"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

I am so blessed!

Today I celebrate my 17 years of life.

I love when my birthday rolls around, not only because of the excitement of the day,

but because, for me birthday's are a new beginning. 

Its a time to start anew.

I love to feeling of a new age, a new time in life, new opportunities, and new memories to make.

God has blessed me SO much.

Looking back to where I was last year, and comparing it to now - the difference is crazy.

I am so excited to see what the future has in store!

I am in love with this coat. The fact that it was 30% off plus a 25% birthday discount makes my love even greater for it  :)

   

Its been one of those days. One of those days on which you feel awesome. 

This weekend was busy, but refreshing. I have done so much pondering on life. 

I have come to a conclusion.

God is in control.

I have tried over and over again to make my life what I think it should be.

I have come to realize that God has this awesome plan, that he will fufill. 

I don't have to worry about what I should do with my life career -wise. 

I don't have to worry about being good enough for a guy.

I don't have to worry about the opinions of others.

I have let go, and let God.

So I'll stand, 

with arms high and heart abandoned,

in awe of the One who gave it all.

So I'll stand ,

My soul, Lord, to You surrendered.

All I am is Yours.

(The Stand - Hillsong United) 

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever"

Isaiah 40:8

Our puppy, Roxy! :)

Yesterday my whole family went on a hike. God's creation is spectacular! I love the amazing colors of fall. It was blast! 

Today was a pretty average Sunday. It was pretty chilly and really overcast. We heard two awesome sermons today. I love going to church!

 There's a cold going through our house at the moment. 

Thankfully I haven't caught it yet, so here's hoping I don't ever.

Dress: Boutique
Shirt: Same Boutique as dress
Tights: Joe Fresh

Tenth Ave North - You Are More

This song means a lot to me. It has helped me through many tough times. I hope it has the same affect on you as it has me.

Today was a pretty average day, with the morning filled with house cleaning, and the afternoon - schoolwork. I wore this this afternoon, as this morning I was in my grubbies. I know it seems kinda fancy for just staying home and schooling, but I love to dress up. It just makes me feel clean and healthy. Kinda weird, I know. I have really been reflecting on Proverbs 31 this past week. I never have really studied it before. Proverbs 31 gives a perfect example of what a lady is to be. It's neat to read how God intends women to be. The world has so many crazy ideas of what a women should do, act like, and wear. In the past year I have really worried what people think of what I do, how I act, and what I wear - and unfortunately have changed my line of thinking to conform with the worlds. Thankfully, this past summer especially, I have come to see how wrong it is to conform to the world, and to ignore God's words. I have come to see that God's opinion is the ONLY one I ever have to listen to.

 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" - Romans 12:2

So school has officially started up for the year. Its been pretty crazy around our place this summer. Which kinda sucks because it feels like we never really had a break. This year is going to be my official last year of high school. It's so freaky! It feels so weird to think that my school years are so close to being done. This year, I have a pretty light load compared to other years. I did an extra subject every year and a couple every summer for the past high school years, so that I would have a easier year and be able to finish early. I love homeschooling :) I really hope to be able to try new things like sewing and cooking over this next year. My plan is to try to record it on this blog. Lets hope I can actually succeed at doing so!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
1 Timothy 4: 12 <3

Completely - By Ana Laura

This song has touched my heart. I first heard it on the movie 'Facing the Giants'. This movie changed my life for the better. It is amazing how greatly it has affected my life. This movie is all about bringing the glory to God, and to him alone. We often give ourselves the credit when good things happen. It was about completely trusting in Him. I have 'given my heart' to God on many occasions, but now I realize that I did half-heartidly. After watching this movie, and pondering its meaning, I have completely surrendered my life to Him. I have given Him all my trust. I strive to bring him the glory in everything that I do, think, and say in every part of my life. He deserves all the glory. He's the only one who deserves glory. Not one man can deserve a smidge of the glory that is due His name. I hope and pray that this song has the same affect on you that it did on me. 

Soli Deo Gloria

Sarah 

"Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5,6

Open Hands by Matt Papa

To give unselfishly
to love the least of these
Jesus I'm learning how to live with open hands

All these treasures that I own
will never satisfy my soul
Jesus I lay them at your throne with open hands

I lift my hands open wide
let the whole world see
how you love, how you died, how you set me free
free at last, I surrender all I am with open hands, with open hands

To finally let go of my plans
these earthly kingdoms built of sand
Jesus at your cross I stand with open hands

You took the nails, You bore the crown
You hung your head, Your love poured out
You took my place, You paid the price
so Jesus now I will give my life

I lift my hands open wide

let the whole world see

how you love, how you died, how you set me free

free at last, I surrender all I am with open hands, with open hands

To finally let go of my plans

these earthly kingdoms built of sand

Jesus at your cross I stand with open hands

Personally, this song really speaks to me. This song is one that really makes you sit back and think of the meaning behind the lyrics. The lyrics have really brought some understanding in hard and confusing times for me. They really were an assurance to me that hey, I'm still learning, I'm still growing in my faith. I have been realizing lately that I have to trust God 110%. I know for a fact that I fail miserably at doing so, but I strive to trust in Him and Him alone. 

What are your thoughts?

Soli Deo Gloria

Sarah

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes 
To climb out of this boat I'm in 
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown 
Where Jesus is, 
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name 
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times 
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me 
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win, 
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do 
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant 
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound 
of a thousand warriors 
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out 
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times 
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me 
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win, 
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story 
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!" 
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory" 
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe 
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

For today's outfit, I wore a white simple t, with a light pink cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves. I wore my favorite dark wash straight - leg jeans, and threw on a grey/silver scarf. I also wore plain below-the-knee-high black boots, which I didn't take a picture of as they were very wet from snow :) 

Soli Deo Gloria!

Sarah