Another Love Dare
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.”
<<<more posts by Tessa…
Truth That Sets You Free
“You are a liar.”
Although I would normally never encourage anyone to speak these words, there is an exception to that rule when it comes to one thing: an eating disorder. In fact, if you have an eating disorder, I encourage you to look it in the face and tell it, “You are a liar.”
Through an eating disorder, Satan tricks our minds to exchange God’s truth for lies, which can convince us easily that we are ugly or invaluable. Whenever we think these things, a red flag should alarm us that we are believing lies. But even when an eating disorder shouts lies that bring hopelessness, God’s truth can fill us with strength and life.
When the lies seem unconquerable, God’s power is stronger.
When an eating disorder tells you that you are not pretty enough, God says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
When Satan tricks you into thinking that your eating disorder is unconquerable, know that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
If you feel invaluable, remember that you are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
If you think that God is not interested in your problems, don’t buy the lie. Trust God when He says, “I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
Wherever truth dwells, lies flee. We can conquer lies by surrounding ourselves with God’s truth. Let’s saturate our minds with truth by pondering God’s Word, posting Scripture on our mirrors, praying often, and listening to Christian music. When we ask God to fill us with His truth, the lies of an eating disorder will have no place to belong. His truth sets us free!
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
A New Vision
They may not actually have mouths that speak, but we can still hear their voice. They may not say audible words, but they shout a message loud and clear. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by advertisements, televisions, billboards, songs, and magazines that announce their message saying, “You have to look a certain way, dress a certain way, act a certain way.”
These messages are loud, but their not true. Our culture shouts lies that cloud our view of ourselves and God. Because of this, we look in the mirror with blurry, unfocused vision. My skin is too pale. My hair is too flat. My waist is too big. My face is too plain.
No matter how loudly these voices speak, God’s voice is more powerful. No matter how blurry our vision may be when we look at ourselves in the mirror, the Lord is able to restore our sight. All we need is a new pair of lenses, which are the words of truth from the Bible.
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV1984 )
God delights in you! He rejoices over who He made you to be. When you look in the mirror, see yourself the way God sees you: beautiful, valued, treasured, and full of purpose. God is ready to give you a new vision, a vision not skewed by our culture. With this clear vision, you will be able to see how precious you really are.
Thought for the day: As you notice the messages around you that our culture shouts, remember God’s voice is true and He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
The Faith of a Child
“Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14 NIV)
We only knew each other for about five minutes, but we were already best friends. The only communication we had was my asking her what her name was and she responded with a twenty-five syllable name in Spanish that I 
could not repeat back to you if I tried. All I did was blow some bubbles for her and read her a book, but those simple gifts of kindness meant the world.
After we played, she crawled up in my lap and just sat there. I held her and loved her as she snuggled in my lap.
I am so thankful for my little friend, even though I do not know her name or speak her language. She taught me about faith. As I held her quietly in my arms, I thought about Jesus when He said, “Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14 NIV)
I want to have faith like that little girl, a faith that is simple, joyful, and trusting. I desire to love God unconditionally and come to Him without reservation. I want to crawl up in the lap of my Lord, trusting Him even when I do not understand Him. I know that He loves me, so I love Him in return. After all, that is all that faith really is – the willingness to lean into the arms of the Lord and rest awhile, knowing that He is holding you and loving you securely.
Thought for the day: God is always available for you to run to Him and rest in His arms.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
Celebrating Love: Valentine’s Day from the Perspective of a Single
Valentine’s Day, also known as Single’s Awareness Day, has a tendency to be either a love-it or hate-it kind of holiday. If you’re celebrating red roses, candy hearts, and teddy bears with your significant other, Valentine’s Day can be full of giddy happiness. But for those of us who may not have a boyfriend or girlfriend this Valentine’s Day, all the candies and cards have a tendency to make us feel a little left out.
However, instead of letting Valentine’s Day remind us of what we don’t have, maybe we should try letting it remind us of the incredible love that we do have.
