Walking On Sunshine

So, its the start of a brand new year. Another year has gone, and another has just began. Happy New Year guys!

It is unbelievably hard to imagine 2016 is already here, I mean where did time go? This time of year is usually the start of a new 'journey' so to speak, a time for others to jot down their new years resolutions, a time to embrace a new 'you'.

While I haven't yet grasped the hang of sticking to my goals, I definitely know, like many others, there are just so many things I would love to do better. New Goals. New look. Better Life style. Better Me.

But... This year as the clock began to move its way to stroke 12 PM, like that. An hour gone, a minute, a second... 2016... I decided I wanted to sit back and reflect. Reflect on everything that has happened in the year, everything that has happened in my life that has made it possible to where I am standing right now, where You may also be standing right now. Everyone has their own story, and trust me, each one so intricately beautiful. Messy and beautiful.

I sat their on my bed, whisked out my family albums and reflected on all the memories that have been made, not just 2015, but my entire life.

A lot of the time, we are so enthusiastic and caught up with doing everything so much better, which by the way, I am totally for! But yet, we also forget to reflect on our lives, and remember where God has put and led us throughout... Our family, the love and times of bonding and sharing of joy and laughter, each special moment shared, the things we've done, and yes, even the times we've cried and fallen, and thought that we could never get through, but, that we did. We fought. And we pulled through, pulled through gold, with another year in sight. 2016.

I am totally thankful to God, and where he has led in my life. To my family, to my friends. Because without them, another year spent wouldn't be worth it :)

So as this year unfolds, and new resolutions are being made, new plans unfold, and new things happen, also remember your roots, and how you are standing here today because of God :)

Happy New Year guys!

Riarna xo

Hey All you Beautiful people!

It has definitely been quite a while since I have been active here... or written and shared with you all, Life has definitely been a journey for me, and for the last few months I have had to take a bit of time off. However, totally beside the point, We're back!

I just wanna say I have some exciting things coming back hopefully to share with you guys... While I could ramble on for ages and tell of all the things been happening lately, I think what I really want to do is be real with you guys... and get down heart to heart with some things that I think we could all do with... Things that I've actually personally experienced as a middle aged Christian Teenager Girl... particularly in the last few months.

For one, I'll be posting soon my own personal story about Depression, what it is, how its affected me and how it affects Teens, and how to over come it... That will be posted very soon, so keep your eyes open for that, I think its an important one, and I really do think you guys can totally relate, so keep peeled for that. :)

The other thing is, I'll be working on a few more posts, I know I've been unactive for a bit, but I'm going to try my best this time, and just share some Really real things with you guys :)

So I hope you all have had an amazing Year, Merry Christmas Guys! Stay Close to God, and one more thing, Let me know what you guys think xo

Riarna x

Hey You all! I am so excited to share this first post with you! Thanks heaps to my beautiful friend Jasmine for sharing with us! I am so excited to hear what she has to share, and I hope y'all are too! If you would like to share here on Walking On Sunshine, I encourage y'all to email me here, and the details are also in the link above! I would *love* to hear from you guys!

So, without further ado..

Hi, I'm Jasmine

I'm 16, and live in Qld. I enjoy playing my cello, reading, listening to music, photography, sketching, cooking and sewing. 

I had great advantages in getting to know God, because I grew up in a very godly environment. But I still had my challenges. I had a hard time doing devotions each morning. But I found a way that made me eager to do them.
My “sistas”(Riarna and Lucinda) and I have decided to share what we do for devotions each morning. It has been very useful to us!
Every morning is a miracle of grace. Why then, do we so often shun it, and wish it wasn't morning?
I love my sleep, and often find it hard to get up early... but sometimes there are those days where I just can't stay in bed. Those days turn out to be some of my favourites.
Early on Sabbath morning, I got up, and went outside with my Bible, Mp3 player, and camera, and did my devotions while waiting for the sun to rise. There is just something about early Sabbath morning air.. it makes me feel so much closer to God.
I’ve decided to try and get up early every day so that I have time to do devotions. Not only does it strengthen my relationship with God, but I then have more time in the day.
I want to challenge you. If you don't already get up with the sun(or even earlier!) I suggest that you try it. Set your alarm for just before sunrise, go somewhere quite, where it can be just you and God. Pray, read. I can just about guarantee you'll be blessed like I was! 

Who's up for Jasmines Challenge? Whats your favorite way to spend time with God? xx

Hey you'all! Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement..particulary on my new Facebook Page for Walking On Sunshine..it's so encouraging!

