Back to School.. and Peers.

Hey, guys, it's Katy again!!
So school is beginning here soon, and for some of you it may have already started. And of course as you all know, so have the cliques and the parties. But what would happen if you didn't join the teeny-bopper cliques?? And said "no" to that party that you know will get you in trouble, in more ways than one??
This is what this whole blog is about. Saying no to the peer pressure at school about alcohol, smoking and drugs.
It's hard, but in the end it's all worth it. It's worth not being cool to keep your virginity. It's worth not being cool to keep from getting drunk. If you say "yes" once, it's hard to say "no " the second time.
Ok, that's all fine and good, but how do you say no? Well first of all, you have to decide that you don't. Of course. Second, you have to believe that what you are thinking about doing is most likely not in your best interest. And third, you have to have the guts to tell those really cool guys or those really hot girls no, and you'd better have a good reason.
What are good reasons? Ok, reason number 1: Alcohol is addicting, kills your liver, it permanently injures your brain.. the list goes on why you shouldn't drink. Reason number 2: Smoking. No good. It kills your lungs, your brain, your heart, digestive system, bladder, and legs. Not to mention it stains your teeth and your taste buds just don't work quite right. And the ever present anyways, bad breath. Give that list of reasons and they'll stop dead in their tracks. Reason number 4: The fact that there will probably be no adult presence at this party. When there is no adult presence that's usually when the non-reversible happens.
So now you have some pretty good reasons, but the temptation is still there. How do you remove temptation? Well, the only way I know is to turn to God. Alot of you may not agree or even believe that there is a God, but I'm telling you that the only way that you are going to be able to say "no" is by falling on your knees before God and asking Him to give you strength and wisdom to overcome. Ask Him to remove any desire to taste "the forbidden". When you think about it, is this the way that you want to remember your Jr High/ High School years? Going through the years as a drunk kid, who only survives on lying and going behind your parents back? I for one do not. I know that there are lots of you out there. We all just need the courage to tell others.
So to end it I will leave you with a question, How do you want to remember your High School years?
Just some thoughts, Katy Flanigan.