God's Daughter

Miss Raquel's Ramblings - 1

2012-02-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Miss Raquel’s Ramblings!

As you have so heartily agreed to let me do, I now introduce you to a new series here on God’s Daughter. Posts in which I rant and rave and explain and complain about this or that to my heart’s content.

(Okay, that just rhymed…)

Anyway, I have seriously been wanting to start doing some sort of posts like this. Posts where I could talk about anything and everything…but yet, I was a wee bit afraid that my readers wouldn’t necessarily like them.

BUT, you have all proven me wrong!! I asked my fans on Facebook if I should begin this and…I only got ‘yes’ for an answer. I will only make these every once in awhile. Have no fear! I can tell that some of you were thinking ‘Oh no! I don’t know how much of Raquel’s ramblings I can take!’ But…well…at least, depending on the amount of responses I get, I have decided to make these about once a week.

So, here I am. This is my first rambling post. And I hope you enjoy it. :)

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As I write this, I am sitting cross-legged on my bed. It is midnight. I just finished making some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for myself – and yes – for my bro. ;) Seriously, I think these are the best midnight pbj sandwiches ever! And mine is sitting here next to me, cut into four-squares (just like I like them), waiting to be devoured.

My bed is also littered with other…stuff. Arietta (my faithful iPad)…a pair of black scissors…my scrapbooking paper cutter…some verses that I recently printed out on some pretty paper…and a Mary Higgins Clark murder mystery lies open at chapter 5.

::stops typing to take a bite from sandwich::

Before I began writing this (my first ever Rambling Post), I was working on an interview for a fellow blogger. They are beginning an interview series on their blog and…guess what?! I am honored to be the first one to be featured!! I’m so excited. :) I will be sure to share the link with all of you, once my interview is up. You must promise to go over and comment on it! ;) The interview has some intriguing and fun questions – and I hope my answers do them justice.

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Tonight was movie night for my family. We decided to watch ‘Courageous’. (Read my review HERE) We’ve seen it once before already (actually, I’ve seen it twice…this was my third time :), but I ended up not watching the whole movie with them, because I had some stuff to do online (people to chat, websites to visit, pins to pin), but even being in a separate room, my eyes still watered and certain parts of the movie that I could hear. ;( Tell me if that’s weird…

Speaking of movies…the night before last, my parents, Noah and I sat down to watch a movie that he (my bro) has been telling us to watch: ‘King Kong’. When we first began it, I thought in my head ‘Hmmm…maybe I could write a review on this for my blog’. End of movie came around. ::shakes head:: No.

To be honest, I wasn’t immensely impressed with it. The CG was absolutely AMAZING!!...but the whole story didn’t really strike a chord in me. Okay, so the humongous gorilla was really cute in some parts. Sometimes, it made me just want to fall asleep in its hand.

The heroine played her part fairly well. One thing that really annoyed me was that she wears the same flimsy nightgown for three days in a row – all the while running, rolling, being thrown, getting dirty – and it still stays in one piece by the end. Seriously? That couldn’t have happened. :P Anyway, it wasn’t a very modest nightgown.

The main dude/hero (whatever you want to call him) wasn’t very attractive. Sorry, dude. No hard feelings. I thought he was a pretty cool character, but they could’ve picked a different actor.

Jack Black was in it. Yeah, the guy that plays Po’s voice in Kung Fu Panda. He was okay.

Jamie Bell was in it!!! Yeah, so…when he came onto the screen, I was like ‘okay, this movie just got better’. :) Jamie Bell is a great actor! And he didn’t disappoint me in King Kong.

Andy Serkis was in it too. (For those of you who don’t remember actor names, this is the guy that played Golum/Smeagel in the LOTR trilogy)

I think my favorite character has to be this guy, though:

He had this super cool voice. He reminded me of Liam Neeson. AND he always showed up at the most needed scenes.

So…I just realized I gave you a review on King Kong whether I wanted to or not. :P BUT, I shouldn’t feel bad about it. This is a rambling post, after all, right?

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I am a serious Pinterest addict. I just wanted to make that official. I’ve told a few of my friends this already, but…it’s not official till I tell my Bloggy friends. And when you have a chance to, please feel free to drop by my profile on Pinterest. I am currently at 43 boards and 1,093 pins. Pretty exciting! :) Ooh! And you know what’s also exciting?? When you get someone hooked on Pinterest who used to think that it wasn’t that great of a site. When you accomplish something like this, you feel powerful.

Or at least, I do.

Wow…scrolling through this post really quick, I just realized how much I really do love rambling. :P Wasn’t one of my New Year’s resolutions to stop talking so much? That just went down the drain.

Before I end this first ever Rambling Post on God’s Daughter, I wanted to ask my readers what they thought about: beginning each of my Rambling Posts with a few little facts. I thought of a few, such as…

Mood:

Last Song Played:

Pinterest Update:

And then to END my posts with a fun little question for my readers.

Yes or no? Do you have any suggestions of something fun and small that I should add or use instead?

Well, until you let me know…I shall end this post with just that ^ ;)

Mood: Tired, but hyper

Last Song Played: I Run To You – Lady Antebellum

Pinterest Update:

Question For Readers:

Did you like this post?

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Oh and hey!! Welcome to the month of February!! :)

Excited for Valentine's, anyone? ;)

Photo Challenge - 'Faces'

2012-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

Entering this photo in Sierra's challenge :)

My beautiful friend, Mikaela

~*~

Attributes of a Relationship...

2012-01-31T06:25:00.000-08:00

Relationships take a lot of work. And it doesn’t matter what kind.

From a husband and wife…to brother and sister…to boyfriend and girlfriend…to friend and friend.

They are each different, but at the same time, they have many similarities.

The three most important attributes in any relationship are (not necessarily in order):

1. Trust

2. Understanding

3. Love

If you can’t trust the other individual in your relationship…you ain’t going nowhere. Trust is something that has to be earned…and when you have it, it is something to keep.

You must be able to understand each other. Your thoughts, feelings, goals, etc. When there is no understanding between two people, there can’t be a relationship. To understand means to: value, be aware of, appreciate, comprehend, realize…all of these are great blocks of foundation in a relationship.

And most importantly, love.

There’s a verse in the Bible, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 that has always made me stop and realize how important love really is.

It says:

‘If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.’

Without love, there is nothing. Because God is love. And without God, we wouldn’t be here.

Now just because you have these three block of foundation in your relationship, doesn’t mean that it will never falter…or get damaged…or that you’ll be friends for the rest of your life without ever having a disagreement.

Relationships take time to build. Relationships are fragile. But most importantly, when relationships get bruised and battered, sometimes it only makes the two people stronger.

Very recently, there was a huge misunderstanding between me and a couple friends. I had told them something and I guess I just hadn’t said it right, because they took offense and thought I meant something else (and I didn’t) and…well…anyway. It was a big mess. I felt physically sick because of all of it. And my friends were really, really mad at me. I couldn’t get a hold of them for the longest time, but finally, I asked if we could just meet up in person somewhere and get all this cleared out of the way because I could not stand being like this!! So we did. We got together and I just asked them to forgive me and explained that what I had said was not what I actually meant (gotta work on my communication skills there :P ) and that I loved both of them very much. Needless to say, there was a lot of crying and hugging (girls get emotional, okay?) and now…I seriously think that that little bruise on our friendship only caused it to grow stronger.

Oh and in closing…let me leave you with this quote that my friend (yes, that ^ one) found on Pinterest:

(oh! That’s something we SO have in common. We’re, like, Pinterest addicts :P)

Oh and we really like this one too:

Friendships

Require

Immense

Energy

Niceness

Duty

(and) Strength

(okay, I just made that up all by myself ^!! I’m brilliant!! :P)

Just remember to treasure your friendships.

Get through the tough times in life.

Always stick together.

And never leave each other’s side.

Oh! And always remember this verse:

(which happens to be a favorite of a friend of mine;)

‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.’

