Youth Alive Bloghttp://www.myvofm.orgWed, 23 May 2012 03:44:29 GMTMon, 13 Feb 2012 02:26:53 GMTHappy Valentine’s Day!http://www.myvofm.org/happy-valentines-daySun, 12 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliOne of my favorite times of the year is coming up, Valentine’s Day. This is the day you show love to one another. I like this day because people show me love and I show it back. I feel that’s the day I should be thankful for everyone who loves me. We all should be thankful for the love one’s in our life. I know I am happy to know that my family loves me. Even if you don’t have a “Valentine”, just know God loves you no matter what. Show some love on Valentine’s Day.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/happy-valentines-dayFashion/Styles in High Schoolhttp://www.myvofm.org/fashionstyles-in-high-schoolSat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliIn high school, everyone tries to have the same clothes, shoes and hairstyles. Some people can’t afford all of these expensive things everyone else has. People make fun of kids who can’t afford these things. I feel that no one should do this because you don’t know their family financial situation. It may even be that they don’t want to be like everyone else and have their own swag. Teasing people can cause low self esteem and possibly lead to suicide. I sometimes worry about what others say about me or what they think about my style, then again I don’t. I’ve learned that people may judge you but God doesn’t judge you that way. I know who I can count on!

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/fashionstyles-in-high-schoolAcquire the Fire 2012http://www.myvofm.org/acquire-the-fire-2012Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliFriday and Saturday, Youth Alive attended a youth conference, Acquire the Fire. The purpose of the conference was to teach and a reach teens and tell them about God. It helped me to understand the works of God because they put it in perspective of an ordinary teen’s life. On Friday, I wasn’t really feeling it at first. Then I realized that everything isn’t going to be how I want it all the time and I needed to be open to new experiences. But after seeing thousands of teenagers actually praising God, made me feel more comfortable about being open to God. I really enjoyed the conference. Next year I would like to attend again so that I will become closer to God. I think that now that I went to this, my feelings about God and church are different. Personally, I encourage every teen to go and be a part of it, but you have to be open to different things.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/acquire-the-fire-2012Dolphin Talehttp://www.myvofm.org/dolphin-tale1Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliRecently I watched the movie Dolphin Tale and it really touched me. It touched me how the little boy had a passion for helping the dolphin. His cousin had a prosthetic leg and other kids who had missing body parts, which led him to help the dolphin with a missing tail. This made me think of helping kids who can’t do for themselves. After this happens to some kids, they have challenges which may lead to stress, so I would like to be a person to make them smile every once and a while. I always had a way with kids, people ask me to babysit for them. The way they smile and act around me shows me that I have that touch with them. I feel that seeing kids smile brings joy to the room. When I grow I want to be a doctor or therapist who helps them because I love kids and helping others.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/dolphin-tale1My Favorite Placehttp://www.myvofm.org/my-favorite-placeSat, 14 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliIn this world I have one place that I love and it’s my room.  It’s my favorite place because that’s where I spend most of my time.  When I’m there, I can get closer to God, do homework and think of what I want to do with my life.  People don’t understand the things I do, but when I’m alone, I understand myself.  When I’m in my room I can remove myself from everything and just be myself.  I can get all my thoughts together and focus on me.  It helps me to get away from all of the people in my house too.  I feel as if all my troubles are worn away off my mind and keeps me closed away from them.  In my room, I can focus on my relationship with God and pray to him to help me with any troubles in my life.  It’s where I feel safe.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/my-favorite-placeA new me in 2012http://www.myvofm.org/a-new-me-in-2012Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTAshliIn 2011, I wasn't very pleased with the outcome i had. So 2012, I am going to have to make some changes in my life with school and my attitude about things in life. Last year I didnt do well in school. Now it's time for me to go the other way. For instance, my first priority when i get home is to get straight to my homework and going to school and only focus on schoolwork. I may have to give up somethings and some friends, but in the long run it will help me. If I keep faith in myself and God, then I know I will succeed in my change. So I'm going to write down all of my distractions, X them out of my life until I feel I can handle them and keep going along with my changes. And to help me in this process I will pray to God and ask him to guide me through the way.


]]>http://www.myvofm.org/a-new-me-in-2012Turn your Passion into a Paycheck!http://www.myvofm.org/turn-your-passion-into-a-paycheckWed, 13 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMTMaddie JacksonWhat is your PASSION? Do you like cooking, animals, or even doing your friend's hair? Do you know that your passion is a talent from God? If you find something that you are good at, and have fun doing, stick with it! It will help you in the long run. A trade is a developed talent or ability. You can turn that into a career!

For all of you kids in high school, there is a school called the Technical Center. There is one in Chesterfield County and one in Richmond City. You can get certifications and licenses in one year or two years. One of my friends has her Cosmetology license and works at a salon. My sister has her own website business and already has professional clients who are paying her to make websites! Both have attended the Chesterfield Technical Center, still in college and under the age of 21! If they can do it, so can you! 

