Author: Jessica Lippe

blog, Girlz in Action

An Interview with Tricia Goyer

Jessica Lippe
Have you ever wondered what it’s like for teens to be a mom? As Christians we are supposed to be pro-life, right? But what happens when one of your friends or someone you know/have heard of becomes pregnant? Of course you want her to keep the baby! However, being pro-life isn’t enough, but it’s confusing to know how to handle the situation as a friend. We interviewed Tricia Goyer, author of Teen Mom, for her perspective. 
Tricia, we want to know becoming a teen parent affected your life (both in youth and now as an adult).
I was a cheerleader and an honor roll student so on the outside I looked like a good kid. I first became pregnant at 15 and had an abortion because I didn’t want anyone to find out, but at during my senior year of high school (at 17) I found I was pregnant again by the same boyfriend that got me pregnant at 15 and this time I knew I didn’t want an abortion. When I told him I was pregnant and keeping the baby, he broke up with me and started dating someone else. I was so embarrassed and ashamed by everything that I dropped out of public high school and finished at home since I only had a couple of credits left anyways. From staying at home all the time and not having a boyfriend, my life truly changed overnight and it was really depressing.
During that time that my mom and grandma’s Bible study group invited me in to their Bible study where they showed me that they loved me and were going to be there to support me. They even threw me a baby shower! God showed me that those women love me and I started thinking that maybe He does too. I grew up in church, but because of the love shown to me through these ladies, I dedicated my life to God again. I was 6 months pregnant and that was a huge turning point for me. My life again completely turned around from being depressed to now having hope, feeling like I could do college, and praying for my future husband. I decided to walk on stage for my high school graduation and three weeks later I had my first son, Corey. I started realizing that I needed to use my story to help other people so I started a teen mom support group. God showed me that – the thing I tried to hide is the thing I can use to help other people.
Your new book contains lots of great information not only for teen moms, but anyone who wants to help teen parents, adult parents, and teens who would like to become parents. What would you say is your overall best piece of advice?
My book is divided to the needs of teen moms, but overall the final chapter is what I want people to walk away with and that is hope in Christ. It doesn’t matter what you face – teen mom, cancer, etc. – Christ can be your strength.
If you could only spend thirty seconds with a girl who was unsure if she could carry her baby to term, what would you tell her?
Right now in this moment you may feel a lot of fear, but 5 or 10 years from now you are going be able to look at that child and see how God has shown up to help you and support you. No matter what happens or who leaves, God will never leave you.
Interview by Lily Garay. Questions by Jessica Lippe.
This is an excerpt of an article that originally appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of Girlz 4 Christ Magazine. Subscribe today for more free encouragement!
blog, Godly Girlz

The Right Place at the Right Time by Marjorie Jackson

Jessica Lippe


Have you ever had a dream? Of course you have. It may not have necessarily occurred during your REM sleep, but we’ve all had hopes for the future, near and far. We hope to succeed in life. We hope to win that award. We hope to make the team. We hope for minute to swing by the coffee shop.

What is your vision for your future? If you could do anything with your life and your future, what would you do? Travel the world? Do missionary work overseas? Get married and live happily ever after, the end? Everyone has dreams—some bigger than others. Many times, these ambitions and passions are God-given aspirations for our lives deposited within us.

It can fun to dream about the future. There’s mystery and excitement about the sunshine around the corner—what will tomorrow hold? It’s a totally natural, healthy part of moving forward with life.

But what about right now? God has us exactly where He needs us to be right now. We’ve got to learn to trust Him, trust His plans, and trust His Word. Psalm 139:16 makes it clear that God planned out every single day of our lives before we even existed. And, if that isn’t encouraging enough, God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He’s got good plans for us!

Often times, it seems like there’s a rush to get to the climax of the story God’s written for us. Well, if He’s got great plans for me, then how come my life is so boring and dry? So hard? So ____? Do ever feel that way, like life lacks the flavor and purpose you desire? Join the club, I think we all do sometimes. We go through seasons of waiting, sometimes even seasons of trial and loneliness.

