Fruits of the Spirit: Final Bite

GOODNESS:

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." (Psalm 23:6) The Lord is good and righteous, and we must seek to be good. Goodness has a drawing power that commands respect. It is neither manipulative nor untrustworthy.

FAITHFULNESS:
“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5) The Lord’s faithfulness is greater that we can imagine. This quality helps us stay loyal to friends, family, and to God because He is watching for those who will be faithful to Him forever. 
 

GENTLENESS:

"With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:25) We must handle opposition with gentleness instead of condemnation. This is a divine characteristic because it is easy to fight with others when we are trying to help them. We must be gentle and understanding when we are trying to establish a relationship with another person.

SELF-CONTROL:
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28) We all need self-control in order to resist the temptations of this world. We need to learn how to walk in the Spirit in order to not give into the temptations that come our way each day.

                       

Now that I know what the fruits are, what do I do now?

You grow in Christ, and allow the fruits of the spirit to be visible in your life. The fruits of the spirit are the natural overflow of a life spent focused on God and how He wants us to live. So do your best to live for God each day, and allow the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life to influence those around you.

 

-Andrea Niles, National Acteens Panelist

Fruits of the Spirit: Bite 2

Fruits of the Spirit continued.

Peace:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Through Christ, we can receive a peace that surpasses all human understanding. Without peace, our lives can be easily shaken and knocked off course.

Patience:

“But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.” (Romans 8:25) God’s timing is impeccable. He knows what is best for us when we do not. We need to be patient and wait on God’s best plan for our lives. Can you imagine how patient God has been with us? Think of all the times we disregard Him, disobey Him, and disrespect Him time and time again. Yet, just like a loving parent, God is patient with us—waiting for us to grow and mature in Him. We should try to show the same patience as we wait on God.

Kindness:
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Forgiving someone who has wronged you can be hard, but Christ can give us the strength to do it. Forgiving one another is an act of kindness, and through it we not only will be able to be an example to others, but we will also be examples to ourselves. 
 

-Andrea Niles, National Acteens Panelist

Take a Bite out of the Fruits of the Spirit

In order to not overwhelm you, we at Blume decided to break up this post over a period of time; it will allow you to easily digest each of the pieces rather than over-indulging.

Fruit of the Spirit
 

“²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

The Fruit of the Spirit are qualities that God wants us to show when we become Christians. These fruits of the spirit are qualities of God’s nature, and as Christians, our desire should be to grow in Christ and Christ’s likeness, so that the fruits of the spirit flow through us as we strive to live out the Gospel each day.

The first fruit is LOVE:

What is love? “⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Through Christ, our goal is to do all things with love. 
  

The second is JOY:

The Bible says that “the joy of the Lord is our strength” in Nehemiah. Because it is God’s joy flowing through us, He can magnify it. Without joy, our lives would be dull and going to church and reading our Bibles every day may start to seem like a chore.

By: Andrea Niles, National Acteens Panelist

Forever Young

I’m sure you’ve heard it all before. You’re too young. You can’t do that. But there are examples throughout the Bible of God using young people. (David, Joseph, Jeremiah, Mary) They were all unqualified, unproven and just too young at first glance.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul instructs Timothy,

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NLT)

What a challenge! As a Christian, there is always someone watching your life. In this text, Paul lists five ways to set an example. 

First, speech. The words you speak are a reflection of your heart. Lies, exaggeration, and gossip are common pitfalls that can be disastrous to your witness.

Second, your lifestyle. The way we live is to be a reflection of our relationship with Christ. When a pattern of godliness is missing, the power is drained out of your example. Your life is your most resonating message, and your actions reinforce the true state of your heart.

Next, love. We are called to love our neighbors, our closest friends and our enemies. This kind of love is sacrificial love. Love where you are willing to surrender your interests for others.

Next, faith. Faith is much more than just belief. Faith encompasses a steady commitment to God’s service. We must acknowledge our dependence on Him for everything.

Finally, Paul addresses purity. Purity is much more than sex, it deals with the state and intention of your heart. Purity is not just in acts, but in motives as well.

