
College Edition: Purpose and Prepare
July 9, 2009 Leave a Comment
We recently discussed how to choose a school, as well as offered wisdom from women who’ve been there, so please read that article if you haven’t already.
Purpose and Prepare
Beginning a new chapter in life is always exciting, but we don’t rush into big decisions without taking time to prepare for the changes, do we? Being away from the adults and other influential people in our lives, we will soon realize that if we’re going to do something, it’s on our shoulders and we must make time for it; we need to decide ahead of time what kind of person we’ll be in college. I like the phrase, “purposed in [his] heart,” because it shows the maturity and responsibility of a person to make the best decision and stick to it. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not take part in the king’s delicacies (Daniel 1:8). Will we be responsible and purpose in our hearts to use our time wisely in college? Whether you attend a state school or a Christian school, there are a few things for which we must be prepared to set aside time:
Studying. Let’s take two looks at studying. One, studying for our classes. While it may not always be enjoyable, it’s profitable and needed. If you are going to pay the money for college and work toward a degree of some sort, it is only logical to study and learn the material well. Studying doesn’t have to be exhaustive and boring, though! Spice up studying at times by having study nights with the girls in your dorm. Make snacks and play memory or flashcard games. Be creative! Secondly, studying God’s Word. Even if you attend a Christian school, you still need personal Bible study and prayer. Don’t count on getting all you need spiritually from Bible classes and weekly worship services. Taking time alone to let God speak to you through His Word, and to pray to Him, is vital in a Christian girl’s spiritual growth.
Extra Activities. It might take a while to get adjusted, but once you are comfortable in college, seek out different activities in which you can help others, grow in Christ, and also relax and have fun! Look for church student centers where you can meet other Christians and take part in activities of fellowship and worship. Become part of community service groups or other clubs that assist people or causes. If you like athletics, try out for a sports team if you will have the time to dedicate to that. However, while it is good to be involved, never overload yourself. In college, the extra-activity possibilities are nearly endless; just make sure to take part in the ones that glorify God.
Family and Friends. The hardest part about college for so many is leaving behind family and friends. That’s perfectly natural! We have attachments to these people, and we find security and love in being around them. In college, you will likely meet more of these people, but it will take time. Carrie Underwood has a song called “Don’t Forget To Remember Me” that captures the feeling of leaving home for college. In it, the responsibility of being on our own is illustrated, and we feel that longing to still be part of “home.” Take advantage of the free moments you’ll have to send a heartfelt e-mail, write a friendly letter, or give a kind call to a loved one. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Your close ones will appreciate the remembrance from you!
God. Most importantly overall, it is of the greatest urgency that we prepare our hearts and use our time wisely for God. He, after all, is the One who allows us to attend college, and we owe our lives to Him. Just like mentioned earlier in the latter part of “Studying,” time with God is vital to our growth as Christians. Also, recall our key Scripture this month: “…fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecc. 12:13). In college, we may be tempted to rearrange our priorities. We as young Christian ladies have got to place in the front of our minds that our whole purpose here is to glorify, respect, and honor God and keep His Word in all we do. Doesn’t that slow everything down and put life in simple perspective? Make special time for God everyday, so that He can help you continue steadfast in your life for Him.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Several of my close brothers and sisters in Him are graduating this year. I am saddened by their departure, but I have faith that they will make great impacts for Christ on the people they meet. They may stay near to home or they may go far, but they will always be able to be close to God. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go!: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the [girl] who’ll decide where to go.” Now, as you depart on a bright new road, where will you go? What will you do for Christ? Make the most of this wonderful time in your life–for Him!
By Hannah Smith
Pierce my heart: college edition!
July 8, 2009 Leave a Comment
Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 “…Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh … Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
Welcome to the college edition of Pierce My Heart! This month we’re focusing on many aspects of college preparation, including choosing a college, becoming financially savvy at school, and the highest learning we can achieve.
We’ll also talk about staying emotionally close to family members while physically far away; we’ll include college tips that any college freshman can benefit from; and there will be an article that offers wisdom from Christian women who have been there.
We’ll discuss the different types of colleges and the benefits each type offers, including state schools, private and Christian universities, community colleges, and online schools.
Since college students will probably make many new friends, we’ll also have articles about activities to do with those friends, such as backyard sports, tie-dying shirts, campfire cooking, and campus study sessions.
