Another Love Dare

iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U, Tessa Hall

I’d like you to understand when I say, “God is our God.” Of course he is. Even Satan knows that.

But just knowing this truth isn’t all that being a Christian is about. Mark 8:34 says:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (NIV)

Let’s say there’s a guy that loves you more than you could know, and constantly tells you, but you keep ignoring him because you’re “too busy.” What if he wrote this long love letter that explained how much he cares for you? Not only that, but this letter contains all the answers that you’ll ever need to know in life, including promises for your future.

Why would you ignore this special kind of friendship? In order to follow God we need an intimate relationship with him. Part of that is to find who you are in him. Why would you want this dear friend to only be a small part of your life? Follow him and he will become your everything if you allow him!

I dare you to get to know the friend that loves you no matter how awful you treat him. I dare you to read the love letter that is scratched and dusty, hidden and ignored in the back of your bookshelf. God wrote it to you thousands of years before you were born. Turn your Sunday religion into a true, eternal relationship.

TESSA HALL

Tessa Hall is a writing and coffee obsessed seventeen-year-old. She lives for Christ only and believes that it’s not just a religion, but a relationship. Her Young Adult, Christian fiction contemporary novel, Purple Moon, is currently under contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She also writes a blog called “Christ is Write” where she posts teen devotions, writing tips, book reviews, author interviews, and coffee recipes.

Tessa has always enjoyed writing and has a passion to spread God’s healing, love, and comfort to her peers through the written word. Some of her other passions include acting, film, music, photography, and dance. She has big dreams and high hopes for her future, but believes that God can grant the desires of her heart as long as she puts Him first. Her favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 11:9 (MSG): “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”
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God of Second Chances

iBegat HOME, iBegat the Begotten, IBegat Trouble, iBegat U, Shannon Meiers

“Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.” (Psalm 119:175 NIV)

Our God is a God of second chances and that fact was never more real to me than one summer afternoon.

In a single moment, I decided carelessly to jump in a pool. My swimming skills were lacking. A nanosecond after I hit the water, I knew something was wrong. I should have floated right back up. The water was only four feet deep. If only I could stand up! But buoyancy was working against me, and the shimmery floor below was evading my efforts to plant my feet firmly on the surface. During this harrowing experience, I went from a confident, bubbly teenager giggling on the sidelines to a scared, terrified little girl fighting for her life.

Panic set in. So this was it. This is how I would go home. I was about to die.

Immediately following my thoughts came an absurd sense of peace. I knew where I was going if I died. When I put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was assured an eternity in heaven. And that fact, in what I thought to be the last few seconds of my life, was immensely comforting.

But I knew if God wanted me on earth, he would bring me out of this. I had swallowed some water and was choking, so I prayed fervently to God for clarity of mind, something I could do, or some way out of this nightmare. My arms and legs were still flailing all over the place. Spots swam in front of my eyes, and for a couple seconds it went black. I knew I didn’t have long. Only a miracle could save me now.

And a miracle is exactly what I got. Somehow, God gave me the sense to stick my hand out of the water and wave it frantically to get someone’s attention. Then, I heard a voice whisper across my heart, “Calm down, my daughter. Everything will be all right. Calm down and plant your feet.”

Suddenly, my head was out of the water, and I was gulping in glorious, wonderful air. I was clinging to the side of the pool with a fellow teen bobbing beside me. I’m not sure how he got me out, but I know that God is definitely active in my life, and as the pool incident proves, I’m here and have a purpose. I keep thanking God for giving me another chance at life.

Since then, I’ve found that I am able to laugh more, love better, and share more. During those horrifying seconds under water, I decided I would live my life for God and make every second count

“The LORD will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life, the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8)

SHANNON MEIERS

Shannon Meiers is a 16 year old home-schooled sophomore in high-school. Shes an aspiring writer, and is currently working with the special needs ministries at her church. Shannon, or Shan as her friends know her, is constantly learning… (read more…)

Final Interview

Christine Wessilius, iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” 1Thessalonians 5:9-10 (English Standard)

I hate interviews.

