Girlz of God

Just so You Know...

2012-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

...I'm taking an Internet and iPod break starting tomorrow (Sunday) and running for a week (until the following Sunday). Feel free to continue to comment and read and all that.

Also, don't forget to enter the 100 Followers Giveaway! There are a BUNCH of cool prizes you could win! So head on over HERE!

See you in a week!
God bless you!

Girlz Like You Interview: Sarah N., 15

2012-02-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite interviews. Sarah is such a godly young woman, and she constantly inspires, encourages, and motivates me! I got the privilege to meet her in person in September. I am proud to call her one of my best friends in the whole world! I hope that you too are inspired, encouraged, and motivated by this interview.

(Check out more Girlz Like You interviews HERE)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a teenage girl who loves Jesus. I am the oldest of six kids, and we are all homeschooled. I’m 15 and in 10th grade. I have been an entrepreneur since I was 12 making hair bows and selling them to family, friends, and local stores.

What are some of your hobbies?
I really enjoy reading, running (most of the time), chatting and skyping with friends, and making hair bows and other miscellaneous stuff which I sell for my business, Beau-Nanza.

When did you get saved?
I was saved when I was 5. We were riding in the car on the way to a Bible camp. I remember that the song “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” was playing on our kid’s CD. I don’t remember a ton, but my parents said I asked a bunch of questions about what the song meant, and I guess it touched my heart because I prayed right there and then in the back seat to ask Jesus to forgive me of all my sins.

What is one thing that God has taught you in 2011?
God has taught me to wait on Him. There are many things I would like to do, and some of them, I can’t wait until I do them. But God says wait. It’s very hard, but I know it’s for the best.

What are some of your goals for the new year?
My goals for the new year....hmmm....I really don’t like making “resolutions” because by the end of February, they are fading away. So, I just want to be more Christlike and read my Bible more. Those are two things that I am really struggling with.

What is your favorite thing about God?
Wow, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorite things about God has to be that He is always there for me. No matter if no one in this world cares, or if I’m feeling all alone, God is there, He cares, and He comforts. This really helped me when my mom, sister, and best friend were all in the hospital in pretty bad situations within a week or so of another.

What is your favorite way to serve God?
I went to a camp last summer, and I hoping to go again this summer. This camp is called Christian Youth in Action, or CYIA for short. CYIA is a camp that teaches teens to share the gospel through 5-day clubs for 5-12 year olds. Then during the summer, we put on the 5-day clubs. It was a really great experience, and it showed me that I want to go into missions teaching kids.

Tell us about your newsletter, the Mission Mag.Mission Mag started because some little girl (me ;)) decided she was going to do something big. It started as a little newsletter with no name that was like the family newspaper and told all about what our family did. This newsletter only went out to immediate family and a few other family members. It then grew into a Christian kids' newsletter called “The Christian Kids Club” after I started getting a friend’s newsletter, “The Christian Girls Club”. Yes, I pretty much stole her name. That’s why a couple months ago, I held a contest to change the name. One of my readers sent in “Mission Mag," and I liked it, so thus, it became the new name. :) I have really enjoyed making Mission Mag. It has taught me a lot about writing, editing, and working with other people.

What is your main goal for the Mission Mag?
My main goal is probably to show kids and teens the true love of Jesus, have them accept Him, and to grow into a deeper relationship with Him. If one person is impacted through Mission Mag, the newsletter has done it’s job.

Do you believe that it is God's calling for you to do Mission Mag? Why?
At first I wasn’t sure, but it must be because we have been SOOOOOO close to shuting down a ton of times because of lack of submissions, and then all of a sudden, it was like the floodgates were rushing open! Even if it’s not God’s will for me to continue for much longer, I have learned a ton through this experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What is your favorite Bible verse(s) and why?
One of my favorite Bible verses is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

This verse shows us that we need to choose godly, encouraging friends. I found these verses last summer while I participated in the 2011 National Bible Bee Competition. To understand why this verse is so special to me, you should probably know a little more about the Bible Bee. The Bible Bee is a Bible memory competition. This year my age group (ages 15-18) had to memorize 800 verses and do an in-depth Bible Study of 1 Peter including knowledge of the greek words, their meanings, and cross-references for them during a 12 week period during the summer. After the 12 weeks, there was a competition day. This seems like an impossible challenge to most people. To me, it nearly was, but I was ready to undertake it. Now lets fast forward a couple weeks into the whole process. I was beginning to realize how much they had put on my plate. But, because I found a great group of teens that were also doing the Bible Bee, we all encouraged each other and kept each other going

By the 10th or 11th week, I was getting really discouraged and ready to give up. But because I had friends encouraging me, I persevered, and went through with it. I did not memorize all 800 verses - not even close! But, I did finish stronger and am more Christlike than I was at the beginning of the summer. If I did not have others to help me up when I fell just as the verses say, I probably would've given up by the 6th or so week. Through God's grace, and the company of amazing friends, I made it through all 12 weeks.

When I was memorizing my verses for Bible Bee, I came across Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. When I saw the content of the verses, I was so encouraged because I knew that is why I hadn't given up on this amazing challenge. This is why we need to choose our friends wisely.

Who is your #1 inspiration?
Ahhh! I hate questions that you have to pick one thing or one person! :P I don’t have a #1, so I’ll just tell you my couple people who I look up to.

My Dad - My Dad is amazing. He has gone through so much, and He loves the Lord with all his heart. He keeps me grounded. He reveals my mistakes, even when I don’t want him to. He loves God, and he loves his family.

My Mom - She is such a godly lady. I can talk to her about anything. She does an amazing job raising us and homeschooling us.

My Mom’s two friends, Ms Kim and Ms Julie - They are second moms to me. They are grounded firmly in the Lord, and I wish that I could even have a portion of their love for the Lord.

My best friend since practically birth, Ruth - She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. We have had many adventures together, and she loves Jesus with all her heart.

My best friends, Talia, Kara, and Brydon - I was praying for godly friends, and God just placed you all into my life. I don’t know where I would be without you all, and I thank God everyday for you guys.

What is your view on modesty?
Modesty is very important to me. Why would I want to show all that off anyway? I think we should totally be modest and save ourselves for our future husbands.

What is your view on purity?
This piggybacks off my last answer. Purity is big. It is also something I struggle with. I am totally for it, but my fleshly desires kick in, and it gets hard. I really think we need to be totally pure, not just outwardly, but inwardly as well. We need to guard our thoughts from evil, not just our bodies. Something I ask God for pretty much everyday is that He would keep my thoughts pure. If we ask, He’ll listen and help us (Jer 29:12-13).

What is your view on courtship?
I am all for courtship. I have already announced to my parents that I do NOT want to date, I want to court. Courtship takes a lot. I mean, you can’t just go out with any old guy. The only guy I’m going out with is the one I KNOW I’m gonna marry. And my Dad will get to know him really well before I do. And (this is a funny thing I want for my courtship) he must get along with my brothers (they’re very hard to get along with :P). But yeah, I think courtship is a great idea.

Are you waiting for God to bring the right man into your life? Explain why or why not.
Yes. Period. I don’t get how people could go from one person to another. At one point, you’re good friends, then you're bf and gf, then you’re worst enemies. Basically, dating just ruins friendships. I’d rather keep it where we are good friends. It’s really hard to wait, though. Sometimes I get jealous of my friends who have boyfriends, and I wish I had one too, but I have to keep reminding myself why I am saving myself. And that’s why I’m waiting. To give my husband my FULL heart. Not just the little that’s left over at the end of my dating career. :P

Do you have any advice for girls about faith, friends, and life?
Find a Bible reading plan and do it with your friends. Accountability is the best way I’ve found to stay doing something (Ecc 4:9-10). Pick good friends. Sometimes you have to let friends go that are dragging you down. Try to witness to them, but if you find yourself being dragged down instead of them being lifted up, sometimes it’s not worth it. I have found this out already the hard way. Just keep loving Jesus and everything else will fall into place.

Thank you so much for doing this interview for us, Sarah!

Little Things

2012-02-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the simplest things make my heart soar. Like, for instance, playing Hi-Ho Cherri-o with my little sister this morning. A seemingly small thing, but to see her face light up and hear her cute giggle as we both enjoyed the game was just..wonderful.

Sometimes it's the little things that matter the most. Like hearing an encouraging word, seeing someone smile who you've never seen smile before, being able to encourage someone, or getting along with a sibling. And sometimes it's little acts of obedience that draw others ever close to God. Let me elaborate...

We, as Christians, are called to obey God. It's not a suggestion, like, "Maybe you could obey God today. If you want." It's a clear command. God commands it. But, a lot of Christians don't know that obedience to God is not just big things, like going on a mission trip, delivering Bibles to underground churches, or something of the sort. Although all those things are WONDERFUL, and many people are called to do those things, Christians don't realize that the little things we do also make an impact.

What if that kid no one likes at school could be impacted by you?
What if a little child is watching you and wanting to be like you, and you don't even know it?
What if how you talk to your mom could totally affect your attitude the whole day?

A smile or a "hi" can go a long way. Sometimes when I'm having a bad day, someone will show kindness to me that will totally brighten the rest of my day...or at least brighten it a bit.

So that's what I'd like to ask you. What if YOU could be the brightness to that kid at school? What if YOU could show respect to your mom? What if YOU could take the time to play with your little sister?

Little things seem insignificant temporarily, but in the long run, you'd be surprised how many people remember if you made a difference in their life by something you did or said - whether it was big or little. The point is: be on the lookout for little ways you can spread God's light. It's awesome to go on mission trips and preach the Good News of God's love and salvation, but if you are not reflecting Christ in your everyday life, how are the people around you every day going to be impacted?

Little things can impact people in big ways. So why not spread God's love by doing little things that will shine His light into others' lives?

Girlz Like You Interview: Kristiana G., 14

2012-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Kristiana from the lovely blog januarylemongrass has agreed to do a Girlz Like You interview for us!
(by the way, her blog is really cool! You can check it out - and follow - HERE!)

You can check out more Girlz Like You interviews HERE.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a "teen aged" young lady who loves my sweet Jesus! I am the oldest of seven children and would NOT trade it for anything! We homeschool and I enjoy it tremendously!

What are your hobbies?
I REALLY like photography and recently started doing photo sessions with other families (more on my photography HERE). I also enjoy sewing, reading, crocheting, chatting via google+, working with my grandparents who are missionaries to Mexico.

When did you get saved?
I got saved when I was about 4 years old. I remember my dad coming in the room and we prayed and I accepted Jesus into my heart. I also remember him giving me a special white angel bear. I still have it, and it reminds me of that special night when Jesus came into my heart. I was baptized when I was about seven - yes, I know, very young, but I still remember very clearly. :)

What is your favorite Bible verse?
To pick one would be very difficult, but I think one of my favorites is: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." -2 Corinthians 12:9. Its a great reminder that no matter what might happen, HE has everything under control and is bigger then any difficulty or triumph. It reminds me of a quote that says, "There is no Testimony without the Test."

What is your blog about januarylemongrass, about?
My blog is mainly a place to encourage other young ladies and share what is going on in my life and what the Lord puts on my heart. I also like sharing crafts, projects, and tutorials. It has also been really neat to meet new people like you and many others. :D

What is your main goal for your blog?
My main goal for my blog is to share my heart, faith, and my favorite things for others to read and enjoy. I am NOT perfect, and I fully admit to that, but I think it is encouraging just to hear what other Christian young ladies are doing about their faith. Each is learning something different and new.

What is something God has been teaching you lately?
I think the Lord has been working on my heart for missions. For me it is often difficult to step out of my "comfort zone" and reach out to people that I know I should be reaching out to. I have always wanted to be a missionary, and I thank my grandparents for putting that desire in my heart. We have always been in very missions-supportive churches. Ever since I was little, I remember all of the missionaries that would come to our church in January for the missions conference. All of their stories just tugged on my heart. I know that if that is what the Lord is calling me to be, a missionary in a foreign country, I need to learn here. Because if I can't do it here, how will I be able to do it there? Why should the Lord send me there if I can't even do it here? This is a subject I could write about for pages and pages. :)

What is your favorite thing about God?
My favorite thing about God is that He is always there to comfort us and help us when its REALLY hard to be patient with that the little brother or sister who won't sop fussing, or when you've had a bad day. My other favorite thing is how He brings amazing people into my life and heart. <3

What is your view on purity, modesty, and courtship?
I believe in saving my very first kiss for my my future husband. I believe that saving your first everything is a very precious gift and is REALLY special! I don't believe in having a boyfriend; guy friends are good, but when it gets to be something more it is easy for your purity to become in jeopardy. Modesty is very important to me. I enjoy dressing fashionable without wearing super skinny jeans or blouses that show to much. I mostly like wearing skirts but I also enjoy wearing jeans, but I just find skirts more comfortable :) Courtship.... all the way! My parents had a dating relationship and they both regret not courting. Unfortunately, they were totally unaware to this concept at the time. I love the whole idea that my future husband will have to talk to my dad before he approaches me. I have always liked the idea of courting.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a missionary :) I'm not exactly sure where yet (although I'm hoping for Mexico :) But we truly all are missionaries spreading the light of Jesus. We always pray that wherever we go we will be a light. When you truly, really and deeply have a relationship with God it just shines from within you. :)

Do you have any advice for girls on life and faith?
I think my advice would be make sure that your relationship with Jesus is truly real and sincere. When you don't have a truly real relationship with the Lord it is oh, so easy to slip and fall, and it becomes hard to find your way up. Guard your hearts, because the devil prowls like a lion to ready steal, kill and destroy.

Thanks so much for doing this interview, Kristiana!

Readers - don't forget to check out Kristiana's BLOG and her grandparents' WEBSITE.

(picture courtesy Kristiana)

Satisfied in Him

2012-02-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

I keep finding myself grumbling on the inside.

122 followers? That other blog has hundreds more. And their posts aren't any better than mine!

44,000 pageviews? That's pretty cool. But wait til you see how many pageviews HER blog has! over 200,000!

And so on and so forth. I find myself grumbling because, although I realize I am immensely blessed, I am not satisfied. I keep hoping that maybe when I get more followers and more pageviews I will feel like a "cool Blogger" who other Bloggers dream of being friends with, gaining words of encouragement, inspiration, and conviction from my blog. But each day I find myself unsatisfied because I keep comparing myself to others instead of being happy with the followers that God has already blessed me with, the pageviews God has already blessed me with. Like the lyrics of a Johnny Lang song say:

"If I can only reach one set of ears, I know that I fulfilled my purpose here." (One Person at a Time, Johnny Lang)

A verse that came to mind as I began this post is Romans 12:2. It says:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

God's will is not for me to try to be like other Bloggers. His will is not for me do my posts one way or another because I think I will gain more followers and more pageviews if I do it a certain way. His will is not that I would be envious and jealous of other Bloggers. His will is that I would be me and that I would shine His light.
If I am trying way too hard to portray someone I'm not to you, then the real me won't shine through. And that's totally not what I want. I'd like to be real, and I'd like to be satisfied with what I do have. I'd like to be an instrument of God. I want to tell you about Him and let Him do the rest. Because, honestly, if this blog is all about me, then it's not going to be all about Him. And that is the last thing I want.

So I'm going to try to become more satisfied knowing that God is all I need, not the perfect amount of followers or pageviews. God knows who needs to read what I'm writing on my blog, and He wants me to be genuine and to know that I can only be satisfied resting in His arms...and nowhere - nowhere - else.

Confessions

2012-02-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

Some Bloggers title these posts "Things I Probably Shouldn't Confess," but in my personal opinion, why shouldn't you confess them? Different people have different personalities, so why not let yours shamelessly shine? :-)

1} I'm not big on the whole "vintage" thing. I'm not into vintage clothes or older music, and although I think vintage cameras are cute, I'd much rather carry around a camera that's going to produce good-quality pictures. The one vintage thing I would love to own is a typewriter.
2} I'm not big on the whole lowercase letters deal. I mean, I think it can look cool (LOL my sidebar titles are lowercase), but I don't like them for all the time. And, on that note, I think the Lord's Name should always, ALWAYS be capitalized.
3} I would love to own a fancy ball gown! They are so beautiful and majestic.
4} I totally don't understand how some people like to write but don't like to read. Can someone explain that to me? :-)
5} I used to do ballet, but currently I am terrible at any kind of dancing.
6} I need to redraw the winner for one of the prizes for the last giveaway (I'm busy today, but I will do it soon!).
7} I'm a big procrastinator (see above).
8} My mom took me shopping at Kmart yesterday, but I didn't find anything (except jeans, but I didn't buy them). I wanted to spend money (LOL). Fail.
9} I'm writing this on my iPod.
10} I've never owned a for-real cell phone. I have an old one, but it doesn't call anybody.

If you do a confessions post, I'd love to read it! Leave the link in a comment.

Girlz Like You Interviews: Miss Raquel D.

2012-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

(Check out more Girlz Like You interviews HERE!)
By the way, I will do a "real" post soon :-).

Thanks so much, Miss Raquel, for agreeing to do this interview for us!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m the daughter to two wonderful parents, second-oldest child of seven children, a friend to many…and most importantly, a daughter of God. :) (You can find out more about me on my About Me page on my blog…)

What are your hobbies?

I have quite a few…but I think my favorites are writing, reading, crocheting, horse-back riding, hanging out with friends, and blogging :)

When did you get saved?

September 2001…9/11 had a great impact on my receiving the LORD as my Savior. It got me thinking about where I would go, if I had died in one of the Twin Towers.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Well, goodness, I can’t pick just one! :D haha But one of my favorites is Psalm 37:4-6. It has spoken to me in my areas of my life…and encouraged and blessed me to know that no matter what happens in life, the LORD should always be my main focus.

Who is your #1 inspiration?

My Mama. :) And I also have some close friends and ladies who I really, really respect and look up to.

What is your favorite thing about God?

That He is always there…and never changing.

What is your view on purity, modesty, and courtship?

Oh, goodness…I could take up two whole pages writing on this subject! :) I would suggest that you check out articles that I’ve written on my blog about these subjects. They’d be the easiest way to direct you to my views. But, all in all…I think purity and modesty are huge Biblical standards that I think everyone should set in their life. Courtship – it’s different with different people. Do what you feel convicted to. Not what other people say is ‘courting’.

What do you think about guys and girls being friends?

