What you NEED

 We all need something.
I went to Wal-Mart this morning and got hair gel, a package of blue pens, and a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper. That's what I needed.
We all want something.
This Christmas I'll make a list, check it twice, and send it to Santa hoping that he'll be nice. I'll ask for a new Game-Boy advance game, fog lights for my Jeep, and a date with Julia Roberts.
That's what I want.

This month, students were given four wishes from a magic wish genie. Two of them could be for things they wanted. The other two had to be for things they needed. In a world where teenagers are often accused of being selfish and self-centered, it is refreshing to see them prove society wrong. Of course, everyone wants things. But read below and notice how many students realize that the things we truly need are things that can only be given by God.

THE SITUATION:
You and your friends go to the Thrift Store one Saturday afternoon to pick up a few fun tee-shirts and maybe something cool for Halloween. As you shop, you wander to the back, where they keep all the broken toys and mis-matched dishes, and stumble across an old brass vase. "That's cool," you think as you pick up the vase and try to rub a smudge off the front. When you do, a genie bubbles from the top! But this isn't a big, purple, funny looking genie like Aladdin hung out with. No, this one's wearing an old faded Bon Jovi tee-shirt, trucker hat, and smells like old shoes. (What do you expect?! He's a Thrift-Genie!) "Thanks," says the Thrift-Genie. "That vase is horrible! My Sprint PCS Wireless never gets a signal in there! For releasing me from my prison, I'm going to grant you FOUR wishes. I know, genies usually just grant three wishes, but it's red sticker day at the Salvation Army, so I'm feeling generous. Here's how the wishes work . . . the first two wishes can be for any two brainless things you want. You can have ANYTHING your heart desires. The third and fourth wishes, however, have to be for two things you NEED. So, wish for two things you want, and two things you need. Your wish is my command!"


Want - A limitless movie collection
Want -A new car!
Need - I think God has met all those and my only true need is to know him better and improve my relationship with him. Jessica, age 15

One of my wants would probably be to get better grades in school, without really trying because I'm really good at procrastinating stuff like studying and homework. I think being able to get good grades without trying would be AWESOME! Another thing I want but don't necessarily need is more money to spend on things I don't really need, but just want!
One thing that I would say that I need is to have the guts to witness to my friends that don't necessarily believe in Christ. I think that it's not that I don't believe it in enough to do it, I just worry about what they would think. Also, Another thing I would say that I need is more courage or more confidence in myself because I really don't have much of that and I really wish I did because as far as talking in front of people, I could never do it and I really wish I could! Aimee, age 14

Well my first want wish would probably be the ability to ask out one of those girls that are some of my best friends but I'm always afraid to lose them as a friend Second I would ask for enough money so me and my family and friends could live comfortably for the rest of our lives. Well, my need wishes would be hard to make because you can say you need everything you could want but God only knows what I really need. I think people my age want a lot of stuff but none of us know what we really need. Sessmins, age 19

My needs: A more dedicated life of reading scripture and God's peace and joy in my life.
My wants: A closer daily walk with Christ and (as I am single) if God allows, to be married one day.
When people ask me if I'm conservative or liberal, I want my answer to be this; I am as liberal as the grace of God and as conservative as the Word of God. Tony, age 27

The first two are kind of easy. What I want more than anything in the world is to be able to go to UCLA and start a tremendous acting career. What I need is...is there something out there that I actually need? I have God, a great family, and friends. Maybe I need God to help me help some of my friends come to him. But telling what I need is hard. Because all I need is Jesus and he will provide things that I truly do need. Ashley, age 16

If I could have any two wants I think I would have to say I would want a new car and probably a nice house to live in. For my two needs I would pick enough food to keep me well fed and full and someone to love, whether it be a family member, girlfriend, friend, etc. I think a lot of people want things that everyone else is going to like. When I want something or like something I am going to get it no matter what other people may say about it. Why would you want to get something that is just going to make other people happy? I would want something that is going to make me happy. I recently read a Bible verse that I think fits this subject perfectly. It is Romans 14:22. It states "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." Erik, age 16

