Monday, May 24, 2010

The Modesty Survey

Hey girls out there!

Do you ever have a hard time knowing if something is modest or not???

Well this Survey will help you know what is considered modest or not by guys of all ages!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Firsts...Lasts...Times...Seasons

Firsts…Lasts…Times…Seasons

As we get to this time of the year, there can be a lot of changes. Maybe it is a school change. Going from middle school to high school, high school to college, one grade to the next. Maybe it is new friends. Maybe your family is moving away. Maybe you have changed this past year and you don’t know what you are supposed to do next. No matter what it is, it is different.

For me, I have been finding a lot of lasts, last paper, last day of school, graduation...and a few firsts…going into the real world and looking towards what God will have me do next.

We need to take advantage of this growing time and remember that God says that there is a time and season for every activity under Heaven.

In God’s Word, He says:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1-There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2-a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3-a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4-a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5-a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6-a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7-a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8- a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

These are some of my favorite verses. They talk about all different things that you go through. No matter what time and season you are going through, no matter what firsts or lasts you are having,

Remember that God is with you.

Here is my blessing for you:

Numbers 6:24-26

24-"The LORD bless you
and keep you; 

25- the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

26-the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." 

Have a blessed summer!

By Mandy Heffron

JOY Blog on Facebook

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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Your Moment to Shine-Modest Dressing

Your Moment to Shine

You spend hours finding the perfect accessories, fabulous shoes, and oodles of time doing your hair just right. It’s your big night. It’s your night to get all dolled up and celebrate with your friends. It’s prom night.

But what about the dress? Cocktail or full length? Crinoline or no crinoline? Bright colors or sweet and subtle? Spaghetti strap? Strapless? Halter? The decisions are endless! You want something unique to you and, of course, drop dead gorgeous. Well, JOY is here to give you a hand to make your day just as special as you are!

First of all, let’s make it clear. ANY body is a good body. Don’t be fooled by media’s version of beauty. You are beautiful the way you are. You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed of your body. Remember who you are? A Princess of the Most High! You are a Holy Temple for God! Going with this, steer away from dresses that show too much cleavage or are too revealing. Don’t compromise your values for a second look from guys. You wouldn’t want a man that wants you only for your body, so don’t advertise that this is what you want. Dress for respect.

Colors
Darker colors are more slimming. So if that is the effect you want, try colors such as a rich chocolate brown, black, navy blue, emerald green, or a dark mystical grey.
Try to match your dress to make your striking features pop! If your eyes are blue, try wearing a shade of blue (or accessorize in blue) to make your eyes stand out.
If your skin takes on a darker hue, contrast it with a beautiful bright color. It’ll give your skin a striking glow and allow you to shine.

It’s All About Proportion
Look at your outfit like a piece of art. You want to create balance in your outfit. Try creating a pleasing proportion by wearing a dress that has a fitted bodice matched with a poufy skirt. Play with your outfit and make it a work of art!

Pear-Shaped Bodies
If you have a more pear-shaped body, try a dress that plays up your upper half. Dresses that hug at the hips will emphasize your hips and thighs. Instead, try a dress that wraps or an A-line dress! It will play down your hips and thighs and bring attention upwards.


Straight Bodies
If you have a straighter figure, emphasize your curves by slipping on an A-line dress. A modest dress that still shows some shoulder may be a good option as well. For a bit of flair, try a dress that poufs on the skirt.

Round Bodies
If you have a round figure, try a dress that has a low waistline. This will make your torso appear longer. Empire waist dresses also lengthen your torso and are very flattering! Dresses that flare slightly at the end will also flatter your figure.

Play with your outfit! Make your outfit totally you! Dress modestly and enjoy the moment. You are worth every second!



We’d love to see pictures of your outfit from your big night! You may just inspire someone else with your modest way to look amazing! Send a picture of your prom night to joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com. You may even appear on the website!

By Heather Engh

I’ll Take the Mumma’s Boy, Please!

I’ll Take the Mumma’s Boy, Please!

Since when did being a “mommy’s boy” become a bad thing in men? Well, of course, there is a fine line to this. I mean, if your guy can’t go forty-five minutes without calling his Mum or she insists that she accompany you on dates, then there is a serious problem… But men who respect their mothers tend to respect the lady they are dating. Want to know how a man will treat you later on; watch how he treats his Mum.

God wants only the best for you, stay strong in the Lord and trust Him to guide you!



Do you have a relationship question for JOY? We're here to offer sound, Christian advice and our prayers. If you have a question or a prayer request, email JOY at: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com.

