Girls To Grow

5 Fun Finds for September 2022

September 30, 2022 by Tracey 5 Comments

Happy last day of September! We’ve currently got some wind and rain from Hurricane Ian, but certainly nothing like those in Florida experienced. The pictures and videos from those hard-hit areas show such devastation, and we’re praying for those who lost so much due to the storm.

I’m finishing up September by sharing five things I’ve enjoyed this month.

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1. How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Adult Kids. I have saved this blog post to refer back to often. Suzy’s young adult children are older than mine and you can tell that the wisdom she shares here comes from her own personal experiences. If you have older teens or adult children, I highly recommend reading this.

2. The Well-Watered Woman. I read this book on my Kindle and highlighted parts of nearly every chapter. In fact, I plan to order the hard-copy version to have and will read through it again soon.

3. Revlon Infrared Hair Dryer. Our last hair dryer died a couple of months ago, and I got this one to replace it. I like how lightweight it is, and that it has both warm and hot settings.

4. Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls. I have been making a recipe similar to this one for many years. The only difference is that I spread the softened butter and sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon on the dough separately, as opposed to mixing them together. However, the end product is equally delicious either way!

5. RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream. An esthetician recommended this on a podcast I was listening to, so I decided to give it a try. It’s supposed to help with puffiness, under-eye bags, and dark circles. I’ve been using it for a week or two and I do think it’s helping, though it’s really hard to judge at this point. Maybe I should just use it on one eye for a couple of weeks and see if I can tell a difference between that eye and the other one!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a good start to the new month!

Can I Do This to the Glory of God?

September 21, 2022 by Tracey 2 Comments

Have you heard the marriage advice that says you shouldn’t use “absolute” words when you’re in an argument with your spouse?

For example, don’t say, “You always leave your clothes in a pile on the floor.” Or, “You never close the drawer when you put the scissors back.” Your spouse will immediately try to think of the one time he/she actually did or didn’t do whatever you’re accusing them of!

Today we’re not talking about marriage advice, but we are talking about an absolute word.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” ~1 Corinthians 10:31

Do you see it in this verse – the word “all?” No way to wiggle around that – all means all!

In the context of this passage, Paul is talking about whether or not the Corinthians should eat meat that’s been offered to idols. He reminds them that whatever they choose to do, it should be done so that God is glorified.

Eating and drinking are small parts of our daily lives. If it’s important that we do those things in a way that glorifies God, how much more should we evaluate other areas of our lives?

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and fail to take the time to actually consider the question, does what I’m doing honor God? And how can we determine if an activity, a hobby, a habit, or a conversation is being done to the glory of God?

Below are a few questions we might ask ourselves to determine that. As we answer them, may our heart’s desire be to do all things as an act of worship to Him with a grateful heart for all He’s done for us.

Four questions to ask yourself as you seek to follow 1 Corinthians 10:31 and do all to the glory of God.

Does what I’m doing go against a Biblical principle?

To answer this question, we have to know our Bible. The only way we can know what honors God is by reading and studying His Word. Anything we do that is contradictory to Scripture is not going to glorify God.

Does it show that I respect God and want to please Him?

That’s the attitude we want when it comes to bringing glory to God – a desire to show Him respect and to please Him with our thoughts, words, and actions.

Here’s where the Holy Spirit who lives in us can help. As we listen to His Spirit guiding us through God’s Word and our conscience, we can determine if what we’re doing brings Him honor.

Am I doing it for my own glory?

We may need to evaluate what outcome we’re hoping for as we decide if we’re going to move forward. Do we want to simply do what satisfies our own wants and desires? If so, that’s doing something for our own glory, not His.

Does what I’m doing point others to Him?

I think this is the most relevant question considering the context of the passage. What we choose to do or not do can affect fellow believers and the unsaved around us.

Will my eating or drinking or whatever else I’m doing cause others to want to learn more about my faith? Will it point them to the gospel? Or am I just focused on myself and what I want to see happen?

I think Jon Bloom sums this up well in his article from the blog Desiring God.

“We glorify God when, out of love for him, we lay down our rights, our freedoms, in eating or drinking or whatever in order to do what is most loving toward others, either for the “progress and joy [of their] faith” (Philippians 1:25), or that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 9:22).”

May the simple reminder in 1 Corinthians 10:31 lead us to glorify God in everything that we do.

Related posts:

3 Keys to Loving Life and Living Well

September 14, 2022 by Tracey 5 Comments

How does that title grab you? I daresay we all want to enjoy our lives and experience many days of happiness!