If you’re going to live away from home, you’ll probably enjoy our articles about chic sleepwear, avoiding the “freshman 15,” living with roommates, and decorating a dorm or apartment.
Sunglasses are on sale in many places by now, which makes our article about choosing flattering sunglasses very fitting, and perfect for driving to college in style!
Our Heart to Heart summer series, “Instantly Changed,” will continue this month, so be sure to check that out.
Suicide is something that some of us will have to deal with some time in our lives, which is why we’ll be addressing this very sad and serious issue this month.
Other news
After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided that articles will no longer appear on Sundays, which will allow for a full day of worship, family time, and rest. New articles will continue to appear every other day of the week, so if you do read Pierce My Heart on Sundays, there should be several articles from the previous week (and past months) to browse through – just make sure that you’re enhancing, not replacing, your own worship or study time with articles and books from other places.
Giveaway and thoughts
We’re going to give away a bag of beauty products this month, so check back soon for details about that.
Whether you’ve already gone to college, will be leaving this fall, or won’t head to college for a few years, or at all, we hope you can enjoy and benefit from these articles.
Remember to keep it all in perspective, though, and that in the end the only thing that matters is that we lived our lives for Christ and are His children. He doesn’t care about what type of degree we have (or don’t have) – all He cares about is that we are obedient to Him and have given our lives to Him, talking about His love with as many people as possible.
Sharing Him,
Davonne Parks
College Edition: Choosing and Wisdom
July 7, 2009 Leave a Comment
Can you believe it’s summer already? I’m positive you are all glad for a break from school—unless you are involved in summer studies or college prep! We will focus on Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 during the month of July: “…Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh…fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” That passage is very fitting for our theme, “Pierce my heart: college edition!” If you are preparing to head to college this fall or sometime soon, I pray this devotional will be helpful to you. If you are still in middle or high school, I hope it can still be a reminder of how important it is to keep God where He belongs—in the driver’s seat of our lives.
Choosing a School
To attend college is a huge blessing! Those of you who are readying to enter this stage of your lives should realize that there are so many people who want to go to college, but cannot for various reasons. College is a wonderful opportunity to grow in Christ, meet other Christians, study new and enthralling subjects, and get involved in good, wholesome activities.
Public colleges and universities are likely to have the same type of people and ideas as a public high school. But now you are on your own, and the temptations call for a more mature person to handle them. This is not to say a Christian cannot overcome the temptations in these schools. There are plenty of good public or state schools that have church student centers. I have Christian friends who enjoy these as good places to learn about nearby congregations, as well as find other Christians with whom they can build strong relationships!
Christian universities, on the other hand, are wonderful in their own special way! Although they are sometimes pricier, numerous Christians relate to me that the experience is well worth the money if the school is reputable and grounded in God’s Word. Some schools may have the title “Christian,” but do not teach the Truth. Please carefully research the “Christian schools” to find one that will allow you to become stronger in your faith and love for God and His Word. If you have a desire (and the money or scholarships) to attend a Christian school, I commend you in that!
Lastly in choosing, it is always a must to visit the school you are interested in. Explore the campus and ask questions to those escorting you around. More importantly, pray about choosing the right place! Always keep in mind the comforting passage in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Wisdom from Women
For this devotional, I wanted to get firsthand information about college experiences from wise Christian ladies in my life. I asked a few different questions, and these are the real and true replies of Christian women:
1. How did you/are you staying close to God in college/while you were in college?
- Good, strong Christian friends and/or roommates; being around like-minded people.
- Going to worship, singings, retreats, campus devotionals, and other activities of fellowship and worship.
- Personal Bible study and prayer.
- Developing my own faith–not being a Christian just because it’s what my parents taught.
2. What was/is the hardest part about college?
- Not making a habit of skipping services because parents are not there to tell you otherwise.
- Making time to study the Bible amid all the schoolwork and activities.
- Projects and due dates all piling up at once.
- Having to study really hard for classes.
- Being away from family.
3. Any more advice or extra comments to Christian girls about to enter college?
- Be devoted to God.
- Don’t give up on your faith!
- Be convicted and passionate in what you say and do, because people are watching and you are making impressions for God.
- Pull through exam weeks with friends to help you.
- Don’t leave God out–never let anything get in the way of keeping Him first.