I think it’s an amazing and natural part of life. I’ve written quite a few posts on my blog about guy/girl friend relationships. God has blessed me with some amazing guy friends. Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Are you waiting to kiss until marriage? Why or why not?

Most definitely! I just feel that that’s what the LORD wants me to do. And from what I’ve heard from those who have waited (and are now married)…waiting for that first kiss was one of the most beautiful things they ever did.

When you go through trials, is there a certain Bible verse or attribute of God that encourages you?

I have a few certain verses that I recite to myself under different circumstances. Does that make sense?

For example…

When I’m feeling anxious or scared: John 14:27

When I’m feeling depressed (which is rare) or sad: Jeremiah 29:11-12

When I’m feeling like I need some encouragement and direction in life: Psalm 37:4-6

When I’m feeling excited and happy…and truly realize how blessed I am in life: 1 Samuel 2:1-2

I would encourage each of you to look up those verses. They are very dear to my heart and I hope they bless you too.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Ever since I was about 3 years old, I knew that the LORD wanted me to get married and have lots of little ones. ;)

Through my pre-teen years, I prayed for direction to know what to do before I get married.

And at the moment…the LORD has shown me that He just wants me to be me. A daughter…and sister…and friend…and I pray that I am an encouragement to others in all those areas in life. Because the only goal I have in life, is to bring glory to God. When I die, if I have not accomplished that, I will not have accomplished anything.

What is your goal for your blog?

I began it as an encouragement for young Christian girls out there (like me). For them to know that they’re not alone in this world. That there are other teenage girls out there…who have the same struggles…who have the same interests…who love the LORD…etc.

And of course, it’s my little internet outlet for me to share fun, random stuff ;) heehee

Do you have any advice for girls on friends, life, and faith?

Friends…take a lot of work. Just like any relationship in life, friendships are hard, beautiful, crazy, painful, and amazing all at the same time. Just because you and your friend have a little spat, doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your friendship. Work through your differences, and you will find that on the other side of this little river, your friendship is stronger than ever.

Life…you cannot live without God. God created life. He understands it better than you do. Leave your life in His hands…give Him the pen (because, let’s be honest…He already has it…you just keep trying to grab it away from Him)…and He will draw a life for you that you would never have even possibly fathomed.

Faith…is an essential part of life. Without it, you.will.fail. So I suggest you find Someone to have faith in. And if it’s your little statue of buddha, a picture of the virgin Mary or that little spirit that people call allah…then, I’m sorry, but your life isn’t going to go anywhere amazing. Not trying to be mean or anything, but John 14:6, Jesus says: ‘…I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’ That pretty much sums everything up. :)

Talia, thanks so much for featuring me here on your blog!! I pray that my interview was a blessing and encouragement. :) To anyone reading this, please feel free to stop by my blog and leave me a note in my Guestbook. I would love to hear from you. :) I will be checking back on this interview to see comments too. :)

Many blessings on each and every one of you!

::hugs::

Thanks so much for doing this review, Miss Raquel!

Girlz Like You Interview: Allie, 14

2012-02-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

(Check out more Girlz Like You interviews HERE!)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was adopted from China and ended up living in a wonderful home with wonderful parents who gave me a chance to knw our Lord and Savior.

What are your hobbies? I like tennis, piano, singing, writing stories, taking random pictures, and hanging out with my friends and family.

When did you get saved?

I wish I could say that I got saved when I was young, but I didn't. I found out what real Christianity was once I became older and more into the Word and understanding it. It all started at Camp Kellog in 2010.

What is your favorite thing about God and why?
My favorite thing about God is that you know that He'll never leave you and will always love you no matter what. He also forgives your sins and never looks down at you.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.

I love that verse because it's true. Everything may die and become weary, but God's Word will never. (I have it memorized) :)

What is one thing that God has taught you in 2011?
He taught me how to stay strong in walking with Him.

What are some of your goals for 2012?
I don't really have goals right now I can think of, but in my future I want to be a missionary and teach kids out in the world about God. My mother asked me how I would share the Word if I go to a place where they don't allow God and how I wouldn't die. I told her, "If I have to, I'll die for the faith and trust in God because Jesus died for me ,and that I wouldn't leave Him because He never did leave me."

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a nurse and help sick kids and adults become well. I tend to care too much. I also want to be a music teacher.

Do you believe that the media (TV, music, books, magazines) influence girls today? If yes, in a good or bad way and why? If no, why not?

I think that a lot of media does influence girls today. If a girl influenced girls to wear this brand of perfume or a new hairstyle, I bet that they would want to get it and be like the person that was commercialing the product. Some things that people show off to sell is sometimes good, but also bad. I saw this commercial on these CDs called, "I Can Only Imagine" and we called the number and my mom ordered the CDs because on the TV it said that you couldn't find them in stores. I really like the music and that can be one good thing.

What do you do when times get tough?

Half of me wants to put stress on people and yell at them, and the other half of me wants to just calm down and think about every little thing one by one and how I can fix or go through it.

Who is your #1 inspiration?
My mom because she inspires me by her work and words and also her love to God. #2 would be my dad because he inspires me and tries to listen to me and does his best to help me when I have a problem.

Do you have any advice for girls on faith, friends, and life?
Always believe in God because there are some questions Google can't answer. ;)

Thanks for doing this interview, Allie!

p.s. Happy late Valentine's Day, everyone!

Girlz Like You Interview: Alisha H., 15

2012-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

(Check out more Girlz Like You interviews HERE)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Well, I'm the oldest of four kids, two of whom are adopted. I've been homeschooled most of my life. I love writing, music and friends. I was diagnosed with a rare liver condition when I was four months old, and am currently battling with another illness which is currently undiagnosed.

What are your hobbies?
Music, reading, writing.

When did you get saved?
Well, I was about four when I asked Jesus into my heart.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Definitely 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. "

Who is your #1 inspiration?
That's a hard one. There's so many incredible people I look up to in my life and who inspire me. My number one would probably be my best friend's mom. She's been like a second mother to me, and has been inspiring me since I was young. But there are so many people in my life, so it's hard to pick just one.

What is your favorite thing about God?
I love the fact that God gives second chances, and doesn't get upset with me when I don't "get" it. I also love that He's trustworthy, and even when I don't see what's going on, He has a plan.

What is your view on purity, modesty, and courtship?
I think all three are great qualities. I also think the second two play into the first. I don't actually know if I'm all for courtship, as in I don't know if it is something I would want to pursue, but I definitelythink it's a great idea and would love for my family and friends to play a big role in my dating life.

When you go through trials, is there a certain Bible verse or attribute of God that encourages you?
Well, that would probably be my favorite one, 2 Corinthians 12:9. Another one I love is Hosea 2:14.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would love a career in medicine, however that decides to play out.

What is your goal for your blog?
I went into this whole blogging thing not really having a goal, just planning on writing about my life. Now, though, I do want to be able to encourage others, but I still want to be real and honest and share with people my real struggles, and if they can get something out of that it's just an added bonus. I guess I just write what's on my heart and let God do the rest.

Do you have any advice for girls on friends, life, and faith?
Hmm...I don't know if I'm in a place to be giving advice when I know so little about life myself! One thing I would say is that you don't have to figure everything out. Life is messy sometimes, and it's full of heartbreaking moments, and those are ok. I know what it's like to hurt and to wonder where God is in all of this, and that's ok too. As much as we think we should have all the answers, it's ok to not know. God can take all our feelings, and our questions, and our hurts, and even our anger. To be a good Christian you don't have to fit inside a little box where everything is neat and proper. Life is messy sometimes, and nobody gets that better then Jesus. Life hurts, but Jesus heals, remember that.

Thank you so much for doing this interview for us, Alisha!

More Girlz Like You interviews are coming soon, so stay tuned :-).

(picture courtesy Alisha)

VFW Banquet

2012-02-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

I was gone this weekend, so I have a good excuse for not posting :). Hehe.

This weekend, my family drove four hours away to go to a Veterans of Foreign Wars banquet. We had heard that I won 1st in an essay contest, Patriot's Pen, and my sister was partaking in a speech contest called Voice of Democracy. At the banquet, I was to give my speech and my sister was to find out if she placed (there were 15 other Voice of Democracy high schoolers in the finals).
And guess what? My sister Haley placed third! She did a wonderful job. Here are our speeches...

The after party was great fun too. I haven't laughed that hard in a while! Congratulations to the top 5 winners for Voice of Democracy - Jordin, Liberty, Haley, Emily, and David. All of their speeches were great.

I had a wonderful time at the banquet, and made some great new friends! I am so thankful for the opportunity I got to enter the Patriot's Pen writing contest, but I am even more thankful for what the veterans have done for us!

THANK YOU, VETERANS!

Giveaway Entrants!

2012-02-09T13:15:00.001-08:00

Notice: if it says "put the button the sidebar (3 entries)" for example, you MUST do 3 comments or you will not be entered 3 times. Comment theee separately like this:
Put the button on my sidebar 1/3
Did the button 2/3
Did the button 3/3

Thanks!

Being a Christian

2012-02-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

Some people think that Christianity is a ticket into an easy life.

Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Being a Christian, we will definitely face hardships, persecution, and trials.
Being a Christian, people will make fun of us, mock our faith, and try to get us to believe something different.
Being a Christian, people we thought were our friends will turn their backs on us.
Being a Christian, we will be looked down on.
Being a Christian, we will be laughed at.

In some cases, being a Christian means that you will be killed.

But you know what? It will all be worth it.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says this:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Little Smiley Things

2012-02-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

My little sister is losing her voice, and she sounds adorable when she giggles.
I went bowling with my dad and siblings, and Dad told me I was using the wrong fingers. Funny thing is, I've been using those fingers for a while and didn't notice!
Chocolate frozen yogurt with gummy worms on top. No further explanation needed.
Looking back at old pictures and fawning over how different people look.
Playing the beginning of "He's a Pirate" over and over trying to get it right.
Eating yummy soup an bread for dinner.

One not-smiley thing is that I'm sick, along with some of my sibs. Your prayers would be GREATLY appreciated, especially since this weekend I'm giving a speech at a big banquet!

Giveaway Note

2012-02-07T14:33:00.001-08:00

Bethany from Hands That Bless is unable to sponsor the blue hat at this time, but she has offered to sponsor a 30% coupon to her shop. So sorry for any confusion. Also, somebody asked if you can enter to win one item. No, you cannot, sorry. By entering, you don't know which item you will win.

Thanks!

100 Followers Giveaway!

2012-02-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

114 followers??? Thank you guys so much!
To celebrate this milestone, I'm having a giveaway! Yeah! And there's some pretty cool stuff lined up for you to win.

I wanna say thank you to all the sponsors as well! This wouldn't be happening without you!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Now, let's get to the prizes :-).

^Blue Rose Earrings donated by Kelsey.
shop//blog

30% Off Coupon to Hands That Bless!

Donated by Bethany.
shop//blog

^Lollipop Earrings donated by Hannah and Melody.
shop//blog

^Any one item from Lilpaper Boutique (no custom orders).

^Any one item from Neesie Designs.

^Minnie Mouse Cupcake Earrings donated by mmagda.
shop

^These earrings donated by Tiffany.
shop

^A complete blog design (custom header, background, button, footer, arranges gadgets) donated by Blog Designs By Emma.

(one of her designs^)
^A custom blog design donated by Emma Margaret.

^This handmade bookmark donated by Korin L.

^This blue jade bracelet donated by Jesse Anne.
shop//blog

Jesse also generously offered to send me my own in any color I wanted to review. I chose pink!

This bracelet is gorgeous. I wore it to church, and I'm wearing it right now! It is comfortable, elegant, and will match a lot of my clothes. It came packaged very nicely, and it has no dings, scratches, or marks. Plus, Jesse sent it to be very fast! If there was one thing about the bracelet that wasn't totally amazing, it's that it's still a bit too loose, even when it's on the tightest claspy thingy :) (my wrists aren't super skinny or anything). But, this bracelet is definitely lovely, and the fast shipping and good quality were added pluses!

That's ELEVEN prizes! How cool is that? So, how can you be entered for a chance to win one of these lovely prizes?

(please comment separately for EACH ENTRY! e.g. i follow you 1/2)

Mandatory:
Follow Girlz of God (1 entry)
Follow Talia Grace Photography (1 entry)

Other Entries:
Heart each of the Etsy shops (1 entry per shop you heart)
Buy something from one of the shops (10 entries per shop you buy from)
Follow Kels's blog (1 entry)
Follow Emma Margaret's blog (1 entry)
Follow Melody's blog (1 entry)
Follow Bethany's blog (1 entry)
Follow Jesse Anne's blog (1 entry)
Follow Emma's blog (1 entry)
Heart an item from Lilpaper Boutique (1 entry, no extra entries for hearting multiple items)
Follow Lilpaper Boutique on Twitter (1 entry)
Sign up for the Lilpaper Boutique newsletter (3 entries) olsontrs(at)netscape(dot)net
Tell me your favorite item from each shop (1 entry for each item you tell me, in separate comments)
Add the giveaway button (above) to your blog sidebar (3 entries)
Post about the giveaway with a link to it on your blog (leave link below) (3 entries)

That's thirty possible entries! So what are you waiting for? Get entering! This giveaway will end on MARCH 1ST, 2012.

Things I'm Smiling About {2}

2012-02-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

~trying crab puffs for the first time and really liking them.
~eating at a chinese restaurant with friends.
~learning to play "he's a pirate" on the piano.
~family movie nights.
~giants are gonna win the super bowl (hopefully :-)).
~reading tim tebow's book.
~taking pictures.
~an upcoming giveaway i'm hosting.
~114 followers.
~a new bracelet.
~laughing & talking with friends at church.
~finding out you made a difference in someone's life.
~youth group.

what are you smiling about?

Security, Worth, and Snow White

2012-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Nearly everybody wants what they don't have. Whether that's an iPod, a boyfriend, a good dad, beauty, or anything else, we are not content with what we have.

But why?

I think one of the main reasons we want what we don't have is because we feel either partially or fully empty and insecure. We're too busy focusing on our flaws that we don't take time to focus on (not boast about - that's different) the many beautiful things that God has created in us.

Take the story of Snow White, for example. Her stepmother, the evil queen, was too busy trying to be the fairest and the best that she didn't realize that that's not what's important.

Snow White, on the other hand, wasn't concerned with being the best or the brightest. She was just her true, kind, helpful self, which made her even more beautiful.

The truth is, God made us each beautiful in our own way, and He gave us each talents that we can use to glorify Him and shine His light. But, if we're too concerned with being the best and the brightest - wanting what everyone else has instead of being content with our genuine selves - our true beauty will not shine and radiate to its full potential. It will be hidden behind a bitter scowl or an insecure sad face.

The only One who can fulfill you is Jesus. So let's stop looking for worth in other places. Let's stop feeling insecure about ourselves, because God truly created us to beautiful - with or without the "perfect look," a boyfriend, or the best family in the neighborhood. Jesus is what we need.

(all pictures source)

Coming Soon: 100 Followers Giveaway!

2012-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you all *so* much for following my blog! You all are sweet :-). To celebrate this milestone (100 followers + 11!), I want to host a giveaway! It's almost ready, but not quite. There are still a couple of things I need to do. In the meantime, is there anybody else who would like to sponsor (if you sponsor, you can still enter, you just can't win what you sponsored :-)).

Right now, I have about 6 prizes, and I'd like to get at least 4 more if not more than that? If you'd like to know the details about sponsoring and all that, or if you're interested, email me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com. I am looking for a sponsor for a blog design, too, so if that's your thing, give me a holler :-).

Thanks a million {with a nickel on top}!

God bless y'all!

Giveaway Winners!

2012-02-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

If you are a winner (Beau-Nanza $10 shop credit (click the link - there's a new shop!) - Kara L., friendship bracelets - Godsgirlz1, one item from Emma Margaret Designs - Ireland), email me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com and I will get you in contact with your sponsor!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Movie Review: Courageous

2012-02-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

After seeing the amazing movies Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof (all made by Sherwood Pictures, who made "Courageous"), I was very excited to go see this^. I hoped it would be a great movie, and I was definitely not disappointed with what I saw!

Courageous follows the entwined stories of police deputies Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, Shane Fuller, rookie David Thompson, and a man named Javier Martinez. All of these men have one thing in common: they're dads. And as this heart-touching film progresses, all of the men - on their own personal journeys - discover what it really means to be a good father.

This movie starred these people (who were all great actors)...

< Alex Kendrick as Adam Mitchell (he's also co-producer with his brother, Stephen Kendrick).

< Ken Bevel as Nathan Hayes. (He was probably my favorite actor. He did a wonderful job!)

^Kevin Downes as Shane Fuller.

^Ben Davies as David Thompson.

^Robert Amaya as Javier Martinez.

I thought that all of the actors did a great job - especially ^these guys, but the other actors and actresses as well.

^Awesome scene.

In conclusion, this movie was phenomenal. I loved it. There wasn't a thing about it I didn't like. There was no language, and it was a wonderful movie about being the dad that God wants you to be. It also covered some other issues like loss, heartache, purity, and a few others. What an amazing movie!

(all pictures source)

(see the full review of the movie on pluggedin.com. Please note that the review contains spoilers!)

Life's a Journey

2012-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's February. It's hard to believe that a month has already gone by in 2012. It seems like we were just lighting the fireworks, cheering, and shouting, "Happy New Year!"

As the years go by at a rate that seems to get faster and faster as I get older, I am learning time and time again that life is a journey. I look back now at past obstacles and trials I went through, and I can see in a lot of those instances how God was trying to teach me something, protect me from something, or reveal Himself to me. He proves amazing and trustworthy ever second of every day. There will be bumps and hills in your road of life, but God can and will carry you through those times, even if He doesn't do what you'd like Him to do, or He doesn't answer your prayers in the way you think He will or want Him to.

So even if the scenery along your road isn't the prettiest, or even if the sky is gray, or even if the road seems endless, keep on keeping on.

'Cause God is with you every step of the way.

"So don't you give up now; the sun will soon be shining. You've gotta face the clouds to find the silver lining. I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end - even when the sky is falling. I've seen, miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do." - What Faith Can Do, Kutless

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

(pictures via google.com)

Awards (YOU are awarded!)

2012-01-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you to God's Girl for awarding me! That was very sweet!

