Just a Girl 4 God

Blown by the Wind...

2009-10-27T20:58:00.000+10:00

John 6:18

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

Acts 27:15

The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.

James 1:6

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

How strong is your faith?

At my place today, it's fairly breezy. As I look outside my window, the plants and trees are waving their branches as the wind blows past. It got me thinking...

Remember the story of Jesus and his disciples travelling in the boat? Jesus had had a busy day - he was tired, and resting in the hull of the boat. All of a sudden, a HUGE storm blows up - and the disciples freak out. Keep in mind that these guys were probably seasoned seamen, and would have likely faced many other storms before. However, this storm was so big that even these serious seamen were scared - they thought they were going to drown. Worrying for their lives, the disciples ran to Jesus and cried out for Him to save them. Jesus awoke and replied "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" and with that, He got up, rebuked the wind and the waves and the sea was calm.

Doesn't that sound like our lives? We are travelling along, in our little 'boat', when all of a sudden a huge storm appears - perhaps it's a family issue, bullies at school, a mammoth end of year exam, choosing a college or some other major decision. The clouds roll in, the thunder begins to crash and we scream! Looking out onto the vast ocean, we freak out and wonder, 'How am I going to cope? Can I do this? I don't think I can.' Like the disciples, we become overwhelmed by the appearance of the wind and waves.

When we do this, we take our eyes off what our focus should be on - Christ. We have forgotten that, with Christ next to us, in the boat with us, we can do anything - even quiet that storm.

How strong is your faith? Are you firmly planted in the knowledge that, no matter what comes, you can face it because the Saviour of the world is beside you in your boat? Or are you like a blade of grass, which can be blown and tossed around by every little breeze that blows? Is your faith strong enough to stand tall in the midst of the craziness of life, or do you think your faith's backbone needs a little building?

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New Followers...

Shannon
SayRah
Amy

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If you would like to comment and leave your thoughts, please feel free to do so.
If you comment, post your thoughts and, if you would like, share something about how to build faith in our lives - from something you've read or your own experiences.
Thank you!

For there is only One Hope

2009-10-06T19:23:00.002+10:00

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”- Isaiah 26:4

Trust the Lord... it's not a suggestion, or a good idea, or something to do when you are scared. It's a command. God has said DO IT. Trust in Him.

In this world, we often place our trust in things that do not last. We have faith in our favourite football team... in our teachers, in our friends, in the leaders of our country. We look to them when times get tough or we need help or inspiration. But, truly...

Job 15:31 Let [them] not deceive [themselves] by trusting what is worthless, for [they]will get nothing in return.

What good is it to trust in humans? Will that really help you or get you anywhere in the long run?
Let us not be people who place our trust in the falliable human race or the crerations of man's hands. Let us be known for our steadfast trust in the Creator of it all... the God of the Universe...

John 12:36
Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.

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To answer some recent questions...

Can anyone do [Multitude Monday]? from Libby

Sure! The idea is a fabulous one... and Ann from A Holy Experience came up with it. Head over to her blog to find out more.

I was wondering... who made your amazing blogger template? from Emily Shae

My 'amazing blogger template' was created by none other than the fabulous Thais from Olivina Design House. It's a custom design which she made just for me! She is amazing...
and... for those who were wondering, these sorts of things do cost money, but I won mine in a giveaway...

Multitude Monday - One Thousand Gifts List

2009-10-05T09:09:00.000+10:00

no. 1-229; no 230-250; no. 251-280...

281. Writing songs
282. 2 year old sisters who ask for a purple apple
283. Wedding dresses
284. Looking at rings on eBay
285. Freshly mown grass
286. Good photos
287. Friends who know what I'm saying before I really even say it
288. Old books
289. Brushing my hair... or someone else's
290. Quotes from Christians who have been there... done that.
291. Honesty
291. Emails to friends at just the right time that they needed it
292. Emails from friends at just the right time when I needed it
293. Conversations that go deeper than superficial stuff
294. Good food and good friends
295. Surprise visitors
296. Unexpected compliments
297. Secrets
298. Uncovering secrets
299. Being able to keep secrets
300. Patience

What I learnt today...

2009-10-04T14:57:00.000+10:00

Today I learnt that, no matter what, God is in control.
That obedience feels good.

That new beginnings bring joy.

But it's okay to shed tears over the things left behind.
I learnt that it is cool to share thoughts - even if you think they are stupid.
I learnt that good friends who love you won't think those thoughts are stupid - they will actually understand what you are saying.
Good music is songs sung by people that you like. A lot. Music by people you don't really like just isn't the same.

Falling in love is dangerous. It can cause you to say and do things a little out of the ordinary that cause people to stare, and make best friends roll their eyes, laugh and slap you.
Today, I learnt that it is good to be reminded that I am living for God.

Feelin' Feminine - Challenging Femininity

2009-10-02T09:34:00.000+10:00

Feelin' Feminine has just launched their first issue of 'Challenging Femininity'.
from the Feelin' Feminine site...

Welcome to Feelin’ Feminine’s first issue of Challenging Femininity. Join us each month for a new issue of articles from various writers, including the official Feminas, on all topics relating to femininity. This will be posted at the end of the month, and we hope you will join us by reading through the articles, announcing it on your sites, and perhaps even contributing for some issues.
If you haven’t already had the chance please read out Mission Page as well as Welcome Page, which contain info about the site and the columns. If you are interested in joining our blogroll or in becoming a partner please contact us via our contact page. We hope to be reviewing and hosting some giveaways in the upcoming issues so if you would be interested in investing your business in this way feel free to contact us as well!
Over the past few months the site has been so blessed by new writers, new visitors and readers, and emails of encouragement that come in every day! Yahweh is using this site in ways I never imagined when I began it over a year ago just to chronicle participants for the challenge, and I can’t wait to see where He takes it even from here!

Click here to go to their home page! I hope you enjoy reading 'Challenging Femininity'!

Walk With Him Wednesday... The Priority of Christ

2009-10-01T12:12:00.000+10:00

He did not live for parties and people.
He did not live for school, work or chores.
He did not live for new trends or new shoes.
He lived for His Father.

My aim:
Not to live for parties or people.
Not to live for school, work or chores.
Not to live for new trends or new shoes.
I aim to live for my Father.

How do I do this?
Pray.
Constant communion with the Creator.
Spending more time in His Word than in the latest romance novel.
Telling my friends that I can't sleepover tonight... I need to get with God.
Sharing the Love with others...
Taking my eyes off myself and putting them on those who need, want and hunger.

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New Followers...

Amber

Emily Shae

Emily - The Way of White Delight

Multitude Monday - One Thousand Gifts List

2009-09-28T19:49:00.000+10:00

no. 1-229; no 230-250...

251. curly hair
252. joy
253. sleepovers
254. new friends
255. old friends
256. memories
257. reminders
258. love songs
259. crying
260. calm
261. peace
262. candles
263. knowing that You are there...
264. flickering lights...
265. honesty
266. love
267. wishing you loved me...
268. knowing that someday is soon enough
269. friends who giggle with you over cute guys
270. writing new songs of worship to my King
271. opportunity to share those songs with others
272. band practices
273. leaving the past behind
274. fairy parties
275. being allowed to make mistakes
276. knowing The Truth
277. singing all day... and well into the night
278. running water
279. shampoo
280. ballet shoes

Consider Others Better... - Thought for the Day

2009-09-27T08:06:00.000+10:00

I started this a few days ago, so I'm just hitting post... :)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”- Philippians 2:3-4

I think that this is a pretty strong verse. Paul is not just saying, 'oh, you know, sometimes it would be a good idea to let someone else go first...'. I think he is saying... 'wherever you go, in whatever you do, put others first'. Those are pretty strong words, hey? I mean, we are all human, and of course our first priority is naturally ourselves. It's how we work - me first, you second.
But that is not the way Jesus lived. That's not the way God works. Imagine if God was like that? Do you think He would have given up everything - even His own Son - so that we could live with Him forever?
The challenge to us - put others first. Consider others better and more talented than ourselves. Take our eyes off us and put them on God, so that others will see Him glorified through us.

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New Followers

Vanessa

castingcrownsgirl33

Christa

2009-09-26T19:36:00.000+10:00

Well.
I kinda have something that I should say.
I'm not sure if I'm going to have great chances to post over the next little while... I'll do my best but a few things are 'in the way'... one being that I'm on school hols, so family stuff is happening and that is awesome, but the other thing is that there is just this huge relationship that I'm working on at the moment, and it's taking time and energy... :) and of course there is God. :)
But I'm going to try to post soon, with something worthwhile...
Okay? Thank you all so much! You are fabulous!
God bless you!

Honest Scrap... awards

2009-09-25T09:41:00.000+10:00

Honest Scrap Award:
I have been awarded the...

award from Hannah! (Thanks!)

The rules with this award are...

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.

2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

So, I've done number one. Now... number two...

1. I'd rather have a few friends who last forever and ever than always have a lot of friends, none of whom I'm really close to.

2. I read a ridiculous amount of books in a week. Like, maybe 6 or 7 at the least. But I should read my Bible more.

3. If I could do anything in the world, I would go to Ellerslie, School of Honor, and be a missionary.

4. I would love to have, like, 20 kids. I'm happy to adopt the majority of them.

5. I collect antique books, memory verses and hugs.

6. I love eating mango, and chocolate, and cheesecake. And I'll eat them all together too.

7. Everything I do, I do to glorify God.

8. I believe that my life is supposed to be victorious and full to overflowing with the blessings of Christ.

9. I believe that faith is the core of my existence, and hope is what drives me onwards.

10. I love God. That's the long and short of it.

Number three... pass the award on...
I'm going to award this to...
Kelsey, at Chapstick, Cameras and Crowns
Jessica, at Faith for Girls
Leah, at Surrendered Life
Kendra, at Carpe Diem
Jacqueline, at By Grace Alone
Chelsea, at becoming a lily among the thorns
Esther, at Unknown Artist

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New Followers...

Miley

Stephanie
Sparkle

Followers of God - Thought for the Day

2009-09-18T08:45:00.000+10:00

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 1:5, KJV

What does it mean to be a follower? A follower is 1) one who adheres to the teaching of another; 2) a servant; 3) a fan or enthusiast; 4) one that imitates or copies another.

This verse in Ephesians states that we are to be FOLLOWERS of God. This means that we are to be...

1) someone who adheres to His teachings. To adhere to someone's teachings means to claim it as your own, and build your life around it. We need to study God's word, and make it the firm foundation for our WHOLE life.

2) a servant. Wow. This can be a hard one. A servant gives up all of their own rights to live life the way their Master wants them... we are God's servants, and need to be ready and willing to do whatever He asks us to.

3) A follower is a fan or enthusiast of what they are following. This means we need to be LOUD with our Christianity and not shy away from saying that we fully believe in God and the Bible! Don't be afraid to look strange and to have people dislike you! The world did not love Jesus - and He is just what we want to become. Stay strong and passionate about your faith!

4) An imitator... we live like He would. It's taking WWJD and actually doing it. It's not worrying about what someone else is going to say - but just doing it because Jesus would. To be able to copy Him, we need to know what He is like... and we get this by studying our Bible and spending time in worship and prayer with Him.

Are you truly a follower of Christ?

Have you given up all of 'you' so that He may live in your life?

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New Followers

Titus

dreamingofparismeg

Wisdom and Humility... GOD Thought for the Day

2009-09-17T08:34:00.002+10:00

“[Two Kinds of Wisdom] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”- James 3:13

The challenge to us is to live a life which reflects this understanding which God has given us in Christ. We are not supposed to just love God with our mind and know about Him and say the right things. A true follower of Christ does this, but doesn't stop it there. A true heart which is set after Christ will run towards Him and live a life which openly, honestly and humbly reflects the amazing grace which we have been given.

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New Look

I'm sure you have all noticed this one... Isn't my new blog look beautiful? It was designed by Thais. from Olivina Design House. Her work is simply amazing and beautiful. Please, if you are looking for a new blog design, check out her first! Click on the button below...

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New Followers...

Nastya Andreyovna

Leah M.

Chelsea

Multitude Monday - One Thousand Gifts List

2009-09-14T21:34:00.000+10:00

(numbers 1 to 229 are here...)

230. A wave hello
231. Smelly gel pens
232. A way to escape tempation
233. Audio teaching MP3's
234. Bible College
235. Different opinions
236. Charm bracelets
237. Sunset
238. Creative ability
239. an iMac
240. Homegrown beans
241. Homegrown tomatoes
242. Homegrown potatoes
243. The ability to say no
244. Old clocks
245. Oak tress
246. Summer dresses
247. Rain on tin rooves
248. A 6 year old's self portrait
249. Travelling
250. Pears

Welcome...

2009-09-14T08:52:00.001+10:00

Welcome to Isirian... :) Thank you for following!

UPDATE: And Thank you Esther for following! (I <3 your blog... :) )

Followers and Awards!

2009-09-13T14:11:00.000+10:00

Hello my bloggy friends!