Take whatever talent God gave you, and put it to use! If you think you don't have one, you're WRONG! We all have a talent, we just have to go through some trial and error to discover it! Don't give up; success is right around the corner!!!

Bless, and BE blessed! 

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]]>http://www.myvofm.org/turn-your-passion-into-a-paycheckSchool's Outhttp://www.myvofm.org/schools-outWed, 22 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTAshliThe last few minutes of school, kids stare at the clock. They’re waiting for the bell to ring so they can start their summer. Kids rush to the door, hurry home, and let the summer begin. Around this time, I feel the same way. I love summer because I celebrate my birthday in August. During the summer, I go to cookouts, Kings Dominion, can stay up all night, hang with my friends, swim in the pool. The best thing about summer time is that everyone gets a much needed break. 

I think everyone should come hang with Youth Alive this summer. We're doing a lot of fun things, starting with the Youth Alive Experience. It will be Friday, June 24th from 7-11pm, there will be games, food, a rap artist and more. We also learn about God in a way that is relevant to our teen lifestyle.

I look forward to seeing you !

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/schools-outWe Can Do ANYTHING!http://www.myvofm.org/we-can-do-anythingSun, 19 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTMaddie JYour parents always tell you that you can be who you want to be, do whatever you want to do, etc. We always hear those phrases, but what is the meaning behind those words?

Today in church, Pastor Copeing touched on a lot of important details behind that. We're halfway through 2011! We have all had setbacks, disappointments, and somethings that look IMPOSSIBLE to overcome. But we are still here because of God's grace and mercy. The reason why our parents say that all things are possible is because since we are followers of God, we BELIEVE in him. If you have faith, God will carry you through anything.

Three points that Pastor touched on, in order to get through any trouble you are going thru is:

#1. Do whatever God asks you to do.

No matter how crazy his requests may be. He has a reason for it. You must take on his mindset, and say, "God, if you want me to do this, consider it done!"

#2. Carry out the principles of God. 

In Matthews 21:22, it talks about carrying out the commands of God. Do not ever remove God from the equation! Challenge yourself: If God spoke it, carry it out!!!

#3. You have to claim it by faith!

In  Hebrews 11:1, it talks about claiming. Faith is believing that God is fully capable and able!  Are you faithful and carrying out his commandments? 

Nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Don't worry about the haters! Stand firm on His promises. As long as we have God on our side, we can do all things, BUT fail!

Happy Father's Day! Bless and be blessed! :)

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/we-can-do-anythingForgiving All Your Enemieshttp://www.myvofm.org/forgiving-all-your-enemiesTue, 07 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTMaddie JacksonI'm sure some of you are familiar with Chris Brown's recent album, F.A.M.E. If you have been up to date with the popular music artist, you'd know how much hatred, ridicule, and judgement he has undergone recently in his career. But he has found himself through music, and gave one of the meanings to his album, "Forgiving All My Enemies."

Just like Brown, Pastor Mike has encouraged us to forgive our own enemies. In the recent sermon, "Manlaws", he talks about how forgiveness finds no fault. In Matthews 7:12 it states, "Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets." Treat others how you would like to be treated. If you want to be loved, LOVE. If you want to be blessed, BE a blessing. 

If you have ever been in or had a relationship with someone where they have broken your heart, or cheated, or lied to you, try not to have hatred towards them. Remember, God has a plan, and makes everything happen for a reason. You have to be DOWN, to appreciate UP. Don't block your blessing with hatred and regret, because that will stop the next person from being everything the previous person wasn't.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/forgiving-all-your-enemiesGod's Amazing Lovehttp://www.myvofm.org/gods-amazing-loveSat, 04 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTCourtney B.So this week's JAM SESSION WAS AWESOME! We talked about the famous four letter word, "LOVE."  I wanted to give you all some scriptures and links that captures God's Love for us. 

John 3:16- The Story of Love  (Please watch the video if you did not attend, it is very powerful) 

Anthony Evans-LOVE IS

Scriptures:

"For God Loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life"- John 3:16

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance"-1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only son into the world, so that we might have eternal life through him"-1 John 4:9

"And as we live in God, our Love grows more perfect."- 1 John 4:17

"May the Lord lead [My] heart into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ"- 2 Thes. 3:5

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."-Romans 8:38-39

I challenge you to remember Love is a choice.  God sacrificed his one and only son for us out of love.  So, when you choose to love someone remember God is Love and you should strive to portray it by the actions stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. (Take that as a challenge for everyday living, I know I am)

LOVE YOU WONDERFUL CHILDREN OF GOD!

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/gods-amazing-loveHustle Hard!http://www.myvofm.org/hustlehardTue, 17 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTMaddie JacksonTeens, want to make summer 2011 one of the best it's ever been? Time is like money, and we can't afford to waste NEITHER! Here are some ways to "Hustle Hard" as Rick Ross would say!

