Miss Raquel's Ramblings - 4

I edited this pic on Arietta...my Mama really liked how it turned out :)

Current mood: Happy…forgiven…blessed

Last Song Played: Remind Me Who I Am, by Jason Gray

Pinterest Update: 51 boards, 1,809 pins, 733 Likes, 190 followers

::sighs:: I’ve been looking forward to writing another rambling post!  I’ve just had a lot I wanted to say, but didn’t want to make them into little blog posts here and there.

So you’re just gonna have to deal with this nice, long one ;)  Full of juicy, random news from the life of Miss Raquel.  Not to mention some super exciting stuff too!!

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I have no idea where to start with all of my news…but, I know that one of the most exciting things is:

I am now officially learning Japanese!!!

I am so excited :)  Seriously. 

One of my bucket list wishes is to learn 5 languages before I die.  I already know Spanish (being half-Peruvian has its assets;)…I really, really want to learn Russian – not just because I think it’s a beautiful language, but because it would make my grandparents proud (my Mama’s parents are from Russia/Ukraine)…Italian is going to be super, super easy because #1 – it’s soo much like Spanish and #2 – I can already understand it quite a bit.  For example, I was watching a movie with some friends and there was an Italian speaking character in it.  The movie wasn’t translating her lines, though, and my friends were exclaiming how they didn’t know what she was saying.  But I did!! Haha  I was so happy! :D  I think I started laughing as I translated for them. :)  It was a pretty neat experience…and really encouraged me to learn it.  Oh and plus, they speak a lot of Italian in Letters to Juliet…and when I visit Italy, it’ll be nice being able to speak back to people. :)  French is another language that I find beautiful and I think would be super fun to learn!  It has some Spanish roots in it, but…for the most part, I’ll be learning it on my own. :/  Japanese wasn’t originally on my list of languages to learn, but…a friend at church mentioned to me that she’d really like to learn Spanish.  In exchange (for teaching her Spanish), she offered to teach me Japanese.  Ellen isn’t Japanese, but she married a half-Japanese dude (and he was born and lived in Japan till he was 18)…and she’s visited Japan and Korea.  And seriously, she and her hubby (Jey) speak Japanese to each other, like most people speak English.  And it’s SO much fun to hear them talking to each other!! :)  I could just sit and listen to them for hours.  Not to mention that they speak to their son in Japanese.  (Yeah, they have a little 7-month-old adorable little tyke!!)  I spent the night (and the better parts of two days) with Ellen and her family last week.  We had so much fun together. :)  Not just learning Spanish/Japanese, but…she’s also an amazing photographer!!  And we did a little photoshoot together.  (Keep an eye out for new pics!)  And we talked…and talked…watched Letters to Juliet (she’d never seen it before!)…ran errands…talked about match-making people at our church…played with her baby boy. :)  It was a highlight of my week!

And, I am most likely going back sometime this week…hopefully.  Not quite sure yet.  But, she gave me some Japanese homework and my family has had to suffer with me saying small phrases in another language and them having to guess what I’m saying. ;) haha  A couple of the things the LORD has blessed me with – which makes it easier to learn other languages – is #1 – good pronunciation (I’ve had several people tell me this) and #2 – a good memory. ;) 

So anyway…I’m super excited to be learning another language.  My Daddy came up to me the other day and said, ‘You’re really excited to be learning Japanese, aren’t you?’  I was like ‘yeah! How can you tell?’ :D

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Be prepared for this next bit of exciting news…because seriously, this will probably be more exciting than me learning Japanese.

Why?  Because it involves YOU! ;)  It’s something you can do…

If you like this blog…if God’s Daughter has blessed and encouraged you…or if you just feel like a super loyal, amazing follower of this blog, you can now let the whole world know how much you love it by…

 Buying a t-shirt

 And mug 

 And bag

Yeah.  Cool, right?  

{God's Daughter store}

So there’s a really awesome story behind all of this.  Something only God could’ve written. :D

The person behind all the cool t-shirts and God’s Daughter accessories is…Miwaza Jemimah.  I had heard a lot about her from friends…and she’s an amazing photographer too, and I’d seen a lot of her work.

Then boom!!  One day, I see an e-mail in my inbox.  It was from a ‘Miwaza Jemimah’.  A name I was super familiar with, but…why was she e-mailing ME?! 

