Category: National Days

Beachy vibes at the park | National Beach Day ♡

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Hello, hello, beautiful people! Welcome to my little corner of the Internet, a.k.a. The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. I can’t believe that September is almost here. It genuinely feels like August just started! Anyway, today was the fourth time that me and Goodmommy visited the park to start our fitness journey, and it’s already starting to become apart of our weekly routine.

You guys already know that I’m always looking at the National Days as inspiration for new creative content for you all, and I recently discovered that August 30th is National Beach Day. Since I won’t be posting tomorrow, I thought I would tell you all the good news–and show some of the ✨ beachy ✨ pictures that I took at our go-to park to celebrate one of the most iconic staples of summer. Let’s get this party started!

Out of all of the shots that I took today, this one is probably in the top 3–and believe me when I say I took a lot of photos today. I know what you all are probably thinking: what does this have to do with National Beach Day if I didn’t take these pictures at an actual beach? Well, you’re not completely wrong, there. But I think that this shot truly gives those beachy summer vibes that we’re all craving at this time of year.

Let. Me. Tell. You. If you really want to see some cute animals, a park is probably the place to go. Over the course of today’s visit to the park–which was only about one hour–we saw a multitude of birds, butterflies, squirrels, dragonflies, and bees. And although you can’t really see it in the picture, I actually tried to capture some of the insects that were pollinating the white flowers in this photo. Either way, I think the shot is still really cute!

This is just a closer look of the water. All I have to say is it’s ✨absolutely gorgeous ✨!

And last but not least is this shot that I took of this crack in the ground. I think it’s super cool how plants can just sprout right through cracks in concrete, like this. In fact, plants are probably some of my favorite things to capture while practicing my photography. There are so many different kinds of flowers and trees that it’s hard not to take a snapshot every time I see one. What can I say? Plants are some of the jewels of nature.

It was nice to take a break after our usual workout and spend a few minutes by the water. There’s something about being in nature that’s so relaxing and energizing. For me, it’s the perfect way to start a new week after a few busy days. I encourage you all to go outside sometime this week, as well. Because, let’s face it; we all need to breathe some fresh air and feel that refreshing summer breeze, every once and a while.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, y’all! God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

It’s National Photography Day | Here’s what I did to celebrate ♡

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A/N~Every photograph that is present in (and on top of) this blog post, was taken by me, and therefore each of these photos are my property. Please do not redistribute or use any of my photographs for any reason. Thank you, and enjoy the post! ~ Q’Zion ✨

Guess what, y’all: today is Friday. Hallelujah! I hope you all have had an amazing week! You know, there’s something that I realized earlier today: it’s been a while since I’ve practiced my photography. And by that I mean have an entire photoshoot, like I usually do on the rare occasions that I go out of the house. But then I found out that today is both World Photo Day and National Photography Day!

And since most of you know that I have fell in love with photography ever since studying it in my Visual Art class, last year, I decided to take a few photos outside to celebrate. What can I say? It was absolutely gorgeous outside, this afternoon. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite shots that I took today. Enjoy!

What’s funny is that I took a majority of these photos whilst Goodmommy—my grandmother and guardian—was driving. So although the diagonal line in this photo wasn’t intentional, I have to admit that I don’t really mind it.

Landscapes in nature are some of my favorite things to photograph. I think that when it comes to the outdoors, there’s so much variety when it comes to lines, shape, and color. There’s literally an opportunity to take a great photo at every corner. It just takes a little patience and the speed to snap your shot at the perfect moment. I thank God that in half a year, I’m already seeing some improvement.

I’ve got to admit that I’m absolutely in love with this one! The clouds and sky have been so pretty lately. Plus, the color from the flowers are just right to add a little brightness to the photo! God definitely had everything arranged perfectly for me, today! Thank you, Jesus!

Me and Goodmommy like to change the wreath on our front door every season or upcoming holiday. I’ve got to admit that this one is one of my favorites. Although, purple, pink and blue are my favorite colors—especially when they’re all together—so I may be a little biased.