And it’s not because I get nervous or have bad communication skills. The employers don’t intimidate me, and the amount of competing applications don’t even cross my mind. No – it’s that horrible question that you know they’re going to ask: “Why do you deserve this job? Why should we hire you?”

Somehow, whenever I hear that awful question, my mind draws a blank. I mean – what do they want me to say? I don’t want to come up with some “I’m the best” braggart line that turns me into some narcissist. But at the same time I don’t want to say something weak sounding where they think I have no conviction or aspirations!

When we die, we’re going to be confronted with a similar scenario. We’ll have to hand in our resume of all our life’s work. Satan is going to bring up every sin we’ve committed against God and highlight them in yellow. But … we’re covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. In this life, we don’t have to prove anything to people by either boasting or being overly modest. Because in this case we’re not here to display ourselves – but to showcase Him.

Where we fail, Jesus Christ has already stepped in the pick up the slack. There are no rejected applications, no failed interviews, and the ‘benefits’ of heaven are pretty much limitless.

Don’t live life in fear of failing that final judgment – Jesus has already selected you as one of His own.

CHRISTINE WESSELIUS

Christine grew up in the windowless basement of her grandparent’s house and has thus been fondly nicknamed “The vampire in a box” by her friends. She has a strong affinity for sarcasm, shiny purple things, and random, useless information that “normal people probably wouldn’t care about.” She likes to sing, act, draw, write, read, and make fun of Prince Charming in her spare time. Some of her epic skills include: surviving a piano being dropped on her, carrying on a five hour conversation with a wall, and making a grilled cheese sandwich spontaneously explode. (read more…)

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A New Year 2012

iBegat HOME, iBegat U

res·o·lu·tion:

1. a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
2. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
3. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose. Read more…

White as Snow

iBegat the Begotten, iBegat Trends, iBegat U

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV)

I grew up where it snowed a lot in the winter. But cement streets, traffic, pollution, and garbage strewn about made the days gray and dingy. Even a colorful sunset often would be marred by a brown lingering haze.

One winter, things were extra nasty. A garbage company strike left streets scattered with bags of trash. Most had been ripped open by animals. Rats and roaches were everywhere. Every kind of creature roamed, making a fitting stage for a horror flick.

On a frosty afternoon, I walked home from school, counting the icicles hanging from the power lines. My breath lingered on the thickness of ice cold air. When I reached the lifeless block I lived on, I hoped a thick blanket of snow would fall to cover the dreariness.

That night it did snow, and in the morning it was if I had been given a new chance to live. Everything was white. School was closed so kids were everywhere throwing snowballs and diving into snow banks made by the plows. Some slid down the tall piles of garbage covered with enough snow to imagine they were each manicured ski runs on top a far away mountain.

I met up with friends and quickly forgot about the dirty old setting underneath. We walked the streets and hung out for hours. But as afternoon approached, temperatures warmed up and the beautiful white snow began to fade to gray and brown slush. Mountains of garbage resurfaced as snow drifts slid down into the grime. Late afternoon brought about the old neighborhood, now more depressing as ever.

The snowfall in my neighborhood only lasted until the heat came. When it was exposed to the change in temperature, it melted away. I trudged inside and wondered why the newness couldn’t stay forever.

Have you ever lived where it snows all winter? Or a place that gets just one snowfall? Maybe you are living in snow country right at this moment. If it’s winter, you probably have fresh snow on the ground. Fresh, clean, white snow. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . . “

Jesus shed his blood to cover all our sins. We were like that dingy old neighborhood that was transformed into a winter wonderland. But because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we can have newness that will stand the heat. The snowfall of grace and mercy is one that will not fade away when difficulties intensify.