-Proverbs 17:17

{Photos via Pinterest}

First snow...

2012-01-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

This is a very, very, very long overdue post. :P So sorry!

Priscilla ^

So...we got snow.

First snowfall was about 5 inches (this is when I took these pics)...

Second snowfall, we got almost 2 feet in ONE NIGHT!! Craziness :P

Grace ^ :)

My Doberman enjoying the cold, wet substance ;)

My bro <3

Favorite shot? ^

So warm and fuzzy :D

NO editing!! The foggy look is his breath on my lenses :D haha

I just wanted to take a pic of my purity ring... :) Have you guys ever seen it, actually? I don't remember...

Another favorite shot? ^

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So there ya go! :D haha

By now, all the snow has melted...this post was supposed to be on my blog about a week ago. :/ I'm so sorry!! So behind on all of them...

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So did you get snow? How much? Has it all melted?

Music Video Monday!

2012-01-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

From the band, known formerly as 'Casting Pearls'...

Love this song. :)

A new favorite quote!

2012-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work as hard.

-Tim Tebow

{so I had to use this ^ picture, because I just found it totally rad that he's standing in a *barn*!! Cowboy up ;) }

In which I bore you with iPad photos and a new hat I made...

2012-01-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

Arietta and I have been having fun taking pictures.

The other day, I made several crocheted hats...this is one of them :)

Noah and I had gone to town to grab some groceries, and while he was in one of the stores, I got bored.

It's amazing all the faces you can come up with when you're in the car. ;)

The hat is made from 100% cotton yarn. I made it in about 20 minutes! Seriously!

I was so happy :D

This one ^ is my sister Lydia's favorite :/ haha

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So there you are!

Now I'm probably going to lose about 10 followers for just posting pictures of myself. :P

Truth is, I'm going to be gone this weekend, but I wanted to schedule posts about...something!! :D

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Do you crochet?

Have you ever made a hat?

What's your favorite yarn to work with?

Just Be There

2012-01-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have been amazed at how many opportunities the LORD has given me to mentor/ ‘counsel’ some of my friends. He has really been teaching me how amazing a ministry it is to just be available. And let people know that you are there for them to talk to.

Some of the people who have contacted me, are ones whom I met through my blog. Or I would suddenly get a random e-mail from someone, asking me for advice on what I would do in such-and-such a situation.

One of my most amazing experiences happened only recently. The LORD used me to reach a brother in Christ who had suffered from cutting himself in the past…and who felt that he needed to do it again, to relieve his emotional pain. I stayed up really late, praying with him and asking that he stop and realize what he was about to do and how he would later regret it. I didn’t hear back from him for a few minutes, but when he finally wrote me back, he told me that if it hadn’t have been for me, that he would’ve cut himself.

I started crying. I was in awe that God has used me to keep my friend from harming himself. If I hadn’t have been talking to him…if he hadn’t felt that he could trust me in telling me this…if I had realized that it was late and just gone to bed…if I had left…

Something bad would’ve happened.

God used me in a way that I had no idea I could be used!! So many times, an opportunity arises just because we are there – because we gain people’s trust and love. Don’t let opportunities pass you by to help, encourage and bless someone. God will use you as He sees fit, but for now, just be there.

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And as an ending note…

If any of my readers out there need prayer or just someone to talk to, please do NOT be afraid to e-mail me. (miss.raquel316@gmail.com) I check my e-mail every day and every single e-mail in my inbox makes me happy and excited – to know that someone took the time to drop me a note. :)

‘Therefore encourage one another and build up on another, just as you also are doing.’

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Love to all my dear readers!! You guys are amazing.

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PS: And yes, my friend is receiving professional counseling. :) Thank you for your concerned comments.

A Review of Brandon Heath's - Don't Get Comfortable

2012-01-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

Snuggle in your bed, with a plate of chewy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, and join me in ‘listening’ to Brandon Heath’s debut album…if you don’t have some cookies on hand, here…I’m sending you one virtually.

Brandon Heath + cpbccc = a really good blog post! Just sayin’ ;)

Steady Now –

‘You know we don’t have to wait until the end of the night. Just to say that something’s wrong and maybe nobody’s right. We’re all victims in a battle, we never had to fight. It’s okay, it’s all right. Steady now; we’re in this thing together.’

I love the music in the chorus. Great beat and very flowing. This song is very encouraging, because it’s talking about how we’re all facing trials and hardships…we’re in it altogether. Everyone is experiencing some sort of storm in their life. We are here to encourage and strengthen each other. Steady now.

Simple Man –

Beautiful song. Brandon is talking about how he is just a part of the body of Christ. And that any good part in him, only comes by and through Jesus Christ.

‘I’m just a simple man. A little part of a bigger plan. Anything that gives me worth, comes from You. So take the rest of me. ‘Cuz you got the best of me. Anything good in me comes from You.’

Don’t Get Comfortable –

‘I’m gonna show you what I mean. I’m am gonna love like you’ve never seen. You are gonna live like you used to dream. This is your new song.’

Our God Reigns –
This is a song that I can picture Chris Tomlin singing. Such a beautiful worship song…could totally be used at a church’s worship service.

Red Sky –

#1 favorite song in this whole album.

‘Cover me with a red sky tonight. The promise of a better day to come. Sing over me an angelic symphony. Tell me everything will be all right. With a red sky tonight.’

This song reminds me of the verse in Matthew (16:2), where Jesus says: ‘…When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’

The music to this song is so beautiful and soothing. ::sighs:: Just love it!

You Decide –

‘Cuz everybody has to choose…sink or swim? Win or lose? No, not everybody gets it right. Fight or fly? So will you decide?’

A very challenging song. It’s up to US to decide who we are to be in Christ. Will we let things beat us and not remember that Jesus is our strength? Will we ignore things that are happening in our lives – in this world – or will we realize that God has put us on this earth to give us an opportunity to further His kingdom?

I’m Not Who I Was –

I’m sure a lot of you may be wondering who Brandon wrote this song to. He shared with us at his concert that he wrote it to his step-mother. I think it’s a beautiful song of repentance and apology. My Dad loves this song so much, because it’s almost like his own testimony. He sometimes says that if he the opportunity to talk to a former friend from school, this song is basically what he would tell them.

Love the guitar in this song, by the way. :) I always thought there two, but nope! Just one! Brandon plays both parts at once. I thought that was pretty cool :)

Let’s Make It Last –

I’m just gonna call this a love song, because…well…it is. :P

‘Running through the yard. Splashing through puddles with you without regard. Do you think the neighbors will care? So what if they do? They’ll just stare. Kids will all say that it’s not fair. The way that we love. The way that we laugh…so let’s make it last.’

It kind of has a sad undertone to it. The music is really slow and a bit on the depressing side, but… ::shrugs:: I think different people read/hear it differently. :)

I Will Lay You Down –

This song is representing God talking to His children.

‘So come to me weary now and I will lay you down…come set your burden free, I will set you free…’

God is on our side. If we need to, we can hide in Him. He loves us, He will never let us go, He will never leave our side. He always holds us in His hands. Praise the LORD!

The Light –

I’m not completely sure of the meaning of this song. I’m usually able to interpret what the artist is trying to convey to their listeners, but with song, I’m not so sure. The only theory that I have come up with is this:

Brandon is showing himself as a witness of how hard it is to travel on the narrow path. But he’s encouraging the fellow sojourners with him to ‘stay close, you people with your broken hearts…as we move towards the light.’ Does that sound about right? I’m willing to hear others’ opinions. :)

Beauty Divine –

I actually had a guy bring up this song to me trying to use it against Brandon – and his motive and ministry. The person was saying how Brandon ‘never focuses on the things of God’ but on ‘either himself or others’. Yeah…that was a very interesting conversation. :P BUT, I turned around and threw this song right back at him, using it to defend Brandon…

‘So breathe. Life will surprise you. Just being is what the world denies you. You see that truth is all around you. Believe.’

