My Prom: The Makeup, Hair, Dress, and Date

 

I usually don't do personal posts, but I finally uploaded my prom photos from the end of the year and thought it'd be fun to share a few with you. This was my school's first-ever prom, and it was a blast. Food, dancing, dresses, more food and more dancing...and did I mention food?

Faith Friday: Dealing with Insecurity

Deni Kiara shares her struggle with body image and reveals how God turned it around.

4 Easy Back to School Hairstyles

Get fabulous hair in five minutes or less. Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself!

 

What to Wear to a School Dance

Dear Melissa,

What should I wear to my school dance?

Taylor Swift Back to School Makeup

Summer is almost over, so get ready for a back-to-school mini makeover! If you need a fun look to add to your usual beauty routine, look no further -- we've tackled Taylor Swift's fresh-faced makeup.

Helpful Hints for Public School

I have always been home schooled, but this year I'm going to public school for eighth grade.  Do you have any tips?

5 Cute Back-to-School Backpacks

Summer is almost over, which means it's time to prepare for the back-to-school rush. Get yourself together with these pretty (and functional!) backpacks.

{ forever 21}

Bullied for Your Faith?

Dear Melissa,

I'm getting bullied at school for my faith. What should I do?

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)

Back to School Fashion

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! Don’t let the new school year sneak up on you. Go back to school in style with Girls for God.
You’ve probably heard this before, but while you’re in school, your education should be your main focus. Don’t let your clothing choices distract you (or your friends) from their work. Distracting clothes include words scrawled across the back of your pants, low-cut or too-tight shirts, miniskirts, short shorts, and crazy colorful outfits. It’s a good idea to check with school guidelines to see what’s allowed and what’s not in terms of clothing. You wouldn’t want to be sent home on your first day because your shoes don't fit the dress code!
If you’re luckier than I am (my high school has uniforms), then you will probably want to do some back-to-school shopping with your mom. Choose modest clothes that are comfortable and express your sense of style. (You’ll feel less out-of-place if you’re happy with what you’re wearing.) A good pair of close-toed shoes is a must. You’ll also want some sneakers for gym class.
Clothes that are pretty but aren’t too tight, short, or thin are great for school. It’s a good idea to stick with the 2-3 Color Rule, which I’ll discuss later, when putting together an outfit, especially one you’ll wear in class. A nice dark-washed pair of jeans are a necessity, as are solid-color tees.
When it comes to accessories, try not to pile on your jewelry, hair clips, and scarves. Simple, minimalist accessories will look much better and will make you feel more free to move around. (Imagine gym class with big earrings, chunky bangle bracelets, and a scarf around your neck. Not fun.)
While you don't want to be distracting, you don't want to be boring, either. Let your clothes be an expression of your individual style! People judge by appearances before anything else, so dress to impress.

Got amazing back-to-school style? Snap a pic of you in your favorite school outfit and send it to girlsforgodblog@yahoo.com for a chance to appear on the blog or newsletter!

School, Friends & Popularity Q&A

Just in time for the start of the new school year, here are some questions you might have about friends, school, and popularity.
Q: What should I do when I feel like I'm left out?
A: You could just dive in to whatever group event is going on -- your friends probably aren't leaving you out on purpose. If you have friends who always make you feel left out, talk with them and let them know how you feel. Once they understand, they can be more intentional about including you.

Q: Every day when I walk into school, my best friend points out something wrong with my appearance. What should I do?
A: Ask her why she points out the things that are "wrong" with you. It's not right for anyone to dish out put-downs, and it's especially hurtful coming from a friend. Let her know her comments bother you and ask her to stop. Be sensitive when you talk with her. She may be putting you down because she lacks self-confidence.

Q: Why do some adults (like coaches) lie to make me feel better?
A: Coaches, youth workers, teachers and parents want to help you become the best young woman you can be. They care about you and want to encourage you. When you're discouraged or having a hard day, it can be difficult to see the things you're good at. Your coach probably wasn't lying; he was probably helping you see your strengths. Receiving compliments can sometimes be more difficult than accepting criticism. Work on believing the good things people say to you.