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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

More Than a Little Story

Picture this: A teenage girl will get pregnant but she is still a virgin. When it's close to time for her Baby to be born, she will travel with her future husband to a small town where she will spend the night in a stable and have a Son who will turn out to be the Savior of the world. Not long after the Baby's birth, people will spontaneously start showing up to see Him-from society's elite to social outcasts.

Now, that's more than a little story.

Take the time right now to read the Christmas Story in Luke 2: 1-20.

Mary. Joseph. The shepherds. The wise men. Even though every one of them sounds like an unlikely character to be part of Jesus' birth, they each played a crucial role in the events of the Christmas story.  These individuals faced situations that caused fear and doubt, yet each one chose to fully obey God, even when it didn't make sense, and He used them in His plan to bring salvation to the world.

Let's look at Mary since she is the only girl in the story! Mary is a typical Jewish teenage girl (yes, a teenager) who lives in a small town with her parents. She is planning to get married to a local carpenter named Joseph and lead an ordinary life. But in the midst of a regular day, a single moment will shatter the normal routine of her existence.  Through an angel, Mary will be asked to surrender her life to God's plan to save humanity. This plan includes her becoming supernaturally pregnant with the Son of God so that He can enter human history. Regardless of the risks or costs involved, Mary must be willing to do what God asks of her with no assurance anyone except Him will ever understand. After wrestling with the consequences of her decision, Mary will be eager to be used by God and will make herself fully available to Him in spite of the shame, ridicule, and loneliness she will undoubtedly face. When Mary accepts what God asks her to do, she will do so with no guarantee Joseph will believe her.

Granted, God may never make an extreme request  of you like He did Mary. Yet, you have the same choice as Mary did that first Christmas: you can choose to trust God enough to allow His Son to come alive in your witness to those who are in need of Him. The story of Jesus' birth is YOUR story, told to you and for you. God is still writing His story in this world and He is calling YOU to be a part of it. While you may not understand everything God has planned for your life, you can know God has a purpose for you and will use you to accomplish His desire to bring salvation to the world.

My prayer is like Mary, you will say yes to God's calling on your life, whatever it may be, so that you can tell others about the greatest gift and story ever told. Allow God to accomplish great things through you!

Merry Christmas!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Senior Spotlight~Michaela Grooms

This month's senior girl is...


Michaela Grooms

Michaela is a senior at Aiken High School. Her favorite verses are Philippians 4:6-7 and James 1:5.

1. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Listen to music, read and practice.

2. What are you asking for Christmas?
For my family and friends to be safe and healthy. Not to get sick over Christmas and of course Technology.

3. How has God impacted your life?
God has impacted my life by allowing me to play an instrument and using it for His Glory.

4. What is your favorite thing about being a senior?
Graduating

5. Summer or Winter?
I love them both!

The next time you see Michaela, make sure to say hello!

Thanks Michaela!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

DIY Christmas Ornaments

For this week's Christmas Gifts on a budget, I am going to give you some ideas to make using cheap Christmas ornaments. All of these are super easy that even the non-crafter can do! All the materials are inexpensive and you can find at Walmart, Target or Hobby Lobby! Many of the ornaments come in packs which is great! 

1. Santa Ornament

For these cute Santas, you need clear ornaments, red construction paper and black and white paint. Fill the ornament with curled construction paper (wrap around your finger to curl) then paint a belt on the outside! Simple and cute!

2. Pearls

For your girly girl friends, get a clear ornament and fill with pearls! Tie a bow on top! Love this!

3. Feathers

Fill a clear ornament with feathers! You can choose certain colors or fill with a rainbow of colors! Beautiful!

4. Memories

This one is great and perfect for your best friends. Take any color ornament and write all the memories, jokes, verses, etc. shared by your friends with a sharpie! How easy and personable! 

