How to Keep a Journal

"I'm going to keep a journal!"

          I have thought that countless times. Again and again I get randomly inspired, and I decide to start a journal. I find a notebook (sometimes blank, sometimes half-used), and I start to write. "I'll write in it EVERY day!" I think, and for the first two or three days, I actually do. After a while, though, I become a little bored with the idea, and I write only every couple of days. I lose focus and motivation. Eventually, the journal ends up collecting dust on my bookshelf. (Now you know where I get all of my half-used notebooks.) 

          Have you ever had that happen? You start a journal, promising to write in it every day, but you quickly just give up? I've been there. Well then, how do you start a journal that you'll use consistently instead of just tiring of it? How do you actually keep a journal??

          Here are some different types of journals that might help you to stick with it instead of giving up on it. Try your favorite idea to see if it works for you. If it doesn't, try a different one! Writing in a journal can relax you, improve your relationship with God, inspire you, and remind of wonderful memories. So why not give it a host with one of these ideas? ☺☺☺

~Keep a thankfulness journal. My thankfulness journal works very simply: every night before bed, I write the date and one thing I'm thankful for. Often it's something that happened that day, such as spending time with a friend or a good test grade. Sometimes it's something more broad, like a person, one of God's character traits, or something He has blessed me with. Some nights this leads to a couple pages worth of story or explanation. If I have a lot of time, I like to write about more than just that one thankfulness thing; I'll record other experiences of the day or upcoming events. In a time crunch (or if I just don't feel like writing very much), I only write a short sentence or two. This makes it easy to write every day without feeling pressured to make your entry an impressive length. 

~Keep a once-a-week journal. If you would like to keep a journal, but you don't have a enough time to write every day, this is the journal for you. Simply find a time to use every week as your own person writing time. Maybe Saturdays from 7:30-8:00 would work well, or you could make it only ten to fifteen minutes long it you don't have enough time. The key to this journal is to actually write during the designated time. If you don't make it happen consistently, it will easily just fall by the wayside, but if you really do write then, it could even become one of your favorite parts of the week! Another way you could do this journal is to write a once a month. That way it takes even less time our of your schedule while still allowing you a great writing experience. 

~Keep a doodling journal. Don't like to write? Try doodling your experiences instead of writing. Even if you're not good at drawing, but it relaxes you, this is a great option. You can sketch something that happened, something you saw, or something that fits your mood. Use your favorite pencils, pens, or even scrap-booking supplies. Another way you could do this is with pictures. It's worth a thousand words after all! ☺

~ Keep a prayer journal. There are many ways to do this. The easiest is to simply write down your prayer requests in a notebook. Some fun ways to add to this include recording the date God answers your prayers, adding Bible verses related to your requests, and keeping church bulletins/small group notes that list other people's prayer requests in your notebook. Prayer journals can help you organize your thoughts, focus during a quiet time, and remember prayer requests that other people give you. Though you may not think of this as very much of a journal, it actually does a good job of recording what's on your heart and mind, especially if you write out your prayers instead of just the prayer requests. I usually do some of each, depending on what I'm praying about and how much time I have. For tutorials on how to start a prayer journal, check out our Pinterest page! 

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Do you keep a journal? If so, how? We'd love to hear from you. Comment below! 

How to make/find friends!

How to make/find friends!

