it's my birthday (and photo contest winner)

I remember writing my 15th birthday post like it was yesterday. Well, a year has past and now I'm 16! I can't believe it! That means soon I'll be driving! Today has been really great. Since it's Family Day, I didn't have to go to school. We were going to go to the movie theater to see Journey 2, but it was sold out, so instead we ate TCBY frozen yogurt and watched a movie at home. I look forward to this new chapter of my life and hope that God does great things with me!

via weheartit

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And now it's time to announce the winner of my photography contest! But I'd just like to say that all three entries were really good. Thanks to those who entered! Drum roll please!

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Leah from The Narrow Path!
Here's her photo:

(the theme was love)

Congratulations! Just email me at chinagirl7123@gmail.com with your mailing info so I can sent you the two pairs of earrings!

Back to...

(via weaheartit)

Thought this picture was cute, which one are you?

Well, Christmas break is over, it's back to school again tomorrow. Back to early mornings, teachers, binders and homework. And to tell you the truth, I'm kinda bummed out about it. This next month of January is exam and summative month, which equals stress and lots of work. Also, I really like having the whole day to just relax and have fun with family and friends. Though I knew these two weeks would soon come to an end.

It's interesting though, I'm really looking forward to February. That's when semester two begins. That means new classes with new people and new teachers. It's almost like a new school year, a new start. February is also the month of my birthday, my 16th birthday! So even though I don't look forward to January, I have to just take it as it comes in order for February to come.

So right now, I just ask God to help me. For Him to help me to be more happy and thankful for school and everything that comes with it. And to help me stick to my new year's resolutions. Especially the ones about not procrastinating, and living a bold courageous life for Him. ♥

Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's back to school I go ...

Out of my mind?

If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:13

I came across this bible verse last week, and it really made me think. The first time I read it, I was like 'What does that mean?' And then I read it again and thought about it more ...... and still had the same question. So I talked about it with my family, we all thought, and we kinda came up with this idea of what the verse might mean:

If you are someone who tries to fit in, be normal, and cool, it's for your own personal reasons. But when you life a life for God, you should want to stand out, be different and set apart from everyone else. So that when people say you are 'out of your mind,' it's because you love God so much and want to just show it.

Another blogger who had a blog that I read a lot recently started a new blog to represent the change in her life and the difference between how she used to be when she first started on blogger. Her new blog is called Fanatical because she said "Because life's too short to be anything but a fanatic. A fanatic for Christ." I love how she put it. It's so true! I totally agree. And so that's what I think that verse means. That we need to be different, a little fanatical, a little out of our mind for Jesus. Because nothing is normal these days.

This is just my interpretation of what it means, please comment with your thoughts and views on this verse! I'd love to hear them! :)

f.r.o.g.

via

No, not that kind of frog. I mean the acronym. It stands for Fully Rely On God.

Definition of rely: Depend on with full trust or confidence.

This is something I need to work on. Yeah, I know God has a plan for me, and that He's always in control, even when it seems like things aren't right. But there's a difference between knowing and trusting. I need to have more faith in God. Believe in Him with all my heart. Hey, you need to fully trust someone before you give them your life! And I have, I've surrendered to God. But I find that I trust through the good times, then when the boat starts to get a little shaky, so does my trust in Him. And I don't want that. I want me and Him to have a strong relationship.

"And I'll trust You God with where I am

And believe that You will have Your way"
~ Britt Nicole lyrics

I want to start trusting, not just knowing. I want to fully rely on God, not just semi rely on Him, that's not good enough. I want to believe and have faith instead of worry and have doubts. Because I know that once I trust in God, once I fully rely on Him, that He will use me in ways I could never imagine.

"Trust the Lord with all your heart,
and don't depend on your own understanding."
~Proverbs 3:5

Courageous

Courage: a strength that allows you to face danger, difficulty, or pain without showing fear.

I saw the movie Courageous with a friend the other day. It's a Christian movie. I loved it. I cried and laughed and just had a great time. In the movie, one of the policemen was talking with his friends and said he needs to step up and become a better father for his family. And one of his friends told him something along the lines of 'you're already a good enough father.' The policeman replied, that's the thing, I don't want to be 'just good enough.'