As I continue my journey of reading through the New Testament, yesterday brought me to 1 Peter 3:10-11.

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.“

I was excited to see that right here in the Scriptures, God gives us instructions on how to “love life and see good days.” Let’s take a look at what He says.

Check out these three keys to loving life and living well found in the Bible in 1 Peter 3.

1. Watch what you say.

First, we’re told to keep our mouths from speaking evil. Does that mean not using curse words or taking God’s name in vain? Yes, it does. But it goes even further. Think of gossip, insults, criticism, complaining, or blasting angry words.

Secondly, we’re to make sure we speak honestly and sincerely. No lying, slandering, flattering, or using our words to deceive others.

James calls our tongues “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” [3:8], so using our mouths in the wrong way is a natural, fleshly response. Overcoming it is a lifelong struggle and not one we can win on our own. This can be a daily matter of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help us watch what we say. It’s the first key to loving life and living happily.

2. Avoid evil and do good.

The second key is to turn away from wickedness. Here’s another daily challenge since evil tends to come at us from lots of angles. Whether it’s outward actions of disobedience to God’s commands or sinful heart attitudes, we need to keep away from evil.

Instead, we can choose to do good. The Bible instructs us in the right way to live. We read it and obey what we find there. We perform acts of kindness to others, not for the purpose of salvation, but to bring glory to God.

3. Live in peace with God and others.

We can live in peace as we learn to trust God. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” ~Isaiah 26:3.

Big or small problems come to each of us regularly, but the Bible tells us how to have peace in those situations, too. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

We’re also to seek peace in our relationships. In the midst of a passage that talks about blessing those who curse you and feeding your enemy when he’s hungry, we read, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” [Romans 12:18]

So there we have it, friends. Want to enjoy your life and spend your days well? Be careful what you say, choose to do what’s right instead of wrong, and seek peace with God and others. May the Holy Spirit grant us the power to live this way!

Related posts:

7 Important Things Your Teenage Daughter Needs to Hear from You

September 7, 2022 by Tracey 3 Comments

Happy post-Labor Day week! My husband and I had a couple of fun outings over the long weekend, which was very nice.

On Monday I did a quick closet switchover. I moved many of my summer clothes to the back of the closet and got my fall and winter clothes front and center. I like to do that before I start shopping for fall clothes so that I have a better idea of what I already own – even though I know it will be awhile before I need warmer clothing!

This past Sunday I was talking to a friend of my daughter’s who just turned 20. It reminded me that when our younger daughter turns 20 in December, I’ll give up the title of “mom of a teenager” forever. Between our two girls, t’s been a nine-year run and it’s hard to believe that it’s almost over!

Today I’m sharing a list of seven things that our teenage daughters need to hear from us. As I look back, I wish I’d said these even more often. But it’s not too late – I know my young adult children need to hear them, too! And I’m confident they apply to teenage sons as well.

Here's a list of seven things that you as a parent can say often to show love and encouragement to your teenage daughter.

1. I love you no matter what.

Our daughters need to know that their actions don’t change our love for them. No matter what they’ve done – or haven’t done – we will always love them and want to be in a relationship with them.

Not only do we need to say these words, but our actions need to reflect them. When our daughters disappoint us, work through the situation with grace and forgiveness.

2. I’m proud of you.

In a world of competition and comparison, let’s tell our daughters often that we’re proud of them. Proud of their accomplishments, yes, but more so of their character and the wonderful young women they’re becoming.

Admittedly there may be days when it’s hard to find something positive to say. But if you look for something to praise her for, you can find it.

3. God has a plan for your life.

Our teenagers are at an age where they’re making lots of life decisions. It can be overwhelming and confusing. Remind her often that God has a plan for her life.

Share Bible verses like Psalm 32:8. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

4. Thank you.

Express your gratitude when she does something you’ve asked her to do or takes the initiative to do something on her own. Yes, this means thanking her even when she does something she’s supposed to do.

I like being thanked for making a meal even though it’s something I consider part of my “job.” If I like that, I’m guessing that she will, too. We all like to be appreciated.

5. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me?

We may find ourselves saying this more than we would like. We’re going to make mistakes as parents and we need to be humble enough to admit it.

She already knows (or should!) that we’re not perfect. Not only will this show her that we’re willing to take responsibility for our faults; it can also show her the importance of apologizing when she’s done wrong.

6. I’m praying for you.

Your daughter needs a prayer warrior on her side, someone who will go to the throne of God for her. While you likely know areas of her life where she needs prayer, ask her often if she has anything that she’d like you to pray for on her behalf.

