Discover Your Potential

I am teaching a class at the Prince Albert Arts Centre.  It is for girls ages 13-16, and I am so excited!  I have been working on something special and I am going to unveil it to this class.

During this course you will be encouraged to be your BEST you!

Live up to and beyond your potential. Through a variety of exer­cises, art and journaling you will begin to see your true self emerge and be amazed. We will be working through a variety of areas to help you find balance that will lead to a greater understanding of who you are.

Tuesdays, February 26 – March 26 from 4:30–5:30 pm and the investment for the 5 classes is only $50.

Register in person at the Prince Albert Arts Centre before February 20th or call 953-4811 for more information.

Ever made a Bad Choice? Me neither!

I wrote this article for a teen magazine but I think we can all learn something from it.

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tender-hearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.           1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

How you react in situations says a lot about who you are and what makes you different from the rest of the crowd.

How do you react when your friend decides that you’re not so cool anymore? How do you react when that rumour going around about you is the furthest thing from the truth? How do you react when asked what you are doing Friday night and you reply, “Going to youth” and you get the “your one of those people” looks?

I have experienced and lived through each of those scenarios, and I didn’t always react in a way that portrayed who I was striving to be: a follower of Jesus Christ. In some cases I made the situation worse and in others I made myself look like a fool. But hey, that is a part of developing character and figuring out who God created us to be. Right?

I can admit that I didn’t always make the best choices and honestly, I don’t expect you to either. Sometimes wrong is how we get to right. There is always a learning curve. Don’t get me wrong, I am not giving you permission to go out and make stupid choices. (1 Cor. 10:23)

But if by some small chance, at some point in your life you make a bad choice, please know that it is okay. You need to understand that you must learn from your mistakes and continue to blossom into the awesome woman of God that you have been created to be!

1 Peter is a letter written by Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ to Christians who were being persecuted and suffering because they chose to be followers of Jesus Christ. Through this letter Peter encouraged believers to live lives of integrity--to be examples of Jesus Christ.

In our North American society we do not see the persecution that Peter saw and experienced in his life. But at times we do suffer.

We can suffer by being mistreated by friends or acquaintances at school. By being different and choosing not to do what everyone else is doing. Or by being judged because of our “Christian” label.

How should we choose to react when these types of suffering enter our lives? Peter tells us not to retaliate with actions or words. Then look at what Peter instructs us to do when someone says something unkind to you. Pay them back with---- a blessing! WHAT!!! Are you serious?

If you have been on the receiving end of having unkind words thrown in your direction this could seem like an impossible task. A blessing is what they need and this is what scripture is instructing us to do and what God wants us to do.

When I was 16 I spent my summer working as kitchen staff at a camp. One evening while everyone at the camp was sleeping, we were robbed. They broke in the kitchen and stole whatever they could take out the window. Tons of food, my stereo I had left there that night, they threw the knives in the walls and just made a mess. It felt like such an invasion and a personal attack. We scrubbed the kitchen with bleach from top to bottom and it still felt dirty. It wasn’t until I gave up my anger and prayed for the people responsible for the break in that I could feel at peace and comfortable once again.

1 Peter 3:14-15 says, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Have these verses written on your heart. Peter wrote these words about 2000 years ago so that when you or I struggle with feelings of suffering that these words were there to encourage, strengthen and give us hope. Suffering produces character; there is no one in the past, present or future like you. You are unique! Your character is unique! You have been created for a unique purpose!

Worship Christ with your life and if someone compliments you by asking, “What’s different about you?” Be prepared to share with them where your hope comes from.

To see how to do that let’s read what Peter has to say in verses 16 and 17, “But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”

Thank you Peter! What an encouragement to live a good life!

Take time to apply it to your life: (grab your journal and spend a few minutes thinking about these questions) What do your reactions say about your character? Take time and evaluate what you can learn from good or bad choices that you have made? Do you know how unique you are? What Makes You Unique?

What have I been up to?

I just realized that I haven’t written a blog post in a few weeks.  Sorry about that.

I have a list of posts that I want to write but today I will just write a bit about what I am up to.

I am doing two great studies right now.  One being the online book study that I have been leading once a month.

The second is Celebration of Discipline that I am doing in my Sunday School class.  I am definitely going to be a changed woman by the summer!

