Music Video Monday!

Jimmy Needham is such a romantic guy! :)  And he and his wife are just adorable together!!  And isn't it so fun that they actually perform together too?!  *sigh* 

This song makes me laugh...

and I think he did such a good job on the music video ♥

Biblical Womanhood ~ Voddie Baucham

Voddie Baucham is one of those rare, steadfast believers who is not ashamed to preach the Word of God.  I am so honored to know his daughter too...Jasmine is a beautiful young woman - inside and out!  I hope this message speaks to you, as it did to me...
I'm hoping to post the other 7 parts of this message on my blog [this week].  Keep a lookout for them ;)

I never realized...

that I liked the name 'Arthur' so much until I watch 'Inception'...

should I say 'movie review coming soon!'?

Simply Siblings

 

(I know I've used this picture before, but I just love it so much :)  I need to get a new one though...with my brothers!! :)

 So, they break things, don’t listen to you, want to tag along with you to places that you don’t want them to come…and the list can go on and on.  But, you may not realize this: siblings are a big part of your life – just like the rest of your family.  My Mother always tells me that even though I may have friends that come and go, become special to me and then leave, I will always have my siblings.  Even when I marry and move out of the house, they will always be related to me.  They will never stop being my siblings.  That’s always stuck in my mind.  Especially when something happens that I get upset with them.  I remind myself of what Mother told me and just how they will always be with me – so I better get used to the idea, right?  I’ve always made it a priority to get along with my siblings as much as I can and I encourage you to do likewise.  They are so much dearer than a friend (when you really think about it) because they #1: live in the same house that you do. #2: will always be just within your reach.  #3: will most likely understand you better than any other friend can. 

Now you may be thinking, Huh!  You don’t know my siblings, Raquel.  They’re impossible to understand and get along with.  Well you know what?  Yes, you are right – I don’t know your siblings.  But that doesn’t give you an excuse not to try to get along with them.  All I’m trying to say here is that when you have a good relationship with your dad and a good relationship with your mother, doesn’t it make sense to have one with your siblings?  Wouldn’t a family be much happier when everyone got along with everyone else?

Yes, yes, I know.  We all get into our little spats and disagreements.  Your siblings won’t listen to you when you ask them to do something – even if you ask nicely.  Well, in our house it has always been a rule that when a younger sibling doesn’t listen to an older one right away, we instinctively go directly to Dad or Mother and let them handle the situation from there.  Perhaps you can talk to your parents about this becoming a rule in your household. 

I also encourage you to remember that your siblings are always going to watch you.  They live with you, right?  So it’s natural for them to monitor your reactions.  They look to see how you handle yourself when you’re angry or stressed.  Do you just explode and start yelling?  Or go to your room for some quiet time with the LORD?  When they walk into your room without knocking (and you’ve already told them – a million times, so it seems! – to knock), how are you going to respond? 

One day, my little sister Priscilla (then at the age of 5) came up to me all of a sudden and gave me a huge hug.  “Raquel, when I grow up I want to be just like you,” she told me.  Tears filled my eyes as I hugged her back.  I couldn’t believe what she had just said.  After all the times that I had gotten upset at her, sometimes even yelled at her for doing something wrong (and now, thinking that it wasn’t actually all that wrong in the first place), she would still want to be like me?  Later that evening I decided to ask my other sisters, Lydia (then almost 10) and Eunice (then 8), who they wanted to be like when they grew up.  Priscilla piped in and stated that she had said she wanted to be like me.  Lydia said that she wanted to be like a second-cousin of ours, Hannah S. – whom I completely agree is a wonderful and sweet godly young woman.  When I asked Eunice again, she just said that she didn’t know and would have to think about it for a little while.  A bit later while we were settling in bed (that night I remember I had them sleep in my room – just for some sister-fun time), I asked Eunice again.  “Well, I can’t think of anyone, Raquel.”  “Oh, Eunice, you have so many girls that you can choose from!” I told her.  “But the only girl that I can think of that I want to be like is you.”  Tears filled my eyes again, but this time they started falling down my face.  My sisters, even though so many times I had lost my patience with them, wanted to be like me!  Since that day, I have tried even harder than ever before to strive to be the kind of person that I would want my younger sisters to be like when they’re older.  But I always remind them that I want them to be better than me.  To surpass how “good” I am.  Whenever you lose your temper or become upset over a ridiculous matter, remember the little eyes that are watching you – not to mention God’s eyes! – and think about how you should really react to the situation confronting you.