I hurriedly clicked on the e-mail…quickly read through it…and thus began a friendship.  All the way across the world from each other, a little country gal from Oregon and a Japanese-speaking, Tokyo resident started e-mailing back and forth.  Basically we’re new best friends already. ;) haha  AND how cool is it that I JUST recently decided to learn Japanese?!  I mean, c’mon!!  This could ONLY have happened because we have the one and only awesome God who looks down at us from above and who also happens to have an amazing sense of humor…and who loves to see us happy.  And who blesses us with friends.

So after a few email exchanges, and checking out her websites (Team Miwaza, on Vimeo, on Facebook) I had the idea that it would be SO much fun to get shirts and stuff made for my blog.  I shared the idea with another friend of mine and he was totally for it too!!  (Check out his blog HERE and his blog ‘store’ HERE)  So I broached the idea to Miwaza and (because she’s just too cool for words), she was willing to get a couple little shops going for us. ;)  Oh AND!!  She’s offered to redesign my blog a little. ;)  I thought it was time for a new look…

::lets out long breath::  If I was saying all this in person ^, my words would be running at about 100 miles an hour. Haha  THAT is how excited I am about all of this! :)

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We have snow here, today.  It started snowing two days ago…and hasn’t really stopped.  We have about 2 or 3 inches on the ground already.  And the snowy substance just continues to…fall on us.  (I almost said ‘rain down on us’ but then…decided not to…::clears throat::)

Any snow where you are?

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Oh!  Do you remember my cousin, Hannah, who I mentioned in THIS Rambling?  Well, she left for Uganda on Tuesday.  That same day, I received a card from her that really touched me.  I started crying.  I think, mostly, from the intensity of knowing that she’s so far away and that I won’t see her for so long.  I guess it just sorta sunk in. :/  We are, of course, going to keep in touch.  Just because she’s 10,000 miles away doesn’t mean…anything, really. Haha  She’s been to Uganda twice before and, like she said, ‘we always pick up right where we left off’.  That’s what true friends are like.

'Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance: they make the latitudes and longitudes.'

Please keep Hannah in your prayers.  And I will keep you updated about her journey.  She mentioned possibly starting a blog about this trip, so…I will see if I can get the link from her and let you all read for yourself. :)

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So I’m going to broach a subject now that I think a lot of people have been hearing of later.  Some of you may be sick of hearing it talked of so often.  Others may just start screaming with excitement.  You’ll have to let me know your reaction.

 The Hunger Games.

Have you read the books?  Did you like them?  Anyone excited about the movie coming out on March 23^rd?

I’ve been thinking a lot about them lately.  I think, mostly, because I’ve been hearing about it every which way I turn. :P  People are really going…big about it.

I’ve thought of writing my thoughts on it and sharing it here on my blog…but I’m not sure if anyone would be necessarily interested in reading what I have to say about it. :D  I can assure you, it’s not all bad…or good. 

So if you wouldn’t mind me asking…What did YOU think of The Hunger Games?

Oh and has anyone heard of The Ranger’s Apprentice series??  Very random question (especially after talking about Hunger Games :) but I’m just curious to know if anyone has or has read them.

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And just so you all know, I am very sorry for my bit of slacking off in posts this week. :/  It’s not that I really want to or anything, but…my blog is experiencing some reconstruction (as of Tuesday morning) and I’m just trying to sort out posts and schedule them, etc.  Bear with me! :)

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Question for Readers:

Are you bilingual?  Do you know any other languages?

::hugs::

Oh and just for kicks!  I got a huge laugh out of this...

From a Guy's Viewpoint...Jon

Jonathan David Martin

Age: 16

Occupation: IT

A few favorite hobbies/pastimes: Reading, Shooting, Building/Fixing computer's, gaming with my bro's

Favorite subject in school: English and History

Favorite book: Wow, that is hard.  Probably "The Hobbit"

Favorite movie: Probably the Lord of the Ring's (all of them!), and The Matrix

Something you look forward to every day: Waking up in the morning, going up the stairs to the smiling face of my Mom and giving her a big, warm, hug. (something I have missed doing for the past month, being across the country and all.)

1)   What are your thoughts on modesty?  When a woman is trying to flaunt her body, such as wearing a shirt that shows off her midriff, wearing ridiculously short skirts, so on and so forth, is going too far.  We don't need to be seeing your belly button to talk with you.

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 think it is up to the particular person in terms of what type of clothing they wear.  If she prefers jeans, dresses, or skirts is up to her, just as she is not intending to be provocative.  I, personally, like jeans.

