I Believe - James Fortune & FIYA

Heaяt of Woяship

[ More than Lip Service ]

Have you ever heard someone say, "Do as I say, not as I do"? It sounds pretty hollow because the person doesn't practice what they preach. This kind of living can turn anyone into a hypocrite -- a kind of bogus, fake person who disappoints us with their actions. It's hard to believe or trust a hypocrite . . . especially a religious one. In Matthew 15:7-9, Jesus tells us that worship offered by hypocrites isn't honoring to God. In other words, worship isn't just something you do at church -- it's something you do with your life. God doesn't want followers who go through the motions of praise and worship; he's looking at your heart and life. Give him the sincere worship he deserves and honor him in all you do.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Truths About Guys n Girls

1. Guys don't actually look after good-looking girls. They prefer neat and presentable girls. 
2. Guys love flirts. 
3. A guy can like you for a minute, and then forget you afterwards. 
4. When a guy says he doesn't understand you, it simply means you're not thinking the way he is. 
5. "Are you doing something?" or "Have you eaten already?" are the first usual questions a guy asks on the phone just to get out from stammering. 
6. Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly care about. 
7. When a guy really likes you, he'll disregard all your bad characteristics. 
8. Guys go crazy over a girl's smile. 
9. Guys will do anything just to get the girl's attention. 
10. Guys hate it when you talk about your ex-boyfriend. 
11. When guys want to meet your parents. Let them. 
12. Guys want to tell you many things but they can't. And they sure have one habit to gain courage and spirit to tell you many things and it is drinking! 
13. Guys cry!!!!!!!! 
14. Don't provoke the guy to heat up. Believe me. He will. 
15. Guys can never dream and hope too much. 
16. Guys usually try hard to get the girl who has dumped them, and this makes it harder for them to accept their defeat. 
17. When you touch a guy's heart, there's no turning back. 
18. Giving a guy a hanging message like "You know what?!..uh...never mind!" would make him jump to a conclusion that is far from what you are thinking. 
19. Guys go crazy when girls touch their hands. 
20. Guys are good flatterers when courting but they usually stammer when they talk to a girl they really like. 
21. When a guy makes a prolonged "umm" or makes any excuses when you're asking him to do you a favor, he's actually saying that he doesn't like you and he can't lay down the card for you. 
22. When a girl says "no", a guy hears it as "try again tomorrow." 
23. You have to tell a guy what you really want before he gets the message clearly. 
24. Guys hate gays! 
25. Guys love their moms. 
26. A guy would sacrifice his money for lunch just to get you a couple of roses. 
27. A guy often thinks about the girl who likes him. But this doesn't mean that the guy likes her. 
28. You can never understand him unless you listen to him. 
29. If a guy tells you he loves you once in a lifetime. He does. 
30. Beware. Guys can make gossips scatter through half of the face of the earth faster than girls can. 
31. Like Eve, girls are guys EUR™ weaknesses. 
32. Guys are very open about themselves. 
33. It's good to test a guy first before you believe him. But don't let him wait that long. 
34. No guy is bad when he is courting. 
35. Guys hate it when their clothes get dirty. Even a small dot. 
36. Guys really admire girls that they like even if they're not that much pretty. 
37. Your best friend, whom your boyfriend seeks help from about his problems with you may end up being admired by your boyfriend. 
38. If a guy tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't need to give advice. 
39. A usual act that proves that the guy likes you is when he teases you. 
40. A guy finds ways to keep you off from linking with someone else. 
41. Guys love girls with brains more than girls in miniskirts. 
42. Guys try to find the stuffed toy a girl wants but would unluckily get the wrong one. 
43. Guys virtually brag about anything. 
44. Guys cannot keep secrets that girls tell them. 
45. Guys think too much. 
46. Guys' fantasies are unlimited. 
47. Girls' height doesn't really matter to a guy but her weight does! 
48. Some guys tend to get serious with their relationship and become too possessive. So watch out girls!! 