One thing that always seemed to be an obstacle for me to have a stronger and better relationship with my siblings was that they never seemed to take notice of my actions, or make it any easier for me to love and spend time with them.  I’ve found that when you sit down with your siblings and tell them how much you want to get closer to them, it really helps them realize that you’re serious.  A good, solid relationship can only work if it is worked on from both sides.  If you convince your siblings that you think your relationship with them can be better, they will try to help you.  Ask them to correct you nicely and gently when you say a harsh word or are about to lose your temper.  Tell them that when you ask them to do something, that if they do it right away you can both avoid any further discussion (especially, things that can lead to harsh words and tempers exploding).  If your siblings don’t seem to realize that your relationship with them isn’t on the best level, pray for them.  Keep asking God to show them that they can become closer to you if they try and help you too.  Maybe you can even sit down with your parents and siblings and let them both know how much you want your relationship to grow stronger. 

What are some ways that you can get along better with your siblings?  Following are some tips that I encourage you to try.  These are some things and ways that have helped me, personally, to become closer to my siblings.

• Listen and try to understand them.  A lot of the times, our siblings (especially younger than us) will come up to us and just start rambling away on a subject that you can’t make out head or tail of.  A dream, perhaps, something they were learning in school, a conversation they had with a friend.  A lot of the time they don’t make much sense and you can just brush them off with an “I’m busy right now” or “Go tell mom about it”.  One way that you can show them that you love them is by listening to what they have to say.  Even if it doesn’t make much sense – try to understand them and seem interested in what they are telling you.
• Do special things with them.  This can consist of many different possible things that you can include your siblings in.  One of my favorite things to do with my little sisters is plan a tea party.  Make it a big event – getting dressed up in fancy clothes and hats, use tea cups – not just everyday mugs (and yes, even if they are your really nice tea cups.  It makes it more special and means more to the younger children if they see that you are treating them like a “grownup” by letting them use your precious, fancy tea cups).  Or, if you have brothers, try thinking up something fun to do with them.  Suggest that you build a Lego fort with them or make new kind of ship using an idea that you have.  Try taking your siblings on a picnic (a favorite with me and my siblings!) – even if it’s just in your front yard.  Look through photo albums with them of when you and they were little.  Play games with them.  Do fancy hair-dos with your sisters and maybe even paint their names.  Play Cowboys and Indians with your brothers.  I’m sure you can think of some more ideas!  Oh, another thing that my sisters absolutely love  It will keep them occupied for hours (if you’re doing school, for example) but try to make it fun and do it with them. is when I write out a treasure hunt for them.
• Write them little notes.  This is always something that makes them feel special – and something that they/you can keep.
• Have sleepovers in your room.  Make it really fun!  Maybe bring in a small TV or laptop and watch a fun movie with them before going to bed.  Don’t worry…ask them to help you clean up your room in the morning.

No, I’m not the sibling expert or anything…haha far from it!!  I’m learning with you too. :)  I hope this article helped you…even a little.  Stay strong, fellow sojourners!

From a Guy's Viewpoint...Isaac Harris

Okay, I'm guessing most of you know who the Harris family is, so there's no need for a huge introduction or anything. :)  Isaac Harris is an amazing young man of God and I am privileged to know him, and be acquainted with his family.  And also for him taking the time to do this interview for me - for us, actually! :)

Anyway...without further adieu...