- Make a game plan before leaving home to keep your faith strong and stay close to God; pray for His help, and stick to it!
I encourage you to speak with the Christian ladies you know about their experiences. Take their advice to heart, and thank God for them!
Coming Up
We’ll soon discuss having a purpose in college, and preparing ourselves for the ride, so stay tuned!
By Hannah Smith
Top Ten College Tips
July 6, 2009 Leave a Comment
Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 “…Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh… Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
For those of you who have yet to go to college, you may not completely understand how true the first statement is. You can have anywhere from 1 to 10 different books for the quarter/semester, particularly if you have some kind of English-related subject. And the studying doesn’t end. Most of the tests will cover the entire quarter/semester so you have to keep reviewing everything. For those of you going to college, remember to have fun in between the studying! I thought I’d do something a little different this month, offering my top 10 college tips:
1) Buy a Brita pitcher. The water at my school was not only bad tasting without one, it was possibly mutagenic.
2) If you live close enough to home, wash clothes and dishes there. Washing clothes at school gets expensive in a hurry – depending on the college, it can be $2 or $3 to complete a load. As for washing dishes, again, you have no idea what is in the water!
3) Don’t rely on school food to keep you healthy. It can be full of fat, sugar and all other kinds of unhealthy items! (And beware of the ‘vegetarian’ line––vegetarian does not necessarily mean healthy. I personally was left with the choice of salads and grilled chicken for lunch and dinner for 4 years – yikes). Remember – most schools allow you to have a mini fridge and a microwave – put them to good use, especially for healthy snacks.
4) School books are expensive; don’t buy them from the school – they mark them up over the price of a new one. Usually you can get by without the books the first week. On the first day, they will give you a syllabus (I have some that have been five or six pages long) and it will list the books you need. Find them online! (Amazon is a great resource.) You can also buy them used from most school bookstores or other textbook providers. Unless they are in awful condition, they are just as good as a new one––and so much cheaper! Also keep in mind that some teachers will never refer to the textbook, so ask ahead of time to determine whether or not you even need it.
5) If you have a hobby (video games, books, PC games), don’t go out and find a new one to read/play right before a test or finals week! I have all of these. There have been times when I have gotten myself into trouble because I couldn’t put the book down or couldn’t stop playing. Staying up all night to study is generally not a good thing right before a test.
6) Have fun making new friends – try joining some organizations. If you don’t want to join a sorority or social club, check out the service clubs or academic groups that correspond with your field of study. (Make sure you consider if the club is consistent with your values and beliefs.) You can share all the ups and downs of college life together.
7) Enjoy being a college student: don’t just focus on the studying, no matter how important. My college offered many ways to get together and have fun. Free movies, multicultural fairs, ethnic nights, foam parties, cooking classes, etc.
8 ) Don’t let your new-found independence go to your head and forget to call home. I called home once a week to find out how everything was going and how everyone was doing. You’re less likely to get homesick.
9) Find a way to relieve your stress. College can be fun, but it’s still a lot of hard work. Find an outlet that works for you, such as reading, going for a walk, or writing in a journal.
10) Remember: You are representing Christ! Show your friends and the people around you Christ living in you. Don’t compromise your beliefs and actions to please anyone but God.
By Megan Skinner
On-Campus Study Session
July 5, 2009 Leave a Comment
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD.” Ezra 7:10
The weather may be warm and the sun may be shining, but we’re quickly approaching the start of a new school year. Many will be heading off to college––some for the first time. The beginning of a new school year offers a great opportunity to help out. Whether it’s your first year at a new school, or you’re returning to campus, an on-campus study session is a great way to make new friends or renew bonds with old ones.
Getting started
Assuming that you’re starting out at a new school, organizing a study group is a great way to get to know people. As you meet people, or as a way of meeting them, let them know that you’re thinking of starting a Bible study group. You may ask several girls on your hall in your dorm or some people from your biology class. I would recommend keeping it small at first, only 4–6 people.
When you have your group together, discuss a day and time. Keep in mind that college schedules widely vary. Many students have classes or labs in the evenings, or work jobs after class to make extra money. You may have interested people who just won’t be able to participate at the time. You may also find that your group has time available during an afternoon or on a Saturday morning. Once you have a day and time to meet, you need to decide on a location. You may reserve a study room in the library, meet in someone’s dorm room (if all of your study buddies are female), or find a quiet coffee shop or book store.
