Dear little girl just like me.

Dear little girl just like me.
Today I watched as you played with the other children., running around with the boys and tackling a ball, You are part of their world, but you're also part of mine. You are both a boy and girl in one and often others misunderstand that. Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you can't play football, and just because you play football doesn't mean you're not a girl. You are stuck in between and I understand it well. I watch as you try to fit into both worlds. You eventually give up and run with the boys not caring what the repercussions might be. Now you're older and you want to fit in. You still like to run, and jump, and play with boys, but now you're maturing and entering a new world. Your identity is stuck to you. You're just like the other boys now. Often you are complimented on how well you tackle a ball, and seldom your looks. I watch your face drop as you watch the other girls told things you are not. I understand it, I understand it all. You look for recognition for more than just your affiliation, yet you find none. I watched your face light up when I called you over, I'm only a few years older than you. 
But when I look at you, I don't see a boy, not even a girl, but a beautiful young lady behind that smile. You're beautiful, and not to be compared to. I watched as your face lit up when you were told "You're Beautiful." And when you ran off a skip was in your step, and you were happier that day. 
You see you're not alone, I know how you feel. You're not rejected nor catagorized in a boys field. You are a girl with a great personality, beautiful looks, and a whole life ahead of you. 
So next time you think that your not pretty and smart, just remember what I told you and look to you're heart. 
Dear little girl who is just like me. I hope you take this to heart and learn to be free. 

Promotion: Out of the Darkness fundraiser

Hello, one of my close friends is holding a fundraiser for 'Out of the Darkness' mission. Please donate to the cause it would make her so happy. And help hundreds of kids with Depressant and Suicidal backgrounds!
Donate Here:
https://fundly.com/stop-suicide-lt-3

-Sapphire

I celebrate Christmas and Easter, but not Halloween. Why?

I have heard so many people state that they don't celebrate Halloween because it is a pagan holiday meant to condone evil. I will respect their decision. But I don't like it when people give me weird looks because I go dress up as an elf at a church harvest part on the 31st. 
Let's get this straight, what is the difference between Halloween, Christmas and Easter?
Most Christians would respond, Satan is the first. Jesus is the second two. WRONG!!!!
In reality all of these holidays celebrate paganism! Christmas is Drewid!!! And now it's about presents! Easter is also Pagan, and is about big feasts! Halloween is Pagan also! So what's the difference?
Hypothetically, all of these holidays have a christian spin on it. Christmas is Jesus's birthday. Easter is his resurrection. Halloween is all saints eve, remembering OUR brethren. Things once evil made good. Even though I disagree with what goes on in the materialistic side of each holiday. I believe that if people are going to make a big deal about something, make sure you know the facts, and make sure you apply the same logic to everything.
Thanks!

Relationships: Boy friend vs. Boy Friend

Over the past year and a half, I have become close friends with a few guys. Every time I do so someone has always asked me. "Are you two a couple?" or "Is he your Boy Friend?". No, I don't date, and I'm not in a relationship. I have Boy friends but not a Boy Friend. What is the difference between a Boy friends and a Boy Friend? A Boy friend is merely a close friend that is a guy. It's like calling your best friend your Girl friend. But you actually aren't in a relationship closer than a friendship. Now, what is a Boy Friend? A Boy Friend is like a significant other. Nothing less than a sweet heart. 
Now that these two have been defined. What's the deal?
As a teenage blogger. I look around and see CHILDREN my age dating. I have seen more broken hearts in the people I have seen having a BF or GF than in anyone who is Single. 
Anywho, I believe we should contrast the two.
A Boy friend is wonderful to have. They are not binded to you, yet they hang around! you can talk to them about personal issues instead, and you trust them. Often people with bast friends of the opposite gender are misconceived as having multiple significant others. When in reality, they are comforatable around the other gender and are willing to remain just friends. Who knows? Maybe the Boy friend with eventually become your Boy Friend!
Now, what about a Boy Friend? This guy is binded to you. Any actions he does around girls can be seen as cheating. And it stresses the relationship. You can't truly be comfortable around the opposite sex, without worrying about cheating.
Therefore I propose that you should have Boy friends, and not a Boy Friend at this point. Eventually it is possible your Boy friend may become your Boy Friend. But for now, a Boy friend is the best choice. 
-Sapphire

