Tag: teen blog

Thanksgiving Recap | 2022

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Hey, everyone! My name is Princess Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen! I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, which depending on where you live, may or may not have been yesterday! It recently dawned on me that I hadn’t even posted any Thanksgiving-themed posts on my blog, this year. And since Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (after Christmas and my birthday) that’s going to change today.

I decided to write a Thanksgiving recap by listing what I did to spend Thanksgiving of 2022. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Said a Thanksgiving prayer. Like we do every night and everyday before we leave the house, me and Goodmommy said a prayer thanking God for some of the things that we are thankful for during Thanksgiving afternoon. And I just have to say that the weather was absolutely perfect.

2. Celebrated Goodmommy’s birthday. Yes. Yes Goodmommy’s birthday is on Thanksgiving, which is like one of the best birthday’s ever (after Christmas, that is.) The only place we went to yesterday was my family’s house, but the day before I bought her two pairs of tennis shoes along with some Happy Birthday balloons. Goodmommy really appreciated all of her gifts, and I was so grateful to be able to make her b-day the best one yet!

3. Caught up with family. Like every major holiday of the year, I spent Thanksgiving at my great-grandmother’s house. And while I see Bigma all the time, it had been about a year since I’d seen my little cousins. I probably could have taken so many more photos, but being around family makes your devices a lot less important. But honestly, I think that’s just how the day was supposed to go.

4. Eat some soul food (and dessert). While Goodmommy had made some chicken and veggie soup the night before Thanksgiving–which smelled and tasted SO GOOD–I didn’t end up actually eating some until Thanksgiving night. At Bigma’s house, I had a plate of mac and cheese, yellow rice, and a couple of Bigma’s meatballs (which are that one thing that I make sure to have every holiday; they’re the best.) I topped off my meal with a piece of vanilla cake, and I ended up having a second slice about an hour later. There was also some apple pie, but I loved the cake so much that I forgot to have a slice. Although I don’t usually eat that type of food (only on special occasions) I had a great time eating my favorite soul foods.

5. Watched a party game. Some of my family members enjoyed the evening with a game called The Upside Down Challenge. It’s where you have to wear these funny glasses that turn your view upside down (so peoples’ heads are facing downwards) and you have to try to do simple tasks with them on. Some examples were drawing a star or crushing a cup with your foot. As the ambivert I am, I preffered to just sit down and watch. But I enjoyed seeing my family members have a fun time.

6. Recounted my blessings. At the end of the day, Thanksgiving stays true to its name. Yesterday was a time for me to thank God for his sacrifice on the cross, and everything that He has blessed me with. And if you ask me, that was one of the highlights of the entire day.

I hope you all enjoyed seeing how I spent this year’s Thanksgiving, and I pray that you all had one that was just as wonderful! And please don’t forget to begin putting up your Christmas decorations–now that Thanksgiving Day of 2022 is over, the Christmas season has arrived. Please let me know in the comments, what was your favorite part of this Thanksgiving? I would love to hear from you!

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all, and I’ll see you next time! Peace in! And don’t forget that truly, everyday is Thanksgiving! ♡

Monthly Wrap Up | October 2022

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Hey, hey, hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. And no, we are not dreaming; it’s really already November! To be honest, October was like a fun roller coaster ride, for me. It was super fun, but it also went by crazy fast.

Either way, I really enjoyed myself, last month, and I’d like to share some of my experiences with you guys! So without further ado, let’s get into the October ’22 monthly wrap-up!

My Life

  • It’s been a while since I’ve given you all an update on my fitness journey. While I’ve been a little slow lately when it comes to walking outside three days a week, me and Goodmommy have been finding other creative ways to get some exercise. We’ve even been following along to workouts that we find on YouTube. At first, it took some adjusting but now I look forward to adding more variety to my fitness routine!
  • I officially started National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, and so far, I’ve added nearly 2,000 words. I plan to write about 50,000 words by November 30th. Is it a crazy goal? Maybe a little bit. But I’m so stoked about my new story, and I can’t wait to read the finished product.
  • Experimenting with photography is another thing that I’ve been working on. Lately, I’ve been working with capturing different angles and objects (such as trees, or the sunset) as well as looking at different perspectives to capture a shot. I think that October might be my best month this year as far as my photography goes, because I took quite a few gorgeous pictures!
This photo is definitely one of my faves :> All Rights Reserved.

Books I Read

While I’ve bought a lot of books, this month flew by so quickly that I wasn’t able to finish any of them. But, there are a few that I started, so I’ll be sharing a brief review of my first impressions of each one. However, you may look at my more in-depth opinion in my last book haul. Let’s go!