Recently I taped an interview with the local Christian Radio station Victory FM.  My interview will air Tuesday, February 1 at noon C.S.T. and Saturday February 5th at noon C.S.T.  It was a great interview.  I am always amazed with what comes out of my mouth.  You can listen live at the Victory FM website.

I have also been tweaking the “I am Unique! Workshop”  It is an amazing day long conference based on my book (What Makes You Unique? ) for teen girls.  Follow the link to see how you can bring me to your church to feed into the lives of teen girls.

So many exciting things going on right now.  Of course I am still crocheting and working on a few other things but that about sums it up.

Ten Teen Commandments

This is for the girls who got up early to attended my session at the God’s Girls conference through the A Woman Inspired Conference yesterday.  Here are the answers for the handout!  If you didn’t attend the conference feel free to check out the commandments and study the scripture and discover the truth for yourself!

1. Don’t let your parents down; brought you up.  Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3, Colossians 3:20
2. Choose your companions with care; you become what they are.  1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 118:8
3. Be master of your habits or they will master you.  2 Peter 2:17-22
4. Treasure your time; don’t spend it, invest it.  Colossians 1:10
5. Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.  2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
6. Select only a date who would will make a good mate.  2 Corinthians 6:14, Hebrews 13:4
7. See what you can do for others; not what others can do for you.  Romans 12:3, Matthew 10:30, Mark 10:31, Matthew 20:16
8. Guard your thoughts; what you think, you are.  Romans 12:2
9. Don’t fill up on this world’s crumbs; feed your soul on the Living Bread.  Colossians 3:2, 1 John 2:15-17
10. Give your all to Christ; He gave His all for you.  Colossians 3:17

Do you need a “Life Coach” or a “Mentor”?

I have bee doing a lot of reading lately.  One of the topics I have been reading about is “Life Coaching”.  While reading the introduction of my current pick I came across a quote from reporter Jim Nauton:

“The ever more challenging character of modern life has created a market for men and women that can provide, for a fee, a service that older generations once performed for younger generations.  Since World War II, increased mobility and the decline of family and community ties have reduced intergenerational contact, with the result that a lot of the support structures in people’s live have broken down.”

Basically, what I am reading is that people are no longer taking an interest in other people in the act of encouraging others strengths and building them up (mentoring).  In order to receive that we need to go to others for a fee (life coaching) to help us through this journey of life.

I have begun “life coaching” for teen girls.  Basically I wanted to give teen girls support that they may not otherwise receive.  I am really feeling conflicted about the whole thing.  Shouldn’t these girls have “people” in their lives that they can reach out to?  I feel badly about taking money for something that we should be able to receive for free.

The words in Titus 2 are there for a reason.

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behaviour. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.” verses 1-5 The Message

“God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honouring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.”  11-14 The Message

What a difference we, as individuals, could make if we started actively living the Word.  It’s like a light in the darkness.  Imagine a huge dark space and then you see a glimmer of light in one corner, and then another somewhere in the middle, then you notice a shimmer of light out of the corner of your eye.  Then instead of individual areas of light you are noticing a slight glow over the entire area.  The glow brightens and dulls but you can see the light.

That is what happens when we choose to be the light-- the hands, the feet and the love of Jesus Christ to the people around us. 

Will you join me in being the light that the world so desperately needs?

Would you join me?

This past year has been a time of learning for me.  Learning about who God created me to be and where I fit in, in the world.  I’ve had some hard decisions to make and I continue to grow and develop in character through each experience.

Over the years I have realized how important and integral prayer is.  As I have been involved in various ministries I have seen the affect of prayer on people and circumstances.  When I planned the girls conference in my area I could see and feel the difference prayer made.

This summer and fall I am going to need a lot of prayer.  As I am beginning to see where God is choosing to use me I know that having prayer support is going to be necessary.  This summer I have to opportunity to be the Resource Pastor at Camp Kinasao, I am very excited to face this challenge and see how God is going to use me there.  Also this summer I will be putting the final touches on the “I am Unique!” online Bible Study that is starting in September. 

In the fall not only will I and my family need your prayers while I am leading the online Bible Study but also all the teen girls that are taking the study with me.  There is the opportunity for up to 200 teen girls to take this study.  That is a lot of girls that I can have a positive influence on. 