By Heather Engh

A Wrinkle in Time-Natural Glow

Natural Glow
A Wrinkle In Time
Summer brings us the promise of sunshine, warmer weather, and a lighter wardrobe. Seems that once there is a glimmer of hope that summer could be in the air, people start wearing sandals and tank tops, taking bolder moves to hurry along the warm weather. All of a sudden, girls start taking a more keen interest in how their nails (especially toe nails!) are looking for sandal weather. I think the most hilarious part of an approaching summer is when girls start to say amongst themselves, “Now I have to shave my legs more often!”
Aaaah, yes, summer is a funny time for females. We take so much time and effort to look nice in the warmer weather. But summer is also the season when women let their guard down more easily. They allow their bodies to suffer from a harsh substance that slowly wears down their natural beauty. Yes, ladies, I am referring to (please cue the dramatic music)…ultraviolet rays!!!!!!
Alright, maybe it’s not all that dramatic, but tanning is a serious issue. Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon as well as author of the book Face Value: The Truth About Beauty—and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It, Dr. Hema Sundaram shares this truth about tanning, “Sunlight contains different wavelengths of UV light. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and cause tanning. UVB rays damage the more superficial skin layers and cause sunburn. Many tanning salons claim that indoor tanning is safe because you are exposed to more tanning UVA rays than burning UVB rays. Medical research disproves this claim. “ Not only is tanning the main cause for skin cancer, but it also causes wrinkles! (gasp!) Yes, ladies, wrinkles! Be nice to yourselves now and you’ll thank yourself later.
We still want that beautiful summer glow though. Your skin will still tan gradually if you use sunscreen. Ensure that you apply sunscreen thoroughly to areas that are prone to getting burnt by the sun: nose, cheekbones, forehead, shoulders, back, and arms. Drink lots of water. Spending time in the sun deprives our body of the water it needs. Want a more natural glow? Hydrate yourself with an extra bottle of water. You’ll feel healthier, look gorgeous, and save yourself a wrinkle later on.



Do you have a hygiene or make-up question for JOY? Email us at: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com.

By Heather Engh

By Faith-Mary, the mother of Jesus

Mother’s Day is coming up this month, so who is better to look at as a mother who lived by faith than one of the most famous mothers of all time? Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a great example of living by faith. Why? According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Mary did both.

Mary was sure of what she hoped for. As a Jew, she was waiting for the one promised to come and save her people: the Messiah. The Messiah had been promised centuries before, but still hadn’t come. People found it hard to keep believing after such a long time. But Mary believed. When God told her she was going to give birth to the Savior, her hope of seeing the Messiah came true.

Not only was Mary sure of what she hoped for, but she was certain of what she did not see. For centuries, the people heard God’s voice (Exodus 3), saw Him part waters (Exodus 14 and Joshua 3), and watched fire come down from heaven (1 Kings 18). They saw armies flee before the Lord (Judges 4), be routed by a smaller army (Judges 7), or by no army at all (2 Chronicles 32). They watched the sun stand still (Joshua 10) and move backwards (Isaiah 38). Angels appeared to many people while prophets prayed and did miracles (2 Kings 4-6).

Then nothing happened. There were no prophets, no miracles, no signs or wonders for over 400 years. It was as if God had just vanished; as if He wasn’t there. For centuries, the people waited. Many gave up on God. Not Mary. She was certain He was still there.

Though it was probably hard for Mary to be sure the Messiah would come and certain that God was still there, she did it. She held on to God’s promises and believed the truth. In every way she lived by faith. This month, commit to being like Mary. Live by faith. Hold on to God’s promises even when it seems like He isn’t there.

By Rachel R.

How Well Do You Know Your Mom?

How Well Do You Know Your Mom?

Here is a quiz to test your knowledge about your mom in honor of Mother’s Day!
For each statement that applies to you, give yourself a point. At the end, tally your score to see how much you know.

I know...
...my mom’s first name
...how to listen to her
...what not to buy her as a gift
...if she talks
...if she goes to church
...her middle name
...how to laugh and talk honestly with her
...what she likes to talk about
...if she really does love God
...her nicknames she had as a kid
...how to finish her sentences
...exactly what to get her for a present
...her favorite places
...if she prays for me
...her favorite color
...her favorite type of book
...her favorite food
...where she would go on vacation
...her favorite outfit to wear


How did you do?


0-7 points: You kind of know your mom
Hmm...You should work on getting to know your mom better. You could try going out on a “date” together and asking her questions. Maybe each day you could write her a quick note asking her something new like “What is your favorite flower?” or “If you were an animal, what would you be?” Also, having a journal to write back and forth to each other in is a good idea too.

8-15 points: You know your mom
Good job! You seem to know your mom pretty well. Keep learning about her and asking questions. If you have trouble figuring out what to give her for Mother’s Day, start by learning her favorite color, hobby, books, etc. Ask her what she might like (or if you think that is too obvious, ask what her favorite presents were in past years). If you still need help, ask your dad. He might have some ideas.

16-20 points: You really know your mom!
Wow! You know your mom inside and out! But just because you know her well doesn’t mean you should stop learning about her. She can be a great role model to you, so ask her opinion and advice on things. If this comes as a challenge, start small and pray that God will help you become more open with the mother he gave you.

By Rachel R.