Isaac F. Harris

Age: 16

A few favorite hobbies/pastimes: Debate, soccer, basketball, acting

Favorite subject in school: Spelling

Favorite book: Besides the Bible, ‘Crazy Love’, by Francis Chan

Favorite movie: Currently, Inception

Something you look forward to every day: Something unexpected

 

(Isaac with his siblings...L-R: Isaac, Brett, James, Sarah, Joel, Alex and Joshua)

1. What are your thoughts on modesty? It’s a good thing? *laughs* If this is in general, I believe that modesty is positive for everyone involved.
   
   
2.   Some of us feel that we either give too much effort, or not enough, in worrying about the way we dress.  What is your suggestion to how you wish girls would dress?  What do you like to see girls wearing? I believe appearance is important. There’s a reason why God made us to evaluate things when we first see them. As long as looking good doesn’t take precedent over your heart attitude and bringing glory to God in your behavior, I don’t find anything wrong with dressing nicely. Just as long as it doesn’t become obsessive.
   
   
3.  How do you feel about girls wearing makeup? I’m perfectly fine with make-up. What I don’t like, however, is when girls use it to cover up. I think make-up should be to accent and highlight, not to cover. To me, a pound of make-up on a girl is like hiding the natural beauty that God gave her.
   
   
4. A lot of girls worry about looking chic around guys…but what do you consider pretty? Like I said before, appearance is fine, but the heart attitude is most important. I’ve met far too many girls that stress about dressing elegantly, but they come across as snobs. Rude, condescending, and inconsiderate. I’d prefer a warm, friendly, earnest young lady that’s dressed in sweats and a hoodie. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have both style and inner-beauty.
   
   
5. Do guys ever notice changes in girls?  Hair styles, clothes, etc.? Most definitely. We may be slow, but we’re not oblivious *wink*     
   
6. What is something that you want/look for, the most, in your future wife? Someone who’s first and foremost goal and instinct is to support, encourage, and motivate. Someone who doesn’t care what the world thinks as long as she is fulfilling what she believes to be God’s calling in her life.
   
   
7. Do you often feel peer pressure from your friends?  In any way, but mostly in the standards that you have set for your life. I suppose so, but I’ve always tried to be purposeful to help set positive peer pressure. If you’re willing stand for what you believe is right, others will join you. Together, you can make peer pressure a positive thing.
   
   
8. What do you consider flirting and what do you think of a girl when she flirts with you? That’s a tough one. I’m not sure if I can define flirting in general, because each situation is unique. As far as what I think, disappointment and pity for the fact that a girl feels like she has to act that way in order to impress someone or catch their attention. I don’t think any serious relationship has been sparked because someone flirted enough till they caught someone else’s attention.
   
   
9. How do you feel about dating? I believe casual dating is pointless and dangerous. I think each and every relationship should have a purpose.
   
   
10. If you agree w/ courting, how much involvement from YOUR parents do you believe is appropriate in helping you make a final choice in your future wife?  None, some, or a lot?  Please elaborate on your answer. A lot. I believe that their wisdom in matters such as this is absolutely invaluable. Not that I’m saying that your parents should choose your spouse for you, but I do believe that it would be unwise to ignore the advice they have to offer.
    
    
11. When you’re interested in a girl, do you focus on her family too?  Do you make it a point to get to know them as much as you want to get to know her?  Absolutely. And this should come naturally.  I want to be involved in the lives of her family members just as much as I want her to be involved in the lives of mine.
    
    
12. What is your view on college for girls? I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with a young woman attending college. I think it’s wise for them to have some sort of profession to fall back on.
    
    
13. What is your dream job?  And why? Film Director. Because I absolutely love telling stories, and I love the freedom of creativity that you have within film. You can create what world you want. 
    
    
14. What do you think the man’s role is in the home – compared to the woman’s? A man’s role is of protector, provider and leader. A woman’s is of home-maker and help-meet. Allow me to stress that I believe that each is equally as important.
    