Although the shot of these bushes are probably the most simple out of all of these photos, I really like it for some reason; the way that the leaves are two colors gives a really cool effect! I guess that just goes to show that sometimes, the most simple things in life can be the most beautiful of them all.

Alrighty, so those were some of my favorite photos that I took in celebration of National Photography Day and World Photo Day of 2022, and I have to admit that I’m super happy with the results! Hopefully, you guys liked them, too!

Which one of my photographs in this post did you like the most? What’s your favorite thing to take pictures of? Also, what did you do to celebrate National Photography Day—if you knew about it before now? I would love to read your responses in the comments!

Have an amazing weekend, everyone! God bless you all and I will catch you later! Peace in! ♡

The Best Ways to Celebrate National Book Lover’s Day ♡

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A/N~I’ve got a small announcement to make. Today is the last day of me posting every single day on my blog–as I mentioned that I would do in my 1 year blogiversary post. From now on, I will be posting every two days, meaning I post today, skip tomorrow, post Thursday, and the cycle goes on. Besides that, there will be no other changes to my blog or content. Okay–you are free to read the actual post now!

Happy Tuesday, y’all! This is Q’Zion and welcome back to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. To all my fellow bookworms and bibliophiles, we all know that there are few–if any–gifts that we can get in life that are better than a good book. After all, literature is like the foundation for learning just about anything. A world without books would be like a world without color. Just plan boring.

So in celebration of books and all the people around the world who love them, July 9th is proclaimed as Book Lover’s Day. And I’m going to share a few creative ideas for how we bookworms can celebrate to the fullest. Let’s get this show on the road!

Reorganize Your Book Shelf

Almost every bookworm has a shelf that’s just about filled with books. And as we constantly read and add to our vast collection, it can be easy for our books to get mixed and matched. If your bookshelf needs a little tender love and care, today is the perfect opportunity to make it look as neat as a display in a bookstore.

Make a Book Mark

I remember doing a craft a couple years ago where I made my own colorful bookmark, and I had so much fun with it that I had to make an entire series of custom-made bookmarks afterwards. The more books we get, the more bookmarks we need. That means that there’s no such thing as having too many bookmarks. So getting a little crafty and personalizing bookmarks of your own–especially while using colors that match with a particular book–would be an awesome way to celebrate being a bookworm.

Visit your Local Library

Honestly, this one is like muscle memory to anyone who loves books. However, going to the library to borrow a few books–and maybe even sit down and read for a couple hours–will likely give any bookworm some entertainment.

Recommend Some of Your Favorite Books to Someone Else

There aren’t many things that I love to do more than I love reading. But I have to admit that it always puts a smile on my face when I’m able to share some of the novels that I love the most with family and friends. Reading is a gift from God, and it is truly a great experience to be able to see others embracing it. So try showing some of your favorite books to a friend of yours–you never know; they might just turn them into a bookworm, too.

Try an eBook

If you’re like me, you have a huge preference for physical books. You know, the ones that you can feel, smell and hold. But if there’s anything that many of my books have taught me, it’s that sometimes it can be good to try new things. Whether you are used to reading books in the physical or digital world, it can be a great experience to try buying an eBook or purchasing a physical book from a bookstore for a change. Even if you end up switching to your preference afterwards, it’s always good to explore the different ways to read.

Create an Account on Goodreads

Are you looking for a digital platform where you can discover new books, write reviews for books you’ve read, and connect with other bookworms? Well then you might want to check out Goodreads. While I’ve never actually made an account of my own, I often look to Goodreads when I am looking for ratings and opinions on books that catch my interest. So Goodreads is a good option if you are someone who likes eBooks and/or you are on a mission to read more books.

Replace Your Screen Time for Reading Time

I know, I know. For most teenagers, our phones are like an extension of our arms. But every now and again, it’s really healthy to take a break and do something that doesn’t involve a screen. Instead of playing video games all Friday night when you finish your homework after school, reading could be a really productive way to wind down before bedtime–or any time, for that matter!