That’s just the chorus of the song, but you can see that he is encouraging us to notice the beauty divine around us and in one of the verses, he says: ‘He makes Himself known to us. In His own time’…and that is followed by the chorus. I think that’s pretty obvious, huh? :)

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I have all of Brandon Heath’s albums, so I’m thinking of doing reviews on all of them…yes or no?

Music Video Monday!

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

The first song I heard by The Fray was 'How to Save a Life'...

I didn't really like it, at first. But it sorta grew on me. :)

'Heartbeat' is their newest song...and I love it!! The music video is pretty cute too. :) I was able to get it on iTunes and I have it on my iPad now... ♥

Enjoy! :)

A new favorite quote!

2012-01-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

If God is all you have...you have it all.

Rhythm of Vanilla Twilight

2012-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Very interesting title, eh? ;)

Well, let me explain...

Remember that weekend that I spent with my pals? I posted about it HERE.

Well, Daniel (yeah, he's in just about all these pics...I interviewed him too! ;) and I were getting kinda bored one evening and decided to have some fun on my iPad. Well, actually, this idea goes to Caleb...but we decided to do it ourselves ;) heehee

So...
what we did, was:
- Put my iPad on shuffle
- Tried matching two song titles together to make a unique phrase.

Some didn't work...others were a little interesting (to say the least)...and yet others, we found pretty incredible ;)

So I just thought I'd bore you by posting the phrases that we got...

Oh! And let's see how many artists you can name! ;)

REMEMBER:
there are TWO song titles in each phrase!

Commenter who gets the most right wins :)

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1. You set the rhythm, sunshine girl

2. You’re my better half, vanilla twilight

3. Light up the sky on my own

4. Hello world, take me into the beautiful

5. Dare you to move, homeboy

6. For a little while cowgirls don’t cry

7. If I die young, wonder why

8. Every time you run, set the world on fire

9. I want to spend my lifetime loving you, sunrise

10. Just a kiss, hypeman

11. Love reality, hold my hand

12. He reigns by your side

13. Feeling good backwards

14. Take my hand for love of you

15. Galaxies – how sweet it is

16. He wants it all, dreamer

17. Sore eyes, dreams don’t turn to dust

18. Superman – love like crazy

19. Beautiful(ly) mine

20. Cool thing, start in the sky

21. Sparks fly tonight

22. Tell me I am nothing

23. What was I thinking? Banana Pancakes

24. Enchanted White Christmas

25. God love her as she’s walking away

26. Sweet thing, don’t you know you’re beautiful?

27. All along keeping me alive

28. Blink, it matters to me

29. Speak now, everything and all

30. London fireflies

31. Wait for a miracle one of these days

32. Hello Seattle, I’m not who I was

33. Don’t worry now, beautiful, beautiful

34. Should’ve said no tonight

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Which one(s) was your favorite??

And be sure to comment with your guesses of artists ;) heehee

Hope this was...somehow enjoyable..and that maybe it put a little spark in your Wednesday :)

Cheers!

♥

Girl to Boy

2012-01-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

Girl: Will you pick me up if I ever fell down?
Boy: No.

Girl: Would you wipe away the tears when I’m sad?
Boy: Never.

Girl: Will you still love me when I look my worst?
Boy: Nope.

Girl: At least you’re honest. :(

Boy: I wouldn’t pick you up if you fell because...

I would catch you before you even hit the ground....♥

I wouldn’t wipe away your tears because...

I’ll make sure there’s nothing for you to ever be sad about....♥

I wouldn’t love you when you look your worst because...

that’s impossible. You always look you’re best, even when you think you don’t.....♥

I love you more than anything, always remember that......♥

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Sorry, readers...just having one of my moments! ;)

Music Video Monday!

2012-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of Casting Crowns...but I loved that they wrote this song for the newest Sherwood movie - Courageous.

GREAT song!

A new favorite quote!

2012-01-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

Anna Tooze Fine Art

2012-01-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Remember this beautiful person?? ^

Who also happens to be one of my closest and dearest friends...

AND

who gave me this SUPER amazing PURPLE purse for Christmas?!?!

(I can't find a picture of it at the moment, so...just be patient :P)

Yeah, she totally rocks.

And in case you didn't know...she is an amazing artist. Like, seriously amazing. Just about as amazing as you can get.

She based this off of a photo that I had taken ;) I was SO honored!! heehee

And she just recently got her website and Etsy shop set up for her artwork!

I am so excited for her to be able to start doing this, and was totally adamant on posting about it here on God's Daughter.

So, I am counting on all my readers to make her shop excel in traffic and be sure to leave comments on her website ;) Understand?

She gave me this painting ^ Yeah...be jealous ;) It's hanging up on my wall, in my room. One of the first things I see when I wake up in the morning :) ::happy smile::

Website:

http://annatooze.com

I saw this painting when it was in-the-works...and it is SO amazing in real life!! Seriously! This picture does not do it justice.

Etsy shop:

http://etsy.com/AnnaToozeFineArt

I actually haven't seen this one in person, but...if the pic does it any credit, then it's amazing - as usual!


Of course I had to include something that makes me ::squeal::!!!

Okay...'amazing' is getting overrated in this post. Sorry, guys! But, seriously...you can see for yourself...

Isn't this one beautiful?!

All photo rights reserved by Anna Tooze Fine Art

Okay, now go visit her websites!!!

Oh, and one more thing...

How would you guys like Anna to sponsor a giveaway for me, here on God's Daughter?? Would you be interested in having one of her art pieces are your very own??

Comment and let me know ;)

War Horse

2012-01-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

I am going to start this movie review kinda in a visa-versa sort of way.

I usually go through all the characters, name what I loved about the movie, etc....and then close with the things I disliked.

But I'm going to start out backwards.

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I loved this movie. Everything about it.

BUT...

for the fact that there are many well-known actors in it, but they are only in the movie for a couple scenes (at the most!)

AND

that there was absolutely no romance.

I know this movie is about the horse (which is TOTALLY legit by me!! I mean, horses...one of the reasons for living!)...

but seriously...every movie could have just a smidgen of romance in it.

Well, maybe there is...

if you've seen it, comment and tell me if you think that the last part (between Albert and the Grandfather) might have had a little hint of 'caring' in it ;) You should know what scene I'm talking about...

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Okay, now on with the characters and the AMAZING actors who played them!!

Seriously, people...I loved this movie.

Jeremy Irvine as...

Albert Narracott

Jeremy is now one of my favorite actors. Just thought I'd make that official.

I think he did a fabulous job in War Horse - and I am SO glad Stephen Spielberg decided to use him as Albert.

He's not bad-looking, either. ::coughs::

The horse's name is Joey, by the way. Yes, a very important factor!

{Steven Spielberg and Jeremy Irvine one of the horses that played Joey. There were 14 unnamed horses that played Joey's character in the movie! Pretty crazy, huh? Not to mention CG ones...}

He reminds me a lot of Knight, actually. :D It may just be the coloring though...that bay color...

{I think this ^ is a great picture!}

Knight only has two white socks...but their white markings (on their face) are a little similar.

The relationship he has with Joey is so...good. I just love it!!

I won't tell you how he meets him or gets him or anything...I'm not a spoiler ;)

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Albert's parents were played by...

Peter Mullan and Emily Watson

When I first started the movie, I took an instant dislike to Mr. Narracott. He was just too bull-headed for his own good. And he drinks (strong drink :P) like an idiot!

But one of the most beautiful things about this movie is the relationship, respect and admiration that Albert has for his parents. Even though his father is a close to good-for-nothing, he still loves and respects him. He forgives his father. He takes on the responsibilities that his father should have.

And towards the end of the movie, there's a scene that just about made me cry...(I was already crying though, I think...)