Tests and Stress

Hey guys, so I just got home from taking the Psat. Every time a test comes round I get and bad feeling in my stomach and my moods turn to bipolar. This is stress. A few of my friends can testify to my reactions yesterday. Anyways, stress isn't something you should worry about it's natural. It's when stress controls you that it is wrong. Sometimes stress gets so bad I have to take medication. But other than that, I generally listen to music, doodle, talk to friends, or just do what I enjoy! Anyways I need to do school for my Co-op. How do you overcome Stress? I'd love to find out!
-Sapphire

Relationships: Back Handed Friends

I have multiple friends whom I call "My friends." At least I believe they are. I may have a misconceived notion of what a friend is, so let me spell it out. A friend is someone who is there for you. A friend is someone who will build you up. A friend is someone who loves you. 
Like I said, maybe I have a misconceived notion of friendship, but I don't think a few of my friends are truly my friends. 
I have many friends who will make slighted comments which will send me into a state of tears when I think of it later. These friends have implied I am ugly, I am an overachiever, I'm different, I'm too sensitive, and not any of these in nice ways. 
My friend whom I confide in state that they are Jealous or maybe even just not my friends. 
But they are. I know they are my friends, why do they treat me like garbage?
What makes it worse is that these people claim to serve the same person I do, Christ. They claim they have the Holy Spirit inside them. But why? Why can I see  Christian and a non christian standing side by side talking about the same thing and I don't see a difference. Why do Christians and non-Christians tear people down? Why can I see a kid I thought I respected make negative racist jokes. Am I suppose to stand back and watch you tear other people down? I understand, yes, some people are overly sensitive. Yes, I understand, what you say is in jest. But sometimes when people say one thing they mean another. Maybe that black girl who laughed it off is going to go and cry when she gets home. Maybe she's better at hiding her feelings. You expect me to stand back and watch? 
You say I'm too sensitive? Though that word hurts, as it was meant to be an insult, I will wear that word with pride until you quit acting like the world. I will defend my friends, no matter what you or anyone says. I hate myself every time someone calls me ugly. I hate myself every time someone calls me too sensitive. I hate myself every time I'm told I'm different. I will not stand by while my friends are being subject to this abuse!
So, why do these friends treat us this way? I honestly don't know, and I suspect I never will. I know my response when they treat my friends a way, but I don't know my own response. 
Thanks for listening to my rant.
-Sapphire

Fashion Sense:Oh baby it's cold outside

Everyone loves that time of year. It gets cold out, sweaters emerge from the closet, and hot chocolate is consumed every day. Well, if you don't love it. I do. Anyways, I went to a local fair to play some violin with my class, my family and I were walking around and we ran across this amazing Shaw/Poncho sweater. It was $20 and was really cute. Anyways, its modest, cute and well priced. A perfect accessory for the winter months. 

BTW do you like the new background for the blog? 
Let me know in the comments below.
-Sapphire

Relationships: Parents

I have a strong relationship with my parents, even stronger still with my mom. I talk to her day in and day out about my feelings, concerns, and trivial stuff. When I talk to my friends, they are often surprised to hear about my relationship, as though it was abnormal, or ridiculous to be able to talk to my parents about everything. So, I have decided to compile a short list of ways to maintain/regain your relationship with your parents. 

1. Truth. 

All relationships are built on Trust, without that you have nothing. Think about it this way. Imagine a large bridge and it is built out of bricks (Trust) when you lie or mislead it destroys the bridge completely. It is like a bomb detonating, everything is turned to rubble. The problem is that you cannot use new materials, you have to use the same materials over, and over, and over again. The more someone breaks your trust, the weaker the bridge will forever be. 