Cindy Scinto, Editor, iBeGat.com

The Grinch Who Gave Christmas Back

iBegat Buddies, iBegat U

Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT)

Remember How the Grinch Stole Christmas, one of the fondest Christmas movies there is? The Grinch was miserable, angry, bitter, and determined to make everyone around him the same. He was wrapped up in the affairs of the world and knew nothing of joy. But when the Whos in Whoville got up Christmas morning and celebrated, even though the Grinch had stolen all their gifts and festivities, he realized true joy is found only in your heart.

Right now, the stores are swamped, traffic is thick, bargains are being paraded in front of weary shoppers, money is being depleted that may be needed elsewhere, and many people will spend Christmas in a state of despair and depression. This is one holiday each year that can be filled with awe and merriment, but beleaguered with sadness and pain.

Nehemiah, through opposition and with extreme faith, enlisted the people to rebuild Jerusalem and was able to provide all that they needed. Each group of families repaired a section of the wall until it was complete. After, they celebrated with much merriment. But the people were told to give gifts to those in need so they, too, could join in. Celebration was not to be self-centered; it was to be connected with giving. When we celebrate and give to others, we are strengthened spiritually and filled with the true joy of Jesus.

This Christmas, give tangibly to someone in need—not someone you know, but someone you’d not thought of before. Be like the Grinch, who turned his heart back to the true spirit of the season.

Cindy Scinto, Editor, iBeGat.com

New York Students Protest Outside High School Over ‘Tebowing’ Incident

iBegat Sports, iBegat Trends, iBegat U

The “Tebowing” that reportedly led to the suspension of two New York high schoolers continues as more than a dozen students chanted Tebow’s name and struck his kneeling, fisted signature pose in front of the school Friday, the New York Post reports.

The students gathered Friday as one of the 17-year-old twin brothers who were suspended this week served out his single-day punishment for leading dozens of students in the same homage all week in a hallway.

Twin brothers Tyler and Connor Carroll of Riverhead HS in Long Island and classmates Jordan Fulcoly and Wayne Drexel were hit with one-day suspensions for kneeling and bowing their heads like Tebow does when he scores a touchdown, the New York Post reports.

“It’s not the most exciting day. I sat there. I did my work.” Connor told the New York Post in response to the suspension.

Tyler is set to serve his suspension Monday saying, “I feel like we were kind of singled out,”Tyler, who also plays football and baseball. “If we were told to stop, we would have stopped.”

The weeklong “Tebowing” craze was a distraction and a hallway hazard after dozens of classmates followed their lead, administrators told the newspaper.

“It was basically just a tribute to Tim Tebow,” said Connor, 17, who planned the prank with his brother and friends. “It was more than a religious thing. There was some of that involved obviously, because he prays. I guess it was basically like a moment of silence.”

The brothers have to serve their suspensions, while the others were rescinded because the other participants had not been given warnings, officials said. About 40 students had been gathering in the hallway all week emulating Tebow.

School administrators said the stunt jammed the hallway, creating a fire hazard.

“This is not about religious discrimination,” Riverhead School District Superintendent Nancy Carney told the Post. “It is about being sure kids are able to get to class on time and keeping the kids safe and orderly.”

But Tebow himself said the kids should play by the rules.

“You have to respect the position of authority and people that God’s put as authority over you,” Tebow told the media.

“So that’s part of it, and just finding the right place and the right time to do things is part of it, too.

“But I think it does show courage from the kids, standing out and doing that, and some boldness.’’

Tebow has led the once-lowly Broncos on an unlikely winning streak filled with late-game heroics while touting his religious beliefs by praising God to reporters and taking the kneeling stance on the field, the New York Post reports.

Quoted from: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/17/new-york-students-protest-outside-high-school-over-tebowing-incident/print#ixzz1gwyYU5l0

real devo: Christmas Cliches

iBegat HOME, iBegat Trends, iBegat U

…and other things I’m sick of hearing.

So, confession time with Abbie. (And don’t get excited – no stories of coffee shop humiliation today.)

Ready? Here goes…

I am a scrooge.