That part really hit home for me. I think too many Christians today are being 'just good enough.' They meet the standards, and don't aim for higher. They do what they have to and leave it at that. But that's not what God wants from us, He wants us to be the best and give it our all. God didn't give us just enough to get by, but gave us all He had, everything.

So starting today I'm going to try to live different. Not just be 'good enough' but live life to the full extent. Let God take over, and live for Him. Ask God to give me His strength. Live a courageous life. ♥

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9

Don't Stop Believing

We all get those days. When everything seems to be going wrong. When you feel like hiding under your covers and going back to bed. When you want to let out a big scream, or cry, into your pillow. Sometimes those days stretch out, turn into weeks, and feel like they will never end. Then sometimes you may feel like life has gobbled you up, spun you around, and spat you back out. If you're in this situation, have faith. Remember that God is always by your side, He has never left you. Don't stop believing.

".... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33

Mont Trembant Trip

Beautiful mountains and scenery. Just love it all! This is what you could see from the very top once you take the gondola. (next pic ↓) :)

Riding in the gondola was really fun, it took us so high up that I felt like I was on top of the world!

Little waterfall running off the mountain, again so beautiful! God's creations are just amazing!

The view of the village from above. I love this photo because you can see all the colourful roofs!

On the way back, the drive was really long. We'd been driving for about 6 hours, and hadn't past the towns we usually did by then. Thinking positively, I told my mom that everything happens for a reason. But she said we'd just made a mistake this time. Anyways, we realized we weren't able to get home that day, and found a great hotel to stay for the night. The next day while driving back, we heard on the radio that there had been a storm where we lived. Some trees fell, and there was spotting of different coloured lightning! Even though we didn't understand why it had taken so long, God knew, and He protected us from the storm. So when you don't quite get something or understand, remember God is always in control. Everything happens for a reason!

Quick Request:
I added three polls onto my sidebar.
It'll only take a few seconds to vote, would you please?
I'd really appreciate it if you did! :)

'I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul'

via weheartit

Buying name brands just to fit it, even though it's not your style. Wearing lots of make-up to impress a guy, even though you hate the stuff. Reading magazines so you can be 'in the know,' even though you'd rather be reading actual books. When changes like these take over your life, who are you trying to please?

The world is trying to win us over. It has taken the word beautiful, and has turned it into perfect, leaving so many girls striving for the impossible, wanting to achieve something that isn't real. We think to ourselves 'that's not me, I'd never give in like that.' But with the world's message plastered everywhere you go, it can be hard to stay true to the real you. The world is knocking on your door everyday, what if tomorrow you answer it?

Well, there's one thing that helps me get through life's sticky spots. God. He is my anchor, the thing that I can hold onto when the seas get rough and wild. He sent His son to die on the cross, so I don't have to be perfect. All I need to be is me. That's who God made me to be!

So when you need help, pray and ask for God to give you strength, and that's what you can hold onto next time the world comes knocking at your door.

also, check out this video, it came to mind while writing this post.

Power in the Simple Things

I believe there is power in the small things. The simple things. The things we don't think about enough. For example, books. Merely a number of pages stuck together. But one book can hold a whole life story, filled with emotion and feelings, thoughts, events, and memories. Isn't that awesome?
And prayer. Requests, thanks and praises from the lips of Christians, and the hearts of believers. Prayer can work wonders, especially when it comes from more than one. The power of prayer can heal, protect, provide, save, and give.

And kindness. Simply going out of your way for someone can make their day. Spread some happiness, laughter, and smiles! All these things are simple, yet powerful in so many ways!

all photos from weheartit

"find some colour in this black and white world"

Of the five senses humans were given, I value sight the most. To not be able to see everything around me would be one of the hardest things to deal with. After seeing the beautiful colours of a rainbow, or the vibrant shades and hues of a flower, I can't imagine a world without colour.

Colour makes everything more delightful. It brightens a dull situation, adds flair to the mundane, brings life to things that seem common and turns them into something special. I believe colour is God's touch of happiness on this planet for when life seems a little dark or dim.

Colour is a way for people to express themselves. When I'm happy and in a good mood, I like to wear colours that pop and stand out. Each colour holds a variety of emotion and meanings. For example, the colour red is used to express love and passion.