Hope this inspires you to be creative with your gifts!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas Gifts Under $10.00

December 1st! Can you believe it? For the month of December, I will be posting some awesome gifts you can give your friends and/or family for Christmas this year and they will all be at a cheap price! Today, I am going to give some suggestions of great gifts that are all under $10! You can't beat that! I also found all of these items at my favorite store, TARGET! 

1. A signable picture frame

This great gift is only $7.99. If you buy a frame with a white matt, you can decorate the matt with memories of you and your friend or family member, as well as funny inside jokes, or bible verses! A cheap way to be creative!

2. Scarf and Flip Top Gloves

This set is only $10.00 and perfect for those cold mornings on the way to school.

3. Nail Polish
Nail polish is wonderful and comes in every color imaginable! This bottle is made by Essie and is only $7.79. The color is called "Glamour Purse" and perfect for fall or winter!

4. Stationary
Everybody needs at least one set of thank you notes for the Christmas gifts you get! These are super cute and bright! Only $3.99, wow!

5. Funky Socks
Who doesn't love funky socks! These come in all different styles where you can mix and match with every one! $5.00 

6. Wristlet
Who wouldn't love a wristlet with a flower on the front??? I love everything about this and I know your friends would too! This is only $9.99!

Hope this gives you some great gift ideas for people on your list (or even yourself!) Check back next week for another list!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Senior Spotlight~Cassidy Colvin

I am excited to introduce our second senior girl...



Cassidy Colvin

Cassidy is a senior at South Aiken High School. Her favorite verses are Romans 12:1-2 and Hebrews 11:1.

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Noisy eaters and people that read things out loud

2. Do you have a random hobby?
Crocheting and Cross-stitching

3. If you could ask God anything, what would it be and why?
What made you choose a rib and dust? Why not like fingers or a kidney and some pretty flowers? I have always wondered how God made the decision to use a rib and dust to make a woman.

4. What is your favorite part of being a senior?
Being so close to graduation, college, and more freedom. Getting out of school early is not too bad either.

5. Polka dots or stripes?
Polka dots. They are way more fun!

Make sure you take the time to get to know Cassidy if you see her around church!

Thanks Cassidy!

Loving Jesus Together,
Morgan

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Just for Fun

Biblical Tweets

@Job
Worst. Day. Ever. #ihatemylife

@Thaddeus
Hurry 2 mount! Jesus handing out food. 1st 5000 eat FREE!

@David
#FF my BFF @Jonathan. And @Goliath J/K

@Wanderingteen
Totally parents fault we're lost wandering around this stupid desert. #parentsruineverything

@Boaz
Anybody know the deal w/new girl Ruth?

@Jonah
Crazy! I get reception down here. #whalewatcher

@Moses
Tablets heavier than they look.

@Beloved
My boo got it goin on w/ dove's eyes & flock of goat hair!

@Simeon
God promised see Messiah b4 die. Saw baby today! Wonderful...but bummed about dying.

@Jesus
Calmed the storm. #ijustdidthat

Found this in a magazine! Hope it made you lol!

Loving  Jesus together,
Morgan

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Moments with Morgan: Wearing a Mask

Isn't fun to watch kids dress up in costumes for Halloween? They are so excited to pick out their costumes and pretend to be someone else. Some of you teenage girls are still that way!!! But have you ever thought why costumes come with a mask? They hide who they really are.

It's not just on Halloween that people wear masks. If we are honest with ourselves, most of us put on masks from time to time. We put on masks any time we are not honest with God. Anytime we try to make ourselves come across as something we are not, we are putting on a mask.

Most of us wear masks at some time or other. We wear one mask when we go to school, but it comes off when we get home. We put on another mask when friends come over, but as soon as they leave, the mask comes off. We have another mask for going to church, but when we get in the car, it comes off until the next service.

We wear these masks so that people cannot tell who we really are. We don't want others to see the REAL us. And often we fool our friends, church members, even our families, but we never fool God. He sees through our masks we wear.