Now, first offly :), I'm not always for the whole "award" thing because I think it can make people feel left out, yadayadayada. BUT, I thought this would be fun, and since God created all girls lovely and beautiful, I award all three to YOU! Yes, you! Whoever you are! Because God made you so special and unique <3. You don't have to do this, but I think it would be cool if when you post these on your blog you award them to all girls too! Because God made us all unique in our own special ways :-)!

Now, here are the "rules"...(although I don't always follow the "awards" rule, so let's call them suggestions. That doesn't mean to defy your parents' rules!)

~List 7 random things about yourself
~Award 15 bloggers (we already covered that I'm awarding you all!)
~Post these rules (haha, that's ironic)

Here are the seven random things about myself:
1. I. Love. Pascal. Teehee :-). He is just so cute! I love him!
(look, they move! I don't remember where I got these...maybe Pinterest?)
Hehe...these make me laugh inside...

2. I just bought two clip-in feathers from Walmart for a grand total of under $5.
3. I am strongly against abortion.

(source)

4. I think the picture below is extremely funny!

5.
6.
7.

(source)

5. My favorite vegetables are cucumber and corn.
6. I know a lot of bloggers are big on "vintage," but I'm actually not. I mean, I think it's pretty, but it's not really my thing.
7. I love "Come to Me" and "Show Jesus" by Jamie Grace.

Don't forget - you're awarded! If you do this^, comment below with the link!

Give-and-Take

2012-01-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

I want to grow closer to God. I want to be so on fire for Him that everything else pales in comparison - all obsessions and idols don't matter, I don't worry what anyone else thinks about me, and I am all about Jesus. I wish this was true, but I'd be lying if I said it was.

The thing is, lately I've been learning that if I want to get closer to God and be on fire for Him, it's a give-and-take thing. I can't just ask, "LORD, make me on fire for you," then keep living the same way. I've got to change what needs to be changed, eliminate other idols or obsessions that is hindering and blocking my walk with Christ, and become all about God in everything I do. Being on fire for God is not a one-sided deal, so don't think that it is. Pray that God would make you on fire for Him if you truly want to be - then do something to make a change.

"For Good"

2012-01-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

Last night, my sister and I were in a variety show, and we sang the duet "For Good" from the Broadway musical "Wicked." Here is a videotape my dad took of our performance..I'm on the left and Haley is on the right..

Have a great day!

Guest Post by Kiera

2012-01-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Howdy! I'm Kiera. I'm 13 years old, and I love writing, taking pictures, and playing instruments! Recently, I've been learning about creation vs. evolution, and I thought some of it was so interesting that I wanted to share it with y'all! So, let's begin!

{Kiera's blog}
{Kiera's newsletter}

To start, I want to talk about bats. No, not baseball bats, the animal bats! Specifically the brown bat. Most of you have probably heard of echolocation before. Thats what bats use to find mosquitos!! (did you know a bat can rat up to half its weight in mosquitos in one night?)Well, it's basically when the bat lets out a very high pitched sound (it's so high that no human can hear it!), that bounces off of the mosquito and travels back to the bat! The bats ears are SO sensitive, that just by hearing that sound bounce back, it can tell where the insect is, how big it is, AND how fast it's traveling!! But that presents a problem for evolutionists: if bats evolved gradually over time, then how would bats live? Because echolocation is SO complicated, and it's the bats main way of getting food, how would the bat survive while it's echolocation was evolving? It would starve in the process!! I'd say that's pretty good evidence for the Creator! (:

Another amazing thing I wanted to talk about was the giraffe. The giraffe's neck can be up to 10 feet long, and obviously it needs to get blood pumped ALL the way up it's neck to get to the giraffe's brain. But how? Well, the giraffe has an extra large heart that pumps blood 2x stronger than regular animals! But doesn't it seem like if there's so much pressure from his heart traveling up his neck, his head would blow up from the pressure? Well God thought of that, so he put valve type things in its neck so that it could control the pressure when it bends over!! That's just another wonderful thing that God has made!!

Follow-Up Excerpt

2012-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

If any of you read this post, it may have seened a bit down-ish. True, that is how the main character (Gwen) is at the beginning of the story, but I don't want to make you think that the whole story is like that. SO...here is another excerpt :-).

Genuine Excerpt Copyright Talia DeAndrea 2011, 2012

I pulled out my treasured journal with tattered pages that smelled the way only old books could smell. I pressed my nose to the cover and inhaled the glorious aroma. I held it at a glance and observed the front cover. Hmm. Not as colorful as it once had been, but definitely loved. This journal was like an old friend. I gently opened the big book, which had been my companion for many years, and turned to a blank page.

Tuesday, November 8^th, 2011

Dear Journal,

Even though I've tried to occupy my mind with other thoughts and musings, Bible Study this morning persistently tugs at my thoughts and tries to grab my attention. I can't stop thinking about what Mitch read from the Bible: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

I'd had to look up the verse to make sure I got it right.

Debbie described it in a way I'd never thought of before. She said that Jesus died so that we could be saved, or something like that. But that's what I don't get. Why would Jesus die for me? Because I'd be the first to admit that I'm not perfect, and I know there are so many people in the world who do really bad stuff – like murdering, cheating, and whatever that one sin is where somebody leaves their wife or husband for somebody else. I admit that I fight with my siblings more than I ought to. And I admit that I do lie sometimes, and I have cheated occasionally, and I know my thoughts are not always good – is that counted as a “sin”? Now, Journal, I'm not saying that I'm a Christian or anything, because I'm definitely not. Christians are so...so...hypocritical. It's just that I'm confused. I'm searching...searching for answers. And so far I haven't found any. I guess I'll just have to watch and listen hard at Bible Study tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Gwen

I closed my treasured journal and put it back on the shelf. I wouldn't call it a “Place of Honor,” but hopefully Aaron wouldn't suspect that I would keep it in plain sight with my other books. On the very shelf I kept my journal were a few of my favorite reads – Pride and Prejudice, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, plus Alex Rider, which I'd gotten for my birthday but Mom had never let me read because it had language in it.

That very minute, Mom called my name loudly from the kitchen. “Gwen! Come here! Good news!” Oh, no. Mom's idea of good news usually wasn't the same as my idea of good news. I took my sweet time getting to the kitchen. “Yeah, Mom?” I said. “What's the news?” Mom grinned. “The cousins are coming!” she said. My heart felt like it was beating against my chest. “Which cousins?” Mom smiled. “Who else? The Phillips.” Images of practical jokes, teasing, and harassment fogged my thoughts. This can't be happening, I thought in disbelief. What I wrote about in my book is happening to me! Keisha – my brat cousin – is coming!

Genuine, a Summary:

Meet Gwen Washington. She's an average 14-year-old going through the motions of everyday life. But what her family and friends don't see is that underneath the surface she's feeling lonely - like no one understands her. When a bunch of new groups are started at school, Gwen's mom signs her up for one - much to the dislike of Gwen. The group turns out to be really great and fun, and Gwen is finally feeling like she belongs somewhere. But when her snooty cousin comes to stay with her family, she starts stealing - or messing up - everything that belongs to Gwen. After a terrible accident strikes her family, Gwen will have to put into perspective what really matters, who God is, who SHE is, and who God created her to be.

A True Prince

2012-01-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, I loved Disney princesses. I loved their flowing gowns, fancy hairstyles, and glamorous palaces. If I had had a fairy godmother who could transform me into a princess, I probably would've done it without a second thought. I just adored everything about them.

A big part of every Disney princess's story is the prince. I wasn't too concerned with Derek and Eric and Aladdin (who technically wasn't a prince until he married Jasmine) and the rest of them when I was younger. Sure, they were a nice addition to the story, but I mostly admired the princesses.

The "prince" is often the starring roll in girls' minds today. They desperately want to know who they will marry (if they will marry), what he looks like, what he's doing now - stuff like that. And most girls are thinking of their Prince Charming by now. They want him to be handsome, kind, and daring - always a safe place for them. But many girls find it hard to wait for their Prince Charming...so they don't. They go out on an endless search to find "the one," dating this guy then that one, until they're feeling broken and empty and not at all fulfilled. And a lot (though not all, mind you) of the "princes" out there are not true princes. What qualities does a true prince have, you ask?

A True Prince
~ Loves the LORD with all his heart
~ Loves God more than you
~ Loves you and treats you with the respect you deserve
~ Is a leader

There are a few more things that makes a prince a true prince, but those are the basics. Does that sound like a lot of the guys you have dated or are interested in?

The point is, God is writing your love story. Sure, it may not seem like it, and sure, it may seem like your Prince Charming will NEVER come into your life, but wait for the Lord..wait for God's perfect timing. It will be so much better and more fulfilling if you wait for the love of your life rather than go on a crazy search to find him.

And who knows? Maybe God's plan for you doesn't include marriage. Whether it does or it doesn't, trust in God's plan, and wait for Him to bring your true prince - the one He has already picked out for you - into your life. He's writing your love story.

{all pictures SOURCE}

Genuine Excerpt

2012-01-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading over a bit of my novel that I wrote during NaNoWriMo 2011, Genuine. I don't think I'm gonna publish the book or anything, but I thought I'd let y'all read a small excerpt.

Genuine Excerpt, Copyright © Talia DeAndrea 2011, 2012

HAWAII DREAMER

Subject: Book Covers and Masks

Ever heard the term, “Don't judge a book by its cover”? I don't know about you, but sometimes I pick up a book off the library shelf, see its hideous cover, and quickly place it back. But then my mother forces me to read said book for school, and it turns out to be the best book I've ever read.

I often feel like a book cover. No, I don't feel like a literal book cover, but in an allegorical sense I do. I feel like who I am on the outside – my cover – is so different from who I am on the inside – the pages. I'm the type of girl that people think they've got pinned. They think they know everything about me – they think they know who I am. But, in truth, they don't. No one does. And that's the way I want it. Because if they knew who I am and how lonely I really am, they'd try to fix it...fix me. And I don't think anyone can fix my loneliness. So why should they try, and why should I let them try?

True, I have friends. Not many, but the few I have are good friends. But sometimes they are so clueless to the fact that I wear a mask. No, the quiet, shy, not-very-smart girl they like to hang with isn't really who I am. I'm really a girl who's bursting with creativity, who's really smart, and is dying to say what she believes. But I'm scared to tell anyone that that's more me than the “me” they see and think they know. Does that make sense? I'm scared because I can never be myself around them, and they'll be disappointed in me. I'm scared of what they'll think of me. I'm scared of what I'll think of me once my “secret identity” is out. I'm scared that they'll be super angry that I lied to them for so long. I'm scared that I will feel even more “not good enough” than I do now.

I'm sorry this post is a vent-post, but I needed to get it out somewhere that's safe. And Hawaii Dreamer is about the only place that is.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: there was some confusion. Just to be clear, Gwen is a completely different person from me, and this is written from her point of view, not mine. I have the best family, friends, and GOD in the world, and I know where my worth comes from :-) (Gwen doesn't figure out where her worth comes from until later in the book). Sorry for any confusion**
What do you think? Check out my NaNoWriMo profile here.

His Purpose

2012-01-23T16:35:00.000-08:00

Rarely do I take the time to tell God just how thankful I am for all that He has blessed me with. I look around at my life and certain experiences that have happened in it, and I become overwhelmed with the thought of how blessed I am, even when times are tough. Sometimes I look back at obstacles and times where I doubted God, and now I realize that He knew what He was doing all along, and He placed that obstacle in my life for a reason. The other day I was reading a past journal entry-slash-prayer that took place two days before my sister was due to leave for Africa. At the time, she was sick. I didn't get it, because God had provided all the funds for her trip, all the support, and all the resources, and now, two days before she was due to leave, she was sick. Do you blame me for being confuzzled? In the prayer I vented to God, and, basically, I doubted Him, asking, "Why isn't Haley better?" During the next two days, Haley recovered and set out on her mission trip.

At the time, I couldn't see what God was doing. But later I realized that I didn't have to doubt Him. I realized that I should just trust Him and let Him take the reigns of my life, take the worries of my life, and carry my burdens, and He won't let me down.

Sometimes God's plan is different from what we have in mind. My family most definitely experienced this firsthand with the adoption of my little sister, Fasika. On our papers, we had originally put down that we wanted an infant. We were assigned with an adorable little girl named Fasika - supposedly under eight months old. Not long after, we found out that there had been a mess-up with the paperwork and that Fasika was older than the age range we originally wanted (she was actually over a year old). Well, we decided to stick with Fasika, because we already loved her and we felt that it was God's plan, and we have never regretted it. Now, we cannot even imagine life with Fasika. She is such a beautiful, fun, silly, sweet, precious little girl that God definitely brought into our life. Even though we didn't get an Ethiopian baby the age we originally wanted, God knew what we needed - Fasika. And now we all love her so, so much (we did the moment we knew her name, too), and we can't imagine life without her.

I love the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11-13. It says:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

God has a good plan for each of our lives - not a plan to hurt us. Even if He allows bad things to happen - like Haley getting sick - something good can come out of it, and He can deliver us from it.

So be thankful...even for the trials you are going through. Who knows? Maybe God is using the trials in your life for a greater purpose that will draw you closer to Him. And what could be better than that?

GREAT NEWS!

2012-01-21T18:25:00.001-08:00

This was too exciting not to share! It could've only been God!

Kara has done extremely well today! She did PT, OT and Speech Therapy and had lots and lots of visitors all day long. She really enjoyed all of you. Plus we got super fabulous news from her doctor. The MRI of her brain was perfect! The doctor was absolutely amazed that it showed no damage. He cannot explain it considering the time she went without oxygen. Also he said he looked very carefully at the print out of her heart rhythm from the CPR done in the field. He said it was "textbook perfect"! That was also amazing! He said that a classroom trained group could not have done it better.
We gave God all the glory and know God answered all the faithful prayers of the students and adults at the CYIA Party to provide just the right people to do the CPR on Kara.

We told the doctor about all the people all over the world who are praying for Kara and also thanked him for all the wonderful care he and the other staff have given.

Kara continues to be confused at times but converses very sweetly with everyone.

Kara is taking some solid foods today. She's had applesauce, mandarin oranges, jello, apple juice, popsicle, a little bit of pancakes and scrambled eggs.

Fallon Kinkead will be staying with Kara tonight so Ward and I and my mother can get some sleep in our beds tonight. We are very tired but are a very happy tired. = )

Love,

Linda

11 Things Tag

2012-01-19T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is a tag from Destiny. You're supposed to tell 11 random things about yourself, answer the 11 Q's the tagger set by the tagger, make up 11 new Q's, tag 11 people (or however many you want :-)) and let them know on their blog. So, 11 random things about me...

(1) I don't like to watch people eat cereal.
(2) I'd rather be really cold than really hot.
(3) I get Clubouse magazine (and love it :-)).
(4) I have about a hundred pictures/posters in my room.
(5) I like to wath gymnastics but not DO gymnastics.
(6) I'm a writer, butI'm not very good at keeping up on journaling.
(7) I love Pascal from Tangled. I have a stuffed animal of him :-).
(8) I am homeschooled and love it :-).
(9) I am saving my first kiss for marriage.
(10) Pasta is delish.
(11) I don't like the smell or taste of coffee or tea (except iced tea:)).

Questions from Destiny...
1. Silk or Plush? Plush
2. Favorite Book series? Real Life by Nancy Rue
3. Do you wear your hair up or down most of the time? Equal :-).
4. Bacon... do you like it? Yes.
5. Favorite quote? Ohwow, I have too many. But this is definitely one of my faves: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannog lose." - Jim Elliot
6. Marker, crayon, or colored pencil? Marker
7. How many letters are in your full name? Let me count...13.
8. Got a celebrity crush? Honestly, nope :-).
9. Mustache or Beard? Uh...I don't know..
10. Converse or Sneakers? Converse.
11. Hot summer days or Snow filled mornings? Both!

My questions for you...
(1) Favorite movie?
(2) Most tolerable kids' TV show?
(3) Favorite number?
(4) Top 3 favorite hobbies?
(5) Favorite dessert?
(6) Pie...apple or pumpkin?
(7) Favoritw Bible verse?
(8) A cause you care about?
(9) A name you love.
(10) Favorite Bible story and why?
(11) Favorite Bible character and why?

I tag anyone who wants to do it :-).

Aw, Shucks

2012-01-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

100 followers!!! Woot! Thank you guys soooo much...and a shoutout to Janine for being the 100th follower!

I will be hosting a giveaway soon, but first I'd like a few more sponsors..anyone interested?

One More? Please?

2012-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hey girls,
(*random note - this is my 401st post :-)*)
What are you all up to today?
As you can see on the sidebar, I have 99 lovely followers! 99! Thanks sooo much. Y'all are sweet :-). I'm planning on having a big giveaway once I reach 100 followers..so, does somebody (pretty please) wanna make my day and be the 100th follower? :)

Kara is doing well - thank you all so much for praying! You can get more updates here:
caringbridge.org/visit/karasiert

Please keep her in your prayers!

Oh, and don't forget to enter the New Year Give-it-away! The link is above.

God bless you!

Doing Better...

2012-01-17T20:35:00.001-08:00

This update was on Kara's site. To keep getting updates visit caringbridge.org/visit/karasiert

Better encouraging news!
Kara is doing better. Praise God. She is still in a critical condition. But as they have slowly weaned down the deep sedation she is opening her eyes (blurry) and obeyed some of Linda's commands! She is able to move her legs and arms some! She also is getting a little annoyed with the tube in her throat, which I am glad that she is, you don't want them laying there happy to be intubated. She has developed a fever and climbed way up to 103.6 this afternoon. They drew cultures of her blood and tubes, changed to a different ABX, got some Tylenol and now resting better at 100-101. The breathing machine is only giving her 12 breaths a minute and she is breathing on her own the other 4-8 a minute...this is also very encouraging. WE are Completely exhausted but feeling encouraged here in Omaha with how Kara is responding. We hope and pray this continues. The docs and nurses have been great.
Read Journal History Sign My Guestbook Read Tributes

Update

2012-01-17T13:23:00.001-08:00

God is so awesome! Kara is a week ahead of where the doc thought she would be!! Praise God! Please keep Kara and her family in your prayers!

Mix of Emotions

2012-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I've had a mix of emotions in the past couple of days.

Yesterday I spent the night at a friend's house, which was fun.

Yesterday and today it snowed for the first time this/last year, which was pretty exciting.

