HOW TO GET A FRIEND BACK

Sometimes when a friendship begins to feel different, you assume it’s because your friend’s personality has changed. More often than not, there is nothing wrong with your friend … or you … the problem lies in the friendship. The fact that you both are always evolving can be hard to accept. When forced to deal with the uncomfortably changing dynamics of a friendship, girls often worry that a discussion is going to lead to a confrontation… and we’ll do anything to avoid one of those. You owe it to both of you, however, to try to save what’s bonded you so strongly. You have to overcome the fear of sharing your concerns just because she’s not going to like to hear them.

To get back to the kind of closeness you once felt, all you have to do is what you always did best … talk. Face to face. Meaningful exchanges are notoriously difficult when you text, mail, IM, or connect through MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter. You can’t feel the empathy you’re going to need by connecting technologically. Our advice is to wait until you can share your concerns in a calm reasonable way, a time when you are both alone and relaxed. Then ease into the conversation by asking how she’s been or what’s been on her mind. Maybe she’s been upset by something you are unaware of. If so, try to understand what she’s been going through.

Explain without an icy (or hot) tone in your voice that you’ve been concerned lately about the state of your friendship. If there was something she did or said that upset you, tell her. If she’s surprised, let her know you didn’t think she would deliberately hurt your feelings. Then let her talk—without rushing or interrupting—about how she feels about the two of you.

Listen carefully for two emotions behind her words: regret and respect. If you hear them, accept her point of view. If you don’t, ask if she understands why you’re upset. She might not, and you’ll have to explain it again. If she still doesn’t, then it’s compromise time. You might have to agree to disagree. Although lots of things can lead to disagreements and disputes, they rarely have the power to destroy a friendship. Maybe a temporary break will allow you both to cool off and put things in perspective. There’s nothing better than spending time with a new bunch of friends you don’t like nearly as well to help you appreciate your friend’s many virtues!

Info from BeingGirl.com

Teen Love Advice <3

Every time you catch sight of him, your heart starts pumping a bit faster, your palms sweat, and your face turns bright red. There’s no hiding it from your friends or yourself, you’ve got the bug—the LOVE bug!

Having a crush can drive a girl crazy. You think about him everyday. You hope to see him at school or work and when you do, do you talk to him? No way! Instead you sit there and gaze and sigh heavily. You imagine going to the movies together and telling each other funny stories. Crushing on someone is like carrying a 30-ton weight on your back. It’s nerve wracking because you have no clue how he feels about you!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to get the weight off your chest and clear the air! Get out the red construction paper and doilies because you’re making that boy a Valentine’s Day card!

Find out what he likes. Now, you’re not a stalker, so don’t do anything crazy like follow him for a day. If you have mutual friends, ask them. Does he wear a specific sports cap or jersey? Is he on your school’s soccer team? Is he in a band? Whatever his likes are, get out some old magazines and cut out some pictures of his favorite sports team, band, or anything else you feel will fit. Make a heart out of red construction paper and decorate it with the cut-outs glitter, doilies, or whatever expresses your feelings for him. Mix in some of your favorite things, too!,

Having writer’s block? Keep it simple when you’re writing your message. Don’t tell him you think about him all 1,440 minutes in a day. That sounds creepy. If you’re super stuck, use this template and fill in the blanks:

Dear Name of Cute Boy,

My name is Your Name. I’ve seen you around at Place. I think you’re really Adjective and Adjective. I would really like to get to know you better. I think we’d have a lot of fun together. I’d really like it if we could talk sometime. My screen name/email address/phone number is Screen Name/Email Address/Phone Number. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Drop it in his locker or, if you’re really brave, give it to him face to face! We all know that the worst thing that could happen is that he doesn’t feel the same feelings for you. If that’s the case, you will survive. If you have ever had a crush before, you know that you’ll eventually get over it. If this is your first crush, you’ll feel sad and upset, but you will be OK!

