Friday, December 30, 2011

Who Are You

Hey, I saw this vid and it really inspired me. I hope you are able to take something away from it too.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Bubbles.


Bubbles. Bubbles are such a beautiful creation. I dipped the bubble blower into the clear and glossy liquid. I blew them at my little sister as she squealed, clapping her chubby hands together. She spun in circles laughing as I blew bubbles down on her. How beautiful are theses little clear round circles that seem to be made just by blowing. As I blew them up at the ceiling I noticed that they almost seemed to change colors. The light reflected off of the bubbles causing them to change from purple to pink to green to yellow. Until all of the colors seemed to be dripping around this single circle of air. How beautiful.

But once you think about it, my sister's favorite delight is just some soap mixed with water. Really that's it. No special potion or expensive mineral is put into those little plastic bottles. You don't even have to pay big bucks for bubbles, just $1 for a three pack. Yet they are so beautiful. It caused me to think about amazing people who were in the Bible. I mean look at David. David was just some shepherd boy who had a way with sheep. But God used this kid to kill a giant and become a king of an entire nation. God used a boy that had a love for Him and made something beautiful and great. Just like bubbles made from soap and water.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Breathtaking

I had a breathtaking night! Yes, I would use the word breathtaking. I looked it up in the dictionary and it meant 'thrillingly beautiful, remarkable, astonishing, exciting'. That was exactly how tonight felt. I went to an ice skating rink with my homeschool group and it was the most fun I have had in a long time. The cool air rejuvenated my spirits, and the rsk-rsk of the blades against the ice filled me with joy. The laughs of groups of friends, the whispers of couples, the smell of coffee wafting toward the rink from a near by Starbucks, all added to the breathtaking feeling that was inside of me. Hmmmm.  I am so thankful that I am surrounded by my little group of friends. I see now how God stragetically placed them in my life. I don't think I was ever more thankful for my friends than today. Comment on this post if you had a "breathtaking" event or awesome friends this season or maybe in the past, and take time to thank God for placing those friends into your life.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

What Makes You Different?

What makes me different? It's a question I have asked myself a million times. Normally, its when I'm getting dressed in the morning. I look through my clothes I try to find a shirt or shoes that makes me look different than everyone else walking down the street. Like a few days ago it was yellow and purple shoes! But we seem to always be looking for something that tells the world that we aren't like everybody else. I was thinking today, what makes you unique might not have to be your clothes. Maybe its the fact that you can hand out a smile to everyone you see or can cheer up a sad looking person. I think that's what makes the difference. As that funny little Pepsi commercial that was in 80s said, 'It isn't what you wear. It isn't your dance moves. It isn't what you drink.' I know that commercial is really cute, but I think it is so true (except I don't think it really matters if you drink Pepsi or Coke). So instead of rummaging through your dresser looking for something that makes you stands out. Look at your heart and character and show through your actions that you are something special!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Don't You Ever Interrupt Me While I'm Reading a Book!


Okay, here is a funny video that Julian Smith made about interrupting him while he's reading a book. It's a really funny song! But I looked a little deeper than just the outside. I thought about how somedays that is so true for me. I mean, all I can be doing is sitting there reading a book and if my mom calls me to put away the ketchup. I blow up! I just start screaming and freaking out. Maybe, just maybe it wasn't that big of a deal. Maybe I could have calmly got up put away the ketchup and finished reading my book. Often times though I find myself having a temper tantrums over the tiniest things. Just like Julian in this clip, I make a big deal about someone interrupting me even though its not. So next time someone interrupts you while your reading a book don't show them the 'nasty you', but let God's peace come over you.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Liebster Blog