49. When a girl makes the boy suffer during courtship, it would be hard for him to let go of that girl. 
50. It's not easy for a guy to let go of his girlfriend after they broke up especially when they've been together for 3 years or more. 
51. You have to tell a guy what you really want before getting involved with that guy. 
52. A guy has to experience rejection, because if he's too-good-never-been-busted, never been in love and hurt, he won't be matured and grow up. 
53. When an unlikable circumstance comes, guys blame themselves a lot more than girls do. They could even hurt themselves physically. 
54. Guys have strong passion to change but have weak will power. 
55. Guys are tigers in their peer groups but become tamed pussycats with their girlfriends. 
56. When a guy pretends to be calm, check if he's sweating. You'll probably see that he is nervous. 
57. When a guy says he is going crazy about the girl. He really is. 
58. When a guy asks you to leave him alone, he's just actually saying, "Please come and listen to me." 
59. Guys don't really have final decisions. 
60. When a guy loves you, bring out the best in him. 
61. If a guy starts to talk seriously, listen to him. 
62. If a guy has been kept shut or silent, say something. 
63. Guys believe that there's no such thing as love at first sight, but court the girls anyway and then realize at the end that he is wrong. 
64. Guys like femininity not feebleness. 
65. Guys don't like girls who punch harder than they do. 
66. A guy may instantly know if the girl likes him but can never be sure unless the girl tells him. 
67. A guy would waste his time over video games and basketball, the way a girl would do over her romance novels and make-ups. 
68. Guys love girls who can cook or bake. 
69. Guys like girls who are like their moms. No kidding! 
70. A guy has more problems than you can see with your naked eyes. 
71. A guy's friend knows everything about him. Use this to your advantage. 
72. Don't be a snob. Guys may easily give up on the first sign of rejection. 
73. Don't be biased. Try loving a guy without prejudice and you'll be surprised. 
74. Girls who bathe in their eau de perfumes do more repelling than attracting guys. 
75. Guys are more talkative than girls are especially when the topic is about girls. 
76. Guys don't comprehend the statement "Get lost" too well. 
77. Guys really think that girls are strange and have unpredictable decisions but still love them more. 
78. When a guy gives a crooked or pretentious grin at your jokes, he finds them offending and he just tried to be polite. 
79. Guys don't care about how shiny their shoes are unlike girls. 
80. Guys tend to generalize about girls but once they get to know them, they'll realize they're wrong. 
81. Any guy can handle his problems all by his own. He's just too stubborn to deal with it. 
82. Guys find it so objectionable when a girl swears. 
83. Guys' weakest point is at the knee. 
84. When a problem arises, a guy usually keeps himself cool but is already thinking of a way out. 
85. When a guy is conscious of his looks, it shows he is not good at fixing things. 
86. When a guy looks at you, either he's amazed of you or he's criticizing you. 
87. When you catch him cheating on you and he asks for a second chance, give it to him. But when you catch him again and he asks for another chance, ignore him. 
88. If a guy lets you go, he really loves you. 
89. If you have a boyfriend, and your boy best friend always glances at you and it obviously shows that he is jealous whenever you're with your boyfriend, all I can say is your boy best friend loves you more than your boyfriend does. 
90. Guys learn from experience not from the romance books that girls read and take as their basis of experience. 
91. You can tell if a guy is really hurt or in pain when he cries in front of you! 
92. If a guy suddenly asks you for a date, ask him first why. 
93. When a guy says he can't sleep if he doesn't hear your voice even just for one night, hang up. He also tells that to another girl. He only flatters you and sometimes makes fun of you. 
94. You can truly say that a guy has good intentions if you see him praying sometimes. 
95. Guys seek for advice not from a guy but from a girl. 
96. Girls are allowed to touch boys' things but girls prefer guys don't touch theirs. 
97. If a guy says you're beautiful, that guy likes you. 
98. Guys hate girls who overreact. 
99. Guys love you more than you love them if they are serious in your relationships.