Join a Book Club

I’ve participated in a handful of clubs over the last couple years, and I’ve got to say that Book Club is one of my favorites. Not only is this a wonderful option for those who need an extra push to read more novels this year, but it’s also a great way to connect and interact with people who love books just as much as you do. And as a bookworm, that’s almost always a bonus!

I hope you all enjoyed these tips for making the most of National Book Lover’s Day–which if you think about it, is everyday. I thank God for books and how much He has taught me through them. Hopefully, you all found a great way to celebrate.

Have a happy rest of your day or night, everyone! Peace in! ♡

5 Tips for Overcoming Your Fears

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Hey, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome back to my corner of the Internet! ♡

Let’s talk about fear. It’s a word that we have all heard once or twice, at the very least. And while for some, it’s just another word in the dictionary, other people may suffer from anxiety on a much more regular basis. While fear is not a bad thing, it’s important that we don’t let it take control. The only thing is, that can be a lot harder said than done.

This being said, conquering our fears is an amazing way to help us become more compassionate, confident, brave, and wise human beings. Plus, it’s a big help when it comes to checking things off of our bucket lists. And since July 26th is National All or Nothing Day, it made perfect sense to talk about just that.

To help you start your journey, here are a few tips for conquering your fears. Let’s get started! ♡

Start Small

When we learn how to swim, we don’t just dive right into the deep end; instead, we learn the basics and build on our progress. Facing fears is a very similar process. Instead of diving into the things that make you nervous head on, sometimes its better to take baby steps. This not only helps prepare you for the time when you face your fear, but it also helps to build your courage and confidence, in the process.

Realize That The Only Way You Can Fail is If You Quit

One of the biggest obstacles that can get in the way of facing a fear is the thought of failing your mission. But in the scenario that you try and things don’t immediately go as planned, that is only a bump in the road so long as you keep giving your all to succeed. But the journey only stops if we give up. Remember that the bumps in the road are just another part of your road to victory.

Be Kind to Yourself

While doing our best is of utmost importance in life, making sure that you’re taking care of yourself is, too. Therefore, if you ever do encounter one of those bumps in the road, give yourself some time to recoup with a short session of mindfulness. Whether that is taking some deep breaths, taking a nap, or reading a book, never punish yourself for making mistakes along the way. After all, love is one of the gems of life. We should never take it for granted.

Turn Your Fear into Fuel

Life is filled with a handful of trials, and fear is one of them that we all have to conquer at one point or another. But instead of ignoring our fears until they multiply, try to use it as a drive to make every effort to conquer the anxiety. A lot of times, it’s the trials in life that can make us stronger than ever. All we have to do is turn our fears into fuel.

Acknowledge Your Achievements

Even though there are some trials in life, we mustn’t ignore the endless list of joys. During every journey, there tends to be some type of achievement or growth that occurs along the way. Therefore, make sure to give yourself positive rewards for the things that you’ve done to achieve your goals. These celebrations serve as an extra push in the right direction of facing a fear.

I know that facing a fear is a process, but I hope that these tips will help make it easier for anyone on their journey. Keep in mind that as long as we keep the faith that we can and will succeed, there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Thank God for victory!

LET’S CHAT~What are some of the tips that you have for facing fears? Feel free to share your responses in the comments!

Have a wonderful day everybody! God bless you all, and until next time, peace in! ♡

A message for my gorgeous grandma . . . ♡

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Whether we call them grandma, glamma, nana, mimi, abuela, or any other special name for your parent’s moms, there’s one thing that we can all agree on: life just isn’t the same without our grandmas. And while most grandmothers are strong, selfless, resilient, and wise, they still maintain their unshakable beauty in more ways than one.

In honor of National Gorgeous Grandma Day, I decided to do a little tribute to my beloved grandmother, or as I call her, my Goodmommy.

Above any other family or friends that I’ve ever had–including now–Goodmommy always has been and will be my best friend on this Earth. What I love the most about her is that she’s Godly, and makes our faith a huge priority . . . but she knows how to make me smile, even in the hardest of times. Not to mention that she’s so wise. If it weren’t for Goodmommy and all the things that she’s taught me, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today.