    How do you find and make friends? Well, there all many ways, but we are going to give a few simple tips of how to find good friends.  The end of the school year is coming up, and some of you will be making the transition from elementary to junior high, or junior high to high school, and you will be having to make all new friends.  These tips will help you do just that.
     When you're going into a new school or just going up a grade, it's always a struggle to find the right friends.  Also, its hard to find friends when you go to a new church or youth group.  Been there; done that. It's hard, but I promise if you are a friend, you'll make friends.  This is something the Bible says about friendship "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born from adversity"~ Proverbs 17:17 (or sister). See, it's import to have good friends, and these tips will help.
      1~Go to a youth group.  Even if your church doesn't have a youth group, that doesn't mean you can't go to one. There has got to be one in your community, you just have to go find it.  This is a great way to find good, Christian friends.  You might even find someone that goes to your school! And if they don't, that doesn't mean you can't be their friend; that will just bring you to church more because you have go see that friend!
      2~You have to be a friend to have friends.  I know we've all probably heard that before, but you have to put yourself out there.  You can't just sit in the corner and expect people to be drawn to be your friend; you have to act like you want friends. This is very true for public school!
     3~Common interests.  So if you are on a sports team with someone or in  band or something like that, you have somethings in common with that person; so go talk to them about it. You never know: they may have other interests that are the same as yours.
      4~Compliment someone on something.  First, that will make someone's day a whole lot better, and second, they see your a kind person. People are automatically drawn to you if you're nice more so then when you're  mean. This will automatically show them that.  Just something like Hey, your hair looks good today or You're really good at volleyball.  It can be anything to lift their spirits!
      5~Talk to people.  I know that sounds weird, but just go up and say, "hey". That is how you start any conversation.  Its one of the easiest things you can do to start a friendship.
       Hopefully some of these tips will help you in making new friends. I'm about to go into high school and I will probably be using all of these at the school. If you would like me to do some tips on  junior high, I will. Just shoot me an email or comment on our Instagram or Facebook page!! Have a great week!    
                                        Zoë💜

How to Write a Summer Bucket List

Summertime always seems to offer endless possibilities. Just think: at least two whole months of sunshine, warm weather, long days, and no school. It's kind of mind-boggling to imagine all that a girl could do in that amount of time. But it's also super exciting to think about!! Hmmm...what COULD I do this summer??

Making a summer bucket list is a great way to organize those "what if this summer I...." thoughts.

Why should I make a summer bucket list?
There are actually a lot of reasons.

~It helps get those creative-juices flowing. (And who doesn't love flowing creative juices?)

~It helps put those great ideas into action. (Just hang it somewhere in you're room where you'll see it often, and it will inspire you a lot this summer to get out there and fulfill your summer dreams!)

~It helps set goals. (That way, you won't reach the end of the summer and think "What on Earth did I waste all my time on these past three months?")

~It's FUN. (A summer bucket list is pretty much made to have some wacky, get-out-there-and-enjoy-yourself items on it, and those are things brighten up your summer and make sure you have a great time.)

Now your question should be, Why shouldn't I make a summer bucket list?.

So let's look at some tips on making your own summer bucket list!! One thought, first, before we begin. When making a summer buckets list, we need to keep our ultimate goals in mind. Out ultimate goals should not be to have fun, do wacky things with friends, or go to the beach. We need to make sure that are ultimate goals are God-centered and for His glory alone. Basically, out ultimate goals should not be whatever we write on your summer bucket lists, or any bucket list for that matter. Though those things are fun and exciting to dream about, they should not control out lives. Of course, there's nothing wrong with dreaming about them or trying to fulfill them. Just as long as they don't take top priority.

That said, let's get started! :D

Actually making a bucket list is basically as easy as it gets. Just grab a piece of paper (lined notebook paper, plain white paper, colored card-stock, decorative paper) and your favorite writing utensils (my favorites are a large variety of colored pens, especially Sharpies and Pilot pens). Then get to work! Be creative, and have some fun. Here are some tips for items you should be sure to add to your bucket list:

1. Health
      Add something you know you should be doing to stay healthy/something you would like to start doing more. It should be a reachable goal. How about drink more water this summer? Or for something more specific, buy yourself a cute new water bottle and make it your goal to drink the whole thing twice every day. Other health goals could be eat more vegetables, have fruit with your breakfast, or limit candy to once a week only. If you're going to pick something exercise related, try to go for something doable. What about jog for fifteen minutes every other day? Or attend a zumba class? Putting something health-related on your bucket list will help improve your daily lifestyle and your body. Plus, can't you already imagine that feeling of victory when you actually do it??

2. Beauty
     This one is more just for fun. What if you tried one new hairstyle every week? Or committed to becoming a master of some of those complicated makeup techniques? Another fun idea is why not have a beauty party? Invite some friends of this summer to try new hairstyles, paint nails, or test out that face mask recipe you saw on Pinterest.

