I was browsing a teenage girl's website for a moment recently...and honestly, I was stunned by the third paragraph in a particular "girls need to know" article. It was focusing on what girls fail to acknowledge themselves but should know. It looked like it could have been empowering and inspiring, as well as insightful, so I decided to read it.
What the article told teenage girls to think and do and be was a bit...revolutionary.
And revolutionary, as in a not-so-good way.
It was encouraging girls to put themselves totally forward without a single thought to others and how their actions will affect others, and told girls to do what they want, even if that meant being nasty, unkind, and completely self-centered.
What I think we all need to realize (and learn from an article like that) is that none of us are supposed to be nasty or jerky people. We're supposed to be kind and loving and good and selfless.
Yes, we do need to regard ourselves and take care of what's good for us; but that doesn't mean we also completely ignore what's good for others. God did tell us "love our neighbors as ourselves" and so we truly must do that. With the same respect and love we have for ourselves, we must also have for others. (Vice-versa as well.)
I totally believe in the power and importance of being strong, confident and empowered as any person, and that certainly includes as someone growing up like us young women. Honestly, empowerment is a favorite term in my vocab. But I thought of this earlier today: how about using the improved term "inpowered"? As in combining 'inspiring' and 'empowering' together into one word: empowering self while inspiring others with what we do?
I don't think this world needs anymore nastiness, unkindness, or selfish acts. I think we need to look to others, give of our love and kindness and power as people to them. I think its time for selflessness, beyoutifulness, being uniquely YOU without compromising kindness and true love for others at the same time.
What do you think? What about the hashtag, and better yet attitude, of #inpowered?
Let me know in the comments below lovelies ;)
xx,
Veronica
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
Christian Girl Movie List: Romances
I was chatting with a friend the other day, talking about how really bothered I was about the lack of clean, good romances (books or movies ) there are out there. Recently, I was just trying to find some new, cute romantic films I haven't seen before, and no matter how many lists of "must-sees" on the internet I read and checked out, I couldn't find more than literally one or two movies I could actually watch (as in there'd be nothing inappropriate in them). Before reading a book, listening to a song, or watching a movie, I try to keep in mind my standards...in other words, I like to think: would what this couple is doing be okay morally in real life, outside of a movie or fictional setting? If not, I try stay away from the film (or whatever it is). I know that's a tough standard to live up to today, especially when about 90% (or more) of romance films have stuff they don't need in them to make them romantic, but are still in there. :P So I decided to create a list of actual "must-sees" for the girl who wants to find a cute chick flick or romance, without all the inappropriate stuff. ;)
1. Anne of Green Gables
This is probably always going to be at the top of my list-since I was about age eight, I've loved this movie series. What's seriously cute about these movies is they grow right along with you-or at least they have with me-as you grow up, you can relate to spunky Anne in different ways in the different films of the series. Plus with the protoganist, Anne, herself, who adds more life and pep to a film set in the early 20th century, this film is an absolute must see. Anne and Gilbert's slow-developing romance is super cute and enthralling.
2. October Baby
This film isn't all romance-its actually more about a girl's journey in finding more of who she is, and is very emotionally gripping. But the romance that develops between her and Jason is absolutely adorable and makes it eligible for this list.
3. Tangled
BEST. DISNEY. FILM. EVER. Enough said. This cartoon probably has the cutest couple on screen in any animation...who wouldn't love the daring, handsome Flynn and energetic, quirky Rapunzel together?
4. Bella
This movie is romantic, though the romance/love story is more subtle than probably any other movie I've ever seen. Please be aware before watching this one that it does deal, as with October Baby does, with the issue of abortion and whether or not a woman will choose abortion or life for her baby. That said, this film is beautiful and I've watched it over and over loving it every single time.
5. Fireproof
This film is sad in some parts, humorous in others, and inspiring through out, as you see a married couple struggling to stay together without obtaining a divorce and separating instead. There is an implication of something inappropriate one of the spouses is doing in the relationship, but its there to add to the story, and there is nothing at all graphic on screen to worry about related to that. Poignant, and demonstrating the power of true, dedicated love, this romance is tops for both single and married people (so yes, us unmarried teens can still watch and enjoy it).
6. The Last Song
This movie is a bit cheesy, but also very adorable, as you see a in-real-life couple in love with each other play out a cute love story onscreen. Great for a girls' night! ;)
7. Old Fashioned
This movie shows what happens when a guy and girl decide mutually to go for a more old-fashioned approach to dating each other and pursuing romance. Its great to learn more about the characters as the movie progresses, think a lot about some of the potential problems dating has today, and how going back a little in time (in the way you date) can help form a more pure relationship. Totally recommend this one, its really deep while also being super sweet!