I have a few things to share...

1) Is that we need to welcome 2 new followers - Alex Buller and Bethany! Welcome Welcome! :) Please check out these girls' blogs ASAP... They are too awesome!

2) I have been awarded an award by Kendra, over at Carpe Diem... She says...

JUSTAGIRL4GOD for her flattering interest in "The W Chronicles: Walls"! She gets the Kaelie Kayla Morgan Award for being fun and sparkly just like her! Congratulations, justagirl4god!

Thank you so much, Miss Kendra! I'm so blessed! :)

3)PLEASE read my 2nd post in the 'Living a Life of Purity' series... That would mean alot to me! And comment some questions, so I can do a third post! Click HERE. :)

Thank you all for doing that!
Sending lots of God's blessings your way!

Randomness Friday - Random Poems from Childhood...

2009-09-11T10:11:00.001+10:00

Random poems from Childhood...

Eletelephony

Once there was an elephant

Who tried to use the telephant

Oh no, I mean an elephone

Who tried to use the telephone

(Dear me, I am not certain quite

That even now I've got it right)

How'ere it was, he got his trunk

Entangled in the telephunk

The more he tried to get it free

The louder buzzed the telephee

(I fear I'd better drop the song

Of elephop and telephong)

-Laura Richards

The Little Girl

There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead

And when she was good

She was very good indeed

But when she was bad, she was horrid.

-Anon

Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard,
To give the poor dog a bone;
When she came there
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor dog had none.

She went to the baker's
To buy him some bread;
When she came back
The dog was dead.

She went to the undertaker's
To buy him a coffin;
When she came back
The dog was laughing.

She took a clean dish
To get him some tripe;
When she came back
He was smoking a pipe.

She went to the fruiterer's
To buy him some fruit;
When she came back
He was playing the flute.

She went to the tailor's
To buy him a coat;
When she came back
He was riding a goat.

She went to the hatter's
To buy him a hat;
When she came back
He was feeding the cat.

She went to the barber's
To buy him a wig;
When she came back
He was dancing a jig.

She went to the cobbler's
To buy him some shoes;
When she came back
He was reading the news.

She went to the seamstress
To buy him some linen;
When she came back
The dog was spinning.

She went to the hosier's
To buy him some hose;
When she came back
He was dressed in his clothes.

The dame made a curtsy,

The dog made made a bow;

The dame said, "Your servant,"

The dog said, "Bow-wow."

-Sarah Catherine Marine

Please visit Prism's blog - she's the mastermind behind Randomness Friday.

Comment troubles...

2009-09-11T08:41:00.000+10:00

Hello all!
I've just been told that there is a problem with my comments thing... I'm so sorry about that! I think it's been fixed now, so please COMMENT away! :) And if it ever happens again, just email me - justagirl4god-blog@hotmail.com!
xoxo

Multitude Monday - One Thousand Gifts

2009-09-10T20:52:00.007+10:00

Love
Christ
The Bible
Prayer
Family
Friends
Books
Australia
Reading
Dancing
Singing
Smiling
Laughing
Crying
Babies
Chocolate
The Elsie Dinsmore series
Lori Wick
Nancy Rue
Computers
Books
Church
Shoes
Ribbons
Sewing
Trampolines
Strawberry Milkshakes
Writing
Quilts
Dolls
Love
Other people smiling
Cute guys
Flowers
Romantic movies
Kissing scenes
Hot chocolate
Talking
Listening
Giving and receiving hugs
Photography
Irish accents
Scottish accents
aholyexperience.com
setapartgirl.com
godlygals.com/board
Pink shirts
Jeans
Parents
Email
Light
Photo albums
Paper
Pencils
Bible study
School
Numbers
Letters
Snail-mail
Teddy-bears
Warm jumpers
Swim-suits/Togs
Hats
Big earings
Butterflies
Cubby houses
Camping
Camp-fires
Rain
Holy-Spirit rain
Youth group
Youth leaders
Playgrounds
Bags
Leaves
Trees
Picnic rugs
Wicker baskets
Robin Jones Gunn
Hands
Toes
Hearing
Vision
Smell
Taste
Touch
Health
Emotions
Candles
Memories
Finger painting
Apples
Skirts
Dresses
Mangos
Fresh bread
Babies soft skin
Grass
Roses
Pyjamas
Socks
Bananas
Jubes
Birds
Showers
Hope
Cicadas
Tomorrow
Today
Pain
Accountability
Gold rings
Long hair
Red-haired children
Cheeky grins
Antiques
Soft blankets
That newborn smell
Creaky barn doors
Gingerbread
Corn meat
Sleep
Long car trips
Letterbox
Wet puppy noses
Giggling little brothers
Little girls in princess dress-ups
A 2 year old's prayers
Op shops
Hand-me-downs
School trips
Great-grandma
Wrinkly skin
Eyes
Breath
Opportunities
2nd chances
Rocks
Waterfalls
Beaches
Shells
Uniqueness
Unity
Variety
Differences
Songs
Music
Leslie Ludy
Rag-rugs
Strawberries
Stripy socks
Worship
Shadows
Reflections
Pure hearts
A thirsty soul
Never-ending life
Learning to walk again
Peace
Comfort
Pillows
Jazz
Instrumental music
Orchestras
Open windows
Mirrors
Ballet
Acting
Costumes
Curls
Promises
Sleepovers
Home
Visiting
Photo books
Visitors
Teachers
Journals
Quiet times
Fireworks
Mountains
Beauty
Anne of Green Gables
Disney movies
Missing teeth
Friends who listen
Advice
Clocks
Homemade things
Cheesecake
Ice
Carrots
Cabbage
Size 0000 clothes
Cards
Wrapping gifts
Netball
Airplanes
Fiji
Closed eyes
Heritage
Family crest
Creation
Washing baskets
Traditions
Chairs
Water
Soft, warm towels
Lip-gloss
Doughnuts
5 year olds
Hair bows
Tutu
Sisters
Brothers
Windows
Truth
Reality
Couches
Large dining tables
A phone call
A letter from a friend
Choreography
Picture Books
Long novels
Missionaries
Missions trips
Swimming
White sauce

Walk with Him Wednesday - Praying Together

2009-09-10T20:27:00.000+10:00

Father God,
You are awesome. You are the Almighty One forever and we praise you, Lord.
Humble our hearts, break us to pieces, tear apart our selfish wants and desires.
Create us into vessels which you can use.
Make us a people with a spirit of unity, which cannot easily be broken.
Unite us together so that we may be a powerful force for Your Name, Holy One.
And may we never stop loving you most.

Amen

2009-09-10T13:48:00.000+10:00

:) Hello friends!

Kelsey has asked her blog readers to compile a list of things that make them smile... So, here's mine!

God
My Bible
Dancing
Singing
Babies
Family
Chocolate
Les Miserables
The Sound of Music
Church
Friends
Crying (well, after I have finished sobbing my heart out)
Computers
Books
Reading
Shoes
Ribbons
Sewing
Trampolines
Strawberry Milkshakes
Blogs
Quilts
Dolls
Love
Other people smiling
Cute guys
Lori Wick's books
Romantic movies
Kissing scenes
Hot chocolate
Talking
Listening
Giving and recieving hugs
Photography
Irish accents
Scottish accents
aholyexperience.com
setapartgirl.com
godlygals.com/board
God.

Go on, post your own list! Leave me a comment so I can read it!

(PS. Make sure you check out Kelsey's blog)

Another Follower!

2009-09-09T12:56:00.002+10:00

Welcome to Charlotte Ann! I'm so excited to have you following my blog! I pray that you are blessed here.
Remember to read the next purity post below! :)
xoxo

Living a Life of Purity - Part 2 - Mental and Spiritual Purity

2009-09-09T10:41:00.000+10:00

{so far...}

So far in our series about Living a Life of Purity, we have talked about physical purity, and what it means to be a virgin. We talked about how the world defines 'purity' (not having sex) and how God does (set apart, a heart attitude). If you want to read post 1 again (or read it for the first time before reading this) please click HERE.

And so now, we are going to move on to Spiritual and Mental purity. Curious about how that works? Keep reading. :) And please remember to comment at the end of it all - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

{definition of purity}

In the dictionary, the word ‘purity’ is described as being…
• undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material
• the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong; lacking a knowledge of evil
• honour; virtue or chastity
Oswald Chambers defined purity in this way…
“…purity is something that has been tested and tried and has triumphed, something that has character at the back of it, that can overcome and has overcome.”
Elizabeth Elliot described purity as…
“… freedom from contamination, from anything that would spoil the taste or the pleasure…It means cleanness, clearness—no additives, nothing artificial—in other words, “all natural” in the sense in which the Original Designer designed it to be.”

{mental purity}

I think this is the aspect of purity that most people would find the hardest to keep. This type of purity is relating to what we think, imagine, do with our eyes and mind. So, it could include thinking about doing something inappropriate with someone else, or someone else wearing something inappropriate. Pretty much, it's about how we think about and view other people.

If purity is 'unsullied by sin', we are contaminating our minds when we think about other in the wrong ways. That is the simple truth of it. Or when we view images that we know are wrong, and still look, we are corrupting our eyes and bringing unGodly influences into our minds.

I don't know about you, but I don't want my imagination controlling me. If that was the thing that directed how I live, my life would be in shambles. If I was forever imagining that I was a princess, locked in a tower, waiting for my prince, there would be SO many things that I would miss out on in life.

Instead of letting my imagination go, I need to bring it into captivity and let my Spirit control my thoughts... Check out what the Bible has to say about this...

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

To me, this verse is talking about two things. Let's have a look at them both...
The first one is: DEMOLISHING. Knocking down. Little kids love to do it, but I think it something that most people try to grow out of - they change from being destroyers to trying to fix everything and build everything back up. While that's a good idea, I think we need to knock down before we build up. We first need to destroy, get rid of all of the things in our mind which are against the will of God before we can begin to fill ourselves with the Truth.
So, how do we do this? It's really simple - ask God. :) Ask Him to clear your mind of those things and to bring your heart into line with His. Ask Him to take over control of your life and your thoughts and then move on to step 2, which is...
BEGIN TO LIVE. Start to fill your life with Godly influences. Ask a trusted adult or friend to keep you accountable. Share your struggle with someone and get them to check up on you often, to see how you are going. Replace the bad stuff you were feeding on before with Godly influences and spend that time you used to sin in reading God's Word and studying the Bible. It's the best thing you can ever do for you faith.
And don't forget to pray. Bring your struggle before God daily and seek Him to change your heart desires and motives, so that they are pure and holy like Him. I promise that He is faithful and will bring His power into your life when you truly seek Him will all of your heart.

{spiritual purity}
This is a bit of an unusual one, and I don't know if I've ever heard anyone else particularly talk about it. But hey, I'll give it a go!
So, we have defined purity as being uncorrupted by extraneous material. What does this mean? It pretty much means that the thing which is pure has not been made unpure by having other strange substances added to it.
To me, it's very simple. This means that my Spirituality should not be corrupted by influences which are not from God. I need to be active in protecting my soul from being marked by things of the world or the devil, and let my life only be changed and influenced by God's Word and things of Him.

{in conclusion...}

2 Corinthians 6:4-10
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We are God's children. We have chosen to serve Him no matter what. And, as this passage reminds us, that means we have chosen to serve Him in purity. It means that no matter what the world says, or does to us, we will stand strong and protect ourselves from the evil influences which bombard us keep our hearts solely set apart for the good works of God.

{a sneak peak into part 3}
In part 3, we are going to answer any questions you have. So, please, ask away! :) Post a comment. :) I'd want to get as many questions as I can, and I will post all reasonable questions I receive, so, ask away! :)

God bless you this week!

Somethings...

2009-09-08T09:20:00.000+10:00

Hello lovely friends!
I hope you all had wonderful weekends! I'm really excited about today - I have an English assignment draft to write, and I also need to post the post second in my 'Living a Life of Purity' series, and there are a number of friends I should email... ah, but it shall be a good day! So, my 'somethings' to share are...

1) I have new followers! :) Thank you girls... Let's see, they are Maggie S., Miss Kinsey, and Clarrissa! Welcome girls! It's awesome to have you here!

:) I'm going to post that post soon, hopefully, but please forgive me if I don't... :)
xoxoxo

RandomnessFriday: Cupcakes. and a Challenge!

2009-09-04T11:10:00.001+10:00

Hello bloggy friends!

I have a few new things happening around here... The first one is...

Prism, from A Girl of Many Colors, has been doing this for a while. Every Friday she posts something random! This is how she describes Randomness Friday...

Randomness Friday is now an official blog carnival!
Who It's For: Those Who Just LOVE being random. I mean, everyone needs a dose from time to time. No need to follow my blog. I just require that you give me your blog link so I can put it in a list. Your blog will be added onto the list when you post a RF.
When: You don't need to do it every week as I do. Maybe one RF a month if you have time constraints. BUT you have more of a chance of being featured on GoMC if you post every week.