I would like to thank Aimee over at http://allfilledup.wordpress.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award. As I understand it, this award is given to recognize and encourage bloggers who have a following of 200 or less.
In order to receive the award, bloggers must follow five rules:
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
3. Copy & Paste the award to your blog.
4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award.
5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to nominate five worthy bloggers for this award:
  1. Katie Oostman at http://katieoostman.blogspot.com/. Katie is constantly sharing her love for photography with the world. She also encourages other Christian girls to be bold about their faith and to accept themselves the way they are. Her posts are fun interesting and a real encouragement.
  2. Kelly Oostman at http://kellyoostman.blogspot.com/. Kelly is an awesome Christian teen who finds the deepest meaning in the smallest things in life. She also came with the idea for No Makeup November, to raise awareness for human trafficking. This girl loves to share her heart and her thoughts of God on her blog.
  3. Paul A. Daly at http://christaholicthegodaddiction.blogspot.com/. Paul is constantly lifting up God in his blog. He is a strong Christian who looks to God in all things. He blogs a lot about keep going on your walk with God, even though it seems tough.
  4. Ashley at http://godsgirlz1.wordpress.com/. Ashley is a Christian girl who feels called to encourage other Christian girls around her. She has just started her blog and has posted fun hairstyles and stories that uplift and encourage others.
  5. Sarah Smith at http://theoneinpink.com/. Sarah started blogging just to make people feel more light and optimistic. She sure does a good job at it too. Sarah is often posting fun quotes and cool pics.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 25: Shell Roll


Hey! I'm really sorry that this took an extra day, but we had a few mishaps :S. I wasn't able to put it up last night, but I did record it yesterday. But in honor of the last day I have made a video instead of writing a long paragraph. Enjoy!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 24: Decoration


YEA!! It worked! Finally, I can now post a pic and will just copy what I wrote in my comments. Okay here it goes:
Anyways today's style was The Decoration. Its exactly like the European Loop except that you add a flower to the scarf to pin it together. It ended up looking awesome.

Today I am thankful that today is the second to the last day of this challenge. I know it sounds strange but after tomorrow, I will never in my entire life wear a scarf. NEVER! You have no idea how hard it is to post every single solitary, much less take a picture and try to come up with something to be thankful for. So today I am thankful that I had this opportunity to do a 25 day challenge, but I am ever so grateful it will be ending.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 23: DIY Infinity


Hi! Today's scarf style is called The DIY Infinity. I know, it looks a lot like the other Infinty that we had for Day 6. But all you change is the kind of scarf you are using. Anyways, its more of a summer style but it still looks nice for the winter.

Today I am thankful for guy friends. Okay, it does sound a little weird, and I am not meaning boyfriends at all. I talking about guys you've none for like forever, but you don't have that boyfriend relationship. They're more like brothers. These guys are super fun to hang with. I mean, you talk and laugh about things that would be kinda of weird for girls to talk about. Tonight I spent a lot of time hanging with those kind of boys. Its really fun for me because these guys are rarely serious and you spend a ton of time laughing. Its fun, you can really see how guys and girls are incredibly different, but you also get to have a look into how guys think. That's why I am thankful to have friends that are guys, because they can be a refreshing break from the little circles of giggling girls, and you have the opportunity to look at things differently.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 22: Men's Tie


I know, today's style sounds strange. But it really is actually pretty cool. For me it was simple to do, after watching my brother do his ties :), but if your not used to watching others do it, it might be a bit more difficult. I am feeling well! Yes, finally, I woke up this morning without feeling totally drained. I'm still not eating my regular amounts of food though. (as Isabel put it, in her comment on yesterday's post) I am on the road to good health..... finally.

Today I am thankful for Christmas decorations. Oh, the joy of putting up the Christmas tree and hanging the ornaments. Just looking at others decorations often puts us in a cheerful mood, and starts preparing us for the season. It also gives us a chance to see Jesus on others' lawns and stores, where He is often never seen. I can not even tell you how many nativities I put up. Our family seems to have loads of them! But, still, it is a joy to see all the different types decorations and that reminds us of Jesus' birth. That's what really matters!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 21: Hidden Knot


Today's style is called The Hidden Knot. Thankfully you can use a short or long scarf for this style and it is relatively easy. Let me know if you ever want basic instructions for my scarf styles. I would be more than willing to post them. I am feeling pretty good today, actually. A little bit of dizziness, a little bit of sluggishness, but not too bad. Keep praying though.

Today I am thankful for pizza. Hmm, sounds so delicious right now! Crunchy slightly browned crust, under ample amounts of tomato sauce, bubbly and warm cheese. Oh, and don’t forget the pepperoni that contains just a hint of spiciness that pricks your tongue. I can see it now, hot and bubbly coming out of the oven. Today is Saturday and every Saturday my family has pizza. I have been craving it for the past few days and am really looking forward to it. I am so thankful that I have the pleasure and the opportunity to have homemade pizza every weekend. Thank you, Jesus!!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 20: Twist and Pull


Today's style is called The Twist and Pull. It is like The Braid, in many ways, but has a completely different look. I enjoyed this style, but didn't get to where it much of the day because it was really hot. Yep, I am not feeling good at all. My entire body seems to throb in unison. Nothing seems to help me. Keep praying.