What are some of the masks you wear? Have you ever pretended to hide your true feelings? Have you ever pretended to be something that you are not? To go along with the crowd? To gain acceptance from your friends? Because you were afraid someone might not like the real you? Because you feared rejection if they saw the real you?

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

The truth is, when we take off the masks and are honest with ourselves and God, He takes our fears, weaknesses, our sinful ugliness and transforms us to look like Him. When we wear our masks, we no longer reflect the love, grace and joy of Christ. Too often we claim His name without representing His heart by wearing different masks. Very few people will believe our message if they don't see it lived out daily in our lives. We are to make Jesus visible to the world. When we remove our masks, His life shines through ours.

Dont' be trapped behind a mask, acting out a life you don't really want. Be honest with God and let Him remove your mask and replace it with a new you that doesn't need to hide from the world!

Loving Jesus together, 
Morgan

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Senior Spotlight

Excited to post our first Senior Spotlight. I want you to get to know these great Senior Girls and how God has impacted their lives and to let you know what God is doing in their lives right now!

Our first senior is April Boyd.


April is a senior at Living Water Christian School (her home school). Her life verse for right now is Jeremiah 29:11 and 1 Corinthians 13:8 and 13.

1. What do you like to do for fun?
I love to dance! This year is my tenth year in dance and I don't think I could picture life without it! I also stay in the kitchen and I love to bake! I hope to open my own bakery one day.

2. Where is your favorite place to shop?
Kohl's and rue 21

3. What is one of your favorite things about God?
I have 3 favorites, but they go hand in hand with each other. His love. His mercy, and His grace. His mercy because He loves us even when we don't think we are lovable. His grace because He gives us life even though we don't deserve it or anything for that matter. And His love because without His love we would be nothing. Without those things we would not be able to experience God to the fullest. Without God loving us, we would not be willing to love other people. And even when we don't want to share Christ with others, He will still love us when we fail to show Him to lost people. 

4. What is the best part about being a senior?
I think just being able to see the finish line of school. My favorite part is being able to look back and see how far I've come...in school, in Christ, with friends, etc.

5. Flip flops or High Heels?
High Heels...I love my heels!

If you see April around at church, make sure to take the time to get to know her! 

Thanks April!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Moments with Morgan: It's Too Hard


Climbing Mr. Everest. Pitching a no-hitter. Passing chemistry. Communicating with your parents. Corn Maze. Every one of those things is difficult in its own way. Entering into the Corn Maze on Sunday with my inGroup, I had this feeling that there was no way we were going to find the finish line. I knew we would get lost and have to wave our surrender flag because it looked too hard to complete!

Think about your life. What are some things right now that you think are too hard to actually complete?

I want you to get your Bible out and turn to John 6:59-68 and read it. Focus on these verses:

"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'" (60)
"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." (68-69)

Jesus has just finished feeding the 5,000 and the people were hungry for more. Not Jesus, but to see his cool miracles and get more food. Jesus explains that He is the bread life and many of the so called followers turned their backs and no longer follow Him because they realize it is more of a commitment than just "believing in Him". Many of the disciples said that His teaching was too hard to understand. Are there other things Jesus commanded His followers to do in Scripture that you think are just too hard? 

But, I love the response Simon Peter makes in verses 68 and 69. The true disciples or followers of Christ know that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and believe and know who Christ really is. They are willing to sacrifice and surrender to following Christ daily.

Unfortunately, we sometimes make following Christ too easy and forget that truly following Christ is hard! It's more than just saying a prayer, walking down an aisle, or getting baptized. It's surrender. It's sacrifice. It's a commitment. There is no way to follow Jesus without Him interfering with your life. Following Jesus will cost you something. Jesus never promised you that following Him would be a piece of cake; but He did promise He would never leave you. 

I pray that you will be like Peter and follow Him even when doing so seems so hard. 