Today I found out that one of my best friends is in the hospital, and I am really scared about that (pleeeease be praying! see here)

I saw a verse the other day that I think God really wanted me to see. It has been really helping me today:

Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the LORD, our God and Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

I know God is our healer and He can definitely heal Kara. He is the one who kept her safe. It is incredibly reassuring to know that God daily bears our burdens.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2012-01-16T14:40:00.001-08:00

I need to ask for prayer for one of my closest friends, Kara. See here: caringbridge.org/visit/karasiert

He Carries Our Burdens

2012-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

We all go through trials. Some are worse than others, yet they are all difficult. Maybe your grandma died. Maybe your sister is bossing you around or your brother is annoying you. Maybe you're not feeling good about yourself. We all have those days.

I found out two days ago that one of my dear, close friends is moving a couple hours away. I was shocked and sad to hear the news. Today I read a Bible verse that I thought was just awesome and amazing. Here it is:

Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

It is so comforting to know that God will always carry our burdens - no matter the size.
I read this quote in the book "A Young Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George:

But this you must remember,
This one thing you must know...
I cannot take your burden
Until you let it go.

Give-it-away Button

2012-01-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Apparently the "New Year Give-it-away" button code wasn't working, so those of you entering who said "put your blog button my sidebar," here it is for you to try again.

Have a great week!

Inspire Me

2012-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

This is what I call bliss.

(all pictures via)

Girlz Like You Interview: Alyssa F., 13 (and a little announcement)

2012-01-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

(Check out more Girlz Like You Interviews here)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Alyssa, I am thirteen years old and in the eighth grade. I have gone to a public school all my life. I have naturally curly hair and the only one in the family with blonde hair and blue eyes. I have two amazing parents, and a little sister named Sarah. We own a cute, little Miniature Dachshund named Minnie. I love to dance, and took dance classes for 8 years. I also am a huge fan of Christian music. My desire for my life is to grow as close as I can to the Lord!

What are your hobbies? Dancing, singing, reading, writing, emailing, and listening to music.

When did you get saved?
I got saved a couple of years ago (around 11 years old).

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 because it states God's whole plan of salvation, and the love that He has for each of us.

Tell us about your newsletter, Guided by Grace.
Guided by Grace is a Christian e-newsletter that was started after the original one, Christian Crew. It is designed to encourage and help other teenage girls with their relationship with God. It features at least one or two devotionals, pages made by the readers, and poems/stories/articles.

What is your main goal for your newsletter?
The main goal for the newsletter is to, again, encourage and help teenage girls with their relationship with God.

When the going gets tough, what do you do?
Well, I strive to trust in the Lord and pray when the going gets tough. But often times it is difficult. I mainly try to live by (and focus on ) in difficult times Proverbs 3:5-6. It states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

What is your favorite thing about God?
Well, I like everything about Him, but I would have to say my favorite thing would be the amount of love He has for us.

What is one way that God has gifted you?
I believe God has gifted me in many ways, but especially with the amazing family and friends that I have! They are truly a blessing!

What is your favorite way to serve the LORD?
My favorite way to serve the LORD would definitely be through my writing.(especially my newsletters). I love to create the newsletters, not only knowing that I am strengthening girls' relationships with the Father, but that I am pleasing and serving the Lord.

What is your view on modesty?
I believe modesty is really important. Not only does God not want us showing off parts of our sacred and holy bodies, but He wants us to cover them up completely and save ourselves for our future husband. We need to remember that every part of our lives, even the clothes we wear, should glorify and please God.

What is your view on purity?
Along with modesty, I think purity is also extremely important. God wants us to remain pure for (again) our future husbands, not give a little to different guys until eventually you have nothing to look forward to with your husband! I believe it is definitely important to remain pure until we find the right guy and marry him!

What is your view on courtship?
Courtship is definitely a matter to discuss with your family, but I think it is surely a smart idea and something that will result good. I also don't think dating is a bad idea, as long as you keep to good standards and remain pure, and keep any relationship glorifying to God.

Are you waiting for God to bring the right guy into your life? Explain why or why not.
Yes, I am waiting for God to bring the right guy into my life because God's plan is perfect, so I know that He will send the right husband at the right time! I just have to wait for it.

What is one thing God has taught you in 2011?
In 2011, I have learned that a good relationship with God cannot exist without time in the Word and consistent prayer.

What are some of your goals for the new year?
Well, I have to say that my top goals for this year is to grow even more in my relationship with God, and read the Bible and/or spend time with God daily.

Do you have any advice for girls on faith, friends, and life?
Though life may get hard and it may seem like everything is falling apart, always remember that God will be there for you, and that you can trust in Him and talk to Him in any situation. As for friends, some may stay in your life forever, some may stay for a while, and some may even stay for a short time, but remember each and every one is there for a reason, and all to help you grow in some kind of a way! Just remember to give all friendships the glory to God.

Thank you so much for doing this interview for us!

(All pictures courtesy Alyssa and her family)

And now for the little announcement...

Right now while I'm posting this, I have 94 followers. If Girlz of God can at least 100 followers (that's 6 more), I will host a 100 followers giveaway! So, if you want :), tell your friends, post on your blog. This will be a giveaway not to be missed :-).

I Refuse

2012-01-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

I heard this song by Josh Wilson on the radio the other day and found it really fascinating. Check it out:

I Refuse

Sometimes I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I Refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God
So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
And show them who You are

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well
I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse

This song really stands out to me. Many times I feel a tug to reach out to a person I see, be an encouragement to them, tell them that God loves them...but I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what people will think of me. I'm scared of giving them a bad impression of Christianity. I'm lazy. And so I pray that God would send someone to witness to that person. I know, that is so lame. But I do that.

But you know what I say? Enough of that. This song totally describes what I want. Just reading the lyrics to the song I am appalled.

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse

It's time for me to move, for me to reach out and do what God wants me to do, not just waiting for the next winter retreat, the next camp, to get close with God. The time is now, and this is what I need to do.

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well
I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

The time for excuses is long gone. In fact, I don't think it was even ever here. No more excuses. I want to love God with all that I am and give my life completely to Him.

I don't want to live like I don't care. I don't want to say another empty prayer. I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself.

I could choose not to move, but I refuse.

New Year Give-it-away

2012-01-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

*This giveaway was originally intended to be a Christmas give-it-away, but turned into a New Year's give-it-away :-).*

**ALL PRIZES SHIP U.S. ONLY. I'M SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.**

I don't know about you, but during the Christmas season, I'm thinking mostly about myself and the presents I will get. Selfish as it is, it's true. I know many other girls can relate to that. I also know that many people spend their Christmas and New Year alone, or without any gifts at all, or maybe some people just need a little brightening and a little glimmer of hope in their day. The thought of those people inspired me to host a Girlz of God...

New Year Give-it-away!

&lt;a border="0" href="http://girlzofgodbook.blogspot.com" target="_blank">&lt;img src="http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/goGityblogity/newyrgiveitaway.jpg" />&lt;/a>

This giveaway is a little bit like other giveaways. The only catch is, you are entering to win a prize that you will give away to someone who could use a smile and a glimmer of hope. Although I can't monitor whether you keep the prize or give it away, the point of this giveaway is to win it to give it, you know? I highly encourage you to give the prize away to someone (or buy something with the prize for someone else - more about that later). Here are a couple of ideas for giving (these are all optional, of course)...

(1) Give it to someone who is TOTALLY not expecting it. (maybe the girl you can't stand, the old man down the street that sits in his rocking chair on the front porch, that lady that is about to have a baby at your church, etc.)
(2) Do it anonymously. It will feel great.
(3) Attach a card to the gift that tells about Christ and His love. You could tell them you are praying for them, include a fun little paper game like a crossword puzzle or sudoku, and include Bible verses.

If you win one of the prizes below, we would love to hear what you did with it and what the response of the person was. Please, for safety reasons, don't use any names. Talk about how giving it away made you feel, if you learned something in the process, and what you think GOD thinks about giving to those who need hope.

Now, on to the prizes...

$10 credit to Beau-Nanza donated by Sarah.

Beau-Nanza sells a variety of cute bows and adorable key fobs.

Is that not adorable? I don't have keys, and I want one! LOL! I couldn't find a pic on the facebook page, but I have a New Orleans Saints bow that's really cute :-). Something from Beau-Nanza would be a great, sweet little gift to give away.

This set of friendship bracelets donated by Kara L. You could keep one and give it to a friend! Aren't they pretty?

And, last but not least, any one item of your choice from Emma Margaret Designs!

Emma Margaret sells a variety of cute little items. This would make a perfect gift for someone in need of a smile! Here are a couple of the items she has at her shop.

Flower Head Band.

Pretty Little Clipboard

Colorful Flower Bracelet

...and much more! :-)

So how can you have a chance to win one of these prizes to give away? Here's how...

Mandatory: Tell me who you would give this to if you won and why (please don't use names, though).

Extra Entries (all worth 1 entry) (please leave one comment for each separate entry):
~Follow Girlz of God
~Follow Emma Margaret's blog, Everyday Emma
~Post about this giveaway on your blog
~Email a friend about this giveaway (no extra entries for extra friends)
~Put the giveaway button on your sidebar
~Go to Emma Margaret Designs and comment your favorite item with a link
~Go to Beau-Nanza and comment your favorite item with a link
~Subscribe to Sarah's e-newsletter, The Mission Mag
~Comment your favorite Bible verse

PLEASE LEAVE SOME WAY TO FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU IN EVERY COMMENT (either blog address, etsy account, or email).

You have until January 31st to enter. The random drawing will (hopefully) be held and winners announced on February 1st.

That's it :)! Start the comments! :D

Introducing...Talia Grace Photography

2012-01-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hey, girls! Thank you all so much for your lovely name ideas for my new blog. Y'all are sweet. However, I have chosen the name "Talia Grace Photography." I know..it's not incredibly original, doing my first and middle name, but I think it has a nice ring to it :-). So, without further ado...

As of now, it has no posts, but I did a photo shoot with my sister today (Yayyy! Thanks, Haley!), and so I will be posting a few of those pics soon too :-). Also, my uberly fantastical friend Kiera started a photography blog too! How cool is that? It's called Simply Shaye. Go check it out and follow >>>HERE<<<<! She is also the author of the Peacherino Monthly, which is a newsletter for Christian homeschoolers that Kiera, me, and our friends Emma, Sam, and Kara write for. Go check it out and follow >>>>HERE<<<<!

Have a fantasticalistic day :-). God bless you!

I Need Your Help!

2012-01-04T14:15:00.001-08:00

My dad is letting me start a photography blog. Eeee, exciting, right?!! But the thing is, we can't think of a name that isn't taken already. We have tried a TON of clever ideas...all all of which are taken. Any ideas? The person who comes up with the name I choose will get a sponsor spot on my blog for one month.

SPONSORS, please read

2012-01-02T14:36:00.001-08:00

For those of you who agreed to sponsor a give-it-away, please read... I don't remember which ones of you agreed! The only ones I remember for sure are Sarah N. ($10 to your shop, yes?) and Kara L. (2 bracelets). Can you please comment on THIS POST if you agreed to sponsor or are interested in sponsoring?
Have a great day!

Winter Retreat 2011-12

2012-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me say happy new year :-)!!! It's gonna be so weird writing 2012 on everything...anyway, I hope that God blesses you this year.

Now, an overview of winter retreat this (last, really) year. There was so much that went on that I don't know if I can remember it all! But I shall try my best to relay parts that were important/fun/etc. to me.

We met at the church on Thursday and drove up to the camp (since my friend and I were in a van separate to the bus, the van got icecream and Dutch Bro's ☺). When we got to camp, we got all situated in our cabins (I was in a cabin with a really great leader, Nikki, who has been my leader or assistant leader at camps for the past few years. Friends were in my cabin, too). Everybody met in the mess hall, and we had dinner, worship, and a session with speaker and author Ben Courson, son to Jon Courson. And let me tell you, Ben was great! That night I took, like, three pages of notes (but that's beside the point). The worship the whole week was amazing, too.

That night, I went to bed around 1:30 or so, and got up at about 6 to shower and get ready before 7:30 so I could go to morning worship, led by my sissy. After worship, we had breakfast, worship, then a session, then we had lots of free time to mingle, get to know people, and play games, which was fun. There was also a gym and game room where we could play volleyball or basketball or whatever :-).

That day, a bunch of kids played a muddy game in the rain, called Bombs, Babies, and something else... :) haha. I just watched - it was freeeeezing, and some people were wearing only tank tops and shorts, and some of the boys were only wearing shorts! Now there's a way to get pneumonia...

Last night, the worship was one of the best of all. In other times and at other camps, I have been shy of raising my hands and closing my eyes during worship. I'm always like, They're watching me... What are they thinking? But this year I didn't really care, and just worshipped God freely.

Last night, the worship and session were amazing. We also did communion. Our youth pastor invited whoever wanted to share what they had learned that weak to come up on stage, and a lot of kids and a couple adults did...it was really cool! It is so amazing when you know that God is in the room. He always is, but it's amazing to FEEL His presence.

One night the speaker had us give a round of applause for God...and let me tell you, that was aMAZing. We usually cheer for our favorite sports teams and such, as Ben pointed out, but we don't usually cheer with reckless abandon for God. Well, it was an amazing moment of cheering and clapping. God is so incredible, He deserves all-day everyday applause :-), and soooo much more.

I had an incredibly amazing time, made some new friends, had fun with old ones, shared my heart, prayed with others, shined a little ray of God's light into a girl's life, just by a little thing I did for her. I'm going to be praying this year that I will maintain this "camp high," and that it wouldn't just be a "camp high." And then I'm going to work on it...remembering what I did and learned, acting on it, not just, like, praying that God would change me. Because He will change me if I am able and willing to change how I think and act. If I pray that God will change me but continue sinning, than was I earnest with the prayer I prayed?

What is God teaching you this week?

Again, happy new year :-)!

I'm Off...

2011-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

...to winter retreat with my youth group :). Talk to y'all later!

Nahum 1:7

Movie Review ~ Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'd never seen anything "Mission Impossible" before the movie, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I knew there would be a lot of action, judging by the commercial, and action there was. Actually, the movie was jam-packed with action. Usually I get bored with the action (which is weird), but I actually enjoyed all of it in this movie.

This PG-13 movie directed by Brad Bird and produced by Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk is an action-packed movie about the starring character, Ethan Hunt, and his team - compiled of Benji Dunn, William Brandt, and Jane Carter - who initiate a mission to stop an evil Russian from attaining nuclear launch codes and using them, in short. The movie had a lot of information as to what they were trying to accomplish, who was who, what was what, and I was a bit confused or clueless to what was going on at times. By the end of the film, though, most if not all of my confusion was resolved, and the end of the movie was satisfying - not like a sad movie where everybody dies in the end (which I totally don't get :-)).

This movie stars...

Tom Cruise as...

Ethan Hunt. Hard as it is to believe, I'd never seen Tom Cruise in anything else (gasp! I know), but I thought he was a really good actor. The character of Ethan Hunt at time seems like a one-man show, like he's an invincible super hero, but later in the movie he highlights just how important the whole team is, an admirable part of the film. It is also evident how much he cares about stopping the nuclear missile and saving people he doesn't even know.

Jeremy Renner as...

William Brandt. I think he did really good and is also a talented actor. His character was mysterious in a way, because you know there's something about him that he's not revealing to the team, but you're not sure what. (Guess what?! My sister found out that Renner is playing Hawkeye in Avengers!!!)

Simon Pegg as...

Benji Dunn. This character was probably one of my favorite. He just had a funny personality, and Pegg did a wonderful acting job.

Paula Patton as...

Jane Carter. Though not my favorite character, I really liked Jane Carter, because she is a girl agent with some cool moves! Haha!

And the bad guy...Michael Nyqvist as...

Kurt Hendricks. In my opinion, he wasn't as evil as he could have been. His actions portrayed his deep evilness, but his words were not as dark and devastatingly evil as you think a villain's would be (at least in my opinion :-)).

This movie had some great lessons to learn in it, including the importance of a whole team and that you can't always do everything alone, friendship, and risking your life for people who may never know they were in danger in the first place. An added plus is that all of their missions were really cool, and they had some cool gadgets and gizmos :-).

While I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, I must warn you that it did have some language and a lot of violence, shooting, etc. I'd say it's a pretty good movie for teens and above, but know that I am forewarning you that there is language and countless punching, kicking, throwing, shooting, etc., of humans.

Plugged In did a review on this movie. To see it, click here. NOTE: Their review contains spoilers!

*While I enjoyed the movie, I do not endorse, recommend, etc., the contents of it. If you are planning to go see this movie, talk about it with your parents first and, hey, take 'em along if you do go :-).

(pictures via google.com search and wikipedia.org)

Girlz Like You Interview: Brydon F., 15

2011-12-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Brydon F., 15, has agreed to do a Girlz Like You interview for us! Thanks, Brydon!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm fifteen years old, I have been homeschooled for three years, and I have one brother and a dog. I live in LA (Lower Alabama ;) ), and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christian worship music, singing to it, playing it, and dancing to it. I have been playing piano for 7+ years, and I love the sound my keyboard makes when I type really fast! Hahaha.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like archery....I love singing, dancing, and acting...anything theatrical. I like acrylic painting, journaling, and I am learning how to sew.

What is your favorite thing about God?
Oh, my goodness. This is a hard question! I mean, I could never know everything about God....but I guess my favorite thing about God is that He never changes, but He can know each and every one of us in a unique way. We each have different relationships and dynamics with Him, even though He is the same to everyone!

What is one of your goals for 2012?
To be honest, I haven't even made any goals for this year! I am a terrible goal maker....but I guess one thing I want to work towards in the upcoming year would be more diligent to study my Bible every day.

What is your favorite way of serving (e.g. worship, mission work, etc.)?
I would have to say worship definitely, but I really like to serve God and others by investing personal time in their walk with God....I have to admit I'm working on it though, as I'm working on my own walk.

What is your favorite Bible passage, and why is that your favorite?
Well, my favorite scripture is Hebrews 12:28-29 which says, "Since we are receiving an unshakeable kingdom, let us worship God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire!" It's my favorite because it's so passionate and it's so powerful! We are inheriting an unshakeable kingdom! And I love the picture that God is a consuming fire, that is soo cool. =)

Who is your #1 inspiration and why?
My number one inspiration would be my best friend, Jade. She loves God sooo much and she's not afraid to show it. She never fails to admit and deal with her mistakes. It is so encouraging how she is always honest and sweet. Jade has grown so much in the Lord since I have known her, and it's awesome to see what she aspires to. Her life is so exuberant and pure and wholesome.

