DATING 101 – By Haley Snyder
Her face is full of pure disgust as I walk her back to the car. I failed, it all went wrong. I didn’t know what to say or do. I’ll never get a date again.
STOP! You don’t want this to happen, do you? Didn’t think so! Here are some clues for you guys out there to help the first date go smoothly…from a gal’s perspective.
Clue #3: Plan it out
When you take a girl out on a date, have it all planned out. Know where you’re going to dinner, how you’re going to get there, what you’re going to do afterward - everything. Have the cash or talk to her in advance about whether or not she’s willing to pay. Don’t wait until the waiter brings the check to realize you don’t have enough money and she needs to pay. Make it so she doesn’t have to think about anything but what a great time she’s having with you.
Clue #2: Communicate
Talk to the girl! Talk about things that interest you and that you are passionate about so that the conversation is natural, not pushed and awkward. Don’t expect her to make all the conversation. If she has to make all the conversation she’ll feel uncomfortable and won’t want to go out with you again. Ask about her too! Don’t spend the whole time talking about you: find a middle ground.
Clue #1: Be strong in Christ
If you are right with Christ and are walking on His path for you, it will show. Girls who have Christ in their lives like guys who have Christ in their lives. A relationship won’t last unless both people are “equally yoked” (have the same beliefs). Otherwise the differences will become too prominent and the relationship will fall apart.
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I’m Haley Faye Snyder. I’ve lived in the same Christian home in Kentucky since I was born. I have one little brother and two loving parents. I go to Westport Baptist church and have my whole life. I accepted Christ into my heart when I was six and then re-committed my life to Him when I was 11 at Boones Creek Baptist Camp. (read more…)
If you are interested in some additional information on dating, keep reading. Justin Lookadoo and Haley DiMarco have a great book.
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FOR GOOD INFORMATION ON DATING…check out
Dateable. Are You? Are They?
Justin Lookadoo and Haley DiMarco
Passion. It’s the fuel for success, for dreams, for life. But too many teens focus their energy and passion on the wrong thing-the wrong person. Dateable pulls no punches in telling teens the truth about dating while also directing their passion toward a greater purpose in life. Teen relationships seldom last, the authors point out, so why should teens invest so much of themselves emotionally, physically, and spiritually? The answer? They shouldn’t. Instead, they can protect their hearts, live with excitement, and enjoy relationships in a way that enhances rather than detracts from those they’ll have in the future. With Justin and Hayley “telling it like it is,” teens will learn how to be dateable and how to evaluate the dateability of their latest crush. And they’ll get some much-needed perspective on sex, his/her communication, clothes, God-even “chick flicks.” Dateable also includes sidebars, quizzes, call outs, and more.
The Gilmore Girls Showdown – Melissa Weaver
My heart raced, my stomach danced with butterflies, and my breath came up short. Was I about to step on stage to perform for an audience? Nope. I was just viewing an episode of The Gilmore Girls, Season Three on DVD at my house.
It was the one where Dean finally breaks up with Rori after being strung along by her for months and months, poor guy. He ends everything in public, though, which my friend and I agreed was definitely not okay. But can you blame him when all Rori wants is Jess?
You see, Jess is the new guy in town, dark, intriguing, and different. He’s also a Class-A rebel from day one. He smokes cigarettes, steals baseballs from his high school, and publicly makes out with a girl he cares nothing about.
Rori, on the other hand, is an innocent, naïve, private-school attendee. She’s considered an angel by her small town, is loved by her mom and grandparents, and generally thought perfect. Yet, she is irresistibly drawn to rebellious Jess, to the frustration of everyone—including Rori herself.
In the episode where she and Jess finally reveal their feelings for each other, a strange phenomenon occurred within me, too. I was actually rooting for Jess! How could I do this? I know he’s bad for Rori. I’m even fully aware from future episodes that he takes her down a pretty sketchy path in the end.
What’s wrong with me? I’m cheering for the bad guy! This isn’t me. This isn’t who I’m supposed to like. I’m supposed to go for Dean, the sweet, caring (if somewhat boring) former boyfriend.
