The 30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 16: Accomplishments

Prompt: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

1) Accepting Christ as my Savior
This is the greatest accomplishment that I believe any person can achieve. It's the act of accepting an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, loving, merciful God as our friend and Savior.

2) Longmont Youth Symphony, Longmont All Stars, CU Honor Band
These are all musical accomplishments that I am happy to say that I have participated in.

3) 11 years of school so far...
If you're a student, you'll probably understand.

4) Leadership opportunities at school and church
I like the leadership opportunities that I've been blessed to have. I've been a teacher aide and pioneer at my school as well as an assistant to my mom (the leader of Family Ministry at the church) on Sundays. I've also been blessed to teach youth group before.

5) Writing: Blog, Scripts, Short Stories
These are all hobbies: I haven't really been awarded in writing before (except for English awards in middle school), although I've won several spelling bees. However, I enjoy writing and creating stories though scripts and prose. Also, I enjoy writing this blog, of course. :)

I wouldn't necessarily call of these accomplishments, but I look forward to the days where I can increase this list.

Question for the Reader: What are your greatest accomplishments?

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." --Titus 3:5

The 30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 15: Beaches and Mountains

Prompt: Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that I live in a beautiful place: Colorado. It's a place where the grass is mostly green, the highest mountains are almost always snowcapped, and the sun rising is an event of nature. Yet, when I think about the most beautiful place I've ever been, I don't just think of the town where I live in. I think of two places: Vero Beach and the Rocky Mountains.

1) Vero Beach

Vero Beach is gorgeous because when you travel to Florida, the weather tends to be unbearably hot. However, when you go to a beach, like Vero Beach, you feel comfortable and even a bit more relaxed. This was the first beach that I had been to in over ten years, and I'll never forget it. When you first walk onto a beach, there's a huge hill of sand that's grainy, hard, hot and completely uncomfortable. But then, as you get closer to the water, there's a floor of sand that the waves crash over that feels like a cold, soft carpet. This is the best place to collect seashells. Looking out into the water feels somewhat intimidating because of the energy of the waves and how infinite the distance of the ocean looks, and when you swim in the water you have to watch your step, because it's easy to loose your footing when the sea floor is completely made of sand. But it's a beautiful sight to see and constantly reminds you of the infinite power and beauty of God with each minute that passes.

2) Rocky Mountains

When our family first moved here to Colorado, we used to go on hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park about once a month because we (my parents especially) couldn't get over how beautiful the view is. It truly is magnificent to see how big the mountains are and how for most of the year, even in July, they will be covered with snow.

I hope you enjoyed my presentation of two of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. It reminded me of God's beauty and omnipotence. :)

Question for the Reader: Where is the most beautiful place that you've ever been?

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." --Romans 1:20

The 30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 14: Strengths & Weaknesses, Part 2

I know it's been a couple of months since I last posted for the 30 Day Blog Challenge, but I don't want to start something and not finish it.

Prompt: 5 strengths you have.

1) Christ
Christ is the best strength granted to me.

2) Writing
This is a much lesser strength than the first. However, this is a strength I am happy to have. It's a way that I can communicate clearly and also share my opinions and minister to others.

3) Work Ethic
This one is sometimes a strength of mine, but not always. My weakness of procrastination can outweigh this at times. When I have the enthusiasm and motivation to do something, I very often do my best to work my hardest to achieve the goal.

4) Organization
A few of you have probably seen my tutorial on creating a planner, so that was probably a hint as to how much I love to create things that makes things much more organized.

5) Stubbornness
This has been mostly a weakness lately, but I have faith that God will turn it into something good. If I can be so hard-headed in believing something in which I'm wrong, then how stubborn can I be in believing something that's right?

This post was a lot harder to write than I thought it would be, but I've learned that I need to like myself a lot more and focus on the good instead of the bad.

Question for the Reader: What strengths do you have? How is God using them?

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." --2 Chronicles 15:7

Don't Forget...

I know I haven't posted anything in a while, but I wanted to share a quick and short, yet beautiful verse today before we all get too far in the day.

Simple message: Don't forget how much God loves you, and therefore how much He will take care of you.

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" --Matthew 6:26

First Blog Award Ever!!!

You guys!!!! I have an INCREDIBLE announcement!
Victorious Heroine got its very first award EVER today!!!!!

How long has this blog been around? 6? 7 months?

That's amazing.

This blog is a baby compared to so many others out there, and yet in its 6th or 7th month it has an AWARD.

So by now you're probably wondering what that award is. It's called "The Versatile Blog Award."

I'd like to thank all of you readers and subscribers for keeping up with my posts that are sometimes consistent, inconsistent, thought-provoking, not-so-thought-provoking, rambling, and hopefully fun to read as well.

But I'd especially like to thank Lois over at "You, Me, and a Cup of Tea" for presenting us with the award. Your blog is inspiring, beautiful, and a treat to read.

The reason I say "us" is because (I know it sounds cliché, but it's true...) I really couldn't write this blog without all of you. It's the comments, suggestions, and thoughts that motivate me even more to write. When I don't write this, I feel like I've let people down. So thanks for sticking with me for the past few months, and reading this blog so far. I appreciate it a lot.

This award, however, comes with a very small price: you have to write something (not too surprising, right? I mean, it is a blog award...).

My prompt is to write 7 things about myself that you might not have figured out by reading this blog. This is going to be harder than it looks, because I share a lot about myself...