8. Cinderella
Gorgeous, fanastical, and sweet-the live action film of Cinderella is -oh-so-cute and personally I think Prince/Kit is as adorable and kind as a prince can be in a film like this. If you haven't watched this one already, make it your next movie you buy or rent!
9. Tuck Everlasting
You totally must see this one! I had heard a lot about this movie before I actually saw it, and honestly, its hard to summarize without watching-its more of a thing you must experience and can't really explain. Really thought-provoking, beautiful, and also a bit heart-breaking in its own way.
Hope you enjoyed the list! Make sure to comment below with your thoughts/what you think of these movies and/or others you have as your favorites. Also, let me know if you'd like me to do other themed movie list blog updates in the future...superhero themed ones, cartoons, etc. ;)
Xx,
Veronica
1. Anne of Green Gables
This is probably always going to be at the top of my list-since I was about age eight, I've loved this movie series. What's seriously cute about these movies is they grow right along with you-or at least they have with me-as you grow up, you can relate to spunky Anne in different ways in the different films of the series. Plus with the protoganist, Anne, herself, who adds more life and pep to a film set in the early 20th century, this film is an absolute must see. Anne and Gilbert's slow-developing romance is super cute and enthralling.
2. October Baby
This film isn't all romance-its actually more about a girl's journey in finding more of who she is, and is very emotionally gripping. But the romance that develops between her and Jason is absolutely adorable and makes it eligible for this list.
3. Tangled
BEST. DISNEY. FILM. EVER. Enough said. This cartoon probably has the cutest couple on screen in any animation...who wouldn't love the daring, handsome Flynn and energetic, quirky Rapunzel together?
4. Bella
This movie is romantic, though the romance/love story is more subtle than probably any other movie I've ever seen. Please be aware before watching this one that it does deal, as with October Baby does, with the issue of abortion and whether or not a woman will choose abortion or life for her baby. That said, this film is beautiful and I've watched it over and over loving it every single time.
5. Fireproof
This film is sad in some parts, humorous in others, and inspiring through out, as you see a married couple struggling to stay together without obtaining a divorce and separating instead. There is an implication of something inappropriate one of the spouses is doing in the relationship, but its there to add to the story, and there is nothing at all graphic on screen to worry about related to that. Poignant, and demonstrating the power of true, dedicated love, this romance is tops for both single and married people (so yes, us unmarried teens can still watch and enjoy it).
6. The Last Song
This movie is a bit cheesy, but also very adorable, as you see a in-real-life couple in love with each other play out a cute love story onscreen. Great for a girls' night! ;)
7. Old Fashioned
This movie shows what happens when a guy and girl decide mutually to go for a more old-fashioned approach to dating each other and pursuing romance. Its great to learn more about the characters as the movie progresses, think a lot about some of the potential problems dating has today, and how going back a little in time (in the way you date) can help form a more pure relationship. Totally recommend this one, its really deep while also being super sweet!
8. Cinderella
Gorgeous, fanastical, and sweet-the live action film of Cinderella is -oh-so-cute and personally I think Prince/Kit is as adorable and kind as a prince can be in a film like this. If you haven't watched this one already, make it your next movie you buy or rent!
9. Tuck Everlasting
You totally must see this one! I had heard a lot about this movie before I actually saw it, and honestly, its hard to summarize without watching-its more of a thing you must experience and can't really explain. Really thought-provoking, beautiful, and also a bit heart-breaking in its own way.
Hope you enjoyed the list! Make sure to comment below with your thoughts/what you think of these movies and/or others you have as your favorites. Also, let me know if you'd like me to do other themed movie list blog updates in the future...superhero themed ones, cartoons, etc. ;)
Xx,
Veronica
Monday, January 16, 2017
Forgiving Isn't Forgetting
Whoever said to forgive and forget, forgot themselves (no pun intended) that forgiving is the good and right thing to do...but forgetting about whatever happened is a whole other matter. If we do forget about a hurtful experience, that's okay. But it shouldn't be expected to forget something just because you forgave someone.
This post is about forgiveness...and to begin with, we all know that sometimes, certain people will hurt you. A lot.
And...you may or may not get feelings that compromise of anger...you might wanna get back at them, make them feel as badly as you do now because of the hurt they caused you.