Do you think media influences girls today? If so, how?
Yes!! Of course! What we let into our ears, eyes, and minds is so extremely powerful. When i get to thinking about it, media is really a one-way interaction, which really isn't interaction at all. It requires no brain effort or physical or verbal effort on our part to be entertained by TV and music. And so no matter what is in the media, whether it's good or bad, it goes straight into our minds unfiltered, and I know that, personally, it's hard to counteract. Girls naturally have desires and dreams, and oftentimes we wish that those would be fulfilled by something similar to what's on TV. I could go on and on about this, but basically if we let the media fill our thoughts unedited, then our thoughts are going to be filled with lies, and we won't even know it. Check out Phil 4:8-13.

Do you think peers influence girls today? If so, how?
Yes, this is also true. I know when I was in middle school I was really vulnerable to what other people said, and so I would always be concerned with what others think or say. Girls especially deal with this, because we are so verbal. We are inclined to style and friendship and so when we are with our peers we pay special attention to how they dress, act, talk and it's so natural to just be like others if what they have is attractive. Like I said, middle school was the hardest time in my life, because I didn't know who I wanted to be, and I was ignorant of the truth about a lot of things.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I really want to serve in some kind of worship or drama ministry, but I have an impression that God is going to call me to raise a family someday.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?
Um....haha. My favorite thing about myself....(I had to think about this for quite a while)....Well, let me put it this way....I am so thankful to God that he made me with such strong conscience. It might not be my most favored quality, personally, but it has kept me out of trouble and attentive to God's truth.

Do you have any advice for girls on faith, friends, and life?
Good question. Lol. I have a hard time getting my own faith and life together, so it's hard for me to think up some advice for someone else.......Okay, here's something. 1) Always be honest with your parents. It will lead them to trust you more and let you have more freedom if they know that you will tell them the truth about stuff. 2) Chill out! Give yourself and God some time. He'll work out everything He needs to if you just relax and hold fast to the truths you know. 3) Concerning beauty, Let your beauty come from your heart, and then you will never feel lacking. Beauty from the heart lasts forever.

To all my sisters in the faith, in sisterly love -Brydon ;D

Thanks so much for doing this interview, Brydon!

Lately

2011-12-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

{Reading} "Tournaments, Cocoa, and One Wrong Move" by Nancy Rue, "The Underground" by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
{Listening To} "When We're Together," Mark Harris
{Playing} Ukulele
{Watching} Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
{Anticipating} Winter Retreat
{Wanting} to play "My Sims Agents" (my brother's new Wii game)
{Photographing} Me and my ukulele
{Hoping For} Snow on the retreat

What are you reading, listening to, playing, watching, anticipating, wanting, photographing, or hoping for?

The Day After Christmas (a.k.a. today)

2011-12-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today has been a relaxed day. I slept in until about 8:45 (yes, in the morning. Yes, that's sleeping in to me) and got up and made a tuna fish sandwich (I got pre-made tuna packets - which I looove - in my stocking for Christmas. Yes!) Today I have played a lot on my new ukulele, a Lanikai soprano ukulele that I named Alohilani - yes, I name some of my belongings (Cammy the camera, DoPi the iPod, Eragon the guitar, etc.). Alohilani is a Hawaiian name, according to the internet, that means "brightness, brightness from heaven." I like it because of the meaning, because it has "Lani" (short for Lanikai - get it?), and it's a pretty name.

Here are a few pics of Lani and I...

(All photos Copyright Talia DeAndrea, 2011).

Can you believe it's almost 2012? Now, I don't believe in all that end-of-the-world-is-coming-in-2012 stuff. I believe that God will rapture the Christians and begin the Tribulation in His own time. That could be next year, but it just as well could not. Only God knows the year, day, hour, minute, milisecond! It's gonna be weird next year though, you know? It's gonna be weird writing "2012" on everything! Next year I am going to attempt to read through the whole Bible (pray for me!) and attain and maintain a healthy diet and stay motivated to exercise! What are your goals for the new year? How do you plan to accomplish them?

Tonight we're (my family) going to the movies to see "We Bought a Zoo." Anyone else seen that? If yes, how was it? Today my dad and sister recorded one of my sis's songs, and I played a little uke for it.

How was your Christmas? What are you doing today?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Last night, it was decided that we could not get up until 6:30 a.m., my parents said. Well, they ended up waking us up at 5:30 a.m.! But we were okay with it :-). After reading the Christmas story, opening presents, and now playing with the presents, watching the movies we got, etc., things are slowing down a bit. Grandparents are coming soon to do a little gift exchange, and we're having both sets of grandparents over for dinner. After that, things should quiet down a little more.

I have had such a fun day today. I had a wonderful time opening the present of my dreams (a ukulele; her name is Alohilani, Lani for short, and she's a Lanikai soprano ukulele), and other wonderful, wonnnderful presents (like a book of notes from friends from my sister). Through all the hullaballoo, it's easy to forget the real meaning of CHRISTmas...but I don't want to. Even though commercialism has overwhelmed the true meaning of CHRISTmas, even though we don't really know if Mary and Joseph traveled by donkey, how many wise men there were, and so on and so on, we can still keep the true meaning of CHRISTmas close to us and celebrate it. I enjoy giving and receiving gifts, and I love doing it every year, but that's not what Christmas is about. That little baby Jesus in the manger - He is what Christmas is all about.

{p.s. great Christmas post here}

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

Merry CHRISTmas Eve, everybody! Can you believe that tomorrow is CHRISTmas? I hardly can!

Yesterday we made and decorated sugar cookies. It was very fun but very messy!

Here's a few pics of our Christmas decorations and tree...

This morning we are relaxing, spending time with family, and I'm going to clean my desk :-). Tonight is the Christmas Eve Service at church, and me and my sister Haley are singing "How Many Kings" by downhere.

What are you up to today?

(All photos copyright Talia DeAndrea and the DeAndrea Family)

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

The Unbeatably Best Gift EVER

2011-12-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

We hear it all the time:

Jesus is the reason for the season.

When people ask us what our favorite thing about Christmas is, we might say, "Celebrating Jesus' birth." But what if we're saying that because it's the "right" thing to say. Now, I know that is many people's favorite things about Christmas, and I love that about Christmas and wish that was my true mindset, but many times when Christmas day comes around, one thing won't leave the brain: the presents. Christmas is a day where families give and exchange presents because, well, it's Christmas! In truth, I think we are hearing that Jesus is the reason for the season and telling others that, but sometimes we lose sight if that, or we don't think about or know what it really means. But the honest truth is that no package, no present, no gift could ever beat the Gift that was given to us on the first Christmas...and that's Jesus. Jesus truly is the reason for the season, because without Him, we would be hopeless with no joy at all. This Christmas, let us keep Christ in clear focus and be determined to serve and love His people.
Because Jesus certainly was and is the unbeatable, best gift - EVER!

ecstatic, excited, overjoyed, exuberant - whatever you wanna call it.

2011-12-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

CHRISTmas is in five days.
And I am ecstatic. Excited. Overjoyed. Exuberant. AHHHHH!!!!

I'm really excited :-).

As I get older, it seems like the years fly by so quickly! It seems like not that long ago that it was CHRISTmas last year! My shopping is all done, and yesterday I decided to make something for my sister which I personally think is very cool (sorry, that's not modest at all). I just hinted her that it involved a candle (which she knew, because every time I told her to stay out of the kitchen, she could smell it), the printer (which she knew), and a line (which wasn't a very good hint :)). She has no clue. But I can't post it on here (!!!) 'cause she might see it. And that would ruin the surprise.

Today I went to the doctor because I've had a cold/cough for almost 3 weeks. Yeah. And I really want to get better before Saturday (preferably tomorrow!) because me and my sis are singing in the Christmas Eve service at church, and I don't want to have a plugged nose for that! Noooo! I'm already gonna be nervous enough... Anyway, please pray that I heal up - QUICK!

Thanks for listening to my random rambles! Are you done with your Christmas shopping/making? What is your favorite part(s) of Christmas? Do you still have trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve like I do? :-)

Girlz Like You Interview: Kara L., 13

2011-12-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Kara L., 13, has willingly agreed to do a Girlz Like You interview for us! Thanks so much, Kara!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am thirteen-year-old God Girl and I have wonderful Christian parents who encourage me and my five siblings in the Lord every day! My Dad is the pastor of Cross Centered Church - the church we go to - and I enjoy helping out in the nursery there. I love the out doors too, which includes fishing, hunting, (well, I have not gone hunting yet, but I want to!) biking, going to the river, etc., etc.

I love doing photography as well, and you might find me on frosty mornings outside taking pictures. :) Haha. :D

What are your hobbies?

Writing, photography, doing my newsletter, and biking.

When did you get saved?

I got saved at the age of six in 2005.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

I have tons of fave verses, but one of my favorites is Proverbs 17:17. I love how it talks about a friend loving you at all times, the rough times, and the good times. That is a true friend!

Tell us about your newsletter, Girlz of Faith.

Me and my sister Korin started our newsletter this past June because we wanted something fun to do that would encourage others, so doing a newsletter sounded like a nice idea. :) I forget how we came up with the name Girlz of Faith, but really, everything just fell together. One unique thing about Girlz of Faith is that we send it in the mail, and I write and Korin illustrates it almost all by hand so it takes about over two months to get it all finished. I hope that when the people get our newsletter they enjoy it as much as we enjoy making it. (Not that me and Korin don't have little fights on how our newsletter should be, what contests we should do, etc, etc, etc. ;) )

What is your main goal for the newsletter?

To encourage others, and not only that they will be encouraged but also that they will enjoy reading our newsletter.

What is one thing you have learned (spiritually) in 2011?

I have learned the prayer is important because it helps me grow in my daily walk with God.

What are your goals for the new year?

To finish memorizing the book of James (I am on chapter 3 :D), to get my book that I have been writing several months finished, and to try to encourage others more. :)

What do you want to be when you grow up? Photographer and writer - or whatever God wants me to be!

Who is your #1 inspiration?

My mom! She is so encouraging, and I love her so much!

What is your view on purity and courtship?

I believe that purity is very important! Why? Because God says so! I also think that courtship is a very good idea because it is not like dating where you are dating one guy one day and one week later a new guys comes along, you break up with the guy you were dating and then date the other guy! It is too confusing for me to even date, and I like the idea of courtship so much better!!!

What is your view on modesty?

Modesty for me is huge! God talks about it in the Bible even!

("Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control." - 1 Timothy 2:9)

What is your favorite thing about God?

That His love is everlasting!

Do you have any advice for girls on friends, life, and faith?

Friends might leave you, people might make fun of you for your faith in Jesus Christ, but God will never, ever leave you nor forsake you!

Thanks SOOO much for doing this interview, Kara!

For more "Girlz Like You" interviews, click here, and stay tuned for more coming soon :-).

Picture courtesy Kara's family.

The Defining Moment

2011-12-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had that moment where you know what's right, and you know what's wrong, and now, here it is...

The Defining Moment.

(duh, duh, duhhhhhhhhh! Sorry, I couldn't resist)

This is the moment in which you will choose what you will do - what is fun, what will bring you pleasure, or what is right and pleasing to the LORD. You know what's right. You feel a tug to do what's right. But then you feel a temptation to do what is wrong but temporarily pleasing.

Many people fail to many defining moments that come into their life. I think the term "defining moment" is very fitting, because it is these moments that truly define who you are. What are you going to let yourself fall subject to? Who - or what - are you serving?

There are other defining moments where you're not alone - where people are watching. Maybe you'll give into temptation if your nonchristian friends are watching. Maybe you don't if your Christian friends are watching, or if your parents are watching. These are also defining moments, but I think the temptation is magnified when you are alone, when no one is watching, when no one can see that you didn't do what was right, even though you knew it was right all along.

But you know what? You're not alone. He still sees. He still knows. He is always there. He still feels hurt. He still knows that you didn't do what was right, you told Him He wasn't worth it, you pushed Him to the side for your own self-glory and self-love. I know. I do it a lot. We ignore God.

When the many defining moments of life come our way, what are we going to do? Are we going to fall victim to our own temptation, or are we going to bow in reference to the One who sees all defining moments?

things to smile about

2011-12-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

~shopping with friends
~deviled eggs
~encouraging words
~good books
~Christmas trees
~new music off of itunes
~a song you love so much you listen to it over and over
~a hug from a friend
~white elephant Christmas parties (and actually getting something decent)
~a beat that makes you dance
~facetiming with your best friend
~quirky family members
~inside jokes
~Christmas parties
~the help
~a book of epicness
~tri-tip
~black tanktops
~finding the elmo shirt you thought was lost
~being allowed to watch "once upon a time"
~good Bible verses
~quoting friends
~best friends necklaces
~pictures with your besties
~blogging
~uplifting comments
~honey
~tuna sandwiches
~left behind
~ornaments
~Christmas 9 days away
~getting a funny forward from your best friend
~a loving Savior that says to come to Him when I'm weary.

Now it's your turn. Post your things to smile about and link back here ;)!

This is what I'm smiling about lately. What about you?

This Year: A Recount

2011-12-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

2011 was a great (and busy) year. I learned a lot, experienced a lot, adventured a bit :-). Here is a sort of "recount" of this year. So, without further ado, in pictures and a few words...
2011

In March, it was my thirteenth birthday, and I had my first sleepover (with more than two people), which was big and fun! We did a video scavenger hunt, makeup, games, worship, and watched Tangled and Despicable Me. It was really fun. I'm really thankful for my friends and my parents for pulling the whole thing off! :-)

In March we also got a chance to take a co-op girls' trip to the Revolve Tour. It was so cool. We had a blast, and we all found it very cool that at the same hotel we were staying at, one morning for breakfast we saw (from across the room) Jamie Grace, Group 1 Crew, Chad Eastham, and Hawk Nelson eating breakfast! We also spotted Britt Nicole, and my sister got to meet her! Revolve (Dream On) was very fun, and also very encouraging in Christ. At Revolve, I also got to meet an online friend, Mary! :-) My sister and I were in a crowd of people, and I turned to Haley (my sis), and said, "Wouldn't it be weird if we saw her right-" and then I saw her. It was totally a God-thing! (Check out this post) For more info on Revolve, this is their website.

In the spring my mom, aunt, cousin Samantha and I went to the "Do Hard Things" tour, with speakers Alex and Brett Harris. There was worship music and a few sessions, which were amazing! The most amazing of all was session 4. There was an altar call, and it was incredible. People all around the room who hadn't truly accepted Christ or had been living a fake life stood and proclaimed that "Jesus is LORD." The band played "Amazing Grace" as people embraced and walked to the front of the room, having been forgiven. It was amazing, incredible, and awesome. (Check out this post) At the Rebelution I also had the privilege of meeting Miss Raquel from God's Daughter. So that was cool :-).

(this is my friend Kylie and Alex and Brett)

In April, my youth group did World Vision's 30 Hour Famine, which was really cool! This year was my second year doing it, and both years were good. Find out more information at the website!

This summer, a lot of things happened. My sister went on a mission trip to Africa (I'm so proud of her), and my brother and I (and some friends) got the chance to be in a play, Mulan, Jr.! It was SOOO much fun. My brother played a father (he even had a beard!) and I played a male ancestor of Mulan named Zhang (okay, I had a beard too). It was very fun. (check out this post)

In August, I had the chance to go to Camp Grove. And let me tell you, it was AMAZING. Especially the campfire. See this post. I'm really glad my cousin could come with me this year too!

In September, I had the amazing opportunity to visit three of my closest friends, Sarah, Kara, and Kiera. I had never met (in person) Kara and Sarah. We'd known each other for two years via a Wonderzone Bible Reading Club, and it was amazing to actually get to meet them :-). I had a great time, and I love all three of those girls and their families. I want to say thank you to Mom for taking me :), and for all the families for hosting us! Thanks so much! (See this post) (p.s. We surprised Kiera!)

In October, my sister and I got the chance to be in a theatre production called "The Incan Princess." We had a lot of fun! My sister played a nurse from 1961, and I played a hippie named Bree from that year :-).

In October, we also had the chance to go to Pennsylvania and D.C. with our grandparents and cousin. We had a lot of fun. My favorite part was going to see the production "Joseph" at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania. It was REALLY cool! We also got to go see the Liberty Bell, go inside the White House, and the Smithsonian, plus some other fun stuff. It was cool! See this post.

In October, my parents informed us of something very exciting that would be happening in our family...

WE'RE ADOPTING AGAIN!

My sister, Fasika, was adopted from Ethiopia two years ago, and we are now in the process of adopting a little boy from the Congo. We are very excited :-). This is truly God's leading.

In November, we celebrated Thanksgiving with my grandparents on my dad's side and one of my mom's friends and her daughter. It was very fun. I had a great time! We also got to see a couple cousins the day after, and we also decorated for Christmas :-). Fun stuff!

This month, my sister and I participated in a speech tournament, and it was a great experience. I placed 2nd in the Half (3 min) Platform and 2nd in Impromptu, and Haley placed 1st in Impromptu and 2nd in the Full (6 min) Platform. My speech was about Bethany Hamilton, and hers was about adopting. It was a great experience :-). This month we also got the chance to go see the comedian Brian Regan with my parents and brother Elias. He's very funny!

Now, I am getting psyched for Christmas. Anyone else?

In closing, 2011 was a great year. God had a lot in store for us this year, and He showed me a lot and taught me a lot. This year I have become more confident, and I have been privileged to have made it into a music show (my sister is in it also) that will take place in April, called "The Magic of Music." I still love to write and completed NaNoWriMo for the 2nd time in November, and the book I wrote for it is called "Genuine." I love to take pictures, read, and go to youth group. This year I had the privilege and blessing of self-publishing my second book, Tania's Faith (read more about it on the "my books" page). And last but certainly NOT least, I love Jesus and know that He loves me and has a great plan for me...and for you, too!

(all photos copyright Talia DeAndrea)

Toy Packaging

2011-12-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went shopping with my friend, and we hung out (hanged out? no, that's not proper) at her house and chatted for a bit. It was fun! Plus, sweet ol' Kylie gave me a $10 iTunes gift card that she won at our co-op's speech tournament (she got first in the half platform and I got second). Isn't that sweet? I got a lot of new songs, which I love listening to! I got...