7. You’ve got this.

Let’s give our girls some confidence when they face hard things! You can remind her of how she came through a difficult situation in the past. Let her know that you believe in her abilities and – like we just said – that you’re praying for her to have the strength and wisdom to handle what’s ahead.

While parenting a teen girl can be challenging some days, those years are also filled with many new adventures and chances to make special memories. On a regular basis, may we speak love and encouragement to these precious lives God has given us to steward for Him.

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5 Fun Finds August 2022

September 2, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

Here we are in September already! It certainly doesn’t feel like fall here, but it’s still nice to start thinking about a new season.

Today I’m taking a quick look back at five of my favorite things from August.

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1. A Staying Prayer for Parents. This is episode 240 of Emily P. Freeman’s podcast The Next Right Thing. I have listened to this prayer several times as I’ve processed our girls leaving for college again. It’s beautiful and sad and uplifting and poignant all at the same time. No matter what stage of parenting you’re in, I highly recommend taking four minutes to listen.

2. Yobola Bluetooth Earbuds. Up until recently, I’d still been using wired earbuds for listening to music or podcasts when I was out walking. I didn’t want to spend the money for AirPods, not knowing if I would actually like the feel of them in my ears. I found this inexpensive pair on Amazon and like them a lot. I’ve been using them for six weeks now, and at the current price of $16.51 (random Amazon price when I posted this) they’ve definitely been worth it.

3. Baked Chicken Wings. My husband usually grills wings for us, but one weeknight I had part of a package of wings that I wanted to use up, so I tried this recipe. They were delicious! In fact, I think this might be part of our Labor Day menu on Monday.

4. Obbii Leopard iPhone 11 Protective Case. I wanted a new phone case for fall so I ordered this one from Amazon. It’s really cute and seems to offer good protection.

5. Mylas Grey Mysteries by Luana Ehrlich. I read the first book in this four-book series a while ago but just read the last three recently. The first and third books were my favorites.

Have a great holiday weekend!!

How to Trust God in the Middle of Change

August 31, 2022 by Tracey 7 Comments

Welcome, friends! I hope your week is going well.

It’s back to the empty nest around here. Our daughters moved back into their dorm rooms on Friday. I made the trip down to Florida with them on Thursday and flew back home Saturday. My sweet husband brought me flowers when he picked me up at the airport!

In this season of life, I’m finding that change is fairly constant. I get used to our girls being gone, and then they’re home again. Once I get used to that, they leave again. And of course, we’ll have a major change in January when our older daughter gets married!

Do you know what brings comfort during these times of change? Having a God that we can trust. Your change is likely different from mine. It could be a move, a job change, a child in a different school, a new relationship, the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on.

But as believers, we can trust God with whatever comes along in life. He is faithful to walk alongside us and gives us guidance and grace when we face these transitions.

Here are five things – using the letters in TRUST – for us to remember about trusting God through changes.

Five things to focus on as we learn to trust God through seasons of change.

1. Take everything to God in prayer.

Remember Philippians 4:6? “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” God doesn’t want us to be anxious or worried about anything, so His instructions are clear – pray about every. single. thing. Whether it’s a “big” concern, or a little one, pray about it.

In Philippians 4:7, we’re promised peace beyond understanding for our hearts and minds if we’ll obey verse 6. Isn’t peace what we truly need when something in our life is changing? What a loving God He is to tell us how to get that peace.

2. Release your sense of control.

I was going to say “release your control,” but let’s face it, we actually control very little. But we often think we control it all. If we set up the right boundaries or talk to enough people about it or worry enough, everything will be okay.

Trusting God means acknowledging that He is sovereign. He alone has the power to do anything and the wisdom to do the best thing.

3. Understand that you won’t always understand what God is doing.

He won’t always do things the way we want them done. His plan may not follow the one we laid out in our minds. And that’s a good thing.

He tells us in Isaiah 55:8,9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

4. Saturate your mind with God’s Word.

In our flesh, we are weak. We want to trust God, but doubt and fear can keep us up at night or slip into our thoughts at random times. Meditating on truths from the Bible is what will keep us trusting Him.

Psalm 119:24 says, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” We can find joy, comfort, and direction as we read and study Scripture.

5. Timing is in His hands.

Trusting God often involves waiting. As I’ve said before, waiting is not something most of us enjoy! It takes courage to wait, but Psalm 27:14 assures us that God will give us the strength to do it. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

I like this quote from Dillon Burroughs. “God is never late and rarely early. He is always exactly right on time -His time.”