Let me tell you two things about the above ^: those feelings are natural, but they're also something you do not want to act upon. If someone abuses or hurts you, the thing to do is not get back at them. Just because someone hurt you badly, doesn't give you the right to lower yourself to their lack-of-kindness level and get back at them.
That said, there's also the issue of forgiveness. It can be extremely difficult to forgive, especially if the abuse or hurt someone has piled up on you has been repetitive, and this hasn't been the first time you have gotten hurt by them.
Though you may have forgiven them before-you don't want to do so again-because by forgiving them, you think you'd expect them to improve. But the fact is, when you forgive someone, you really do not know if they will in fact improve and stop hurting you. But Christ has called us to forgive, because that's what He did and has done...every single time, for all of us. God forgives our sins and forgives our faults and mistakes and intentional, self-made flaws; and in imitating how holy and amazing God is, we have to forgive each other.
I realize, especially when writing to someone who may have been hurt a ton in the past, that this isn't easy to act upon. Its one thing to write about in a blog and another to actually live out and practice. But, because recently some persons hurt me deeply and really badly, I was thinking about forgiveness and the whole concept of having to forgive someone who's hurt you so many times before-and who may yet hurt you again.
Though I've decided not to make myself so vulnerable to their ever-changing emotions and feelings towards me, I am going to forgive those who have hurt me. When I want to stay angry and unforgiving towards someone, I try to remember the words of Christ, when He was suffering, dying, on the cross:
"Forgive them Father, they know not what they do."
Its amazing someone in the most horrendously painful condition as Christ was, said those words...but any of us who want to follow Christ in meaningful, selfless ways, can forgive like Him too, to the best of our abilities, and pray for those who hurt us.
Xx,
Veroni
P.S. Though I'm talking about forgiving someone for hurting you in this post, I am not saying for any of you to EVER, EVER, accept any form of abuse from that/those person/s who have hurt you. If anyone is ever physically, emotionally or otherwise abusive in any way to you, please seek a trustworthy adult's help, because being abused by someone can never be accepted and is TOTALLY NEVER OKAY. Praying for and forgiving someone for abusing and hurting is exactly what God would want you to do, but that NEVER means you have to stay in that situation to forgive that person. Forgive, but also seek help out of the abuse as well. THAT IS SO IMPORTANT. Never, ever tolerate abuse. If you ever feel like you don't have anyone to turn to if you're being abused, message me, please. I will always be here for you <3
This post is about forgiveness...and to begin with, we all know that sometimes, certain people will hurt you. A lot.
And...you may or may not get feelings that compromise of anger...you might wanna get back at them, make them feel as badly as you do now because of the hurt they caused you.
Let me tell you two things about the above ^: those feelings are natural, but they're also something you do not want to act upon. If someone abuses or hurts you, the thing to do is not get back at them. Just because someone hurt you badly, doesn't give you the right to lower yourself to their lack-of-kindness level and get back at them.
That said, there's also the issue of forgiveness. It can be extremely difficult to forgive, especially if the abuse or hurt someone has piled up on you has been repetitive, and this hasn't been the first time you have gotten hurt by them.
Though you may have forgiven them before-you don't want to do so again-because by forgiving them, you think you'd expect them to improve. But the fact is, when you forgive someone, you really do not know if they will in fact improve and stop hurting you. But Christ has called us to forgive, because that's what He did and has done...every single time, for all of us. God forgives our sins and forgives our faults and mistakes and intentional, self-made flaws; and in imitating how holy and amazing God is, we have to forgive each other.
I realize, especially when writing to someone who may have been hurt a ton in the past, that this isn't easy to act upon. Its one thing to write about in a blog and another to actually live out and practice. But, because recently some persons hurt me deeply and really badly, I was thinking about forgiveness and the whole concept of having to forgive someone who's hurt you so many times before-and who may yet hurt you again.
Though I've decided not to make myself so vulnerable to their ever-changing emotions and feelings towards me, I am going to forgive those who have hurt me. When I want to stay angry and unforgiving towards someone, I try to remember the words of Christ, when He was suffering, dying, on the cross:
"Forgive them Father, they know not what they do."
Its amazing someone in the most horrendously painful condition as Christ was, said those words...but any of us who want to follow Christ in meaningful, selfless ways, can forgive like Him too, to the best of our abilities, and pray for those who hurt us.
