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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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.