Marriage as Viewed by an 18 Year-old

by Alyssa Carmona

Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Marriage is a relationship between two people that for a girl 18 years old means a great deal. Marriage is defined as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.

It is a bond created and destined by God with the intent of bringing Him glory; it’s so deep, that I believe it can conquer the most intense of things that life throws at you. If of course, it is done right and you are truly committed!

The concept and purpose of marriage is misunderstood more and more and has become less and less meaningful in the day and age in which we live in. Our generation needs to be re-educated on the importance of the true meaning of love and marriage and we certainly need a lot more role models.

It is important for a young girl and woman alike to understand the true and deep meaning of marriage it. It is a special relationship that requires dedication in a world of divorce.

As women, we need to understand our roles. I feel that a wife is a strong person who should build up her husband and family with love and nurturing. I feel that marriages have to go back to the basics and be viewed as a true commitment, filled with patience, and honesty. Of course, there has to be attraction, but the fundamentals should be based on the long term.

A wife should be found by her husband and has to be ready to be pliable allowing God to move in that relationship so that she reflects what Proverbs 31:9-11 nicely says, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

While I am young and have lots to learn, I believe in marriage as God intended it to be and I hope that I may model and bring Him glory in His intention.

Princess for One Night

by Alyssa Carmona

All my life I dreamed of being a princess; wondering if that day would ever come. And on prom night 2010 my dream came true. I was well prepared with all my attire: got up early to have my hair and nails done. I was home early enough to rest a while prior to getting ready for the long awaited, senior prom. Read more

It’s Not Just Easter

by Alyssa Carmona

This month is where many are reminded of the passion of Jesus Christ; while many view this as a sad day we view it as the most important day of our Christian faith. The resurrection of Christ marked our rightful position which Adam forfeited.

The world knows this day as Easter where we buy pretty pastel color dresses and white shoes; we eat candy and have scavenger egg hunts with the family. This is a month where those who never attend church feel the urge to go and appease their minds that they too are faith believers of Christ.

I would like us all to remember how important it is that we remind our friends and families of why this day is so significant. It’s important to make sure to take a special part of our day to honor what Jesus did for us on that day.

It’s even a greater idea to start by reminiscing this on Good Friday and maybe make a special family time each night until Sunday. This way we can take three days to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion but most importantly His resurrection.

I know we get so busy with work and hyped during our busy schedule but be creative and remind your friends and families that Christ died so that we could live. Share His love and the price He paid during this significant and historical event so that we all can partake of His divine nature. ?

It’s Almost Graduation Time

by Alyssa Carmona

It is just about that time—graduation time that is. The big day comes on June seventh which seems like forever in high school years.

But honestly, a minute has passed like a second and an hour like a minute and for the first time in four years I am in no rush to reach this day. It is the biggest achievement of my seventeen years of life, and the piece of paper I have been working for the past twelve years.

It is the biggest bitter sweet feeling of my life. I know it is the beginning of an incredible future and a destiny that God has mapped out for me; but it is the end of a lifestyle I have called home. People I have grown up beside my whole life will now be gone.

Familiar faces and traditions will be nothing more than distant memories and as I stand here and plan after overwhelming plan for the next three months, I am constantly reminding myself to enjoy every moment of this process. Despite its stresses and discomfort it is truly some of the best days of my life.

If you find yourself torn between happy and sad come your graduation time, remember it is not the end but the beginning. It is the first step towards the unfolding of your God-given destiny. And though it is the last days of your careless innocent youth, the best is indeed yet to come. Just find peace in all that is around you.

True Meaning of Love

by Alyssa Carmona

This month many will celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is a day filled with sentiments of love and appreciation. It is a time when we remind people how much they really mean to us and express how much we love them. Read more

Embrace 2010

by Alyssa Carmona

I thought this month I’d keep it short and sweet and straight to the point. That point is for everyone to focus on a fresh start and a new beginning. I would like to share a word that my brother gave me for my senior page ad in my year book.

He wrote the following, “Embrace life and be grateful for the little things that God has placed before you, don’t wait to be thankful for something that’s already been lost.”