One of the things I feel as Teenagers, is that we all too often get discouraged, I know there are those times where I definitely feel that way..! Its almost as if, something is always dragging us down. Your grades in school have dropped. Your friend is gossiping behind your back. Your parents are arguing again. You feel sick in the stomache. All these little things in life.. that soon bring us down to our limits.

We then ask, " God where are you? " "Why have you left me? " "Do you even care?"

Yep! I know I've asked those questions, countless times in my life, don't know about you!

The reality is. Although we may FEEL that God isn't there. The reality is, He IS there. It is only up to us whether or not we acknowledge Gods presence in our life. I've struggled with that on and off in my own life, a-n-d I'm still learning! But aren't we all?

One thing I found so powerful and so W-o-w is the 10 Things // God Can't Do! At first coming upon this, I was like what? God can do anything! But, there's a twist to this .. and once you read it, you'll want to hang it up somewhere, its something we as teens should never forget! Its something we a-l-l should never forget!

1. GOD CAN'T GET TIRED
Isn't that so amazing! Y'all know what that means! The list is endless.. But for one, God is never  too tired to talk and listen to his precious child, never! (Isaiah 40:28)

2. GOD CAN'T TAKE ON A JOB HE CAN'T HANDLE
There is nothing too hard for God, nothing! So next time you feel something is out of your reach, remember to give it God, for nothing is too hard for him! He can handle anything! (Jeremiah 32:17)

3. GOD CAN'T BE UNHOLY
God cannot be unholy. (Isaiah 6:3)

4. GOD CAN'T BE PREJUDICED
God accepts everyone  no matter who you are! Because he loves you! God doesn't play favorites, don't know about you, but thats pretty cool!

5. GOD CAN'T BREAK A PROMISE
Woah! Thats pretty amazing! In this day in age, promises are continually being made ("Please! Here, I'll make a promise, you give me __ and I'll do this I promise!) ... But usually as sinners, we don't keep our promises.. but, there IS someone who always does! Thats our father in heaven! Its impossible for  him to break his promises! (Psalm 89:34)

6. GOD CAN"T REMBER SINS HE'S CHOSEN TOF FORGET
Stunning right?! Our God is so amazing, and so forgiving! Almost brings me tears..we continually muck up, yet God forgives us when we are sorry. (Isaiah 43:25)

7. GOD CAN'T MAKE A LOOSER
Everyone is a winner! So don't loose heart when someone tells you are a looser, because there's a God who says you're not! He loves you! (2 Corinthians 2:14)

8. GOD CAN'T ABANDON YOU
Never will God leave you nor forsake you! never! No matter what, he will never leave you! (Deuteronomy 3:16)

9. GOD CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU
There is never a moment where he is not thinking about you..woah what a loving God! (Psalm 139:17-18)

10. GOD CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU!
(Jeremiah 31:3) “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." 

Y'all I hope that no matter what you're going through, that you keep those 10 things close to your heart, because in the end of the day, that is what's going to get you through, knowing there's a loving God watching over you!

Which one above is your favorite? How does it speak to your heart? Would love to know what y'all think!

Hey you'all! I've seen this kind of thing on a few blogs, and absolutely loved the idea! So, I just had to share some Awkward & Awesome Moments with you all! I thought it would be fun to review some Awkward's and Awesome's at the end of every month, to contrast things from the usual! Hope you all enjoy them!

Awkward:

• Taking selfies with your Sister in the park, then seeing other people walking by, like 'What?'.
• Walking down the Beach Lighthouse Pier with your family, when your Mum grabs you and makes you pose for some photo's on one of the highest rocks along the side walk, with tones of people walking by, staring strangely at you. Yes, definitely awkard! 
• Walking to Sabbath School half an hour late, and there's no seats left...
• When at church, the leader asks you look up a passage in the bible, and you look at him awkwardly, everyone is staring at you, and then you ask "Do you want me to read it?" haha, duh!
• At Sabbath School, when the leader also asks you what hero in the bible comes to mind to you, and you have an awkward instant mind blank, and you stare at him like "What?" 
• When a visitor knocks on the door, and you go to open it when you realise you are still wearing your pyjama's, haha so not funny!
• When your Mum walks by a stand of ridiculous looking face masks in the shop, and puts one on and starts dancing in front of everyone, then tries to make me wear one! And seeing the reactions of people walking by, probably thinking 'What is she doing?!" 
• When  I've probably had to many sweet things to eat and when out shopping, for no good reason start bursting into laughter! Haha..
• Driving home with your Mum, and she doesn't know which way to go, so you say "That way Mum, its definitely this way, I remember!" And she listens to you, and anyway..its the wrong way! Oh dear..
• When out shopping, your Mum asks you to hold the trolley full of food and start putting it through the counter while she just spends 'one sec' looking at something..and you're forced to push it around for a while while your Mum gets back to you..and people walking by are giving you awk stares! 