Though not all colours are the same. The light blue headband on your desk is not even close to comparing with the various blues of the sky. We have the ability to mix colours using paints, dyes, and pencil crayons. But the colours we create will never be as radiant as the green grass that grows, or the red apples in the trees. God is the ultimate creator.

And there's not just your average red, blue, and yellow etc., but colours within a colour! Like in the colour category of blue there's aqua, teal, navy, indigo, turquoise and so many more! Who knew colours could be so complex?

all pictures from weheartit

Crime&Love

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Only 10 days left*

The law is meant to protect, to keep order and peace ... though rules can broken. Theft. Vandalism. Murder. Anybody can be a criminal, and anybody can be a victim. Crimes can be anywhere, at any time, at any place. Some are planned, some are random. Crimes are committed all around the world, but why? What is the motive behind these wrongful acts? What is the purpose, the meaning, the reason?

Why is world peace an impossible hope? Why must there be war, and violence among this planet? Why can't everyone just get along? There's only one answer. Satan. As long as sin roams this earth, crimes will always exist. Sometimes there's no reason behind these crimes other than the darkness of the devil. So then what can be done about this problem? What can we do?

We can hold onto our faith, stay strong in the Lord, and pray for these people. Obviously criminals would be one of the last to come to mind when praying, but they're the ones who need it the most. They're on the opposite side, the wrong path, they're lost.

God can change even the darkest, coldest hearts. He can reach out and touch even the most evil, hated human beings. No matter how low you've fallen or how many sins you have on your slate, He can take all the shame away. He sees us for who we are, He doesn't judge us, but gives us everlasting love, even to criminals.

Who will love me for me?

Take The Wheel

I forget sometimes. I forget what He did for me, and what it really means. That the life I'm living isn't mine. That I'm not in control. At times, these things slip my memory. I am a person who tends to over-think. Or make things a little more difficult than they have to be. But then I step back, and really look at what I'm doing. I'm trying to figure everything out, when really, it's not my job. God knows what He's doing. And I need to trust Him, and leave it in His hands.

But He did give us the opportunity to make our own choices. He gave us the freedom to do what we want. And that's good. Because then we can learn from our mistakes. We learn, and grow in our faith. I'm still learning to listen to God. I heard once that praying is good, but it should be a two-way conversation. I do talk to God, but I want to work on hearing Him. As a Christian, I'm still growing. And one thing I keep on having to learn is that we're not in control. Take the wheel, Lord, I put my trust in You ...

A Poem

via weheartit

You sparkle even brighter than the sun,
I just know deep down that you are the one.

I feel that we belong together,
Our relationship will last forever.

You loved me ever since the beginging.
Now you have got me spinning, with joy.

You are protecting and forgiving,
You make this life I've got worth living.

I know I can tell you anything,
Yet you already know everything.

You're the Light of the world, and I'm happy to see.
And I am so glad that God, you love me, for me.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

via weheartit

I can hear the rain outside my window. It has been raining ever since I walked out the door this morning. I don't like the wet, gloomy weather that much. I want the flowers to come. The flowers that everyone has been posting on their blogs. I know that flowers wouldn't grow in May without all the rain in April. I guess I just have to be patient. You know what they say, 'good things come to those who wait.'

It's interesting how it all works. I'm able to look forward to all the beautiful flowers May will bring. I imagine the lovely flowers we'll be planting in the backyard soon! It goes to show, even through some of the less fun times, there's always something you can anticipate.

Even though I may not like the rain, the flowers need it. Sometimes in our lives, things happen that we may not like. But God sees everything. That one little discomfort for us, may really benefit someone else. We need to trust Him ... trust that He knows what He's doing. Trust that He's got everything in control, and that after that rainstorm, the flowers will bloom just at the right moment.

Beauty

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you."

~Song of Songs 4:7

What is beauty? And what does it look like? Everyone has their own opinion, and think they know what it means. But when it comes down to it, there's only one opinion that really matters. Yours. To me, the first step to being beautiful is being happy with who you are! You've got to feel good with the skin your in! A smiling person is way prettier than someone who has a big frown spread across their face. My mom always told me that I had to like me before I could like anyone else. And she is so right!

