I’ve always loved the saying “attitude is everything.”  I adopted it as my favorite back in high school, but this week it has become so true for me.  You see, I had “one of those weeks”.  I have them every once in a while, those days when I just can’t seem to shake the blues, tend to worry too much, and let me attitude plummet. 

Luckily this morning I had realized what I was allowing myself to do was entirely wrong and that I needed to stop and count my blessings which I did this morning.  Then, I went to speak and hold one of my events for a group of girls and their moms.  One of the girls there came in, and made no bones about expressing her feelings about being there.  Her attitude and body language showed it loud and clear, not to mention that I heard her mutter under her breath to her mom about that very thing.

Needless to say, she definitely showed her “attitude”.  Our attitudes really do tell alot about us to others.  I try to hide it when I have a bad week, but sometimes I’m sure others pick up on my negative attitude, and that is wrong.  That is no way for me to bring glory to God.  After all, He is still taking care of me, and for just that reason if for nothing more, I should have a better attitude.

There are some things we cannot control in life, but our attitudes are one thing that we definitely can control and will speak volumes to those around us about who is in control in our lives, after all if we allow HIM to be in control instead of us, our attitude will be better anyway.  Try it, and you will see that it is true!  God’s control = an attitude of gratitude.

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School is starting or maybe it’s already begun where you are.  Either way, there is much to do to prepare for school beginning, whether you homeschool, attend public or private schools, there are supplies to buy, clothes shopping to be done and new routines to get into.  It can be a trying time of year for families.  The hustle and bustle ensues and let’s face it we can all get a little “fussy” to say the least.

However, as Christians it is important that our busyness does not alter our attitudes so much that those around us do not even know that we are Christians.  We are called to be “set apart” from the world.  This should include our attitudes with not only our families, but with others.  Sure this is a crazy busy time of year for everyone, but if you face each busy day with a positive, Christ-like attitude others will take note and wonder what is different about you, and what makes your outlook on life so much different from others, or maybe even their own.

As 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Others will be recognizing this set-apartness that you have, however they may not know what it is that makes you different, that is where you are responsible as a Christian to be prepared to explain to them or to “give an account” to them for that hope that you have that is being shown in your attitude and hopefully in your actions as well.  So, just like you are preparing for the new school year by buying supplies, getting new clothes and incorporating new routines into you life, you should also be prepared with a testimony or account of why you have the hope that you have through Jesus Christ.

It is not always easy to open your mouth and tell others about your relationship with Christ, but the more you do so the easier it will become, so get prepared!

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As a teenager, I’m sure the thought crossed my mind, and probably more than once, but follow through I never did. What thought you’re wondering? “I want to run away.” Many of America’s teenagers have this thought run through their heads at one point or another. Whether it is because of a breakup with a boyfriend, a fight with mom or dad, over their latest episode of breaking curfew or worse, the thought is a prevalent one.

I’ve never really dealt with a runaway before, that is until this week. A teenager from the youth group, I formerly ministered to ran away from home. Though her mom knew where she went eventually, to stay with a family member, it was still an ordeal.  There were many hurt feelings, harsh words exchanged, and a feeling of uneasiness surrounding the entire situation. The mom, for quite a while felt helpless.

There is one person who will never allow us to truly “run away”. God will never allow us to run away from Him. He will always bring us back to Himself. Don’t you recall the story of Jonah running from God? No matter where Jonah ran, he could not escape God’s hand. He even lived inside the belly of a great fish, but God was there.

As the words of the Psalmist so clearly state, we cannot escape from or run away from God.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139: 7-10 (NIV)

Therefore, though this teen’s mom felt helpless, and the teen thought she was running away, she was never out of God’s hand. She was always firmly in his grasp. None of us will ever truly be alone with Christ in our heart and lives.

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PORTLAND, OR – Frustrated by the dearth of clothes that are fashionable, without being suggestive, Christa Taylor launched her own clothing company early in 2007. At 20, she is young and passionate about making Christa-Taylor.com her answer to the growing demand for chic and trendy clothes that don’t succumb to the social pressures to be revealing. “It all started when I imagined a store committed to modesty that was full of beautiful, stylish apparel for young women,” Taylor says. “I was exasperated by
the one option our culture presents: sexy.”

Her original designs are inspired by the classic looks of Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Onassis Kennedy, and Princess Dianna. With the support of her entrepreneurial father, Taylor began the daunting task of forming the company. “Baby step by baby step we designed and furnished a website, made contacts in the fashion industry for manufacturers, designers etc. and launched on January 15th, 2007.” Her two sisters, brother, and brother-in-law have also joined Taylor in the endeavor. Taylor’s father says, “Christa has a unique vision and phenomenal talent. We’re all in support!” Having released a spring line with two collections, Taylor is set to release a winter line in mid- September, adding “Timeless” to her “Posh” and “Trendy” collections. Five new signature dresses will also be offered, in addition to many other offerings in all three lines.

Taylor also sees a “mission beyond business.” She says she “wants to see the business make an enduring impact across the world,” and dedicates a minimum of 30% of her profits toward furthering social justice and serving the poor. Christa is currently sponsoring an orphanage in Cambodia, which she has personally visited. “Our company is positively impacting more than just our happy customers,” says Taylor.

Christa Taylor, founder
Christa-Taylor.com

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