Q + A | answers | part 1

I am finally getting around to posting these Q+A questions and my answers! Thank you all for the many questions! They were fun to answer! :)

I got so many questions that I decided to split it into two parts. Part two will hopefully be up later this week!!

Now for the questions:
How many siblings do you have? I have four sisters, no brothers. :)

How many animals do you have? What kind of animals? We have 6 horses and 8 or so cats.

Why do you wear the head covering? In 1 Corinthians 11, it says: "every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered." 
We believe that those verses mean that we, as ladies, need to cover our heads when praying. It's a symbol of obedience + submission to God. Because I love Jesus I want to follow His commands.

What state do you live in? Do you live on acres? How many?  I live in Pennsylvania. We live on 1 acre. We also use some of my grandpa's + neighbor's land for pasture for our horses. :)

What curriculum do you do in school/Are you homeschooled? Yes, I am homeschooled. My mom uses Bob Jones, A Beka, and Christian Light for us girls.

Do you have a boyfriend? What requirements does a young man have to meet in order for you to date or court him? No, I do not have a boyfriend. I am currently waiting on the Lord and trusting HIS timing in this area, if that is His will for my life. I have a few character qualities that I am looking for in a husband...I may share them in a future post. I will only begin a relationship with a young man when I am sure that it is God's time + will for the both of us and that he is the one I will marry someday. We will need our parents approval + blessing before we begin a relationship. Above all, I want to honor God and grow closer to Him through any and all relationships. Like Leslie Ludy says, "In friendship our goal should be to honor Jesus Christ and bring glory to His name, not just to pursue our own happiness and security or follow the popular trends of culture." I couldn't agree more.

Thanks for having this Q + A Tashia. Could you please have a giveaway? I thought of doing a 'just for fun' giveaway, but I'm not sure yet. I will most likely be doing one on my blog’s birthday in July, so check back then! 

What’s the story behind your blog & it’s name? When I first started my blog in 2013, I named it 'a girl after God's own heart' after reading the book by Elizabeth George. Since then I felt like it needed a change and needed to fit my over all purpose for my blog. That's when God gave me the name Joyfully Living for Jesus. I strive to choose joy in each and every day and live joyfully for Him. I want others to see the joy of Jesus in me and by my example turn to Him. Joy isn't something that always comes easy, but with the grace of God, He blesses me with it and can give you joy as well!

What are three blogs that inspire you? More Radiance, Hannah Elise Photography, and Joyful Jewels 4 Jesus.

Where is somewhere you’d like to travel? I always thought it would be neat to go to Australia. I'm not really sure why, though. Maybe it's because I like Australian accents! haha I would really really like to go to London, England or Paris, France. And Africa, of course. 

How do you define your purpose for life, for the future, for your blog, etc.? I find my purpose and joy in CHRIST. He gives me strength to go about each day. I can do nothing without Him. I pray and ask Him what He wants me to do with my life and patiently wait for His leading. 
I trust that God holds the future and just keep trusting + serving Him the best way I can. 
As for my blog, I have learned so much through just running it!! As God teaches me + works on my heart, I want to share it with others and encourage a deeper relationship with Him. 

Favorite childhood memory? Hmm this is a hard one! My favorite memories would be playing in the woods with my sisters or cousins. We'd make towns and build houses. Playing 'Kids Burrow' (from Adventures in Oddyssey) in the woods was probably my favorite. 

What are your favorite hobbies? Some of my favorite hobbies are photography, encouraging others in the Lord, doing crafts, playing the piano, baking, and spending time with family + friends. 

What kind of church do you go to…are you active in a youth group? For the last year and a half my family and I have been going to a Mennonite church called Faith Community Fellowship. It's a small church that is over an hour away, so I haven't really done anything with the youth group yet. I would love to, though. :)

Have you ever gone on a missions trip? No, I haven’t gone on a missions trip yet. I pray that I can one day go to Uganda, though. :)

How do you like to study the Bible and what are your Bible study/quiet time tips? I have to say that I don't do a very good job in this area. I need to spend more time with Jesus and in His Word. I don't really 'study' the Bible, but I do read through it and look for things to apply to my life. If there is a certain word that I want to find verses on, I use a Bible concordance and look up the verses.

Be consistent in Bible reading + prayer...find a good time + place where you can spend  time with Jesus. Maybe in the morning or sometime in the afternoon, or right before you go to bed. I find that I can study best in a peaceful + quiet environment, like my bedroom. Maybe you have some tips that would help me in these areas?

Who/what do you aspire to be in 10 years? Hmm good question! I would really like to be a professional photographer, but more then that, I would love to be married and have a family where we can serve Jesus together. All in God's timing + will.

Do you play any instruments? Yes! I play the piano and am currently learning the cello.

Do you crochet/knit? I have never crocheted, but I do know how to knit. When I was younger, my sister's and I made all sorts of hats and scarves. ;)

What is your favorite color? Aqua blue. I also really like mint.

Thanks for all the questions!