After being happy, the rest kinda comes naturally. When you feel good, you show it! Your heart shines, and your inner beauty breaks free! I think everyone is beautiful, but for some people, it takes time for them to realize their true beauty. It's a journey for all of us. We all have those moments when we look in the mirror and start pointing out our flaws. Even worse, some point out other's flaws. But if we can just find happiness in life, we can find the beauty hidden beneath every heart.

No matter where I am on my journey, I know God is with me. He is the one who sees beauty in all! And without Him, I wouldn't be able to be completely happy in life. I wouldn't be able to live a beautiful life.

Waiting

This is something we have to do a lot. We have to wait for the bus, wait for other people, wait in line at a cash register. It is a part of life. But do you ever feel like you are waiting for life? Almost as if you haven't really gotten to the good part yet. You're still waiting for that something special, something new and interesting to happen. Like there's something else coming, something worth waiting for.

Maybe you should stop waiting. Stop waiting... and start looking.

Lately I've been living life, and everything is really great, but it just seems normal. Average. The same. I want something more exciting! I've been waiting. After doing lots of thinking, I realized something, someone, has been waiting for me too. God. I've drifted away from Him, and He knows it, but He's waiting for me to come back on my own when I'm ready. I've gotten so caught up in life, that I've strayed away from my one true God. Well, I am done waiting.

God knows we are well worth waiting for, so He waits. It can take a while for us to understand that, and some never do. But when we run back to Him, He'll always welcome us with open arms. Once we return, we can fully live life without feeling like we're missing something. Because this time, we found what we were waiting for.

Mean

Stand up, and be proud.
Don't let anybody put you down.

They may seem big, they may be mean,
But in the end that's all they're gonna be.

Don't let them tear you apart,
Don't take their lies to heart.

You know what they say isn't true,
Be strong and show them the real you.

You're so much better than all of them,
They're the ones with the problem.

Let your inner beauty shine,
Things will get better over time.

Words can hurt more than sticks and stones,
A heart can break just the same as bones.

Next time you're hit or teased.
Remember Him, and just believe.

The opposite of faith is fear,
Stick with God, he's always near.

This poem was inspired by the song Mean-Taylor Swift

Music

Music is an interesting thing. No-matter who you are or where you are on this planet, everyone speaks the language of music! Some music is calming and relaxing while other genres are meant to excite and pump you up. Some just make you want to get up and dance! What is it about music that makes it so powerful?

I think music is unique and special because each song that has ever been written comes from the heart of a person. They were inspired and motivated to write about their life, their feelings, their dreams. The songs I like best are the ones that are real. The ones I can relate to ... that have a story behind them and can only be understood by another heart with the same feelings.

Music isn't just people singing. It's a way for God to communicate with us. He speaks to us through songs. His presence can be felt while listening to it. He uses music to heal, enlighten, and touch us. Maybe next time you want to speak to God, don't pray, but sing.

New Year

"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."

~Jeremiah 29:11

What does the new year mean to you? A fresh start? A new chapter of your life? An adventure waiting to be discovered? To me, the new year is like a mystery that can only be solved by living through it. Yes it is a new beginning, and there are many discoveries to be made, but really, nobody knows what the future holds. No one but God.

As we step into the year 2011, think about what you want to do, where you want to go, who you want to be. Set goals, make resolutions! Not just ones about finally cleaning your room, or beating a level on your favourite video game, but ones about how you can live to glorify God!

The new year is like God taking your slate and wiping it clean, saying 'here, try again with a fresh start.' So take that slate and make a work of art! Make God proud and show Him the best you there is! Make this year the best one yet!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Snowflakes

I love snowflakes. There aren't two on this planet that are identical. They're all unique! They're like little white fluffy stars, and if there is enough, they make snow! With lots of snowflakes, you can ski, snowboard, sled, skate, make a snowman, or a snow angel, the list goes on and on! But by themselves they are useless.

Snowflakes are like people, you need a lot to make a difference. Many individuals have made big changes in the world, but they all had some help along the way. We need each other. We depend on each other. You can't play soccer without a team. You can't perform a play without a cast. It's teamwork. There's no 'i' in snowflake.

This Christmas, let's share all the joy and happiness to make Christ's birthday the best one yet! Maybe one person can't make a change or difference, but a smile can! Let the white fluffy stars of snow remind us of The Light of the world that shines down on us everyday. Spread the love, the hope, and the Light of Christmas. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!