Next, choose a topic to study. This will help keep things moving when you get together. Don’t count on just coming together without a topic or book to discuss––it may result in everyone sitting and staring at one another. Decide on a book of the Bible that everyone agrees on. Or choose to discuss a specific topic, such as gossip, purity, or temptation. You may also agree on a book about a biblical topic to study by an author you’d all like to read. Just remember that although other authors may have very biblical things to say on certain topics, there is only one Author and Book you should ultimately go to for answers.
Your study session
Although there may be occasional exceptions, it’s important that everyone arrive to the session on time. You are all taking time out of busy schedules and study time and activities to be there, so be considerate of others’ time. The routine of the session itself is up to you. You may choose to start with prayer requests and praises and then have some time of prayer. Or you may leave that until the end. Even though praying out loud may seem awkward at first, try it anyways, even if it’s just a short prayer, and allow all group members to take turns leading in the upcoming weeks – praying out loud in a group setting is a skill that will serve all of you well throughout the years. Designate someone to keep everyone on topic. However, there may be times when something is on the heart of someone, and it’s completely appropriate to get sidetracked in order to develop closer relationships with others and with God through life experiences.
Although there should be some sense of routine, also remember to keep it casual. Have a snack on hand, or a pot of coffee available. Enjoy one another’s company and relationship while taking time out of school studies to study God’s Word.
By Lisa Grimenstein
Happy Independence Day!
July 4, 2009 Leave a Comment
Our theme in July 2008 was “Pierce my heart to enjoy freedom in Christ” and all of our articles written that month can be found here.
There’s a short devotional about freedom in Christ, a comic (complete with a fun poll underneath!) about Independence Day, fun patriotic dessert suggestions, a poem about freedom, a book review pertaining to freedom, a list of ways to show your freedom, and an article about our greatest freedom––freedom in Christ.
As you enjoy the fireworks and food this Fourth of July, don’t forget to thank God for blessing you with the freedom this country offers, as well as the freedom found only in Him (Galatians 5:1).
Davonne Parks
Staying Close from a Distance
July 3, 2009 1 Comment
Moving away from home can be very difficult on family members – even though you’re busy with new friends, new classes, and new activities, their lives are basically the same as usual except you’re not there, and they are more likely to feel your absence (and miss your presence). While living far away, you can stay emotionally close to family members, and allow them to be involved in your life, in a number of easy ways.
Social network: A social network (such as Facebook) will allow you to leave comments on your family members’ pages in just a few seconds to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can quickly wish a sibling good luck on a test, or tell your mom you hope she’s feeling better after being sick. You can also upload pictures or videos of things going on around you to help them feel included in your life.
Phone: Whether a quick phone call on your walk to class, or a text message that says, “I aced my math test!” you can use your phone to stay updated on your family’s life without spending hours talking to everyone (although the occasional lengthy conversation is nice!).
Blog: If you love to write, consider setting up a blog on a website such as blogspot.com, xanga.com, or wordpress.com to write about your everyday happenings and thoughts. It will also be fun for you to go back through and read old entries later on.
E-mail: If you want to write, but don’t feel comfortable putting your words on the internet, consider sending an occasional e-mail to your entire family, updating them on your life and asking for an update on theirs.
Snail mail: Especially if you have younger siblings, this kind of mail will be eagerly received. For really young siblings, include a sticker sheet for them to play with. Birthdays and holidays are times that are great for sending snail mail even if you don’t normally write cards or letters.
Keep in mind
Remaining close to family throughout all stages of life is one of life’s greatest blessings (Ephesians 3:14-19). Although your family will be eager to hear from you, make sure your conversations aren’t one-sided. Ask them how they’re doing and be interested in their lives, no matter how big or small their news is.
By Davonne Parks
Choosing A College
July 2, 2009 1 Comment
Q. “How can I know I’m making the best choice about choosing which college to attend?”
-Anonymous
A. Having just chosen a college for myself, I can sympathize with you on this topic. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. Which college I attend helps determine my entire future, like who my friends are, what my major is, where I live, and even who I marry. That is why it is important to carefully and prayerfully consider your options.