So let me ask you. Has your speech been a good example today? Did your actions back up your words? Did you love well? Did people see your faith? Are you pursuing purity? Living a life that earns respect has to be more than words. Though you're young, what is your example?

-Tara Hammett, Blume Intern

Let Your Light Shine

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NAS)

“We can choose to follow His path instead of the world’s way. Yes, the temptation is great with everything from raunchy movies, to vulgar music and porn at the tips of our fingers. So let’s face it. It’s easy to be bad, and oh so hard to be good. That is why we need His help EVERY moment for our lives… If Christ is in us, then we have His strength and power to make God-honoring choices.” –Chandra Peele, Radiant

I don’t know about you girls, but sometimes it’s hard for me to feel like I’m making a difference. I desperately desire to shine for God, but in today’s culture that’s easier said than done. The first step is to admit that sometimes the right way isn’t the easiest way. Then it is easier to face challenges head on, with God. Let go of what the world may think of you and recognize that you have a unique spark that God carefully designed you with. Recognize that you are a radiant, priceless creation of the Father and that He cherishes you more than you can fathom. 

WOW.  Talk about a self esteem boost!

Once you ignite that spark it will be almost effortless to shine for God in this dark world. I challenge you to search for that special something that God has given you because once you pair that unwavering light with the power of God inside you; your possibilities to change the world are LIMITLESS!

Check out Chandra Peele’s books Radiant, Priceless and Cherished─ They’re a great start to finding your worth through God’s eyes!

-Anna Cox, Blume intern

Choose Love Instead of Fear

 “God gave you the honor not
only of believing in Christ

 but also of suffering for Him,

both of which bring glory to Christ.”

-Philippians 1:29

Suffering will come, but don’t worry because “perfect love drives out all fear.” (1 John 4:18) John Piper said, “getting rid of fear is the negative way of saying become confident.”

What are you afraid of? Fear can be the source of much of our suffering. If we weren’t afraid to tell people about Jesus and the consequences we might receive, how many more people in the world would profess Christianity? If we weren’t afraid to go against the current and live the way God wants us to, how much closer would we be to Him? Without fear, there is no insecurity. Without fear, there is no dishonesty.

Love stands a much better chance than fear!

Instead of being afraid of the suffering that could come with being a Christ follower, stand up to the challenge! When someone tells you “You can’t do that, you’re just a girl” doesn’t it make you want to prove them wrong?? PROVE THEM WRONG by facing the challenges that will be thrown at you as a sold-out Christian ready to change her world.

-Allison Henderson, Blume Intern

Where's my purpose?

"You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me. "

Psalm 139:1 NIV

Everyone wonders at some point, “What’s my purpose in life?” As Christians, our ultimate purpose in life is to glorify God. We find insight and an incredible resource in the Bible. God gives us a beautiful picture of His plans and purposes for our lives in Psalm 139.

It’s easy to search for purpose through image. As girls, we often struggle with the face we see in the mirror. No matter the flaws Satan tries to point out, you were created by the Most High God! Verse 18 even says that His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand.

How amazing is that?

It’s easy to get distracted from your true purpose when you are desperate to be someone else’s view of perfect. So don’t get distracted by what others say about you; rely on what God says about you.

And then sometimes I think, “I’m too much of a screw up for God to have a purpose for me.” The truth is God has planned every day of your life. There is nothing you can do to screw up and mess up the plans He has for you. God already knows every mistake, and yet He loves you immeasurably.

Verses 23 and 24 show us how to plug into God’s purpose for our lives. God already knows your heart, but He gives you the opportunity to see what He sees. This verse asks you to take an active step. So ask God to show you the areas in your life that need some fine tuning and make some changes.  

Dear sister, you have a purpose!

You are loved passionately by your Savior! Now take hold of this beautiful reality, follow Him along the path of everlasting life, and He will show you the road to real purpose.

- Tara Hammett, Blume Intern

I've Got the Power!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

As we've mentioned in other posts, this verse is going to be the theme verse for Blume, and there is so much power in those words! What girl doesn’t need to be reminded of the fact that she has been given the power of God ALMIGHTY to share with the world?!?