The Bible tells us that we will be blessed as we trust God! “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” ~Jeremiah 17:7 Whatever change you’re facing, may you have the grace and strength to trust God through it!

Related posts:

7 Comforting Promises of God to Carry Us Through the Week

August 17, 2022 by Tracey 3 Comments

When I was growing up, making a promise was a big deal. My parents made sure we knew from a young age that making a promise was serious. It was not something to be taken lightly. If I made a promise, I needed to make every effort to follow through and keep that promise.

As much as I’ve tried to live by that principle, I’m sure that somewhere along the way, I’ve broken a promise. In reality, a promise is only as good as the ability of the person who made it to follow through on it.

How blessed we are to serve a God who keeps every promise He’s made! One place we find that truth is in Numbers 23:19.

“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?“

After I wrote recently about praising God because He keeps His promises, I challenged myself to meditate on some of those promises. In case you’d like to do the same, I’ve broken seven of them down by days of the week. You could use this same format, rearranging the order of the promises, or exchanging your own favorite promises for the ones I’ve listed.

Sunday: Salvation.

Many verses in the Bible communicate God’s promise of salvation, but one of the most direct is Romans 10:13. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

How wonderful that the plan of salvation is simple enough that even our children can understand and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior at a young age. I especially like reflecting on this promise on Sunday. It reminds me of His resurrection, which brought victory over sin and death.

Monday: Peace.

It may feel like everything’s coming at me on a Monday! Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to be careful or anxious for nothing, but to take everything to God in prayer. He promises that His peace, which can’t be explained, will keep our hearts and minds.

Everything includes any concerns about our children, marriage, financial pressures, job uncertainties, or health issues. All of these and more can be laid at His feet. If we’ll allow it, His peace will flood our souls.

Tuesday: Wisdom.

Every day of the week brings a need for wisdom! James 1:5 assures me that when I lack wisdom, I can ask God for it and He will give it generously.

This is also a reminder of the importance of Bible reading, study, and meditation in my daily walk. That’s where I can find guidance and answers to many of my issues.

Wednesday: Power.

By Wednesday, I may feel overwhelmed with how my week’s going. I need access to the power of God, and Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Not in my own strength will things get accomplished, but through the Holy Spirit’s enabling. I can do anything that God calls me to do.

Thursday: His presence.

In Hebrews 13:5, God says, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” What a comfort to know that there is nowhere I can go and no circumstances I can face that will cause Him to leave me.

Friday: Direction.

I can rest in Proverbs 3:5-6, which tells me that if I trust the Lord with all my heart, don’t lean on my own understanding, and acknowledge God in all my ways, He will direct my paths.

I also get excited to read Psalm 84:11, which says, “….no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” If I’m walking with Him, He will bring into my life those things that are good for me.

Saturday: Provision.

I’ve made it through another week! I can look back and see what God has done and praise Him for it. “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” from Philippians 4:19 lets me know that not only does God know the needs in my life, but He has the resources available to meet each and every one.

I want to make a habit of recognizing God’s promises as they’re fulfilled in my life. If you journal regularly as I do, you could designate a page for writing down promises of God. Then go back and make a note when you see God fulfill one of those promises for you.

Is there a particular promise that’s meaningful to you right now? Please share in the comments below!

Originally published October 2016.

6 Powerful Prayers to Pray for Your College Student

August 10, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

It’s that time of year. School is starting back up and if you, like me, have college students, they’re preparing to return to campus.

Now that one of our daughters is a senior and the other’s a sophomore, I feel like the process goes fairly smoothly. They’ve registered their vehicles for on-campus parking and finalized their class schedules this week. I was out shopping with our younger daughter yesterday and she picked up a few new decorations for her dorm room.

Thankfully they’ve still got two weeks left before they head down to Florida, so we’re squeezing in a bit more time together. I’ll miss them greatly when they leave, but I’m excited about what they’ll be learning and how they’ll be growing in the coming semester.

As I continue my reading through the New Testament this week, I came across this prayer of Paul’s in Colossians 1:9-12.

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:“

I thought this would be a great pattern to follow as we pray for our college students this semester. Here are six examples from that passage to guide us in praying for our young adults.

Let's look at six specific requests from Colossians 1 to guide us as we pray for our college students.

Pray that they will…

1. …fully know God’s will and have wisdom and spiritual understanding.

“be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” [verse 9]

What a blessing it is for any of us to have this prayer answered in our lives! Right now our young people are making a number of decisions that will affect their future. How important it is for them to know God’s will and have wisdom.