I LOVE Albert and his mother's relationship!! So sweet. <3

(see Joey in the background? ;)

Mrs. Narracott is such a strong character. She's a very courageous woman. I love how she is a mother, encourager, hard-working, tough person...but doesn't come across as 'manly' in any way.

She loves her husband - even past his faults.

She supports her son - through everything.

There's a scene in the movie that Mr. Narracott asks 'Do you hate me?'

And she answers:

'I may hate you more...but I'll never love you less.'

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Tom Hiddleston as...

Captain Nicholls

Okay, so most of you probably recognize this gent from 'Thor' - in which he played Loki.

Personally, I didn't really like him in 'Thor', I mean...he's the bad guy! Great actor, just a bad character :P haha

BUT...

In War Horse...this guy is legit. Totally love him. Loved his character. LOVE how Hiddleston portrayed him.

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Benedict Cumberbatch as...

Maj. James Stewart

(No, that ^ photo isn't from the movie. Sorry, folks!)

I've seen Cumberbatch in 'Amazing Grace' and I hear that he's superb as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC miniseries (sorry...I'm still a very loyal Downy Jr. fan... :P)

Really liked Maj. Stewart...

But like I said at the beginning of this review...the 'big' actors weren't really in the movie for very long, so...I don't think I have a very formed opinion about him. ::shrugs::

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Patrick Kennedy as...

Lt. Charlie Waverly

Couldn't find a single shot of him, but...he's the dude all the way on the left.

You may recognize him from BBC's 'Bleak House'.

I liked his character in War Horse. He made me laugh hysterically in one scene :D If you've seen it, I'm sure you know which scene I speak of ;)

I really liked all three of these guys. They acted very well together and...were just amazing.

What a great shot!! ^

And I LOVED Maj. Stewart's horse! A big, black beauty.

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Neils Arstrup as...

Grandfather

He is such a sweet, gentle older man...The kind that makes you just wanna jump into the movie and hug him. :)

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Celine Buckens as...

Emilie

I love Emilie!! She reminded me so much of myself!! haha It was kinda funny.

She and her grandpa are so sweet to each other. He takes such good care of her.

She's a great little actress too!! Okay, well, not little...I think she's 14 or something.

War Horse was her first BIG movie...which *I* would certainly consider an honor - getting to work alongside such amazing actors! I think she did a great job.

Three cheers for Celine!

---

David Kross as...

Gunther

Gunther is the fellow on the left. For some reason I can't find the guy's name, one the right.

But anyway, they're brothers...

I fell in love with their characters. And I'm sure you will too. <3

---

So...here are a few more actors in War Horse who I'm just too lazy to include :P haha

No really...I couldn't find photos of them that would've worked for this post.

David Thewlis as Lyons

Eddie Marson (the Inspector from 'Sherlock Holmes') as Srg. Fry

---

So...to wrap this movie up, I'm going to list 3 things about it.

Number 1:

I loved the different relationships they portrayed.

From a husband and wife.

Parents and their son.

A boy and his horse.

A girl and her horses.

Soldiers in the war.

Two brothers.

A grandfather and his graddaughter.

Friendship.

Each of these were such beautiful relationships...and portrayed so realistically.

---

Number 2:

The actors that were selected were absolutely superb.

No one could've played any of the characters any better.

Each scene in this whole movie was special and unique in its own way.

Whether by intensity, the drama, fear, suspense, love...or just by the way the actors acted. Amazing.

---

Number 3:

Horses.

Horses are beautiful, amazing creatures. And they have personalities.

You can get attached to them.

You can cry because of them.

You can laugh because they make you happy.

War Horse captured all the feelings of people who love horses...and horses.

I heard that the book (that the movie was based off of ) is written from the horse's perspective. (Like Black Beauty - for those of you who've read/watched that).

That book is on my to-read list.;)

---

The Cast

at the world premier in England.

Lady Kate attended! Did you know that? ;) Little random fact that I wanted to include in here to make me sound brilliant... :D

This ^ is a SUPER cool picture that I found!!!!

It made me ::shriek:: (in delight, of course)

I just thought it was so...so...legit. (yup, there's my word again :P)

---

And to close this review...

I plan on drawing this photo:

One of my favorite movies...of all-time.

---

PS: One thing I would caution, is not to watch this with young(er) children. It is a bit violent in some scenes.

The LORD is my strength...

2012-01-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

My Grandpa and I are very close. I consider it such a huge blessing to have him related to me - as my Grandpa...but also as a friend.

He turned 90 last November. He has been through so much in his lifetime.

His story is amazing!! And I've been thinking of writing a post on him soon...maybe I should, one of these days.

Anyway, I recently had an idea of writing down questions for my Grandpa to answer (at his leisure). Just random questions about him and his life and what he thinks about certain things, etc.

One of the questions I asked him was 'What are some of your favorite verses?'

He answered with about 50. :)

But one of them really stuck out to me...and I thought I'd share it with you today.

Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the LORD.

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.

{Habakkuk 3:17-19}

---

Have a blessed day, my friends!!

We be cool like dat...

2012-01-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing four day weekend with friends...

Here are some pictures to prove it ;)

Oh and sorry for any repeats. I took all of these on Arietta (my iPad) and was having too much fun editing them :D heehee

Daniel, Elisa, Will and Wesley...

I took this pic ACROSS from them...down below is the 'main hall' of the mall. :) It was pretty cooool!

Me and Anna Lise :D

Forrest, Will, Caleb, Daniel, Elisa and Wesley

Wesley, Elisa, me, Daniel, Caleb, Will and Forrest...

Caleb looks like he wants to kill me!! :D haha

I like this ^ one :D

*HAND CHECK*

Caleb's like 'yeah, right...' haha

Forrest

I'm pretty sure you've seen pics of him before on here...

Me and my 'twin brother', Caleb.

Yeah, it's an inside joke, but basically, we've decided that we're twins...born 2 months apart. Pretty crazy, I know ;)

You remember him, right??

He is one of my friends that I interviewed for From a Guy's Viewpoint.

Another pic of Forrest... :)

We look pretty in RAINBOW colors!! :D

Caleb and me

We be cool like dat!

Caleb's face is really shaded, but...that's him - on the left...then me and Daniel

I like playing around with the different borders!! My iPad PS app has some of the coolest effects!! :D

---

Besides having s.o. much fun this week...I also learned a lot.

God showed me that friends are worth having...

through thick and thin...

through misunderstandings and confusing moments...

that all in all, friends are there to keep you lifted up and encouraged. And to let you know when you're doing something wrong...and how you should change that.

It was an eventful weekend.

And I don't know what I'd do without all these crazy people. :)

Love you all!! <3

---

Also, I was awarded the Kreativ Blogger award from:

KayleeBeth Simmons @ Life From My View

and

Mary @ 1940's Darling

Rules:1.) Link back to the person who gave you the award.2.) Complete the form below3.) Share seven random things about yourself
Form:
1.) Name your favorite song.At the moment...'You're My Better Half' by none other than Keith Urban ;)
2.) Favorite DessertMmm...I'll just be safe and say 'ice cream' ;)
3.) What makes you angryGirl/Boy Drama
4.) When your upset
I take a deep breath, pray, and then go talk to a friend...
5.) What's your favorite pet
My horse ;)
6.) Black or White
Black - and no, I'm not 'emo' :P
7.) Biggest fear
Being a failure. 8.) Everyday attitude
To praise God in everything I do, say and think...
9.) What is perfection
To live your life to the fullest and follow the dreams God has given you.
10.) Guilty pleasure
Reese's Pieces ;)

Seven Random Thing About Moi!
1. I love chatting - in person and via the internet :)
2. I have the 'ability' to read some of my friends minds...a bit on the 'cool' side, I would think.
3. I am, like, overly excited to begin serious training with Knight this spring/summer!  4. I saw Sherlock Holmes for the 2nd time (in theaters) this last Saturday...with a bunch of those crazy people ^
5. I don't like ice cream with coconut or nuts in it.  6. This last Thursday, I got to meet some people IN PERSON, who I've only gotten to know via e-mails and Facebook. Those moments have got to be one of the BEST times in my life!! (Finally meeting someone face-to-face)
AND 7. Keep a lookout for those movie reviews I've been promising :P haha(War Horse and The Adventures of Tintin - COMING SOON!)