2. Talk 

I talk for hours with my mom and am never satisfied. You may say that your parents do not have enough time, or love you enough to take that time. To be honest, there are a few parents out there, but this is where you need to try. Sit one of your parents down and just tell them what you want to talk to them about. Tell them that you need them to be there for you, and that you need them to listen. That leads me to the next point. 

3. Listen. 

I know, I know. Your parents are 30-40 years old and they just do not understand, but there is no point in talking to your parents if you are not willing to consider their advice. I learned that the hard way. 

I was good friends with a guy, and that was the time I did not have feelings, I was about to enter that stage, I was 9, and this boy was mean to me and then apologized and started being nice to me. I was at youth camp and my 2 friends (At the time I thought they were my best friends) were talking with me, and I ended up telling them about the guy and him being mean then apologizing then being nice to me. They asked me if I liked him, and I said yes (As a friend). Later that day he confronted me saying he did not want a relationship and that he just wanted to remain friends, I was confused, angry, and upset. My best friends had told him something that was not even true! It ended up that the guy and I did not talk again for four years. I barely talk to him now, but things are resolved. 

How does this have to do with my mom? Well, she had recently started talking to me about how girls acted at this age and how if I want to keep my relationships with guys (Specifically those I have crushes on) I should not hint, nor tell any girls about it. But I have learned that every single time I have ever told a girl about a guy I like, I have gotten hurt. 

I am also like most of you. I have broken my parents trust. I have done things I wish I had not and am currently paying the consequences. 

Anyways, I hope this helps. Comment or email me with your thoughts! I might do a question and answer blog post soon, so email me those questions you want to feature in it!

-Sapphire

Dear Sir, who believes courtship is fundamentally flawed

About a month ago a man by the name of Thomas Umstattd wrote an article titled 'Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed.' This blog post is my response. In no way do I mean any disrespect, but my view differs.
First, I would like to point out that the basic philosophy behind your arguments is flawed. I would like to point out the purpose of Courtship, is not necesarily an engagement, the purpose of courtship is to have the suitor (The guy) to spend time with the family, and the family with the suitor. The possibility of marriage might result, it might not. The purpose of this, is that when one gets married, it will affect more than the man and woman. It will affect both families. It would be ideal to have someone your parents approve of.
The promise of courtship, is not to provide ultimate happiness, or to promote a divorce free marriage. It is merely meant to get to know someone, and not nesesarily on an intimate level, although that might happen.
I agree with most of the definition of Courtship, but I would wish to change is a bit and contest a point. (Bolded and in Red)

• "The man must ask the woman’s father’s permission before pursuing the woman romantically." (He should ask the father before pursuing the woman at all!)
• High accountability (chaperones, monitored correspondence, etc). 
• Rules about physical contact and purity. (The specific rules vary from community to community).
• The purpose of the courtship is marriage. (The purpose is to get to know both parties, with the possibility of marriage in mind, but it is not the purpose.)
• High relational intentionality and intensity. (This may result, of course you talk about deeper subjects when marriage is a possible prospect, but it is not the purpose.)
• High parental involvement. Fathers typically hold a “permission and control” role rather than the traditional “advice and blessing” role held by their fathers."

The purpose of dating. 

Of course I understand the argument for traditional dating, in fact I beleive that in the way you defined it I am doing exactly that. (But not to specifically do that, we just end up hanging out at the places we gather with a ton of our friends.)

The problem is the the Idea of Dating has changed over time. The general idea of dating from a worldl aspect is

• Parental uninvolvement (Not always the case)
• Get to know the other person
• Hang out
• Sex

In society today dating is looked at as things such as bedhopping, or 'friends with benefits.' (This does not reduce temptation)

Not asking the father.

I honestly have to say my first response to this is ferocity, I hated the fact of advocating not asking my father, and that me saying going to my dad meant I was not interested. I will tell any guy any day to go talk to my dad when I am old enough to Court.

What is being advocated is circumventing MY FATHER!!!!