The two things I would wish for first isa nice BMW car, a million dollars, a new house for both my parents. [I would also] wish to follow God in his footsteps and not act like the world. Jessica

It really depends what you mean when you ask what I want. If you mean materialistic things then I want an Electric Guitar and a new cell phone (a Nextel). But if you mean deep inside my soul I want to see my Aunt again (She died a year and a half ago), and I want to go through life without feeling any more pain. What do I need? Nothing ! I have food, Shelter, Clothing, and God so I'm set. You can give those to someone else. anonymous

My 2 wants would be for an unlimited church budget and my own unlimited bank account. My 2 needs would be for direction for my life and for my youth group to have less drama going on all the time. I think people MY age (as in 18-20 at least) want good jobs, steady income, and someone to share their life with. I think what people my age need is direction in their lives, a good foundation in the church, and a good core group of friends. But that's just my opinion. Meaghan, age 19

2 Wants: a real guy that will treat me right , a smooth life with no problems.
2Needs: a house, food and shelter. anonymous

I think people my age want a good life with no problems, always to be on a spiritual high, and always be able to feel God's presence. And also people my age want a boyfriend/ girlfriend.
People my age really need water, God, food. Kaitlin,14

I want my little sister back since she died in "98." I want a puppy.
I need to get closer with God before it's too late. I need to love myself more. >br> People my age need love and support. Most of us inside really want to talk to our parents but we cant because they either turn us away or don't have time. They want love and encouragement from others and to be accepted for who they are not what they seem. We really need God forever. Amanda, age 15

I think that two things I'd wish for that I need would be all A's on my report card. If I don't my Mom won't be too thrilled. I also need a content heart to where I don't keep wanting more and more and I'm satisfied with what I have. Now for two things I want. I want to have a best friend. Someone to do things with that really understands me. My other wish would be to have a chance to play with a dolphin. I love dolphins and I've always wanted to play and swim in the water with them. Ashley, age 13

There are three wishes that I want and that I think that I need in life. The first is to be closer to God, second is to become a professional pool player. Last is that I'm in love with this girl and I know she is the one but the problem is we don't even go out anymore. Mac

My Two WANT wishes are: a watch laser for defense, and an X-BOX. My Two NEED wishes are: cash for food, and water, and electricity to keep the food from spoiling. anonymous

2 earthly wishes are- #1 A-LOT of nice new clothes/outfits. #2: wisdom
2 Needs : ?Not Sure? Brittnay, age 12

Two things I want are a relationship and a puppy. I need God and good friends. I think that as teenagers we all want someone to love us, not just family-- we want someone (bf/ or gf) who cares and that we can depend on to be there for us. It's hard to find that so for many teenagers it seems like it's a constant search throughout high school. Lori, age 16

My two wants are to pay off my bills, and to see my children be successful and live a Christian life. I don't really need anything, God has supplied me with what I need but I guess we need to get our car fixed, my son wrecked it Wednesday, thankfully the insurance will cover most of it. I'm just thankful that God was with him and he was not hurt. We can get another car but not another son. Theresa, age 45

WANT: #1 to fall hopelessly in love #2 to make the past 2 years go away
NEED: #3 to get my life together #4 to figure out who I am. Jami, age 16

I want my school loans to be paid off. I also want to loose weight.
I need a new job so my passions can glorify God. I really need a deeper relationship with Jesus. (I wish that was my want, but honestly, it's not. I guess I'd put it as, "I want to want a deeper relationship with Jesus.) Scottie, age 24