3)   How do you feel about girls wearing makeup?  As long as the girl, in question, is not lathering it on, I think it's fine.  I actually rather enjoy seeing someone do a good job with their makeup, rather like an art form.  I really hate it when guy talks down to a girl for wearing makeup.  If they don’t like it, keep it to themselves.

4)   A lot of girls worry about looking chic around guys…but what do you consider pretty?  I consider someone just being themself, not trying to dress/act to please the men around them.

5)   Do guys ever notice changes in girls?  Hair styles, clothes, etc.? Definitely!  A haircut is one of the more noticeable thing's, for me at least.

6)   What is something that you want/look for, the most, in your future wife?  I would firstly, want her to love, honor, and cherish, and seek after the Lord Jesus Christ.  Secondly, I would want her to have a good sense of humor!  I would also want her to love me, for who I am.  And I think, as I get older, God will reveal more to me what I need to be looking for in a wife, as I am only 16.

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.  Oh yeah, I think peer pressure is a good thing at times.  It’s really has helped me to shape up when I needed to.   But if a friend is trying to change you with their word/action's to just fit what they want, I can’t stand it.

8)   What do you consider flirting and what do you think of a girl when she flirts with you?  I think sometimes guys take too many things as flirting.  When a girl is flamboyant, she is not always flirting with you (they're definitely are exceptions....), she just enjoys life.  And as for what I think of when a girl flirt's with me, it is hard to say.  If she is being obvious about it, I can get a bit annoyed, maybe confront her on why she is doing what she is doing. 

9)   How do you feel about dating?  I think it is a bit of a messed-up system, going from partner to partner until you THINK you like the right one.  Now – done the right way: where you are serious about the date you are on, and not just on it because your friend told you the girl is hot, I think God can use it to bring people together.  I know he did my parents.

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.  I personally want my Dad and Mom to be involved in all of it.  As I am young and foolish, I want to have someone who is older, and wiser than I am, around to guide me to do what is right.

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?  The Father and Mother raised her, the sisters and brothers know her every aspect.  It would be to my advantage to get to know them, as best I can.

12)                      What is your view on college for girls?  If she wants to go to college, more power to her!  If God has blessed her with the knowledge for a higher education, I see no reason why not.

13)                      What is your dream job?  And why?  Hmm, my dream job, wow.  I’d have to say something in the technical field. God has given me a real enjoyment of all things to do with computers.   

14)                      What do you think the man’s role is in the home – compared to the woman’s?  The man is there to lead his family in the word of God, to love his wife with all of his heart, and to teach his children in the way they should go.  The women is there to love, support, and respect her husband, and if need b,e pick him up when he is down.  The mother is also the cornerstone of the children's life.  She is the one who spends the most time in their lives.  And from what I have seen, she is the one who is constantly working towards the future for them.  

15)                      How many kids would you like to have?  As many as God blesses me with. 4-6 sounds about right.

16)                      A lot of guys like using sarcasm around girls…do you know why that is?  That is a hard one. I personally use sarcasm with everyone (noticing this over the past few months.)   But i would guess they are either trying to impress them, or they feel awkward around them.

17)                      Do guys like it when girls are tomboyish or more girlie?  I personally find a girlie girl more attractive.

18)          Is there anything that you would appreciate girls doing differently in order to help you maintain your purity?  Probably not wearing clothing that reveals a large portion of their body.

19)          What do you think about guys and girls hugging?  As long as it is just as friends, and not romantic in any way, it is fine.

20)          When do you plan to have your first kiss?  On my wedding day, as soon as the pastor say's... "You may kiss the bride".  I will kiss her exactly as he says those words! (or whatever variation of that phrase he uses.)

21)          How will you respond if God's plan is out of sync with your own?  I know for a fact, that my plans are going to change according to God's will.  Heck, I’ve already had my "plan's" changed many time's.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28.

22)          What do you think of girls posting pictures of guys on their blog?  As long as it is not meant to start a sexual discussion about that guy, i see no problem with it.

23)          Do you guys sometimes get weirded out by being friends with girls?  Nope.  

24)          What is one thing that girls do that you hate?  When they try too much to please the men around them, just be yourself, when the time comes, God will bring the one for you.

25)          To what degree should a guy and girl just 'be friends'?  Well if they are below the age of 18, friendship is the only thing that should go on between a guy and a girl.  And over that age, when you feel you are being led to the one for you, talk to their Mom and Dad.