    
15. How many kids would you like to have?  5. But I’ll probably end up having more *smiles*
    
    
16. A lot of guys like using sarcasm around girls…do you know why that is? This is actually a very fascinating question. I don’t know for sure. If I had to guess, it would be because sarcasm is the easiest form of humor for a guy to resort to when they don’t know what else to say.
    
    
17. Do guys like it when girls are tomboyish or more girlie? I believe that guys like a sensible girl. And neither a tomboy, nor a girlie girl fulfills that. Guys like some of the sensibility of a tomboy, and they like the femininity of a girlie girl. There’s a balance ::grins:: Just be sensible.
    
    
18. Is there anything that you would appreciate girls doing differently in order to help you maintain your purity? Encourage guys to be more open with one another. I see more and more young men finding it easier to be open with young ladies. I think it’s important for guys to form stronger relationships and accountability with one another. Young ladies, we do listen to much of what you say, so use that to encourage us to do the right thing.
    
    
19. What are your thoughts on guys and girls hugging? In general, I'm alright with hugging, but I generally try to keep it very brief, and usually just a side-hug.
    
    
20. When do you plan to have your first kiss? At my wedding, most definitely.
    
    
21. How will you respond if God's plan is out of sync with your own?  In general? Well, I hope that I will be willing to submit to whatever God's plan is, because I know that what he has planned for my life is far better than anything I could create for myself.

 Isaac, thank you for your time in replying to this interview.  We so appreciate it!  Stay strong in your faith, brother...

Need a Good Laugh?

Okay...I didn't know Tenth Avenue North could make me laugh so hard!! :D  These guys are great...

Hope this makes your day :)

Hani and me :)

Remember when I went to stay at my cousins' house?  Remember that it was about three weeks ago?  Remember I said that I would post about it?

Well, I finally am. :P haha
Here are some pics that we took of each other...(edited all differently)

Original

 Black -n- white

 so cute :)

And these are ones that she took of me...

Yellow contrast

Contrast

Original

Yellow contrast

So yup...we have fun ;)

My dream horses...(Part 2)

The Andalusian

'From a Guy's Viewpoint'...what it's all about

I am ecstatically excited to get this interview series underway!!  And I am so thankful to all my guy friends who have willingly let me interview them.  Guys, you don't know how much this means to me - and my readers!!

So...this post, I just wanted to have to refer people back to, in case they don't know what these interviews are all about, etc.  Basically, it's just what the title is - things in life that we (as girls) have an opinion on/of, but we wanted to take a moment and ask GUYS what they thought of such and such - what their viewpoint was on all of it. :)  So I asked readers to send in questions that they would like me to include in their interviews - and I got SO many responses!! :)  If you think of anymore, PLEASE do NOT be afraid to comment and suggest them!!

Anyway...enjoy reading the interview posts...I am just so excited to be sharing with my readers these fabulous guys who I am so privileged to call my friends.  God bless you, guys!!  Stay strong.

All questions, answer and photos included in these interviews are copyrighted.

©2010, 2011 Miss Raquel at God's Daughter

Answer!

Congrats to anyone who guessed...

You were correct ;)

Okay, this book is in my Top 20 Favorites!!!  BETTER THAN THE MOVIE!  In my humble opinion, anyway ;)

Confessions of a Blogaholic

Five Reasons I Love to Blog...♥

              

1.     Because I get to meet new people -
I have been blessed with so many wonderful friendships through God’s Daughter.  When I first started my blog, I had *no idea* that there were such amazing girls (okay, let’s not exclude the guys :) out there!! :)  You’re all such fantastic, Godly people!!  God has a plan for each and every one of your lives.  NEVER doubt that!!  Stay strong in Him…and wait patiently.

2.     Because I love to share about myself -
I’ve had people warn me about how much to/not to share on God’s Daughter (Mother, included ;), and…I *do* keep a lot of my personal stuff private.  Maybe not all of it. *shy grin*  But, I believe that God wanted me to start this blog as an encouragement to other girls out there, and so I have no fear that He is watching over me – and the people reading this blog.