I think my first wish would be for some kind of super-power. Maybe not a world-changing superpower, but rather a neat parlor trick to do at parties. Like, "Check it out, I can open that can of Mountain Dew (or Dr. Pepper) from twenty yards away... WITH MY MIND". My second wish would be that they would bring back the Bratwurst at McDonalds, and that it would stay there for until the end of time, so I can share the McDonalds Brats with my children, and they can share it with their children, and so on and so forth.
The need wishes are a little trickier. It's human nature that when you need something, you obtain it. I guess I need money, not for anything right now, but for college, and things in my future. Or, maybe, if I just had a little guy, say, the 7-up cool spot, to sit on my shoulder and tell me to work, so I could get a scholarship. I also need to learn tact, if I could somehow wish to be tactful... more tacty...then I would wish for that.
Kids nowadays all want things to make them feel more adult, or things to get them noticed. They want money, clothes, cars, cell phones. I think they need to worry more about the future, getting the things they need, like they NEED to pay attention in school, and many people need guidance, from a friend, or adult. I know I sound like an 90-year-old man, but I'm just concerned for some people. Griffin, age 16

My two Want Wishes is that I wish I was born with black hair and red streaks and I wish I was born with blue eyes.
My two Need Wishes is for God to help me do better in education success and help me with the decision of who I become in later life.
What I think that other people my age want more than anything is to have their own good life. What I think that what other people my age really need is God and his help and guidance. Courtney, age14

I think what I really want is one day to see God as a actual person and to see what he is really like and that's what I would one day like ! Brandie

Wants: Some money (not a lot) and new stuff.
Needs: A prayer and answers
People my age want nothing more than money, sex, drugs, and the drinks. But what they really need is God in their lives and some prayers. Kimberly, age 15

My first two wishes are that: I can get a new Mercedes Benz for my 16th birthday and have thousands of dollars for a shopping spree on whatever I want.
My 3rd and 4th wishes are: My family to completely be out of debt and my grandfather to not get lung cancer. Betsy, age 15

The things that I would wish for that I wanted would be that the guy I like asked me out and that I could have straight A's throughout college. I would need a better personality and the courage to tell others about Jesus Christ. Kids my age would definitely want to fit in the most and to have all the friends all the friends in the world. They really need to get a life and come back to reality and to realize how they are not going to be dependant on their friends their whole lives. Norma, 13

Want wishes : 1. A new convertible bug 2. A laptop computer
Need wishes: 1. to pull up my grades
I think that people my age really want is to have sex. I am not trying to be perverted or anything but it is true, and what they really need is salvation. Kayla 16

Want: To have enough money to pay off my parents bills. To fix up our house.
Need: Good SAT score. Get into a good university.
Most teens want: A cool car. lots of money.
Most teens need: Good grades. Good role models. Jordan, age 16

My 2 want wishes would be for an orange and white kitty cat and for my room to clean itself.
My need wishes would be for my dad to find a job that wouldn't be so hard, physically and emotionally on him. That my one granddad would get better from his cancer and my other granddad to get better spiritually. Abbi, age 14

Hey, the two things I would want would be more money for school and things I need, and for it to be warmer here at school.
The two things I would need are prayer just for everything (school, family, work, myself) and the second would be to be focused more on school and make better grades.
I think people my age want money and friends more than anything, but the one thing we really need is God in our life and the forgiveness he gives us everyday. It's sad to see young people putting good things to the side that they need and not taking advantage of it like God and his forgiveness and everything he offers in life and forever. Michelle

My first wish would be that everyone on this Earth would know God and love him with all their heart. And my second wish would be that people would not make fun of other people because they don't dress like them, or have the same amount of friends as them I think it is wrong. My third wish would be that I need to be more Christian like and my fifth would be that I need to witness to more people. Jenna, age 14

What I really want is to become more like Jesus (and I'm not saying that just because you're a pastor, I really mean it)! A "want wish" I would make is to be more like Jesus. The second "want wish" I would make is to become a professional goalie for a professional women's soccer team (selfish, I know). I couldn't think of any "need wishes", except for that I want to become more like Jesus. Andrea

WANT: I want to 1967 Shelby Mustang GT completely restored with at least 325 hp! Gimme, Gimme! Vroom!
WANT: Clarity! I want all of my thoughts to be completely clear, and for all of the things I want to say to come out just right. I never want to forget anything!
NEED: mmm...Food. I like food. Lucky thing is, we need food! Ha!
NEED: To be in the constant presence of God, never forgetting who he is. ( I guess you could say that is a need, for without it, we are all spiritually "dead") Steven, age 16