GUYS SPEAK OUT

Q: How do you live out your faith in sports?

A: Kenny states.. "Guys on my team bring different "magazines" and pass them around on bus trips. If I don't look at them, they think there's something wrong with me and make fun of me. I've tried to let people know I'm a Christian and that I'm not into those kind of things. But I think a lot of people my age have somehow been offended by Christians, so they think I'm being judgmental and "above everybody." trying to stand up for my faith without offending people is tough."

Monica - Until It's Gone

ready

set go

Be More Like Jesus

-- Spend time alone with God each day.


-- Pour your time and heart into other people's lives.


-- Live without fear.


-- Take some alone time to rest.


-- Focus on building healthy relationships.


-- Know the Scriptures inside and out.


-- Live a life of kindness and compassion.


-- Look for opportunities to serve others.


-- Spend time with others who love Jesus.


-- Pray a lot!

SHAVING FOR GIRLS: 6 EASY STEPS!

1. Shower or bathe before you shave. Soaking hair and skin in warm water makes it more than twice as easy to get a clean, close shave.

2. Use shave gel or shaving cream. This keeps moisture in the hair and helps the razor glide easily over your skin. Reapply when you retrace your steps to go over an area again. Never shave on bare skin.

3. Use a fresh blade. Dull blades lead to nicks, cuts, and razor burn. Ouch! Sharp, new blades give you a closer, smoother, more comfortable shave. Replace your razor when it shows signs of overuse or when you’re no longer getting a clean shave.

4. Easy does it and go with the flow. Use a light touch with your razor and don’t apply pressure. Press on the razor and you may gouge your skin. Can you say "bloody mess?" Wherever you take it off, go in the direction that feels right. For example, on your lower leg go up from ankle to knee. For other areas, see what feels and works best to find the direction your hair grows. When shaving your bikini area, pull the skin tight to make it smooth, then go lightly over the area with the razor.

5. Save the tough stuff for last. Do the easiest parts first, like that long straight stretch of lower leg or upper thigh. Save smaller, harder to reach spots like knees and ankles for last. A great razor with a head that swivels makes it easier to move around small curves. After shaving, rinse with cool water to close your pores. Pat dry.

6. Seal with a kiss. Of moisturizer, that is. Coat the area with a protective layer of moisture to seal your skin and give it a healthy glow.

Bible Basics

Fruit of the Spirit.. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We display the fruit of the Spirit by allowing the Holy Spirit living within us to influence our thoughts and actions. One way to become more like Christ is by reading the Bible and applying it to our lives. This takes practice, but it gets easier the more we do it.
Conforming our lives to God's Word doesn't happen overnight,
but change comes with the Spirit's help. People who know and love God will find themselves becoming more loving, joyful, peaceful, etc. as they surrender to the Spirit more and more.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Are you superstitious? 

When was the last time you crossed your fingers or said, "Bless you" to someone who sneezed? Have you ever avoided a black cat or felt lousy when you've broken a mirror? Do you own a rabbit's foot? Do you get the heebie jeebies on Friday the 13th? If any of the above rings a bell, then join the over 50% of the population who admit to being a bit superstitious.
Superstitions are activities that have no effect on events but exist because of coincidental rewards and society's prejudices. They are rooted in the philosophy that a symbolic act will bring about a physical reality. In a world where we face so many important and uncertain challenges, superstitions provide the illusion that we can somehow control our fates. We derive comfort from thinking we can either avoid an undesirable result or bring about a desired result. Superstitions reduce tension and give us a sense that what we're doing can help us out. In this way, they can be extremely useful tools.
Even if you're not a believer we think you'll get a kick out of some of the behaviors people practice in the hope they will bring them luck. Throughout history, around the globe, strange rituals live on.

• In China consumers are willing to pay huge sums of money for the right phone number and will shun others. One businessman paid $20,000 for a number he liked. The worst possible combination is one ending in 54-74-24, because in Chinese it sounds like, "I die, my wife dies, my child dies."
• In the Philippines, if you're taking a picture with two friends, don't stay in the middle as something bad might happen to you. Position yourself in either the left or right, or better yet add a few more people to the photo. Oh, and never take a bath on the day of your birthday... it brings bad luck.
• In Cuba if you leave a glass of water at your bedside overnight and there are bubbles in the glass the next morning, you are surrounded by good spirits.
• Women tend to be significantly more superstitious than men- or at least they admit to it in more studies- and less educated people have more superstitions than better educated.

Being superstitious is often a family tradition. If your parents are, chances are you will be too.