Music Video Monday!

2012-01-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

I love me some Brandon Heath ;)

And I absolutely LOVE this song!!

The Little Things

2012-01-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

So many times we take for granted how important and life-changing the little things in life can be.

The way you answer to your mother’s request, demonstrates and sets an example to your younger siblings.

When you realize that washing the dishes is advancing the Kingdom of God.

How you stop and smell a dew-drenched rose and remember that if God cares for that beautiful rose…how much more He cares for you.

The little things can either be good…or bad.

And so many times, during every single day, we are given the choices to realize or submit to these little things.

God has really been showing me how much these little things really matter. The other day, I was reading an article and the author pointed out how wiping a dirty bottom, cleaning a runny nose, washing a sink full of dishes…all of these are great and noble tasks, because – if done with the right motive and heart – they are each, in their own way, advancing the kingdom of God. When you serve your family, you serve God. When you stoop to something that you think is ‘below your status’, you are serving God.

‘Inasmuch as you do this, to the least of My brethren…you do it unto Me.’

So instead of complaining about having another plate to wash, another bloody knee to clean, another load of laundry to wash…look at these things as ways to set a good example and be a good steward of what the LORD has blessed you with. You may not feel that you have a specific calling…but a Christian is never without a goal. As believers, we have each been deemed a set goal…

To further the kingdom of God and be a shining light to this dark world.

Even in the little things.

Take heart, dear friends! Seize these days that you are living in and live up to great expectations. Live to serve our King! Live to advance His kingdom.

Remember to serve Him in the little things…

It's called a 'Resolution List'...

2012-01-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

{I though this is soo cute! I wanna try making one!}

So...I've never really been serious about resolution lists for the new year(s).

But this year, I thought it would be fun to make a fairly length one and to share it with my blog readers.

Not that you really care, but...just for the fun of it ;)

{This ^ should be every day...}

Oh, and by the way...this list isn't necessarily in any order. :)

Draw closer to my LORD and Savior. Keep Him first in everything I do. (I want to try keeping a journal of my relationship with Him, and by the end of this year, to look back on it and see how much I've grown.)
Make a music video.
Start journaling again.
Read at least 52 books.
Plant an herb garden.
Work at photography.
Ride Knight at the beach. :)
Work on my non-fictional book (yes!! Aren't you excited?? ;)
Go to at least 5 dances (I went to 7 or 8 this year!...actually, probably more :P heehee)
Commit 52 verses to memory.
Treat a friend out to a movie.
Stop talking so much. (I actually stole this from a friend of mine...heehee)
Be a better daughter, sister and friend.
Spend some great times hanging out with friends. (This won't be a very hard thing to resolve...all of my friends are so cool, it's hard NOT to have a great time when I'm around them ;)
Buy something from Etsy.
Repaint my room.
Work on my second novel.

{I think I have successfully managed to do this ^ every year!}

Oh and yes...so far I only have 17 resolutions on my list. As I add to it (or at least, I *think* I'm going to...), I will keep you updated! ;)

---

So how did you celebrate the New Year??

What are some resolutions on your list?

Music Video Monday!

2012-01-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

2012's first music video here on God's Daughter.

I know I've posted this video before, but, honestly...this was one of my favorite songs in 2011. The LORD used it in my life, in such a huge way.

Enjoy! :)

It's a new year...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

2012 is here...

I mean, it is actually here.

I cannot believe it.......and like every year, 2011 has just FLOWN by.

I couldn't even start to list all the amazing things that have happened to me this year. God is just so good to me!! He showers me with blessings that I do.not deserve.

He has taught me many lessons.

He is continuing to shape me into the person He wants me to become.

He has shown me that through every trial and circumstance that arises in life, He is always there. A firm rock. A shelter. The One Whom I can turn to for comfort...peace...strength...reassurance.

LORD, I am so excited to see what You have planned for me in the coming year!! Thank You for everything that You have shown and taught me this past year...I am your servant. Do with me as You wish.

---

Happy New Year, dear readers!! Thank you so much for your love and support.

It means the world to me...really!

---

Oh, and by the way...

I think these 'new year' shoes are super classy. ;)

---

Ooh, ooh! And one more thing!!
I was awarded!! By my good friend, Daniel - over at The Anonymous Antagonist. He's a pretty cool guy, by the way. Be sure to stop by his blog! Check it out! He's trying to get to 100 followers. Help him out a little, eh? ;)

So, what a great way to start the new year! With a blog award!! Thank you so much, Daniel :)

{I'm just gonna copy and paste what he wrote in his award post}

The winner for First Place and the Title of "Adept Artisan of Blogging" is AWARDED to...

It may be a blog focused on women, but that doesn't keep it from being thoroughly fun and entertaining. With a mix of interviews, reviews, and onward; Raquel has never failed to bring juicy content to her readers and to myself this year.'

Well shucks! I hope that ^ is true for all of you! :)

::hugs:: to you all!

Many blessings!

♥

{photos from Pinterest}

Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows (2011)

2011-12-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't this poster just, like... ::clears throat:: ...very cool??

I got to see this movie at a late showing with some friends of mine, and my bro.

I cannot, for the life of me, pick a favorite between this one and the first.

Well, as you all know (or should know ;) the names of the actors who are Holmes and Watson, etc...I see no need to introduce them.

But if you really must know... ;)

Robert Downey Jr......Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law......Dr. Watson

---

But let me introduce some new characters to you now...

Noomi Rapace as...

Simka

Isn't that a cool name??

She's a gypsy, by the way.

And I really, really, really like her!!

She's very down to earth, very feminine, but courageous at the same time - as women should be. :P

She has really cool hair too!

---

Jared Harris as...

Moriarty

Needless to say, he's ^ the 'bad guy'. :P

Pretty creepy.

Good actor, though!

---

As always, Law and Downey worked together splendidly!

haha Holmes' outfit here ^ cracked me up :D He always wears the most ironic clothes.

GREAT pic ^
But no, there's no love interest between them...

haha!

Yes, yes!! They finally get married and the wedding (or at least part of it) is in the film!
Aren't they adorable?
Holmes doesn't look that bad either :P

Mary is the best.

---

Much less 'magic' in this one than in the first one.

And actually, it was so intense and so filled with information that I was a bit confused by the end of it...
All I knew was that I loved it

I couldn't pick a favorite between the 2

and

that I would need to see it again, to fully comprehend the story. haha

Which I plan to do as soon as it comes out on DVD ;)

IF I don't go see it in theaters again...

---

Oh! Just had to add this pic ^ ;)
Robert and Susan Downey Jr.
Adorable.

---

PS: Next movie review...

Christmas gift from a friend...

2011-12-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has recently been playing around with online PS tutorials...

I saw a photo that she had done of herself and was saying how much I liked it, etc...

I mean it was that cool!

And guess what she did for me for Christmas? :)

::happy smile::

Pretty cool, huh??

Me likey.

All photo rights by Charlotte Hill.

Music Video Monday!

2011-12-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't a music video, necessarily, but...just enjoy it anyway ;)

can't go wrong with MB ;)

---

Merry Christmas, dear readers!!

Your support and encouragement mean the world to me.

♥

In which I tell you of things you probably don't want to hear...

2011-12-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

Source: myfirstlittleplace.blogspot.com via Jasmine on Pinterest

1 - That ^ its the longest subject I have ever named a post.

2 - I did some last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping today.

3 - I cleaned my room...it was getting a little cluttered with gift wrapping, tape, scissors, etc. :D

4 - I took a hike up our property today...with Knight. ;)

5 - A verse that I 're-discovered' last night is 2 Corinthians 12:9:

'And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.'