Today I am thankful for Christmas music. I know, sounds pretty strange, right? Well, because I oppose Christmas music before Thanksgiving, it was a real joy traveling home today and hearing to some of my Christmas favorites. Something about Christmas music fills me with joy! My family was singing Christmas carols yesterday and you could just feel God in the room with us. It was out of this world! I hope today you are listen to Christmas tunes and are enjoying the holiday spirit!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 19: Braid


Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I know I did! Today's style is called The Braid. It was a fun new style, but you have to have a pretty long scarf to make it work. Still it was cool and exciting.

Today I am thankful for loved ones. I know I already posted about family and friends, but I am thankful for people who will love us no matter what. I was surrounded by people just like that all day! I had a total blast this Thanksgiving, we sang, ate, watched TV and enjoyed each others company. As you see from my pic today, I did my scarf photo with my Auntie Barb. She is so much fun and is a joy to be around (that's what I like most about Thanksgiving is being around people like my aunt). Well, I hope today you are thankful for the loved ones surrounding you and I pray you are having a fun Thanksgiving :D.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 18: Key Tie


Today's style was a little strange, it was hard to do and look a little like a big lump :). It kept my neck really really warm though. I got hot in this scarf style very fast! I am feeling much better today. Still not eating totally regular, but at least I will be well enough to travel tomorrow!

Today (as you see from my pic) I am thankful for clean water. There is nothing like when you just finished off a bag of buttery salty popcorn and you drink down a cup of cool clean water. Aww, that feeling is so nice as the cool water trickles down your throat. Many people don't have the opportunity to have that drink of refreshing water. Some are stuck with dirty, mucky, infected water, that they lap up from puddles. I am thankful that I have a purifier and can drink clean water 24/7.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 17: X


Today's style is called the X. It resembles a pretzel though and it looks cool with a lighter colored scarf. I am feeling a lot better today, but am having a bad headache. Thankfully I am not throwing up, so that's better. Keep praying for me though.

Today I am thankful for books. Where would I be without them? I spent a lot of today reading books. In many other countries children or even adults never learn how to read. For me reading is like dissolving myself into someone elses world. I get to go places I could otherwise only dream of. That's why today I am thankful for books and the ability to read.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 16: Fake Knot


Hey. Today's style is The Fake Knot. It looked really cool. As you see from my pic, I am not feeling good and still in my housecoat. I have been in bed all day and throwing up like crazy. I simply got up just to post today. I am feeling so sick! Please pray for me.

Today I am thankful for a healthy body. Obviously I do not have a healthy body. So as soon as I get better I will be thankful for being healthy. There is nothing worse than being sick. If you are healthy and well you should be grateful! There are others less fortunate than you.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 15: Magic Trick


Today's style was super fun! I loved the scarf I wore and if you look closely you see I did have to loop it a weird different way to get that exact style. The Magic Trick was one of my favorite scarf styles!!

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving. Yep, I know it sounds strange, but it is so true! Thanksgiving is a break in school, a time to relax and enjoy being with family, also to eat as much as you can. Hmmm, I love Thanksgiving, it also lets me look back and think about all the Pilgrims went through to have this nation. I am so thankful that Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, think about all the things that would have been different. Thanksgiving is a holiday where we look back and be thankful. Thank you Jesus for Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 14: Boa


Today's style is The Boa. But I have to admit it looks a lot like a donut, but the official name is Boa. I really like wearing light colors with this specific style.