And just like Paul, we’d desire that they have spiritual understanding, May they see beyond the current temptations to sin or the pull to focus on the here-and-now. Rather, they need discernment to grasp the spiritual and long-term implications of their decisions.

2. …live to please God and walk according to His Word.

“walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing” [verse 10]

If the desire of their heart is to please God, they’re going to be okay. None of us are perfect. They may mess up or lose their focus at times as they navigate college life. But if they are grounded in God’s Word and want to please Him, He will guide them back into relationship with Him.

3. …glorify God and evidence the fruit of the spirit in all that they do.

“be fruitful in every good work” [verse 10]

Let’s pray that our children’s relationships, activities, words, and thoughts will bring glory to God. They’ll interact with a number of people on a daily basis and have opportunities to show kindness, patience, and humility to others.

4. …grow in their knowledge of God.

“increasing in the knowledge of God” [verse 10]

May our college kids make the time to read their Bible and pray. They can grow spiritually as they meditate on God’s Word. And perhaps in a way like never before, they can experience God and His work in their lives as they mature in their faith. Which leads us to the next prayer…

5. …rely on God’s strength to endure trials patiently and with joy.

“strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” [verse 11]

There will be trials this semester. It may be in a relationship, a difficult class, or a physical or financial need. Parents may be far away, but God is always near. Let’s pray that they’ll lean into Him like never before. We know that as they do, God is faithful and will bring them through.

6. …have a grateful heart

“Giving thanks unto the Father” [verse 12]

No room for entitlement here. Their perspective on everything will be much better if they start each day with a spirit of thankfulness.

As I come to the end of this list, I realize how much I need to pray these prayers not only for my college students but for myself!

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8 Pieces of Advice for My High School Freshman

August 3, 2022 by Tracey 8 Comments

(This post was originally published on August 24, 2015. The girl who was starting her freshman year of high school is now entering her senior year of college! Though some time has passed, this advice still holds true.)

Today our older daughter starts high school. These are the years you remember throughout adulthood, a time to make memories and friends and earn a grade point average that actually counts toward college acceptance.

I want her to be grounded in who she is, in who she surrounds herself with, and, most of all, in her walk with God. So many spiritual decisions that could affect the rest of her life begin here.

With that in mind, on her first day of high school, here are eight pieces of advice I’d like to share with her.

8 Pieces of Advice for My High School Freshman

1. Always remember that God loves you. Whatever crosses your path each day has been foreordained by Him. His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You can do all things through His strength. (Philippians 4:13)

2. Recognize that you are made in His image, wonderfully put together. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made….How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:14, 17) Your physical traits, your personality, your strengths and weaknesses were all designed by God to be used in His plan for your life and to bring Him glory.

3. Be friendly to everyone. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:….” (Proverbs 18:24) That 7th grader you barely know? Say “hello” when you pass her in the hall. The boy you’re standing in front of in the lunch line? Smile at him. The new girl in your grade? See if she needs help finding a classroom. The teacher who seems to be having a hard day? Say something kind.

4. Be true to yourself. Don’t change who you are to fit into a crowd or please a friend. Be willing to stand alone, if necessary. Even at a Christian school, there will be peer pressure to do wrong. Have the courage to choose to do what’s right.

5. Use your time wisely. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) Apply yourself to your classes and learn all you can. Outside of the classroom, explore your interests and put your time into activities you enjoy. Choose extra-curricular activities that are fun and that introduce you to new people.

6. Stretch yourself. Try something you think is just outside of your comfort zone.

7. Stay above the drama. Don’t allow yourself to get dragged into friends’ and classmates’ disagreements.

8. Make fun memories. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) With your family, your friends, and your classmates enjoy this season and remember these stories that you’ll be telling your kids in 20 years!

What other advice do you have for a new high schooler?

25 Helpful Things for Freshman Girls to Take to College

July 29, 2022 by Tracey 4 Comments

I saw on my Instagram this week that some students are already returning to college! The summer seems to get shorter and shorter as time goes by. Thankfully our daughters don’t go back until the last weekend in August.

Now that they’ve both spent some time at college, packing them up to move back into the dorms is fairly easy. But I remember feeling overwhelmed that summer before freshman year when I tried to make a list of all that they needed for this transition.

Today I’m sharing 25 items that our girls have found helpful during their time at college so far. Most of the items on the list we’ve used personally or have purchased something very similar.