Believe me, I’m sure there are many cool grandmothers out there. But in my opinion, none of them compare to Goodmommy. Whether we’re having a dance party, cooking in the kitchen, or just chatting on the couch, there is never a dull moment when she’s by my side. She truly is the best grandma ever.

Nobody can deny that grandmothers are a blessing from God. Without their everlasting love, experienced wisdom, and listening ears, there is no doubt that many of us wouldn’t be the same. Gorgeous Grandma Day is not just about our grandma’s external beauty, but also the commitment that our grandmothers have shown to us throughout the years: that within itself is beautiful.

So, thank you Goodmommy–and all the other gorgeous grandmas out there–just for being you.

LET’S CHAT~What name do you call your grandmother? Feel free to share your response down below in the comments.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! Peace in! ♡

Just Listen – An Original Poem ♡

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Hey, hey, hey, everybody! I hope you all are having a blessed day! ♡

Today, I wanted to talk on a certain subject: listening. When having conversations, many people think that speaking is the best way to communicate. But the truth is, listening holds an equally important value that should never be neglected. Even the Bible says to be quick to listen and slow to speak; James 1:19 New International Version (NIV)

Every year, July 18th is known as World Listening Day. And I think it’s a great day for us to relax, unwind, and make an extra effort to do a little more listening. It’s been a while since I’ve posted any of my original poetry on this blog, so today I wrote a poem which I dubbed “Just Listen” that I hope you all will enjoy reading in honor of a day for us to enjoy some peace and quiet. I hope you all enjoy it! 

Just listen, little one
To the sound of silence
So still, yet so loud
So simple, yet so profound

As the giggling wind 
tickles the trees
And the zinnias sit like a thrown 
for the zipping honey bees

The sun greets us hello with it’s blazing rays
And we can’t help but notice the sweet little peeps
That escape from the beaks of little blue jays

Silence is a sound
A sound that doesn’t speak
Rather, it’s a sound that you feel;
That’s what makes it unique

So just listen, little one
To the sound of silence
Because sometimes, the most real things in life
Are the things that we can’t see

All we have to do is listen

-- "Just Listen" by Princess Q'Zion, written on July 18th, 2022. All Rights Reserved.

There’s something about poetry that makes me feel so calm, you know? And that’s what today is all about: calmness and serenity. Listening is a way for us to learn, grow, and relax. So whether you take some time to listen to some gospel music, do some yoga outside in the great outdoors, and/or simply take a few minutes of enjoying some quiet time, I hope you all will take the time to enjoy the sound of silence today.

LET’S CHAT~I’m curious, what are some of your favorite sounds in nature? Also, what is your favorite genre of music to listen to? Feel free to comment your thoughts down below. I would love to hear from you!

Have a peaceful rest of your day or night! May God bless you all! Peace in! ♡

It’s World Emoji Day! | 5 Fun Facts 🎉

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People all over the world speak more languages than most people could imagine. Despite this, there is one language in particular that we call all understand: and that is the language of emojis! Whether I’m talking to my close family or my friends, emojis give us a way to communicate in a way that words can’t explain. They allow us to show our emotions through pictures, and capture our expressions straight through a screen.

Have you ever noticed that on Apple devices, the calendar emoji has the date July 17th marked on it? 📅

While the reason why this specific detail is in this emoji is unknown, it is the reason why July 17 is officially World Emoji Day. And with good reason, too. Emojis are some of the best ways to text, so it only makes sense that there’s a day to celebrate them.

Related Post: My Favorite Emojis and How I Use Them

In order to celebrate this fun, special day, I will be sharing 5 fun facts about the history of emojis that you probably never knew until now. I hope you enjoy them!

1. “Emoji” actually means “picture character” (moji) in Japanese.

2. 92% of the population uses emojis everyday.

3. The first ever emoticon was actually posted in a paper by The New York Times in 1862 in a mistranslated copy of a speech by President Abraham Lincoln.