How Many Kings {downhere}
Everyday {Jessie Daniels}
No Matter What {Kerrie Roberts}
O, Holy Night {Matthew West}
Courageous {Casting Crowns}
The Christmas Shoes {NewSong}
All Things New {Mark Harris}
Love God, Love People {Israel Houghton}
Suitcases {Dara Maclean}

My sister got some songs with a gift card she got too, including "When We're Together" by Mark Harris (which I LOVE! It's from Courageous) and "Toy Packaging" by Sara Groves, which I listened to today as my brother and I wrapped Christmas present :-).

This video is great, and the movie "Courageous" is fantastic. Go see it. Buy it. AHHH! It's soooo good. I definitely recommend it. 100%, There was nothing bad about it.

What are you up to today? What is your favorite Christmas song? Does your family have any special Christmas traditions? How are you showing God's love in the sense of giving this Christmas season?

Also, something funny to think about...

"If people are offended by 'Merry Christmas', say this instead: 'Happy Jesus' birthday!'"

Don't forget I'm still on the lookout for sponsors for a give{it}away. Contact me on Etsy (taliad1), fill out the form on the sidebar under the pink tab "sponsor me or review my books," or email me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com.

God bless you!

What IS Beautiful?

2011-12-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we look in the mirror and don't like what we see. For some girls, this happens more than others, but nonetheless this happens at least once in every girl's life.

What is it about the mirror that has us believing that we're not good enough? Maybe it's not just the mirror...maybe it's partially the opinions, words, and actions of peers, friends, guys, and family when they're around you. Maybe it's partially the media - telling us who's worthy and who's not, what you should look like, and guaranteeing that "if you buy this, or lose this, or get that, or be like her, or get him to like you, you'll be forever happy." Maybe we laugh them off, telling ourselves, "I'm beautiful. Real beauty comes from within," but not really believing it.

So many words have been tossed around in today's society, like "beautiful" and "love," to name two. While we're on the subject, people think love is emotions, feelings, and they use it too freely. "Beautiful" is also, I believe, used too freely. The mirror, peers, and boys are all telling you - in very different ways from one another - what beautiful is and if you meet that standard. Like we're gonna believe some boy's standards of beautiful, right? That's what we think in our heads. We think that we will never be fooled into trying to be what other people - and the mirror - want us to be, instead of what God wants us to be. But then we start worrying about what those people think - the very people we thought we'd never care what they thought. The truth is, you can "look right," have the "right clothes," wear the "right makeup," have the "right body" or "right teeth" or "right eyes" or "right hair" or "right friends"...but you know what? That's not beautiful. Beautiful isn't being happy all the time. Beautiful isn't your looks. Beautiful isn't the girl who puts down others to make herself feel good.

Beautiful is the girl who loves God, knows that He loves her, and shines for Him.

Sure, we all have bad days when we don't feel very good about ourselves. But we shouldn't put ourselves down and say, "You're fat, you're ugly, you're worthless. I hate you." Because you know what? To God, you are...

Beautiful
Sparkling
Worth more than you could ever imagine
Unique
...and a lot more.

God doesn't hate you, and He never, ever will. He loves you and He always, always will. When we put ourselves down, we are telling God - even if we don't realize it - that we don't like what He created. Ouch. Imagine that you were making a Christmas ornament. The outside of the ball-shaped ornament was dull, glass, just boring. But the inside was bursting with color, confetti, sparkles, and little treasures like seashells. But one day a friend comes along, sees the ornament, and decides she doesn't like it. She dumps out all the wonderful contents, rolls them in black paper, and puts them back in the ornament. Now all you can see is the black.

God created beautiful, sparkling, one-of-a-kind qualities and gifts inside of us, even if we don't know what they are. We should let those gifts shine and sparkle and reach the world for Christ.

So, even if you hear it all the time, it's true - it doesn't matter what other people think. Because you aren't beautiful because of anything you've accomplished, who you are, or who you have tried to be or pretended to be. You're beautiful because of who He is and who He created you to be. So I'm gonna challenge you today to talk to God and ask Him to make your inner beauty shine. Ask Him to make you as genuine as you can be.

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) says: "Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please God, I would not be God's servant."

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) says: Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Smile, beautiful. Jesus loves you :).

An Announcement, Contest Entry, and Happy B-day

2011-12-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Firstly, the "announcement"...
I am planning on having a giveaway unlike any other I've seen. I know that during Christmas time we usually think about what we want (at least I do), and I don't know about you, but although I usually wouldn't say it, opening presents is indeed one of my favorite things about Christmas. I think I'm too greedy. I am, really.

So this year, I wanted to do a giveaway that would be more like...how shall I say it?... a give-it-away. And that's all I'll tell you for now.

But the dealio is, I need some sponsors. I have 3 prizes so far, but I'd like to get some more. If you'd like to donate, please contact me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com or fill out an entry form here.
Although they are appreciated, this giveaway will not feature any blog design elements of any kind.

On to the contest entry...

Nela at Beloved Star is having a contest/giveaway here, and the theme is foodography! Fun, right? You can enter up to two pics, and there are three prizes, so here are the ones I chose to enter...

I thought this was a fun pic :-). I was like, hey, goldfish, hey, I can make a goldfish out of goldfish! LOL! :-) I added affects with BeFunky. On to the next entry...

I took this pic a couple of days ago, and I think it turned out great. The strawberries came into focus well, and they look so red and delicious! All I did was edit the exposure a bit, like the highlights, with Picnik.

And those are my entries :-)!

Last but not least, yesterday my friends Aubrey and Jocee turned fifteen! Happy birthday, girls! They are truly both beautiful young ladies. I've known Jocee for less than a year and Aubrey...I don't remember :). At least 5 years. This summer Aubrey went to Africa with my sister, and I am very proud of her and I love her very much! I just got to know Jocee a little better this past month and we had the chance to Skype, so that was fun. Her blog, The Cupcake Dictionary, is one of my favorites :-).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Holding On

2011-12-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

"I'm not holding onto You, but You're holding on to me." - Casting Crowns, East to West

The song "East to West" by Casting Crowns came on shuffle as I was getting ready today. When it got to the part where it says, "I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding onto me," it tugged at my heart. Because that is so true.

"How can I show love to someone who constantly rejects me?" - Caleb, Fireproof

We don't "find" God. And He doesn't "find" us. He doesn't need to. He's always right there. He was never hiding. Sure, we find faith in God, but what we need to realize is that God is holding onto us, even though we don't always hold onto Him. We do our own thing, go our own way, yet God stays by our side. He loves us anyway, and He welcomes us with open arms every time we come back to Him.

Some people don't understand how God can be loving with all the bad that is happening in the world today. But what they cease to understand is that God allows bad things to happen for a reason. That doesn't mean He wants you to feel depressed or alone. He doesn't. But He wants to show you something through those hard times and draw you closer to Him and to His heart. He wants you to be after His heart and know that no matter what you go through, no matter what you do, He will always hold onto you. He is enough for us. We don't need to pursue anything or anyone else but Him. God, You are enough. I'm sorry I run away.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

LORD,

2011-12-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

LORD, make me new today. I want to live for You today an always. Renew me, cleanse me, clean md, purify me, remind me that I belong to You.

Remove my pride and give me a heart for others that is joyful when they are joyful and sad and mourning when they are sad and mourning.

Lead me, guide me back to You. Reach out and tug at my heart. Whisper, "Come back to Me. I'm all you'll ever need." That is true, LORD. Please help me believe it and live it out in all I do. Please guide me to be Your hands and feet, Your witness, no matter what. I know it won't be easy, but please guide me and walk beside me and give me courage in You, LORD. I feel like there is more I should say, but for now, I love You, LORD. Thank You for loving me and dying for me.

Longing to Inspire

2011-12-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I read a blog post and think, Wow, that's really inspiring. The words the writer uses are descriptive, the post flows well, their words seem to describe how people are feeling...These bloggers always seem so earnest, like they never have a day when they just can't think of anything to post when that's what they really, really want to do.

I have been finding that I have been longing to inspire but lacking to feel the inspiration inside of me. I want people to love my blog, to visit it, to follow it, to tell friends about it, and to be inspired and convicted and motivated by it. But I feel like the posts are stuck in "just okay" or even "good" when what I really want is for them to touch people, to press on their hearts, to show them God like they've never seen Him before. I'm not exactly sure how to word what I'm thinking. Or maybe, I do know how to word it, but I'm just afraid.

Truthfully - and I know this sounds incredibly conceited; it probably is - I like a lot of my posts. Especially a few of the devotional ones. I think they're good. Inspiring. But the thing is, honestly, I want other people to like them, too. To feel them. To be touched by them.

I get jealous of some blogs who have tons of readers when what they post about is, in my opinion, gibberish. I get angry at them for such a stupid reason - because people adore them and their blog more, follow it, tell their friends about it, dream of being like the author.

I oftentimes want that for myself. But when I look deeper, what I really want - or should want - for Girlz of God is for girls to want God, to yearn for God, to desire God and to learn a lot about Him and grow close to Him - closer to Him than they'd ever felt before. I want this blog to inspire girls to give themselves to God with reckless abandon, to put their lives into His hands and say, "I'm Yours. Now use me." I want them to feel their heart being pulled toward God, aching for Him, aching to run back to Him and grasp Him and never let go. I want readers to ache for God's people, to love them, to feel compassion for them. I want them to have a fire inside them bursting with inspiration and desiring to change the world. I want to inspire.

Update and Question (I couldn't think of a post title)

2011-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Listening to: "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman
You know you're conforming when you put a song on so you can say "Listening to" at the top of your post. Moving on.

Today has been a pretty slow day. I did math this morning, worked on a little blog stuff, and chatted with a couple friends. Last night I watched part of the X Factor, chatted with my friend Kara, and finished Left Behind: The Kids # 3 (Mom's getting a few more from the library, as well as the 1st movie out of the adult Left Behind movies! Whoohoo!). I'm hoping to have a one-of-a-kind giveaway (no details yet), but I need to get some sponsors first. If you're interested, click here.

Honestly, I wanted to do a devotion today, but I don't know what to write about. So...I'd like to open it up: What would you like to read about? Devotion-wise? What are you wondering about, what is God pressing on your heart that you'd like to learn more about? What are you struggling with?

Something I've been struggling with personally is motivation to do my quiet times. The motivation just hasn't been there. So that's something I need to work on personally.

So what about you? What is God showing you, teaching you, or what are you confused about or struggling with?

"I'll Do it Later"

2011-12-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Left Behind (The Kids) books and the Left Behind movies always get me thinking about the Rapture (and Tribulation) and how although there will be many Christians raptured (taken up to heaven with and by God), there will be so many nonchristians still on earth...scared, confused, angry, depressed, feeling hopeless...searching. It will seem to some like God is just a big meany that doesn't care about them, when in truth He cares about them more than they could ever imagine. The thing is, many people put off, ignore, and turn their backs on salvation. They might pretend to be a Christian, or maybe they flat-out hate anything to do with God and Jesus Christ. Maybe they think it's too late for them to accept Christ, or maybe they think they're too bad and sinful. Or maybe they think, "Hey, I'll get saved later. I've got time. I want to live it up right now, but I'll get serious about God when I'm older." What they don't realize - or know but won't admit - is that they don't know how much time they have left. Today could very well be their last.

Judd walked stiff-legged back to his seat and heard Buck tell Mrs. Peterson, "Apparently many people are missing." She looked afraid and puzzled. Judd was afraid too, but he wasn't puzzled. As the pilot came over the intercom, pleading for people to remain calm, the full realization of what had happened hit Judd. He didn't know how many other people on the plane had any idea, but he sure did. Christ had come as he promised and raptured his church. Judd lowered his face into his hands and shuddered. It was the worst nightmare imaginable, and he was wide awake. He, and most of the passengers on that plane, had been left behind.
(Left Behind: The Kids book 1, The Vanishings. By Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.)

We don't know how long we have left. We could die this minute, this day, this week...we don't know. So let me plead you as a friend to a friend to believe with all your heart that God is truth, and accept Christ's forgiveness, love, and salvation. The road from there on will not be easy, but I promise you - God promises - that it will be worth it. It will be worth it.

Matthew 24:36
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] but only the Father."

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Acts 2:21
And everyone who calls on the Name of the LORD will be saved.

““I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NIV

John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Busy Weekend

2011-12-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been pretty busy (as you can see from the title!). Saturday we drove two hours to a hotel that was interesting (the heater leaked water and a clock alarm went off at midnight. It was a guy saying, "Semmer down, now! Semmer down!"). For lunch we went to Red Robin (yum!), dinner was Olive Garden (again, yum. The pasta e fagiolli, which is actually pronounced "pasta fazool," was yummy) and then went to a movie theatre to see Hugo (which was good but a bit slow and strange). The next day we went shopping, which was really fun because there were bumper cars in the mall that my whole family got to do! I tried on clothes with my sis and mom, which was fun too. Also, my little sister and brother got to sit on "Santa's" lap. Santa had bells on his mustache, for some reason. We had Chipotle after that (deeelicious). Then we drove to my aunt and uncle and cousins' house and hung out with them for a couple hours. We ordered Pizza Hut at their house, and then drove a little ways to a theatre, where we saw the comedian Brian Regan. Then we spent the night at our relatives' house and left this morning. We did some more shopping (I got a cute pullover striped white and pink t-shirt), got Chili's and icecream, and drove home. It was a fun and definitely one-of-a-kind trip. A downer was that I was sick the whole trip. I had a cold (still do), cough, occasional headache and stomachache. On another note, I'm reading the Left Behind: The Kids series (Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye) for the second time, and let me tell you - they are great books! I definitely recommend them. Deee-efinitely. They're about the Rapture, Tribulation - the earth's last days, and these four kids are left behind, and - I won't ruin the whole thing for you. But they are GREAT books you should check out! The last book is so...amazing. Okay, I'm not gonna say anymore. Also, check out the website (leftbehind.com).

Now I'm listening to my sister playing Christmas songs. What's your favorite Christmas song, and what's your favorite thing about Christmas?

p.s. Giveaway going on @ Petals and Freckles.

Beautiful People: NaNoWriMo Edition

2011-12-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

Linking up with georgiepenn.blogspot.com.
(this is a little q-and-a about book characters.)

1. Sum up your novel in five words, or less.
Interesting, unique, relatable, heartfelt.
2. Novel title?
"Genuine."
3. Sum up your main character(s) in one word.
Gwen - Searching.
4. Advice for newbies in three words?
(write) outline, write, persevere!
5. Tell us about your secondary characters, how do they affect the story?
Lacacia (Gwen's best friend) - emails and chats with Gwen alot, moved 3 years ago, is becoming friends with Gwen's cousin, who Gwen can't stand.
Mom - Signs Gwen up for Bible Study.
Trinity, Mitch, and Debbie - really help Gwen learn about God and the Bible and understand what it means better.
Mrs. Duncan - Gwen is able to encourage her teacher.
Candi and Lia - They're bullies to Gwen.
There are so many more secondary characters! :)
6. Do you plan on staying up till midnight on the 31st?
Maybe, probably, if I can.
7. How many years have you done NaNo?
2
8. What came first, characters, or plot idea?
Characters.
9. How much prep do you do before November?
Not much. I just try to think of the main characyer and the basis for a plot.
10. Now be honest, how do you really feel about NaNo?
I. Love. It. No joke. It is totally worth doing.

Le Skype, Le December, Le New Look, Le NaNoWriMo

2011-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Can y'all believe it's already December? Whenever Christmas comes along I always think, "That came so fast!"

This is pretty much just an "update" post, so bear with me as I update you about my life :-).

Today was co-op, and I performed my speech (about Bethany Hamilton) memorized, and it went really well! Tonight is our game night slash white elephant party. We're supposed to bring something not-bought from home. Any ideas?

This afternoon I also have Bible Study. Fu-un! I'm giving my Bible Study leader Emily the soap I won from Umbrella Girl's contest (Fiesta Bar from Fairy Bubbles, the etsy shop).

How do you guys like my new look? I absolutely love it. Jocee did it. Speaking of Jocee, I got the chance to Skype with her for the first time last night, which was uber funalicious, though short.

Also, I haven't posted about it yet, but I finished NaNoWriMo. Eeeeek! I'm very excited. This is my 2nd year doing it, and I totally recommend it! In case you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, check this out. Last year I wrote Tania's Faith, which I had the wonderful blessing to self-publish. This year my book is called "Genuine," and it's about a girl named Gwen. I'm not thinking we're going to publish this one, but I don't know...we'll see how it comes out after it's all edited and all that funness :-). Here's a short excerpt:

Genuine Excerpt, Copyright © Talia DeAndrea, 2011

“For your information,” she said coolly, “I signed you up for a Bible Study Group. I know how much you love youth group.” Her voice had softened now. “Mom, please-” “It's already settled,” she said. “Why wouldn't you want to go to a Bible Study group?” “O-of course I do,” I said. “It's just that I'm so busy with homework and stuff.” Actually, I wasn't that busy at all. I just didn't want to go to some “Bible Thumper Academy.” Mom didn't know it, and I wouldn't have ever told her, but I wasn't some Christian like she thought I was. Cacia was, and at times I thought she would see past my act, but she never did. It's not that I didn't like church or youth group; I did. It was just that I couldn't see how someone like God could be real. It was just so...hard to believe. It was like believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy at my age. Mom and Dad, however, still obviously believed in that “Jesus” stuff, and so did Courtney and Aaron. Damien didn't want anything to do with God. Like me, he thought it was simply nonsense. Of course, I didn't let him know I agreed with him. He'd use it in one of his arguments with Mom and Dad in the future, and then they'd know that I wasn't “one of them.” Grandpa Joe didn't believe in anything. Whenever Mom or Dad asked him about religion, he'd say, “I don't believe in some 'big bang' and I don't believe in Jesus, got it? I'm a good man; I'm goin' to heaven.” I didn't know where people went after they died. I usually tried to avoid it slipping into my thoughts. Mom and Dad always tried to talk to Damien and Grandpa Joe and convince them that Christianity was true, but it was obviously pointless. They weren't ever going to believe it. And neither was I.