The one that my Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, lay in protection of me. My friend posted a different responce from a guys stand point. He got a lot of negative feed back. Friends were criticizing him for taking the stance that the man should ask the father to have any relationship with his daughter. My father decided to comment with this, I approved it before he even posted it! My father cares for me, and is protecting me. 

  "A husband should be a Christian, must be the priest, prophet, protector, and provider. It is my responsibility, as the father, to first model this in my life to my daughter, but also to ensure that I seek biblical manhood in her potential husband. The word of God lays down clear requirements as to the responsibility of fathers. Fathers are the head of the family. To consider, as a believer, to circumvent the responsibility of the father in order date or court has shown great disrespect toward that father. I would not loan my automobile to a young man without him first seeking permission and me first getting to know his character as a driver. How much more precious is my daughter than any piece of metal. Remember guys, until I stand and say "her mother and I" on the day of her wedding, I am the one responsible for her to the God that gave me that responsibility. Sorry guys, I take that responsibility seriously. Therefore, whether you like it or not, you come through me to my daughter. Call me the dragon."

In conclusion I hope you find this article enlightening, and persuasive. I honestly stand behind what I have just stated. Again, no disrespect intended to Mr. Umstattd.

Love, the girl who is looking forward to courtship, marriage, a family involved in her relationships, and a young man who is brave enough to face the dragon for me. Sapphire.

If you have not read the Article 'Why courtship is fundamentally flawed.' this is the article I am responding to.

http://www.thomasumstattd.com/2014/08/courtship-fundamentally-flawed/

    

Currently reading: The Stolen Princess.

I have recently returned from a confrence and while there my parents ran across a booth run by Mr. Wilson. My dad bought a book by Mr. Wilson's daughter, Katherine Wilson. It is called 'The Stolen Princess.' To put it simple, so far, it is amazing. Review to come soon.

Book Reviews: The Beginning (What I'm going to do with these reviews)

As an avid reader, I have many friends who tell me a certain book is good and to be honest, when I read it, I am perturbed by the ideas in the book. It isn't that the book is not good, but that the ideas portrayed in the books are somewhat scary. Whether the ideas are sexuality, profanity, or otherwise, I am greatly disturbed. Yet, I find myself continuing to read. So, if you find yourself looking on my Blog for a book review, please do not take my harsh, critical observations as a hating, but as a warning to fellow readers. Our generation needs to think past what they are writing, and more about what the book actually means! And to just as an added bonus, I am adding a video by a boy named Riaz Lane. He does a Humerous Interpretation on All the Great Books, Abridged  By Reed Marting & Austin Tinchenor. Even though these aren't the exact meaning of the books, this is possibly one of the best ways of looking at book.  It is quite the Humerous Interpretation I might say. -Sapphire
P.S. If you want me to do a book, just comment and I'll try my best to do so

Maturity Levels

You may have noticed the title, and no I do not mean as in bodily growth, what I do mean is mental.
The One thing I HATE to hear from people is "I am mature for my age" When they are obviously not. I just want to stare at them and tell them "Then Why are you flirting with every guy/girl you meet? Are you serious? Come on, you act your age, and not the mature one, but the one that the world expects you to be."
Another phrase I hear is, "I'm smarter than people think I am." Just like the previous comment, this means that people are so insecure that they have to repeat it, and it makes it worse when you make no comment about how smart they are.
The common teenager calls themselves mature, expects to be treated as mature, yet act immature.
But, this is not the fault of merely the teenager (I am not shifting blame in any way), but it can mostly be attributed to the lower expectations of adults. Yet, we still have the choice to act mature, though we do not.
Maybe, just maybe. If we act more mature than the rest of the crowd, we can be treated as though we were Mature...
Just random thoughts for you to chew on. :)
-Sapphire
Disclaimer: If you are my friend, I am not aiming it at you. If you see yourself in the picture I just painted, maybe its time for a change, but otherwise, this is just due to observations.