4. There are a total of over 3,000 emojis.

5. Emojis were first created by a Japanese artist in 1999, though it is uncertain who the true creator of emojis actually was (name, age, gender, etc.)

I hope you all enjoyed learning a few new things about the “picture characters” that we all know and love. Let me know in the comments if any of these fun facts surprised you. Also, what are your top 3 favorite emojis? I’d have to go with the sparkles ✨, Christian cross ✝️, and sparkling heart 💖 emojis.

What can I say? They’re easy classics.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

7 Things to Give Away to Those in Need

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What’s up, peeps! I hope your day or night has been fantabulous! ♡

Do you have some things in your house that are just sitting around? As time goes by, chances are we will all stop using things here and there. It’s just a part of growing up. But just because we don’t use certain things anymore, doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone else out there who really needs it. Instead of just throwing what we don’t want in the garbage, finding ways to give it to someone who could put them to good use is always a better option.

I just found out that it’s National Give Something Away Day, and since God loves a cheerful giver, I thought I’d take the theme of today and run with it.

If there’s any time to finally give away some of the things that are good quality but have done nothing but sit on a shelf, it’s today. Whether you are looking to bless a family member, a charity or nonprofit, a neighbor, a friend, or any one else that God has placed on your heart, here are 7 ideas for what you can give away to anyone in need. Let’s get started!

1. Clothing and Socks

For those of us that God has blessed to have closets full of clothes, including myself, clothing and socks are everyday objects that we use to keep us both warm and stylish. But the sad truth is, there are many people out there who don’t have access to these necessities. And since the cool seasons of fall and winter are right around the corner, the demand among the needy for warm clothing will soon be on the rise. So, if you have some clothes that you have outgrown, don’t want anymore, or have never worn, there is always someone else out there who could really use them to get back on their feet.

2. Food

As human beings, we can only go so long without food. That’s why volunteering in food drives or nursing homes to serve food, or simply giving away some eatables to a local charity is such an amazing way to help those in your community. For many of us, eating a nutritious meal is another everyday blessing that we are fortunate to have on a regular basis. The least that we can do to show our gratitude for that blessing is by giving towards others who don’t have that privilege.

3. Books

If you’re a bookworm like myself, you might have a few books from your childhood that you never seemed to give away. Reading is a way that many people learn, grow, and relax after a long day. Without books, the world simply wouldn’t be the same. Therefore, many of the old books that we no longer use could be a wonderful gift to a child or person to whom you want to spread the spirit of reading.

4. Money and Gift Cards

One of the most classic ways to give to people in need is through financial donations. And while they might seem cliche to some, they can be really helpful for many families around the world. A gift card or cash to go toward a popular gas station, a local restaurant, or anywhere that the person who you bless chooses could be the key to getting someone in need to a more comfortable space in their life.

5. Toys

One of the most memorable aspects of our early childhood is the toys and stuffed animals that we loved the most. And while some of them may hold a sentimental value, we tend to grow out of others over time. Every child deserves to have fun toys to play with, so giving away some of our older toys to a nonprofit, a church, or a charity meant specifically for kids is a great way to keep our memories with our beloved toys alive.

6. An Automobile

Yes, you read it correctly: an automobile. While some people cannot afford to give away a vehicle that they use as their main method of transportation, a person with multiple vehicles–and one that they don’t use anymore–might be able to use that opportunity to bless someone else. Many single mothers and fathers balance parenting, working and even going to school on a regular basis. Therefore, an automobile of their own would definitely be a large help compared to having to make it to the bus stop, every morning. Sure, an automobile is a big donation, but if you can afford to give one away, why not show a little kindness by giving it to someone in need?

7. Blankets (they’re awesome)

Come on, now. Who doesn’t love a warm blanket on a cold winter night? Winter clothing and blankets are some of the most requested items in homeless shelters. And for good reason–everybody wants to be cozy and warm while its chilly outside. Therefore, any well-kept winter clothing and blankets that we don’t need anymore is another example of a fantastic donation to a local shelter in your city.