“How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV)
You 
may not have a boyfriend or girlfriend at this stage in your life, but you do have a God who loves you with an amazing, extraordinary, and unconditional love that is fully satisfying. He is your greatest love, and His love is reason enough to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. You are never really single when you are in a love relationship with the Lord. You are never really alone because God is near to you, wrapping you in His arms of love this Valentine’s Day.
May all the hearts and flowers this Valentine’s Day remind you of the greatest love that you will ever know. May each heart balloon remind you that are treasured, valued, and adored by the King of kings. And may every pink flower cause you to remember how precious it is to know true love, the love that your Father has lavished on you.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
Worth the Wait
“I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born.” Isaiah 66:9 (NCV)
I held the newborn baby in my arms and marveled at her tiny fingers and toes. Soft skin and a 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, 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 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, or 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.
Thought for the day: Through the struggles that you face today, God is working to make you new, help you grow, or draw you closer to Him.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
Stepping Stones
The Israelites stood at the bank of the Jordan River, finally being able to see God’s fulfillment of His promise. For years, He had promised to lead them to the Promised Land, and now they were finally standing at the banks, ready to cross over to claim their land. What a climactic moment as God’s people stepped through the waters and onto sacred land.
After they crossed the river, Joshua told the people, “Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder…to serve as a sign among you. (Joshua 4:5 NIV) In order to remember all that God had done for them, the Israelites picked up stones from the river bed and set them up as a memorial. What had been stepping stones became memorial stones.
As we enter a new year, we too are crossing a river and entering into a new dimension of God’s promises. With every New Year, we begin a new stage in our spiritual journey. As this year ends, look back at the rivers that you’ve crossed; the struggles, victories, and experiences of this past year.
What has God done for you? How has He drawn you closer to Him? What are some of your spiritual mile markers? All of these memories are stones in the river that you have crossed, and they testify to the faithfulness and greatness of God. These stepping stones have now become memorial stones.
May we never forget what God has done for each of us.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
A Life of Thanksgiving
“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1 NIV)
Fall leaves, pumpkin pies, and fires in the fireplace are just a few of the things that make Thanksgiving my favorite holiday. Of course the best thing about Thanksgiving is spending time with family, telling stories, laughing, and eating together. Something about Thanksgiving fills the heart with such warmth. Maybe it’s the warm colors of the leaves or the coziness of the living room when the air is wintry outside. Maybe it’s just that inward warmth that comes from a love that fills the house when family is together in one place.
Sometimes I wish thanksgiving could last all year! Then decorative pumpkins would always be on neighbor’s porches and pumpkin puree would have a permanent place on Kroger’s shelves. Most of all, my heart would always be filled with the warm feeling that results from thankfulness.
Why can’t it be thanksgiving all the time? We don’t need the decorations and desserts every day; why can’t we have that warm feeling of thankfulness? I realized there is only one thing that truly makes my heart warm with thankfulness, and that is God’s goodness and love.
God is good all the time, and His love endures forever—not just when the autumn spice candle is burning or when the turkey is hot out of the oven. Every day is a day of thanksgiving because of who God is and what He has done. Let’s celebrate a life of thanksgiving.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
A New Vision
They may not actually have mouths that speak, but we can still hear their voice. They may not say audible words, but they shout a message loud and clear. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by advertisements, televisions, billboards, songs, and magazines that announce their message, saying, “You have to look a certain way, dress a certain way, act a certain way.”
These messages may be loud, but they are not true. Our culture shouts lies that cloud our view of ourselves and God. Because of this, we look in the mirror with blurry, unfocused vision; my skin is too pale, my hair is too flat, my waist is too big, my face is too plain…
No matter how loudly these voices speak, God’s voice is more powerful. No matter how blurry our vision may be when we look at ourselves in the mirror, the Lord is able to restore our sight. All we need is a new pair of lenses, which are the words of truth from the Bible.
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
God delights in you! He rejoices over who He made you to be. When you look in the mirror, see yourself the way God sees you – beautiful, valued, treasured, and full of purpose. God is ready to give you a new vision, a vision not skewed by our culture. With this clear vision, you will be able to see how precious you really are.
Thought for the day: As you notice the messages around you that our culture shouts, remember that God’s voice is true, and He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
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…)
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