Rumors and Rebuttles

(Please excuse all spelling errors, contractions, and grammar mistakes)

Have you heard the rumor?
Do you think it's true?
He said, she said it's all over school
It's drama, I can't believe that
Everybody's talking about someone else
Just to feel better about themselves1

I'm sure you know what a rumor is about, a rumor is defined by Merriam-Webster as

“Information or a story that is passed from person to person, but has not been proven to be true”
Maybe the rumor is about that girl in the corner, the nerd who always gets A’s, or maybe it has been about you. Whether there are Rumors circulating about you or you’re the one spreading them, rumors are never fun. Duh! I should know! I have probably started a few rumors, but I know there have been pleanty about myself. It never feels good.
Now, you might be wondering why I named this article Rumors and Rebuttles.
Well, because I want to speak about how to combat rumors.
A Rebuttal is generally a response to all arguments without bringing up new arguments.
1. Do it kindly
When you respond to someone saying something about someone never raise your voice, never look agitated, and above all else do not get defensive nor argumentitve. I know it is hard, but trust me.
2. Think!
If you think before you speak it will go a lot better for you. Just imagine an argument between two children.
“Are not.”
“Are too”
“Are not.”
“Are too”
“Are not.”
“Are too”
“Are not.”
“Are too”It gets repetitive and goes nowhere fast. If you can think of an actual reason that the rumor is wrong then explain it!
3. Go on with your business
If the Rumor is not true, act as though it means nothing to you and is childish. When you take the higher road it ends up that others will notice. Now the rumors may not stop but they eventually will become less, merely because the people starting the rumors will realize they can’t hurt you with their falsehoods.

Anyways, if you have any stories about how you combatted a rumor, write it in the comment section below! I’d love to hear your feedback!


1.Pure NRG Girls can change the world.

Fashion Sense: Prom on Budget

So prom and homecoming are going to be arriving soon, and every girls' question is. "what should I wear?" When one google the words "Prom Dresses" And clicks on images the most likely candidate for the first to show up is something most likley not very modest. High slits, plunging necklines, see through material and worse. You begin to wonder... "Will I ever be able to find a nice looking dress that fits me that I could be seen in public with and not look like I'm trying to get someones attention?" The Answer is yes, in fact I got two dresses that are modest and are quite good looking, I even got them for Free.
So here are your quick tips for getting Good looking, nicely priced, prom dresses (Sorry guys I'm a gal I have no tips for you!)

1. Call people
The way I found my two BEAUTIFUL dresses was through facebook, a 27 year old was trying to get rid of them. So I set up a time and went over! The pictures did not do them justice. And the dresses fit PERFECTLY!
Although this might not be as easy as it was for me try talking to a few seniors/Kids your size/even your mom (You never know if she knows the mom of a kid who graduated last year)

2. Resale Shopping!
If you can't find a friend, find your local resale shop. I've gone shopping to these places, over half of my closet is Resale. (No I don't look like a hippie) While I was there I saw BEAUTIFUL dresses. Find a dressing room and try one on!

3. Extras!
While doing this, look for a small clutch and shoes to go with your dress...Have fun!

-Sapphire

Revolution: Loneliness

How many of you feel lonely? *Looks around and raises my hand* In fact I have thought about self Harm. I have even thought about commiting suicide... I understand that this is something people just don't talk about, but it needs to be talked about! Those of us who are lonely think that we are alone in this fight, but you know what? WE ARE NOT! We tell oursleves we are alone in this fight! That no one cares about us. That if we died today no one would miss us! Then Satan uses that lie to get at us to knaw at our hearts and eventually we will fall so deeply into the darkness, it will seem impossible to get back out. I experienced rejection from people I thought were my friends! I know how it feels. But we need to remember that there are others out there, just like us who think they are alone...I released my story to a few of my friends and three people responded to me telling me they had felt the same way! And had even gone further than I had. They were the most amazing people in the world! I would never have thought that they had those feeling! They had put on a mask like I had and we all knew each other pretty well, but had never known this.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
-Sapphire

Revolution: Love (WATCHED FROZEN!) (SPOILERS!)