The apostle Paul had the same problem (undoubtedly not regarding the Gilmore Girls, though). He, too, was frustrated with the fact that he chose the wrong thing to do, knowing he should choose what’s right. He protests in Romans 7:15, I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
So what was his problem? Was the apostle Paul himself just not spiritual enough?
The truth is, though Christ makes us new creations, we still have the flesh to deal with. The flesh is that part of us that sympathizes with evil in the world and wants to be wild and bad just because it’s more exciting.
This is what was wrong with me (and Paul) and why I (not Paul) was rooting for Rori and Jess to get together. Jess (both real and metaphorical) is more exciting to my flesh, but in the end, he leads to hurt and pain.
This is why it’s so important to fill our heads and hearts with God’s truth—so that when we’re drawn to what seems dark and exciting, we know whether it’s good for us or not. Scripture brings us the ability to discern between good and evil.
When it feels good to sympathize with Jess, the truth tells us that he’s not-so-good, after all.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ~Romans 12:2
Melissa Weaver is a 21-year-old English major at North Greenville University where she is editor of the school’s literary magazine The Mountain Laurel. She minors in French (that’s the rumor, anyway) and enjoys bookstore clearance sales, adding as many classic novels as possible to her bookshelves. A native of Charleston, SC, she loves music (especially British), writing poetry, trying on funny hats, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and hitting the beach during the summers home.
Worth the Wait
“‘Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?’ says your God.” (Isaiah 66:9 NIV)
As I held the newborn baby in my arms, I marveled at her tiny fingers and toes. Her soft skin and delicate body took my breath away. As I stared into her peaceful face, I realized how precious a newborn baby is.
The birth of such a beautiful baby is not an easy thing. Months of discomfort and pain lead up to the anticipated arrival. However, if you ask any mother, she will say that the nine months was definitely worth the pain and waiting.
In Isaiah 66:9 (New Century Version), God speaks about the pain of pregnancy and the joy of delivery. “I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born.” In the same way that new birth comes after a time of pain, spiritual refreshment comes after times of trials and troubles.
When we experience sickness, death, divorce, loneliness, stress, and failure, God gives us this promise: I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born. When we trust God in our times of trouble, He will create something new within us. Through the pain, He will give us a new hope and faith that comes from learning to surrender to Him. Every season of struggle is an opportunity to see God bring about new spiritual life. When that new life springs forth, you will realize it was worth the wait.
Ashli Roussel, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at Harding University, is passionate about sharing the truth and love of the Lord through writing. She loves camping, running, playing the piano, and participating in missions. Most of all, she is passionate about knowing, following, and serving her Lord and Savior. Without Him, her stories would mean nothing.
Ashli has battled and overcome an eating disorder, which God used to teach her great truths about who He is and how He is involved in our struggles. Now she desires to comfort others with the comfort that she has received from God. Keep an eye out for Ashli’s regular articles on iBegat.com! (read more…)
Awesome Summer Fun – Brenna Arnold
Summer is awesome and I enjoy the basics. What about you? FUN and FASHION…well, shopping. Check out Ally’s post on fashion.
Boating: The hot summer sun will fade, but the memories will last forever. I absolutely have a blast on the mighty Ohio, and let me tell you why! Nothing is better then a day full of exciting water sports, like tubing, skiing, wake boarding, and knee boarding. My personal fav is water tubing. The thrill excitement of coming off the water and not knowing if I am gonna be able to stay on for the ride, or if I’m destined to belly flop into the water, makes it all the more fun. My family has been boating for tons of years. They tell me I had my first boat ride when I was 6 months old. Wow, then I must be a true water baby at heart. Enjoy as much fun in the sun with your family as you can, because it is truly a blast!
Shopping: Alright, I can actually admit I enjoy shopping! You know that line, “shop until you drop.” well that’s me!
I love to keep up with fashion and maintain all the newest trends. Shopping just comes natural with me! Shopping is not all about the buying, it is also about spending quality time with all my best friends… not to mention all the good food that comes along with a shopping spree! My girlfriends and I, literally laugh until we cry, we have such a good time, that we never want the day to end.
