Have a great February and a Happy Valentine's Day!
Check out all of the new posts for February!
Jesus:
2 Week Count Down to Valentine’s Day: verses about God’s love for us
God’s Love…For Us
Others:
The Story behind Valentine’s Day
Showing Love to Others
Love and Respect
You:
Expect Respect-Guy Talk
Freshen Up, French Style!-Natural Glow
The Must-Haves for Winter-Modest Dressing
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Must-Haves for Winter
Modest Dressing
The Must-Haves for Winter
I’m all about trying new things. New types of clothes, accessories, and new make-up or hygiene applications. After searching high and low for a great top ten list for you, I’ve found it! Here are the must-haves for this winter!
The Must-Haves for Winter
I’m all about trying new things. New types of clothes, accessories, and new make-up or hygiene applications. After searching high and low for a great top ten list for you, I’ve found it! Here are the must-haves for this winter!
10. Stockings
(These are great! You can get cheap, cute pairs of stockings at Target to mix and match great outfits)
9. Bigelow and Co. chap stick from Bath and Body Works
(Minty and shimmery, it’s good for your lips too!)
8. Listerine Whitening Mouthwash
This mouthwash not only kills germs, but it whitens your teeth with foaming action.
7. Suave hair products
Want to have amazing hair without spending a lot? Try Suave! Their products work amazingly well and are insanely cheap.
6. Ballet Flats
These look great with a pair of tights or jeans! They are a comfortable option for dressy, cute shoes.
5. Purses from Target
It’s always nice to have a cute handbag now and then. Best place to hit the sales? Try Target!
4. Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry looks great with most outfits. Plus, you can adjust the look of the jewelry to your personal style, depending on your outfit. I’ve found that Maurices and Target have good sales. Otherwise, check to see if you have a mom, aunt, or grandmother that has unwanted jewelry. The jewelry styles of their eras are coming back!
3. Cardigans
Cardigans are a great way to layer and mix and match your outfits. They can create endless possibilities for your wardrobe.
2. Boots
Boots come in at number two on our list! There are tons of amazing boot styles out there. There is a boot that fits your unique personality and fashion style. I suggest checking out DSW and Payless.
1. Scarves
Oh, yes, Ladies! Coming in at number one is SCARVES!!! WOO HOO!!! I’m not talking your normal winter scarf. I’m talking cute, sassy scarves for your outfit! You can find scarves in lace, cotton, and most fabrics. I encourage you to find expressive scarves that show who you are as an individual! For these, it’s sometimes worth checking out the little boutiques downtown.
Hopefully this list helps guide your thinking during the snowy season!
By Heather Engh
Be wise. Be thrifty! Check your own closet to see what you have that you haven’t used in a while. Maybe your mom or your sister has something that will work for you! But don’t forget to ask their permission to use their things… Thrift stores or second hand stores may yield treasures you don’t expect, too!
Freshen Up, French Style!
Natural Glow
Freshen Up, French Style!
How do the French stay beautiful? Would you believe me if I told you that their make-up tip was to wear barely-there makeup? It’s true! French style makeup consists of fresh, clean skin. Smoothen out your skin with a touch of foundation and powder. Then add on a peach coat of lip-gloss. Voila! Instant natural beauty! If you insist on eye-makeup, add a bit of mascara to make your eyes pop.
According to Laura Mercier, a French creator of a line of cosmetics and skin care, “It really astonishes me the way American women wear so much makeup. In America, even teenage girls are overly made-up. And when you are overly made-up, you send out the message that you are overly sexual, that you want to be visible to attract men.” What does this mean for JOY girls? It means that you are, and always have been, beautiful just the way you are! Make-up doesn’t make you beautiful. It is your shinning personality! Let your natural, God-given beauty show!
Freshen Up, French Style!
How do the French stay beautiful? Would you believe me if I told you that their make-up tip was to wear barely-there makeup? It’s true! French style makeup consists of fresh, clean skin. Smoothen out your skin with a touch of foundation and powder. Then add on a peach coat of lip-gloss. Voila! Instant natural beauty! If you insist on eye-makeup, add a bit of mascara to make your eyes pop.
According to Laura Mercier, a French creator of a line of cosmetics and skin care, “It really astonishes me the way American women wear so much makeup. In America, even teenage girls are overly made-up. And when you are overly made-up, you send out the message that you are overly sexual, that you want to be visible to attract men.” What does this mean for JOY girls? It means that you are, and always have been, beautiful just the way you are! Make-up doesn’t make you beautiful. It is your shinning personality! Let your natural, God-given beauty show!