I will also continue to lead free online webinars for women who want to learn how to live Titus 2.  In August I am speaking at the God’s Girls online conference with A Woman Inspired.  I am also writing a monthly article for 2:21 magazine for teen girls.  And finally, I am having more teen girls that are coming to me for life coaching, I need wisdom and encouragement for these young ladies. 

If you are able to spend the next six months dedicated to praying for me, my family, the teen girls and the ministry that God has placed before me I would be happy to mail you one of these special prayer magnets.  Please email me your address at carolyn@cjcarleton.com and I will send it out in the mail today.  Thanks!

Did you know?

• Teen girls body image plays a huge role in suicidal thinking
• Teen suicide and depression is on the increase.
• Cosmetic surgery is on the rise for girls 18 years and younger.
• Eating disorders are increasing due to lack of family meal time.
• 80% of teenage pregnancies occur between the hours of 3-5pm in their own home!
• 80% of teens who sign a purity pledge do not keep it.
• As teens age and have sexual experience with multiple partners there is a greater chance that they will not use protection.
• Teen girls are now choosing pregnancy- due to lack of attention from their fathers.
• Today’s teens are becoming workaholics-  Canadian teens ranked 1st compared with 9 countries in terms of average hours spent on labor during the school week.  Canadian teens felt under pressure to accomplish more than they could handle.  They are cutting back on sleep in order to get things done.

There is something that you can do about this.  Please click here for more information.

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 27

WOW! Today’s Podcast was great!  “Words of a Feather” such a great podcast, it is definitely worthy of 7 minutes of your time.  I had never heard the feather story before, but I know that it will be one that I remember.

I was convicted years ago about words.  After being involved in the modelling industry I know how deep words can hurt.  Losing a job because they thought one of my eyebrows was just a little higher than they other really hurts at the time.  Now it wouldn't bother me as much because if in fact one eyebrow is higher than the other it is because that is the way God made me and my eyebrows are perfect!  What an interesting industry, your flaws are pointed out to you on a regular basis.  The people involved in this industry are very strong individuals.  I couldn’t handle it at the time, and I am not sure if I could handle it now.  (But I don’t have to worry about it because I don’t look like I once did J, I had to post a picture just so you would believe me)

On to Chapter 27!

V.2 “Don't praise yourself; let others do it!”

I don’t ever remember reading this verse but I really like it.

V.17 “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”

I love this verse, how true it is.  I can honestly say that I don’t think that I had a true friend until my 30’s.  I really didn’t have friends through school.  When I got married I moved to a different Province so I was starting from scratch.  Then as a Pastor’s wife you never know whether they are your friends or if they are just being nice because you are a Pastor’s wife.  Something I learned the hard way after our two church experiences.  Now I have friends that hold me accountable, pray for and support me.  That is the kind of friend that sharpens you.

V. 19 “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.”

There are several verses that portray this message throughout scripture and I think of them often.  When you work with teens, they see and know all.  You can not be fake or pretend to care about them.  They know when you are not real.  I know that what is in my heart reflects outward.  I want people to see Christ through me, I want people I come into contact with to know that I am the real deal.  That just made me think of a situation from almost 8 years ago. 

Eight years ago on March 27, 2002 I was a very large person.  I was pregnant with my first child and I had gained over 50lbs.  Which was strange because I had just spent the last eight months throwing up.  Seriously, I was on disability from work because I could not keep anything down and then it stopped two weeks before I gave birth and turned into horrible heartburn.  Oh, the joys of pregnancy.  Anyway, the day of delivery, of my daughter I mean.  It was Sunday and one of the Mom’s of our youth was a nurse in the maternity ward.  As she was leaving church she told me to come in and have the baby because she was working that night.  I jokingly said, “Okay, see you later.”  About 12 hours later I am being wheeled into the maternity ward asking the Mother of one of our youth for drugs.  I believe my words were, “Give me some drugs, this hurts so bad!”

They tell you in prenatal classes that on average the first delivery lasts between 10-12 hours.  I should have known that I am never average, my contractions started at 2 minutes apart.  We lived 30 minutes from the hospital.  By the time I got there I was already well on my way and drugs were not possible.  They said that a bath would help.  (It didn’t really help.)  I also learned that my Doctor was just on his way back from Calgary and he was hoping to make it in time for the delivery.  My delivery plan was working out perfectly!  NOT!!!!

