______________________________________


{Heart4Teens.com} *Girl of God*

______________________________________

If you enjoy this free email service, I encourage you to spread the word to family and friends that we may bring inspiration into the lives of teenagers everywhere! If you are not on the list and this has been passed along to you, you can join Heart4Teen.com readers around the world by sending a blank e-mail to: Heart4Teens-subscribe@myinjesus.com or visit: http://www.heart4teens.com/

Visit our inspirational web site to read all the past articles in our archives and view the tons of resources we have there for teens!

http://www.Heart4Teens.com/Teen_Stories

____________________________________________

Be sure to check out our other inspirational email list and web site!

http://www.hearttouchers.com/

To subscribe send a blank email to:

HeartTouchers-subscribe@myinjesus.com

_________________________________________


Good morning Heart4Teens.com readers!

Kristi and I spent Valentine's Day rereading the hundreds of love letters we sent to each other while we were dating in high school. Man oh man was that fun! It was so interesting to take that trip back down memory lane. I was a freshman and Kristi was a senior when we started dating, and we laughed and laughed at how I poured my heart out to the woman I loved. I wrote poetry to her, songs about her, and this classic line from a letter I sent to her a few months after we became friends: "Kristi, your name is as special to me as freedom is to the United States." (Now that is a love-struck freshman boy!)

Last night, we decided to read some of our letters to our youth group. As I sat there, reading one of the poems I wrote to Kristi, my five-year-old son Connor made his way up to sit next to us. As I lovingly read the last lines to one of the greatest love poems ever written, Connor said, "That is DIS-GUST-ING!"

If you have never read the story of how my wife and I met, you can do so at:

http://www.hearttouchers.com/MichaelKristi

Hoping all of you had a wonderful weekend and that you are looking forward to what God has in store for you this week!

From my family to yours,
Michael

_____________________________


Before we get to today's story I have a huge favor to ask of all of you. We would like to do something special for a young man who is serving in Iraq. His name is John Knox and he is the son of Tedi Knox, an incredible woman who is one of the youth leaders who works with us in our youth group. John's 21st birthday is coming up on March 2nd and I wanted to know if you would help us make his birthday a special one. Would you be willing to take five minutes of your time to send him some birthday greetings this week? You can wish him a "Happy Birthday" by writing to him at this address:

CPL Knox, John
1st LAR H&S CO MT
UIC 40595
FPO AP 96426-0595
 
Not only will it be a special birthday for him, but it is also a tangible way for all of us to say thank you to those who are putting their life on the line in service to our country.

What do you say? Got some time to make a difference in someone's life?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart... Michael

_________________________________________



GIRL OF GOD


Girl of God, as I watched you tonight, I wished for an opportunity to talk with you. I watched your beautiful face as you sang and worshipped. You reminded me of myself seven years ago. And then, after Church, I watched you as you got into that car with a boy who does not know God. Oh, yes he was at Church tonight. He even went to the altar and shed a few tears. I am sure that you would not accept the idea that, for him, this is just a means to an end.

Seven years ago I was in your shoes. I had known God since my early teens, and had grown up under God-anointed preaching and teaching. I didn't lack boy friends or dates, as is so often the case in Churches where the girls outnumber the boys. Some very wonderful, consecrated young men came my way. But Satan, who watches diligently and waits patiently to ensnare a soul, saw me one day as I was lukewarm. Oh, I was still going to Church and playing my accordion and singing and doing all the right things outwardly. But I had never really had that special moment with God when His will and mine were made one.

I met the young man at work. And before long, without anyone else's knowing it, I felt I couldn't live without him. He knew about my Church, and when he attended with me, he went to the altar and cried. And so I married him, while my family and those who loved me wept and agonized.

It was just six months later that I realized my soul was in danger and that I had to have a touch from God. I prayed through and got a grip on God. Then the battle began. No, he wasn't going to Church anymore. I could count on my fingers the number of times he went during the last seven years. Before I married him, the thought of living without him was unbearable. "How lonely it would be!" I thought. But now I know what loneliness really is, and I'd like to tell you about it.

Loneliness is receiving a blessing from God and going home to a man you can't share it with. He isn't interested; he's watching television.

Loneliness is going to a Church social alone and watching the young couples enjoy God's blessings together. You can go alone or stay home alone; he has other interests.