Today I am thankful for the Internet. I mean seriously imagine what your life would be like without the internet. Imagine trying to write a report for school using a bunch of encycolpedias and the library. That would be so difficult. There are so many cool things on the internet. So today I am thankful that our family has Wi-Fi and I have the opportnunity to use it. I know that there are other people who can't afford it, or are too poor to know what the internet is. I am thankful because otherwise I wouldn't even be writing this to you!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 13: Waterfall


Today's scarf style is The Waterfall. It has a very chic look to it when you pair it with a black top. Can you believe it we have officially past the half way mark! So again I will be stating why I am doing this whole scarf thing.
Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine, and all the women followed her with tambourines, dancing. Miriam led them in singing, Sing to God— what a victory!-Exodus 15:20 (Message). I imagine that everyone was waving their scarves in victory! So every day for 25 days I will be posting a picture of me with a new scarf style and something I am thankful for. Hope this reminder helps to whoever came in the middle of my 25 day challenge.

Today I am thankful for a warm bed. My mom wants to save money this year on heat (we have cold and snow winters), so she has turned the heat way down. Anyways, I was cold trying to do my schoolwork (because I wasn't dressed for the weather), and wrapped myself in a blanket, but finally it got so late I went to bed. It felt so nice to snuggle under my pink polka dotted comforter and bury my face into my soft pink striped pillow, and I immediately felt into a peaceful sleep. Thank you Jesus for a cozy warm bed!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 12: Celebrity



Today's style was a bit strange for me to figure out. Even though once I had it on it didn't look complicated. The picture today seems a bit funny with my ocean t-shirt underneath, but I thought it had a cool look to it.

Today was a fun, but busy day. We had a speech tournament the entire day and I enjoyed giving the speech my brother and I put together. It took a lot of dedication and hard work, but it payed off. We won 1st place!! I was so excited I couldn't believe what God had done. Suddenly, as we were receiving our awards it all seemed worthwhile, the prodding I had to constantly give my brother, the time spent, the sleep lost. It all seemed like it was worth it. Sometimes in life that's what happens, we put so much work into something and it appears like its going to be a big flop. But when suddenly you find yourself going up to receive your reward from God, or another person, it will be worth it.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Day 11: Mira


This style was a bit difficult. Thankfully it was relatively easy to pair with just about any outfit. As you see, today's pic was a bit interesting. My mom got me a wooden hand a few weeks ago so I could learn how to draw the human hand so it was sitting around and my mom said I should pose with my fake hand. What do you think?

Today I am thankful for a happy and healthy baby sister. She has been so sick and cranky for the past week that it caused our entire family to be crabby as well, it was horrible. But today was her first full day back to her normal self. Right now she is sitting on my lap and leaning her head against my shoulder, smiling peacefully to herself. I am so grateful to have my joyful little sis back. Thank you, Jesus for healing my sister!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Day 10: Wrap


Hi hi! Today's style is The Wrap. It actually had a beautiful look to it and would probably have looked good with a dressy outfit. It had a very chic look to it.

Today I am thankful for good friends. We had two very good friends come over today and help my brother and I put together a speech we're doing for a tournament. This is our first year so we have no experience whatsoever. They took time out of their day to sit down and talk us through the basics, and also gave us boat loads of tips on how to enhance our speech. I am so grateful I have such good friends who help me grow and learn new things.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 9: Basic Loop




Today's style is The Basic Loop. This one was kinda weird in the beginning and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. But I really liked it, it was something a little new and different.

For me, I had a really rough day. I mean to the point of crying my eyes out, staying in my room and not ever wanting to come out. It was really hard to find something to be thankful for. But I realized, later in the day, that I was thankful for my family. I had a really bad meltdown, instead of my mom screaming at me, she just left me to hide away in my room and didn't bother me. Even my brother helped my mom out by taking care of our baby sister, so I could get some time alone. I know not everyone's family would do that for them. So today I am thankful for a loving family, that help each other out when they are having a bad day.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 8: European Loop


Hello! Today's style is The European Loop. It is pretty traditional and you can find it just about anywhere during the winter. But it still kept me nice and cozy warm.

Today I am thankful for talents. Its kind of a strange thing to be thankful for but, hey, everybody has them. As you see in my picture I was drawing. I love to draw and God has blessed me with a talent to draw. Not everybody can do that. I often times find myself wishing that I had different talents then the ones I have. I mean, I wish I had an awesome singing voice. But I don't, God didn't bless me with that. Its hard though being satisfied with talents God did give us without coveting others. But today I will be content with the gifts God has given me. Thank you Jesus!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Day 7: Toss


Today's style was The Toss. It was exceedingly easy and look nice with any kind of coat. I look super bored in the photo, because as I was typing this post, my mom was snapping th pic. Sorry.