Thankfully I was the only one delivering at the time and I had all the nurses attention.  Just four hours after I had the first contraction at home, Acacia popped into the world.  Literally, my Doctor did arrive just in time and he wasn’t expecting her for a few more pushes, I can still remember the surprised look on his face as he caught her.  Is this too much information?

Anyway, the point of the story is this.  The next Sunday at church the mom of one of our youth came up to tell me that I am who I say I am.  When I was delivering (remember--without drugs) that I didn’t change who I was.  She said that many women come through the maternity ward and they do not act at all like the person that they present in public.  You see, when you are going through that much pain you can’t hide who you really are.  That was probably one of the most uncomfortable, yet most complimentary compliments that I have ever received. (it is really awkward to have the nurse and doctor who helped deliver your children attend your churchJ) 

Well, I need to wrap this up and get back to my girls.  If you are friends with me on Facebook you can see the pictures I posted from our girls spa night last night.  They are so cute.  Maybe I will write a post about soon and share the pictures on here. 

Hope you enjoyed today’s Podcast as much as I did.  See you tomorrow!

Oprah Interviewing Kristen Jane Anderson

Click HERE to check out the link to this video.

We are all unique!

I was watching a show the other night about a three year old boy who had incredible strength. The modern day Bam Bam I guess. I found it so interesting because the Doctors that were studying him said that this little boy is unique, he will have talents and an edge that others will not. Some people were saying negative things about him, like how he will have an unfair advantage in sports. His mother signed him up for preschool and parents became concerned because they thought this boy would come in a beat up all the other children. Very harsh judgements. The experts went on to talk about Michael Phelps and how he has something unique about him that gives him an advantage in his sport. (Sorry I can't remember specifically what his 'uniqueness' was) Many people are outraged and calling it unfair because in these two cases their unique genetics are causing them to have an advantage.

The one thing that stood out to me is that the expert they were talking to said that everyone has something unique about them, only most people don't know what their specific quality is. Wouldn't it be amazing if we all used our uniqueness to accomplish great things, rather than spend our time complaining about the people who are.

How silly it would be for me to sit and complain because another speaker or author was selling more books or getting more speaking engagements than I am. Wouldn't it be better if I encouraged them for using their unique gifts and worked on developing the things that I am good at.

I know without a doubt that there are better authors and speakers than me, but I also know that this is what I am supposed to be doing. So I am going to do it well and the best that I can. I am taking classes in the fall to help move me in that direction. I don't have time to worry why someone might have an unfair advantage over me. We all have unique gifts and talents, what matters is if we are using them for a greater good!

"What Makes You Unique?" Book Review

I thought I would pass this on today. My book was just reviewed by Lori who does book reviews for Christian Women Today. Check out her blog (link below) to read my review!

http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/books/unique/

Let me know what you think!

Video for "What Makes You Unique?"

I hope you enjoy!

teen pregnancy pact

So I am not sure if you have have been following this story in the news but at Gloucester High School in Massachusetts 17 girls under the age of 16 have become pregnant over the past school year. People involved in the situation have suggested that some of the girls made a pact to become pregnant and raise their children together. There is a medical clinic at the school and in articles that I have read the nurse said that some of the girls coming in for pregnancy tests were upset when the test came back negative.

This is bothering me on so many levels I don't know where to begin. First what is happening in the home of these girls that has lead them to think that this was a good idea?

The way news and texts fly around schools why were the guys in this school willing participants in this. Also, all these girls were under the age of consent which means statutory rape, even if the girls gave consent. In one article that I read they said that one of the fathers is a 25-year old homeless guy. What desperation would lead a girl to want her child fathered by just anyone. Most of these girls didn't have relationships with the father's of their children. But the fathers have responsibility for the children as well.

These girls were being very selfish in thinking that it would be fun to have children and raise them with their girlfriends from school. That they will have unconditional love from these babies. Babies are a lot of work and selfish, they need to have continuous attention because that is how they survive. Being a Mom is the most selfless job there is. I have a husband and two daughters who I am happy to put as a priority in my life. Sometimes it is a job that would rather not have. But being a single Mom is really hard because it is just you, you are filling in both roles as the mother and father and there is no one to give you a break for a little while. Which I am so thankful that my husband gives me.

Reports have said that they beleive there was a lack of love for the girls in their homes so that is why they made this pact. If this is true then those parents are not going to be there for their grandchildren. Plus, they have already raised their children. Too many Grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Parents need to step up and take responsibility for their children. (I could go on for a while on that topic that is another entry.)