It almost made me cry.

6 - We are planning on watching movies and staying up till midnight tonight - and then opening our gifts. ;)

7 - I added some new songs to my iPad (Arietta) yesterday.

This ^ is a pic I took on her recently.

8 - I haven't been sleeping very well lately...and was up till 1 this morning. Reading. ;)

9 - My sisters and I washed our family's cars today. :)

10 - I am beside myself with excitement for my upcoming Winter Ball that I have been planning since October. It is next week...so close, yet so far away!!

AND I would like my readers' suggestions ;)

The ball is formal, so everyone is coming very spiffy outfits. I even convinced a few of my guy friends to come in tuxedos!!!!! ::squeals:: And a couple of them are wearing bow ties - just to make my evening! :D haha

Anyway...I have two dresses to pick from...

1: a perriwinkle/light blue, empire waist, floor length dress. It's very simple, square neckline and thin shoulder straps.

2: my black taffeta dress - full length, full skirt, off shoulder...the dress that I'm wearing in the photo in my header. I know you can't see the whole dress, but it's floor length and has a v-shaped bodice.

I think I'm leaning more towards the black one...

but I thought I'd ask y'all's opinion ;)

oh and one last thing!

I wrote this post kinda in a hurry...thus the sad lack of photos :P

---

Merry Christmas to all my dear readers!!!

I can't believe we're almost to 600 followers!! ♥

You're Here

2011-12-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

You're here...

I'm holding You so near.

I'm staring into the face of my Savior

King and Creator.

You could've left us on our own.

But You're here...

'You're Here' by Francesca Battistelli

---

Merry Christmas to all of my dear readers!!!

You make me happy. :)

♥

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

2011-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

I honestly thought that I had already written a review on this movie...

I mean, it's one of my favorites!!

And I got to see the second one this last Sunday...and I wanted to write a review on it RIGHT AWAY...but then I realized that I hadn't done the first one, so...

here it is ;)

Oh, but before I begin...
I would like to say just one thing.

Writing movie reviews on mysteries is very hard to do well. :P Because I *want* to give my opinion, but if I do, it may spoil the movie for you.
So, I hope this review is satisfying...yet intriguing. And makes you want to go watch it - if you haven't already! ;)

---

Robert Downey Jr. as...

Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey is such an amazing actor!! Seriously.

He totally fit the part.
Except (according to a friend of mine) he isn't tall enough. :P haha

He and Jude Law worked together splendidly!!

They keep his tactics and piecing-together-of-information SO like in the books!!

He finds a clue in a place that you could've been staring at for 10 whole minutes!

---

Jude Law as...

Dr. John Watson

Again, a perfect choice of actor to play the doctor.

Dr. Watson rocks :) I love this guy!!

Pretty intense part here ^

---

Rachel McAdams as...

Irene Adler

Saying too much about this girl would give away a bit of the movie, so...

I'll say that she's a good actress.

But I don't necessarily like her.

Does that make sense?

I will say that there is an inappropriate scene with these two ^...
so if you watch it, just be sure to remember that I warned ya :)

---

Mark Strong as...

Dr. Blackwood

Oooh!! This guy is creepy!! (Dr. Blackwood, that is)

I must say that he plays his part very well, though.

I'll just leave it at that. :P

---

Kelly Reilly as...

Mary Morstan

fabulous coat, eh? ^

I.love.Mary!!
She is just the sweetest!!

She has some super fun outfits in this movie too!

She and Watson are just adorable together ;) ::squeals::

She is very supportive of him...well, in some instances. ;)
She's always worrying about his safety...but is willing to take risks herself.
And I was so happy that she was in the second movie too! :)

Oh! And if you think she looks familiar, it's probably because you saw her in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. She plays Caroline Bingley.

---

There are a lot of super cool fight scenes!!!

I know, I'm a girl and I like seeing guys get beat up...?? What's up with that? ;)

There is also this amazing affect that they do (not sure if you'd consider this a spoiler or not, so...it's up to you)
where they film - in slow motion - what Holmes is thinking of doing to a guy. And he'll narrarate at the same time. Not sure if that makes sense, but...for those who HAVE seen this movie, you'll know what I mean. ;)

Also, as a warning...if you don't like 'magic', you won't really like this movie.

So, to wrap it up...

if you like a-bit-scary, intense, with some magic, amazing deductive skills with a flair of romance mystery movie...
you'll love Sherlock Holmes (2009).

I thought this ^ was such a cool picture!! I just had to include it :)

---

So go watch it ;)

A night on the town...

2011-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

I had been planning a group to go hang out at Bridgeport for about a week...

I was very excited when the day finally arrived.

Because we were going to have so much fun.

And, of course, we did.

I mean, seriously?

When you get a group together, who consists of:

my bro, me (of course ;), one of my besties: Anna, Forrest, Elisa, Caleb, and Daniel...

well, you're bound to have a blast.

A couple of these crazy people had never been to Yogurtland.

My brother and I decided to remedy them of that.

Elisa - excited to dip into her frozen yogurt - for the first time!!

Elisa - taking a pic of me and Alfonzo :)

I was very proud of Alfonzo that night...

he had never really done any on-the-verge-of-darkness photos, but he did acceptionally well!

I love these horse statues!!

Okay, Anna, I took this for you...DRAW IT!! :D heehee

I was so proud of Alfonzo!!
These last 4 pics turned out so good!!

I squealed when I put them on the computer - they made me happy :D

And of course, Anna and I split off from the group to go do a little bit of girl shopping...

we stopped at Anthropologie ;)

These stairs ^ make me happy!

Anna makes me happy ::smiles::

I feel like this picture belongs on a magazine cover or something!! Not saying that I'm that good of a photographer, but I just love all the colors and stuff. ::squeals:: Turned out so purrrty!

VERY proud of Alfonzo for this one ^

Don't all the Christmas lights get you excited - all over again! - for Christmas?? :)

I CAN'T WAIT!!

Me and my amazing friend.

I, seriously, don't know what I'd do without her.

Anna insisted on taking some shots of me.

haha You should've seen how nervous she was about holding Alfonzo! :D haha

Not the best quality photo...we didn't have a very wide variety of good lighted places to snap them, so...just deal with it. ;)

Anna is the main focus of the photo anyway...isn't she beautiful?!?!

---

So what sort of preparations have you been doing for Christmas?? You know it's less than a week away!! ::squeals:: I am SO excited!!

So far, I've gotten gifts for: Dad, Mama, Noah...actually, you know what? I think I've officially done with gifts!! Wow! I JUST realized that!!

Oh, and one more question...

Should I do a Christmas wishlist? ;)

I know it's a little late, but I think it'd still be fun. heehee

---

Oh and before I forget!!!!

Here are a couple more pics of me from the 'Five Golden Rings' photoshoot ;)

All credit goes to: Dorene Vandermeer

I was featured...

2011-12-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

'On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Five Golden Rings

My photos are up on Miss Elaini's blog!! Head on over and be sure to leave a comment ;) heehee

The photographer (Dorene Vandermeer) is SO amazing!! She is planning on sending me a CD of all my photos...

All credit goes to her and Elaini. :)

---

Oh! UPDATE:

I have raised $100 so far!!

If you feel led to donate, visit Elaini's website and click on the 'Give Now' button!

Thank you so much! <3

and a very Merry Christmas!!

My Knight and me...

2011-12-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

We like taking hikes together.

I love how this ^ picture turned out...NO editing!!

It's, uh, really hard to get a pic of him that's not blurry.

He likes to keep moving.

::smiles:: Yes, that's me in my duds. haha

'Mom, I'm trying to eat. I don't like pictures while I'm eating...'

A pretty...little...leaf?

Okay, and these next ones are probably my FAVES of the whole day...er, evening...

Favorite ^

♥

Doesn't he have an adorable nose? ;)

Okay, and to end...