Expect Respect
Guy Talk
Expect Respect
In that search for Mr. Right, it’s important to remember one thing: expect respect. I know that we all say that we expect to be respected from guys, but how often do we find ourselves settling for second or even third best? In the end, we all want to be loved and accepted for who we are. It’s human nature. But let’s not forget that we are true princesses under God our King and Father. We already are loved and accepted through Jesus! Don’t settle for half best when God has someone just for you that will give you all of the respect, love, acceptance, and admiration you crave.
To help set your standards, make a list of the things you love in a man. In the separate column, make a list of the characteristics you will not tolerate. Set your standards high! Next time you find yourself at a relationship crossroads where you could settle for less than the best, pull out your list and remind yourself of your standards. God knows your heart’s desires even before you do! He’s got Mr. Right all lined up for you. Never settle and trust God to put Mr. Right in your path!
Expect Respect
In that search for Mr. Right, it’s important to remember one thing: expect respect. I know that we all say that we expect to be respected from guys, but how often do we find ourselves settling for second or even third best? In the end, we all want to be loved and accepted for who we are. It’s human nature. But let’s not forget that we are true princesses under God our King and Father. We already are loved and accepted through Jesus! Don’t settle for half best when God has someone just for you that will give you all of the respect, love, acceptance, and admiration you crave.
To help set your standards, make a list of the things you love in a man. In the separate column, make a list of the characteristics you will not tolerate. Set your standards high! Next time you find yourself at a relationship crossroads where you could settle for less than the best, pull out your list and remind yourself of your standards. God knows your heart’s desires even before you do! He’s got Mr. Right all lined up for you. Never settle and trust God to put Mr. Right in your path!
Love and Respect
Love and Respect
Part of loving others is respecting them too. Ephesians 5:33 says, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Even though this verse is talking about a married couple, I believe that there needs to be respect in any relationship, guys and girls or just friendships. We need to make sure that we, as girls, are respecting the people in our lives, whether it is those in authority or the guys in our life. We also need to make sure we are being respected and not just being used. Remember that there needs to be both love and respect for a relationship to work. If we practice it now, it may come easier for us when we are married.
Part of loving others is respecting them too. Ephesians 5:33 says, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Even though this verse is talking about a married couple, I believe that there needs to be respect in any relationship, guys and girls or just friendships. We need to make sure that we, as girls, are respecting the people in our lives, whether it is those in authority or the guys in our life. We also need to make sure we are being respected and not just being used. Remember that there needs to be both love and respect for a relationship to work. If we practice it now, it may come easier for us when we are married.
Showing Love to Others
Showing Love to Others
The Bible calls us to love others:
John 15:12-13
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
The Bible calls us to love others:
John 15:12-13
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
The Story behind Valentine’s Day
The Story behind Valentine’s Day
The story behind Valentine’s Day is that St. Valentine gave his life in the name of love and romance. Marriage had been outlawed because Emperor Claudius believed that soldiers would be able to focus on victory instead of their families. St. Valentine continued to perform marriages secretly for Christians. Valentine also helped Christians escape from the Roman jails where they were being tortured. When it was discovered that Valentine was marrying people, he was also put in jail. It is said that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who brought food to him. He wrote a letter to her and signed it “from your Valentine”. Valentine did end up being put to death because of his strong Christian beliefs. He died on February 14. He lived his life for others and gave up his life for them, too.
The story behind Valentine’s Day is that St. Valentine gave his life in the name of love and romance. Marriage had been outlawed because Emperor Claudius believed that soldiers would be able to focus on victory instead of their families. St. Valentine continued to perform marriages secretly for Christians. Valentine also helped Christians escape from the Roman jails where they were being tortured. When it was discovered that Valentine was marrying people, he was also put in jail. It is said that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who brought food to him. He wrote a letter to her and signed it “from your Valentine”. Valentine did end up being put to death because of his strong Christian beliefs. He died on February 14. He lived his life for others and gave up his life for them, too.
God’s Love…For Us
God’s Love…For Us
February begins and Valentine’s Day becomes the topic. We think about romance, flowers, candy, and hearts. We see red and pink things all around. But that is not really what Valentine’s Day is really all about. It is really about God’s love. Look through the 2 weeks of Bible verses that describe God’s love for us. Even though all of those things may be important, God’s love for us this season is most important!
February begins and Valentine’s Day becomes the topic. We think about romance, flowers, candy, and hearts. We see red and pink things all around. But that is not really what Valentine’s Day is really all about. It is really about God’s love. Look through the 2 weeks of Bible verses that describe God’s love for us. Even though all of those things may be important, God’s love for us this season is most important!
2 Week Count Down to Valentine’s Day: verses about God’s love for us
2 Week Count Down to Valentine’s Day: verses about God’s love for us
February 1: John 3:16 NIV
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, [Or his only begotten Son] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
~ Remember that God loves us soooo much that He sent His Son to die for us!