3. Learning
     A great goal to have this summer is to work on remembering all that information you put so much work into learning this past school year. Not MORE school!! you might be thinking. But this can actually turn out to be one of the most fun items on your bucket list. Ideas for adding something in this topic? Pick a subject you're interested in (astronomy? psychology? history?), find a book on it at the library, and make it your goal to read it this summer. Add going to a zoo to your bucket list, and while you're there you can focus on learning about the different animals and about their life styles.  If you're going on vacation, research the history of the place you're visiting to find out about what cool events happened there. Think up ideas for a fun and creative way to keep learning this summer, and add them to your bucket list!!

4. Something new
     Try something you've never tried before. Never ice skated? Never tried Indian food? Never been kayaking? Even if you're not the adventurous type, this is a great thing to add to your bucket list because it adds a little challenge and excitement to your summer. It doesn't have to be a hard or scary thing, either. You can add something easy and cost free, such as star gaze in your backyard or invent your own recipe.

5. Something you've always wanted to do
    Now is as good a time as any to master that new bike trick. How about that complicated French recipe you've been eyeing? Have you always wanted to keep a journal, but you've never had the time? Add at least one of those things to your bucket list, and then do it this summer! You'll be so glad you finally got around to it.

6. Serve
     Volunteering at your church's VBS (Vacation Bible School, which most churches have) is a wonderful way to do this. Cleaning out your room and donating your old clothes and toys is another great option. Or you could come up with your own specific idea, such as babysitting once a week for that single mom you know or asking that older couple at church if they need help with yard work. Something simple, such as baking cookies for a sick friend, works just as well, too. Basically, serve someone for Jesus this summer! It's a great way to spend your time.

7. Something with friends
    Host a party, organize a prayer group, invite a friend over for a sleepover, or attend a sporting even together. You can do something with a large group of friends or with just one. Whatever you choose, make sure you add your friends to your summer bucket list.

8. Something with family
     Some girls spend their summer trying to find ways to avoid spending time with family because suddenly they're at home all day instead of at school, But God gave you your family for a reason, so jot them down on your bucket list, too. Watch a movie you know he'll love with your brother, plan a scavenger hunt for your younger siblings, or plan a coffee date with your mom.

9. Most importantly, something for God
     Do you have a specific time each day to meet with God, read the Bible, and pray? If you don't, add finding a specific time to your bucket list, then do it! What about starting a prayer journal/notebook? When I started my prayer journal, I found some tutorials here, here, and here. Another GREAT idea is to start memorizing God's Word. One super helpful guide, is to buy the Navigator's Topical Memory System. I highly encourage checking it out! Be sure to add God to your summer bucket list, however you chose to do that. He's what matters most!!

                           Elena♥

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Hope you enjoyed these ideas on starting your own summer bucket list! Do you have any tips on making a summer bucket list? Or have you made your own? We would love to see it! Please email is at inspiredtobloom16@gmail.com. Also, Zoë and I each made our own summer bucket lists, and if you'd like to see those, check them out on our Instagram and Facebook pages!!

How you know when you need to break off a friendship.

How do you know when to break off a Friendship?

  Friendships are a gift from God and they can be amazing, but sometimes they get out of control. So how do you break them off?   I have asked myself this many times and this has actually come up in my life, quite recently.   So, I'm going to give you some tips on how you know you should stop being friends with someone and how to do it.   This has definitely been a struggle and I thought this might be on someone else's mind too.
     How do you know when you need to break off a friendship?   Well there are quite a few reasons:

            ~They're abusive.   This can be mental or physical.   Such as, if they're telling you that you're rude or mean all the time or if they tell you everyone hates you.   Physical is when they hit you or smack you, etc.   Abusive relationships sometimes don't seem abusive at first, then they just get worse and worse, and then you don't know what to do.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ~If this person is making fun of your religion.  Your friends don't have to be of the same religion as you but they shouldn't make fun of you for it.   Such as telling you that you purity ring is stupid or telling you the bible is a stupid thing to read.   Just things of that nature.
      ~If they never let you say what you want. So,  if they never let you voice your opinion.  This doesn't mean you should tell them everything but you should still be able to tell them things.  Sometimes, speaking you opinion is the most important part of a friendship because you should be able to tell a friend anything.  That's why this is so bad.
      ~How do you show someone you don't want to be someone's friend?   First you should never be rude to this person just because you don't want to be friends with her or him.   Mark 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself.  This still applies no matter what situation you are in with this friend. I know it can be very hard at times, but you have to push through.  Second, you have to just show them you don't want to be friends with them.  Just drop subtle hints that you don't want to be as close, and if this person isn't backing away you may have to confront them. You just have to make sure you are kind and don't necessarily tell them you don't want to be friends with them Just tell them you don't think y'all should be as close of friends anymore.   They may not take it well but your going to have to push through because you have to remember why your doing this!

      Friend break ups can be just as hard as real breaks but if you handle it the right way it will go over a lot better.  You just have to remember that you're doing this for your own good in the long run. So, just push through because you will make new friends and the other person will not bother you if you handled it the right way.
         Hopefully, these tips will help you in your friendship battles. I know that things like this have helped me in the past. We are doing a series over friendships so if you have any suggestion please email us, direct message us on Instagram, or comment below! Have a great week!!
                                                Zoë💜

Girl Problems

Girl Problems!

    Lets be honest we all have those days or weeks (if you know what I mean. Aunt flo was paying you a visit) where nothing seem to go the way we want it to. You know the bad hair days, you can't find anything to wear, or its just a bad day. Well, we have some tips that just might help you get over those bad days; or at least make them better.
    Here are a few ways to tackle those bad days!
       1~Read you bible. For me this helps a lot when I've had friend troubles or just seems like nothing went my way that day. Just sit down, get out your Bible, and read. A really good inspiring story is Ester. It help a lot; it not only brings you closer to God, but it relaxes you too.
        2~ Watch TV. I know TV can be bad for you, but in small doses its good. Just sit down, get a snack, and watch an uplifting show. It will take your mind off of things, if your watching a good show, and it will even make you laugh.
        3~ A hobby. So if you like to knit or cook or something like that, do it. It will help you with stress and with taking your mind off of things.
     Now here are some ways to help with when Aunt flo comes to town ;)
        1~ Eat heathy foods. This will help tremendously with cramps and just your overall attitude. I know it's hard to not give into the cravings, but this will help because some of the foods that we crave can just make us feel bad. I'm not saying you can't have a piece of chocolate, but don't go eat five chocolate bars.
         2~ Drink some form of caffeine. Some times we just need that boost of energy. My personal choice would be coffee because I'm a coffeeholic. You can also get it from other things like tea, chocolate, and soda.
         3~ Take a shower. Showers can make you feel clean and fresh. Also, when you take a shower it's very soothing, so it can help with some of our crazy hormones.
      Hopefully some of these might help you with our girl problem. Hope you have great week!
                                                  Zoë💜
               

How to Find a Modest Swimsuit

It's that time of year again: swimsuit season.

Some dread it because they feel embarrassed and self-conscious in a swimsuit. Others can't wait to show off their trendy swimwear. A few don't really care at all because they just want to swim, but others don't care much because they just don't like to swim.

No matter the view, swimsuit season often presents struggles for teen girls (and most women, no matter what age, actually). As Christian teen girls, those struggles don't go away.

In our increasingly immoral, sinful, and self-worshiping world, the American culture continually presents the idea that girls should show off their bodies rather than respect and modestly cover them. One way this happens is during swimsuit season. When looking for swimsuits, I have no trouble at all finding bikinis, strapless suits, cut-out swimwear, and v-neck bodices. It's an entirely different story for modest one-pieces and tankinis with high enough tops, though.