And, BTW, you can grab that banner that's up there for your blog, if you join in on this.
So, without further ado, here is my first Randomness Friday!

Cupcakes... and a Challenge!

CUPCAKES: The other day, some friends and I were baking cupcakes. :p It was pretty fun... We made a HUGE mess, and had lots of fun, and ate way too much sugar, but it was all good! I mucked up some of the mixture, though, and was in trouble, cause we had to call someone's mother to run and buy some more for us! *pink cheeks* it was SO embarrassing! But the cupcakes turned out okay, and were scrummy!

A CHALLENGE: It's 'The Amy Challenge!'

Abigail, from Authentice Beauty is hosting this challenge. I'm so going to do it, and I think you should too! Check out her blog here.

Well, that probably wasn't really random. But I hope it will get more random as the weeks go on!

God bless you!

Living a Life of Purity - Part 1 - Physical and Emotional Purity

2009-08-31T09:17:00.000+10:00

{Introduction}
What is purity?
In the dictionary, the word ‘purity’ is described as being…
• undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material
• the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong; lacking a knowledge of evil
• honour; virtue or chastity
Oswald Chambers defined purity in this way…
“…purity is something that has been tested and tried and has triumphed, something that has character at the back of it, that can overcome and has overcome.”
Elizabeth Elliot described purity as…
“… freedom from contamination, from anything that would spoil the taste or the pleasure…It means cleanness, clearness—no additives, nothing artificial—in other words, “all natural” in the sense in which the Original Designer designed it to be.”
These definitions give us a pretty high expectation of what purity should be, right? When we read that (according to the dictionary) purity is not morally wrong, that it is (in Chambers’ words) ‘tested and tried’, that purity is something which, as Elizabeth Elliot said, is what ‘the Original Designer designed it to be’, it is hard to believe that we can ever live a life which reflects this.
In this series, we are going to be delving into the Bible to discover what God says purity is, and how we can live this out in our life.
So, get comfy, settle down in your chair, grab your Bible and get ready to discover more about
Living a Life of Purity.

{today’s view of purity}
When we hear the word ‘purity’, this is probably what most people think of. It’s the save-your-virginity for marriage talk, the don’t-kiss-a-total-stranger message, and the I-hope-it’s-okay-to-hold-hands question that teen couples ask. This is the aspect of purity which you DO.
Physical purity has been thrown out the door in many a western culture today. Instead of young people being urged to wait for that ‘special someone’ who they would spend their whole life with, they are now being told ‘It’s okay to have sex. Just use a condom.’ Even Christian teens want to know, ‘How far is too far? Can we kiss? Is it all okay as long as the clothes stay on?’. Many people think as long as they maintain their physical virginity, there are no dramas. The truth is, virginity is NOT just a physical thing – it is an emotional and spiritual thing too.
When we look back and study the original Hebrew language, you will find that the word ‘virgin’ means more than just ‘someone who hasn’t had sex’. It’s true! The original Hebrew word for ‘virgin’ actually means separated, committed, not on-the-market or available. To be a virgin, in God’s eyes, means that you have set your life apart for Him and for His best. It means that you view members of the opposite sex as brothers or sisters in Christ. It means you have a spirit of virginity – a heart attitude of set-apart-ness and faithfulness to God and your future spouse.
When we put it that way, being a virgin is more than just saving sex for marriage. We see that there is a lot more involved with keeping yourself for your one life partner than just not sleeping around. So, how do we live a life which reflects the Bible’s version of purity?

{living out of a Biblical purity}
When we live a life that reflects the fact that we believe in the Bible’s version of virginity (which, remember, is about keeping yourself set apart for God), our life is going to look a lot different to the lives of those around us. When everything we do springs out of the fact that we are separated for the work of God, there are a lot of things that we are not going to do which will makes us look ‘strange’ to those around us. And do you know what? That is okay. In fact, it is a good thing! Did everyone on the earth love Jesus? No – they killed Him. As we become shaped more into the image of Christ, the world is going to like us less and less, but we are becoming more and more like our precious Saviour, and isn’t that what we want?
In my opinion, living a life of Biblical purity is harder than anything else. It requires strength and courage that most people today don’t have. To live a life of purity, TRUE purity, we need to rely 100% on God. No matter what. We have to live each and everyday in His glorious strength, no our own, and be guided by Him in every step we take and word we speak. Our life has to be His.

{practical purity}
So, what does this look like in real life?
I would say the obvious – you don’t flirt, or advertise the fact that you are single. You are not hunting for another girlfriend or boyfriend. If you do have a relationship, you don’t get all huggy-huggy, kissy-kissy.
But then there is also the less thought about: you respect every person you meet as if they were your brother or sister (and there are some things you just DON’T do with a sibling…). You are not worried about pursing a relationship with a guy or girl – instead all you pursue is a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Because your life revolves around Christ, you are not worried about keeping up with the latest trends, or looking good to the world because you are becoming more like Him, and that is all that matters.

2009-08-30T16:39:00.000+10:00

Watch this.
click here.

This is what we are missing.
We sit in pews and wonder why nothing is happening.
We tell someone 'I will pray for you', go home, and forget.
We watch TV. Images of starving children, Video of out-of-control bushfires, The sounds of screaming people running in midst of a war-torn country. And we sit dry eyed and say 'oh those poor people'.
Do you really think that is what God is doing?
Does He sit in heaven, and see that beautiful child He created starving to death and think 'oh dear...'.
I think not.
Imagine a parent, whose child has passed away at a young age. How much does that parent weep for the child they have lost?
We are unrighteous. God is perfect. We mourn over death of our loved ones - how much more do you think God does so?
We HAVE to catch His heart.
We cannot live and profess to be Christians and not catch His heart.
Father God, break our heart for what breaks yours. May we weep tears for those children who starve. May we weep tears for those who run from the enemy who strives to kill them. May we weep for those who have no hope. May we weep for those who don't know you. Father, but may we also get off our seat and DO something about this. We pray in your precious name, Amen.

Tagged! by Abby from 'Contmeplations'

2009-08-29T10:12:00.000+10:00

Hey all you bloggy peoples out there!
I have been tagged! Abby, from 'Contemplations', has tagged all her followers... so, that's me! :)
The tag is to tell 30 things about yourself... That should be pretty easy! :)

I am a girl. A girly-girl.
I am a teenager. Not a rebellious one, though.
I am a Christian. A world-changing, Christ-loving, passionate Christian.
I am a bookworm. Especially when it comes to Lori Wick books.
I am a big sister. To a bunch of totally adorable kids.
I am a friend. To a bunch of totally awesome girls.
I am a person committed to purity. 100% for Mr Right.
I am a crazy photo snapper. Seriously. I can take over 150pics in half an hour. And they actually turn out okay.
I am a writer of poetry, worship songs, the occasional story, letters, and English assignments.
I am a creator of quilts, cards, soft-toys and bags.
I am a hard worker. Most of the time.
I am a treasure possession of the Most High King.
I am a devoted Bible reader.
I am a passionate prayer.
I am a singer.
I am a dancer.
I am a lover of roses and a disliker of lilys.
I am a drawer and painter.
I am a person who likes things to be tidy.
I am a disliker of raw meat. But I get over it enough to make dinner for my family.
I am a happy, contented girl. Well, I aim to be.
I am a lover of anything pink. Including little pigs. :)
I am a princess. On the inside.
I am a watcher of Hannah Montanna. Yep, it's true.
I am a email-freak. Seriously, I email WAY to much.
I am a servant to all.
I am a giver of God's love.
I am a living, walking, talking example of Christ. (Well, I am trying...)
I am a missions-tripper.
I am a unique, wonderful, talented creation of God.

:) Hope that gives you a little more insight into who I am!
I now tag... anyone who is wearing something on their feet right now! (so, shoes, socks, slippers... a toe ring counts too!)

Living a Life of Purity - Introduction

2009-08-24T14:52:00.005+10:00

Welcome to my 3-part series on 'Living a Life of Purity'.

I believe that living a life of purity is one of the most important things we can do. In this series, we will be looking at the following 'parts' of purity.

Part 1 - Physical and Emotional Purity
Part 2 - Spiritual and Mental Purity
Part 3 - Practical Purity

This series will be presented in the following format. Each post will have:

Introduction
Thoughts/teaching/lesson
Practical tip/s
Biblical references
Challenge questions

Your questions and feedback regarding this series would be much appreciated!
This series will begin on Monday 31st August, 2009, with Part 1. Part 2 will be posted on Monday 7th September, and Part 3 on Monday 14th September. A wrap-up finale post will be posted in the week following the final part.

I have created a button for this series, and you will find it and the link to put on your blog in the sidebar. Please post this on your blog, so that others can be challenged and encouraged by this series too.

I can't wait for us to get started! Please pass on the message!

Things to do, People to see, Good Stuff to read, and more.

2009-08-24T12:07:00.005+10:00

A couple of things I think you should check out... cause I love 'em!

101 Days of Praise
(I've joined in on this... it is really awesome to have this opportunity to praise God!)
From the 'About Us' page...

“101 Days of Praise”

is a challenge for women to spend 101 days praising their Savior!

It is so easy to get into a habit of going along with our lives and not putting God first. This challenge (I pray) will help us to change that.

It will be from August 18th 2009 to Thanksgiving Day 2009. Come join us! Even is you can’t do it for the whole 101 days, we would love it if you would come for at least part of it!
Click here to join.

Eric and Leslie Ludy
These guys are pretty inspiring and encouraging... I love their books and websites... Some awesome articles to start with would be...
God Builds Us for Crosses (Eric)
and...
The Lost Art of True Beauty (Leslie)

PS. Sorry about all the funny font stuff... Blogger has gone crazy!

We have followers!

2009-08-24T08:48:00.002+10:00

Please show some bloggy-love to...

BROOKE!
and...
EMMA AMICONE!

Girlees, I've been trying, but can't seem to find out if you have blogs... Can you please comment and let me know, so that I can put your links here so we all can get to know you better?
Thanks a bunch!
xoxoxoxo

PS. I've found your blog Brooke... it's awesome! I put the link on your name...

The 10 Commandments - In a txt

2009-08-21T09:51:00.002+10:00

I just read this over at Ken Davis' blog... I thought it was so clever; I had to share it with you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The 10 Commandments - in a txt

no1 b4 me. srsly.
dnt wrshp pix/idols
no omg’s
no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
pos ok – ur m&d r cool
dnt kill ppl
:-X only w/ m8
dnt steal
dnt lie re: bf
dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

ttyl, JHWH.

ps. wwjd?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isn't that cool? Let me know if you need help translating... hehehe...

Tagged by Prism!

2009-08-19T09:16:00.004+10:00

Hey lovely blog-buddies!
I've seen this tag around... and now I have been tagged to do it! Here goes...

Who is your favorite male fictional character, and whence comes he?
Urm... I'm not sure... It's a tie between Mr Darcy (Pride and Prejudice... duh!) and Todd Spencer, from the Christy Miller series.

Who is your favorite female fictional character, and whence comes she?
I'm going to have to say two again... Elsie Dinsmore, from the Elsie Dinsmore series, and the Kale, from the Dragon Keeper Chronicles, by Donita K. Paul.

Who is your favorite author and what is your favorite work of theirs?
Well... I have so many favourites! But, for now, I am going to say... Lori Wick, and her book 'The Princess'.

If you are writing a book, answer this question: Who is your favorite character in the book/series you are writing?
I'm not writing anything at the moment...

If you are not writing a book answer this question: Who is you favorite character in a book you know someone else is writing?
I'd have to say (I can' t pick a character) that the series Emii is writing is worth your checking out - go here.

Any other favorites you want to mention?
Urm... The Bible is the best book ever!

I tag...
Anyone who has ever played in snow...
xoxo

New following-friends!

2009-08-19T07:00:00.003+10:00

Hello my blogging buddies!

I just wanted to let you know that I have some more followers!
They are...
The beautiful Leah, from A Day in the Life... I was really inspired by her latest post, and encourage you to check out her blog!
The amazing and inspiring Kelsey, from Chapstick, Cameras and Crowns. Last night I sat down and read through every blog post she has ever written - and I had so much fun and really got alot out of that... So, I encourage you to do the same!
The lovely Marrissa, from A peek into my life. Her latest post is called 'Short Answers', and is really quite funny! Go and take a look!
And, the fabulous and encouraging Rinarinarina, from Something most Modern! I am sure that you will love her latest post, which is 'On Quiet Time'...

Please, check out these girls blogs, and leave them some love!
Thanks lovely people!
xoxoxoxo

Living a Life that Counts

2009-08-16T14:44:00.005+10:00

I know it isn't Wednesday, but I have really felt to share this...

Monday 17th August, 2009

Living a Life that Counts

Matthew 6:34 – Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Exodus 9:16 - But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Isaiah 49:4 - But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."

Today is the Tomorrow we worried about Yesterday.