2: 1 John 3:1 NIV
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
~This verse reminds that God, our Father, loves us so much that He calls us His children. We are all Princesses!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
~This verse reminds that God, our Father, loves us so much that He calls us His children. We are all Princesses!
3: Psalms 103:11 AND Romans 5:8
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
~If the verse is in the Bible twice, the same way, it is important! His love is so GREAT!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
~If the verse is in the Bible twice, the same way, it is important! His love is so GREAT!
4: John 15:9 NIV
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
~You are in God’s love!
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
~You are in God’s love!
5: Psalm 118:1 NIV
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
~ His love is everlasting! Look at the whole chapter. His love endures forever repeats throughout the chapter.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
~ His love is everlasting! Look at the whole chapter. His love endures forever repeats throughout the chapter.
6: Exodus 20:6 NIV
but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
~He is showing His love to us. How do you see His love every day?
but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
~He is showing His love to us. How do you see His love every day?
February 7: 1 John 4:18-19 NIV
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
~Remember He first loved us, you and me! And we are called to love!
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
~Remember He first loved us, you and me! And we are called to love!
February 8: Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
~Don’t forget to love the Lord back!
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
~Don’t forget to love the Lord back!
9: Exodus 34:6 NIV
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
~ The Lord surrounds us in His love!
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
~ The Lord surrounds us in His love!
10: 1 John 4:10 NIV
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for [Or as the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away] our sins.
~God shows us the greatest demonstration of love!
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for [Or as the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away] our sins.
~God shows us the greatest demonstration of love!
11: Exodus 15:13 NIV
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
~God’s love is unfailing.
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
~God’s love is unfailing.
12: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
~Think about each thing that love is. This is the perfect definition of love! We should try to live this kind of love out in our lives.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
~Think about each thing that love is. This is the perfect definition of love! We should try to live this kind of love out in our lives.
13: 1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV
Love never fails.
~3 words, such a powerful meaning. Never forget God’s love NEVER fails for us!
Love never fails.
~3 words, such a powerful meaning. Never forget God’s love NEVER fails for us!
February 14-Happy Valentine’s Day!: 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
~And that sums it up…The Greatest is LOVE.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
~And that sums it up…The Greatest is LOVE.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Please email any suggestions, prayer requests, or comments that you have to:
joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com
Also, if you would like to be on the mailing update list or know of someone that would like to be on it, please email.
joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com
Also, if you would like to be on the mailing update list or know of someone that would like to be on it, please email.
Happy 2010!!!
Joy Blog January 2010
Happy New Year! Check out the fun things in this New Year issue.
A Sneak Peek:
JESUS-Choose Life
OTHERS- Peacemakers
YOU- Of Snow and Sunblock, The Wardrobe Shuffle, Letting Go: a note on forgiving guys
Happy New Year! Check out the fun things in this New Year issue.
A Sneak Peek:
JESUS-Choose Life
OTHERS- Peacemakers
YOU- Of Snow and Sunblock, The Wardrobe Shuffle, Letting Go: a note on forgiving guys
Choose Life
Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
As the New Year begins, it makes me think of new life and new beginnings. You may make resolutions of things that you would like to do in the next year and look forward to events of the year. For me, I am looking forward to birthdays and new births in my family. As we begin this new year, this new chapter in our lives, we need to remember an important thing. Deuteronomy 30:19 says that we need to” choose life”. I believe that this means we should make the most of every single day. This year, I challenge you to live every day to the fullest. Try something new. Help someone in need. Try out for a sports team. Surprise your parents with a coupon to babysit your siblings so they can go out. Put a smile on your face and spread the cheer around. Choose this year to live your life for God and He will bless you!
By Mandy Heffron
Peacemakers
It is the beginning of a new year and as we think about the last, we need to lay away grievances that we have towards others. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone…” This year we should make a goal to try to do just that. I know that this can be a very difficult thing to do, but the Bible also gives us a tip about that. In Romans 12:18, it says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” So it is saying that we should try to live in peace, but it might not always work. Even if it doesn’t seem to be working though, we still need to be striving towards it. We need to be doing our part.
Also the only way that we can have total peace is through Christ. I found two verses I like that talk about this:
Ephesians 2:14 “For He Himself is our peace…”
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Finally, by trying to live in peace with others, God gives us a promise. He says in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons (or daughters) of God.”
May God bless you this year as you strive to live in peace with others.
By Mandy Heffron
Also the only way that we can have total peace is through Christ. I found two verses I like that talk about this:
Ephesians 2:14 “For He Himself is our peace…”
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Finally, by trying to live in peace with others, God gives us a promise. He says in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons (or daughters) of God.”
May God bless you this year as you strive to live in peace with others.