And I was able to complete the maze: in 32 minutes!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Girls' Movie Night: Think Pink

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I'm guessing that every one of you know someone that has either had Breast Cancer or has Breast Cancer. My mom had breast cancer and thankfully is in remission! I wanted to do something for the women in our area who are being affected right now with breast cancer and have fun with just the girls. So...we are having a Girls' Movie Night on Sunday, October 23rd from 7:30 (after inGroups) until 10pm in the ROCK. I want all of you to come dressed in your pink! The first part of the night we will be making care packages for the cancer patients in our area. We will be decorating journals for the women to have like the ones below:





Make sure to come with encouraging Bible Verses that we can write inside the journals! I would also love for you to bring either individual wrapped Kleneex, travel size lotion or hand sanitizer, medicated lip balm, and writing pens to put in our care packages along with the journals. 
After our project is complete, we will kick back and enjoy yummy desserts, popcorn, and a movie! I hope you will make plans to join us as we have fun with the girls and support cancer patients as they "Fight Like a Girl!"

Sign up today with Me or at the ROCK!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Music Review: Jamie-Grace

Hey ladies! Today I want to share with you an up and coming FEMALE Christian artist:

Jamie-Grace!

Jamie, a 19 year-old college student, is from Lithonia, GA. Not only does she have a new career as a touring singer-songwriter, but she is also studying children's ministry. At age 11, Jamie was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome and since then, she travels around the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking.

Her first, full length album, "One Song at a Time," just debuted on September 20th and her song "Hold Me" featuring the wonderful Toby Mac(!!!) just hit number 1. Her song style is a combination of acoustic pop, hip hop, folk, reggae, and even country.

I am in love with her song "Hold Me." Here are some of the lyrics:

"I love the way you hold me, by my side you'll always be
You take each and everyday make it special in some way"

"Forever in my heart, always on my mind
It's crazy how I think about You all of the time."

It is a great reminder that no matter what comes our way throughout the day, Jesus is there ALWAYS holding us in the palm of His hands.

And, you can have the chance to hear Jamie live in concert here at Millbrook on November 19th at 7:00pm because she is touring with Toby! Hope you've got your tickets!

I haven't listened to the whole cd yet, but I can guarantee that this girl will be making a huge impact on the Christian community! Go to iTunes today and download this and other great songs by Jamie-Grace!

Here is the official video of Jamie's No. 1 song "Hold Me." Enjoy!


Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Thursday, September 29, 2011

See You at the Pole

Girls, you amaze me!








Your beauty to shine for Christ is blinding!





You are not ashamed to stand, sing, pray out loud for Christ!

But it doesn't happen, just one day of the year. No, the Bible says "Pray continuously." Make praying a part of your day, EVERY Day!

Because you never know who is watching and what an example you are being...



And that is why I am thankful!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Girls' Hooded Sweatshirt!

Have you signed up for your Girls' Ministry hoodie?

They only cost $15! You can sign up at the Rock on Wednesdays and Sundays or let me know what size you need and then you can pay me when you see me!

Don't be the only girl without this cute hoodie!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Last Winner

Congrats to our last winner of the 5 day giveaway...

Allee Clifton!

I will have your new, super cute headband at church on Sunday and I will be very envious! :)

Thank you to all who have commented and checked out the blog. I hope that you will continue to check the blog every day, well almost every day, to see what is going on in the ministry as well as a little bit of encouragement to your day!

I love giving and receiving gifts! But did you know that we all have been offered a free gift? Jesus freely gave His life for us on the cross so we may have life.
Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Have you accepted God's free gift of spending eternity with Him one day? He is standing in front of you, holding out His hand. Will you take the free gift?
If you have questions about this free gift, or you haven't accepted Him and would like to, please contact me, Morgan McNeill at morgan@millbrookchurch.org

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Another Winner and LAST Giveaway

And the winner of the necklace and earrings is...

Carla Jane Pax!

Congrats to you!

Now, for our last giveaway. This is my favorite item out of all of them and I think you are going to love it too!