For younger teens (13-15): Don't think you are too young to make money! Chick-fil-A, one of the largest chicken orientated fast food companies, starts hiring at the age of 14! Check out the Chick-fil-A website to find a store near you! A great way to earn some fast cash is at Plato's Closet. They buy gently used clothes from YOUR closet for their store, and give you cash on the spot! You can also consider babysitting, or having bake sales in your neighborhood! Be creative!

For older teens (16-18): There are a lot of places for employment available once you turn 16. First, there are basically any fast food restaurants, McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. Why not work where you love to eat? The YMCA of Greater Richmond is also now hiring, where you could work with children or become a lifeguard. The malls are also a hot spot for summer employment! For the older teens who are juniors and seniors in high school, it is good to look for internships as well! Inroads is an internship company that searches for good students to match them with their career background.

There are many other places to look for jobs such as Snag A Job or Indeed.com. Personally, one website that has done a lot for me is Craigslist. First, I bought my car from the website, and also have received a job offering and two internship offers. You have to search hard, but there are really great opportunities there!

If any of the above options are successful for you, don't forget to thank God for his blessing! One suggested way on how to do that is through participation in tithes and offerings. As stated in 2 Corinthians 9:6 -- "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." It is good to give at least 10% of whatever money you earn. For example, if you earn 10 dollars in allowance, you should give God at least 1 dollar.

Wish you all luck with finding some cash for the summer!! :)


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]]>http://www.myvofm.org/hustlehardPlaying through the painhttp://www.myvofm.org/playing-through-the-painTue, 10 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTAshliNBA fans saw the Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics eastern conference semifinals game 3 when Rondo hurt his arm, came back into the game, and the Celtics went home with the victory. Pastor J is preaching on playing through the pain. That is a prime example of what God wants us to do. As for me I have been struggling in high school for my ninth grade year. The reason I have been struggling is because I haven’t focused on my school work I worry about the little things, drama and my friends. My mother and father told me that friends and the silly things like that won’t get me good grades or into college. The first couple of times they said that I didn’t pay attention until I got my report card and saw that what they said was actually true. So I have to live with the fact that my chances getting a scholarships for college is dropping, but even with that being on my record I am going to try as hard as I can to not let anything like that happen. Just like Rajon Rondo, I will play through the pain. I am still going to try my best to win in the end. I believe that God wants me to stay focused, pray, and do my best.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/playing-through-the-painDramahttp://www.myvofm.org/dramaWed, 04 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTAshliDrama is when you have conflicts with one another. It mostly happens at school with people arguing over boyfriends and girlfriends, people talking about each other, etc. For the past couple of days I have been having drama with one of my old friends. Other people boosted it up and it got taken so far that it almost got physical. I know that isn’t what God wants us to do so I tried to avoid her. Since that didn’t work I went and told my mother what happened. After we talked about it and we figured there wasn’t anything else to do to prevent this. She went to the school and got the situation settled. This whole thing was a waste of time. Life is too short to be wasting our time on ignorant drama. So for all the girls and boys that are involved in any kind of drama at school, the easiest way to stay out of trouble is to not pay any attention to it. Your parents can help too. My mom helped me get out of the situation and prevent it from escalating.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/dramaImagehttp://www.myvofm.org/imageSun, 10 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMTAshlihttp://www.myvofm.org/imageCrazy for Christhttp://www.myvofm.org/crazy-for-christSun, 27 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMTAshliFriday, March 25 I went to a lock-in at my church. It was very exciting. They had free haircuts, games, food, music and more. I got to mingle with different people with different talents and interest. They got to learn about me and I got to learn about them. I didn’t have to worry about adults being down my back. As long as I followed their rules and respected them, I was able to have fun the way I wanted. I brought my best friend with me, I was hoping my other friend and my sister would come but they had other things to do. We were laughing and joking all night. I played basketball and watched the talent show. The funniest part of the talent show was when one of the guys that go to my church started to lip sync. It was just a good night to hang out with my friends in a safe environment. I also got to see a lot of the people who I used to go to school with. I can’t wait to see my friends who didn’t go so I can rub in their faces how much fun it was. Sometimes I don’t really like going to church events because I think that they will be boring and I can’t relate to my teen life and I can’t express myself the way I am out of church, but it turns out the lock-in wasn’t like that. I hope next time I can bring my other friends so they can experience the fun I had.

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/crazy-for-christSo the Lock-In was a successhttp://www.myvofm.org/so-the-lock-in-was-a-successSun, 27 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMTMalikMany people said their favorite event was basketball and the ability to go to sleep. One thing we thought should be different was what we should do when we're waiting for the lock-in to officially start. Any ideas on what should improve?

]]>http://www.myvofm.org/so-the-lock-in-was-a-success