Words of encouragement: Love your friends, family, & God with your entire being, they are the most important part of your life.
Take care..hugs…-Brenna…
Compassionate,motivated and energetic are a few words to describe this 14 year old from Southern Indiana!
Brenna was recently confirmed and is is very much involved as a member in her church. Highly involved with the youth program and in her community; makes regular visits to the elderly and area nursing homes.
This incoming freshman is very active at her school. She is involved in basketball, track, student council, choir, Jazz choir, and will be a Varsity cheerleader. She tells us,”I enjoy making people smile, it makes me feel good. Never frown, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile!”
Brenna has one older brother who is in his third year of college.
Beautiful in every sense of the word, Brenna has a great love for Christ and she’s not afraid to tell you about His love and amazing friendship. Brenna says, “I want to see teens know and understand that God is nothing to be ashamed of.” She’s ready to leap into high school with a passion for life, Christ and high goals and ambitions. (read more…)
Meet Brenna Arnold iBegat.com’s “SheGat” – our teen gal’s editor and iBegat Radio co-host.
Look What Teamwork Means
Britain’s Got Talent enjoyed this well diverse group. It just goes to show, teamwork WORKS regardless of the size, age or mentality. Got any examples of teamwork that you’ve been involved in? Send them to us. (Thanks to a tip from Adam of Miami for this video clip.)
GOSSIP is Poision! – Erin Lanier
“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9 NIV)
Gossip is like poison darts that sail through the air to stab someone in the back. The victims are unaware of the danger until the damage is done. Someone alway
s gets hurt. Gossip separates close friends and drives rivals even further apart– sometimes to the breaking point. Fights, both verbal and physical, break out. Gossip is fuel for grudges, feuds, and arguments. Yet still we continue on with this drivel of words that is most likely not even true.
Everyone does it, unfortunately. Sometimes without realizing it. You’re just talking with your friend about how you’re gonna spend your summer and then bam! You’ve said something you shouldn’t have about someone. Word gets around real fast. It spreads like poison.
Of course some of you may have been the victim of gossip, and you know how it hurts. Why would you want to inflict that pain on someone else? If you are the victim of gossip remember that it doesn’t matter what everyone else might think about you, only what God knows to be true. So next time if the situation is switched and you’re the one in the position to say something about someone, stop yourself and watch what you say. Either stop the conversation or walk away. It’s your choice, I pray you make the right one.
GOOD RESOURCE
READ ABOUT MEAN GIRLS.…bullying, gossip and how we hurt others. Have you been a victim. Worse–are you the one who dishes this out? See how God wants you to live.
Mean Girls– By Hayley DiMarco

Why is it so tough to be a girl? Whether it’s at school, in the mall, or even online, girls are mean to each other. Most girls will admit that they have been a victim of a mean girl. In fact, many will say that all girls are basically mean. Whether they’re teasing a girl because of how she looks, making up rumors to torment others, or launching an online campaign to destroy their target, girls can be just plain ruthless. This one-of-a-kind book has helped end the cycle of meanness for tens of thousands of girls. Mean Girls is a call to spiritual strength. A call to stand firm. It calls girls to face the beasts in their lives head on. In short, it’s the answer girls need for the problem they never thought could go away. This completely revised edition of Mean Girls will reach junior highers and high schoolers where they are with the help and advice they crave. It has been redesigned inside and out to match the award-winning look of DiMarco’s other popular books.
Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 9780800732936
$9.99
Hey guys, I’m Erin. I’m 14 years old–soon to be 15. I have lived in Texas my whole life–Texas girl through and through, but, no, I do not ride a horse to school. I have two awesome parents. My dad is a professor at the local university and my mom is a stay at home writer. My older sister Holly has a job up north so I don’t get to see her much, but I love it when we do get to visit her. I have three very loud, annoying, but somehow really lovable dogs. I am a sophomore in high school and a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. I enjoy acting, singing, reading, and writing. I absolutely love acting! I have been in several productions at my community theater and at my school. (read more…)
BFF’s
I’m the sort of person who can walk into a room full of strangers and come out with at least three email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers.