I'm gonna tell a little story about him.

When we hiked up our family's hill, we were chasing each other through the trees. I was climbing stumps and fallen logs and he would try to jump over them and get me. haha It was hilarious!

Well, one of the times that I was chasing him, he decided to take off down the hill...so I ran after him, calling him...telling him how crazy he was for running away from me, etc.

Then finally, I turned around this bend in the path and there he was, contentedly chewing on a mouthful of grass.

'You little brat!' I said, and flopped down on the grass - I was tried after chasing him!!

He came over and nudged me...and I rolled over. He kinda cocked his head and was like 'Hmm...she moved. I wonder...' and nudged me again. I rolled over again, this time chuckling a little.

Well, he thought it was super fun...so kept rolling me and rolling me. haha

Finally I pushed him away.

'No, I'm not gonna get up. You tired me out!'

When he realized that I was serious, he decided to lay down next to me. haha And we looked up at the sky...and the sun, through the trees.

I have always wanted to do that with my horse.

It's almost like a scene from a movie...

and I got to do it.

♥

Stolen...

2011-12-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

You catch me like a thief in the night.

You hold me when I put up a fight.

You chase me when I run from Your light.

Because Your love, You won't give up...

Till my heart is stolen...

Till my heart is stolen away.

{lyrics: Brandon Heath - Stolen}
Photos from Miss Raquel's Pinterest

First Impressions - Teaser Trailer #1

2011-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

Remember that movie I told y'all I was an extra in??

Well, they are officially in the editing process and are hoping to release it sometime next summer/autumn!! I am so, So, SO excited!

And here is the first teaser trailer...just thought I'd share. ;)

They have put SO much work into this film...I pray that it will be a big hit in the homeschooling, Christian circle!

Oh, and some people were asking me which scene I'm in...I was an extra-dancer in the Netherfield Ball scene. Pretty cool ;)

You can find 'First Impressions' on their website/blog:

http://firstimpressionsthemovie.blogspot.com

AND

on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Impressions-the-Movie/219198154780721

A Winter Morning

2011-12-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Credit for the title goes to my friend, Leilani. ;)

This morning (early...as in, 6:30AM) she and I bundled up and like, every loyal photographers, went driving around the countryside snapping pics with our ever faithful cameras - Bob and Alfonzo. Those boys are great. ;)

I couldn't decide which of these ^ was the best.

I thought my blog readers could help me out there.

Definitely like this one ^!!

I love the grass in this one ^

She was stealing my idea of the close-up of a grass with the sun behind. :P ;)

Again...opinion?? ^

Centered on the horses...or no...?

I fell in love with this driveway.

And the sun was being one of my best friends, too.

---

::sighs:: It was nice to catch y'all up on a little photography. :)

Music Video Monday!

2011-12-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am SO ready for Christmas!!

I am partnering with...

2011-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

my friend, Miss Elaini - from miss elaini ous'.

She told me of an idea that she had of taking the song 'The 12 Days of Christmas' and doing a photoshoot...different girls taking on different days and...going all out. :)

I was chosen as Day #5.

And, as one of the models, I have committed to raise $1,000.

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You may know Elaini as the 'crazy girl who wore 1 dress for 100 days'. She had the goal of raising $50,000...so far, she has raised $41,000+!!

But we want to try to reach the goal by the end of the year. Will you help out??

Just head to her website: www.misselainious.com and click on the 'GIVE NOW' button on her sidebar.

BUT...please, please, please be sure to comment HERE or on my Facebook page, letting me know how much you donated.

Because I need to keep track of how many people I get to donate to her cause. :)

Also, be sure to keep an eye on her blog...you don't want to miss out any of the lovely ladies who were the beautiful models for the 12 Days of Christmas!!

Oh, my pics will be posting this coming Saturday (the 17th). :)

If I died tomorrow...

2011-12-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Source: vi.sualize.us via Raquel on Pinterest

♥...I pray that I would leave behind the legacy that whoever my life had touched, they would know one thing: That I loved the LORD Jesus with all my heart and did my fullest to proclaim His glory. If I died not leaving that kind of legacy...my life would have been a waste.
Help me to live up to Your standards, O LORD...and let not this world be a distraction to my ultimate goal - to glorify and praise You. ♥

Source: creativeinspiration.tumblr.com via Raquel on Pinterest

God's Forgiveness...

2011-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

We are all born with a sinful nature. The only way to be forgiven of our sins is through the blood and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

I sin. You sin. Our friends sin. Our pastors sin. Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t be tempted…and sometimes fall.

But we have a loving Savior who is merciful and gracious. When we fall, He picks us up. When we sin, He forgives us. He forgave each of our sins before He created this world! And He continues to forgive us…because only He knows how often we transgress against Him.

This is going to be a very humbling post for me to write…

No, dear readers, I am not perfect. I fall…I sin…I give in to temptation. And recently, I gave in to something that I knew was wrong…but I let myself do it anyway. Even after I had done it, I kept telling myself that it was fine. ‘It was just a one-time deal…I won’t do it again’, etc. I told myself this for a few days…but the burden still weighed heavily upon me.

Then, one weekend, I was visiting friends up in Washington…and my bro and I visited their church. I had never been to that church before. I didn’t know the pastor. And I only knew a couple of the families there.

As I sat through the service, listening to the pastor speaking…everything that he said really hit home with me. He was talking about how even though we sin, and even though we may think that our sin is too great to be forgiven…God has forgiven us. All we have to do is realize that we have sinned, repent, and God will forgive and forget.

I almost started crying during his sermon.

After I had realized how much I needed to ask God’s forgiveness, I still felt guilty…and unclean. I wasn’t letting go…and letting the past be the past.

It took a letter, from an inmate that I write, to make me realize something…

‘I have grown in the knowledge of His grace towards me…of just what He brought me from…and the absolute knowledge that I am His. Everything we know…we learn it exactly when He chose to show us. And He did [that] before the foundation of the world. He does it. All of it.’

I literally started weeping when I read that ^. It took a letter from a brother in Christ to reveal to me that God has forgiven and forgotten my sin. I can now walk with my head held high…not because I am and pure, innocent person…but because I have been forgiven of my sins…and even when I have failed, even when I have let God down…He has lifted me up and washed me in His blood. I am still God’s Daughter. Yes, I fall into temptation. Yes, I give in to what I know is wrong. But He still love me. He never fails me – even when I fail Him. He has a plan for me. And He has taught me so much through all of this.

Jesus, thank You for loving me! Thank you for holding me, even when I push away from you and close my eyes to Your truth. Thank you for that no matter what I do…You still forgive me.

~♥~

Things like this make my day...

2011-12-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

How many log trucks do you see with a heart welded on it??

A Review of Michael Buble's - Christmas

2011-12-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season to…

Listen to Christmas music.

Especially a certain album by a certain artist…

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Perfect song to start a Christmas album with…and with the cold weather, it’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Not sure if my readers ‘believe’ in the whole Santa Claus legend. I don’t. :P haha But this song is kinda fun! And honestly, we shouldn’t worry about being good for presents from Santa Claus…we should worry about looking our image before God.

Jingle Bells (featuring the Puppini Sisters)

Have any of you heard of the Puppini Sisters?? They’re somewhat like Michael, in the sense that they take old songs and remake them…but with the same oldies style. Know what I mean? So anyway…this song is probably one of my favorites on this album! Very fun ;)

White Christmas (duet with Shania Twain)

Not a huge fan of Shania Twain…and I love this song by Frank Sinatra in the movie ‘White Christmas’. But ::nods:: this one was good. :)

All I Want For Christmas is You

Another favorite Christmas song…

‘Don’t want a lot for Christmas. There’s just one thing I need. Don’t care about those presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own – more than you’ll ever know. Make my wish come true. You know that all I want for Christmas is You.’