If you never tell your crush your true feelings, you’ll never know what could have happened! He’ll definitely think you’re brave for telling him how you feel.

Be strong, be yourself, and just have fun!

Info from BeigGirl.com

Getting Ready For A Pelvic Exam

-- Asking Questions

Shower or bathe on the morning of the pelvic exam. It’s just good hygiene, and at least you won’t be angst-ing about THAT.


If you use douches, DON’T use one at least 24 hours before a pelvic exam. It could mess up your Pap smear or make it hard to detect a vaginal infection.


If you get your period the day of the appointment—cancel it and reschedule it for a week or two. Or you could decide to go and just use the time to talk.


Write down the date of your last period. You should be keeping track of your menstrual cycle. You could also write a list of any symptoms that are bothering you to bring to the exam.


Asking questions
A pelvic exam is a great opportunity to practice talking about your health. For generations, people never questioned doctors about procedures or medications. Dumb! So ask questions like your health depends on it—it does.


Before you go, make a list of questions to ask.


You can ask your questions before the actual exam, when you’re first meeting with the doctor, during the exam, or after. NEVER be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable asking or if the doctor isn’t answering your questions, you may want to change doctors. You want to be able to ask questions and feel that your doctor is really listening. With any doctor, you should ask what exams they will be doing, why, what the medications are for and what you can expect.


So here’s a checklist of info and things you might want to bring to your pelvic exam:

• The dates of your last period
• The length of your periods and your cycle
• A list of questions for the doctor and any issues you’d like to discuss
• The names of any medications that you’re taking. (Write down the name of the medication and the dose, or just put the bottle in your purse and show the doctor)

You may have questions about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), birth control, or pregnancy. Your doctor can answer specific questions, and probably give you brochures and info on these topics. But you have to remember to ask, so write it down.

Info from BeingGirl.com

GYNO 1O1 : First Gyno


As you get older and your body is changing, the time will come when you have your first visit to a gynecologist. What is a gynecologist, when do you go, what happens, and why go at all? Read on for all the answers.


What is a gynecologist (and how is a gyno different from a pediatrician)?
When you’re a kid, you go to a pediatrician or family doctor. A pediatrician treats boys and girls, gives checkups, immunizations, helps you when you’re sick and helps you stay healthy. A gynecologist specializes in the female body, and only treats girls and women. A gynecologist knows all about puberty and periods, hormones and development, and pregnancy and giving birth.


When should you schedule your first visit?
You should have your first gynecological visit between the ages of 13 and 15 or when you become sexually active, whichever comes first (and even if you haven’t had your first period yet). After your first visit, you should go back once a year for a checkup. Unless you have health issues or concerns, you probably won’t have a full exam on your first visit.


Here’s a cool fact you may not know: When you’re in your early teens and visit a gynecologist for a checkup, you mostly just sit and chat!


Why do I need to visit a gynecologist?
As your body changes, it’s important to visit a gynecologist to help you answer questions about the changes you’re going through and check if your development is on track. Your doctor can chat with you about everything that’s going on—not just your body changes, but your emotions and questions about pressures, friends, eating, school, and just about anything else.


What happens when you get there?
When you first arrive at the gynecologist’s office, you’ll check in and usually sit in a waiting room, just like at any other doctor’s office. The only thing is: All the patients here are female!
When you’re called in, you may first see a nurse to have your blood pressure, temperature, and height and weight checked, or you may go right in to see the doctor. They may check to see if you need any shots.


When you go in to meet your doctor, sometimes you sit in a chair in an office at a desk, other times you go right into the examination room. Your doctor will come in and you’ll all introduce yourselves. Your doctor will want to learn all about you. Be prepared for a comfortable, easy conversation.


Here are some things you may talk about:


Periods, development, zits, eating, favorite activities, favorite subjects at school, feelings, friends, family, how much sleep you get, how often you shower and wash your hair, how often you poop, what you like to do to relax, and other stuff about you.