As trying as these times may be, they are often the times when we grow the most—we either grow closer or further from God, depending on our response. We can (a) grow bitter and angry at God and try out the world’s way to see if it makes us feel any better, or (b) put full trust and confidence in God and know that He’s working things out for us and we don’t need to worry.

Hint: (B) is definitely the right choice. This is what we would call contentment: no matter where you are in life—whether it be on the mountaintop of extreme bliss and incandescent happiness, in the “depths of despair” (as Anne Shirley of Green Gables would put it), in an uneventful, boring season of life, or even in a time of intense struggle—God is there, He is good, He is faithful—and we choose to rejoice and make the best of where we are, just because of that. We choose to trust God in keeping us put. We have confidence in the Almighty Maker that He knows what He’s doing and where He’s taking us.

Of course, I can’t say it better than Paul does in Philippians 4:11-13 (NASB): “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Hear that? It’s not us on our own strength. We can thrive in life with perfect contentment only on Christ’s strength! It’s Jesus who makes us strong. By trusting and delighting in the Lord, we are doing what we as humans were created to do—to worship God. And, as Christians, this is the ultimate calling: trusting, loving, abiding, knowing, seeking—drawing closer to God.
Don’t lose your ambitions, your hopes, your dreams. They have a place even in the now. Don’t be idle, either—get busy being content! Prepare for the future. Strengthen your relationship with God. See what you can do about your passions and interests now. Maybe your church needs another singer on the worship team—there’s an outlet for your passion for music right now. Find a volunteer opportunity to do missions in your own town. Have you considered starting a business? Organizing an event? Creating a project? Writing a book?

You know, if we take a good hard look at our lives right now—no matter what they look like—we can still find things to be thankful, joyful, and content about. We’re alive. We’re breathing. There’s a God pursuing us and intimately involved in our everyday lives. He’s at work all around us.

Let’s be Proverbs 31 women, content and busy at work to advance the Kingdom of God, anytime and anyplace.



Written by Marjorie Jackson
This devotional was originally published in the Winter 2015/16 issue of Girlz 4 Christ Magazine. Subscribe now for free so you don’t miss an issue!

blog, Fashionable Girlz

ModWraps: The Upgraded Charm Bracelet (+coupon!)

Jessica Lippe
Do you own a charm bracelet? It’s fun to have a statement piece of jewelry that shows off your interests and beliefs. However, that metal chain can be clunky, and sleeker accessories are more in style right now. Recently, we at Girlz 4 Christ discovered a modernized version of the traditional charm bracelet.

The company Modestly makes these beautiful bracelets called ModWraps. There’s a huge selection of bracelet options in a variety of colors. The ModWraps you select will contain charms that will reflect who you are. Choose from collections like Exploration, Passion, Inspiration, Faith, or Tranquility. Modestly even has some ModWraps with popular sports team names and colors!

We at Girlz 4 Christ are excited to team up with Modestly to give you a super special offer! When you purchase two bracelets, you can get FOUR for FREE! This offer applies to all the $15 bracelets. You can also use this coupon with the $17 bracelets for just two dollars each additional. As if that weren’t a good enough deal, shipping is free too!

To sum that up, when you use our coupon code “G4C”, you get Buy 2, Get 4 Free + Free Shipping. You can’t beat a deal like that!

 Use the coupon code “G4C” to get this special offer. Click here to visit Modestly!