Isn't this brown, flower headband the cutest! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
Just comment below to enter for this last giveaway! Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Monday, September 19, 2011

Winner and Next Giveaway

Congrats to the winner of the owl earrings...

Brenna Morris!

Thanks to all that gave great ideas for the girls' ministry! Keep thinking and sharing! We have two more giveaways this week and for the next one we have...



Necklace and matching earrings!

With all the colors in these, you can wear them with everything! Just comment with your name and your favorite thing about Millbrook Student Ministry! Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Second Winner and New Giveaway

Congrats to our second winner of the purple wallet:

Aubreyanna Swearingen!

I will have your new wallet with me on Wednesday!

For our third giveaway we have...
Owl Earrings

Owls are very popular these days! Whoo new! :) These have red stone eyes and are very cute!

To enter for this gift, leave a comment below with your name and contact info and tell me what you would like to do with just the girls. Some of you are having a problem with leaving a comment. Make sure to choose either Name/URL or Anonymous and type just your name. Then leave a comment in the comment box. Next, click on preview and you have to type some weird word. Finally, post the comment. You won't see your comment until I approve it so it might not show up at first!

I will announce the winner tomorrow night so keep checking back and you can comment on EVERY giveaway!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Friday, September 16, 2011

First Winner and 2nd Giveaway

And our first winner is....

ANSLEY CALDWELL!

Congrats to you and I will have your new beautiful scarf with me on Sunday!

For our second giveaway we have...


a purple wallet!

This is super cute and perfect to hold your essentials. It's small, slender size is great for your purse or your book bag and handy to just carry as a clutch!

To win this gift just leave a comment below with your name, way to contact you, and tell me what you would like to see on the blog! Start commenting now! I will announce the winner sometime this weekend! Good luck girls!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Thursday, September 15, 2011

1st Giveaway

To celebrate the new blog, I am giving away 5 awesome gifts over the next week. Most of you know how much I LOVE Target, so all of the gifts are from there! I had a hard time choosing just 5, but hopefully you will love these gifts as much as I do!

For our first gift, we have.....

This beautiful scarf

I LOVE the colors of this scarf! It will go with anything and everything in your closet and it is almost that time of year again to start pulling the scarves out!


All you have to do to enter for this gift is to click below to post a comment. Leave me your email address or Facebook name so I can get your pretty scarf to you. I will select a winner (the computer chooses randomly) and announce tomorrow on the blog! If for some reason you can't comment here, you can comment on our Girls' Ministry Facebook page! Be sure to come back tomorrow for another great gift!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Welcome to the Girls' Ministry Blog

Hello Girls!

I am so excited to be writing the first official blog post for our new blog! This has been a longtime coming for me and I pray that you will read this as much as I read/write this! My primary focus of the Girls' Ministry at Millbrook is to pour the Truth of Jesus Christ into our middle and high school girls and what better way than to have this blog that is completely for you!

The Girls' Ministry desires to train up young ladies so that they may live out Titus 2:3-5:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored."

It is my hope that this blog will serve as a useful tool in our journey together. This site will include devotionals, upcoming events, book, music and movie reviews, DIG questions, Moments with Morgan, Senior Spotlights, guest writers, encouraging words, pictures and resources to help girls in their walk with Christ. I also have some of my favorite websites over to the right and will update this regularly as I find new and great ones! I  would love feedback, comments, and questions so use this blog as a way to contact me as well.  The more comments and feedback from my readers, the more beneficial the blog will be!

The Girls' Ministry exists to reach, teach and train girls to grow in their relationship with Christ and my prayer is that this blog will help you in your walk! As 1 Corinthians 11:1 says:

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

So, welcome to the blog and I hope you will follow me and the girls ministry as we grow in Christ together. Starting tomorrow, I will have 5 days of giveaways. Make sure to check the blog every day for your chance to comment and be entered for the giveaways!

Loving Jesus together,
Morgan