As a Christian, I believe in modesty, even during swimsuit season. Unfortunately, finding a modest swimsuit only seems a more daunting and difficult task every year.  Finding just a modest one-piece or tankini wouldn't be that bad, but finding a cute or trendy one takes much more effort. Most modest swimsuit, especially one-pieces, are supposed to sell to an older crowd, and few companies bother to make cute and decent suits (naturally, because they don't sell nearly as well). Thankfully, truly modest and cute swimsuits DO exist, and it just takes some patient searching to find them. Here are a few tips on finding a modest swimsuit, along with links to decent and stylish swimsuits for sale that I have found (and I would most certainly wear any of them myself).

Let's get started!


1. Find a high-necked swimsuit.

High-necked swimsuits are made to be trendy, not modest, but fortunately, they're both! Though a lot of high-necked suits are bikinis, there are also many tankinis and one-pieces. These suits completely avoid the problem of low-cut or v-neck tops, which make them a great option.


The fun pattern on this suit from Swim Outlet really stands out. Paired with a black bottom....adorable.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/fit4u-swimwear-origami-micro-hi-neck-flared-tankini-top-8139943/?color=10852


I like the fun color of this one from Target, though they also offer it in black. And since it's from Target, the price is not bad at all compared to other companies.
Link: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-solid-high-neck-tankini-top-aqua-green/-/A-50480040#prodSlot=medium_3_45&term=womens+swimsuits


This swimsuit is pretty (ok, really) expensive, but it's a great example of a cute high-top one piece swimsuit.
Link: http://swimsummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Nanette-Lepore-Womens-Carmenita-Seductress-High-Neck-One-Piece-Swimsuit-Black-Large-0.jpg

2. Try swim shorts.

Though some (including myself) don't immediately jump at the idea of swim shorts as a fashionable swim option, they can actually add a lot of style to your swimwear. Unfortunately, most are just as tight as a bikini bottom and they don't cover a ton of leg, but they cover much more than a small bikini bottom does. (Note: the ones I show below are all black or grey, but a little searching produces bright blue or hot pink shorts that pair well with a more subtle top)


These swim shorts from Target have an adorable ruffle and bow on the side, which I love. It adds a lot to the shorts.
Link: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-side-ruch-short-bikini-bottom-mossimo/-/A-50408973#prodSlot=medium_1_12&term=womens+swimsuits


These board shorts from Macy's look super sporty without seeming weird or awkward. A great choice, especially if you swim at the beach or in a lake.
Link: http://slimages.macysassets.com/is/image/MCY/products/2/optimized/1839602_fpx.tif?op_sharpen=1&wid=400&hei=489&fit=fit,1&$filterlrg$


I love the flower pattern on these Swim Outlet board shorts. They also come in a bright blue with orange trim, which would look great paired with a white or light blue top.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/hurley-phantom-block-25-party-printed-beachrider-boardshort-8138967/?color=50466

3. Take a look at active-wear suits.

Admittedly, many of these are not as fun or bright as fashion suits, but they tend to be much more modest. And many actually come in adorable patterns and flashy colors that you might not expect from active swimwear. As a competetive, year-round swimmer, these are the type of suits I wear to practice, and when I swim I want them to fit tightly. With a comfortable size, though, you'll be ready to hit the pool any summer day! (Tip: polyester suits don't wear out quickly, which make them perfect for swimming daily or lap swimming)


This super fun, bright pink camouflage pattern also comes in blue in green.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-modern-camo-thin-strap-swimsuit-22865/?color=29677


Called "Color Fusion" with the color named "Vibrant Yellow." Wows all over the place. It even has decorative straps in the back!
Link: http://www.speedousa.com/women/womens-swimwear/womens-fitness-swimwear/color-fusion-thin-strap---powerflex-eco/style-7723016


On a plainer note, this classic style active swimsuit comes in a variety of plain colors, from royal purple to bright orange.
Link: http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/nike-swim-polyester-cut-out-tank-swimsuit-5065/?color=9325

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I hope these tips can aid you in your quest for a modest swimsuit this season! Remember that even if these don't work, you can find cute, modest swimsuits from companies like Title Nine or Athleta that work well, just cost much more money. Whatever swimsuit you decide you, keep in mind your goal: honoring God with modesty. Ultimately, honoring God is what matters most.

Enjoy your swimsuit season!!

