AO Teens

 The Puzzle of Life By Hannah R. You know that moment when a piece of a puzzle that looks right, that you're certain is right, just won't fit where you want it to? You know that frustration? That anger that comes out? The throwing of the piece down, or that exasperated sigh of despair as you sit despondently back to stare at the unfinished puzzle? Remember how we need to stop, sit back, take a breather, and then come back to it with a renewed vigour and a fresh mind?  Maybe life is like that. Maybe those moments in life where everything seems to go wrong, or you keep trying to do what seems like the right thing is or you're certain is the right thing and it never works out are like those puzzle pieces that just don't quite fit. Maybe those moments of anger at something that just doesn't work out or that frustration at your calender not lining up so you can do everything you want to do is like that. Maybe, just maybe, mental health is like that. Maybe we're all t...

  His Name is Jesus By H. R. Remminga A man of integrity He provides us with an example Of what we should do In all circumstances of life We all know His name Some reject him as a fairy tale Others take Him to heart And make Him their savior His name is Jesus And to the world I will whisper You may reject Him But I claim Him You may hate Him But I love Him He took the burdens of the world On His young and healthy shoulders  He let our sins weigh on Him Crushing the breath from Him Accused of hypocrisy  By hypocrites themselves He loved them still As they screamed for blood His name is Jesus And to the world I will whisper You may reject Him But I claim Him You may hate Him But I love Him His name is Jesus And to the world I will whisper You may reject Him But I claim Him You may hate Him But I love Him Yeah, you may hate Him But I love Him

  Can No One Redeem Me? by H. R. Remminga My life should be Hell. By all accounts, I should be condemned and judged, Thrown down into that fire pit with the serpent And left to live in burning agony for eternity. I should be looked at with contempt. The sight of me should fill you with disgust And make you turn your face from me. I’m filthy. Covered in rags of deceit, malice, and selfishness. I stink of envy, greed, and dishonesty. My eyes shine bright with pride and haughtiness. I deserve to die for what I have done. I deserve to be beaten, stoned, ridiculed. I deserve to be left  In the filthiest, deepest, darkest corner Of the filthiest, deepest, darkest cell In the filthiest, deepest, darkest prison In the filthiest, deepest, darkest location. This is what I deserve for my pride, My envy, my hate. For my deceit and self-centeredness. Especially for having hurt,  Ruthlessly torn apart,  And cut down people around me. Intentionally done with my cruel, Cold, calcula...

  Pray When everything frustrates you. Pray. When you feel so broken that you can't get up again. Pray. When nothing seems to go right for you. Pray. When life becomes so hard that you wish it would just end. Pray. If you've ever just wanted to die and be with Jesus. Pray. If you just want to scream... Pray.

  Hello everyone! All of our current contributors made this collection of our favorite Bible verses. We are very excited to be able to share these treasures of God's Word with you. Thank you for reading and enjoy!!  Margaret’s: “He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” --1 Corinthians 5:21 Isabella’s:  “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” --John 16:33   Dom's: “In peace I will lie down and sleep.” --Psalm 4:8 Lily’s: “Some put their trust in horses and some in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”  --Psalm 20:6 Caleb’s: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” --James 1:2...

A Modern Day Psalm Parched and sore, I seek for you, Lord. Bloodiest and weary, I fight for my faith. Weakly I call, For your saving grace. Tiredly I cry, Feeling humbled and out of place. Sorrows, They weigh upon me With cruel heartfelt heaviness. Agony, She drains me of all Hope and energy. Parched and weary, Footsore and tired, I wonder, where are you, my God? Why don't you do anything? Why can't you save me? Why aren't you stepping in And showing me your undying love? Discouragement courses through me, Dragging my feet to a halt. The armour of my Lord Seems useless and heavy to wear. Then I hear it, Your voice in a whisper. Then I feel it, A touch like a breath of air. You have always been near. You have heard my pleas. You're filling my cup With overflowing grace. You replenish my soul, And bring rest to my weary feet. You tell me to rest, And I do, safe in your embrace. I know where you are. I can see that you care. I'm...

Stress Relievers: This is a short little section that will help you relax and be calmer. These are just a few suggestions to help relax your mind and body and keep you calmer. But one thing to remember is that in God you can always, ALWAYS find peace and calm. Baths and yoga always help. Listening to music Doing a 3D Diamond painting Don’t forget to die laughing with us during our joke section! There are sooooooo many things you could do! -Kessa READ SCRIPTURE! It’s not only a great way to relax, but it’s a way that you can talk to God, and listen to Him, through all of your stress and frustration, and just breathe and enjoy His Word. I know that many of us struggle with stress, and even though I may not understand that as well as you do (“she’s only thirteen!” you may say), I do know many people that have, and that all healing and restoration is found in God, and he is found in his Word. It’s meant for you just as much as any other! Here is a great YouTube cha...

~A Letter from a Healthcare Worker~                     By Hannah                          Please note: This is my own personal experience from within the bounds of  Australia. My situation is not the same as everyone. But I think I can  safely say that all healthcare workers are exhausted and we not  only applaud those who follow their state and federal rules surrounding social isolation and quarantining, but we thank you. We're doing our best to protect you, and what you are doing is protecting us and  everyone else.  This is me. All dressed in my work uniform and smiling. Nothing seems abnormal, does it? Nothing seems like there’s anything unusual going on in my world. Looking at me you wouldn’t guess I’ve just come home from an exhausting shift. You wouldn’t know that I’ve cried in my car on the short drive h...