Wow, I wish I could have been there to talk to these teen girls before this all happened, like a couple of years ago. Currently I am writing sessions to teach in the schools in the area where I live. Teen pregnancy has been on the rise for quite a while. People keep thinking that it is because they aren't using protection. Well, they started handing it out like candy and it hasn't changed anything, the number is rising because of a lack of purpose. These girls are getting to the end of their high school career and don't know what to do so they have a child and then welfare and child tax take care of them. That is why the numbers is rising.

Back to this town in the states. So lets go to the topic of STD's these girls are obviously having unprotected sex to get pregnant, and being disappointed when the tests were coming back negative, so that would mean that they went out in search of sperm again. So all these would-be-father's are sharing what ever she had been exposed to from the last guy.

Something else that is ticking me off is the fact that gossip shows in the states are paying some of these teens big money to only talk too them. Okay let's reward them with money for making stupid choices! What are you thinking people?! Save your money and put it to use in a more productive manner.

Does anyone else see what is going on here and is disturbed by it? I am not picking on this town in the states - this is a North American problem. And I was wondering, if these teen girls had positive role models in their life would they have made the same choice?

Today I want to challenge you to slow your life down and take a look around at the people in your circle of influence, how can you be a positive example in the life of someone today. If you don't know, take some time to figure that one out. I can guarantee you that there is someone who can benefit from knowledge that you possess. Go out there and make a difference!

Cj’s Speaking Testimonials

"Carolyn Carleton is a gifted communicator, in both writing and speaking. She is passionate about connecting with women and teaching them of the purpose and plan God has for their lives."
- Debbie Orgrodnick- Prince Albert Alliance Church (Mom's Morning Out, Women's Retreat)

 

“Carolyn Carleton is a dynamic, “no-nonsense” speaker who seeks to be genuine as she speaks from the heart. Through her own life experience and drawing from the Word of God, Carolyn has a unique way of delivering a Message to her audience both through the written or spoken word.

With her quirky sense of humour, genuine love for the Word and seeing transformed lives in Christ, she has a unique call and presence as she ministers to others. There is no beating around the bush with this woman of faith! Carolyn is an “in your face” speaker who is a delight for a youth event or women’s ministry function.” 
~  Jodi Kozan – (Director of Women’s Journey of Faith) – Saskatoon , SK Canada

"Carolyn has the one trait most valuable in Christian speakers-she listens for God's voice and lets Him direct her sessions.

There's no ego here, just an amazing woman who's following her Saviour's plan for her life and encouraging others to do the same. After hearing Carolyn speak, you'll feel renewed, refreshed and challenged."

~ Jennifer Willems -(Freelance Writer, Restaurant Owner)-Birch Hills, SK, Canada

"As a teenager, Carolyn helped me through one of the most difficult parts of my spiritual journey....in the middle of the night, she came to my house, wiped away my tears, sat with me on the couch and simply listened. Somehow, through my sobs and inability to express what exactly it was that I was feeling - Carolyn discerned it, spoke it out and prayed with me. I know she continued praying for me long after she left my house that night.

As a young woman, Carolyn prayed for me as I prepared to travel to Africa for missions. She knew it had always been my dream - and she was one of the few people who urged me to follow the dreams God had placed within me.

As a bride, Carolyn flew halfway across the country to our wedding!!!!! She met my husband, gave me a gigantic hug (with her gorgeous pregnant belly!) and introduced me to her and Dustin's first daughter. I could not believe how much it meant for me to have Carolyn with me to experience the most incredibly beautiful day of my life.
As a wife, despite the fact that we normally live in different countries and converse only when a spare moment pops up in our hectic schedules - Carolyn is still one of my very closest, most absolute honest and cherished friends in the world as I know it. (And I've been around!)

I am not yet a mother, but when we do begin our family, I know Carolyn will be there for me as always, full of wisdom, Godly advice (hard to find!!!!) offering prayer and guidance to becoming a fulfilled, passionate mother.
Carolyn not only knows, understands and loves the matters of the heart....but she knows, understands and loves the Maker of the heart."   ~ Jay-Cee - (Career Missionary for AIDS orphans in Africa & Friend) - Ontario, CANADA

"I have never met anyone with the passion for the Spiritual well being of teenage girls as I have in Carolyn. Her heart truly yearns to show girls there is a better way, that through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ you can become more.

