Q +A | answers | part 2

I'm back with part two! If you missed part one go here.

What is your favorite song? I have waaay too many to just share ONE! I love pretty much anything by the Wissmann Family or the Durocher Family, but some faves would be: "God is Real," "Refuge," "A Love so Strong," "Jesus, I am Resting," "Lord, I Need You," "Satisfied," "Stand for Truth," "A River Flows in You," and "Hidden Falls."

If you could meet anyone in the world who would you want to meet? That is a SUPER hard question!! I don't think I can pick just one. I would love to meet my dear friend, Alison, who I met through blogging, and also some other blog friends, such as Elizabeth, Rebekah, Hannah Elise, and many more!! I would like to meet the Wissmann Family and hear them play + sing in person, too.

What's your favorite tea? Not sure that I really have a favorite, but if I did, it would be Turkey Hill iced tea. ;)

How old are you? I am 17 years old. :)

Have you ever got to see a panda bear in real life? Sadly, no. :( I hope to see them one day, though!! Shall we go to the zoo together?! :D

What is your favorite dessert? Ice cream. :P

Besides joy, what is a word that inspires you? Mmm right now another word would be LIGHT (that's my word for 2016). This world is full of so much darkness that we as Christians need to stand out and be the light that points others to Christ. (Matthew 5:16)

Do you like to travel? I haven't done a lot of traveling, but I think it would be fun to explore new places! So far all the traveling I've done is by car, but flying to different states/countries would be a fun adventure. I think so anyway. :)

What is your favorite Bible verse? Another hard question. I have so many that are special to me! Some of my favorites are: Psalm 100, 2 Timothy 1:7, Nehemiah 8:10b, Psalm 37:4 + 5, Philippians 4:4 & 13, and Psalm 5:11.

Summer or winter? I'm actually more of a spring/fall person, but I would have to pick summer over winter. (my friends are slowly convincing me of this. :P)

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? COFFEE. Or something with peanut butter.

Do you speak (or learning) a foreign language? Yes, I am currently learning Spanish.

What is something people are surprised to find out about you? That I don't like chocolate. :P

What is something you are excited about? Right now I am excited about graduating from high school!!

What is your favorite Starbucks order? I've actually never been to Starbucks yet, but when I go I will definitely get something cold, like a mocha or frappe (I'm not familiar with all the fancy names yet! :P).

Are you allowed to wear makeup? Good question. I actually did a post on this a while back. You can read it here. But to answer your question, I've never really wanted to wear makeup. Yes, there were times when I thought it would be neat to try mascara and I've wondered if I'd look prettier with makeup, but I believe God created everyone beautiful JUST the way they are. We were created in His image. I'm not apposed to girls wearing a little makeup to cover up acne or problems like that.
I will occasionally wear a light powder makeup if I have a bright blemish or something, but other then that I don't wear any.

What are your views on modesty? Courtship or dating? I think everyone has their own personal convictions when it comes to modesty. We all need to go before the Lord and ask Him what is appropriate + modest. For myself, I like to wear skirts + blouses + dresses. I have a personal conviction to always cover my knees, so all dresses/skirts have to be long enough to do so. I think clothing should fit nicely, not tight or revealing, but not baggy + sloppy either.

As for courtship or dating, I again think everyone has their own convictions. I don't think there is only one right way to do it. I believe each family/individual should go before the Lord and seek His wisdom in this area. I personalty like the idea of courtship over dating. Most individuals who date don't have marriage as their goal, they simply want someone to hang out with and fill their needs. But don't get me wrong, I do know of some people who have done dating and have happy marriages today, but just think of all the baggage you can avoid by saving yourself COMPLETELY for your future husband.
Courtship is more about waiting on God's timing + will and not going through a couple guys till you find 'the right one.' (We as girls aren't to be doing the searching/seeking anyway.) In courtship, it's about what you can give rather then what you can get out of the relationship and I think an important step leading up to engagement + marriage.
As for me, I am patiently waiting on God's timing + will, if that is what God has for my life. I won't be out looking for a guy, but rather using my single years to learn + grow in the Lord and also in practical skills such as homemaking, baking, cleaning, child care, etc.
Our focus should always be on God, not on finding a mate. Get lost in Jesus and if He has marriage in His will for you, He will bring the right guy into your life at the right time. Be patient and wait and trust in HIM.
There is so much more that goes into this than I can share right now. If you would like I can try to do another post and go further into detail about dating vs. courtship.

. . .

Thanks again for all the questions!! That was fun. :) 

If I missed or didn't answer your question, please leave them in the comments below and I will answer them there. 

{Now, I have some questions for YOU: what are some of your answers to these questions? Do we have anything in common?}

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!

watching the stars.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

Praising the Lord for a beautiful sky, scattered with sparkling stars. For sisters who lie on blankets beside me as we gaze up in awe of the beauty before us. 

We point out constellations and sing songs at the top of our lungs. We laugh when the songs get too high and our voices screech. 

Some of us scream and jump (we wont mention any names *ahem*) when a black cat appears behind us. 

We squeal in delight when a ball of fire --a shooting start-- glides across the sky. 

Moments like these I have to lift my hands to the heavens and say "Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for this marvelous night. Thank you for my sisters. For my parents allowing us to stay up a little later than usual. For shooting stars."

Most of all, t h a n k  y o u for creating it all. ♡

if you look close enough you can see the stars... :)

{Have you ever layed out and watched the stars or seen a shooting star glide across the sky?}

"He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." Psalm 147:4

an amazing view.

on the way home from my grandparents Sunday evening, we stopped at an overlook on top the mountain. 

the view was gorgeous. 

 we had my Great-Grandparents along with us. 