Over the sixteen years of my life, I’ve had many types of friends. I’ve had acquaintances – those people you say ‘hi’ to at random places, maybe exchange an email address – but nothing ever comes of it. Those are friendships you don’t remember. They don’t impact your life.
I’ve had middle friends – you don’t keep in touch that often, but you’ve been friends for years, always good for a phone call.
Then, there are best friends. I’ve had a few best friends throughout my life – not many, but some. And you can meet them in all sorts of different ways.
Some of my best friends I haven’t even met. We maintain a steady email/blogging/phone call relationship without ever having seen each other face to face. I am blessed at the moment to have several amazing friends – a Kindred Spirit AND a Best Friend among them (yes, they’re different things).
And you know what’s great about these girls? My Best Friend, I can call any time, any day, and she will patiently listen while I vent about anything and everything. When I’m on the phone with her, I laugh so loud that it’s heard all over the house and everyone knows who I’m talking to. We can share secrets, funny stories, and dreams. We talk, cry, vent, and giggle over everything from God to guys.
My Kindred Spirit? Well, she’s my writing buddy. We share the same writing woes and joys and both understand that the other one is officially around the bend. She’s the sort of person I can call, say “I have a problem!” and she’ll drop whatever she’s doing and say “Okay, what is it?”
But even so, these girls are human. Mind you, they’re some of the best humans I know – but they’re still flawed humans. They won’t always be able to talk on the phone, they will sometimes be busy, we may hurt each other’s feelings.
Proverbs 18: 24 says that There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
I read it, but often I forget that God is my friend. He is my heavenly BFF, he’s my divine Kindred Spirit. He’s the one who will always be available, the One who is always ready to listen to you vent about frustration, cry about things that make you sad. He will smile as you talk about friends, guys, and life – and will hold you if you need a shoulder to cry on.
He’s always there for you. I can call him and say “I have a problem!” And no matter what, 24/7, He will be there to say “Okay, what is it? How can I help?”
I talk to my best friends several times a week. I email them all the time. I write them letters. But so often I forget to talk to God, the One who is always there, the One who is always eager to help and who has the power to fix the problems in my life.
Let’s not forget who the real BFF in this world is – and the next time you feel low, how about talking to Him before going to your other friends?
True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and value.
- Ben Jonson
I am many things, but I’ll just share a few of them with you right now.
I am, first and foremost, a Christian, and have been since I was six years old. I love the Lord and am trying to please Him to the best of my ability. I am an avid reader, and lean toward fiction although several of my favorite books (the Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien, Blue Like Jazz, Primal, The Barbarian Way, the Soul of C. S. Lewis, etc.) are non-fiction.
I love animals, and I love music (soundtracks, Christian, Korean and K-pop, some secular music, Immediate Music, X-ray Dog, Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Owl City, Hayley Westenra… the list goes on and on). My favorite movies are the Last of the Mohicans, G. I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Inkheart, the Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Robin Hood(s), Star Trek, IRIS (Korean drama – use caution when watching), the Fantastic Four(s), the Spider-mans, Batman Begins, Iron Man, (I love Hero movies) and many, many more. (read more…)
Revamp Your Wardrobe With New Fashion Ideas – Ally Adams
Have you ever needed inspiration for creating an outfit from your existing wardrobe, or have you ever wanted to blog about fashion yourself? Then, Lookbook is the perfect site for you. I love http://lookbook.nu/ online because you can look through pictures of real people (approved by the website) and learn from their chic style. Lookbook also offers links for you to buy the pieces of the outfit you like. And here’s the really great part—most of the places you will buy the clothes are small online companies so the things you buy will be very unique, not too expensive, and not many people will have them.