But not the kind of scrooge you might think.

I’m a scrooge in a way that is probably largely frowned upon in Christian circles. A scrooge with a bad church-girl secret: I hate stuff Christians say at Christmas time.

It’s true. There are a lot of cliches being thrown around this time of year. And umm… they sorta get on my nerves.

You know the ones I’m talking about? It’s not about the presents. Jesus is the reason for the season. Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas. Wise men still seek Him. Santa is bad. Santa is just another way to spell Satan. Christmas traditions have pagan roots. Real Christians don’t get caught up in the glitter and commercialism of Christmas.

Okay, so maybe those last few aren’t exactly well-known cliches. But you definitely hear them this time of year. People can get a tad preachy and overbearing with their Super-Christian Christmas spirit. Christmas shopping, lights, trees, decorations, and that jolly man in the red suit are given an all around bashing in an attempt to put the focus back on Jesus. Which, in a roundabout way, brings me to another confession:

… I like presents, y’all. Just needed to get that off my chest.

Here’s the deal: I don’t want anyone to succeed in making you feel guilty for enjoying the trappings and trimmings of Christmas. Decorate. Celebrate. Go out to the mall and battle the crazy hordes of last minute shoppers, if that’s your style. (*Raises hand guiltily.) Listen to Jingle Bell Rock and Santa Baby if you like. (I won’t judge.) Watch Elf eight hundred times. Then watch it again if you want to.

But do yourself a favor this Christmas season: sneak away by yourself. Sit down, and take a while to let the authentic Christmas message seep into your very soul. Don’t do it because I’m telling you to. Or anyone else is telling you to. Do it because you want to. Do it because one day, approximately 2,012-ish years ago on a date that probably wasn’t December 25, a baby was born with one purpose.

History hinged on that one squalling infant because He came to do something incredibly, magnificently, mind-blowingly heroic.

He came to save us.

To save me. I know I need a savior, deep in the recesses of my grinch-like heart. (You know – two sizes too small?) I know it, and that is why I like to sneak away and soak in the hope.

The freedom.

I’m not here to preach y’all a sermon today. Those are easy to come by. I’m here to share a smidgen of honesty.

Don’t forgo the festivities in favor of sackcloth, ashes, and solemn remembrance – unless of course, you feel you should do so. Deck those halls. Put on that hideous reindeer sweater with the antler headband your Aunt Penelope gave you four years ago.

Be merry, and be out in the world. Just remember… you have a whole deeper reason for rejoicing.

Merry Christmas

~Abbie

Check out our friends at Real Teen Faith!

By RTF Editor Abbie Miller

Different

Haley Snyder, iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NASV)

On February 4, 2011, I went to Winter Jam with my youth group. The music was amazing, and my friends and I danced around like idiots, loving every moment. A group of guys sat in front of us with the guys from our youth group. They knew each other from school and wanted to hang out. While my friends and I were dancing, they kept looking back at us. They’d laugh at us when we’d dance stupid dances. I finally asked one of the guys from my church why they were laughing, and he said they thought we were weird.

It kind of bugged me for the rest of the night that they were making fun of us, but then I thought about it. I am weird—plain and simple. I dance badly and sing around my house at the top of my lungs randomly. I work really hard on my hair every morning, even when I’m not going anywhere. My heart literally hurts when people are in pain. I struggle with depression. I care too much about what people think of me. So, me weird? –definitely. Then again, who isn’t weird? God made us all different and unique. If this is the way God wants me, then it’s the way I’ll be. God’s plan for me is far greater than any plan I have for myself.

The same principle applies to everyone. God made us all unique and special so that He can accomplish whatever he has in store for us. My challenge for you all is to remember that your weirdness is what sets you apart from everyone else. It’s what will help you achieve God’s will for you. Don’t try to change it, instead embrace it.

HALEY FAYE SNYDER

I’m Haley Faye Snyder. I’m 14 years old and a freshman in high school. 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… (read more…)
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