This isn’t a complete list of college essentials. I didn’t include some of the basics like towels and sheets and pillows. But for our daughters, the items on this list have helped make their dorm and college life more comfortable!

Amazon affiliate links are included below. I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Check out this list of 25 things that will make dorm and college life easier and more fun for your freshman!

1. SafeRest Mattress Protector Twin XL. We’ll start with this cover for that who-knows-how-old dorm mattress your teenager will be sleeping on. I have this same brand of mattress protector on all our beds at home.

2. 2-inch Mattress Topper. There’s a wide range of prices for mattress toppers, but this one is very reasonably priced. It makes those dorm bed mattresses at least a bit more comfortable and should last for several years.

3. GE 3 Outlet Extender Wall Tap. This is nice to use in an outlet near their bed so they can plug in a few different electronics at once.

4. Chunky Knit Throw. I didn’t know this was a thing until our younger daughter asked for one last Christmas. It’s become her favorite blanket. Hers is white, but there are a number of other colors available.

5. Sperry Women’s Saltwater Chevron Quilt Nylon Boots. This was another purchase our younger daughter made. They’re really cute boots and definitely came in handy on those rainy days when she had to walk across campus to class. She has them in ivory, but there are a few other colors available.

6. Iron Flask Retro Sports Water Bottle. I gave our girls three pieces of health advice before they went off to college. “Eat. Drink. Move.” This water bottle helps with the drinking part! This is the one our older daughter uses. She fills it up in the morning and carries it around in her backpack all day. We also like that it came with its own brush for cleaning.

7. Secura Instant Steam Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer. I knew neither of my girls would iron, but they’ll use this steamer if a piece of clothing is too wrinkled to wear after it’s been jammed in the closet or drawer…or left to sit in the dryer for too long…

8. Small Travel Sewing Kit. Both girls have needed a simple sewing kit from time to time.

9. Photo Clip String Light. I helped our younger daughter hang this on her wall at the beginning of her first semester. It’s really cute!

10. SanDisk 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive. You just never know when this might come in handy.

11. Five Crowns Card Game. This is one of our favorite games, but it’s really just an example of the types of games they’ll want to have on hand to play with friends.

12. Gold Armour Camping Hammock. Not surprisingly, I didn’t know hammocking was a thing either until our older daughter went to college. They take their hammocks to a couple of different parks on nice days to study or just relax.

13. Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack. My older daughter bought this backpack the summer before her freshman year of college. She’s now getting ready to start her senior year, and that same backpack is still going strong! I’m very impressed with the quality, especially since it gets almost daily use when she’s at college.

14. DASH Mini Waffle Maker. This cute little waffle iron kept my younger daughter from going hungry on several occasions last year! Are there two dining halls on campus full of food available to her? Yes, yes there are. But she’s a self-admitted picky eater AND those dining halls aren’t always open at 11pm when hunger strikes. She brought it home for the summer and we’ve used it a couple of times. I must admit, it does make some tasty waffles.

15. Clip Light for Bed. This is nice for studying late at night without disturbing roommates.

16. Classic 6-inch Clip Fan. My girls like it cold when they sleep, so this fan is nice just to keep the air moving around them.

17. Johnson and Johnson Compact Emergency First Aid Kit. Hopefully, they won’t need this often, but it’s great to have on hand.

18. Windproof Travel Umbrella. Keep it small and compact so it fits easily in a backpack.

19. Reusable 12-piece Dinner Set. Four bowls, plates, and cups that are microwave safe, for that late-night bowl of cereal or stack of mini waffles.

20. Heavy Duty Large Mesh Laundry Bag. Something like this is easy to leave on the floor of the closet until it’s full…or overflowing, actually.

21. Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer. If I had seen this before our girls went to college, I would have added it to our shopping list. Instead, they just had an under-bed plastic storage bin that they tossed shoes into. This would have been a much more organized solution!

22. Plastic Shower Caddy. Depending on the shower set up, they can use the caddy to carry their products to and from the bathroom or just store it in or near the shower. It is important that it’s either mesh or has holes in the bottom for drainage.

23. Small Plastic Trash Can. This can be used in a corner of the dorm room, under a desk, or somewhere in the bathroom.

24. Chip Clips and Collapsible Food Storage Containers. Keep those opened bags of snacks fresh and the leftovers organized in the mini-fridge.

25. Succulents in Pots, Set of 3. Okay, so these aren’t essential, but they do make the room feel a little more homelike! My girls have a mix of real and artificial plants in their dorm rooms.

I hope you’ll find these suggestions helpful as you send your freshman girl off to college!

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