Here’s another cool thing: the bloggers on the site are from all around the world so you can get a sneak peek of the fashion scene in France, Australia, Germany and more. Of course, just like any site on the web, you have to overlook some stuff. If it’s a trashy outfit that shows too much skin, don’t try and mimic it. But, be inspired by the diverse fashionistas on this site and learn new ways to wear the clothing you already have in your closet. Plus, after viewing some really cute outfits online, you might be inspired to buy a few key pieces on your next back-to-school shopping trip—pieces that will bring your closet to life this fall. We’ll cover some basics you’ll want for this season in my next entry. Happy shopping!
Meet Allyson “Ally” Adams, iBegat.com’s teen fashion editor and go-to gal for style questions and advice.
Allyson “Ally” Adams, a 16-year-old living in Southern IN, wears many hats. She is an incoming junior in high school. She is a Varsity cheerleader. She is a gymnast. She is an active member of her youth group at church, No Limits. She’s a gifted photographer. She’s a volunteer, having worked at a local nursing home. And, she’s an avid lover of fashion and devoted student of style, studying the works and looks of Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Edie Sedgwick.
Currently reading: “Fifty Dresses that Changed the World” (Design Museum).
Watch a video of the 2010 Fashion show by Teen People Magazine and a Modest is the Hottest Fashion show by Proverbs 31 Ministries- **REMEMBER, if things show a bit too much skin…don’t be a follower…be courageous. God tells us to only follow Him and not to be tempted by the things of the world. We can be the height of fashion and remain Godly gals.*** ENJOY!
iBegat U – Teen Writing Scene – You Can Write, Too!
By Michelle Adams, Associate Editor
Just like adult writers, you need to figure out what you like to write and then find markets that will publish your work. I use various writer’s market books to make that happen, and so should you! Here is a must-have book for your library:
“A Teen’s Guide to Getting Published: Publishing for Profit, Recognition and Academic Success” by Jessica Dunn and Danielle Dunn was released in June 2006 by Prufrock Press. (You can find this on Amazon.com for about $12.)
Here is a description of this awesome book: A Teen’s Guide to Getting Published is an exciting must-read for young writers wanting to see their work published. This revised edition, written by two successful former teen authors, offers practical writing tips and an expansive, up-to-date listing of markets that publish student work. A Teen’s Guide gives advice, encouragement, and motivation to young authors looking to make their mark as writers. Topics addressed in the book include the writing craft, freelance publishing, rights and copyright information, publishing pitfalls, writing camps and workshops, and staff writing and book publishing. Filled with successful strategies for becoming a published author, any young writer will find this book an enjoyable read. Recommended for writers in grades 4 through 12.
Until you get “A Teen’s Guide to Getting Published” that’s been put together especially for you, here are a few places that will feature your work to get you started. (Some offer a little pay, and others don’t offer any monetary compensation, but it’s a nice way to showcase your work and acquire some clips along the path to being well published.)
*About Teens online magazine: This site has specific guidelines for potential writers, so follow them carefully before submitting your work. Read other teens’ short stories, and take note of recommended books (both fiction and non-fiction) for teens. Also, you can read funny jokes and poetry. Go to http://www.aboutteens.org/main.htm online.
*The Concord Review, Inc. can be found at http://www.tcr.org/ online. The Concord Review is a journal which publishes excellent essays by high school students studying history. Some of the best essays from the printed journal are published on this website. But here’s the deal: if you are interested in history, TCR encourages your writing submissions and awards several monetary prizes each year. Whoo hoo! You can get published and win a contest and possibly a cash prize!
*Teen Ink is totally written by teens and can be found at http://www.teenink.com/ online. This online magazine has no staff writers, and depends completely on teen readers to submit work. More than 20,000 students have already been published, and there is no charge to submit or to be published. Well, what are you waiting for? Check it out and submit your writing! (The magazine is sponsored by The Young Authors Foundation).
*Blogs: You could start your own blog, or you could do a “guest blog” on other people’s websites—some have huge followings! By doing a guest blog, you can get writing experience, make connections, and gain exposure. Here’s a place to start: Offer yourself as a guest blogger on this literary site: www.peevishpenman.com online. That site once did an interview with a 23-year-old published author who started writing at 19. Her name is Heather Beck. She became an accomplished author while still in college.