Written by Jessica Lippe
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Any proceeds we receive will help further Girlz 4 Christ Magazine. 

blog, Fashionable Girlz

Bella Lotus Headbands

Jessica Lippe
One day while I was scrolling through my Instagram feed I came across this really interesting and unique page. As I looked more carefully at the photos I realized all of these gorgeous headbands were handmade. I can appreciate talent so I asked the gal behind the magic, Brittney to fill me in on how 
she got into doing this. 
She shared with me that she has always enjoyed being creative and that making the headbands was something she did that brought her and her grandmother closer together (how special). We chatted about how she does custom orders for bridal parties and events and I recall seeing one she even did with little pistols woven into the design. 
All of her work is definitely paying off as her business grows. Not only is the work of her hands beautiful, but the heart behind it is just as genuine. She hopes to someday use some of the profits she makes to benefit charity work possibly with groups that empower women. 
To follow this lovely lady find her on //
Instagram: @bellalotusheadbands

&

Uncategorized

Welcome to our Site!

Jessica Lippe
Girlz 4 Christ Magazine is here to provide you 
with positive, encouraging, & relevant material
 as you grow in the Lord.
What can you expect in the pages of Girlz 4 Christ?
-Interviews with role models who are taking a stand
-Devotionals from both average girls and well-known writers
-DIY ideas (such as recipes, crafts, and service projects)
-So much more
All for Free 

blog, Fashionable Girlz, Girlz in Action

Nicole Weider: From Model to Christian Leader

Jessica Lippe
Hello Girlz! This year, we want to offer you more than just great content in our magazine. Check back here often, as we’ll be blogging at least once a week! You may find a video, extra interview answers from our featured ladies, or some of your favorite articles. This week, enjoy a life experience from Nicole Weider!


As a little girl, you don’t see all the dark parts of modeling. It all seems glamorous at first. Beautiful pictures, invitations to exclusive parties, and a paycheck. There were so many events that led to my depression. While many circumstances led to becoming depressed, the largest contributing factor was that I was working as a model. I was always placed in such scrutiny by my agents and they would always pick me apart by telling me I was not thin enough and my skin wasn’t clear enough. I would work hard to be what they wanted. I lost weight and I got hair extensions, but when you go to the auditions there are twenty other women that look exactly like you and it’s so much pressure. I didn’t like making money based on my looks and would more likely than not end up feeling so embarrassed doing lingerie, bras, and bikinis. I started feeling so bad about myself and being uncomfortable. My whole identity was based in being a successful model so when I didn’t want that anymore I was left with, “Well what do I do now?” I wasn’t a Christian and I had no sense of safety or security.

I had this one friend, Christie, who always stood by my side. She would always talk to me about Jesus and she seemed so happy. She really helped me through the process of learning what Christianity was about and why it was so amazing. I saw how much my life needed changing. While I was giving my life to God, He showed Himself in huge ways to me. He basically showed me, “Nicole, I’m listening to you and I’m here.” Every once in awhile I get distracted in my walk, but I always remind myself of the radical change I had. God is always watching out for me. It’s  pretty much my second nature now. I always think in the back of my mind, “Will this make God proud?” Most importantly becoming a Christian changed my heart and perspective!

I do modeling now to be creative along with my friends who are photographers and on my own terms. It’s wonderful only having to do it if and when I want to. My life isn’t dependent on getting “this next job”. Once you become a Christian a lot of your desires don’t go away, they just change. Dressing up and getting glam is still something that I find fun, but I can use it to glorify God versus my agent now.

Girls, don’t fall into the trap of “I’m not pretty enough”. The sexualization of teen girls is everywhere. No matter where you turn it’s in magazine ads or beauty products. It’s basically the entertainment world that teen girls only appeal is in how sexy they are or what they look like. Your worth comes from character and heart not looks. Remember how much Jesus loves you!