Jon with his two brothers, Jeffrey and James, and mother, Mrs. Martin

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Thank you so much for doing this interview for us, Jon!  God bless you! 

 

Music Video Monday!

Love this band.  Love this song.

I was actually going to go see them in concert a couple years ago, but it didn't work out. :/  I was disappointed.  

I'm hoping they come to OR sometime this year, though.  We shall see :)

A new favorite quote!

{a great reminder for girls AND guys}

♥

Music in the Dark

{via}

{The following passage is taken from the daily devotional: Pearl of Great Price, by Joni Eareckson Tada}

I was sitting on the stage at a large pastors' conference in the Philippines.  Outside a heavy monsoon rain fell, while the crowd inside was being entertained by a small band of blind musicians.  Their music was intricate and lively, and the audience was enthralled with their performance.  

Suddenly, there was a rumble and a loud crash of thunder.  In the next instant, the entire conference hall went dark.  The powerful storm caused the lights to go out.  

Unfazed, the musicians hardly skipped a beat, even though it was pitch-black.  When their song was over, the audience burst into thunderous applause - the darkness gave us all a unique and amazing appreciation for the extraordinary talent God had given these blind musicians.

What really turned up the wattage on the praise that night was the fact that they played through the dark.  The same is true when we live for God.  Sure, our lives resound with praise when He lights our path and we follow Him - a disciple should follow his master.  But when there's no light for your path and you follow Him through dark times, the volume and the intensity of praise to God goes up many more decibels.

Do we know the Savior by heart.  Have we practiced the presence of God to the point where, if times went dark, if we couldn't see the conductor, we would still make His music?

Psalm 89:15, 17 puts it this way: 'Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord...for You are their glory and strength.'  Even through the darkness.

Keep playing the music, friend.  It may be dark out, but keep playing by heart what you know from years of practice.  It's worth the applause of God.

Father, I wait on you.  I desire to learn your song so that even in the darkest night, I might declare Your praises for all to hear.

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I read this in family devotions the other night.  We read through this daily devotional book every night, after reading a chapter from the Bible.

This particular day's reading really hit me...and I thought it was such a beautiful story.

I felt led to share it with you all.  I hope it was a blessing.

Oregon Rain

 

 

 Being the little country gal that I am, and coming from (well, you all probably know this already, but I’m just going to say it anyway…) one of the most legit states in the U.S., there is one thing that I’ve come to know as just a part of life.  And something I have come to love.

Anyone care to guess?

If you were to ask someone (from Oregon) what our state is most known for…you would most likely get one of the three answers:

Rain…rain…or rain.

Okay, that would be from some Oregonians.  And most of those probably aren’t even real ones (as in, they weren’t born here). 

But the TRUE-hearted, loyal, Oregonian lovers would answer with ones more like these:

Oregon is most known for:

 Trees

 Mountains

 Rain

 Beaches

Beauty

{I'm not 100% sure that this ^ photo was taken in Oregon...but I wouldn't really doubt it ;)}

Oh and check out this cool tree house...

only in Oregon, folks ;)

 Yes, I’m sure you noticed that I put ‘rain’ in there.  Well, it’s not a lie that Oregon does have a lot of rain.  But honestly, I love it!  And I don’t understand how some people can dislike it so much.

 Rain is beautiful.

 {I love this photo...so much.  I don't know why...}

It smells uh-mazing!

 It makes everything look bright, clean and fresh…(except dirt…which turns into mud…which is something I heartily dislike :/ )

{about this pic ^...Converse AND rain...for the win!}

{such an elegant picture!}

 And seriously?  Who doesn’t love dancing in the rain?

 {::smiles::}

 {"Rain?  What rain?"}

{Seriously?  This picture is too beautiful for words...}

Oh!  And you wanna know one of the biggest things I like about it?

When it’s late at night…and I’m snuggled deep under my sheets, blankets and comforter…and the house is warm from the woodstove…

And the rain is pounding outside.

It makes me feel safe.  It reminds me how much I take for granted the warmth and coziness of my home.  Rain is a good reminder.

So…yeah…there’s my little random post about Oregon rain.  I’ve felt pretty awful about not doing many interesting posts lately.  I think I’m suffering a bit from writer’s block. :/  So…I won’t feel hurt if you leave a comment telling me to ‘get with the program and post something out-of-this-world amazing’!! :)

Love you all!  Wish you could come to Oregon and visit me…

♥

 {all photos via Pinterest}