So I say to you, this is a chance to make better decisions and to move on from our pasts. So, instead of a new year’s resolution, I challenge everyone to follow these words and embrace life, embrace 2010!

The Tree

by Alyssa Carmona

Thanksgiving weekend, as is our family tradition, we went shopping for that perfect Christmas tree. We may have family spats, but when it comes to getting our Christmas tree, those spats seem not to matter. Christmas is a very important part of our Holiday season.

It seems that our search goes like this: We look at the first tree, then continue looking for that perfect one, but then it would seem that none compare to that first one we looked at, so we end up getting the first one we looked at. Festively, we all go home set it up and decorate while we bake and sing our favorite Christmas songs. It’s just our favorite family time….a season of love, forgiveness, joy, celebration, and food!

Everything must be perfect the decorations must be symmetrical and the stockings have to be displayed in birth order. And of course, the tree must match the household décor. Though it seems like a lot of work and effort, it’s so worth it once it’s done.

This tree is very special to us, but have you ever thought about the history or tradition of the Christmas tree? Here is a small background on what I found.

The Story of the Christmas Tree

People often wonder where the custom of having a tree in the home during Christmas time comes from. We will probably never know for sure. But there are several historical clues that point out where this custom came from.

A Christian Christmas Tree

A Christian Christmas Tree, represents the Cross on which hung the light of the world, who, when He died, completed His union in the love His church. The Cross reunited earth and sky, God and humanity in love. The lights of the tree represent Jesus, the light of the world; the ornaments represent us, the fruits- the offspring of the union between Jesus and His church.

An Ancient Symbol

Thousands or years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and greenery were brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring triumphing over the darkness of winter.

In ancient Rome, people decorated their homes and their temples with greenery during a special December feast. It was a happy time. No battles could be fought, the schools were closed, and people everywhere joined in the carnival-like atmosphere and gave each other presents.

The Modern Day Tree

So when did the Christmas tree go indoors? Legend has it that the tradition was begun by Martin Luther in Germany. He was a monk and church reformer who lived from 1483 to 1546. According to the legend, Luther was returning home one wintry night when he saw the stars twinkling in the sky through the tree branches. Luther was amazed by the sight, and when he arrived home, he was eager to tell his family about it. To help them understand, he went to the woods and cut down a small fir tree. Luther brought it indoors and decorated it with candles, which represented the stars he had seen.

The custom spread in Germany, and from there all over the world. In England, the Christmas tree first appeared when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was German. In 1841, Albert set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle near London to remind him of his homeland. The Christmas tree custom was brought to the United States by people from England as well as by many German immigrants who came in the 1800′s. Whatever its origin, the Christmas tree is a beautiful symbol for everyone who celebrates Christmas.

It is my prayer that all have a wonderful Christmas and remember the real reason for the season.

Embrace the Process

by Alyssa Carmona

This week I heard a really awesome statement and it made me think a lot about the re-occurring issues in our lives. For instance, I continuously deal with patience.

Some people continuously deal with finances, weakness, emotions, temptation or something else. I’m sure like others, you’ve prayed and prayed for a breakthrough only to find yourself back at square one. Read more

Still in it to Win

I truly believe that for many, this is a season of increase. I believe that the past few months have been really hard, but it’s only because God is preparing His children for the greatness that is to come.

I recently attended a revival at my church, and the word we felt impressed upon is “DOUBLE.” I believe this is the end of our rough season and God just want’s to see who is still in it to win. He is looking for teens that will hold fast to His promises and not grow weary; which I will admit isn’t me at times. But if we hold strong, He is going to pour out a double blessing! Read more

My First Week of My Last High School Year

So here it is…my first week of my last high school year and I must admit, it’s already this big huge emotional ordeal.

I mean, the first day I get to school, I automatically feel so out of place. I’m thinking, “Maybe I’m just not used this.” Not to mention, I had no classes with any of my three best friends. I thought, “Surely, this discomfort will go away soon.” But it didn’t. Sitting with my friends at lunch, we began to vent and found that we all felt the same. Read more

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