I am thankful for my extended family. I mean Thanksgiving is coming and normally that is the time we get together with our extended family. I don't get to see much of my relatives because they live so far off. I love talking to my aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandma and Grandpa. It is super fun. I'm thankful that I have extended family that I enjoy being with. I know lots of people who dread holidays because they don't get along at all with there family. I thank God that he has blessed me with awesome relatives.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Day 6: Infinity


Hey hey hey! Today's style is The Infinity. This is one of my favorite styles and I was super excited to try it out. Tell me what you think.

Today I am very thankful for sleep. I know it sounds strange but it is so true. I share a room with my little sister and she normally wakes up at about 6:30 AM if we put her to bed at 7 PM. But this morning my baby sis slept in until 8:15AM. Thank you Jesus!! I am thankful that God woke up my little sister so late so I could get the rest I need. Yea!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Day 5: Turtleneck


Hiya! Today's style was really fun and kept me nice and cozy warm. It was like a turtleneck shirt and wrapped around my neck. It was pretty simple to put together withy an outfit.

I chose this picture because it showed all of my braces. They were pretty painful today, I got a MARA device put in. Lots of metal and junk with wires twisting this way and that. But I thought, I really should be thankful that I can even get braces. Seriously, some kids don't ever get braces, because they can't afford them and they have to go the rest of there lives with teeth and gum problems. I'm finding out all of these things that could have happened to me, if I didn't get braces. The list is endless. So I am thankful even in my pain, because it will be worth it in the long run. Now let me go get some ice cream, to numb the pain.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 4: Double Rainbow


Hi! Today's scarf style involved two scarves intertwined to make a sort of rainbow look. It was a bit complicated finding two scarves textures that matched each other. But it ended up having a awesome twisted look to it.

Today was actually a really slow day at our house. I have tons of things to be thankful for but nothing profound. Sorry.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Day 3: Bunny Ears


Hey! Today's style is The Bunny Ear style. This one was a bit more difficult, but had a cool look to it. I had trouble finding the right outfit to fit with the scarf, but thankfully I was able to pull things together.

Today was a hard day for me. I had a lot of mixed emotions about everything, it seemed like my life was literally upside down. But I was talking to my mom and she said something that really stuck with me. Instead of always looking at the big picture sometimes we need to look at things close up (like my photo for the day). Everything in my life seems to be out of control, but I need to look for the little things that I should be thankful for. Like, hey, I've got a roof over my head, a filled stomach and a place to sleep. Thank you Jesus!! Hey my mom got a really cool movie for $5. Thank you Jesus!! So sometimes in life we have to look for the small favors instead of the big picture.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Day 2: Classic Drape




Hi All! Today is the Classic Drape, this one is even more easy than the day before. It really made the outfit and I was super excited about wearing it. How about you, did you try it out?

Today was another interesting day. While in art class I was sitting with my leg tucked under me and this kid banged my leg and suddenly my knee became dislocated. At the end of class I hopped over into a corner in a hallway and for over 45 minutes massaged my knee. The pain was intoxicating I started seeing spots and I thought I was seriously going to faint. I prayed that God would see me through this and started giving myself pep talks. But what really made me hurt the most was the fact that everyone past me by. I was sitting in the corner close to tears, and no one stopped. A teacher did ask if I was okay and I told her what happened, but she eventually just left leaving me in so much pain. At that moment I could really have used someone to just sit down and talk to me, trying to keep my mind off the pain. But there was no one. Even though it didn't feel like though, God was there. I mean He promised in His Word that He'll be there, but it sure didn't feel like it.

Sometimes life will throw some curve balls at us. But always remember that no matter what God is there. So today I am so thankful that God is always by my side, even in the tough times.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 1: Modern One Loop

Above I posted a pic of myself in my first scarf style! It was super fun. They call it The Modern One Loop and if you Google it, you'll find it's super easy to do. Try it out.

The strangest thing happened today, though. I've been really wanting to get myself a pair of pumps (shoes with 2 to 3 inch heels). So I asked God this morning if some how, some way He could provide me with pumps. This afternoon my brother was playing his guitar in the mall with his jazz combo, so of course, we all went and supported him. My shoes were getting way too small and were pinching my toes as I walked around in the mall. So my mom took me to Payless. Guess what she bought me?! Guess??? You've got it, a pair of two and a half inch black pumps!! Thank you Jesus for always providing, even for the little things!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Scarves of Victory!

Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine, and all the women followed her with tambourines, dancing. Miriam led them in singing, "Sing to God— what a victory!...." Exodus 15:20 Message Bible.

This verse took place after God delivered the Israelites out of slavery by having them walk on dry ground through the Red Sea. They danced and sang with tambourines. I sometimes imagine them waving their scarves around in victory as they thanked God for all he had done. Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, for the next 25 days, I will be wearing a scarf in a different style each day. I will write about being thankful on this blog every single day, and post a picture of myself wearing the scarf.  If you are interested in joining me, comment on this post. I would love to see your scarf pictures and hear about all of what God has done for you.

So this November let us wear our scarves reminding ourselves of God's victories in all our lives.

Tomorrow will be Day 1!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Fast Foward Past Your Addictions

Every Monday our family fasts breakfast and prays for our church, pastor and other challenges we face. But on Sunday, my brother came up with this crazy idea. He said, "What if we fasted YouTube, all movies and saying lines from YouTube and videos!" My mom whole heartily agreed (she was tired of us constantly saying lines from movies). Now to you this may seem like nothing, but for my brother and I, this was a big deal. I mean, we were constantly incorporating lines from movies in our everyday language such as "Never heard that one before. YEAH!" (Madagascar) "Better out than in, I always say" (Shrek) "Now this looks like an Ipod adapter." (Tooth Fairy). Don't even get me started about Julian Smith on YouTube. I mean seriously he is hilarious (if you don't know who he is, look him up on YouTube, his videos are so funny).

On Monday, pretty much every fifteen minutes I would almost start saying a line from a movie like "Megamind", and then quick stop myself. Or my brother would start singing a song from one of Julian Smith's movies and would have to repent to God. The strangest thing happened though, we really actually had to watch everything we were saying. We had no idea how addicted we had become to saying lines from movies or YouTube. What about you? Are you addicted to something? Maybe it isn't parts of movies or going on YouTube, maybe it's something else. Try going an entire day without doing or saying anything about it, see what happens. It really was very interesting learning how often we said those things. But, hey it opened our eyes, and taught us how to watch our mouths.

I also was thinking, what if we were that addicted to God. I mean what if we had to take Him out of our lives for one day, would it be that hard for us? We, as Christians should stop focusing on these materials things, or things that are just plain dumb. We should always be in step with God, saying lines from the Bible or spending time with our Saviour. Imagine what our lives would be like then? Gotta go,

Mom said I could watch another Julian Smith clip off of YouTube when I finished this post. LOL.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Not Alone

This a touching song by Jamie Grace called Not Alone. The message is amazing. I myself feel as if God has left me out in the cold. But that's when I realize God's arms are around me, holding me close to His heart. No matter what you do, Jesus will never leave you.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Royal Tailor: Hold Me Together Devotion

Here is a video that Tauren Wells, put together. As many of you know he is the lead singer of Royal Tailor, who made the hit "Hold Me Together". In this video he talks about that particular song, and the story behind it. But he also incorporates a devotion and scripture in this video. I thought it was a pretty cool, and it encouraged me. I pray it also will encourage you on your daily walk with Christ. Enjoy!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Please Hear What I'm Not Saying

Don't be fooled by me.
Don't be fooled by the face I wear.
For I wear a mask, a thousand masks,
masks that I'm afraid to take off,
and none of them is me.
Pretending is an art that's second nature to me,
but don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure,
that confidence in my name and coolness is my game,
that the water's calm and I'm in command,
and that I need (no) one.
But don't believe me.
My surface my seem smooth but my surface
is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concealing.
Beneath lies no complacence.
Beneath lies confusion and fear and aloneness.
But I hide this, I don't wnat anybody to know it.

I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed.
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind,
a nonchalant sophisticated facade, to help me pretend,
to shield me from a glance that knows.
But such a glance is precisely my salvation.
My only hope, and I know it.
That is, if it's followed by acceptance,
if it's followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself,
from my own self-built prison walls,
from the barriers I so painstakingly erect.
It's the only thing that will assure me
of what I can't assure myself,
that I'm really worth something.
I don't like to hide.
I don't like to play superficial phony games.
I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me,
that I'm really worth something.
 but you've got to help me.
You've got to hold out your hand
even when that's the last thing I seem to want.
Only you can wipe away from my eyes
the bland stare of the breathing dead.
Only you can call me into aliveness.