Carolyn has inspired me; she is true to who she is, and who Christ called her to be. Being involved in the last "Beautifully Created Girls Conference" I was able to see Carolyn in action, and through our weekly Bible Study, I witnessed her preparation and listening to God. She truly is a speaker and leader that has and will impact many lives. I thank God for knowing her!" 
~ Bonnie Bassingthwaighte-(Educational Associate, Bible Study Member, Friend) - Prince Albert, SK Canada

"Carolyn has so much potential and she loves everyone. She has shown me that it is ok to be different and that God has a plan. And even though we don't know it is He works in tremendous ways. She has such a big heart that she has inspired me to become friends with the people who hurt me, and more importantly inspired me to become a better person." ~ Ame (beautifully created girls conference attendee) - Birch Hills, SK Canada

"Carolyn is so devoted to God, and has a lot of wisdom to share with girls dealing with anything from peer pressure to just knowing and understanding the word of God."
She has taught many people that God is not some big man in the sky that can condemn you to hell if you do something wrong. She teaches with compassion and an open heart, to help girls fully understand what God is about."

Carolyn teaches through her own knowledge and you can tell that she really cares about your well-being (physically and spiritually).

She is very genuine and for God. Her clothing line is inspiring to anyone and models not to compromise their faith just to be cool. She is truly inspiring, blunt and straight forward, but always seemed captivating and is always sensitive to her environment.

Carolyn is a phenomenal speaker who gets her messages across by connecting with her audience. She is truly a woman of God and her messages stay with you, and change your heart and view of the world."

~ Danielle (beautifully created girls conference attendee), -Prince Albert, SK Canada

“I am Unique!” Workshop Details

Interested in booking Cj to present her “I am Unique!” Workshop?

You will need:

• a minimum of 15 girls
• provide a morning snack and lunch
• a prayer support team
• someone passionate about building into the lives of teen girls that can market the event and help with the behind the scenes organizing.

---

What will you receive from Cj for your investment?

I am your servant for the day.  My goal is to have the girls leave different than they arrived.  I want this to be a day of building into their lives.  I have been involved in ministry in the past where we would go into a town and make a big splash and then leave.  I always wondered what happened to the people we left behind.  I know that God has created me to be a builder.  To build into the lives of Christians so that they can be all that they have been created to be.

I wrote my book based on the things that I wish someone would have told me when I was teen.  I designed my book so that it can be used as an individual or group study.  But I want to take that to the next level.  I want to go out and see it applied to the lives of teen girls today!

I will also provide marketing and promotional support to help advertise your event.

Additional Opportunity

Cj has also designed a “Lifestyle Mentoring” session that can be included in the workshop.

Do you realize that there is someone watching you? Watching the choices you make, how you handle tough situations, how you respond to your husband. Whether we like it or not people are looking up to us.

 

In Titus we are instructed to train younger women. In 2 Corinthians we are called Christ’s ambassadors. We have a greater responsibility than what many are currently choosing to live up to. Life has become so busy that we wonder how we can fit being a mentor into our daily routine.

 

Being a mentor, Christ’s ambassador, and a trainer of young women is a part of who we are; people are looking to us for an example even if we don’t feel we have the time to put towards it. Now is the time to acknowledge our responsibility and live a life of greater calling!

 

Join Cj for a time of encouragement and learning how you can impact the world around you in a positive way. You will also receive information to take home to help you choose to live it each day.

This session can be taught during the workshop as well.  For example: a leader can lead a craft time with the teen girls and provide a snack while Cj meets with women who are willing to choose to live up to the challenge.  Also, during the craft time with the girls is a great time to sit around an chat about what they have been learning that day.  It is a great way to open communication with the teens that are in attendance.

Cost

• Cj’s speaking fee - $450
• cost per girl attending- $15 (to cover book and materials)
• Lifestyle Mentoring Session- $100 (to cover cost of workbooks)
• Travel- driving distance from Prince Albert,SK - $0.30/km                                             Flight- coach seat based out of Saskatoon, SK 
• Accommodations- hotel room, Bed & Breakfast, or if someone has a relatively private guest bedroom & bath, Cj is happy to stay in a host home rather than a hotel.

To read what people are saying about Cj ~ click here

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Sound interesting, take the next step and email or call Cj! 

