6 Mother's Day Ideas

Mother's Day is coming, and every year I try to make that day spectacular for my Mother, because she does so much for our family. Here are some easy gift idea's that won't break your budget!

1. A homemade card.
I use to think homemade cards weren't very special, but believe me... they are! They are so special especially to your Mother. It's something that she will cherish forever!

2. A recipe box.
If your Mom loves to cook or bake, this is perfect for her! Use a shoe box or a type of box that you think would work, and decorate it. My favorite way to do this is by decoupage. It's really easy and fun!
3. Homemade jewelery.
A necklace or bracelet made by you is something that your Mom will absolutely adore... And it's a great craft to do with your little sister!

4. Tissue paper flowers.
Tissue paper flowers are a great way to show your Mom you care! They're not nearly as expensive as real flowers, but they are just as pretty and you can spray a bit of perfume on them if you wish for them to be scented. The scent lasts about a day, but unlike real flowers, these can last forever.

5. Breakfast / Brunch.
Mom loves a good brunch! You can either do breakfast in bed, or make a lovely brunch for the family. You may have all your ingredients in your kitchen already - and it doesn't have to be fancy! When I was 8, I made my Mom toaster waffles and pop-tarts for her breakfast, and she loved it because it was from me - not because how good it tasted.

6. Mommy.
This one costs nothing at all, but makes a huge impact. Simply calling her "Mommy" for the day is a great way to make her feel loved!

Remember to let your Mom know you love her throughout the day and this Mother's Day will be spectacular!

-- This post was written by the lovely Grace Ward.

10 Ways to be a Role Model

Believe it or not, you are a role model for younger girls. Here are some steps to get you "on a role"!

1. Spend time with kids. You’ll hone in on your babysitting (and parenting) skills and will probably end up having a blast and making a difference in a child’s life.

2. Be an encourager. God wants us to build people up and add value to others.

3. Use kind words. Think before you speak. If something you want to say could hurt someone, don’t say it.

4. Give generously. God wants you to give with a joyful heart and help His kingdom.

5. Respect adults. I know it’s tough, but if you show them respect, chances are they’ll do the same for you.

6. Follow through on your word. When you say you’ll do something, do it.

7. Dress modestly – wear clothes that cover you.

8. Say “thank you”. Everyone deserves a little gratitude.

9. Volunteer. Plugging into your community can change the world. Get involved at your local animal shelter or offer to tutor kids who struggle in an area you’re good at.

10. Be honest. Lying is easy, but honesty will keep you on firm ground.

Dads: The New Fashionistas?

Did you know that your dad can help you with your fashion choices? Believe it or not, it’s true. While he may not have the best sense of style in the world, your dad can be invaluable in helping you with your clothing choices. How? If he says a skirt is too short or a shirt is too low, listen to him. He’s a guy and knows exactly how teenage boy brains work. He understands what a guy will be thinking when he sees you in that new dress -- so you’d be wise to listen to his advice. Color combinations, on the other hand, are unlikely to be your father’s area of expertise.

Lauren's Story

"Some of the most important things I've learned in life didn't actually come through my personal experiences, but through someone else's -- my big sister's. We're like best friends, so when she went through dark times, I went through them with her. And when she learned God's wisom, I also learned.
When I was 14, my sister was in her early 20s and had been dating the same guy for a couple years. It wasn't a healthy relationship, but they got married anyway. The marriage was filled with verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. I watched my confident, fun, outgoing sister slowly transform into a timid, broken, insecure person. For a while, she managed to hide the physical abuse from our family. But eventually the truth came out.
They ended up getting divorced, and in my sister's pain, she was questioning everything -- herself, her faith, even God. I stayed by her side through every step. She and I took long walks through the woods and talked about the decisions she'd made and the consequences she faced as a result. I just wanted to support my sister, but I ended up being changed more than I would've ever imagined. God's power to deliver people from even the darkest situations became so real to me. I was totally impacted by seeing how God carefully protected her, loved her, and taught her His truth. I'll never forget how much joy she experienced as God showed her how to forgive her ex-husband, healed her heart, and filled her life with His perfect, unchanging love.
When I started high school, my sister reminded me of everything she'd gone through when she was my age, especially the unhealthy relationship that led to the abusive marriage. She'd always say, 'Remember when I did such-and-such, and what the consequences were?' There were lots of times I faced tough situations, and the only reason I knew the right thing to do was because I'd learned God's truth together with my sister.
God has delivered me from so many close calls, just by bringing to mind the example of my sister or other people He's put in my life. I'm so thankful, and I never want to miss a chance to learn His truth. As it says in Proverbs 18:15, 'The mind of a person with understanding gets knowledge; the wise person listens to learn more.'" Lauren, a girl changed by God

Fun in the Sun

Here are some great ways to have fun with your friends and family this summer!

• make watermelon slushes
• freeze green grapes then enjoy! (they have to be green)
• have a spa day
• make cucumber face masks
• make a fruity facial
• get a summer haircut. take before & after pics
• get a mani/pedi in a 4th of July or bright summer color
• paint on your sidewalk (yes, I said paint! click here to learn how!)
• get some cute modest swimsuits (JC Penny's, Diviine ModesTee - customize swimwear!) (see GFG swimsuit review!)
• show your friend you care
• moisturize your hands & nails
• wash your dog (or your dad's car)
• treat your friends to ice cream (yes, with your $)
• get a summer wardrobe (Diviine ModesTee, JC Penny's, Macy's, Target)
• hit the pool (and don't forget modest swimsuits and sunblock!)
• invent a new flavor of popsicle by mixing fruit juices -- make & eat!
• brainstorm more ideas with your friends and post them here!