Want- To be loved and To feel loved
Need- To be loved and to feel loved
It's as simple as that "What the world needs now is love" Jess, age 17

My two wants would be a big house and a swimming pool. My two needs would be that my friend would not lose her house and the other would be that everyone in my church will come together. Bethany, age 14

The two things I would want would be:
1. That there would be no one in the world that would suffer from poverty. That everyone would have enough food to eat.
2. That no matter where you went in or out of the country that you could freely speak about your religion, that you could stand up for what you believed. That you would not be persecuted, although the Bible does tell you that whoever follows and believes in him will be persecuted.
The two things I need would be:
1. More time in the day to get things done like; quiet times, school, homework, work, and just sharing my faith with friends. 2. A Bible for every person that I come in contact with, whether it be a best friend or a stranger. A bible is the most powerful gift you could every give anyone.
The thing that teenagers want more than anything is to fit in and to be loved is what I believe. I think that is why today's teenagers turn to worst things like drugs, sex, violence ect. The thing that teenagers really need is a relationship with Jesus, than they would fit in somewhere and that would be with other Christians. Ashlie, age 16

If I had 2 wishes for anything my heart desires- I'd pick immortality and a life full of nothing but fun! For my 2 absolutely must need wishes, I'd wish to get closer with God and to get less homework (that really is a NEED!!) Zach, age 13

The things I want- a never ending supply of money in every nation and for my dad to come back.
The things I need-- to have all of the sorrow I have experienced in the past 2 yrs to be lifted up off of my shoulders and be like it never happened. Holly, age 14

My first two wished would be to win every political race I run in, and to be able to read people's minds (not like Ms. Cleo, but like Mel Gibson in What Women Want)
My two Needs would be to do well in school, and for all people to feel Jesus' love.
People at my age want to be bad and want drugs and girls. They need to TRULY know Jesus! Alex, age 14

There are so many things I want and need. I mean I really could go on for a long time. Honestly the 2 things I want more than anything is enough money to go to Liberty University because we aren't the richest people and for my dad's back to be heeled (I know that's not really for me, but it would provide a better home life if he wasn't so badly hurt all the time). The two things I need are a continuing faith in God and patience to live out life through the hard times. Fortunately I can say there aren't any material things I need b/c they are all provided for me.
Most teenagers want new fancy cars, cell phones, name brand clothes...anything that will help them "fit in"...but most teenagers NEED a relationship w/ God! Stephanie, age 16

What do I really want? If I had 4 wishes I would wish for.....
2 wants--
1) Midnight Blue 2004 VW Jetta with ground effects, spoiler, and tinted windows (hey! I might as well be specific!)
2) One of every item in Hot Topic (does that count for one wish??)
2 needs--
1) Constant love
2) Direction/ Guidance
Realizing what you want is a lot easier that figuring out what you need, because we don't need as much as we think we do! Almost all of us have food to eat and clothes to wear and a house to live in. Beyond that it is all what we want! Mary Esther, age 16

The two things that I want are to be able to know what God wants with me. I know he wants me, but what for? The second thing I want is to know him better than that I can ever image. Now the things I need are a loving family and God to lead my way. Allyson, age 13

Two things that I want that I would wish for would be, a cell phone, and a new outfit.
Two things I need are patience, and to get my room clean.
I think people my age want to be included with older kids, and they need to know that they're loved my friends and family. Hannah, age 13

Wish One Want: To know what I need to do with my life or some MAD basketball skills to just get me right into the WNBA. Wish two want: Money so my mother doesn't have to work anymore and no stress on my parents about paying for college and making sure every one has what they want and some things we need.
Wish Three Need: I can't even think of anything that I need I can think of a million wants though. God has provided and blessed me with everything that I need so I guess I can only ask for more want wishes. Or just be content with what I have. Jess, age 17