I know I certainly do.

Students sharing at Blume 2007

Sometimes it’s hard to be bold in shining for Christ, but it's a calling we are all responsible for!
Most of you should be finishing up this school year pretty soon, so what are you going to do this summer?

Whatever you do, know that God is going to be with you and that you possess His power to do the unthinkable. You may not be the most outgoing girl in school, but there is someone you can reach out to this summer.

Has God put anyone on your heart? Don’t ignore His call! God didn’t give you fear; He gave you power and love and good sense, so use them! Get out there and show the world the love of God, and remember your new mantra, “I’VE GOT THE POWER!” 

—Allison Henderson, Blume intern

The Blume Experience

Oh- my- goodness! Summer is just around the corner! Soon, thousands of girls will be packing their bags and traveling to the world’s greatest Missions Gathering of Teen Girls-BLUME!!! I’m so excited! Are you?

This next week I’ll be meeting with the BLUME Team in Birmingham. You wouldn’t believe the enthusiasm, laughter, prayer and joy that fills the meeting room when we meet to plan, strategize and talk about- you. That’s right! YOU! We have been praying for months that if you have a desire to come to BLUME 2011, the Lord will make a way. For those of you who are signed up already, I pray that the Holy Spirit has already begun preparing your hearts so you will hear a personal message from the Lord during the conference. With great anticipation we (the BLUME team) trust as the Lord changes your life; His power in you will change the world.

What you should expect:

·         spiritual growth as we study His Word

·         closer walk with Him as we worship

·         a glimpse, perhaps clarity of what He is calling you to do

·         a mark on your spiritual journey that you will never forget

·         to experience different cultures-through stories and hands on experience

·         the Lord to make your dreams come true

·       to have a total blast with a bunch of God’s girls!

WHY? Because, girl…the power of God is in you!

My new Bible study -PowerFull – The power of God in a girl will be released and ready for you to purchase at BLUME!

The Theme verse for BLUME is from Paul’s last letter to Timothy.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2Timothy 1:7

As the key note speaker, I can hardly wait to meet you and share what the Lord has put on my heart. It’s powerful! It changed my life. My prayer is that it changes yours too!

See you soon- at BLUME 2011!

Chandra Peele

www.chandrapeele.com

After the Devastation of April 27

Screen shot of the tornado as it entered Tuscaloosa, Ala.

It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Birmingham today, but just 24 hours ago that was not the case. Horrible and devastating tornados and thunderstorms ripped through Alabama and other parts of the southeast yesterday (Wednesday).  At this time reports indicate more than 250 lives have been lost, and as of yet, there is no count as to how many homes and businesses have been lost. 

On a day like today, as the sun shines, we find ourselves grateful and grieving all at the same time.   




Doors were used as gurneys to carry away the injured.
Copyright, 2011, The Birmingham News. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission.

We are grateful for the lives that have been spared and yet, we grieve for those that have been lost. We grieve not only for the loss of life, but for the loss of time, well-being, security, and innocence. To say the very least, we feel scarred by the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of the weather we experienced.

As you read these words, know that we covet your prayers for the people of Alabama and other affected areas.

We ask you to pray for peace, for calm, and for an abundance of resources to meet needs. In addition, we also ask you to pray for churches and the teenage girls and guys within them. Pray for the students who are planning to come to Blume.  Ask God to use this experience to soften their hearts toward Him, and to provide them opportunities to be His hands and feet to the world.



Bystanders look at storm damage along 15th Street in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

If you know of any churches or communities who have been planning to send teenage girls to Blume, and have now been drastically affected by yesterday’s weather event, please let us know.  Be assured of our prayers for all those affected, and know that we will do all we can to demonstrate the love of Christ to others.

In the aftermath of this week’s storms we are reminded of the simple, yet powerful words of Jesus, “Peace, be still,” and we know that the wind and the waves obey Him.