Here are some things about your body and puberty your doctor may ask:


Have you gotten your period yet? If you have, when was your last period? Do you get it regularly? What products do you use when you have your period? How heavy is your period? Have you noticed any changes in your body? Do you have discharge in your underwear? Are you in a relationship? Are you dating? Do you have sex? Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs?


It’s really important to your health that you answer these questions honestly.


After that, you get to ask the questions. You may want to come prepared with a list of what you want to ask—either in your head or on paper. Some girls like to write their list of questions in a code or shorthand so no one else can read it if they get their hands on it!

Here are some things you might ask about:


Normal development, discharge (stuff in your underwear), pain or discomfort in your breasts or genitals, confusing feelings you may have, periods, sex and sexual relationships, weight gain or loss, exercise, skin problems (like zits, redness or Itchy patches), hair issues (like dandruff, greasy hair or hair falling out), and general health questions.


After your conversation, your doctor may examine you. You’ll most likely just get a general physical exam, much like your pediatrician or family doctor would do. Your doctor will check your breast development and pubic hair to see how you’re developing physically.


When examining your private areas, the doctor usually will only look on the outside. You can ask for a nurse, medical assistant, your mom, or a friend to be there to make you more comfortable during the exam. Your doctor may touch the outside of your genitals to demonstrate answers to any questions you may ask about stuff going on “down there,” or teach you about personal care and hygiene. If you are having pain or menstrual problems, your doctor may examine your genitals more thoroughly.


Can I tell my doctor really personal things?
Privacy is an important part of your relationship with your gynecologist so that you can talk openly about your problems and questions. You’ll have time to talk with your doctor in front of your parents, as well as alone, without your parents listening in. Your doctor should make it clear what he or she will share with your parents and what will be kept just between you. Most of the stuff you talk about will be kept under wraps. But—if your doctor feels that you may be in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, or if someone may be hurting you, he or she will have to share that with your parent or guardian.


What if I don’t like my doctor?
A gynecologist is an expert on the female body and can help you through the roller coaster of adolescence. Your doctor can talk with you about issues relating to your body’s development, weight, personal care, hygiene and general health. He or she can be there for you and help you answer a lot of questions you don’t feel like you can go to your parents for. For all these reasons, it is important to have a trusting and comfortable relationship with your gynecologist. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, talk with your parent or guardian about your feelings—what makes you feel that way and what would make you more comfortable? Together you can decide how to move forward, whether it’s working with the doctor to help you feel more comfortable or changing doctors.


Your first visit to the gynecologist can be the beginning of a great relationship with someone who knows a lot and can be yet another trusted resource to go to when you have questions and need good answers!

Info from BeingGirl.com

✞ Bible Basics ✞

Mercy.. We experience mercy when we make a mistake but others give us a break. Parents, teachers, and friends may show us mercy by not forcing us to face painful consequences. God shows great mercy throughout the Bible, preferring to love and forgive. And even when he delivers consequences for bad choices, he corrects us out of his great mercy, love, and knowledge of what's best for us. A good way to experience God's mercy is to recognize our faults and ask him to help us change. When we truly appreciate God's mercy toward us, we will regularly offer it to others who are also undeserving.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

revolving:

What's at the Center of Your Life..

GOD or PERFORMANCE?

My life might be revolving around a perfect performance if I ...

⇨ freak out when I get anything less than an "A" on my report card.

⇨ can't deal with failure.

⇨ totally stress out before tests or competitions.

⇨ push myself to hard and can't stop.

⇨ lie awake at night thinking of ways to win or do better.

⇨ feel like a failure if I'm not the best.

⇨ fixate on the one little thing I didn't do well.

⇨ sometimes get physically ill before a game or event.

⇨ thrive on being the center of attention.

Trying to get approval from people is a dead-end street because you can't ever be good enough for them. But because of Jesus, you're already perfect, pleasing, and acceptable in God's eyes.