Hey You'all! I felt an urge to share with y'all something that has been on my heart today, one that definitely rocked my world! One of the things you may have seen lately, is the reckless actions taking place on the other side of the world! What I mean is, the ruthless persecution and destruction of innocent christians in Iraq, by Muslims! Its been horrifying seeing it all take place!!

As I type this, I feel so blessed knowing that I have a loving Father in Heaven, a Beautiful Gorgeous Family, a warm cozy bed, delicious food, warm clothes, and most importantly a safe environment (well at least for the time being!) And yet... What am I doing to help, when there are thousands on the other side of the world being persecuted for their faith?

It totally hit me today, how quiet we are in our small little worlds, texting our friends, posting things on Face book, tweeting, waiting for the next movie to come out.. You get the jist right? And there's nothing wrong with that, but as little as we know it, there's something wrong with sitting silent and not opening up to the many opportunities that God places before us to share the beaming Light he has so faithfully given us to share with others! Don't know about y'all, but that's something I am definitely still learning..

I was talking with my Best friend not long ago, and I said to her: "Hey, you should start up your Blog again!" And she replied saying that she was too busy, and that is so understandable, we all get busy right!? Yet, it only hit me today that, surely we aren't that busy, to not share Gods love with others, if given the opportunity, and I'm sure there are many! I replied saying:

"Yes..same..yeah, life is defintely busy!! But it kind of hit me.. Life has always been busy, always is busy, and always will be busy..but after seeing all the horrible news lately..it kind of hit me..we only have a short time on this earth to make a difference in someones life..many peoples lives even.. "

After I sent it, I was like Woah! You know, it is just SO true! We are so close to the end, it will only be a matter of time until God comes back, and instead of wishing or hoping things will get better, we should make the most of it! 

I'm not saying anyone is perfect, nah uh! What I am saying, is that because our Life is in the hands of a Perfect Loving God, we should Accept God's Call // To Go Beyond all that we could imagine!

Life is fragile. Life is Busy. Life is hard. Life is an open door to make a difference in someone's life! 

I hope to post more practical things in the future such as how to find Gods purpose in our lives, how to wake up to do our devotions and *many* more things, so stay tuned! 

I encourage you all to pray strongly for the persecuted christians in Iraq. Prayer can move mountains! Life is to short, so share with others Gods Love and live your life to the fullest! God can do things way beyond anything you could dream or imagine, trust in the one who holds you in his strong arms!

Have you heard of the Christians in Iraq? What are you doing to share Gods Love? 

Ps. If there is anything you'd like me to post about, I'd *love* to know! I want to make sure the content I post on here is as relevant and helpful to you guys as much as possible! *Smile*

Hey You all! I am super excited about this new Series on WOS (Walking On Sunshine) after seeing this lovely idea on other blogs! I thought this would be an awesome way to inspire, encourage others, and getting to know you all, and encouraging each other with our journeys with God! It inspires me so much that you guys are so passionate about the Lord!!

 So cutting to the chase, I would L-o-v-e to share your favorite moments, favorite ways to connect with God, how you spend time with God, and things alike! I believe it would be so fantastic to share with each other! What do you say?

So, you choose something you are passionate about, maybe how the Lord has blessed and led you in your life, how he has helped you, or how you enjoy spending time with God, or your favorite way connecting with him on a regular basis and things alike! Send me some photo's of yourself, your favorite devotion book and things alike, and I'll review it, and if I approve I'll post it here!! <3

Important details:

• I plan on posting each or on every second week most likely Sunday, depending on the number of responses I get! 
• Send some photo's and your Post to sweetfrangi@gmail.com and I'll review it and if I approve I'll post it here, and if you have a Blog, I'll link it as well!
• Write a snippet telling us a bit about yourself, what you love to do, how old you are, your family, where you live etc, and the most important part - Sharing your favorite things such as how you share God with others, perhaps your favorite things about God, your Testimony, how God has impacted your life, how you spend time with God, things you look forward to and things alike.