If I had 4 wishes I would wish for....
I would WANT to have my dad back on earth, I'd WANT to see all my friends from Georgia and Centrifuge!!! I'd tell the genie that I NEED water to have endlessly and that I'd NEED God's endless love with me to get through that life that I must have! That's what I would wish for. Also I think that other people or teens are wishing for cars, dirt bikes and things like that. Money is another thing they probably wish for too. Cool Quote: Who cares about today...I'm worried about tomorrow! Erin, age 14

I think what people my age want is maybe a new car or money. And what I think they REALLY need is God. I couldn't really think of what I would want to wish for but I know what other people would probably wish for and REALLY need. Crystal

My want wishes: 1) A puppy 2) A cell phone
My need wishes: 1) Good health for me and my Mom 2) Money to protect and nourish me and my Mom
Brianna, age 13

If I were to receive four wishes, two whatever I wanted and two I needed, I would think about it carefully. For the two things that I want: One would be a new car, maybe something like a BMW or a Porsche. My second wish would defiantly be to raise a family with the woman I love (she knows who she is!) and to grow old with her. For the two things that I need: One would be time to just sit and talk to God. I get so busy with college applications and school work that I forget what I am doing this for. Secondly would be living closer to my girlfriend. She is one of the only things here on earth that keeps me together. Her being off at college is hard and what I am going through now doesn't make the distance any closer. David, age 17

That's actually a hard question. I think I would wish for an endless supply of money (what greedy person wouldn't) and a lifetime of happiness. These are obviously the wants. When it comes to needs, I really wouldn't NEED anything. I already have everything that I need (otherwise how would I get by?). So, I would ask for the salvation of my unsaved friends, since that is something that they need. Jessie, age 18

I wish for: 1) eternal bliss 2) respect from everyone including authority
I need:1) I don't NEED anything, God has provided me with anything and everything I have, do, or ever will need in life. anonymous

Want - Front row, 50 yard seats to every FSU home game.
Want - $$$$$$$$$$, so I can just buy all my other wants.
Need - More Discipline in spending time with God.
Need - More confidence when meeting new people.
I think what people my age want more than anything is to fit in. They want to be in the "It" crowd, have all the "cool" friends, and be popular. I know this sounds churchy, but what they need is God. With God, you are able to be comfortable with who you are, and you don't need to be in the "It" crowd. You don't have to worry about pleasing the people on this earth, because you are focused on pleasing God, and doing His will. While doing His will, you will have more joy then you will ever have by trying to fit in with the "It" crowd. Kelsey, age 14

I want a billion dollars. That would take care of all the physical things I could want. The second thing I want is a ton of good friends that will be there for me and help me out when I need it. Now some would say that this is a need but I have spent most of my life without many friends. In fact, all through my life I was an outcast who was rejected an thrown aside from everything. The reason you don't need friends is because my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is there for you and he is the best friend. So I WANT friends. The first need wish would be for God's will in my life at all times. God has a perfect plan for me and it will make me happy and turn out good for me if I follow his will. The last need wish would be for me to listen. In my daily life I don't listen to what the Lord is trying to tell me. I need to hear what he is telling me so I can further share his word to those who need it and those who the lord put in my path.
I think that what people my age need more then anything is attention. Someone to love them unconditionally, someone to be there for them and I don't think we get this enough because we go seeking it in wrong places when we don't get it. The greatest want is probably acceptance for who your are and what you believe in. Daniel, age 15

Wants: Financial independence and a healthy body.
Needs: A cure for my son's epilepsy and health for my Mom and Dad. Vickie, age 40