We are not guaranteed that we will live to see tomorrow. Nowhere are we promised that we will get married, have kids and grow old. And yet, we expect with all certainty that tomorrow will be there for us. We presume that we will live long enough to find that special someone, settle down with a family and spend our grey-haired years in a rocking chair.

But it doesn’t always happen this way.

Everyday, all over the world, lives are cut short. People, mostly children, are dying because of the sin and selfishness of our world. There is a food crisis in so many countries - people starving to death, or becoming ill from eating rotten food.
Even in the plentiful countries that many of us live in, there is still hurt, pain, and suffering. People still die undeservingly. Car accidents - drunk drivers. Depression - suicide. Drug overdose.
As I type this, my heart is unsettled. Why do we live in a world so full of pain? Becuase of sin. But what are we doing to change this? What cause are we standing behind? Are we even trying to make a difference in this world?
If you were to die tomorrow, would your life have counted?
Right now, our challenge is this:
Will I put aside ME - the things that I want, MY dreams, MY comfort - and pursue HIM?
Am I willing to give up being popular on earth to be a valuable part of heaven?
What am I going to do to change even the smallest corner of this world?
Is my focus on me, or am I focused on God? Is He my first priority?
Do I live in such a way that I am sharing God's love and making a difference everywhere I go?
IF I DIED TONIGHT, WOULD MY LIFE HAVE COUNTED?

(Please comment your answers to these questions)

I'm not pointing fingers at anybody - I struggle with this each and everyday as well. My answers would be:
1) My soul is willing but my body is weak... As much as my heart's desire is for 'me' to die and for Christ to live and reign in me, that isn't the way I live all my life. It has to change. It will be radical - I will probably look pretty strange, even to other Christians. But it is what I have to do.
2) I figure - I'm not popular, but I seek to be. I want people to like me and to have friends. But, what is better - the acceptance of God, or that of people? Makes me think about what it is that I really want...
3) What am I doing now... While it may not really seem much, I guess helping out in the children's ministry at church is part of that... as is my writing and singing. I really need to think more about this...
4) I know that I focus on me more than I should... that is going to change though! I am determined to make God my first priority!
5) Again, I wish I could whole-heartedly say 'Yes!', but I know that this is a constant struggle and issue... I'm working on it!
6) ... I want to say yes, but I'm not sure...

Let's change, and live in such a way that we can say 'My life counted!'

Relying on God

2009-08-12T09:39:00.001+10:00

Wednesday 12th August 2009

Relying on God

2 Chronicles 14:11 – Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.”

Isaiah 50:10 – Who among you fears the LORD, and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

1 John 4:16 – And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. Go dis love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Life is not always a bed of roses. It is not always like a piece of smooth dark chocolate. Sometimes it seems that life is not that smooth yacht ride you thought you got on – turns out it is actually a really big rollercoaster.
More than often, things happen in our lives that we wish didn’t. Dad might lose his job unexpectedly; perhaps your pet dog who you had lived with for your whole life suddenly passes away; it might be that your house is turned to dust in a freak bushfire which sweeps through your state.
Though these things are not fun, and don’t seem beneficial at the time, they have a purpose. God will never put you through anything you cannot handle. But do you know what? He doesn’t want you to try to do it all on your own.
When times get tough, it is not the bag of chocolate that we should turn to for comfort, it is our Bible. When we don’t know what is going to happen, don’t ask your friends for advice, or think that the newspaper horoscope will spell it out for you. Turn to God in prayer and ask Him and listen for the answer. If you suddenly find yourself drowning in a puddle of worries and woes, rise above that and worship your Saviour with all you have – because no matter what He is worthy.
In the book of Proverbs, we are told to not lean on our own understanding but to trust in God’s wisdom and turn to Him for direction in our life. But how often do we do that? Even in little choices, such as what we wear, we still need to ask ourselves what God would say about this.
So, we know we need to rely on God – not only in the bad times though, but in the good times. It can be hard to remember God when we are on the mountain top, or on the crest of the rollercoaster, but we have to. Our life, no matter what, needs to revolve around the wonderful love and goodness of our Heavenly Father. Even if it is hard, we need to worship Him because He is good and above all things.
The challenge to us now is this:

Will I put everything aside to know
and rely on my Father,
no matter what?

Things to think about (please comment your answers):
- What areas of my life am I holding onto and not letting God have control in?
- Where do I need to rely on God more?
- What things do I rely on now that I need to remove so I can rely on God more?
- What practical step am I going to take now – today – to rely more on God?

God bless you all as you rely more on Him!

Spoken too quickly?

2009-08-12T09:18:00.002+10:00

Okay, so a few days ago I announced that I was going to stop blogging for a while. Well, today I am feeling like there is no way that is going to happen. Why? Cause I love it too much and miss you all heaps.
So, I'm going to come up with a plan...
How about once a week posting? I don't just want to be posting random things... so I think I will just post on Wednesdays each week. It'll probably be a fairly lengthy post, to catch up on everything, but how does that sound?
And the whole reason I was stopping in the first place was cause I was wasting too much time on the net doing stuff that really was just not worth it in the long run.
AND! If you notice me around alot on a day which isn't Wednesday, get mad at me, okay? As hard as that may sound, I just need to cut back my net time HEAPS and focus on more important real-life things. So, tell me to get off the net if you find me hanging around alot, alright?
Thanks girls and guys, you are the best!

Bye Bye Bloggy World...

2009-08-10T19:01:00.002+10:00

Today is a rather sad day. For a number of reasons...
The one concerning you, my bloggy buddies, being this one.
I'm going to have to stop blogging.
For now, anyway.
You see, there is some stuff going on in my life right now that I need to take time to sort out.
I guess, as much as I love blogging, and think it is an awesome thing, I just can't keep it up right now. :( I need to stop, gather my thoughts, focus more on God and get my life back on track. Sound like a good plan?
I will miss you, blog-buddies! I hope to still be able to stop by and read your blogs, and comment from time to time... I just don't have time to write here...
I won't be deleting it, so please come back and remember all the fun times we have had!
God bless you beautiful people!
(oh, and I will still be regularly checking in to Nancy Rue's blog, RL girls! Don't worry...)
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Followers! :)

2009-08-08T11:53:00.002+10:00

More new followers!

The wonderful Victoria (or VicVic!)! Come and see her blog here.
And... Jessica! Come and read her own blog here.
And... Ms. Sarah! Her blog is here.
And, lastly for now... ShannonDBR! Click here for her blog.
Thank-you lovely ladies for following! Pray that you are all blessed here!

God bless you, my bloggy friends!

Tagged by Emii...

2009-08-08T10:57:00.002+10:00

This is really cool... Emii made up her own tag post, and has tagged all girls! So here goes!

random thing's bout me

1. Who are your two favourite singers? Michael W. Smith and QuadPod, which is my youth group's band (and I might be joining!) :)

2. Your second favourite outfit? Jeans... Red/White striped jumper... Boots!

3. Your FAVOURITE outfit? Skirt, t-shirt, ballerina-ribbon sandals...

4. The Bible verse you think about the most? Hmm. That's a pretty hard question.. especially
considering I made it up! I think that the one I think about the most is Psalm 4:8, " I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, o Lord, make me dwell in safety." Because I don't think that it applies only to when you're going to sleep.

Cuz God is always with us, keeping us safe. Of course, another reason I probably said this one is because I memorized it. There is one at the back of my mind, about God always being with us.. that's the one I think about the most, except I don't even know where that is :S

5. What's your favourite series of books? The Elsie Dinsmore series, by Martha Finley.

6. What's your favourite type of Bible? I mostly use the NIV, buy sometimes I like to use the NKJV.

7. What are you going to do after you finish this tag? English... Shakespeare!

8. What was the last thing you did? English... Shakespeare!

9. Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich. cause I could give it all away and use it for good and God - being famous isn't really worth much in the long run...

10. The last movie you watched? High School Musical... lol, it was on TV this morning!

I tag... anyone who has a little brother!
God bless!

Linking up!

2009-08-06T16:51:00.003+10:00

Hey girls and guys!
I was reading over at Lynnette Kraft's blog (click here) about an awesome idea she had to connect and encourage Christian ladies (sorry guys!) through blogs. So, without further ado, here is my contribution!

10 Charming, Wonderful and Interesting things about ME!

1. I love books - any type of books. Short, fat, long, big, pictures, lots of words, hundreds of pages, or chunky board books. I love 'em!

2. If I am sad, I will cry. If I am happy, I will cry. If I am really confused and don't know if I am happy or sad, I will cry.

3. My favourite time of year is spring time - my birthday season and MANGO season! (I <3 mango...)

4. My all time favourite movie is... The Sound of Music.

5. If I could do only one thing with my life, it would be LOVE OTHERS. I wanna be a mum and just love on people and show them how much God loves them.

6. I can't remember the last full-priced, brand-new item of clothing that I bought... it might have been some underwear... (I'm a op-shopper!)

7. If there is one thing that I really don't like - it would have to be butcher's shops. They smell REALLY bad, and there are like bits of dead animal everwhere... ewwww....

8. I have only ever left my home country once. (FYI, I live in Australia, and went to Fiji, for a missions trip, last year.)

9. I would love to marry someone with an accent... one day! Probably not soon, as 16 is a little young in my parent's books, but hey! Soon...

10. I love love love love love love love love love love love love love love GOD! :)

SOO!! Please remember to check out Lynnette's blog (here) and join in the linky, get-to-know-you fun!
God bless you beautiful people!
xoxoxo

This whole button thing...

2009-08-05T20:38:00.002+10:00

Hey all!

Well, as some of you would know, I made myself a button (scroll down... it's in the sidebar) and THEN I realized that it was too BIG! So I made another one which is smaller :) and will fit into your sidebar!
SOOOO, apologies go out to Emii, Libby and Miss Raquel who had already put up the button... you'll need to change it!

And, if you would like to know how to make a button, here is the link to the tutorial I followed.

God bless you all!

To the lovely Miss Raquel...

2009-08-05T17:19:00.001+10:00

Miss Raquel...

:) Heya! My blog email is...
justagirl4god-blog[at]hotmail[dot]com!
Feel free to email at any time... I'd love to hear from you! (anyone, that is, not just Raquel!)

xoxo

Button!

2009-08-05T09:30:00.000+10:00

Hey-lo Lovely Bloggy people!

Guess what? I made myself a button! Oh! It is is awesome and very exciting! *gasp*
And you can grab it in my side bar! *yay! clap! cheer!*
Hope you like it! Let me know if you put it on your blog!

God bless you all!

Another one!

2009-08-05T08:03:00.001+10:00

Please make welcome - the ever fabulous
Bekah!
Drop by Bekah's blog and leave her a comment... or follow, if you love it as much as I do!
God bless you awesome people!

I like to talk about random things in life...

2009-08-04T16:14:00.002+10:00

Today's random topic is...
FRIENDS.
Okay, I guess it's not so random. (though my friends often are... gotta love 'em!)
This post is going to have 3 parts - Part 1 - Things I love about my girl friends.
Part 2 - Things I love about my guy friends.
Part 3 - Things I love about being a friend.
So, without further ado...
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY GIRL FRIENDS
1. They are good for laughing with.
2. They are good for crying with.
3. They are good for talking to, yelling at, and dishing out dark secrets to.
4. I can call them, and they will talk - even if they have only 5 minutes, they will focus on chatting for that five and then go on with whatever else they have to do.
5. They can fix things with a hug and a smile.
6. Who else would I turn to for fashion advice?!?!
7. I'm SO not going to trust my hair and make-up to a guy... :) but my gals are welcome to make me over.
8. Sleepovers - it would be creepy with guys, so :) yay for us girls!
9. Giggling together while swinging at the park... good times!
10. They love me for who I am right now.
11. They love God first - over everything.
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY GUY FRIENDS
1. They are FUN-NY as anything.
2. They play sports with me - even though I suck at anything even remotely like exercise.
3. They don't really care if my sock colour doesn't match my underwear. (or outerwear, for that matter.)
4. They can get away with doing totally gross stuff - all we girls do is GIGGLE!
5. I know that if I ever need a big brother to cry on, they will just sit there and let me cry, not try to fix my whole world with big long fancy words.
6. They are passionate about life.
7. Did I mention they are REALLY funny?
8. They love God.
9. And they are just super fabulous and awesome and cool.
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING A FRIEND
1. I get to have fun.
2. I can be myself.
3. I can show someone else how much God loves them and how awesome they are just being themselves!
4. There is always someone to talk to or listen to.
5. There is always someone to eat chocolate with.
6. I can grow when I listen to their inspiring stories.
7. We are so close that they can tell me that my breath stinks and I won't be offended.
8. If I need something - they are there for me, and if they need something - I am there for them, no matter what.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and tell a friend how awesome they are!
God bless you all!

More new followers... Oh this is SOOO exciting!

2009-08-04T16:05:00.003+10:00

Hey-lo my beautiful bloggy friends!