By Nicole Weider as told to Lily Garay

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2015/16 issue of Girlz 4 Christ Magazine. Subscribe now for encouragement wrapped up in a fun, friendly, free magazine!
blog, Fashionable Girlz

Crush Sunglasses

Jessica Lippe

Do you ever get frustrated because it always seems like your head is way too big for normal sunglasses?! Or you want a really cute pair of sunglasses that will last, but that won’t break the budget…

Girl, I totally understand. That’s why when I discovered Crush Sunglasses (modeled by my sister, Ana Lorenza, and I) and tried on my first pair, I got instant heart eyes. They’re perfect for a day at the beach, tanning in my backyard, hanging out with friends, or simply running errands with my momma (yes, I still do that!). Now’s the time to get yours or add them to your wishlist. PLUS they spread the gospel of Jesus. Win. Win. Win. Edit_3.jpgMaiden.jpg


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     (Ana Lorenza: Top & Bottom photos – Lily Garay: Center photo)






                                                            

blog, Girlz in Action

Spring 2015: Persecuted Christians and More in This Season’s Issue!

Jessica Lippe
Have you read the Spring 2015 issue of Girlz 4 Christ yet? If not, click here to get your free subscription! As this issue commemorates our fourth birthday as a magazine, we wanted to make sure we had a super-special cover feature. And we certainly found it! 

In the pages of this issue you’ll meet Somchi and delve into her story of how she was persecuted in her country, simply due to the fact that she is a Christian. 

Now It’s Your Turn:
After hearing Somchi’s story, it might be easy to think, “I’m thankful I don’t live in Laos or in a persecuted country like Somchi does.” It’s good to be grateful that we live in the United States, but more than that, stories like Somchi’s should cause us to look at our own lives and ask the hard questions: “What am I doing to reach out in a nation that is free? Have I counted the cost of following Christ no matter what happens, even if it causes offense, rejection or worse?  How am I standing strong in my own faith?” If we hear a story and are encouraged, that’s good; if we are changed, that’s even better.
You may not have to worry about someone burning your Bible, but you are still faced with the same choice every day: Will you remain unshaken in your faith and follow Jesus regardless of the consequences? In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This doesn’t apply only to those who live in Laos or North Korea or the Middle East. As believers, each one of us is called to take up our cross every day to follow Jesus. You can ask God what areas of your life He wants you to grow in by taking a stand for your faith.
What can I do to help persecuted Christians?
There are many stories like Somchi’s happening every day. You may have seen recent stories in the news about Iraqi Christians having to flee for their lives. The Voice of the Martyrs works in more than 60 hostile and restricted nations, serving persecuted Christians. Hebrews 13:3 tells us to remember those in prison and those who are suffering. Persecuted Christians are more than just a cause, they are your family — the global body of Christ. Here’s what you can do to get involved:
1. PRAY: Prayer might not seem like a big deal, but it might surprise you to find out that the first thing our persecuted family asks for is prayer. Often, there is only so much we can do in a physical sense, but prayer can change everything. It might also surprise you to know that persecuted believers don’t primarily ask for prayer for their safety; they ask for prayer to help them stand strong in their faith and for the lost to come to know Christ. You can visit www.icommitopray.com to see urgent prayer needs that are updated weekly and post your own prayers for persecuted believers.
2. TAKE A STAND: Another great way that you can get involved is to “Be A Voice.”  Our persecuted family asks that we don’t forget about them. You can take a stand with your persecuted family by sharing their stories of what persecuted Christians go through in other countries. You can go to www.be-a-voice.netto sign up. You can also write letters to Christians who are imprisoned for their faith at www.prisoneralert.com. You can encourage them in their faith as well as write to government officials and request their release.

3. SERVE: Finally, our persecuted family have very practical needs that you can help with, such as medical expenses or the need for a safe house to hide in. You can also fill an Action Pack, which gives persecuted Christians basic things they need such as coats, shoes, blankets and hygiene products. You can go to www.persecution.com/actionpacksto find out how to send an Action Pack. The Voice of the Martyrs also strives to make sure any believer who is persecuted has a Bible. You can serve by giving a Bible to a Christian in a persecuted country at www.biblesunbound.com.
Thank you to Brooke Parks, the Youth and Young Adult Coordinator at Voice of the Martyrs, for sharing these tips on how we can help persecuted Christians. The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians worldwide, both practically and spiritually.