Needs and wants, these are often difficult to distinguish between. But as age creeps up on you, it becomes easier to tell the difference. As for the needs, these are truly few, because I have finally come to realize (I catch on slowly, see my age) that the Lord truly does supply these items. But if I have to......I need to make a way to balance the life of a father that is self employed, parent of two teenagers and all that goes with life at home, work and church and other activities to find a way to carve out adequate time to spend with GOD so that he has my attention in a way that he is deserving of, not just brief encounters. And secondly, I need to decelerate some. Not push as much.
As for the wants, they are few also, But I want to have adequate funding available to allow my kids to attend college without the after consequences of student loans or the necessity of having to work while in school. This would allow full enjoyment of the college experience, both in studies and social interaction. And I truly want, wish, desire or whatever word is chosen to learn to play an "F" chord on my guitar. My brain and fingers do not want to cooperate with each other. Marc, age 46

If I had 4 wishes, 2 for wants and 2 for needs, I would have to say to always have a healthy faith therefore I will always have God. And to always have my family and friends for support. For the needs, I would say to have this guy I really like to like me back. I know its dumb but I really like him. For my second one, I would wish for my friend back. She just recently died in a car crash with her uncle, and her brother is in intensive care and I'm definitely going through the hardest point in my life so far. Kristin, age 12

I'd wish (what I need first) to see my older sister again since she's away at college, and it's really hard being in a house without her. I'd also wish for a scholarship--or two--to fall my way this spring to help pay for college next fall. For what I want is hard. I'd wish for a new car (doesn't matter the type) and unlimited trips to Disney for free during my four years at college starting in the fall.
More than anything, people our age want anything money can buy, especially a car. Although what they really need is what money can't buy. They need love, happiness, peace, joy, and above all else, God. I see too many people in school without any of those things, or only one of them. Jenny, age 17

2 wishes that I want are to be closer to my friends and my second wish is to get a boyfriend for a change!
2 wishes that I need are to start going to church more often and to be closer to God. Elizabeth, age 14

The 2 things I would want are a financially secure life, and a nice car! The two things I need are endless love and eternity, but who needs a genie for those? Jesus Christ can and has given me both of those things! Morgan, age 17

I want to sell one of my ideas. I want to direct my movie
I need a Wife and I need Jesus( but I already have Jesus) Christian, age 20

My first two Want wishes would be for my dad to be cured of his illness (there is no cure) and for me to graduate Valedictorian of my class.  My two Needs would be for endless knowledge, especially common sense, and for a better understanding of the Bible from God!  I think that teens today want a lot of materialistic things, like cars, clothes, and shoes.  We all need to rethink what we really want in life; worthless junk or stuff that really matters? Kim, age 15

want: lifetime supply of Dr. pepper and no homework.
need: nothing! I have everything I need! anonymous

If I had four wished I would wish for no war whatsoever. I would also wish that I was the most beautiful girl (inside and out). I would want happiness for my friends and family. My last wish would be the ability to go back and change things. anonymous

The first thing I would want is for me to receive some kind of grant from North Greenville College to go on a youth exchange program to France for 6 weeks this summer.   It will be some kind of "pre-college experience" if I become an exchange student later.  I'll  have to pull up 35 hundred from somewhere without a grant, which probably won't happen. I would also like a car, second, because I totaled the one I was driving one week ago. My third wish is to PUT GOD FIRST, this is difficult to do, but it works every time.  , I guess my fourth wish is to PUT MYSELF LAST.  Blake, age 16

Since I really only have one wish I would want and I would need  I would put it as getting along with my mom, and actually having a father, and mother that loves me for who I am. Also, that I wouldn't have to fill my sister's shoes witch are 5 sizes to big.  The two thing's I want are to be rich and to have amazing beauty. Sandie, age 15  

My two wants are for a new car, the one I have is a piece of junk, and a boyfriend. It seems like all of my friends are dating someone except me. My needs on the other hand are very basic they are that I have a stronger relationship with God and my second is that my friends have a stronger relationship with God too. April, age 16

This question was a pretty tough one, because I believe there is really nothing I need. I mean I am very pleased with all I have no matter how little I do have. I would definitely want a stronger relationship with God. I also think it would be pretty cool to figure out the perfect way witness to my family and friends. I mean it's harder than you would expect. But something I really want for myself, is to get a job in acting or singing! Now, that would be awesome! annonymous



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