Romans 14:17-18==>> "The important things are living right with God, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Anyone who serves Christ by living this way is pleasing God and will be accepted by other people."

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Lεaяn It & Livε It

Acts 18:28

Learn It: The Bible provides evidence for Jesus and Christianity.
Live It: Get familiar with what the Bible says about Jesus. Dig in everyday. That way you won't be clueless when you want to talk to your friends about him.

Romans 1:16

Learn It: Christians should not be ashamed of the Good News.

Live It: If you are a "closet Christian," ask God to help you stop being shy and afraid. Ask another Christian friend to help you and pray for you.

Romans 3:25

Learn It: When Jesus died, he took away all our sins.

Live It: Quick feeling guilty about past sins. They are gone, wiped away, and totally forgotten. Here's a great reminder: list some past sins on a piece of paper, and then rip it up and throw it away.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Heaяt of Woяship

[ Worship Is All About Love ]

Here's a Greek lesson for you: the most frequent Greek wod used for worship in the New Testament is proskuneo. That may sound like a funky word, but it comes from two words: pros, meaning "toward," and kuneo, meaning "to kiss". In the Bible, kissing is an act of reverence and devotion. (Romans 16:16 says, "Greet each other with a holy kiss.") That means worship is all about expressing love and affection to God. Making time to connect with God is what being a Christian is all about, and our deepest times of intimacy come through worship. His capacity to receive our worship is infinite -- too much is never enough! Show God some love in your worship today.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Relationships..



Babysitting is more than a job. U may be spending a Friday night surrounded by kiddos instead of hotties or playing games instead of partying it up at Ur friend's house, but the benefits of Ur night will last way beyond the paychecks U score. Try to see Ur job as an investment into the little tykes who look up to you. Ure creating memories for them, and they're soaking up Ur example like mini-sponges. Make the most of the time U have with them, and teach them about Christ and his love EVERY chance U get.

SUGAR COOK!ES

Recipe from AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
4. ENJOY!

Rihanna - You Da One

ready

set go

Explore Other Cultures

⇒ Eat different ethnic foods

⇒ Visit the inner city

⇒ Go on an overseas mission trip

⇒ Read biographies of famous foreigners

⇒ Get updates from missionaries

⇒ Listen to different kinds of music

⇒ Study international forms of worship

⇒ Find a pen pal from another country

⇒ Check out mission magazines

⇒ Bookmark some cool websites about other cultures

Sibling Rivalry 

"He started it!" "Get out of my room!" "She's touching my stuff!" Sound familiar? What about "Why can't you be more like your sister?" Not that it helps matters much but sibling rivalry has been around since the beginning of time. Just when all you want is to be appreciated, you have a fierce competitor sleeping in the bedroom down the hall.

"On TV, brothers and sisters seem to get along without any tension at all. Each sibling has no problem developing his own style and expressing his opinions. Parents treat their kids fairly and offer enough freedom for each to have his own space. When was the last time you saw a knock- down, drag- out fight on The OC or Gilmore Girls or Malcolm in the Middle? Or even a disagreement that wasn't settled with apologies and forgiveness by the last commercial?

"Would that real life come close to that ideal! The truth is it's more common not to get along with your siblings, especially if they're the same sex and close in age, than the other way around. Almost 80% of us grow up wrestling and trading noogies with at least one brother or sister. Siblings are the first peers we live with on an intimate basis. Although it's one of the most emotionally significant relationships we will ever have, like most of the worthwhile things in life, it's not easy.

"Why all the trouble? Well, some wise man once said quarrels would not last long if the fault was only on one side. Sibling rivalry is part of the family package. It begins with the roles our families assign usthe pretty one, the smart one, the responsible one, the "good" one, versus the sloppy one, the forgetful one, the lazy one, the "bad" one. The labels not only pit kids against each other, they become the foundation of how we define ourselves. Each title comes with its pros and cons. If you are the rebel and your sister is the "good" one, you probably envy the love and approval she receives and she's probably jealous of your freedom. The kid with the problem gets more attention. The kid who does everything right feels overlooked.