Also, one last note before closing off this post...I write for my friend Kiera's newsletter for Christian homeschool kids, Peacherino Monthly. I write the "Bible Corner" article. There are also some other writers on the team, Kara, Kiera, Emma, and Sam. Check it out here!

p.s. Anyone know how to make signatures?

Thank You, Jocee ♥

2011-12-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give a big round of applause and thanks to Jocee. You did a wonderful job on the blog design, and I absolutely love it. Thanks so much!

Thank you to everyone else who offered to give me a blog design too.

Friends

2011-11-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

(via)

I don't know about you, but I love talking about my best friends. I like it when people ask questions about them, too. I just love my besties!

(photo by Abby T. Effects via picnik.com)

God blessed me with a wonderful bunch of friends who encourage me in Christ, love me, keep me grounded, and laugh with me (and laugh and laugh and laugh with me)! They each are special in their own, God-created way, and even though we're all different, we're still friends. I think sometimes differences actually can bring people closer. It's interesting to talk about things about each other that we don't know instead of saying, "Hey, we're both fans of that sports team and we already know everything there is to know about them." I don't know if that made sense at all. Hehe.

But even though I love my friends a lot, and even though they're great friends, lately I've realized:

They're not perfect. They're not always gonna be there for me. There are going to be days when we won't get along or when we don't feel as close as we do sometimes. Not all days are good.

I'm not trying to make this a "down" post. That's not what I'm trying to do at all. But lately I've been realizing that none of my friends are reliable all the time, that none of my friends will be with me no matter what.

But the thing is, God will.

He'll never leave me nor forsake me, and He loves me unconditionally. I can't always rely on my besties for my worth and security. Even if I can get a little of that from them, they're not the main place I should be looking for those things. It's God. Because He is the One who gives lasting peace, joy, and security. He loves me unconditionally. Friends are supposed to carry each other's burdens and be loyal and reliable, but they can't be where you put all your time and energy. If you're trusting more in your friends than you are in God, then something's wrong. Why not rely on God with all that you are and encourage your friends to do the same?

Girlz Like You Interview: Haley S.

2011-11-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

I've decided upon starting a new page on the blog - Girlz Like You. This will feature articles about "girlz like you," along with interviews, etc. (please don't ask to be interviewed. If you think your story is worth featuring, contact me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(.)com, and we'll see :-)).

For the first interview, Haley S., age 15, has generously agreed to do this interview for us! Thanks so much, Haley!

Haley is the author of a Christian e-newsletter, Girl Talk, that encourages, convicts, and inspires girls.
For this interview, Haley talks about her newsletter and faith in God.

When did you get saved?
I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was about five or six. I honestly don't remember much about it! Since then, I have really come into a deeper understanding of what Jesus really did for me on the cross. I was able to dedicate my life to Him when I was 13 at Bible camp, and while I most definitely have not been perfect, I am trying to live for Him.

What is one thing that God has taught you in 2011?
Wow... that's a hard one. I guess it would all come down to trusting God, in various issues... like in friendships, in my future, in lots of different ways! I have learned (or rather, am still learning...) that I need to be completely devoted to Him, to trust Him, and to follow Him.

Tell us about your newsletter, Girl Talk.
Well... ever since I was little, it was kind of a dream of mine to make a "real" magazine. When I was twelve, I began talking to my mom about the possibility of creating a little Christian girls' news-letter that I could send to my friends. That was almost four years ago, and Girl Talk is now an e-magazine, or e-letter (whatever you want to call it) and has grown hugely since 2008!

I absolutely love to write, so Girl Talk is kind of my chance to "publish" my articles and devotions, which has helped me grow spiritually and exercise my writing abilities. I would love to publish a devotional or Bible Study book for teen girls or women someday, but for now I love writing about things God is teaching me and things I read in the Bible.

I also now have around ten girls on the Girl Talk "writing team" who contribute articles and stories for Girl Talk. I believe that since we're all girls, we can really relate to the readers. Because of that, we can write about the things we as girls deal with and encourage other Christian girls to follow the Lord.

What is your main goal for your newsletter?
The goal in the e-letter is this: "To glorify God through the writings and photography published in Girl Talk, and to encourage, convict, and strengthen Christian girls in Christ." But in my own words, I would say that my goal is that the things I write (and that my fellow writers write) would be pleasing to God. And I also really want other girls to be able to look at what I write and be able to learn from it, to be able to use it to strengthen their walk with Christ. Also, while most of the readers are Christians, I always pray that someone would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through Girl Talk. That would be the coolest thing ever, if someone told me that they found God through my newsletter!

If you could describe your writing as a food, which food would you pick?
Probably as a cupcake... There are so many variations, but no matter what cake mix you use or frosting you decorate it with, it's still a cupcake. In the same way, I like to experiment with different writing styles and topics, but I always want my writing to have the same goal: to point to Jesus. :)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
That is a pretty hard question. I've always said that I want to be a writer, and that hasn't changed. I really want to write, especially Bible studies and such. But I also want to be open to whatever God wants me to do, especially because I'm missions-minded. And another thing I'm considering is maybe doing something in the medical field, like nursing. But we'll see - it's all in God's plan!

How are you changing the world for God in your everyday life?
Good question... it really made me think. I would like to think that I am doing something to make a difference when I do Girl Talk. I also really love working with kids, so I'm very involved in our church's kid's programs, like AWANA, Sunday school, VBS, etc. God has really been working with all of the programs, especially outreaches like AWANA, because we've been having record turnouts these past few years. It's really amazing to be able to work with some of these kids, teach them about Jesus, and witness to them.

What do you do when times get tough?
Well, what I SHOULD do is pray and lean on God. :) Unfortunately, that's not the first thing I always do. Amazingly, whenever I get "down" and depressed, God always uses something to bring me back to Him. There are several passages in the Bible that God has really used tremendously in times like that... especially in the Psalms. Some of those passages are Psalm 4, Psalm 46, and Psalm 57. They're personal to me because I can read them over and remember some of the darkest times in my life, and how God used these verses to help me.

Who is your #1 inspiration?
Wow... I really don't know if I can say!! Of course, definitely Jesus. :) And then there are my parents. My dad is a pastor and I have learned so much from him... like humbleness, keeping God a priority above all else, etc. And I've learned a whole lot from my mom, too. She is the kind of person I want to be like when I'm an adult. And I've also learned a lot from different characters in the Bible, such as Esther and Paul. :-)

What is your view on modesty?
I think that modesty is very important. I really think that we girls should make dressing to glorify God a priority over dressing to glorify ourselves. However, as Christians we can sometimes use it in a wrong way. I see plenty of times when Christian girls judge one another or have conflicts with each other due to how each other is dressed... because everyone thinks they're right and the other person is wrong! Everyone has different modesty convictions, and that doesn't mean that one is right above another. HOWEVER, you have to be careful that your convictions are just that: a conviction. You can't use it as an excuse to dress inappropriately.

To girls: we're also at a really tough time in our lives when we're trying to decide "who we are" and when we need to deal with peer pressure, bullying, and things like that. I know from experience... it can be hard to decide if an outfit is immodest, if our jeans are "too tight", or if a dress is OK or not, especially if we really want to wear it or fit in. Because of that, God has given us people like our moms who can help us choose what is appropriate and what's not. Yes, sometimes they have to lay down the law, but right now when you're under your parents' authority, respect their standards. As you grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually, God will give you your own convictions.

What is your view on purity and courtship?
Well... I think that purity, first of all, is very, very important... physical purity and mental purity. First of all, we should glorify God with our bodies (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and we should also keep our minds COMPLETELY focused on God (not on boys, inappropriate images, etc.) as it says in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34. As for courtship, it kind of depends on how you define it. I guess whatever you/your family chooses to do (courtship or dating), the most important thing that matters is that you have high moral standards and seek God's will in it.

Do you have any advice for girls about faith, friends, or life?
Yes I do. :) First of all, I really want to encourage girls to read and STUDY their Bibles. It's really the best thing you can do for yourself (even if it doesn't seem like it!). Reading your Bible doesn't make bad things go away or anything but it will help us get direction in life, find answers to our problems and questions, and give us peace, hope, and assurance. God gave us His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit to help and direct Christians in their walk with Him.

And about friends... A little piece of advice that I have been learning to follow is to always, always, always pray for your friends. I've found that when I get upset/annoyed/mad at my friends, it's at a time when I haven't been praying for them. Praying for your friend doesn't automatically make the relationship OK, but it helps you look at things from a different point of view (a Godly one). And, keep Christ the center of your friendships. The friendships that I've grown most from are the ones in which my friend and I both try to keep Christ the focus of our relationship.

And with life, well, you can always trust God with whatever He's doing or is planning to do with your life. Jump on board and go with the ride... it's really quite exciting to see the places you'll go and things you'll do if you let Jesus take the wheel!!

Go Follow!

2011-11-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

Chelsea at Yours Forever is going to have a writing contest + giveaway once she reaches 50 followers! Go over and follow!

clubchea.blogspot.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are all having a wonderful day of thanks!

I just wanted to tell you that I am thankful for you girls, my readers. Thank you so much for reading GoG Blog and for your encouraging words. Ya'll have helped me become a better writer! So thanks!

Today and tomorrow will be pretty busy for me, with Black Friday, decorating for Christmas, possible Christmas shopping, and rushing to do NaNoWriMo (I'm at about 16300 out of 30,000, but I'm not giving up. Last year, I was less than 30,000 ou of 50,000 in, but I finished), it's hard to keep my eyes on what is REALLY important (not a ukelele, even though I really want one). It's God.

Like a Weight Has Been Lifted

2011-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've felt distant from God. I want to do my quiet times and devotions, but I don't. I don't make time for God.

I've been trying to do more devotions on here, because for a while I just did random posts because that was what was in me.

That's what I thought girls liked to read.

But I realized that's not what girls need. That's not what I need. But honestly, even though what I said in the devos were true, they weren't from my heart. I want to change that.

Last night, I opened my heart to God. I told him I'm sorry for choosing other things over Him and trying to find worth in other people and things instead of in Him. I realize that here on the blog I've been pretending to be "tight" with God, when really there is so much more that I could know about Him. I don't really know Him that well, but I want to.

I feel kind of like a weight has been lifted. I hear people say that a lot, but it's true for me now.

Now I want to make God a priority instead of accessory. I want to know Him so well I feel as though I'm chatting with an old friend when I talk to Him. I want to know Him so well that I talk to Him all the time and don't neglect my quiet times with Him.

As I told Him last night, I want to be a God girl. And I want to be honest. This is me, here it is, this is who God made me to be.

I'm Talia.

I love my name. I love my eyes. I don't sing very well in the morning, but I love to sing. I wish I sang better. The campfire at camp this year was one of the best moments of my life. I'm not that into vintage like a lot of bloggers are. I am a tuna sandwich fanatic. I love the names Trinity, Esther, and Jasmyn. I'm not really hyper and happy all the time, like I am around some of my friends. I love the songs "Amazing Grace" and "You Never Let Go." I love to read, and I read my books over and over if I really like them. If I have nothing to read, I just reread one of the books. I'm kind of bored of the movie Tangled, even though I love it, cause I've seen it so much. I love my youth group and am truly blessed to be able to go to it. I have never owned a cell phone that actually calls people. I'm love "all things techno" and working with HTML. I love photography and writing. I love it when my blog looks "just right." I'm a big procrastinator. I am a person who thinks of little things to do that will make people happy, like cleaning up for my grandma when I babysat cousins at her house. I like kids, but a lot of them usually don't like me very much, except a select few. I believe that if you dream it, you can do it. I like good quotes. I like good movies. I love Disney movies (except The Princess and the Frog...not a fan), and I love just the originality of them - the whole package of the video and music. When I go into one of those 4D theatres, I get nervous because I don't know when I'm gonna get sprayed in the face or something. When I was little, I loved "Soarin' Over California" at Disneyland. I still liked it when I was older, but not as much 'cause I was tall enough to see the top of the screen. I really don't like it when people say something mean and then they say "just kidding," cause usually there is a bit of truth behind each joke.

There is so much more to me, but for now I'll leave you with this.

But one thing you should know about me...

I'm a God girl.

Dear Friends,

2011-11-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers are doing that "dear boys" thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I just decided - I'm gonna do a "dear friends," type thing today :-). I'm sorry that I didn't do all my friends! Please forgive me!

Dear Rubber Ducky Queen and Miss Costco Noelle,
I miss you. E-mail me soon, okay? And let's try to facetime soon.
Sincerely,
Talia Popsicle

Dear Came-2-Grillout-Expecting-a-BBQ,
I miss you, too. I want to visit you again (or you visit me :-) hint hint). I love remembering our memories from the trip...sometimes I just randomly say to myself, "HOOOOTdogggg?!" and crack up. Oh, and HEY soul sister. Sigh, miss ya.
Love,
Pfft

Dear Butterfly Buddy,
I hope you have an especially special day today, dearie! YOU are somethin' special :-).
Epicly,
Squish

Dear Arwen (and legolame - or "lameolas")...) Fan,
Your obsession of LOTR just makes you more you :-). Remember when we did a photoshoot? That was fun.
Love,
Samwise-Merry-Pippin-and-not-Frodo Fan

Dear Fainting Buddy,
Ha! Go, little Lorenzo, go! We have so much laughs together. I love you!
Sincerely,
Your Fainting Buddy
Dear Sivy,
He lives! HA. Do you like beef? As a matter of fact, I do!
Love ya.
One of the (something) Dorkas-es :-)

Dear Jellio,
I hope you like your new nickname. Sorry I spilled Taco Bell on our journal. (By the way, I'll try to get that back to you soon...)
From,
Me
Dear Alliegator,
I love you and I hope we can hang out soon. We're getting pretty good at our handshake.
Loves,
I-Will-Throw-a-Shoe-at-You

Dear Bry (sorry, couldn't think of a more "mysterious" or funny name),
I love you and I hope you're doing good. I'm praying for ya!
Your sister in Christ,
Talia

Dear GBG Author,
I miss you as well. I'll try to email you soon, dear, and hopefully we can skype soon.
Love,
Giggledance7 :-)

Dear Chuck,
You crack me up. You are so funny! Life is awkward, sweetheart.
With laughs,
Talio

Dear My Cousin's "Twin,"
Your hair looked really pretty at church on Sunday. Remember when I had you over and we played "Apples to Apples"? That was fun :-). Have a great Thanksgiving!
Smiles,
Jonathan the 1st

Dear Came-to-grillout-expecting-a-bbq's sister,
You play guitar really well. I miss you, too. I love you. Keep in touch, okay?
Love,
Thanks-for-letting-me-play-your-guitar

Dear Uke Player,
It was nice to meet you. I liked your popcorn article for the Peach. How are you? E-mail me.
Signed,
Wants-to-be-a-uke-player

Dear Em{ily},
I'm glad we can become better friends! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, and how is your speech coming?
Talia

Dear Emily Dinosaur,
Hehe. You funny! I miss volleyball, don't you? I miss J's big smile when she got her serve over, and D calling me Taliasaurus, and Coach B.
Oh, and we got the bling bling and the really baggy pants.
Not really.
Taliasaurus

Dear Kara L,
Thanks for the letter. I'm sending you one!
Loves,
Talia

Dear Haley,
You're still a friend, even though you're my sis. Sorry for freaking out when you tucked my pocket in. Love you lots.
Tal

Dear Sam-antha,
Camp was so rad, wasn't it? Go Flavor Blasted Goldfish! I love you and hope you have a great Thanksgiving. TTYS and e-mail me and call me and do you have facetime?
Ta-lia (or was it Tal-ia?)

Dear Syd,
Write me soon.
Tal

Dear Miss Sneezia,
You crack me up. In a good way, of course. And I watched "PIE" the other day. It was funny. "Grannies are for pernonin' noobs!"
Sincerely,
Talilaaaa

Dear Gracie-Grace,
Thanks for the cross necklace! I like it and I will pass it on! I love you and I love playing volleyball with you :-). Dontcha miss it?
Talia
p.s. FROG!

To you all,
Thank you so much for encouraging me in the LORD and just for trusting in God. I know I am blessed to have such great friends. I love you all. Keep loving the LORD, okay?
In Christ,
Talia

To all bloggers,
Know that Jesus loves you. Know that you are not alone. You've got a friend in Jesus! And He's literally the perfect friend. He is always there for you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust in Him today!
Talia

(photo taken by Matt Zook) (photo effects by me via picnik)

Happy Birthday, Kara!

2011-11-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today is the birthday of one of my best friends...

Kara!

Kara, I hope you have a great birthday today. I love you so much, and I had so much fun when I came to visit you. You are such a special girl, and you are so encouraging and kind. I will be praying that God will bless you and use you this year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Giveway...

2011-11-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

...over at Confessions of a Maine Teenager. Check it out here: confessionsofamaineteenager.blogspot.com

Am I Truly Thankful?

2011-11-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

(via)

As Thanksgiving approaches each year, the question often gets presented,

"What are you thankful for?"

I automatically answer (or think), "Family, friends, home, food." But I think it's just that...automatic. I don't really pause to think about why I am thankful for these things and people. It's just the typical answer.

(via)

Today at church our youth pastor asked us what we are thankul for in certain contexts - like school, friends, and family. And this year, I'd like to break the routine of "I'm thankful for my friends, family, and my house." It's great to be thankful for those things, but when it becomes a routine, we really need to pause and think about our motives behind our thanks.

So here's a little "challenge" for you. Grab this button if you want, link up, and post at least five things in each topic you are thankful for and why (this is important). Don't just say, "Pie, turkey, and family," and call it good. Really be thankful and think about why you are.

Here are the topics (erase my answers and put in your own when reposting, obviously).

The True Thanks Challenge

Family
1. I'm thankful that my family was able to adopt my little sister and that we are able to adopt a little boy, because God adopts us as His children, and it is a blessing to be able to help children, and I couldn't imagine living without them.
2. I am thankful that I have been and am being raised in a Christian home because it has truly strengthened my faith in Christ, and my parents were the ones who led me to Christ!
3. I am thankful for my siblings, even though we fight, because they are all so special to me, and I couldn't imagine not being their sister! They're a blessing.
4. I'm thankful for the good times I have with my family, because they are so fun and we can all laugh together!
5. I am thankful for my parents because even though they're not perfect they're still really good parents, and I can talk to them, and they are there for me.