Some of the things I considered when choosing the college I wanted to attend were location/distance, atmosphere, size, and cost. Consider how far you want to be away from home; do you want to be able to come home on weekends or do you like being independent and only coming home on breaks? Also, what kind of atmosphere do you prefer? Would you like to go to a public school? Or would you rather attend a Christian school?
Another aspect that can affect your college choice is size. Do you feel comfortable in large groups where you can see new faces everyday and experience anonymity? Or do you like the closer environment of a smaller private school, where it seems everybody knows everybody? Of course, one of the most prominent factors that determines which college you attend is the cost. If you are offered a scholarship from a certain school, it might influence you to go there.
If you are having difficulty choosing a college, pray to God that you make the best choice. Pray for the wisdom to make the decision that will be best for you. God hears the prayers of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29) and wants us to pray when we are afflicted so that He may guide us in our decision making (James 5:13). You can also seek advice from older people you trust. Ask alumni from the colleges you are considering what they thought of the school.
Also, be sure to go on college visits. These are usually well-structured tours that allow you to visit dorms and classrooms. There is no better way to decide if you feel comfortable on campus and could see yourself spending the next few years there. I hope these tips aid you in your search for your perfect school. And remember that regardless of where you choose to go, the most important thing is to glorify God.
Good luck!
Rachel Conley
The Beginning of Knowledge
July 1, 2009 Leave a Comment
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
This month’s theme is centered around our college edition of Pierce My Heart. Naturally, when we think of college, we think of higher learning. But it’s important for us to think of the greatest learning we could focus on––God’s Word.
Not only is our reading for this month filled with Proverbs and scripture about the importance of learning God’s Word and keeping it in our hearts (Deuteronomy 11:18), but it also includes everything important we would ever need to know. The information given in the Bible is eternal information––not just something we memorize when cramming for a test, only to forget it as we walk out the door afterward. In school, I was the Queen of Cram. I could look at something and have it memorized quickly. But how much did I retain from that short-term memorization?
Psalm 77:12 tells us that David meditated on God’s works. We’re also told in Psalm 1:2 and Joshua 1:8 to meditate on His Word day and night (emphasis mine). That’s not just reading. That’s not just short-term memorization. That’s keeping it in our hearts and minds for good.
Colossians 1:9–11 says that we should pray for God to fill us “with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” This is the wisdom and understanding we should ultimately be striving to attain.
Of course, Proverbs is overflowing with scripture on the importance of knowledge and godly wisdom. We are told that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (9:10) and that wise men store up knowledge (10:14). As crazy as it sounds, Proverbs also tells us that a wise person loves correction (discipline) in 12:1: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” Pretty blunt, huh?
We’ve talked before about the importance of actual Bible study, and not just Bible reading. There are many times, especially in the busyness of school, when we feel we only have time to catch a chapter or two of Scripture here or there, but we need to remember that God’s Word is the most important Book we could ever study (Deuteronomy 4:10), and in this case, cramming is not going to cut it.
“Hear my words so that [you] may learn to revere me as long as [you] live.” (Deuteronomy 4:10)
By Lisa Grimenstein
Suggested Reading for July
JULY 1 Ps 75-77
JULY 2 Prov 7
JULY 3 Ezek 13-18
JULY 4 Luke 15-16
JULY 5 Phil 3-4
JULY 6 Lev 10-12
JULY 7 2 Kings 1-5
JULY 8 Ps 78-80
JULY 9 Prov 8-9
JULY 10 Ezek 19-24
JULY 11 Luke 17-18
JULY 12 Col 1-2
JULY 13 Lev 13-15
JULY 14 2 Kings 6-10
JULY 15 Ps 81-83
JULY 16 Prov 10
JULY 17 Ezek 25-30
JULY 18 Luke 19-20
JULY 19 Col 3-4
JULY 20 Lev 16-18
JULY 21 2 Kings 11-15
JULY 22 Ps 84-86
JULY 23 Prov 11-12
JULY 24 Ezek 31-36
JULY 25 Luke 21-22
JULY 26 1 Thes 1-3
JULY 27 Lev 19-21
JULY 28 2 Kings 16-20
JULY 29 Ps 87-89
JULY 30 Prov 13
JULY 31 Ezek 37-42
This year’s Bible reading plan was borrowed from BibleReading.com. (To correspond with the 2009 year, we have included actual dates for your referral. You may choose to use the above site, instead.)
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