Is the College Experience All There Is?

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Being a freshman in college is an amazingly strange feeling. I'm taking classes that have challenged me to think creatively (and actually study). I'm paying for my own groceries, my own gas, my own phone bill. I'm learning to get involved, re-learning how to make friends, and sometimes I'm even partying. But is the college experience all there is?

10 Ways to Get Cozy This Season

Fall is my favorite time of year. Pumpkin lattes, cozy sweaters, and warm dinners make this season stand out from the others. Of course in Texas I'm still enduring t-shirt weather, but chilly days are ahead. Here's what I'm doing to have a perfectly cozy season for the next few months. Care to join me?

Modesty: It's Not Just About the Clothes

Blogger and longtime GFG reader Rebekah shares her thoughts on the importance of modesty -- inside and out.

6 Tips for Starting a New Job

The end of my junior year of high school has brought a big change in my life: I started my first job last month and I have loved every day of it. There's the amazing feeling of being handed my first paycheck, and also the unignorable feeling of tired feet at the end of my shift. God cares about every phase in your life, including starting (or sticking with) a job. Here are a few job tips straight from the Bible that will help you be your absolute best.

5 Ways to Spend Spring Break

Make the most of your time off with these fun and productive ideas.

5 Ways to De-Stress Your Life

Are you stressed out? Sometimes the anxiety in your life can stop you from being productive. Take time to relax and refocus with these tips.

5 Ways to Have a Merry Christmas

1. Listen to Christmas music. The cheery songs you’ve known since you were old enough to talk can really put you in the Christmas spirit. The best ones help you think about Christ coming to earth as a baby and all the events leading up to it. Tired of the traditional renditions in every department store and radio station? Scope out classic songs covered by up and coming artists.

Faith Friday: Knowing When to Listen

Today's culture encourages people to speak their mind more and more. While this is good, listening has become a lost art. According to the Bible, if we focus on listening, we will have less focus on anger. Sound good? Keep reading.

5 Ideas to Brighten Your Bedroom

Looking for simple ways to redecorate your space? Small details can make the biggest difference in how your bedroom looks and feels. Here are 5 affordable, no-fuss ways to give your room some extra flair in a snap.

How to Stay Modest in a Costume

When you're wearing a costume for a performance or recital, it can be hard to stay modest because your instructor chooses what you will wear and you are expected to look like your peers. Dance costumes often show off your body more than normal clothes because the focus is on the lines your body creates while dancing. It may be difficult to dress modestly while performing in costume, but it's not impossible.

Tests, Worries, Mongols, and Why God is Not a Vending Machine

I have a question for you: Is it ok to ask God for help on a test? Specifically, the World History AP exam that I am taking tomorrow that deserves a bit more studying than I've put into it?

Melissa: Dear God, I love you.
God: That's great. I love you, too.
Melissa: Does that mean you'll help me on my test tomorrow?
God: You're funny.

Melissa: If you don't, I won't get college credit. Which means I won't be  successful in life. Which means I'll have to join the circus or something to get money for food. Which means I won't be able to change the world, adopt orphans, and serve your kingdom...all that good stuff. You don't want that, do you?

God: Quit blogging and go study.

I'm fairly certain that's what God would say to me right now. Not that I haven't studied. I have doodles of soldiers, kings, and Queen Elizabeth all over my notes, outlined in pink scented highlighters. But I can just picture myself sitting in front of the test tomorrow....

Melissa: Hey, God. You created the Mongols. What influence did they have on the culture of Southeast Asia?

God: I'm gonna go with C.

So back to my question: Is it ok to ask God for help on an incredibly significant, life-changing test? I thought I'd consult my Bible on this one.

 So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer.... (Luke 21:14)

 If that's not a sign from God, I don't know what is. In all seriousness, though, I'm the one who's taking the test, not God, and it's up to me to come up with a good grade. Yeah, yeah, I know. God never promised us he'd make up for every stupid mistake we've made, or pick up for our lack of study skills. But God did promise us something that can help:

Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. (Matthew 11:28)

So the fate of my grade (and my abilty to change the world, etc.) is in my hands, but I'm not completely alone in this one. I've done the work, so God's got my back. Although that would be SUPER, (hint hint, Lord), God's probably not going to feed me answers or even help me write those three killer essays. But I know that I can count on him to clear my mind, help me focus, and maybe make sure my stomach doesn't growl too loudly during the test. Wish me luck!

Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)