Loneliness is feeling the urgency of Christ's coming and knowing that the one you love most on this earth is not ready, and shows no sign of caring.

Loneliness is seeing two children born and knowing that if your influence is to outweigh his, it will be a miracle.

Loneliness is going to a General Conference and seeing young couples everywhere who are truly one and dedicated to God's work. And there goes the young man who loved you once and wanted to marry you. He's preaching the gospel now, and he has never married. Oh God! Help me! I mustn't think of it!

Loneliness is lying awake struggling with the suspicion that he's unfaithful. Then comes the unbelievable pain of knowing for sure. He doesn't care if I know. She even calls me on the phone. After a time, he makes an effort to break it off. I vow to do everything humanly possible to keep this marriage together. I will love him more and pray for him more. Seven years of my life are involved in this! There's a little girl and a little boy!

Loneliness is now. My children and I will go home to a dark, empty apartment that will be my home until the lawyer says it's all over. I, who have always been afraid to stay alone, now welcome the peace and solitude.

As I look in the mirror; I see that seven years haven't changed my face so much. But inside I am old, and something that was once alive and beautiful is now dead.

Of course, this is not an unusual story. The remarkable thing about it is that I am still living for God. I am thankful for my family and their prayers of intercession for me.

Oh, I am praying for you, girl of God! Please believe me when I tell you that no matter how wonderful he is, how loving, how tender--you cannot build a happy life upon disobedience to God's Word. You see, no matter what the future holds for me, I have missed His perfect will for my life. I will never stop paying for breaking a commandment of God! Don't let it happen to you!

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:12


Used by Permission from VanGuard Magazine


___________________________


Author MICHAEL T. POWERS
http://www.heart4teens.com/

Contributing Author to Chicken Soup for the Teen's Soul on Love and Friendship and 18 other inspirational books.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

_________________________________________


ALL-STAR Ministry

--The Youth Church of Faith Community Church in Janesville, WI

If you are in 6-12th grade and live in the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois area and would like to check us out, we meet every Sunday night from 6:00-8:30 PM at Faith Community Church which is located at 2931 Lucerne Dr. in Janesville, WI. (About 3 blocks south-east of The Skating Place.)

Currently we have students from Fort Atkinson, Milton, Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, Marshall, Orfordville, Clinton, Beloit Memorial, Beloit Turner, South Beloit, and Hononegah. E-mail me back if you have any questions about our weekly meetings or would like to come to any of our events that are listed below... We have way too much fun and then, most importantly, talk about issues that are relevant to you as a teenager.


THIS WEEK: The Freedom God Offers

_______________________________________________


UPCOMING EVENTS:

February 27-28 -- 30 Hour Famine! (Jr. High)

During these 30 hours teens learn more about what it's like in other parts of the world where children don't have enough to eat. The students will spend their time learning about world issues and at the same time find ways to serve their own community by actually doing service projects that weekend.

Participants ask family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor them with pledges as they go without food for 30 hours to identify with those who are hungry.

To kick off our 30 Hour Famine this year, the nationally known Christian band ApologetiX will be performing Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m at Faith Community Church in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Tickets: $10 Adv.  $15 Door
On Sale Monday, January 26 at Lighthouse Books & Gifts, Janesville, WI (608-754-2665), People's Church, Beloit (608-362-7556), Bible Book Center, Rockford, IL (815-654-0020) and Lemstone Christian Books, Rockford, IL (815-332-5505)


GIRLS NIGHT OUT! Sunday Night February 29th

Ladies,
How would you like to come to church and have a sit down dinner served by the good looking, strapping young men and teens from our youth group? (Oh yeah, Michael will be serving you too!) Then, after your wonderful meal, head down to Rockford, IL and attend a concert by three of the most popular Christian groups and artists in the nation! Then pay close attention to the following!

All-Stars Youth Ministry is taking a group of girls to be a part of the national "FREE EXPERIENCE" tour.

ATTENTION YOUNG LADIES OF ALL-STAR YOUTH MINISTRY!

Instead of attending our regular youth group meeting on Sunday night February 29th, you will meet at Faith Community Church at 4:00 pm and have a sit down dinner prepared by the men and boys of our Youth Group. Then you will leave for Rockford at 5:45 pm to attend the "FREE EXPERIENCE" (More info on this below).