By Mandy Heffron
Of Snow and Sunblock
The snow clings thick to the tree branches in my home-state of Minnesota. Ice twinkles on the tops of mailboxes and trees. Stepping outside, I can see my breath when I breathe out. I’m all bundled up for a day of skiing! I grab my skis, my poles, an extra pair of gloves, and the sunblock. Oh yes! Sunblock!
Now, you may be thinking, “What? Sunblock in the winter? I thought that was summer item!” Yes, it is, but it is also a very commonly forgotten about winter item. When the sun reflects off of the snow, it intensifies the light. Because it is cold, we don’t often notice the sunshine our skin is receiving. Remember to add some sunblock to your beautiful face before heading outside! Your skin will remain fresh and naturally glowing.
By Heather Engh
Now, you may be thinking, “What? Sunblock in the winter? I thought that was summer item!” Yes, it is, but it is also a very commonly forgotten about winter item. When the sun reflects off of the snow, it intensifies the light. Because it is cold, we don’t often notice the sunshine our skin is receiving. Remember to add some sunblock to your beautiful face before heading outside! Your skin will remain fresh and naturally glowing.
By Heather Engh
The Wardrobe Shuffle
Holly opened up her closet door. Groaning, she moved around the hanging clothes. “What to wear? What. To. Wear…,”she mumbled. Oh, indecisiveness. It should be a crime! All of those clothes and yet we still have trouble finding that perfect outfit! All too often, I find myself in Holly’s situation. Just pushing around the clothes hanging in my closet. Maybe trying on a couple of outfits (only to fling them across my bed in dismay and frustration).
Here is a tip for those wardrobe shuffle blues! Research has shown that our personality and mood are affected by color. Which makes sense. If you are around only grey colors for a substantial amount of time, you may start to feel gloomy, depressing, and grey! For me, my mood affects how I dress. Sometimes I feel very sassy and ready to take on the day: my outfit reflects that. Sometimes I feel quite down-to-earth: my outfit definitely shows that. And, dare I say it, sometimes I feel lazy! My outfit will reveal how lazy I am feeling!
To combine these two concepts (moods and colors) I organize my wardrobe according to color. For example, all of my blue clothes are in one part of my closet; all of my red clothes in another; my yellow clothes in another, etc. When I get dressed for that perfect outfit, I stop and think about my mood, then I just go to the colored clothing section in my closet that best fits how I am feeling! Easy as that! This saves time and frustration. No more wardrobe shuffling and more time enjoying the day God gave!
By Heather Engh
Here is a tip for those wardrobe shuffle blues! Research has shown that our personality and mood are affected by color. Which makes sense. If you are around only grey colors for a substantial amount of time, you may start to feel gloomy, depressing, and grey! For me, my mood affects how I dress. Sometimes I feel very sassy and ready to take on the day: my outfit reflects that. Sometimes I feel quite down-to-earth: my outfit definitely shows that. And, dare I say it, sometimes I feel lazy! My outfit will reveal how lazy I am feeling!
To combine these two concepts (moods and colors) I organize my wardrobe according to color. For example, all of my blue clothes are in one part of my closet; all of my red clothes in another; my yellow clothes in another, etc. When I get dressed for that perfect outfit, I stop and think about my mood, then I just go to the colored clothing section in my closet that best fits how I am feeling! Easy as that! This saves time and frustration. No more wardrobe shuffling and more time enjoying the day God gave!
By Heather Engh
Letting Go: A Note on Forgiving Guys
Have you ever wondered to yourself, “What was he thinking?!?! What would possibly possess him to say that?! Why would he do that?”
Oh my, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve asked myself that question, I would be rich! Sometimes it can be more than difficult to understand men. Even more difficult when they do something that hurts us. The blur of being hurt, especially by someone that we care about, can blind us to an important concept: forgiveness.
Forgiveness can be the most trying thing. It is important to remember that the men who have hurt you in the past need to be forgiven. Until you can forgive, how can your heart be open? God has amazing guy-friendships lined up for you! Even more, God has an incredible man/husband for you! Forgive and open your heart up to the friendships around you. It can be a difficult mountain to overcome, but once you are at the top, you’ll be amazed at who was waiting for you the entire time.
By Heather Engh
Oh my, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve asked myself that question, I would be rich! Sometimes it can be more than difficult to understand men. Even more difficult when they do something that hurts us. The blur of being hurt, especially by someone that we care about, can blind us to an important concept: forgiveness.
Forgiveness can be the most trying thing. It is important to remember that the men who have hurt you in the past need to be forgiven. Until you can forgive, how can your heart be open? God has amazing guy-friendships lined up for you! Even more, God has an incredible man/husband for you! Forgive and open your heart up to the friendships around you. It can be a difficult mountain to overcome, but once you are at the top, you’ll be amazed at who was waiting for you the entire time.
By Heather Engh
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