• Superstitions help out with the performance anxiety that is an occupational hazard for lots of athletes. Baseball player Wade Boggs has eaten chicken before each game for over twenty years. Basketball player Michael Jordan admits he has to lace up his shoes a certain way before every game. Babe Ruth took a swat at butterflies on the diamond because he was sure they were bad luck. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky habitually tucked the right side of his jersey behind his hip pads for luck before every game.
• Emergency room physicians often try to avoid taking calls when there is a full moon. Psychiatrists are also vulnerable to the lunar orbit. (Hence the word, lunatic) The good news is that the full moon only lasts one day.
• Weddings are awash in superstitious ritual. A bride wears "something borrowed" from a previous bride who has a happy marriage; she wears "something blue" because it signifies virtue. A Chinese bride is never supposed to look in a mirror to insure there will only be one bride.
• Actors are considered to be in one of the most superstitious professions. Everyone knows you never wish an actor good luck. Instead you say, "break a leg." By wishing someone good luck, you're supposed to give your own luck away.
• The play Macbeth, although recognized as one of the world's greatest tragedies, has been followed by trouble since its opening night in 1606. Many actors have been injured or have died doing the play. Today quoting from it is bad luck. Even saying the name aloud is risky. Many actors refer to it as "the Scottish play" or simply "that play."
• Real flowers, jewels, money, mirrors and coffins are considered bad luck onstage.It's good luck if an actor's shoes squeak on his entrance, or if a cat makes its home
•  in the theater.Fear of change is usually at the heart of actors' superstitions. If he has a success on opening night, he hesitates to change anything during the run.
• In Roman times menstruating women, it was warned, could cause a man's death if she prepared a meal for him. They were said to sour wine and were not allowed in church.

So superstitions are rooted in the profound lack of self- control we feel, especially in anxious times. Our minds create explanations for phenomena beyond our comprehension. So rub a rabbit's foot and pluck some daisies (he does love you, after all). Especially in today's world, it can't hurt!

Info from BeingGirl.com

Lεaяn It & Livε It

Luke 1:1-4

Learn It: Jesus was mot a poser. his life was totally true.

Learn It: Get to know Jesus better by reading the Gospels. Spend a month on each book, reading through it several times. Pay attention to Jesus' words, actions, and teachings so you can become more like him.

Luke 4:1-13

Learn It: To avoid getting caught in a sticky situation, know what the Bible says about it beforehand.

Live It: Write about verses that are especially helpful and meaningful to you on small pieces of paper that you can hang in your locker or keep in a pocket or your purse.

Luke 7:50

Learn It: No matter who you are or what you've done, Jesus offers forgiveness.

Love It: If you want a fresh start, a new life, and a total do-over . . . Just ask Jesus. You don't need to become a good person first. He takes you just as you are, right now.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Everyone's heard the old saying,

"God gave us two ears and one mouth."

But few people have ever truly mastered the art of using those two ears more than that one mouth. In every relationship, listening is one of the most important ingredients for successful communication. Whether you're connecting with friends, parents, that special girl/guy, or even just casual acquaintances, try to be intentional about actively listening to them as you chat. Focus your energy on understanding rather than on being understood. The quality and depth of your relationships will skyrocket over time,

& you'll be a better friend for it!

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

beauty secret

 

Switch-a-Roo

A boring, same-old-same-old routine is a bust for any modern chick . . . & for her beauty regimen, too! Using the same hair and skin products without variation can make them lose their effectiveness & cause a build-up of soapy residue. Try switching out shampoos, body gels, and deodorants from time to time for a fresh infusion of new excitement.

Standing Up For Number One 

How far would you go to have others think you were cool? Have a beer? Lie about a curfew? Laugh at a racial slur? What would you do to avoid being laughed at? Try pot? Steal from the supermarket? Play a cruel practical joke on a teacher? To follow the pack, would you take risks and behave in ways you'd be mortified if your grandma found out?
You've heard the term since third grade...peer pressure. Before you knew exactly what it meant, you knew it was some force that had a profound impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Current headlines blame it for everything from school shootings to belly button rings. Peer pressure, the influence that your "friends" exert on you, whether in words of encouragement or criticism or persuasion, or in appearance by way of hair, makeup and clothes, is never more powerful than during adolescence.
Psychologists have different theories about why this is so. One says that acceptance by your friends satisfies a need to belong. Another says that life is simply easier when we act like everyone else. No doubt conforming is not as difficult as being different. Or it might be that teens tend to see themselves as they think others see them, so they change to conform to others' expectations. Whatever the reason, when it comes to activities (if not values), kids care more about what their friends think than anyone else.
Not all peer pressure is negative. The people you hang out with shape your personality. Girls who have a supportive network of friends are less likely to suffer from depression. You and your friends are likely to have lots in common when it comes to healthy habits. If your friends play sports, eat right, do well in school or are involved in community service, chances are so will you. If none of them smoke or do drugs, chances are neither will you.
Yet even for the strongest teens, there are times "in your face" peer pressure can force you to consider risky behavior. More than 70% of girls in a recent survey answered that they saw cliques members act mean toward outsiders. Forty percent revealed they themselves had experienced clique cruelty. Whether you're tempted (come on, it'll be fun...we'll never get caught), taunted (What's the matter, your mommy say you couldn't go?), or threatened (If you were really our friend you'd come with us), there are ways to handle the pressure.