I'd like to let you know that we have some new following friends...
Alex! (*clapping* *smiles* Welcome Alex!)
AND!!!
Ryan Jones! (*cheers* *waving* Great to have you here Ryan!)
Make them feel welcome - they are the first guys willing to join this crazy group of girls! (It's okay guys, we are not THAT crazy... right?!?!?)
God bless you all!

A new follower... actually, two!

2009-08-02T13:41:00.002+10:00

Hey girls!

I just wanted to let you all know... I have 2 new followers!
The beautiful Raquel (to go to her blog, which I recommend doing, click here)
AND
The awesome, colourful, Prism! (click here)
Please check out these girls blogs!

xo

Hey Hannah!

2009-08-01T10:06:00.002+10:00

Heya Hannah,

I got the butterfly up there cause I had a blog makeover and it was a part of the makeover... I'm not sure how it's done exactly, but maybe if you see Angie, who did my makeover, she would be able to answer your question. (click here, and then go to designs)
Hope that helps!

xo

Tagged!

2009-07-30T08:47:00.002+10:00

Prism, at A Girl of Many Colours, tagged anyone with a birthday in summer or autumn... I'm doing it, even though my birthday is actually in spring on my side of the world, it would be in autumn on her side... does that make sense? lol...

What two qualities do you want most in your future husband (besides being a Christian)?
Humour and honesty...

Is there a fictional character you see as a model for your future husband?
Mr Darcy! :) or Doug from the Christy Miller Series

Where do you want your wedding?
A church, or maybe outside...

What are your views on courtship?
I think I would live somewhere between courtship and dating - so, involve my parents, and keep in public places and not get all involved with my heart and purity and yeah... does that make sense?

What are your views on your first kiss?
Saving it for my wedding day... whenever that gets here... :)

Do you have or want a purity ring/locket?
I have a purity ring - it is also my signet ring... it reminds me that I am first 'engaged' to God and have to live for Him first, not for any man, no matter how wonderful they seem to be.

Do you have or want a hope chest?
I have one!

Will you wear a veil at your wedding?
Probably!

What kind of wedding dress do you want?
White, and my mum and I are going to sew it together.

What flowers do you want in your bouquet?
*ugh* not lillies! I don't like the way they smell...

What do you want to name one of your daughters?
Gretchen

What do you want to name one of your sons?
Jacob Lewis

Do you believe in the 'knight-in-shining-armor' view of courtship?
Yep! Totally and entirely... :) I am a HOPELESS romantic...

What music do you want to play at your wedding?
The song 'The Given' by Michael W Smith is what I would walk down the aisle to, but other than that, I'm not sure...

Are you a hopeless romantic?
Yep, Yep, Yep!

I tag anyone who has never had a boyfriend... :)

Hope you are all doing fine!
xoxoxo

How to - Fairy Dust Mouse Trail

2009-07-22T08:09:00.002+10:00

Hey girls!

In a comment on my last post, Autumn asked how I put the mouse trail of stars on my blog...
I followed a tutorial from 'Easy Custom Blogs'. If you click here, this will take you straight to her tutorial on how to do it! It is really quick and easy... you'll be done in no time!

God bless you!

So, okay, a random tag...

2009-07-20T11:38:00.002+10:00

Okay, so, I was reading through some old posts from Hannah's blog (Aspire) and I found this tagged post she had done, like, about a month back, and she was tagging anyone with three or more siblings, so I decided to do it. Why not, hey? So, here goes nothing...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What is your favorite song? Faithfully, by Eric and Leslie Ludy

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Read, read, read, chat with friends, read, surf the net, read, eat, play with babies, oh and did I say, read? :p

What is your favorite animal? For some strange reason, I am partial to ducks. *quack* don't ask me why, okay, I just like them! :)

Do you have any family members follow your blog? No...

Do you like to sing? Yes. Alot. Alot, alot!

What is your favorite YouTube video? I couldn't say... I'm not a real big YouTube-er.

Do you play an instrument? no... but I used to play the violin, if that counts!

What grade are you in? Eleven. :)

Do you get a lot of comments on your blog? Sometimes... well, not really, the most I have had on a post is like 5. Which is kinda sad...

Do you like nature? Alot - especially because it all reflects the wondrous nature of my God and Father.

Do you believe in fairies? No. Can't say I ever have...

Are you crazy? Sometimes. Only sometimes.

Do you have a playlist? No.

What are your 3 favorite books?
Set Apart Femininity, by Leslie Ludy
When God Writes Your Love Story, by Eric and Leslie Ludy
on a Whim, by Robin Jones Gunn

What are your three favorite movies?
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The Sound of Music
Anything by Louie Giglio

Do you have a cell phone? Yep. except we call them mobiles.

Do you have an iPod? No...

What is your longest post? Not sure... it might be this one... lol.

How many times have you started a tag? Never, I think! :)

How many time have you been tagged? Not many times...

Have you ever ridden a horse? Once - but only once.

Do you like your blog signature? :) Yep!

Are you hungry? A little...

What's the weather? Clear blue skies and a cold breeze...

When is your birthday? October 27th

Are you tired? Not really...

Are you on vacation right now? No.

Are you bored? A little...

What is your name? justagirl4god

What time is it right now? 11:51am

What is your least favorite book? don't have one...

What's your least favorite movie? don't have one...

How are you feeling right now? Happy. Content. And loved.

Okay, I tag anyone with a pet dog!

God bless you!

More new things around here...

2009-07-20T11:19:00.002+10:00

Hey girls!

Well, I have made a few more changes to my bloggy-bedroom...
1st one is - all of the buttons and links to blogs/sites I like can now be found under "links" in the menu bar.
2nd up - now, when you come to my blog, your mouse will have a sparkly little tail behind it. Why? cause I think it's cute... :) Tell me if you really don't like it and I'll take it away... okay?
3rd - my live signature (lol) is now at the bottom of each post... isn't it cute? I really encourage anyone who doesn't have a signature to grab on from mylivesignature.com. it's SUPER easy and lots of fun, too!

I think that is it for now... :) Thanks girls for being... AWESOME!

God bless you!

With a linky here... and a linky there...

2009-07-20T11:06:00.014+10:00

Here are just a few of the places I like to check out from time to time - not an exhaustive list, though. ;) I'll be always coming back and adding new places, to be sure to check back here again!

Feelin' Feminine

Feelin' Feminine - blogroll

The Daily Planet - SuperAngel's blog

Super Secret Angels

Aspire

Maidens of Worth

A Pondering Heart

Young Ladies Christian Fellowship

Young Homemakers

Once Upon a Time... in My World

A Peek into My Life

Imperishable Beauty

Rebekah's Happenings

Journies of a Jesus Freak

Trusting in His Love

Feminine Farmgirl

A Warrior's Heart

Dancing Barefoot

A Quill and an Inkwell

Hope Journey

Faith for Girls

Miss Josie Posie

Girlz4God

Extravagant Grace

Contemplations

Blog of the Rejects

Sweet Tea, {Jesus} and Me

The Mission of a Christian

Hope you enjoy reading these fabulous blogs and sites!

God bless!

Celebrate:GIRL - Week 3 (for me, anyway)

2009-07-16T08:38:00.003+10:00

Hey bloggy-sisters!

Well, here I am - hanging out in my cool new bloggy-bedroom, with my new design from Angie! (if you haven't already, check out her site here) So, what better way to christen my new room than with a good old heart-to-heart chat just between us sisters about something that matters a whole lot in our world - time.

These days, there are lots of things vying to take control of how we use our time. There are TV shows screaming 'watch me!', and magazines that draw you into their pages with clever use of colours and titles on its cover. The internet is a big one which I find draws me in - just keep on clicking, and clicking, and clicking... and suddenly a whole hour or two has passed, and nothing much has really been done. What about sports? I know that exercising and keeping healthy is a good thing, but when you take a five minute break from studying to go shoot some hoops or run just one lap around your yard, it suddenly turns into an all out competition between you and the girl next door, and half an hour later you are still playing and don't want to go inside and hit your books. Sound familiar? I know that this pretty much describes my life sometimes...

So, how do we take back control of our time? Here are 3 tips to help you to be in charge of how you use the time that God has given you -
1. Start and end your day in prayer and praise. Sounds easy? I have found that it can be hard to remember to talk to God and spend time with Him when I am running around trying to do things in my own strength. As of today, I am going to try harder to place God in His righful place as King of my life by making Him the first and last thing I think about each day.
2. Set goals, and use rewards. This one is fun! At the beginning of each week, set yourself goals for what you want to acomplish - eg. This week I am going to nail that piano piece, finish this maths unit, read this book for English, learn how to do a proper jete for ballet class, etc. You get the idea? Start smaller - if God can trust you with the little things in your life He can trust you with larger things as you grow with Him. And don't make it all 'oh I have to do this', have fun with it! Reward yourself by doing something you love - such as chatting to a Christian sister on the phone. Or read another chapter of a new book. Or bake some cookies. Or maybe your mum/mom would reward you for passing an exam with a back massage! Be creative and come up with fun things that will push you towards better time management.
3. Don't do it alone. When we humans try to succeed in our own power and thoughs and strength, it more than often ends in failure. The solution? Call a friend! For us, we can call on God and He will answer and bring help, but we can also call on a Christian sister, friend, mum/mom or grandma to help keep us accountable and doing the right thing, managing our time properly.

How does that sound? Girls, I want you to know that this is soemthing that I really struggle with, and so I understand how you feel. I'll be praying for you to be strengthened so that you can rise up and take control over the things you have been given. Please, if you have something specific you would like me to pray about for you, leave a comment.

God bless you girls!
xoxoxoxo

The Great Unveiling...

2009-07-15T17:04:00.001+10:00

Of a new look!
Wadda'ya all think? Ain't it pretty sweet?!!?
I LOVE my new blog look - and it is all thanks to the awesome Angie, from Angela Vinez Studios.
If you are thinking of making over your blog, definitely check her stuff out! It rocks!
I'll leave you all to comment on what you think...
xo
God bless!

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 6

2009-07-07T10:20:00.005+10:00

Today… is Tuesday, 7th July, 2009
Outside my window… cloudy grey skies...
I am thinking… that I love my friend Bec.
I am thankful for… friends. And guys, who make our lives SO complicated...
I am wearing… jeans, pink socks, red dress/shirt thing and a jumper.
I am reading… Set Apart Femininty by Leslie Ludy and on a Whim by Robin Jones Gunn
I am creating… memories of my holidays.
One of my favorite things… my new books! (the two that I am reading... I bought them yesterday...)
For education this week… nothing, really! It's holidays! :)
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … caring for sick children...
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to give everything.... EVERYTHING over to God
A godly character trait I plan to work on… openness
Scripture I am memorizing…none at the moment... :) I really need to work on this...
I am praying for... for health in my family, and for my friend...
For the rest of the week… working, relaxing, and talking to friends! :)

A picture I’d like to share... Isn't this just pretty?

Just becuase...

2009-07-01T16:48:00.002+10:00

Well, as you all probably noticed, I haven't blogged for a while...

SORRY!!

That's because, though I am on holidays, I have been REALLY busy...

but, I just did quite a few posts, to make up for it... so hope you enjoy them! :)

and, guess what? I won a blog design makeover competition! So, sometime in the near future, my blog shall look different... let me know how YOU would like it to look! :)
Angie is doing the designing... you should check her site out!

love
me.

Celebrate: GIRL - Week 2

2009-07-01T16:08:00.002+10:00

Well, if you remember, last week I began a series of posts that are a once-a-week encouragement for girls. So, if you'd like to be involved, check out this post! Otherwise, read on and be encouraged!

I want to be me, but I don't know who I am!

Do you ever feel like that? Like you want to be ‘you’ (whoever that is) but you don’t know who you are?
The world may define you by your family or background, perhaps by how much money your parents have, maybe by the clothes you wear, food you eat, or what you do on the weekend.
But the external parts of you are not what define who you are in heaven and in God’s eyes. He defines you by what is on the inside of you—your heart. All God wants you to be is a girl who loves and serves Him will ALL of your heart.
Take a look at this list of Scriptures which describe how God looks at you…

God Says I am…
His Child (John 1:12)
A friend of Christ (John 15:15)
A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
His workmanship—His handiwork (Ephesians 2:10)
Righteous and Holy (Ephesians 4:24)
A citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
An expression of the life of Christ because He is your life (Colossians 3:4)
Chosen, hold and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
A Child of Light (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
A Member of a Chosen Race, a Holy Nation, A people for God’s own possession (1Peter 2:9-10)
An alien and stranger to this world (1Peter 2:11)

WOW! Isn't that awesome! The God, King and Ruler of the Universe thinks that you are beautiful—He has called you His child, His friend. You have been chosen by Him to live forever with Him in heaven. He wants to be near you and He wants to shine His light though you into the world. With Him inside of you, the world has no hold, and cannot define or be a part of you—everything about you is a reflection of GOD.
So, now the tricky part comes—believing it. Don’t doubt for one second that you are amazing and that God has great plans for you - this is often easier said than done, right?
If you want to believe in yourself and live the life that God has called you to live—then here are 4 tips to help you do this. There is no guarantee that your life will be perfect if you know who you are and what you are supposed to do, but being close to God will bring you though anything!