Email: carolyn@cjcarleton.com

Phone: 306-960-2901

 

“I am Unique!” Workshop

This is an exciting day long teen girl workshop taught by Cj Carleton, based on her award winning book for teen girls “What Makes You Unique?”

This workshop is designed to be a hands on experience for teen girls, to help them discover who God created them to be and how they can fit in, in today’s society.

Sessions throughout the day will help us discover “Who we are”, how to make choices, dealing with friends, boys and parents and spiritual disciplines.

Each girl attending the workshop will receive:

• a personally autographed copy of Cj’s book
• a journal
• workbook
• activities that are designed to relate the chapters to each girl personally
• and a few surprizes!

To find out how you can bring Cj to your local group of teen girls, please CLICK HERE for more information!

About Cj Carleton

Growing up in Ontario, Carolyn (AKA Cj) had a difficult time in her teen years with self-esteem issues and a severe acne condition. Things changed when she moved to Toronto for college and was scouted by a modeling agency. They saw something in her that no one else had.

After several years in the modeling industry and many lessons learned, good and bad, Cj moved into a different place in her life–one of fulfillment and purpose. She toured across Canada with ROX Games speaking in high schools, encouraging teens to reach out for excellence in their lives. This is where she met and later married her husband Dustin.

They now live in Saskatchewan and have two beautiful girls ages 9 & 10.  Cj loves to read and study and has a new addiction to crocheting!  Check out some of her projects CLICK HERE!

 
Cj has designed and taught a self-development course for girls, is the founder of the Beautifully Created Girls Conference, and now has her first book published, What Makes You Unique? Discover the Truth or Believe the Lie, which won the 2008 Canadian Christian Writing Award in the Young Adult Category. She has been an encourager to thousands of tween and teen girls and women throughout Canada.

CLICK HERE for speaking reviews.

Cj has appeared on 100 Huntley Street, It’s a New Day, CTV News, co-hosted The Drew Marshall Radio Show, and has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles.

Cj has a gift of encouragement and bringing out the best in women of all ages. She has a passion and desire for women to live all aspects of their life with and on purpose.

 

Speaking topics:

~ lifestyle mentoring

~ A Mother’s Hope

~ “I am Unique!” –for tween and teen girls

~ teen writing workshops

Watch Cj’s appearance on 100 Huntley Street.

 

Parent & Youth Pastor Information for Online Bible Study

I am so excited about this opportunity to share my book through the webinar medium. What an amazing way to share the Truth to so many. I wanted to share some additional information about the study to the parents and Youth Pastors.

** Special note to: Youth Pastors- this is a great opportunity to reach the teen girls in your group. Many Youth Pastors are male and have a hard time connecting and understanding the teen girls or maybe you do not have a volunteer to take on a girls Bible Study. If you would like a safe place for them to be nurtured I would appreciate if you would send them in my direction to join my study starting in September 2010.

1. “What Makes You Unique?” is based on scripture. When I wrote the book I studied scripture first and then I wrote the chapter.
2. This is a safe environment for the girls to discover who they truly are. There is no pressure from other girls, they don't have to worry about going to sit in a group of girls and worry about who is wear what, who has the coolest Bible, that no one wants to sit beside them. It is about them discovering the beautiful woman of God that they have been created to be.
3. Throughout the study I will have a group of women from my church praying for each participant.
4. Ages 12-18- I have set this as the ages only because we will be discussing sex. If your daughter is younger and you think they are ready then please sign them up. (As for what we are discussing about sex is why you should wait till marriage. So often it is taught as don’t, and then you get married and it is hard to change your mindset on the topic. So I teach the why, also our daughters are going to be learning about it from somewhere wouldn’t this be a safe environment to reinforce what you have already taught?)
5. Throughout the study they will be receiving things from me in the mail such as a Christmas card, newsletter, small gifts. Because this is done online I want to make the connection as personable as possible. It is my goal to send something each month.
6. If the girls have an issue they want to talk to me about, they are free to email me at anytime.
7. I will also be offering Life Coaching to the girls as well. This is at an additional cost and only available once I have talked to the parents to see if this is suitable for the situation.

Please feel free to contact me at carolyn@cjcarleton.com with any questions or concerns. This is something that we are doing together for your daughter. My goal is that the girls will grow and develop more and more as a Woman of God throughout the study.