And, here are a few print magazines that might publish your work.
*G4T ink!
Contact: Jennifer Maul, Publications Manager and Editor
419 Mason St. Ste. 108
Vacaville CA 95688
Website: www.generations4truth.org
E-mail: info@generations4truth.org
This publication is written mostly by girls for girls, addressing teen topics. It’s a quarterly magazine and runs 40 to 50 pages. Articles run about 200 to 400 words. Needs poetry, fillers, cartoons, jokes, prayers, quizzes, short humor, word puzzles, etc. Guidelines on the website.
*American Girl
Contact: Ms. Kristi Thom, Editor
8400 Fairway Pl.
Middleton, WI 53562
Website: www.americangirl.com
E-mail: im_agmag_editor@pleasantco.com
This magazine is for girls ages 8 and older. It buys poetry ONLY from children. It pays a dollar per word, according to its guidelines. TIP: The “Girls Express” section is most open to new writers. Send short profiles of girls who are into sports, the arts, interesting hobbies, and cultural activities.
*New Moon, The Magazine for Girls & Their Dreams
Contact: Deb Mylin, Managing Editor
2 West First Street, Suite 101
Duluth, MN 55802
Website: http://www.newmoon.com/magazine/?code=SEMG&gclid=CK_n2rq9rp0CFQ8MDQodBBUciA
E-mail: girl@newmoon.org
Buys poetry, articles and essays from girls ages 8-14. Publishes females only!
Pays: 6 cents to 12 cents per word
Want to know what to read or what other teens are reading?
*Teenreads.Com: The Book Bag is a website that combines the best of pop culture books, with new YA titles and the best adult books suited for teens. The result? A site where teens sound off about the books and issues they care about. Find this site at http://www.teenreads.com/ online. And if you’d like to be a book reviewer for this site and other related sites (Can anyone say, free books?!), go here and apply: http://www.tbrnetwork.com/content/reviewer.asp
Interested in screenwriting? Check out this resource:
*Screen Teen Writers: How Young Screenwriters Can Find Success
(Meriwether Publishing) by Christina Hamlett ISBN 1566080789
Contest websites to point you toward year-round writing contests! (Some even pay in cash prizes!!)
*Byline Magazine Contest Listings: www.bylinemag.com online; click on “Contest Info” icon.
*Freelance Writing: Website for Today’s Working Writer: www.freelancewriting.com/contests.html
*KIMN Giollnick’s Website: Contest Listings. www.Kimn.net
*Writer’s Digest Website for Contests: www.writersdigest.com Search contests.
*Writer’s Prompt.com: www.writersprompt.com (Offers real-time, writing competitions for poets and creative writers. Offers a free way to display your writing and let others read your work.)
Another outlet for your writing is a writer’s contest specifically for teen fiction writers. I served as one of the judges for the contest the past two years. You can win scholarship money and get your YA book, song, artwork, etc., published!! Pretty awesome, eh? Go to http://www.tweenertimecompetitions.org/ and learn more. You should go for it!
Think kids and teens can’t get books published? Think again! Take a look at these books…if these kids and teens can get published, so can you! So, don’t give up!
1. Journey through Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek ISBN 0-7868-6942-9 (And Mattie had several other books published in this poetry series before he died.)
2. One Day in the Life of Bubble Gum by fourth grade students of Mt. Horeb Intermediate Center in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin (Scholastic) ISBN 0-439-36886-3
3. Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Emma Kragen (She was 7 when she wrote this book.) (W Publishing Group) ISBN 0849958733
4. Getting There: Seventh Grade Writing on Life, School, and the Universe (American Teen Writer Series) edited by Kathryn Kulpa ISBN 1886427046
5. Eragon by Christopher Paolini was only 15 when he wrote this best-selling book (Knopf Books for Young Readers) ISBN 0375826688
KEEP WRITING! KEEP DREAMING! YOU HAVE A VOICE AND YOUR STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD…












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