1 Read your Bible—know the promises God has made to you and hide them in your heart.
2 Spend time in prayer—not just taking to God, but quieting yourself and just listening.
3 Be yourself—just let your natural personality shine through, even if it sometimes annoys others. If there are bad habits or traits in your personality, do your best to change them to be like Christ.
4 Work on it! Don’t be content just to sit around and do nothing—if you want change, be active in telling yourself that God is your father, you are a precious princess, and that He loves you more than anything!

Hope that encourages you to be YOU girls!

justagirl4god

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 5

2009-07-01T15:31:00.003+10:00

Today… is Wednesday, 1st July 2009.
Outside my window… clear blue skies! Yay!
I am thinking… that GOD IS GOOD!
I am thankful for… money... wow. what a precious thing it is!
I am wearing… jeans, black boots, black jumper and bright orange shirt that I wore to work this morning!
I am reading… Short story collections... lots of them!
I am creating… nothing at the moment!!
One of my favorite things… is our local Christian bookstore... going to raid it's shelves soon with my newly earned money!
For education this week… nothing, really! It's holidays! :)
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … caring for children...
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to seek the presence of God more in my life (I know, I said this on another week, but I do need to do this more!)
A godly character trait I plan to work on… honesty and diligence.
Scripture I am memorizing… :) I really need to work on this...
I am praying for... a nice relaxing week, for my little sister to get better REALLY soon, and for my mum...
For the rest of the week… working, relaxing, and catching up on reading blogs! :)
A picture I’d like to share... This is the same as last week, but I really feel that I want to leave it here to remind you how precious you are! <3

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry is hosted by the lovely HsKubes' Gal, at Firmly Fixed on the Father. Check out her blog here!

Blessings all! Have a great week!

xo

justagirl4god

Wednesday is a good day to work hard...

2009-06-24T09:09:00.003+10:00

Or so I have found...
In my life, Wednesday is the only day of the week that I don't have anything at all scheduled (except for my brother's football practice... but that doesn't really have anything to do with me.) So, yes, anyway, Wednesday is a great day for me to work hard and get alot done. :) And today is no exception. I am preparing things to send off to my teacher, and I have an English speech assignment which I need to film. And some creative writing. But it is all fun! Let me encourage you (whenever you read this - on Wednesday or whenever) to work hard today. Don't let the hours run through your fingers - work hard and well for the glory of God.

Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

1 Corinthians 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

2 Corinthians 6:4-6
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;

God bless you as you work hard for Him! Remember, this is what will bring blessings and fruitfulness into your life!

justagirl4god

Celebrate:GIRL - Week 1

2009-06-23T10:25:00.002+10:00

Here we are - week 1 of our Celebrate:GIRL party! Ooooo... I'm SO excited? How about you? I really can't wait to see who joins in with this encouraging-blogging for girls around the world... :) So, here is my first post...

This week, I want to encourage you girls to be yourself - the YOU that God designed for His glory.
Every girl on this planet is different - she likes different clothes, styles her hair differently, she watches different movies, she likes a different flavoured lip-gloss. Sometimes us girls can get really caught up in trying to be like the different girls around us - wearing their style and their favourite flavour of lip gloss (which is strawberry - you are allergic to strawberries...). Why do we do this? Because we want to be accepted by these girls around us... But is that the most important thing in the world? NO! Instead of striving to look and act like other girls to be accepted by them, lets just be ourselves and focus on God - because He accepts us no matter what colour hair or style of clothes we wear. So, be yourself! It doesn't matter if you are into sport or singing, ballet or basketball, sewing or scuba diving - just be the girl that God made you to be!

this post is part of the Celebrate:GIRL blog party, hosted here at justagirl4god. If you'd like to join in the fun, see here, and leave a comment!

Celebrate:GIRL.

2009-06-23T09:48:00.004+10:00

Well, this is going to be my 'if I post on a Tuesday' series - Celebrate:GIRL.
We are going to CELEBRATE! being girls, so - here's the deal.

'Cause we are celebrating, what better way to celebrate than with a party! So, each week, on Tuesday, I'll post an article on my blog which celebrates girls - and I'd like you to do the same.
It doesn't have to be long or fancy, just something that will encourage girls all over the world to live the lives God has called them to as women of His kingdom.

Reckon you can do that? And guys, this is not just for girls to do. If you'd like to join in and encourage your sisters in Christ, than feel most welcome!

Leave a comment if you decide to join in... or if you have any questions...

Hope to see you round here with some encouragement for all those gals out there!

xo

justagirl4god

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 4

2009-06-22T13:13:00.003+10:00

Today… is Monday, 22nd June, 2009.
Outside my window… it is sort of misty-raining... nice and foggy and cold and dreary!
I am thinking… about how good it will be to be on holidays in a week...
I am thankful for… being able to email my friends...
I am wearing… brown long sleeved top and jeans... and socks!
I am reading… "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge, and my notes about the New Testament and Romans for exams tonight and tomorrow...
I am creating… nothing right now, really! :( very sad...
One of my favorite things… is our kitchen... it is nice and big, with lots of cupboards and benches for us all to be cooking and creating together!
For education this week… mostly Bible College, a little of design and a bit of creative writing
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … caring for children...
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to seek the presence of God more in my life (I know, I said this on another week, but I do need to do this more!)
A godly character trait I plan to work on… trust... trust... and more trust...
Scripture I am memorizing… umm... I'm not sure as of yet...
I am praying for... for my brother's cold to go away, for more faith, and that everything my family does will reflect Christ.
For the rest of the week… I'll be studying and helping around our house wherever I can...
A picture I’d like to share...

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry is hosted by the lovely HsKubes' Gal, at Firmly Fixed on the Father. Check out her blog here!

Blessings all! Have a great week!

xo

justagirl4god

Randomness - on a Friday

2009-06-19T11:22:00.003+10:00

Hiya all!

Well, seeing as I am a loyal blog reader, I was reading over at Prism's blog (here)... and she had this awesome tagged post that she had done... And she tagged everyone who read it to do it! So here we go... The Sound of Music - Favourite Things - TAGGED!

When the "dog bites" and the "bee stings" what do you eat to comfort yourself?
Dried apple, fruit bars or chocolate...

What cheers you up when you're feeling sad?
Phone calls from friends, reading my Bible and babies!

Instead of schnitzel with noodles, what do you like?
My mum's lemon cheesecake... yurm...

Which season do you like?
Spring... my birthday season!

Brown paper packages or letters from friends?
Both! :)

Doorbells or ringtones?
Doorbells... they have such a wonderful old-world charm about them... :) and don't make me laugh mega hard, as most ringtones do... don't ask why!

And so, as the other girls did, I tag everyone who reads this!
If you do it, leave a comment so I can check out what your favourite things are...

xo

justagirl4god

:( Sorry...

2009-06-19T09:17:00.004+10:00

Okay, I feel kinda bad for doing this, but I was following 78 blogs! That was WAY too many for me to be reading... so, I have, for now, cut it down to 40. I wanted to get it down lower than that, but as I looked at the list, there were so many blogs that I do acutally read and enjoy!
SO...
If I cut your blog, it doesn't mean I love you less, it just means that for now these are the ones I am focusing on... 'kay?

justagirl4god

*EDIT* With the whole spending-too-much-time-online thing, I have found that just telling myself not to was not going to work... I needed to remove some of it fully so that I can concentrate on 'real life' and God and people... okay? :) xo

More Change!

2009-06-17T20:35:00.000+10:00

And we have another new look! :)
I have decided that ShabbyBlogs is the best place around for free blog designs... they are all so different and unique!
Check them out by clicking the link in my sidebar... :)
Blessings!
justagirl4god

And I'm So Happy...

2009-06-16T10:38:00.002+10:00

So very happy! I've got the love of Jesus in my heart...
If only it were that easy...

Why do we complicate life so much? Why can we not just accept that Christ loves us, died for us and wants us to live with him forever? Why do we humans need to complicate everything and have it all perfect in our little heads before we believe?

The Gospel:

Man sinned.
God loved.
Christ came.
Christ lived.
Man despised.
Christ died.
Christ is alive.
God loves.
Just accept it!

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 3

2009-06-15T11:06:00.004+10:00

Today… is Monday, 15th June, 2009.
Outside my window… COLD!!!!!!!!! grey skies... dribbles of rain...
I am thinking… of the maths test I just did and probably failed... well, maybe not that bad...
I am thankful for… friends who love me no matter what.
I am wearing… brown cords, pink long-sleeved top with brown tank over the top, and socks...
I am reading… My Bible... and studying school books for exams
I am creating… a messy bedroom :p does that count?!?!
One of my favorite things… is my email... keeping in touch with friends is soooo good!
For education this week… studying for exams, children's services course assignments and creative writing.
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … keeping my siblings warm... does that count?!?! and cooking, cleaning... the usual!
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to have more faith in God... as per the past few weeks... and to forgive myself
A godly character trait I plan to work on… patience
Scripture I am memorizing… One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9-10 (yes, still going on week 1's verse...)
I am praying for… my friend who just told me some awesome news and needs prayers right now and for my other friend who I haven't seen for forever! and for my youth pastor
For the rest of the week… studying for and doing exams and assignments...
A picture I’d like to share... um... can't find one right now... maybe later?!?! sorry!

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry is hosted by the lovely HsKubes' Gal, at Firmly Fixed on the Father. Check out her blog here!

Blessings!

justagirl4god

I wanna win...

2009-06-12T10:26:00.003+10:00

Okay, so this is a shameful 'I am only doing this to win something' blog post - but anyway...
The beautiful Mama of 3 Munchkins is hosting this AWESOME giveaway, to win a totally bloggy makeover, from Subjective Beauty!
I SO encourage you to check out this competition and enter!

Go here to enter and read all the details.
Go here to see Subjective Beauty's work (it is amazing!)

And good luck!

justagirl4god

Something of Value

2009-06-11T14:48:00.001+10:00

When you think of the word ‘value’, what is the first thing that pops into your mind?

Gold? Silver? Jewellery? Bling? or maybe...
Family? Friends? Your pet cat? or perhaps you think more of the dictionary meaning...
Of Worth. Valuable. Important. Quality. Desirable.

Take a moment to think about it – what, in your life, have you assigned value to? What is important to you? What do you think is of worth or desirable?

Rather than a long post, I just want to challenge you about what you are valuing in your life – is God number one? If not, I challenge you to pray and remove the things that are getting in the way of you and God being closer than close... and work to put Him first in ALL that you do...
xo Blessings!
Justagirl4god

PS. It is FREEZING here today... currently 9 degrees Celcius... :) just a little bit chilly... :p

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 2

2009-06-08T09:23:00.006+10:00

Today… is Monday, 8th June, 2009.
Outside my window… the wind, blowing, freezing... had to hang the washing out... have come inside to defrost!
I am thinking… of my dear friend, who is flying home today... I WILL MISS YOU! :(
I am thankful for… being given more stuff than I need...
I am wearing… my favourite skirt - long, red and gypsy like, and a brown long-sleeved top.
I am reading… A Beautiful Offering, by Angela Thomas, I Do! by Melody Carlson, school books...
I am creating… (same as last week...) *sigh* not much at the moment! A rag rug needs to be finished, and there is a crochet quilt waiting to be completed...
One of my favorite things… is my photo on my desk of me plus two of the girls I went to Fiji with last year... we are all smiling so wide, and it looks natural and perfect and always makes me smile when I see it!
For education this week… Design, Children's Services, Bible College, Maths, English, same as usual...
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … Um... washing! and having to hang it out in the cold...
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to seek the presence of God more in my life.
A godly character trait I plan to work on… faithfulness
Scripture I am memorizing… John 7:37 - If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.
I am praying for... for my friend who is flying home today, and for my other friend, cause I haven't heard from her in ages, and for my friends, who are moving in a few weeks time...
For the rest of the week… working hard, having fun, and relying on God more than myself.
A picture I’d like to share...
His lightning lights up the world ; the earth sees and trembles. Psalm 97:4

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry is hosted by the lovely HsKubes' Gal, at Firmly Fixed on the Father. Check out her blog here!

Blessings all! Have a great week!

xo

justagirl4god

Not just any day...

2009-06-05T09:03:00.003+10:00

Today is Friday. The 5th of June. 2009. Today is the only day that I will ever live like I do today. Today is going really well, and the rest of the day is shaping up pretty awesomely too!

So, I wake up - my hair has decided to curl itself. THANK YOU GOD! :) That is great, because I was going to curl it for tonight, but it has done lots of the hard work for me... :)
We spent a while getting ready, this morning, but it was good - lots of family time... And then we began school work for the day... I have some English to do, but not alot else!
I have to make a few phone calls at 10am... and then eat something, and keep working, then have lunch at about 12:30, and then keep working and then take siblings 3 and 4 to kids club, go to a meeting, come home, eat dinner, pretty myself up and go to YOUTH GROUP!!!!! Which, tonight, is this mega awesome youth event my youth group is hosting... there are like, hundreds of people coming from out of town and all around our city as well... and the guy I like is coming! (woot, happy dance!) :)

Hope your day is as awesome as mine!