Xx,
Veroni
P.S. Though I'm talking about forgiving someone for hurting you in this post, I am not saying for any of you to EVER, EVER, accept any form of abuse from that/those person/s who have hurt you. If anyone is ever physically, emotionally or otherwise abusive in any way to you, please seek a trustworthy adult's help, because being abused by someone can never be accepted and is TOTALLY NEVER OKAY. Praying for and forgiving someone for abusing and hurting is exactly what God would want you to do, but that NEVER means you have to stay in that situation to forgive that person. Forgive, but also seek help out of the abuse as well. THAT IS SO IMPORTANT. Never, ever tolerate abuse. If you ever feel like you don't have anyone to turn to if you're being abused, message me, please. I will always be here for you <3
Monday, January 9, 2017
The Real Reason You Need To Have Self-Confidence
There's about a million and one reasons to be self-confident. Literally:
Perhaps so you can do great things as a result of that confidence you possess.
To feel good about yourself.
See more beauty in the world, starting with yourself.
But with it all summed up, there's one real reason we all need to be self-confident. Its sorta the blend of all the above, more, and plus, just yes, one really BIG reason for it all.
And its simple.
GOD LOVES YOU. HE MADE YOU, AND CREATED YOU WITH SUCH LOVE THAT YOU HE MADE YOU TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL. SAYING YOU'RE ANYTHING ELSE IS DENYING THE HERITAGE AND RIGHTS OF BEAUTY GOD GAVE YOU INHERENTLY.
PERIOD.
Seriously, its as simple as this: God created you with love and intentional beauty, so not being confident of your looks, abilities and all of you summed up as one person, is denying where you came from and how you came about at the moment of your creation and conception.
Think about that for a second. GOD MADE YOU WITH INTENTIONAL BEAUTY. That in itself makes you beautiful and amazing. And that's why you should see you need to be self-confident, be BeYoutiful, and shine as yourself. Not like anyone else. That's why you shouldn't wish to be like others in personality and looks all the time. (God didn't make you so you could compare yourself and how you measure up to others; He made you to follow Him and be uniquely beautiful on your own.)
We're all different. All unique. ALL BEAUTIFUL. Guy or girl. Man or woman. Whoever. We are beautiful. Simply because of Who made us and why. God made us; and not only that, He made us out of love. As you probably know, God doesn't create mistakes, either.
So next time you look in the mirror, for example, and get ready to doubt yourself, block those negative thoughts. Reassure yourself and tell yourself something you probably haven't heard in awhile:
I'm special, beautiful, and loved. Nothing anyone says can ever take that from me.
Xx,
Veroni
Perhaps so you can do great things as a result of that confidence you possess.
To feel good about yourself.
See more beauty in the world, starting with yourself.
But with it all summed up, there's one real reason we all need to be self-confident. Its sorta the blend of all the above, more, and plus, just yes, one really BIG reason for it all.
And its simple.
GOD LOVES YOU. HE MADE YOU, AND CREATED YOU WITH SUCH LOVE THAT YOU HE MADE YOU TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL. SAYING YOU'RE ANYTHING ELSE IS DENYING THE HERITAGE AND RIGHTS OF BEAUTY GOD GAVE YOU INHERENTLY.
PERIOD.
Seriously, its as simple as this: God created you with love and intentional beauty, so not being confident of your looks, abilities and all of you summed up as one person, is denying where you came from and how you came about at the moment of your creation and conception.
Think about that for a second. GOD MADE YOU WITH INTENTIONAL BEAUTY. That in itself makes you beautiful and amazing. And that's why you should see you need to be self-confident, be BeYoutiful, and shine as yourself. Not like anyone else. That's why you shouldn't wish to be like others in personality and looks all the time. (God didn't make you so you could compare yourself and how you measure up to others; He made you to follow Him and be uniquely beautiful on your own.)
We're all different. All unique. ALL BEAUTIFUL. Guy or girl. Man or woman. Whoever. We are beautiful. Simply because of Who made us and why. God made us; and not only that, He made us out of love. As you probably know, God doesn't create mistakes, either.
So next time you look in the mirror, for example, and get ready to doubt yourself, block those negative thoughts. Reassure yourself and tell yourself something you probably haven't heard in awhile:
I'm special, beautiful, and loved. Nothing anyone says can ever take that from me.
Xx,
Veroni
Welcome to the BeYoutiful Blog!
Welcome to a new blog by Veroni! This blog is going to be all about issues important to girls, including self-confidence, self-image, living out Christian beliefs, believing in yourself, and advice and tips for school, friendships, family, and more, with new posts every week. :)
Don't forget to subscribe and comment!
Xx,
Veroni
Don't forget to subscribe and comment!
Xx,
Veroni
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)