 Jess and I

this is my favorite photo from the evening! ♡

WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED,
LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I.
Psalm 61:2

blessed.

- when i count my blessings, i count you twice. -

Jerusha, I couldn't have asked for a better cousin + bestie! THANK YOU for being my prayer partner, for always encouraging me in the things of the Lord + making me smile. Thank you for being a godly example in my life and for pointing me to Jesus. I can see the Lord working in your heart and can't wait to see how He uses you in the future! Happy Birthday, friend!

I love you!

Arkansas // road trip

Two weeks ago, my family + I spent a week in Arkansas visiting family! It was a long trip, packed with lots of wonderful memories! We had a blessed time together, made new friends, and I could see God working in lives.

Here are some highlights from the trip: 

    [WARNING: lots of pictures!]

> staying in a motel Sunday night + sausage gravy over buscuts for breakfast

> playing car Bingo + other 'search' games our aunts put together for us

> opening letters from our aunts + candy and instant coffee packs

> Mom reading "Heaven is For Real" to us while we drive

> doing crossword puzzles while listening to Lamplighter Theatre stories

> dad getting us ice cream sandwiches

> stopping at McDonalds for supper + chicken sandwiches + fries (!!)

> being able to watch movies or listen to stories with our lap top

> singing in the truck

> getting Wendy's frosty's (dad ended up finishing two of ours! :S)

>  going for a walk with Mom and Aunt Heidi

> filming a music video with Heather (!!!)

> playing Settlers of Catan with Morgan, Skylar, and Heather

> Shipley Donuts (SO GOOD!)

> listening to Morgan and Heather play guitar + violin

> playing volleyball with cousins

> ice skating at a rink with new friends

> getting ice cream at Giant Cones + thrifting

c o u s i n s.

T i r z a h.

> getting to meet my blog friend, Ashley!!

Ashley is so sweet, and I am so glad it worked out to meet her + her siblings! <3

Heather, Ashley, and I

> meeting the Yoder family

> having breakfast with Shannon + Heidi + family and a special time of sharing + devotions together

> taking pictures of Shannon + Heidi's children and then family pictures

Morgan

 Skylar

Clark

 Tirzah

Uncle Shannon + Aunt Heidi

> playing volleyball with the youth after church

> taking pictures of Amy + Amber + Betsy + Katie + Ryan Sunday evening

Amber

f r i e n d s.

Amy

 Katie

Amy + Amber

 Amy + Betsy

Ryan

> singing at church Sunday night

> stopping at Subway for supper on the way home

> laying on the sidewalk at a rest stop at 3 AM looking at the stars

 > late night slushies from Speedway

~ ~ ~

While the trip was fun and we had a good time with family, I am glad to be home!! :) 

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands." Psalm 92: 1, 2, & 4

JOY // my favorite word

Some time ago God showed me this word and ever since then I’ve been on a ‘journey,’ you could say, to find joy in the ordinary, to show others the joy + love of Jesus, and to apply it to my everyday life.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 
{Psalm 95:1 and 2}

It never ceases to amaze me how often that little word pops up here and there. As I flip through my Bible, all the verses about ‘joy’ and ‘rejoicing’ jump off the page and into my heart.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice! {Philippians 4:4}

Not only do the verses about being joyful catch my attention, but also the ones about being thankful. When we are truly joyful, we will be thankful and when we are thankful, we will be joyful!

The Lord hath done great tings for us; whereof we are glad. {Psalm 126:3}

I was flipping through my Bible and saw a verse I had underlined that really touched my heart: 2 Corinthians 7:16, “I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.” Isn’t it wonderful to have confidence in the Lord in ALL things? And because we have confidence, we can rejoice!

Rejoice evermore. {1 Thessalonians 5:16}

I struggle with confidence and once I read that verse I was very encouraged! When I am scared or worried about things, I need to remember that my true confidence comes from Jesus Christ and that I can trust Him. He will help each of us overcome our fears and worries; we just need to trust Him.

~ ~ ~

Are you struggling with something right now? Maybe you have a fear or something you just can’t get over. Maybe you are struggling in school or with a family member. Tell it to Jesus! He is always close by, waiting for you to call on His name for help. If you care to share with me, I’d love to pray for you! (If it’s something more personal, feel free to email me: agirlaftergodsheart15@gmail.com)

"I find joy in every day, not because life is always good, but because God is."

thursday thankful things {8}

Email from Secily

snow

 my aunt who lets us use her computer

Photoshop Elements

chatting with Naomi

^home made pizza

 “Open When…” cards

evening spent with cousins

XL panda bear sweater that i made into a medium + made the neck smaller

no stink bugs for a week (!!!)

juicy baked macaroni

 ^getting to meet my little cousin, Kendrick

safety while traveling

every breath i take

making gingerbread houses with Grandma, Mimi, and Jerusha

cheeseburger pie

 ^colorful tablets

tea + bread

fuzzy PJ pants

playing games with Jess

smoke from our chimney

What are 6 things you are thankful for today?

thursday thankful things {7}

a letter in the mail from my good friend, Martha

raspberry tea

a delicious taco salad for lunch

a new dress sewn by mom <3

panda bear socks

^home made ice cream made by Grandpa

egg casserole with yummy sausage

home made chex mix (YUM)

finishing Agriscience

^peppermint candy cane

emails written to friends

messages from dear friends that make my day

a warm house

pink and blue streaky sunrise

^surprising my friend, Secily, with a visit

homemade bread

Heather and Mom helping me with Math

figuring out the waterfall braid

fresh bread for supper

What are 5 things you are thankful for?

 ~ ~ ~

Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead // 1 Peter 1:6