REMEMBER to dance in the rain today!

xo

justagirl4god

PS. It is cold... I have frozen toes...

Never ending workload...

2009-06-04T09:40:00.004+10:00

Well, it will end, eventually, but I don't really know when. lol...

So, I am doing school-work all day today. I have to do a 3min oral this morning (that shall be fun..) yes, homeschoolers have to do orals too.... Then I will eat. Perhaps, an apple, or something, similar... Then more working - on a book cover I have to design for graphics... It's pretty fun, as I can really do whatever I want for it... almost! :)
Then lunch... chat with my freinds for a while, before going to lectures for the afternoon... sitting and listening, and working while listening... :) Multitasking... clever, hey?
Tonight... I have an English assignment to write... that will be fun... it is a report thing for another oral... :) Fun...

And, in that all, I will spend time thinking about God, my friends and family, how cold it is... And how blessed I am to live in a country that lets me worship Christ so openly...

xo

justagirl4god

ps. check out these cupcakes... don't they look good? cuppy-cakes

Amazing Creations...

2009-06-03T11:42:00.003+10:00

Okay, because I love my blog, I shall post again.
But no one has been commenting on my posts.... what is that saying about me?!?!?! :)
So, in other words, would like some comments... I will comment on everyone's blog who leaves a comment here... (does that make sense?)

Duckie...

Leaf... these pics turned out SO well (for me, anyway...)

Flower... don't ask me to define it more than that... :)

And this wicked awesome picture from when I went on a missions trip to Fiji last year...
This is a bunch of Fijian guys dressed in grass skirts doing traditional war dance...
I LOVE this picture...

xo

justagirl4god

My friends rock...

2009-06-02T14:21:00.003+10:00

I've just been listening to that song from the movie 'Enchanted' - How does she know?... You know, the one where Giselle is dancing around the park and randomly singing with strangers and stuff? Yeah, that one... well, I happen to like that move, and think that it is cool that she is so confident and would do that! (lol... when 'Enchanted' was at the cinemas, I went to see it with 2 of the best gals I know... and at the end of the movie, B and I waltzed out of the cinema singing 'I've been dreaming of my true loves kiss...' and A was just shaking her head, pretending she didn't know us... anyway... :)

Aren't friends like that the best? Don't you love it when someone will sing while waltzing with you out of a cinema? Don't you wish there were more people in the world who could tell how you were feeling just by looking at you? (well, maybe not TOO many...)

I love my friends. And so, this post is here to thank the many wonderful real-life friends who might as well be my sisters and brothers - AJF, RLD, IFT, BDG, JAG, ACW, RVL and MKA. Of course, there are plenty more friends in my world, but these are my closest ones...
And then, there are these awesome bloggy friends - Em, Summermoon (my only real friend who blogs... lol) and Larny... and there are heaps more, but I'm just going to link you to those three for now... check out there awesome blogs!

God bless!

justagirl4god

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Week 1

2009-06-01T09:40:00.004+10:00

Today… is Monday, 1st June, 2009.
Outside my window… is my front garden... trees, swaying in the COLD breeze...
I am thinking… of how much I have to do today...
I am thankful for… my family - my beautiful Mum, hard-working Dad, and amazing sisters and brothers.
I am wearing… jeans (wish I had put on a skirt... but it is too cold!), blue and brown 3/4 sleeve shirt... a 'home day' outfit.
I am reading… The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, book 3, by Beverly Lewis
I am creating… *sigh* not much at the moment! A rag rug needs to be finished, and there is a crochet quilt waiting to be completed...
One of my favorite things… is my bed. It is antique Silky-Oak and simply beautiful! It is a double bed, really high, and... beautiful!
For education this week… ha ha... lots of Bible College assignments to do... as well as an English speaking piece, maths text book work, an oral about design principles and I have to design and draw up a book cover! Plus all the 'life-learning', cooking, cleaning, baby-sitting etc.
A keeper at home skill I am using/learning … looking after my siblings, cooking, cleaning, ironing...
A spiritual lesson I’m learning… to have more faith in God...
A godly character trait I plan to work on… faithfulness and gentleness
Scripture I am memorizing… One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9-10
I am praying for… my gal pals at Nancy Rue's blog, and for all the coughs and sniffles in our house to be healed...
For the rest of the week… I will be working hard on my school work, and hoping that my friends comes to visit on Friday.

A picture I’d like to share...He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever [she] does prospers. Psalm 1:3

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry is hosted by the lovely HsKubes' Gal, at Firmly Fixed on the Father. Check out her blog here!

Blessings!

justagirl4god

Listening...

2009-06-01T09:11:00.002+10:00

"Beautiful... Gorgeous... Mushroom... Platoon..." (Mum, reading my sister's spelling list...)

"Just in time..." (my 1 and 1/2 yr old sister, watching Hi5 on the TV)

"Is it a moth or a butterfly that has a cocoon?" (Mum, quizzing my 6yr old brother on science...)

(trees, swaying in the wind, which is whistling around the house... it is cold.)

"Ding Dong!" (the bells, ringing on Hi5, which Miss 1 1/2 is watching...)

"Mum? Are these six questions right?" (The 9yr old brother, asking about maths...)

"Tattoo... He had a large tattoo of a puppy dog on his arm..." (more spelling list words...)

"I love You... You are beautiful... You are mine... I will be with you where ever you go..." (God's still, small voice whispering to my heart...)

Long time no blog!

2009-05-31T16:32:00.002+10:00

Okay! So, here I am... I had a RATHER busy week last week, but hopefully this week will be less so. :)

First up, do you all like the new background? I love it... pretty and girly, yet classy at the same time... the new colour scheme rocks! Comment on it...

Second, urm... I watched the 'Rabbit Proof Fence' movie last night... it was so sad! And yet the main characters were so inspiring! If any of you Aussies out there get a chance to see it, you so should! Anyone else, you could watch it too, but you might not get as much out of it as us Aussies. You see, it was about these 3 Aboriginal girls who were taken away from their family becuase of this law that said this guy was in charge of all the Abroiginal people and could pretty much do whatever he wanted with half Aboriginal/half Caucasian kids... very sad...
But I learnt heaps from the movie and say 'check it out!'...

What else... not much, really! I am having fun just being me... reading my Bible... wanting to spend more time in the Word...

OH! Okay... here is a challenge for you all - I really want to get as many comments as I can for this...
Here is the question - let's hear your best answer -

How do you discipline yourself to read God's Word and spend time with Him each day?
(and how can I do better at it! I hardely ever remember to... and it makes me sad, and I just want to change!)

xo

justagirl4god

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

2009-05-27T08:38:00.001+10:00

Rainbows are so beautiful, aren't they? And they are not just a wonderful reflection of light - they are a promise to us from God. :) And that promise has been there for thousands of years... and it is still there...
God promised that He would never flood the earth, and He has also promised us that our whole world is in His hands.
He has never gone back on the rainbow promise - so why would He stop holding your world?

Your world is held by the creator of the universe - stop worrying about what tomorrow is going to bring and live today to glorify Him.

Place in This World

2009-05-22T09:03:00.003+10:00

The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled
A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems
Feels like, I'm

Looking for a reason,
Roaming through the night to find my
Place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need Your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me?
Hear me asking
where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?
Show me, I'm

Looking for a reason
Roaming through the night to find my
Place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need Your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Michael W. Smith, 1990

This pretty much sums up what I feel this second. Lost. Lonely. Pointless. It is so frustrating that one minute you can be on top of the world, and yet, the next you are swimming with the fish. I think I come up with something that is so 'me', and then people are like 'no, you are so smart, you can do better than that'. But all I want to do is get married, be a mum and serve God. Isn't that a good job? Why does everyone think I should be a teacher? I may be smart, and I might make a good teacher, but I don't want to! How many times do I have to say no? Christian leaders that I respect and love seem not to care that I don't want money, a career or anything like that - I want to love and cherish others and be remembered as someone who went out of her way to do that, not as a too-busy, educationally minded woman. Why don't they see that that is my heart? Is that too much to expect? Why can't they let me live my dream and support me in that?

Hiya all

2009-05-19T07:50:00.001+10:00

Hey people of the blogging variety,

Well, I know, I just started a series of posts... but I'm going to have to suspend it until I have time to write... yr 11 is chaotic, and so, as much as I love you all, my school and family have to come first!

Would very much appreciate your prayers at the moment...

Blessings!

justagirl4god

xo

PS. And it is cold. and raining. dreary. but we are thankful for the rain! :)

Waiting for 'The One' - Part 1

2009-05-18T08:39:00.009+10:00

Well, I deliberated over this for a number of days, but have decided I might as well go for this topic. I am going to tackle a series on 'Waiting for 'The One'. Now, I know there are a number of under-15 year olds reading this, so please, don't go and do anything silly... and you over-15's, don't do anything silly either! I guess what I mean is... don't change what you believe just because you have read what I believe. If you like something I say, talk about it with others, pray about it and know it is what is right for you before basing your life on it! We will have at least 5 parts to this series, perhaps more, so this is my thought so far... 1. Embrace the Promise 2. Embrace your Time 3. Embrace some People 4. Embrace Your God 5. Embrace Your Life! I'm thinking we might also do a question/answer post at the end of all of these... let me know what you think... but, without further ado... I present...

Waiting For 'The One' (part 1)
Embrace the Promise

Promise: (from the Free Online Dictionary)
1. a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something
2. a vow
3. Indication of something favorable to come; expectation
4. Indication of future excellence or success

Do you remember your primary school days? Ah, those sweet days of 9-year-old-ness, where you were totally focused on just living life and whispering about it to your friends. "Know what I did this weekend?" "Did you hear? Katy was seen..." "WOW! That is SO amazing!" "I have a secret... promise you won't tell anyone..." A primary school promise... it was that thing that you made every two seconds (at least I did...). My friends and I were forever promising this or that to each other... we'll be friends forever. I won't tell a soul. I will take the best care of it. I won't tell your mum...

Were you ever the victim of a broken promise? I know I was... many a time! I also know there were lots of promise I broke... like it just happened to slip out that Becca was totally in love with Josh.... but you didn't hear it from me. And don't tell anyone else. How betrayed did I fell when someone broke a promise they made to me? (and yet I still broke theirs...) Why am I telling you this? Well, I'd like to share with you some promises a dear friend made to me...

I want you to be my friend.
I want to be near you, learn about you, and tell you all about me.
Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it for you - because I love you.
I want you to do the right thing - even when it is hard - and I want to help you do that.
I want to hug you tighter than anyone else when you are sad or lonely.
I beleive in you - always have, always will.
I you believe in me, I will give you whatever you ask for.
I will give you all of the desires of your heart - but you have to delight in me and make me your focus.
I have great plans for you - if you will only seek me, I will show you them.

Have you guessed? My friend who has promised me these things is God. The Creator. Almighty. He has promised these things and more. He has assured me that when I trust and obey Him, anything is possible. Wow! How awesome is that! One of the greatest promises I hold onto is this one...
All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was even one day old... Psalm 139:16.
Isn't that awesome? God has planned all of my days - he knows my comings and goings. He has already planned my life - he knows the people I will meet and those who I will be blessed by. He has already given me a purpose - He has a plan for everyday I spend on this earth. And God's promises are not like our earthly ones - once He has spoken, His word cannot be change. That means that these words were true yesterday, are true today, and will be the same tomorrow...

As you are waiting for your 'One', don't be consumed by not knowing who they are or what they look like. Instead, be consumed by knowing your God, knowing His heart and what it looks like. Hold on to the promises he has given you - and trust in Him for the best.

The challenge for today - embrace God's promises. Take some time to examine your heart and think about what your dreams are. Write them down. Now - give them to God. Give your dreams and plans to Him to hold. Stand firm on the promise that He knows best and will give you the perfect partner - in His time. I'd love to hear how you go with giving up to God - I will be praying for you, dear friends for God, that you are blessed today as you spend time giving and seeking Our Father. :) Blessings! :)
(PS. the image is of the WillowTree Figurine 'Promise'... says it all, really!)

Funny videos...

2009-05-15T16:46:00.002+10:00

I love this... and most of Tim Hawkin's other videos. Things you don't say to your wife

This is pretty funny too... for any homeschoolers out there! HomeSchool Song

And I love this... it gets stuck in my head all the time! Love Story by Taylor Swift *sigh*

Hmmm... that is probably my favourite videos at the moment... as well as the most awesome video by Summermoon - Hari Pilton tells all...

Enjoy!

Justagirl4God

A Random Post about me...