1) The arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks mark the first day of autumn in my book.
2) I got all caught up on my Pre-Calculus yesterday (it's a much more amazing feat than you might think if you've never taken Pre-Calc.)
3) My favorite T.V. shows are Downton Abbey, The Mentalist, and The Cosby Show.
4) A song I've had stuck in my head recently is "In My Life" from the movie "Les Miserables." No one sings it better than Amanda Seyfried.
5) I miss the beach.
6) I'm an LBD fan (Lizzie Bennet Diaries on Youtube), and I'm super excited for the premiere of "Emma Approved" coming out a week from now.
7) I'm currently reading "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, "Le Morte D'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory, "The City of God" by Augustine of Hippo, "The Consolation of Philosophy" by Boethius, and "Idylls of the King" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

The next condition for the award is to nominate 15 blogs of your choice for the Versatile Blog Award as well. Here are my picks:
1) Raquel at "God's Daughter"
2) Iris at "Country Girl's Daybook"
3) Lyle and Paige at "...our journey..."
4) Christi at "21 Empire Designs" (Written by one of my friends from Veritas Press Scholars Academy)
5) Anne & Tyler at "Almost There"
6) Sarah at "Camp Girl in the Real World"
7) Emily at "Emily is Smiling"
8) Leighanna Rose at "Fresh Ink"
9) Sarah Thérese at "Footprints on my Heart"
10) Hero at "Heroic Endeavors"
11) Karen at "Positively Ducky"
12) Mae at "Mae Mae"
13) Sarah "Strawberry" at "Rejoice Always" (Written by one of my closest friends online, who also attends Veritas Press Scholars Academy with me)
14) Moriah at "The Hill Country" (Written by my sister)
15) Elyssa at "Popcorn & Purple Ink"

If you have been nominated, the rules for the award are here.

Thanks again to all of you who have made the receiving of this award possible!

September Resolutions: Keep It Simple

We all know that according to the calendar of the United States, September is the month in which fall begins: the season of change.

Change has been the roaring theme of my life recently, and I'd like my resolutions for this month to reflect that. I don't want to be a person who is constantly freaking out about things that don't truly matter. Instead, I'd like to bring all of my focus to what matters the most: love. Loving God, and loving my neighbors as much as I love myself (which of course implies that I have some self-love and respect). 
So please do not be surprised that my resolutions have been cut down to the size of a fingernail in comparison to the norm. My goal is to simplify my life to a point where God has plenty of room to work. :)

1. Adapt to changes, even when they're uncomfortable.
2. Keep things as simple as possible--don't add, reduce.
3. Maintain self-respect...without pride or vanity.
4. Love Thy Neighbor: be merciful, kind, respectful, and generous to everyone around you, as well as obedient to your leaders.
5. Love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

These 5 resolutions are not only my resolutions for this month, but 5 things that I intend to grow in myself as I live the rest of my life in Christ.

Not only do I want myself to grow in these areas, but I hope that you may find them helpful in your own life as well.

Here's to the season of change!

Question for the Reader: What season of life do you find yourself in?

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter." --Daniel 2:20b-23

August Report Card

It's high time for a report card don't you think?

So so so so sorry for the lateness everyone! It's been pretty busy around here lately, with my brother's birthday, Labor Day weekend, and then my first day of online classes today. I'm finally getting around to blogging again. :)

1. Finish Summer Bucket List: A
I did pretty well finishing off the list. We made cherry limeade, I at least made an attempt to do a vlog post (and I do plan to publish one in the near future!), wrote a story, witnessed my dad and brother build a rocket to launch with Boy Scouts, went to the library, and played hopscotch. Overall, I had a wonderful summer, and I'm glad I could share it with you readers. :D

2. Summer Reading: A-
My goal was to finish the requirements for reading "The City of God" by St. Augustine by the end of August, but I didn't quite make that goal. Fortunately, I completed most of the summer reading requirements.

3. Start 11th Grade: A+
I could not have been more excited to start this school year. Online classes started today, and every one of them taught me something new about how things are going to be, and each one presented me with new challenges to face. I know that God will be with me throughout this year, guiding my every step.

4. Get a job?: A
Ok, I admit: I am currently unemployed in terms of what most people call "a real job." However, I was able to make a decision, that until I get a driver's license in February, I am blessed with babysitting opportunities and enough extracurricular activities to keep me busy enough as is. I do plan to get a job soon, but now is not the time.

5. Publish more blog posts: A++
I am proud to announce that the month of August brought more blog posts than ever before in the history of VH. This month, August had an all-time high of 19 posts!!! This is even more than April 2013(the month right after I first started). I think it's safe to say that I picked up a bit more momentum, and this blog is going to stick around for a little while longer. :)

Recurring goals: 
Music Practice: B+
I think I could have done a bit better on this, but I'm starting to pick up more momentum.

Scripture Reading: A+
I've been called to focus more on God's Word than I normally have in the past. It is my goal for the rest of my life to be active in Scripture, as it is essential to following Christ.

Exercise: D
My focus has been elsewhere this month in terms of exercise. However, I have set multiple fitness goals for myself this month, so next time, I shouldn't have any excuses about sticking with exercise.

Diary Writing: F
Same story. While lots has happened this month, I haven't been keeping a good record of it in my diary.

Total Average: A-

Wow, I'm really happy with the results! I've had a great month, and I'm looking forward to a great start in the  school year. Happy September everyone!

Question for the Reader: How was your August?

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." --Romans 8:1