• Ask a lot of questions. The answers will not only help you determine the risk and put the other person on the defensive, they will put you in a position of power.
• Practice saying no. Then when you have to say it, you won't mumble. The more certain you are of your no, the less people will bother you.
• If you're threatened, argue that real friends don't use pressure to make you do something you don't want to do.
• Get away from the pressure zone. If you know what's going to happen (a conversation bad mouthing a friend of yours, an invitation to a place you're not comfortable going to), make a quick exit and make sure you have other plans.
• Find a friend who shares your values to back you up. You're not anyone's clone.
• Try to get the leader of the pack alone...then explain how you're feeling and let her know you'd appreciate her backing off.
• Think of the consequences of giving in. Getting grounded. The police. Your conscience. Keep in mind, contrary to what they're saying everybody is not "doing it" (no matter what it is).
• Be your own best friend. In the long run saying no can make you more popular than saying yes. There is no feeling like standing up for yourself and learning to be your own person. True friends like you for who you are, not who they want you to be.

Info from BeingGirl.com

DEVELOP YOUR SIXTH SENSE

Follow your heart.

Go with your gut.

Trust your instincts.

We’ve all been advised to make decisions by listening to that little voice in our heads.

Clear out that cluttered head and listen up! Intuition steers you in the right direction by bringing you that euphoric flash of clarity.

Here’s how to get in touch with your “inner voice” and make confident decisions.

1) Pay attention to your body's responses. Sudden goose bumps, a feeling of inspiration or a strange vibe – these are all indicators that you are sensing something about a person or proposition. Tuning into these initial impressions will help you decide who you want to befriend or work with.

2) Feel out your environment. Every place carries the energy of the people who are in it. If you are focusing on the here and now, you will be able to sense what is going on: tension between friends, welcoming energy, etc. This will allow you to decide if you want to be there or not.

3) Challenge these instincts. Don’t totally trust these senses right away. Making the right decision takes practice. In order to sharpen your sixth sense, you should test out your accuracy on friends and family. Soon enough you will know when to trust that inner whisper.

beauty secret

The Perfect Purse

A girl and her purse are two of the great mysteries guys never seem to understand. But all of us girls get it! There's something about always having exactly what you need when you need it and the ability to carry it all in a fun, stylin' way! What could be better? Next time you change purses, give some thought to the spiritual characteristics you want to always have on hand in your heart.

Info from Biblezine™ Revolve 2OO7

Melanie Fiona - 4AM

# Questions About Cramps #

What causes menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are like cramps elsewhere in your body. A muscle contracts too hard or too fast, constricting the blood flow and producing pain. In this case, the muscles are in the uterus. Mild cramps could be the result of things other than your period. Good pain-free menstrual health is closely related to good health and a positive mental attitude. The simple health habits of good posture, exercise, adequate diet, regular elimination—all are important in preventing painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea).

Does everybody get cramps?

No! Many girls and women don’t feel pain from cramping at all. Some just feel a little discomfort. But a lot of girls do get painful cramps in their stomachs or back area. If that happens to you, talk to your parents, doctor, or school nurse. Moderate exercise, a hot bath, or a heating pad can be comforting. There are also helpful medications you can get at the drug store.

If your mother has bad menstrual cramps does that mean you’ll get them too?

There’s no medical reason to believe that a girl will get menstrual cramps just because her mother does. But if you have somehow learned to expect that you will, then your chances of experiencing cramps may be increased. So it’s important to realize that menstruation is a normal, healthy, event that doesn’t have to include cramps.

Does the use of tampons make menstrual cramps worse?

Many women get menstrual cramps, but there is no evidence that the use of tampons causes cramps or makes them worse. But if you ever experience pain from using a tampon, talk to your doctor or school nurse.

Is exercise good or bad for cramps?

Exercise helps to relieve tension that may cause cramps. It also increases flow of blood to muscles—which can help during your period.