3.     Because I love to write -
Writing is a passion in my life.  Not being able to write would be devastating for me.  (And no, I don’t believe in superstition, so I’m not afraid to say that ‘because it might come true’ :P)  I believe God gifted me with the ability to write (and keep my audience captured ;).  I sometimes wonder if I just babble on and on here on God’s Daughter, but…comments keep me going. ;)  Speaking of comments…

4.     Because I love to hear people’s feedback -
No, maybe not all of it.  Some of it can be downright hurtful.  But, I encourage people’s reprimands and anything that they ‘don’t like’ about God’s Daughter.  The Bible tells us to speak to our brothers/sisters when we think they are in the wrong.  I appreciate anyone’s concern for me and what I write.  BUT, comments (especially the encouraging, sweet, uplifting ones ;) just totally MAKE MY DAY!!  You’ll have no idea!!  Actually…I take that back.  You *would* understand if you have a blog.  For any fellow bloggers out there, do I hear an ‘Amen’?

And lastly, but definitely not least…

5.     I love for Jesus -
Like I said in Reason #2, I believe God wanted me to start this blog as an encouragement to fellow peers out there.  I blog for Jesus.  When I first started this blog, I dedicated it to Him.  I pray over the people who read it…that they may be blessed and encouraged.  That they would see God through me…because it’s NOT about me, it’s about Him.  He is the reason I’m alive – and able to write on God’s Daughter. :)  And the title of this blog, all goes back to Him.  I am HIS Daughter…what a joy it is to know that!

Many blessings from your Blogaholic Friend ;)

A Question for the girls ;)

Okay, girls, I need your help with something! :)

So…I plan on doing a series of interviews (over time) of guy friends who have agreed to let me interview them.  I’m going to call the series ‘From a Guy’s Point of View’, and all the questions will be related to…well, there’s going to be a big variety of questions, but that’s where YOU come in!  

• What are some things (maybe that you think are really simple or dumb – but aren’t ;) that you have always wanted a guy’s opinion on?  
• What is something that you wonder what guy’s think about

Just any RANDOM things that you can think of!! :D  If you don't feel comfortable commenting with your question...feel free to e-mail me! :)


Blessings!

My dream horses... (Part 1)

The Friesian

Music Video Monday!

In honor of Valentine's Day...this is one of my FAVORITE Christian love songs ('God Gave Me You' by Dave Barnes...but since I've already posted that, I was like 'ah, I should post this one!!' :)  Anyway...to my Prince Charming...wherever he is out there in the world right now.  If it was a girl singing...this song is for you.  But since it's not, the chorus is for us, my love. ♥

A new favorite quote...

 Once in awhile,
Right in the middle of an ordinary life,
Love gives us a fairy tale.
~ by Anonymous ~

Something Beautiful...

Okay, so...I have been reading 'When God Writes Your Love Story' (by Eric and Leslie Ludy) and -
#1: it's an amazing book!! (just like I think that couple is :) and

#2: I have been so encouraged by reading it!!!!! and

#3: I wanted to share a story with you, that Eric and Leslie share in this book.  As I read it, I was just smiling and squealing, and by the end of the story, I had joyful tears in my eyes!! :)  So, anyway...yeah, you're probably wondering, 'okay, WHAT is this story?!', so I won't hold you in suspense any longer! :)  And with Valentine's Day being just around the corner, I think this is SO appropriate to share!!

A True Test of Love

Lt. John Blanchard was in New York City at Grand Central Station, and he looked up at the big clock.  It said five till six.  His heart was racing.  At exactly six o'clock, he was going to meet the girl whom he thought he was in love with but had never met.  This is what had happened... 

    He had been in Florida for pilot training during WWII, and while he was there, he happened to go to the library and check out a book.  As he flipped through the pages, he noticed that someone had made notes in the margins.  Reading the insightful observations in beautiful handwriting, he said to himself: 'I would love to meet whoever wrote these notes; they seem so kind, gentle and wise.'