Being the die-hard romantic that I am, every single verse in this song makes me tingle. J

Won’t ask for much this Christmas. I won’t even wish for snow. No, I’m just gonna keep on waiting, underneath the mistletoe. There’s no sense in hanging stockings there upon the fireplace cuz Santa here won’t make me happy with a toy on Christmas day. I just want you here tonight. Holding on to me so tight. Girl, what can I do? You know that all I want for Christmas is you.’

Holly Jolly Christmas

Such a jolly song! :) Makes me all cheery and happy. I feel like skipping through the snow!

Oh, and you know how you can sometimes ‘hear’ the singer smiling as they’re singing?? I can TOTALLY see Michael smiling while he’s singing this! :) It’s like he’s having a jolly-time! ;)

Santa Baby

::shrugs:: I’d never really heard this song before, so didn’t really have a standard that it needed to meet. Haha It was okay, I guess. I mean, Michael made it good. :)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Aw!! I love this song! <3 The only thing I didn’t really like about Michael’s version was that it was a touch too slow. I mean, this is a fairly slow song, but this version was just…like I said :P … too slow.

Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)

Another song I had never really heard before. When I first heard it (on Michael’s CD), I got a bit of a depressed feeling. :P Because the song is him talking to a girl who he had ‘had so much fun with last year’ and who he ‘needs’, etc…and so he’s asking her to ‘come back home this Christmas’.

I just like imagining that she did… :D

Silent Night

Okay, when it comes to Christmas hymn remakes, I am very, very picky!

This one passed my approval. ;) And I think the children’s choir was a great touch!

Blue Christmas

This song is kinda like ‘Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)’…he’s saying that without ‘her’, his Christmas won’t be white…it’ll be blue. :P haha

‘When those blue snowflakes are fallin’, that’s when those blue memories start callin’. You’ll be doin’ all right with your Christmas in white, and I’ll have a blue, blue, blue Christmas.’

Cold December Night

Okay, this was my NUMERO UNO favorite song on this whole album!!! And it’s written by Michael. ;)

‘Each year, I ask for many different things, but now I know what my heart wants you to bring.

So please just fall in love with me this Christmas.

There’s nothing else that I will need this Christmas.

Won’t be wrapped up under a tree…I want this to last forever.

So kiss me on this cold, December night.’

::squeals:: How cute is that!??!

I’ll be Home For Christmas

No matter which version I listen to of this song, I always think of Josh Groban’s…where he has soldiers who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan calling in and telling him who they’re missing this Christmas…and then it goes into the song, as if it’s the soldiers song to their loved ones. ::sniff:: Gives me chills.

‘I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams.’

Ave Maria

I think this song is so beautiful!! Every version I’ve heard of it, is just so elegant and graceful and the stringed instruments make it so flowy and…pretty.

I just wish it wasn’t written to Mary. :/

Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia)

This was the song that I was really, really looking forward to when I first heard about Michael’s Christmas album coming out. Being half-Hispanic, you always have an ear tuned to a Spanish song. The original version of this song is the best. I’ve heard one by a Christian band that was…so-so. Didn’t really reach the A+ section with me.

Michael’s…I’m giving an A. ;)

Oooh!! And at the end of this CD, there’s a surprise. ;) Not telling you what it is (that would totally ruin it!). But let me tell you…when I first heard the album all the way through, I got to the end and…smiled. :)

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::sighs:: This album (and a couple others ;) have been playing non-stop on my iPad. Cannot wait till Christmas!! ♥

Foodography Photo Contest - my entry...

2011-12-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

haha What a fun and original photography theme!!

As soon as I saw it, I was like 'yup! I'm entering this!!'

Ready for some pics of food that'll make your mouth water?? ;)

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*Blackberry Cheesecake...with blackberry sauce...*

*Blueberry Cheesecake Squares*

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Wishing you could reach in and just grab one of these to eat 'em, huh? ;) Yeah, my auntie can make some pretty yummy looking things!!

Okay, go link up! And leave your link with your entries, so I can go check them out too!

The Leaving Eden Tour...in Ptown

2011-12-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

My Mama, bro and I got to go see Britt Nicole and Brandon Heath in concert last night.

Yeah, pretty fun.

And here are some pics to prove it!!

I must make a confession, though... :(

I didn't take Alfonzo.

He stayed home for this one.

I took my little Fujifilm (that started me out on photography). It was just easier to carry and not as bulky. (Shh!! Don't tell Alfie I said that :P)

Britt Nicole opened for him.

This was my second time seeing her.

First, was at the Revolve Tour, 2009.

Sorry that her pics are so washed-out. :P

Anyway, it was GREAT to see her again!! I just love that girl. She is so on fire for the LORD and she is such a good role model to young teen girls nowadays.

God bless you, Britt!! ♥

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'I'm gonna rock your faces off!'

- Brandon Heath

;)

I think he did a pretty good job of that, actually.

Would you look at that??? He knew Mama and I were going to be there, so he had purple and green lights just for us. ;) How sweet!

Probably one of my favorites of the whole evening ^

The tour group!!

We all sang some Christmas carols...

uh, heck yeah!

Another favorite!!! ^

How cool is that??!! ^

And then he was walking through the crowd. :)

Giving people hugs...

He stole our friend (Jordan's ^) hat and put his arm around him...

needless to say, Jordan was thrilled. :D haha

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After the concert, Mama, Noah and I went to Burger King. (We were really, really hungry!)

And didn't get home till 11:50. ;) heehee

Brandon is SUCH a neat guy!!! My family is probably one of his biggest fans. Well, I know my Mama is definitely one of his biggest!! haha

Oh, and here's today's Music Video Monday.

Duh, it's a Brandon Heath one ;)

A slight addiction...

2011-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

...to Rodney Smith photography.

In love, in Paris. ♥

'How could I forget to mention that the bicycle is a good invention?...'

A spot of tea, anyone?

...

Leaning Tower of...an old Barn? ;)

I really want to do this in Ptown somewhere...

Umm...excuse me? I would really like that dress and hat.

I want to try this on a photoshoot sometime!

Lookin' shnazzy ;)

♥

'Look out over the ocean, where the tall ships go
Far away from the smoke and the noise
Listen to the sea
We could rest our tired hearts
Won’t you come with me?'

♥

'Wings won't take me
Heights don't phase me
So take a step
But don't look down
Take a step'

By the way...I really want that ^ dress...just sayin'

'I love you, darling.'

'I love you more.'

When I go to New York...I'm going to do this.

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Addiction to Rodney Smith Photos...♥

Giveaway Winners!

2011-11-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't blogged since Friday, but...::sighs:: This weekend has just passed in a complete blur.

I'm back now, though!!

::everyone claps::
Okay, maybe not.

Anyway, I am pleased to announce some 'lucky' (I hate using that word as a Christian :P) winners!!

Chunky Bling giveaway winner is:

Emma Margaret

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Jungwha giveaway winner is:

Becca

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Congratulations, ladies!!

Please contact me with your mailing info and I will pass it on to my sponsors. :)

Four Beautiful Sisters...

2011-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of spending some lovely fellowship time with four beautiful sisters...

It was originally intended as a photoshoot, but you seriously cannot just take photos of these girls all the time.

You gotta have time for some lattes and chats ;)

The Twins
(L-Mikaela, R-Lauren)
Who both happen to blog ;)
One Bright Corner

Lauren
(the 'older' twin :)

Mikaela
(the 'younger' twin)

Melanie
who also happens to like purple!! Yeah, we connected right away ;)

Susanna

Isn't she adorable?!

I just love this picture of Mikaela!! ♥

This wall of ivy was insanely amazing!!

Then we headed to a blueberry farm...

The scarves are from London. Mikaela won an essay contest and was awarded by being flown to London to see the premier of 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader'. Pretty amazing, huh??

A favorite!!

Mikaela and Susanna

And ending with, I think, the best one of the lot of 270 photos...

Love you, gals!! We need to do this again SOON!

♥