2009-05-15T15:22:00.002+10:00

Well, I wanted to post something really... deep today, but alas! My mind is not in that mode... ah, well. However, I have decided that I shall post some 'me things', just about stuff I like. If there is anything else you want to know about me by the end of this post, just ask! :)

Age: 15. and a half.
Year/Grade/Level at school: 11. only a year and a half to go! And I'm homeschooled. (go homeschoolers!)
Family: Mum, Dad, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, a number of 'adopted' siblings (ie. friends so close I count them as siblings), + grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and my beautiful great-grandma.
Favourite colour: oh... blue. and brown. together. and pastels. and pink.
The awesomest thing to do on the weekend is...: go to church, see friends, read, blog.
What is something you have always wanted to do, but never have? Oh... that's hard... well, I saw on TV, these people who were attached to a helicopter by a 30metre rope, and they were just hanging off the helicopter while it was flying... that looks pretty cool! So, that would be fun to do, and, well, this is sorta embarrassing, and I don't know if it counts, but I have always wanted to be a mum... but that won't be happening for a number of years yet! :)
Name your 3 favourite books ever: THAT IS SO HARD! Okay, probably, the Bible, Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley and I Promise by Robin Jones Gunn.
What are you listening to right now?: Darlene Zschech - 'Kiss of Heaven' CD
What are you planning to do tonight?: I will be at home, with my family, playing board games, or MarioKart on our Wii. (ugh, who came up with that name 'Wii'...?) (Normally I have youth group on Friday nights, though.)
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you move and why? Fiji. Definitely. Summermoon knows why. We went there on a missions trip last year, and I loved it. So I would go there to cuddle all the orphan babies and make them smile :)!
What are you wearing right now? Brown cords (pants), a white, long-sleeved shirt, a brown sleeveless cami thing over the top of that, and my sparkly pink scarf. :) and socks...
If you had a chance to make your own TV show, what would you call it and why? That is a hard question! I don't know! Maybe 'The Secret Life of Girls who Love God' or just 'Secrets...'. don't know really!
And, finally, what one piece of advice do you always try to live by?

Love God, with all your heart, soul and mind - and then do whatever you want.

Welcome to the 21st Century

2009-05-14T11:15:00.000+10:00

Well, here I am, sitting at a computer, in an air-conditioned building. Wearing my lovely JAG Shirt, Suzanne Grae Jeans and my awesome Target mid-calf-high black boots. I washed my hair this morning with water that came directly from a tap, and dried it using a hair-drier, which worked well once I plugged it into the power point on the wall and turned it on. My milk for my breakfast came from a refrigerator and the cereal was in a cardboard box in the cupboard. I’ve travelled in a car over town to get here there and everywhere, and will do more of that this afternoon. I don’t have to worry about being too cold – I can change the air-con or put on a jumper. I don’t have to worry about being hot – change the air-con again, or take off the jumper. Everything I could possible need is at my finger tips – I woke up and my complete Bible was sitting on my chair next to my bed.

Well, over in Africa, a girl my age is probably working on a farm or in her family’s home, trying to feed the other children in the house. That’s if she hasn’t sold or been sold to someone else, and is forced to do whatever she is told. Her breakfast, if she got any, might have been a crusty piece of bread, or perhaps an old piece of fruit – if that. She most likely bathes in a local creek or river, and has never seen running water from a tap, let alone power points and hair driers. She walks everywhere, there is no other option, and she is so poor that she can’t afford anything else. At night she is cold; pulling fabric that has seen many a better day over her shoulders. During the day, the sun beats down on her, and there is little, if no, shade to relieve her discomfort. She probably has never heard about Jesus, let alone hold a Bible. And if she has, her Bible may simply be written on her heart, or fallen to pieces.

Isn’t it amazing, that we sit here in luxury, and yet there are so many people, especially children, all over the world who are starving, cold and lonely, living without the hope with have in Christ. Today is Compassion Day here in Australia; support those in need by praying or visit compassion.com.au to find out more about the work of Compassion International.

Be Blessed by Being a Blessing!

Justagirl4god

Okay, so I like change...

2009-05-13T19:13:00.000+10:00

Yes, I know, my blog has changed its look. Already. What can I say? I like change... expect lots of it! :)

Hope your day warmed up, cause mine did and it was great! (Thank you, dear Summermoon, for calling - you were the highlight of my day!)

Just a Girl 4 God

It is cold!

2009-05-13T08:38:00.001+10:00

I have only two seconds to post this - but I must say - It is SO COLD! I am sitting, in my room, typing with freezing fingers... it is not fun. Any Americans reading this, be thankful you are living in Summer! I shall now go and work on maths... with freezing fingers...

Hoping your day is warmer than mine! :)

Just A Girl 4 God

Another new day...

2009-05-12T13:26:00.007+10:00

Well, another day, another post... here we go! :)
I wrote this a little while back as an English assignment thing. While it does focus on Australia, I feel it could encourage others as well... looking forward to your responses! :)

The Great South Land

This is our nation, this is our land, this is our future, this is our hope. A land of reaping, a land of harvest. This is our land, this is our home... [from Geoff Bullock's song, 'The Great South Land']

Australia was originally known as 'The Unknown South Land'. It was first discovered, in 1606, by Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros. On the 14th of May, he proclaimed that Australia was taken 'possession... in the name of Jesus... and to the end that all the natives in all the said lands, the holy and sacred evangel may be preached zealously and openly.'

Today, when we look into streets, homes, stores, families all over Australia, we see a land living far from what was proclaimed over it 400 years ago. We see crime, drugs, alcohol, adultery splashed everywhere. The churches in our community may be growing, but are we taking a hold of what Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros declared? That the gospel be preached 'zealously and openly'? While we are still leagally allowed to, Christians should be seizing every opportunity - in workplaces, in schools, everywhere in our community - sharing the love of Christ with those who are yet to come to know Him.

Our culture, as mentioned, is living far from the Biblical principles our forefathers founded this nation on. Most likely, God would judge and abhor many practices we accept as the norm in our community. This falling away of Christian morals is not impossible to fix, but if we wish for future generations of Australians [or Americans] to grow up with Christ as their focus, we need to begin to live out what we teach and preach. We need to love others regardless of their history and background. We need to embrace the position of power we have been given in Christ and reclaim our nation for God.

As a Christian teenager living in this society today, I know how hard it can be to share my faith and beliefs with others. I am human - I do have concern for how others view me and what they think about me. I am learning to take hold of the authority I have been given by God to make disciples of all nations - beginning in my backyard of Australia.

I'd love to hear how you are embracing your faith and sharing it with those around you... leave a comment or post on your blog and let me know! :)
Blessings,
Just a Girl 4 God

Does anybody hear... does anybody see?

2009-05-10T15:31:00.004+10:00

Well, I was just (and actually still am, while typing this post) listening to the Casting Crowns song, 'Does anybody hear her' on Elijah Lofgren's blog (he's the brother of a Maiden of Worth). Well, I must say, it just struck a chord with me. I feel compelled to post, and right now I don't even know what to post about... so we shall see where this leads... I''ll just randomly write things and if they make sense, all good, if not, please forgive me... :)

Does anybody hear her... does anybody see...
Honestly, am I seeing? Do I really care about others and take the time to... take in where they are at? Do I stop and walk in their shoes? Do I know what it is like to be unwanted by your father? No, but I am blessed to have a Heavenly Father who can give me discernment and the words say to encourage and value my hurting friend.

lofty glances, lofty people...
How humbly am I living? I am a sinner - just as bad as the next thief, murderer... and yet so often I (we) look down on others because their sins are 'bigger' than mine... *deep sigh* I don't want to live like that! I don't want to be so heavenly minded that I'm no earthly good, or so earthly minded that I'm no heavenly good... ARGH! It is so hard to live a life that is totally sold out for God in this world... but I can do all things through my Christ who strengthens me...

She is searching, for a hero to ride in, To ride in and save the day, And in walks her prince charming... And he knows just what to say...
Wow. Such a challenging line for me. How much am I relying on guys for my value? Do I seek the opinions of men or of God? I know what, deep down, I want... I am a princess in God's eyes - and yet I let... the number of times a guy emails me determine how special I feel...

Searching for the hope tucked away in you and me...
Wow. A good reminder that I have the hope of Glory tucked away in my heart, and yet so much of the world doesn't. Where am I being open and sharing this hope with others? I don't want to hide my hope - that won't bring much glory to God... I have to shine my light...

Well, thank you, kind blogging friends, for listening to my thoughts... :)

Blessings!

Just a Girl 4 God

PS. If anyone has any tips for how to be patient while waiting for 'prince (or princess) charming', let me know, as I'm thinking I'll do a post along these lines in the next little while... :) Blessings!

A Big Blessing...

2009-05-10T14:06:00.005+10:00

Well, she gave birth to me. 30 hours of labour. Walked the shopping centre up and down with a friend who has a son about 6 mths older than me (and she loves to tell that story - especially when we get together with them). She put up with my terrible-two-tantrums, and my tears when I fell over at the playground. She cared enough to send me to school to learn my numbers and letters - and to learn that I don't have to be by her side 24/7. She birthed a good many siblings so that I have built in playmates, and chances to learn how to be like her someday. She taught (and still teaches) me how to cook, sew, clean, bath a newborn baby. She helped me raised money for a missions trip, and she was so excited for me to grow in this experience. She trusts me. She loves me. And I love her more than this post could say. I love you Mum.

Happy Mothers Day!

(so get out there and do something for your mum/mom... :) )

Blessings!

Just a Girl 4 God

PS. Today's comment challenge... post the most meaningfull thing you love your Mum/Mom for... why she is so special to you. If your grandma or aunt or another woman is more special and involved in your life, do this about her, but let us know who she is...

Falling down... and getting back up again.

2009-05-09T10:06:00.002+10:00

Ever watched a little one who is just learning to walk? I have seen many... Did you notice what they do? They pull themselves up, perhaps with a table, chair, person, toy... They stand up, wobble a bit, might fall down onto their backside. They they GET BACK UP AGAIN. They try it again. And, soon enough, they find they can stand, holding onto something, but they don't fall down so much. They they try to take a step. I find it is so amazing to watch their little faces concentrate on where that foot is going... they lift it up, move it forward and put it down. If they know you are watching, they might look up and smile at you... And they keep learning to move those feet, and keep their balance and before you know it that little tot is running behind you. *sigh*

Well, guess what? This is just like our walk with God! When we first become a Christian, we are like a newborn - we need to be nurtured and cared for and fed God's Word by an older Christian mentor. After a while, we find that we are beginning to understand and can try to 'eat' the Bible by ourselves, taking in what God is saying to us more independently. After a while, we find that we are ready to take a stand for our faith - here comes the hard part. We know we can do it, we know we are made to do this, but it's tricky. Here we go... So we stand up, pulling ourselves up with support from friends and the Word, we wobble, struggle, are tempted, and we may fall down... but we need to just get back up and try again... and fall... and up again... and fall... and up, and soon you find that you are not falling as often and you are ready to take that first step of faith and go out into your world and share Christ with others...

So, my challenge for you today: where are you at? Have a look at your life and ask yourself how well you are going with pulling yourself back up when life knocks you down. Are you standing on the faith you have been given? If you feel comfortable, go for it and post a comment with your thoughts...
Also, if you would like, share your thoughts on how we can encourage our Christian siblings to stand firm in their faith and grow with God.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Blessings... :)

Just a Girl 4 God

Random Thoughts for Today.

2009-05-08T13:58:00.004+10:00

Have you ever thought about how cool it would be if there was a person out there who knew you inside out? I dream of finding someone who knows me like this...
It would rock... if you could just look at them and they would know how you feel.
Someone that could finish your sentences before you even started them.
Someone who told you that you were beautiful even though your hair was downright scary today
A person who believed the impossible for you.
A person who challenged you to change yourself for the better.
Someone who encouraged you to be all God wants you to be.
Someone who could make everything right, just by smiling.
Someone who says what they believe around you and don't have to be afraid that you are going to judge them - cause you do the same thing with them.
Someone who cares about others - like orphans, widows and the poor - more than themselves.
Someone who wants to see you doing the right thing and loving it.
Someone who is working towards being all God wants them to be.
Someone who will push me to do things for my own good - especially when I don't want to do them.
Someone who would work alongside me and won't quit even when the going gets tough.

Well, if you know anyone who fits this description send them my way... I can always do with some more good friends...

Blessings!

Just a Girl 4 God

A New Day is Dawning...

2009-05-08T09:25:00.000+10:00

Well, my first blog post. Kudos goes out to Twitter friends who suggested I do this. :) Thanks, you rock. And of course, I shall now begin my... randomness.

This blog shall be like my mind... online, with commentary. I shall post my random thoughts about God, life, family, guys, love, books, etc, etc, and you can just tell me what you think too, commenting.

What else to say... oh, the whole point of this is to get people following my twitter, and to talk about random stuff, so do both please! :)

Blessings!

Just a Girl 4 God

PS. Yes, I am doing this anonymously. Please respect this and don't quiz me to much about where I live, my real name, etc. etc. Thanks beautiful people!