Helping people by giving is truly a blessing from God. Not only does it help someone who is in need, but it’s a good feeling when you know that you did something to make a difference in someone else’s life. I hope that this list gave you a few options for what you can do to brighten someone’s day.

LET’S CHAT~Do you have any other ideas for things you can give to people in need? Feel free to share your thoughts down below.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

It’s National French Fry Day!

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Imagine potatoes sliced into skinny strips, thrown into a grill–giving their edges a crispy crunch–sprinkled with a pinch of salt and dipped in some homemade barbecue sauce. A fast food legend, this savory food is commonly known as french fries. And July 13th, also known as National French Fry Day, is the perfect day to celebrate this showstopper loved in countries all around the world.

As a girl who has grown up–and still is growing up–enjoying french fries, I have to admit that they are one of my absolute favorite foods to buy when I go to a fast food restaurant. Without them, the meal just feels incomplete, you know?

My personal favorite place to get french fries are from Chick-fil-a; not only do I really love waffle fries, but they have the perfect amount of crispiness and saltiness that is unbeat compared to every other fast food french fries that I’ve tasted.

Either way, any time I can get a delicious serving of french fries, I’m a happy camper.

LET’S CHAT~Where is your favorite place to get french fries? Also, what is your favorite dipping to pair with them?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

A simple summer break is enough for me

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Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion and welcome or welcome back to my corner of the internet! ♡

Considering that in less than a month now, school will be starting for me, I’ve been thinking about doing a review of my summer break. And while I was originally going to do it on one of the last days of summer, I recently found out that it’s National Simplicity Day.

Now, it may seem like this National Day has absolutely nothing to do with summer break. But the thing is, my summer has been pretty simple. Despite the fact that we haven’t done anything extravagant, so far, me and Goodmommy have still had an amazing time simply being in the moment, resting, and spending some quality time, together.

The truth is, you don’t have to do a bunch of things to have a great summer break. So, today, I will be sharing some of the everyday things that me and Goodmommy have done to make the most of my summer break, with many of the photos that I’ve taken to keep our summer memories alive.

Let’s get started!

I went to Barnes and Nobles for the first time in years. It was so exciting and overwhelming to see all those books in one building. I can’t wait to go again!

I bought 3 new books–and thoroughly enjoyed them all! It had been a while since I got some new books to add to my large bookshelf, so I was super thankful to be able to get into the swing of things when it comes to reading.

I’ve had two strawberry milkshakes–and used them to practice my photography skills. To be honest, I think I’ve developed a bit of an obsession lol.

I’ve had a lot of fun hanging out with my betta fish baby, Peace. Isn’t he adorbs, y’all?

I enjoyed some delectable desserts at Panera Bread, and found the best cinnamon roll that I’ve ever tasted. Great, now I want another one, lol.

I’ve had several fun trips to Michaels–my favorite arts and crafts store.

I rediscovered my love for Rainbowloom, and I’ve made a lot of bracelets and figures to grow my collection. Sometimes it’s crazy to think about how much I’ve made in one month.

I’ve had a LOT of tasty food, considering that Goodmommy is such an excellent chef.

I’ve gotten closer to my Heavenly Father God through constant prayer, gospel music meditation, and the reading of His Word. He has truly blessed me mightily.

And of course, through it all I’ve spent a lot of quality time with my Goodmommy! I feel as though us being home so much has brought us even closer together, and I am thankful to God for a mother-figure like her.

As you can see, although the first half of my summer break was fairly simple, each of the things that I have done with the ones I love has been such a blessing. Sometimes, simply enjoying each of the everyday aspects of life can make your summer that much sweeter. And while we have several fun activities planned for the second half of my time off—including a visit to MOSI and possibly completing obstacle courses at a local park–I am grateful for all the fun that I’ve had so far.

Yep, a simple summer break is just enough for me. ♡

LET’S CHAT~How did you/have you been spending your summer break?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody? See you next time!