"So what can you do? The suggestions might appear simple but they work.

1. Encourage your parents not to take sides when you disagree with your sibling. It's not their business to find out who is at fault or to choose who is the guiltier party. Also, tell them to can the comparisons. They never promote the motivation to argue less.
2. There's nothing wrong with being angry and saying so. State what's on your mind and tell your sibling how you feel, even if it's "I hate you." Then try to come up with what can be done to resolve the argument. Try not to be hurtful or attack. Because you understand your siblings better than probably anyone else, you have the ability to hurt them more deeply than anyone else. "You're fat" or "You're ugly" are criticisms that will never promote healing.
3. Don't let the fight fester. You have to let go of the concept of revenge, even if it's justified. Most times when you no longer have to share space, arguments become a lot less frequent. Unfortunately when sibling relationships are really bad as teenagers, bad feelings can carry on long after you've left the house and become an adult. No fight is worth turning a brother or sister into your enemy.

Positive sibling relationships can be a source of strength for life, while unsolved conflicts can cause wounds that never quite heal. While we all inevitably have differences of opinion, taste and style, brothers and sisters can provide us with support, encouragement, friendship and camaraderie throughout our lives.

Info from BeingGirl.com

Getting Along With Younger Siblings Is Hard to Do! 

Annoying creep by day. Loving boy by night. How can you suddenly feel two so totally opposite feelings about your younger sibling? Now that you've entered your teens, is it possible that your younger siblings annoy you even more than before? And can it also be true that sometimes(late at night when nobody's looking!) your younger brother or sister is the person you most want to snuggle with in front of the TV. Admit it, during these times, even watching their juvenile shows on Nickelodeon or the Cartoon Network makes you feel...well, relaxed, less stressed out, like a kid again!

So how do you find a way to balance the horrendous fights and the private, family fun that has come to define your new relationship with your younger sibling? How do you get him to stop embarrassing you in front of your friends? Why does your brother continue to barge into your room without knocking no matter how many times you¹ve screamed for him to stop? What's so special about your stuff anyway that makes it a younger sister magnet? She's always touching your things! And worst of all, how, someone explainhow, can your friends think your baby brother is a "hotty!" Ugh!

Don¹t sweat it. You are not alone in your pursuit of perfect sibling harmony. Everyone -- from your parents to your favorite movie stars -- can recount tons of times they fought with their brothers or sisters. Sibling rivalry, the phrase given to define all those moments when you wishyou were an only child, is a natural part of most family life and can bestbe kept under control by setting up rules you and your siblings can follow.

1. Begin with communication. The best way to get your point across in anysituation is to explain your feelings in a calm and mature manner. Set up atime to meet with your sibling to discuss some of the problems you may behaving. You may want to ask your mom or dad to help by being a neutral listener. This way the conversation won¹t end up in a name-calling, fighting match. Be specific and fair. It isn¹t acceptable, for instance, to expect your brother to stay locked in his room when your friends are over. After all, he is still part of thefamily and is entitled to walk freely around the house!

2. Be Gentle. The most important thing for you to understand about your younger siblings is that they look up to you. Chances are they are acting up to get your attention. Think about it. Now that you have more grown-up interests, have you been spending less and less time around your brother? Remember, a nine-year-old boy cannot easily express his disappointment when you hang out with your friends instead of playing Nintendo with him? Maybe he is acting silly to get your attention. Explain your need for privacy with your friends but make sure he also understands that you still love him and want to spend some time with him.

3. Make a special date. Plan some one-on-one time to be with your younger siblings. Maybe you can help your younger sister straighten her hair or take your brother shopping for some cool clothes. Younger siblings valuethe opinions of their older brothers and sisters when it comes to clothes,friends and music. You are totally cool to them.