               Elena♥

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Which of these suits do you like the best? Do you have more tips on finding a modest swimsuit? Or do you own one that you just love, and would like to share? Please comment below, and leave links to your favorites!!

Why We Should Press On to the End of the School Year

          We all know the feeling. Last day of school. Summer just around the corner. Excitement buzzes in the air as loudly as a swarm of bees. Classes are all utterly unfocused, and the teachers only hope to control the students, not really teach anything. States testing is over, homework is long gone, and everyone's ready for lazy days of sleeping in and doing nothing. Ahhhhh. We're all ready for that day.

          Bad news: it's not that day yet. School isn't over yet, though summer is drawing closer every day. Some states finish school much earlier than other states. Zoë will be done in just a few weeks, but here in Washington state the kids stay in school until almost the middle of June. Wherever you are, though, school is almost over. But not quite yet.

          Now what? What do we do well we wait for summer to finally arrive? Most schools stay extremely focused until states testing is over, and then classes dissolve into little work, little learning, and little teaching. I'm home-schooled, but I know enough public-schooled people to know that this is true. So what should we do between that state-testing time to the last day of school??

          Paul writes us the answer in Colossians 3:23, NIV.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

          God calls us to work at our schoolwork with all our hearts, and this applies even to those almost-summer moments when we don't have much to do. He calls us to a life of not conforming to the ways of the world. At this time of year, other students tend to give up, work halfheartedly, and pay little attention in classes as they wait for summer to arrive. And of course, many classes really don't have much to pay attention to so close to summer. But that doesn't make a difference. We are STILL called to work at our schoolwork, whatever it may be, with ALL our hearts. That is why we must push through and press on to the end of the school year. 

          What happens when we lose motivation to push through to the end?? I'll admit, it can be really challenging to stay focused, motivated, and hardworking when summer draws near. But notice what Paul said in the second half of that verse: "...as working for the Lord, not for human masters." When we lose motivation and focus, we must remember why and for whom we're working. God says not to work for human masters, which includes teachers, parents, and even ourselves. He says instead to work for Him. And when we remember that we're working for the Creator of the Universe, it's a lot easier to work with all our hearts. 

          Now we know what to do during the last few weeks of school as we (often impatiently) await summertime. 1) Work at this remaining schoolwork with all our hearts. 2) We can do this without losing focus or motivation because we are working for God. 

          Therefore, I encourage you to press on, push through, and strive to finish this 2015-2016 school year. Then we can much more fully enjoy summer and all the blessings that arrive with it. 

Elena ♥

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Do you have any tips or or stories to share about pushing through to the end of the school year?? We'd love to hear them!! Comment below, or email us!

5 Skin Care Tips and Tricks!!

                    5 Skin Care Tips and Tricks

    Were going to switch it up today and talk about skin care. Skin care is one of the most important things you need to add into your routine. Here are a 5 ways you can do that:
     1~Wash your face twice a day! Once at night before you go to bed and once in the morning before you put your makeup on (if you wear any). When you wash your face it gets off all the oils from the day and night and it will take off all your makeup.
    2~Never go to sleep with your makeup on! I know it may seem like a good idea at the time, but just think of all the product you put on your face in the morning when you get ready and  all of that going into your skin. It also can cause breakouts-and that's never pretty.
    3~ Put moisturizer on twice a day! Think about it like this: you wash your face and by that you strip a lot of oils from it, and by moisturizing you put a whole lot of oils you need back into your skin. Even if you have oily skin you can't skip this step, just make sure to use an oil fee moisturizer.
    4~ Always wear sunscreen! I know that I always want a tan as much as the next girl but there are many side affects like premature aging of the skin and a higher risk of skin cancer. So just make sure you either wear a foundation with some sunscreen in it or put some on before you spend to much time out in the sun.
    5~ If you suffer from acne, look at your diet! Products that contain hormones, such as milk and meat products, can cause you to break out. 
      I hope  some of these thing will help your skin look better going into these summer months. I did speak to an esthetician all of the things above. Remember you have to respect what God gave you on this earth and by keeping your skin heathy is one way of doing that. I hope y'all have a great week!
                    Zoë💜