Each time you're kind and gentle and encouraging,
each time you try to understand because you really care,
my heart begins to grow wings, very small wings,
very feeble wings,
but wings!
With your pwer to touch me into feeling
you can breathe life into me.
I want you to know that.

Who am I, you may wonder.
I am someone you know very well.
For I am every man you meet,
and I am every woman you meet.

                                           -Unknown Author

This is a poem I read in "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul". It really touched me. Everyday we walk by people who are hurting and crying out for help, but we turn away convinced that we can do nothing. We look at them and on the outside they look cool and confident, little do we know they are breaking inside.
We are different from them though, we have God living inside of us, yet we push them aside. God might be telling us to talk to a certain person, but instead we tell ourselves that the person looks too weird, or too cool. But instead of brushing them off let's reach out to the hurting and give them a listening ear. We can show Jesus to the lost. Then maybe God might be able to change their hurt, to love.
 

Monday, September 19, 2011

A Desolate Place

"The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." Psalm 34:22

This verse simply mean that is if you trust and take guidance from God, He will not desert you and leave you feeling lonely. Remember, the Lord is always there even when you feel forlorn or without anyone to talk to. God is your friend, and He is more than enough. He will give you the hope you need to keep running this race.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Bust Cool!


“If you want to live in this lousy world, play it cool.” That line starts the song “Cool” from "West Side Story".  West Side Story is a musical that was on Broadway in 1957 then it became so popular they created a movie of it. My most favorite song in the movie is "Cool". The question is <dramatic pause> what makes this song so cool (pun intended)? I think, the reason I like "Cool" is because, at that moment everything was going wrong. Riff was dead, Tony was no where to be found, the cops were after both of the gangs, the Jets had absolutely no one keeping the gang together and everything that was familiar was falling apart. The song "Cool" is what finally brought them all back together in some sort of sane mind. After this song the Jets were finally able to start picking up the pieces. It cooled them down, and they were able to think straight.

Many times the same thing happens with us. We have a horrible day (or days), everything goes wrong, and we just don't know where to start. We freak and get upset (like Action in "West Side Story"). We start acting out and struggle knowing where to go for help. Sometimes, I find myself wishing that Ice would come ambling in, snapping his fingers, and start singing "Cool" to help me calm down.

Truthfully though, even if Ice was here he couldn't really help me cool down. The only person who will ever be able to give me peace, is JESUS. All we have to do is go to His Word. There, we have hundreds of verses that will cool us down and get us back on track with God. As Christians, we don't have to struggle in darkness, and try to use worldly devices to get relief, because we've got God living inside of us. We can go to him whenever things get heated.

If you're like me, sometimes I get so upset that I can't even think straight and talk to Jesus. I become like Action in the movie. He was so upset his emotions were way beyond his own control. He couldn't cool himself down even if he wanted to. That's when Ice took Action by his side and helped him see how the way he was thinking was all wrong. He needed to get out of his own head and start to see what was going on around him.

We need to do the same thing. Trying to do it alone sometimes just isn't possible.  We might be so caught up in our own world that we can't get into God's. That's when it's time to go to another person and ask them to help you see Jesus in what you're going through. Maybe you just need to say, "OMGoodness! I'm really upset! I can't handle this anymore, I need your help!" They then become the bridge that you use to reach God. Some days you might even find yourself being that bridge for someone else.

  1 John 2:14b NLV-I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

How's Your Vision?



Hey All! This is a picture of me, while being abducted by aliens. These little green scaly creatures captured me at the mall in they're little hovercraft, and took me too their command space ship and performed many painful eye scans to study the human teen. Just kidding!!

Actually, today I was at the optomitrisist's office getting an eye exam. My eyes have worsen as per normal. While I was there I had a chance to think about my spiritual eyes. I wonder how well I'm seeing through them. Only a few times have I gone to the eye doctor and my eyes have gotten better. I hope my spiritual eyes are getting clearer each day.