    He looked in the front of the book and saw a name: Hollis Maynell, New York City.  He decided to try to find her.  With the help of a New York City phone book, he found her address and wrote her a letter.  The day after he wrote her, he was shipped back overseas to fight in the war.

    Surprisingly, Hollis answered John's letter.  They soon began to correspond back and forth throughout the war.  "Her letters were just like the marvelous notes she had written in that book," John recalled.  "She was so comforting and so helping."

    One time, John had confessed in a letter that he had been scared to death when they flew over Germany.  Hollis had encouraged him, "All brave men are afraid at times.  Next time you are afraid, just say, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me'."

    As they continued to write, John began to realized that he was having romantic feelings toward Hollis.  He wrote, "Send me a picture," and she replied, "No, I won't.  Relationships are not built on what people look like."

    Still, he was intrigued by her and longed to meet her in person.  Finally, the day came when he was to return to the States on leave.  He mentioned in one of his letters that he was coming home and would like to take her to dinner.  She had arranged to meet him in New York City's Grand Central Station at 6 PM under the big clock.  "You'll know who I am because I'll be wearing a red rose," she told him.

    At last the day had come.  John waited nervously to finally meet the girl he thought he loved.  Here is how John described his first meeting with Hollis Maynell:

    "A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim.  She had blonde hair that lay back in curls from her delicate ears.  Her eyes were as blue as flowers.  Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in a pale green suit she looked like springtime come alive!

    Excitedly, I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a red rose.  As I moved her way, she noticed me.  A small, provocative smile curled her lips.

    "Going my way, soldier?" she asked coyly.

    I took another step closer to her.  It was then that I saw...Hollis Maynell with the red rose in her coat, directly behind the girl in green.  My heart sank.  She was a woman well past forty.  She was plump.  She had graying hair tucked under a worn hat.  Her thick ankles were thrust into low shoes.  The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away.  I had to make a choice.  Should I follow after the beauty who had just spoken to me?  Or stay and face poor Hollis Maynell?

    I made my decision, and I did not hesitate.  Turning toward the woman, I smiled.  Even as I began to speak, I felt choked by bitter disappointment.  "You must be Miss Maynell," I said, extending my hand.  "I'm so glad you could meet me.  Will you join me for dinner?"

    The older woman's face then broadened into a smile.  "I don't know what this is all about, son," she replied.  "but you know that young woman in the green suit who just went by?  I met her on the train.  She begged me to wear this rose in my coat.  She said that if you should ask me to dinner, to tell you she's waiting for you in that big restaurant across the street.  She said it was some kind of a test."

It's been over a week...

Well, I have been on my non-sugar diet for over a week now!! :)  It’s very exciting for me to finally be able to do this – and keep up on it!  I’m sorry, but I AM a bit proud of myself. :D

The only times that I have accidently had sugar was #1 – when Noah got back from the store and I had asked him to buy me some carob.  And if you haven’t noticed…chocolate chips and carob chips look almost exactly alike. :P  So I grabbed a handful of what-I-thought-were-carob-chips, but as soon as I tasted them, I was like ‘uh, Noah, are these carob chips?’  Needless to say, they weren’t. :P

And the second time was when Noah and I were on our way to art school and I took a couple sips of his coffee.  ‘I wouldn’t drink that, Raquel,’ he said.  ‘Why not?’ I asked.  ‘I didn’t sweeten it with honey.’

:P  Thanks for telling me sooner, Noah!

But, anyway…for the most part…things have been going really well. :)  And I haven’t had any really bad cravings or anything.  My mother, especially, has been very supportive of my diet…Noah is supportive in his own caring, older brother way…and my sisters and Dad don’t really have much to say on the subject.  I think they think I’m kind of weird. :P :D

Anyway, I would appreciate your continued prayers.  I KNOW I can get through the month of February without sugar!  I can do this!! :) 

(Oh, and a special thanks goes out to my cousins – whom I stayed with this past weekend.  They did just about everything in their power to not ‘tempt’ me with sugary things. ;)  heehee  Love you, guys!)