4. Show mutual respect. You know, you aren't the only one with needs. Your younger siblings will also have some bones to pick with you. Do you hog up aol? Do you play loud music, making it difficult for your brother to concentrate when he is doing his homework? Do you tease him and call him names in front of your friends? The age-old saying applies. "Treat others the way you want to be treated." And that goes double for irritating little sisters!

5. Share a project. You may think you have nothing in common but you do...your parents! Why not work together on a birthday present oranniversary card for your mom, dad or other family member. You may want toprepare something special for a holiday dinner or a family vacation.

6. Give them a break. What's so terrible about letting your brother or sister sit in your room with you and your friends for awhile? Underneath their silly behavior, they are just curious about what big kids talk about. If you let your younger siblings hang around a bit, the mystery will disappear and before you know it, they will be off doing their own thing. The truth is, after a few minutes of boring girl-talk about boys and makeup,your seven-year-old brother will bolt for the soccer fields!

7. Remember to hug. The loving relationships you develop now will last a lifetime if you are lucky. Take the time to cuddle and hug. Watch a movie together and share a bowl of popcorn. It may seem like nothing now, but years later you will be so gladyou have a brother or sister to lean on.

8. Fighting is ok as long as you make up. It is impossible to expect you will never fight with your siblings. And sometimes, your fights will even be unbelievably mean. If you find you completely lose your temper, take sometime to cool off. Then find your sibling -- he's probably sulking in hisroom -- and work it out. A good rule for life: Never go to sleep angry!

Info from BeingGirl.com

NATURAL CURLY HA!R --

SUCH A BEAUT!FUL THING :)



GIFT IDEAS!

Did you know that the average American gives 47 gifts a year? No wonder a girl could drive herself crazy coming up with a unique present for each holiday, birthday, anniversary, and special occasion.. You want to be perfect ... to express to your best friend, your dad, your teacher, or your boyfriend how much you appreciate him or her.

But a lack of time and a lack of imagination makes the task more stressful than fun. Now that you might be earning your own money, it’s payback time. Time to reciprocate and say thank you. You’ll never understand the truth behind the expression, "It’s better to give than to receive," until you are the bearer of the exactly right gift. Most of us know someone who, seemingly effortlessly, always matches the right gift with the right person. She usually makes it her business to keep in mind the lifestyle, hobbies, and personality of the recipient. She never falls into the trap of "gifting up," where she buys a present based on what the person might be expecting rather than what she can afford. It’s a skill we should all be honing for a lifetime. Here are our suggestions for some of the important people on your list throughout the year.

For your parents

• Personalized stationery
• Family history scrapbook
• Magazine subscription
• Newspaper subscription
• Charitable contribution in their name
• Restaurant gift certificate
• Tickets to a play or sporting event
• Plants or herb growing kit

For your grandparents

• Old radio shows on audio or video
• Hobby and craft supplies
• Prepaid phone card
• Audio books
• Large print calendar
• Medicine organizer
• Magnifying glass
• Bed tray
• Movie passes

For little kids

• Arts and crafts supplies, even for the most sophisticated
• Check out office supply stores for a great selection
• Finger-paints, rubber stamps, big pads of paper, markers—anything that gives them the opportunity to use their imagination

For your teacher

• A box of chocolates
• A gift certificate to the local bookstore
• A gift certificate for a manicure
• A gift certificate to a local restaurant
• Something that smells great: bubble bath, soap, candles

For him

• Fun tie with his favorite cartoon character or sport team
• Gift certificate to sporting goods store
• Sunglasses
• Write a poem and frame it
• Blacklight or candles
• A personal mix tape
• Flowers
• Video of his favorite movie
• Treat him to dinner
• A framed picture of the two of you
• A calendar with your special dates circled
• Lava lamp
• Homemade coupons redeemable for hugs, back scratching, etc.

For your girlfriend

She’s one person we’re sure you know how to please! She has probably mentioned her wish list a hundred times. If not, any gift that you’d like to receive, chances are, so would she!