Friends
1. I am thankful for my friends because I know a lot of kids don't have really good friends, so I know I'm blessed, and I want to be a friend to the friendless.
2. I am thankful for my friends who uplift me in Christ, because they are so encouraging and they are a blessing!
3. I am thankful for the laughs as well as tears I've had with my friends, because both can be beautiful and cherished. Campfire at camp this year was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. And those tears shared with friends were sacred.
4. I am thankful for my goofiness with my friends, because laughing is good for you!
5. I am thankful for friends who are honest with me, because I feel like I can trust them, or that they won't lie to me.

School
1. I am thankful thta in my school (homeschool) I have freedom of religion because without God I don't know what I'd do. I'd be a mess and a wreck. And it's a blessing to be able to talk freely about God in my school.
2. I am thankful to be homeschooled because we have flexible schedules, get done with school quick, don't have to deal with some of the same dramas from public school, and SOMETIMES get to wear our pj's to school :-).
3. I'm thankful for my mom teaching school to us, because I know it must take patience to teach us, and she has and is doing a great job of teaching us :-).
4. I am thankful for days off of school because they are nice breaks :-).
5. I am thankful that we are blessed with education, like so many people are not, because we just really are blessed and need to be thankful for education.

Belongings
1. I am thankful for my home, because many people don't have homes.
2. I am thankful for my bed, because many people don't have beds either, and that is a blessing, too.
3. I am thankful for my Bible, because without it I would not know much about God, and it is full of encouragement, conviction, inspiring words, and stories, all from which we can learn greatly from.
4. I am thankful for my clothing items which have crosses on them, or Bible verses or Christian phrases, because in many other places that is illegal, and I know I am blessed to be able to wear those things freely and share my faith (as a "walking billboard" :-)).
5. I am thankful for the telephone and computer so I can post on Girlz of God and keep in contact with people, because I know that is a blessings as well.

God
1. I am thankful that God is merciful and compassionate, because even though I don't talk to him or do my devotions for periods of time, and I feel distant from God, when I come back to Him, His arms are always open.
2. I am thankful that God created us and gave us breath and life, because life is truly beautiful, and God didn't have to create us, but He did!
3. I'm thankful that God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, because He could've just let us go to hell and be separated from Him forever...but He didn't. And that's truly amazing and thank-worthy.
4. I am thankful that God chose us as His children and adopted us into His family. He didn't have to do that, either, but He did, because He loves us.
5. I am thankful that God is understanding, because when other people don't get me, God always does, and He's there with His arms wide open.

Now it's your turn. And even if you don't do the "True Thanks Challenge," tell God what you are thankful for and why. We have so much more to be thankful for than we do to pout about!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for Free Blog Design!

2011-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

So I'm looking for a super cute, FREE blog design. I had one from Marieanne but it got messed up and I don't know how! I'd like the design to be cute but simple, kind of like this blog (Graceablog.blogspot.com). If you'd like to give it a go, please email me at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com, or comment with your name and email address (will not be published.) Thanks!

Destiny's Huge Christmas Giveaway!

2011-11-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

Destiny is having a giveaway at her blog, Adorkable, and there are 26 items she is giving away! Go check it out by clicking the buttton! And even if you don't enter the giveaway,
follow her blog!

Prayer Update

2011-11-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

My grandma is alright but not feeling very well. She and her friend who was sitting in the back seat both got to go home, but my grandma's other friend, a dear friend of ours, had cracks in her sternum and will have to stay in the hospital. Please be praying for all three of these dear ladies.

Please Pray

2011-11-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my grandma and two of her friends. They were in a car accident this morning, and the car is totaled. They are all okay, but they're in the emergency room now waiting for x-rays. Grandma's friend in the back seat was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, and thankfully her neck was not broken (she had no air bag). Please be praying for them; they are all quite shaken up. Mom says it was a miracle they weren't hurt worse with how bad the vehicle was damaged. It must've been God <3.

Perfect? Who, Me?

2011-11-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

With the help of a couple blog posts (like Jocee's and Bleah's), I've realized that in a way I've tried to create this "perfect blogger" image for you.

Sure, I have shared some of my faults, and I have admitted that I'm not perfect on this blog, but in a way I was kind of using twisted pride.

The honest truth is that I'm really not perfect. I don't spend my days going on photography outings and writing to my heart's content (although that would be nice once in a while). In fact, most of my "photo shoots" happen in my backyard with trees or flowers or leaves.

I don't think there is such a thing as a "perfect blogger." I know I'm not the only one who has created that image, but I don't need to judge anyone else.

I want to say I'm sorry to the blog authors of Of Horse Feathers and Pastor's Girls Ponderings. I know you probably will never read this, but sometimes I got sort of inwardly annoyed at you guys just because I was jealous that you had lots of followers and could keep lots of followers without giving it a second thought. I was jealous because I try hard to get more followers, but really don't have that many. That shouldn't disappoint me, though. I just wanted my blog to be loved, to be visited, to be followed.

But now I know that that is not what's important.

It's more important what I say. I realize that I haven't been doing devotional posts on here lately. I've been trying to conform to the routine of other blogs, whose posts consist of Pinterest pics and daily musings.

Let's get real. Life's not always a box of chocolates or a piece of cake. It seldom is, in fact.

So I want to do what people like Jocee are doing. I want to be honest with you guys. I don't always have to pretend like I've had the perfect day. I don't have to be negative about my day, but I can at least be honest. So here goes.

Today was a pretty good day, to be honest. I didn't want to work on my speech and got a very little amount of research done for it (oh yeah, it should be done by Friday. Yikes). I wanted to work on NaNoWriMo more but didn't. I had a hair appointment. I read some of "Lily and the Creep" and "The Hiding Place." It was a pretty good day, but kind of boring, honestly.

So what about you? How was your day...really? Want to join me and other imperfect bloggers?

Ponder This...

2011-11-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Really think deeply about and ponder this verse...

Luke 12:34 (NLT)
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Questions to think about and answer in your own head...

Where is your treasure?

What are you treasuring and placing time, energy, and perhaps even money into that could draw you away from God and make you look more at yourself and think more about yourself instead of God and others?

What is drawing you away from God?

What is occuping your thoughts?

What - or who - are you living for?

What are you desiring that is drawing you away from God?

Will you take that step and eliminate the thing(s) or your time with that person(s) that is drawing you away from God?

Why are you desiring and treasure what you do today? Is it something Godly? Is it for a Godly purpose?

Where are you investing your time, money, and energy?

Are you too caught up in yourself that you've forgotten about God or pushed Him to the side?

What is more important to you - God or material items or other people? Why is that?

What does God and your relationship with Him mean to you? Is He worthy enough to you for your time, energy, and money?

Is it hard for you to have a daily quiet time with God?

Are you truly saved? Do you know what that means?

If you aren't or don't, you can find out how by clicking here.

Each is Unique

2011-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Did you know that each snowflake is unique and literally one-of-a-kind? There is not one that is alike.

(via) Yep, that's an actual snowflake.

Have you ever felt like you're not unique? Like everything you do well, somebody else can do better?

Have you ever felt like you totally blend in in a crowd, like you're invisible and no one notices you?

Well, the truth is...you are uniquely and wonderfully made. There is no one on earth exactly like you. Like those snowflakes (except you're MUCH more complex). Psalm 139:14 says:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

God made you YOU-nique. Now let that uniqueness shine!

A Different Kind of Mirror

2011-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days where I didn't feel very fantastic about myself (we all have those days).

Don't you sometimes hate the mirror? The mirror can't see what's inside of you. The mirror doesn't know when you've been kind to a sibling or resisted temptation. The mirror just says, "Hey, you're so imperfect. Why can't you be good enough? Why can't you be thin enough, pretty enough, with sparkling eyes and perfect teeth? Why do you have to wear nerdy glasses and have a zit on your nose?" The mirror is so deceiving and in and of itself. Check out what 1 Peter 3:3-4 says:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

What God thinks is beautiful is so different from what we think is beautiful. Take the Christmas story, for example. The Bible says that Mary, Jesus' mom, wrapped the baby (Jesus) in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger. Not exactly pretty, huh? It probably stunk in there - what with all the animals - and there were probably animal droppings on the ground. It probably wasn't comfortable, but...it was beautiful. It was even more beautiful than if Jesus had been born in a palace...because it wasn't about the stable. It was about so much more. It was about the baby Jesus, and just another wonderful example of how He became a servant for us...how He came to earth to die for us. If He had been born in a palace as He deserved (actually, He deserved much more), I think we might view Him as...too high. Although He is so incredible and more amazing than we or anyone else could ever, ever be...what if we thought He was untouchable? That we couldn't talk to Him, couldn't be safe in Him, couldn't find peace and rest in Him, couldn't be saved by Him?

I think it was probably the most beautiful moment in all of history in that stable when Jesus was born.

That's just one great example of how outward beauty is not what is important. It's not going to last, anyway. What's inside - that's what really matters. You can be gorgeous and have perfect skin, perfect hair, "perfect" everything...you can be PRETTY, but you will never be beautiful unless you have a beauty that comes from God Himself. A beauty that shatters the normal everyday mirror and places a different one in its place...one that does not reflect yourself when you look in it, but one that reflects your Creator, Savior, Messiah, and LORD...God.

Thank You, Veterans

2011-11-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Veterans.

Thank you for what you for our country so that we can be free.

I really appreciate you, and a LOT of other people do, too.

Happy Veterans Day!

Pictures via

Winter

2011-11-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

Winter is fast approaching.

{via}
It's evident in the cold weather that's "sneaking" in. (I hope we get snow!)

{via}

It's evident that I'm already dreaming of Christmas...

{via}
...and one of these beauties. I can dream, right?

{via}
In my opinion, it's not too early for a cup of hot cocoa (in fact, I think you can let it slide in the beginning of September, just when it starts to get chilly)...and Christmas music :-).

{via}
I'm not gonna lie and pretend that I don't think of presents when Christmas comes around :P.

I'd like to offer you a little challenge (ooh, a challenge? Precisely). Why not, for this month and next month, we are extra-super-super greatful for everything we have. And why don't we use all of OUR blessings to bless someone else? November is National Adoption Month, so why don't we pray for orphans this month, and for people who are adopting? Oh, and that brings to mind a little annoucement that I keep forgetting to announce here on the blog!

...

My family is adopting again! A little boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo (Africa)!!! I'm very excited!

Your prayers are (obviously) very appreciated as we go through this process of adopting another precious creation of God - a child!

One more thing...Here's another way you can give this season...

Operation Christmas Child! Check it out!

And for those of you who are Scotty McCreery fans...

Happy Birthday {Amy W.}!

2011-11-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

Amy W., happyyyy birthdayyyy! I hope you had a great day today, and that God blesses you mightily! Love you lots! XO's! :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Q&A

2011-11-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hey, girls. Sorry I wasn't on my blog for a few days. I was grounded due to procrastination :P but now I'm off of groundation.

Thank you to you lovelies who submitted sweet questions for me to answer. Here are the answers:

(Oh, before I start answering the Q's, I just wanted to tell you that COURAGEOUS IS HERE NOW! We're going to see it tonight and I'm very excited :-)!!!)

Kara L.: What is your fav movie? When did u start blogging? What is 3 unique things about u?

I love a LOT of fave movies, but a few of my favorites are all three Narnia movies, Soul Surfer, Meet the Robinsons, Disney princess movies (LOL), and pretty much any Disney/Pixar movie.

I started blogging over 2 years ago. I started out with a private blog that could only be viewed by friends and family, but now it is public and I can share the LORD (and my ramblings) with more of you!

Three unique things about me??? {1} I LOVVEE Dug from Up. He is too funny. {2} I'm saving my first kiss for my wedding day, for the ONE special man God has picked out for me. {3} The other day my sister and I watched "That Thing You Do" and it totally cracks me up.

Korin: Have you ever been to another country? If so, which country? Would you rather live at the beach, in the desert, or in the mountains? Would you rather dance, or sing?

When I was in second grade, my whole family went on a mission trip to Mexico with some other friends. We stayed near a handicap orphanage and got to go there for most of the trip, which was really cool!

Beach, definitely :-). Especially a beach in Hawaii. I really want to visit there (and, like you're probably suspecting, meet Bethany Hamilton :-)!).

Sing! I love to sing, although it wasn't until this year that I really started singing in front of my family and others :-). I just did a vocal audition and made it into a singing show that will be in April. My sister is in it too. I'm really excited.

Emma Margaret: How old are you? What is your favorite blog?

I'm 13 1/2.

It is hard to narrow down my favorite blog because I like so many! But I would have to say that one of my favorites is The Cupcake Dictionary. (I like SO many others, though!)

Thanks, dears, for the questions!

Natalia's Giveaway

2011-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Natalia over at The Journal of Natalia Rose is having a giveaway that ends TONIGHT! Go check it out at nisfornatalia.blogspot.com!

Autumn Musings...

2011-11-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

The busy activities of my life have slowed down a little...it's kind of like a gust of cool wind. Don't get me wrong, I loved all the activities. It's just...they take up a lot of time and energy.

The play we (my sister and I) were in just got over (sniff). I'm gonna miss some of those play kids.

Volleyball is over now, too. The awards dessert was a couple of weeks ago, and I'm just so proud of my team. I love them all.

Now, I need to write a 3-minute rough draft for a speech at co-op...and I currently have no topic that sparks my interest.

Me and my sister are going to a Bible study, and I need to get caught up on the devotional book reading!

I really want to get clay and make necklaces. I saw this adorable pumpkin pie necklace on someone's Etsy shop and really want to make one now! If I do, I'll try to post a pic.

Yesterday my brother, Mom, and I carved pumpkins. My brother and mom did an Angry Bird one, and I did Tinkerbell :-). Here they are:

I'm also going to begin doing NaNoWriMo (hopefully) today. I'm going to try to do 30,000 words this year, instead of 50,000, but if I finish the 30 thousand and want to go on, maybe I'll change the goal. We'll see.

Tonight my family is going to watch Cars 2 (and probably eat leftover halloween candy). Speaking of halloween, I went to a harvest party at church two nights ago. It was for the high school, and you could dress up if you wanted. I was Princess Leia. Last night, I didn't go to the festival, but I went to my grandparents' and watched part of The Hulk. It wasn't as good as Thor and Captain America, but then again I didn't see the whole thing. I'd like to see Iron Man as well, but JUST because he's in Avengers (otherwise, it probably wouldn't spark my interest). Speaking of Avengers, I am pumped to see it.

Yayyyy! :-)

I also REALLY want to see Courageous. It didn't come to our theatre! Wahhhh!

Has anyone else seen it? What do you think of it?

OK, and I've noticed that a lot of people are doing that Q-&-A thing on their blog, where the readers ask Q's and the blogger gives answers! So if you guys WANNA ask questions I would LUV IT. If not, that's fine too :-).

Giveaway at God's Daughter!

2011-10-30T08:33:00.001-07:00

Miss Raquel at one of my favorite blogs, God's Daughter, is going to have a giveaway once she reaches 500 followers, and she still needs some more! (right now she has 468) I encourage you to go follow and check out the giveawayby clicking the button>>>

600 Followers Giveaway over at Umbrella Girl

2011-10-29T13:51:00.001-07:00

Lucia is having a 600 followers giveaway at her blog, Umbrella Girl!

There are 21 prizes! Go check it out here!

Pride and Prejudice and NaNoWriMo

2011-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Guess what me and Haley watched yesterday?

If, judging by the title (and the picture below), you guessed Pride and Prejudice, you were RIGHT!

So...yesterday I finally watched Pride and Prejudice! (the new one, the one with Keira Knightly) And I'll just tell you...

I loved it!

I had "tried" to watch it at my sister's birthday party (two years ago...), but I wpre somewhat stubborn in the sense that I didn't like romance videos and didn't want to give it a chance! I'm not uber-big on romance movies, but I really like Pride and Prejudice and Emma! And next I want to watch Sense and Sensibility. Has anyone seen any or all of these movies? How did you like them and which one is your favorite?

So now, I can cross watching Pride and Prejudice off my bucket list :-). Yayyyy!!!

It's hard to believe that NaNoWriMo (ywp.NaNoWriMo.org) is starting in just a few days! It doesn't seem like a whole YEAR has gone by since I wrote Tania's Faith! This year I'm considering writing 30,000 instead of 50,000 because last year was a little last-minute and we are pretty busy this year! I am SO excited for NaNo, but I don't know what to write about!!! Any ideas? I'd like to write a realistic fiction, but I don't know what I will end up writing about...maybe a girl who blogs??? :-) That reminds me of the Blog On! Series by Dandi Daley Mackall. They're all really good and I really encourage checking them out! You can find them on cbd.com.

What are you all up to today? Can you believe Christmas is only 2 months away? Ok, I'm obviously excited. Is anyone dressing up for halloween? I might be one of those people going to a masquerade ball. If that doesn't work, I am gonna ask our directors if I can borrow my hippie outfit from the play me and my sis are in. If that won't work, I don't know what I'll be...maybe Princess Leia?!?

Ohhh and guess what?! I'm actually doing a vocal audition for our play directors. I know I am gonna be so nervous that day, but I am glad I got up the nerve to do it! If you know me, you know I do not love singing solos in front of people. Oh, and I am singing Dancing Through Life! Well, I had better go. I have to finish my essay, which is going pretty well!

Please pray our play goes well tonight! Thanks!

Loves!

Ohhh,

Giveaway Winners

2011-10-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

TO ALL ENTRANTS WHO WIN THE GIVEAWAYS:
If you are a winner, please e-mail me your mailing address at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com. This will not be shared with anyone BUT the sponsor of that day's item.

ALL ENTRANTS HAVE 3 DAYS TO EMAIL ME TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZE. IF THEY DO NOT CONTACT ME, A NEW WINNER WILL BE DRAWN.

SHIPS U.S. ONLY. If you win but do not live in the US, I am sorry, but your entry will have to be discarded and and a new winner will be redrawn.

A big thank you to all giveaway sponsors and entrants!

And I will no longer prolong the suspense :-). Hehe.

The winner of day 1 is...

Johanna!

The winner of day 2 is...

Shelley!

The winner of day 3 is...

Emma Margaret!

The winner of day 4 is...

Kiera!

The winner of day 5 is...

Emily!

Congrats to the winners! Please email me your mailing address at girlzofgod(at)gmail(dot)com.