You will return home between 10:30 and 11:00 pm.

Tickets for FREE EXPERIENCE are $12.00. (And you thought the tickets would be free!)

All money must be turned in to Tedi Knox by Thursday FEB. 19, 2004 -- No exceptions. Make checks out to FCC Youth.


The FREE Experience events are touted as much more than a concert but a unique, youth-focused ministry and musical event for church and youth oriented groups, families, mothers, fathers and anyone who wants to have a load of fun, hear an amazing message and great music from ZOEgirl, Superchic(k) and Joy Williams. Susie Shellenberger, Editor of Brio Magazine, well known as a dynamic speaker, former youth pastor and author will host and emcee the night, helping to center the night on Christ with fun, fellowship, great music and an inspiring message.

The FREE Experience features exceptional sound and lighting production and a multimedia presentation along with plentiful audience participation. To end the night, The FREE Experience will give away free merchandise, Brio Magazine and other surprises, including the opportunity to win free magazine subscriptions. The theme of the night is the The FREE Experience&the awesome FREE Experience that Christ offers.

ZOEgirl has tallied collective sales of over one million records worldwide, bringing a solid, powerful message to teenagers, young college-aged students and even parents, searching for a way to understand their kids. Their most recent single, "You Get Me", from Different Kind Of FREE, reached and retained its place at #1 on AC radio for 6 weeks and ranked in the top 5 for 10 weeks on CHR. ZOEgirl remains the fastest-selling new artist in the 25-year history of Sparrow Records with touring credits including Newsboys, Plus One, Avalon and Carman.

Superchic(k) is a high energy band with more than 40 TV and film musical credits, including Alias, and Legally Blonde. The band's spiritually-centered lyrics offer encouragement to a teen audience that struggles with the pressures from peers and society. Their current record, Regeneration, released this October.

Joy Williams is a 3-time Dove nominated young, emerging voice with two studio records and touring credits with artists including Point Of Grace, Avalon and The Katinas. Her second release, By Surprise (Reunion Records), is a deep, heartfelt offering about surrender and obedience.

___________________________________________


All-Stars has extended its time to 6:00 - 8:30 PM on Sunday nights. 6:00 - 6:30 will be time for the youth to chat and discuss anything they want with the youth leaders or each other. 6:30 - 7:00 PM will be for games or fun activities and then 7:00 - 8:30 PM will be for the lesson and discussion time. Students are still welcome to "hang out" after 8:30 PM if they want, as the leaders are usually at the church until at least 10:00 PM, and some nights even later. (For the past couple of months the students have continually complained that we are running out of time before we get to really discuss the topics in full and asked if we could have longer teaching times... I know, most of you are probably now getting back up off the floor from the shock. have been most encouraged that the teens have been wanting to stay longer to be able to discuss the lessons more fully.)


The Outlet: "Get plugged into Jesus Christ!" (Teen Cell Groups)

Wednesday night community groups for teens. The groups are limited to no more than ten teens and will be originally split into Jr. High and High School ages. This night is for those teens who want to dig deeper than what we do in All-Stars, but may not be ready to be a part of the Extreme Teens. These cell groups will also be doing special activities with each other as the year goes on to build community.

Extreme Teens" (formerly the Core Group) meets from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at the church. This group is very extensive with weekly homework, memorization, service projects, etc. Students interested in this group will have to fill out an application, provide references as to why others think they should be involved with this, and sign an agreement as to what is expected of them. (If your teen will also be attending All-Stars that night, they are encouraged to bring a sack lunch or snack to tide them over until 8:30.)

We are very excited at what God is doing with our youth!


_______________________________________________


Reading Books, Changing Lives!

For those of you who love to read or love to give out books as gifts...

You can now order a number of different autographed best-selling inspirational books for the same price you would get them in the store, the shipping to you is paid for, and you are helping change the lives of teenagers and those they come in contact with! And best of all, every penny from the book sales are going to youth ministry!

If you love to read inspirational stories, these books are most likely those you will eventually buy anyway. And how cool would it be to be able to buy books like those in the Chicken Soup series for your friends and family with a personalized autographed message by one of the contributing authors! How's that for a unique gift! Not only are you changing lives through supporting a youth ministry, but every book included on our website has the power to make a difference in the lives of those you give the books to. Check out this link to find out more!

http://www.HeartTouchers.com/books