I often pray that God will give me His eyes but the question is, do I really try to have God's eyes? With my physical eyes, if I want them to get better I would have to decide not to sit too close to the computer, or not read in the dark. I would have to make up my mind that I would no longer put my eyes through all that misery. Snuggling under my big comforter until one in the morning, while reading with a flashlight, would no longer be wise.

Many times we make the same types of mistakes with our spiritual eyes, or we simply stop using them at all. We strain them by trying to see God's will, without going to His Word for support and guidance. Soon without guidance from God our eyes become blurry and we can't see what's in front of us. We think that He isn't there even though He's right beside us, just waiting for us to look up to his light instead of searching in the darkness.

We need to stop straining and use our spiritual eyes to study God's Word and look to Him for clarity. He will give us direction, and then we won't have those blurry eyes anymore. If we want to have 20/20 vision we have to make spending time with God more important than seeing our own vision in the dark.

Proverbs 29:18- Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 

Monday, September 12, 2011

You've Got Talent

When I heard this song it really spoke to me. This is Jotta A, a young Brazillian boy, who sings Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone( by Chris Tomlin) on Britian's Got Talent. As you can see he has a God-given talent for singing. At a young age this boy has dedicated his life to God, and is being used by Him to touch people around the world.

Often times we forget to step out and be used by God. You may not be able to sing like Jotta, but maybe you have the gift of Encouragement. Why don't you pray today that God gives you at least one opportunity every day to use your talents or abilites to touch someone.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

You Never Know What You've Got 'Til Its Gone

Ugh, some days just aren't good days, and today was one of those days. This Saturday was my first ballet/tap/pointe' class in a really long time. It was terrible. First of all tap class was way over my head. After about 5 minutes of not knowing a single thing, I decided to sit down and just watch. Then came "ballet". Ballet was exactly five minutes long, because the teacher went overtime for tap. Plus everything in ballet was super easy, and the teacher gave us really bland and uncomplicated combinations. Next was Pointe' Class, which I don't have pointe' shoes for and never been on pointe' (I was trying it out to see if it was too hard for me). So I sat and watched. Yea, real fun all I got to see was girls almost crying for the pain of tip toesing across the stage.

Sorry for venting on you. But the problem is, my last teacher was the bomb! I mean she seriously was an awesome teacher. She not only had us work with our bodies, but also with our minds. We had to use tons of brain power just to remember the creative and tricky combinations. Also for a break in the middle of class we would sit and she would give us French ballet words to try to spell (man, those words were really tough). To top all that off, our classes were at least and 1 hour and 15 minutes, if not more.

Here's the deal though, how did I not thank my former ballet teacher for being so awesome. How could I go years without realizing her God-given talent for teaching ballet? There was once a saying that said, "You never know what you've got, until it's gone," (okay, this was actually said by TobyMac in his song, "Gone" and somebody else famous). But please, friends let us not forget to thank the people who affect us and mold us into the people we are today. Many times we pass them by, day after day, and never thank them for all they've done in our lives. Take a moment today and tell those special people in your life, thank you, before its too late. The person we forget to thank most often, is God, and He has done the most for us.

I Chron. 16:34- Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Godly Shoes

This photo is a picture of the tops of my Converses (I absolutely love these shoes). I wrote Proverbs 15:30 on my left toes of my shoes. Which basically talks about having the "light in the eyes", which means that there is always that sparkle in your eye that gives people the feeling, you are really happy. Sometimes I forget to smile. So this is a way to remind myself to always have a joyful countenance even when I'm having a bad day.

On my other foot I wrote John 12:43, which says how the Pharisees looked for the praises from men instead of the praises from God. This little note on my Converses just reminds me that often times I search for people (mostly guys) to be impressed by the way I look or act. Sometimes I strive to much for human praises. I'm using this method to try to get my mind to focus on how God thinks of the way I act or look. This is an awesome idea that I use to remind myself of God's promises. You can always try out the idea, too!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Under His Wings

This picture touched me and reminded of this verse: Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

God will never leave you. He will always be there with you protecting and guiding you.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Hey! Things are coming!

Hey its me Pure in Heart! I just started this blog, and will soon be posting! I think God has led me to start this blog, to encourage other Christian teens. I will try to post at least one devotional a week, and hopefully will keep encouraging you throughout the year. God Bless!!
Pure in Heart