Blessings to you,

Suzanne

Blume Ministries

We are working fast and furiously on the ministries aspect of Blume^sm. During your Blume ministries rotation you will experience all aspects of human exploitation. Not a pretty subject, huh?

It may surprise you that 27 million people worldwide are trapped in modern-day slavery. We can no longer sit back and pretend this doesn’t exist.

In Blume ministries you will learn about every aspect of human exploitation:

Labor Trafficking

Sex Trafficking

Pornography and Sexting

Bullying

Media Exploitation

Exploitation of Natural Resources

You will experience what it is like to be “trafficked.” This will give you a better understanding of how easily one can be lured into this way of life. You will also prepare hygiene kits and write personal notes to those who have been trafficked in the Orlando area.

Part of Blume ministries will be learning about a WMU^® ministry partner in Moldova, Beginning of Life, that assists victims of human trafficking in that country. And you will see the craft items and hear the stories of those who have been freed from trafficking through the WorldCrafts^sm Set1Free campaign.

These are just part of the Blume ministries experience. We don’t want to give it all away. I can’t wait for you to come and experience it! My prayer is that through this experience God will reveal to you how you can help those who are being exploited. Here’s a Scripture passage to keep in mind as you prepare for Blume ministries:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31:8–9 NIV).

-Kristy and Emily

Blume Ministries

First Time Blumer

For the last several months, I have been working as an intern at WMU. My job at WMU^® is to help plan Blume^sm 2011 in Orlando, Florida. I have loved every minute of working at WMU. Everyone is so excited about Blume. I have actually never been able to go to Blume, but as I have been planning, I have come to realize that Blume is an incredible event.

See? Don’t these pictures make you want to be there right now?

There will be so many cool things at Blume this year. I have read over the material for general sessions, Bible studies, conferences, ministries, Missions Mania, and the special Y.E.S. Program done in conjunction with Disney.

It gives me chills just thinking about how each of you will be impacted by the leaders, staff, and volunteers who have put so much into this event. Each aspect of Blume is so relevant for your life as a young woman in Christ. You will be encouraged by every aspect of Blume, and I believe you will walk away with a renewed outlook on your relationship with Christ and God’s vision for your life.

The time that you spend at Blume will be completely crazy, exiting, and full of non-stop action. I am praying for each of you who will attend Blume. I pray that you will have an absolute blast and that you will leave this amazing experience with a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For those of you who have been to Blume in the past, let me know what your favorite part is. And for those of you who have never gone, what are you the most excited about? Let me know so that we can be excited about Blume together!

Mary B.

Blume Intern



Blume Together.

Welcome to "in full Blume!"

With only 104 days left until Blume 2011, we want to get you all excited for what's in store in Orlando, but we also want to spiritually prepare you for the road ahead...which is why we've created this blog.

So you may be wondering why the blog is entitled "in full Blume." Well, many of you have probably heard or used the phrase "in full bloom" when talking about flowers blossoming in the spring time. I actually looked up some references, so we're not just referring to plants on here:

Dictionary.com has 22 definitions for the word "bloom." My favorite ones are:

1. n. "a flourishing, healthy condition; the time or period of greatest beauty, artistry, etc."

2. v. "to flourish or thrive"

3. v. "to glow with warmth or with a warm color"

4. v. "to invest with luster or beauty"

Thesaurus.com provides synonyms for "in full bloom" such as:

complete, cultivated, cultured, developed, fit, full-blown, in one's prime, matured, perfected, and ready 

As you can see, "bloom" applies to more than just flowers. As Christians, we begin "blooming" as soon as we invite Jesus into our hearts:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The has passed away; behold, the new has come." -2 Corithians 5:17

In order for us to bloom into the strong, godly women He created us to be, we must support, encourage, and be a source of accountability for each other as sisters in Christ.  Therefore, we must bloom together. Not just at a conference in Disney World during the summer but continually through our day-to-day lives.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-2

So as we countdown the days until Blume, I challenge you to flourish, thrive, glow, and invest yourselves and time into becoming the great beauty our Lord has created each of you to be. Together.

-Hilliary H.
Blume Intern