Who has seen Frozen? *All raise their hands* And if you didn't, well go see it, it is worth the money. The moral of the story has to do with the Love of two sisters (Anna and Elsa). But the moral is about TRUE LOVE. As Olaf said: "That [Love] is when you put somebody else's needs before your own." There are so many have the misconception that an act of TRUE love is: Making out, Kissing, or even having Sex. But an act of True Love is putting someone else before yourself. It doesn't matter if your mutual friends, or your significant other!
NOTE: This goes for both boys and girls! You have to give a little to get a little!!!
I don't know much about relationships, but I know what I would want a boyfriend/husband/or just plain best friend to do. I would want him/or her (In the case of a best friend XD) to go around his to go around their wants, their desires, their emotions, and their actions to put my needs before their own. I'm not an expert at this, and I certainly am not perfect, I don't do this as often as I should. I am often selfish and put my own wants and needs before others. But I will try, as I hope you will as well.
What do you think?
Did I get this right?
-Sapphire

Revolution: Importance of Diverse Knowledge

As an NCFCA debater I learn about one specific subject ALL year long. Well, it isn't that specific. Our resolution is "To Significantly Reform Federal Election Law within the United States of America" and last year the resolution was to "Significantly Reform or Abolish the United Nations." These might seem like rather ambiguous topics, but not really. They center on what is currently happening in our world/society today! I have learned so much about our (United States) election system this year, such as, 

• FEC
• Electoral College
• Territories right to vote
• And D.C. 
• Etc...

The thing is, is that a well thought of person, is a person who knows a bit about everything! But is also willing to learn.

Teens are often thought of, as people who obsess over Video games, Actors, TV Shows, and possibly how the government is going to turn on us. The thing is, is when I talk to an adult, adults are often stunned that I am capable of holding an articulate conversation with them about something going on in our government and/or society. It's because I often have diverse knowledge, but still there are a lot of things I don't know, and don't really care for.

I hope that this article has inspired you to try to be more than the typical teenager, and to start a revolution against standardization.

-Sapphire

P.S. Are you interested in debating about National and International Topics? Are you interested in debating on values? Are you 12-18? Well if you live in the United States of America you are eligible to enter a speech and debate league with thousands of competitors nationwide. Check it all out at www.ncfca.org

Revolution: From Adult to Child of the Centuries

Let's be honest, the expectations of teens are not what they use to be. Back in the time of King Tutankhamen, he was a kid and was expected to rule all of Egypt! Okay maybe an example of centuries ago is not as effective, why don't we try our grandparents. When my Grandparents were teenagers, they could make a living for their family, they would work hard on a farm, or in school, or even with the house. They owned animals and were responsible for them. These kids couldn't wait to start a job to provide for their family! (I'm not saying there weren't a few in the bunch who were lazy)

Time went by and new laws came across, such as the Child Labour laws. Although the Child labor law was meant to protect children from being paid unfair wages, these children may not have known how to read and wright, but they certainly knew what a bit of money was even though they didn't know how much it was. The thing is, that during the 1800 there were hundreds of kids lining up in front of factories to work. These kids worked in all sorts of dangerous places forcing the government to do something about it.

 

Next came the machines, yes, when children worked there were machines, but after the children couldn't work, the factories needed some way to make their products. Because of this a machine was invented that could do ALL the work. Turning a job for 100 people into a job for 1 person. 

 Finally came the schools, the government is currently regulating laws that force your parents to send you to a school or at least educate you! If they don't you get taken away by the CPS! Now I'm not saying School is bad for you, but seriously they have been dumbed down to the lowest commen denominator! Meaning that almost anyone can pass the tests! WE HAVE BEEN DUMBED DOWN!

WE WILL NOT LET PEOPLE DUMB US DOWN! WE WILL RISE ABOVE THE NORM AND PROVE THEM WRONG!

What do you think? What are your ideas? Why not start this revolution?

-Sapphire