  • The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin — Basically, this novel that I found at The Dollar Tree (yes, you heard correctly) is intriguing and confusing at the same time. It’s about a small school that consists of grades 1-8. It takes place in a class of 11 students–also known as the entire 7th grade–who idolized their classmate Paulie Fink. It’s kind of at a stand-still right now. Like, I know what’s happening but I don’t know what’s happening. Either way, it seems like a pretty fun book, so I’ll likely get back into it when I’m not so busy.
  • Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Book I by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger — honestly, Goodmommy was the one who ended up picking out this book for me. I really love the originality that it includes with a variety of true stories, poems, and other types of creative writing by teenagers and adults about their teenage years. There’s so many lessons in this book that I think that any teenager could learn/benefit from!
  • Savvy by Ingrid Law — to be honest, I couldn’t have read much more than 20 pages of this one (if that many) but it’s probably because beginning took a long time to get off the ground. Everything was so slow paced that it kind of lost my interest quickly, which was suprising because its one of my new books that I was the most excited about. But considering that it’s just the beginning of the book, I’ll get back into it eventually to see if things get more exciting.
  • Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek — Out of all the books that I’ve read this month, this one has got to be the cutest! In a nutshell, it’s about a shy girl with anxiety who gains confidence when she saves a baby goat named Butter. So far, the beginning of this novel has been pretty promising, and I’m super excited to see where this story goes next!
All Rights Reserved.

Series I Watched

  • One of my favorite series ever is The Mysterious Benedict Society, which is an exclusive series on Disney+. It’s about a group of smart, yet neglected kids who make a band of do-gooders to save their city from a conundrum called the Emergency. To me, this series is the perfect mix between adventure, mystery, fantasy, and the wholesome friendships that dominate a film. And what’s even cooler is that they just released season 2!
  • It’s been a long time since I’ve binged-watched this series, but I recently took a dive back into That’s So Raven. I think most teenagers and young adults can agree that it’s probably one of the most nostalgic sitcoms of the 20th century. While Raven’s Home is a decent sequel, I don’t think it compares to the original.
  • I have a lot of Disney Channel shows that I really love, but one of my ultimate favorites is Good Luck Charlie, just because it’s such a wholesome and quirky show. No matter how much I see the episodes, they never fail to make me laugh 100 times over.
  • Occasionally, I also tend to watch the show Walk the Prank. In about the 3rd or 4th grade, I used to watch this show almost every day after school. And while I don’t watch it all that much now, it’s really nice to look back at it when I need a little laugh. There’s something about childhood shows that’s just so comforting.
All Rights Reserved.

My Favorite Posts of the Month

I wrote and published a total of 13 posts, this month! Hooray! I’m honestly not mad at the number, because I think every single post I made was super good, and that’s what matters most as a writer! While I loved all the posts that I published in October of 22′, there were a few that stood out to me:

And that was the monthly wrap-up of October of 2022! Hopefully, you all enjoyed seeing the highlights of last month for me. Please comment down below, which post of mine last month did you enjoy the most? Also, what was YOUR favorite part of last month?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

Just Some Outdoorsy Photography

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Disclaimer: All of the photographs present within this blog post were taken by me, Q’Zion, and posted on MY personal blog. Therefore, every photograph within this post is my property. Please do not use, copy, or redistribute these photos in any way. They are for viewing purposes only. Thank you so much and enjoy the post!

Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. Today, I decided to post some more of my photography that I’ve taken on my frequent trips to the park. Although I’ve already showed a few of these pictures, I’ve managed to capture so many more awesome shots, and I’m so excited to show you all the pics! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

For some reason, these plants remind me of fresh bamboo (even though I don’t know exactly what they look like.)There’s something about that eye-catching medium green that makes the photo look so crisp looking. And I love how the vertical lines look against the horizontals of the brick wall.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; flowers are truly the gem of nature. At one of the parks that I frequently visit to go on my mile walks, there are so many flower bushes in a variety of colors. And if you know me, you know that means photoshoot galore. Anyways, I’m super satisfied with how this came out.

I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about this picture that literally DEMANDS to be presented on my blog–which is why I’ve also incorporated it in the sidebar on the homepage, if you haven’t already noticed. I’ve got to admit that Goodmommy did an amazing job on this shot of me. Although I hadn’t been expecting to take any photos as gorgeous as this, I thank God that I was there to get this amazing shot! Thanks again, Goodmommy!

Look who was peaking around the corner! I don’t know about you all . . . but I am OBSESSED with this masterpiece! These ducks are so gorgeous that this has officially become one of my favorite photos of the year.

To be honest, I think the birds were a little annoyed that I was capturing them on camera lol. As you can see, they all decided to go for a swim once they saw me. But it’s all good, because I was able to get this gorgeous shot.

I also found this big guy (or girl) drying his/her wings. Is it just me or are birds so satisfying to capture on camera? From their wings, to their elegant poses–such as this one, to their overall beauty, I find them some of the most fascinating animals to take pictures of. If you also like to take nature photography, do you like to photograph birds, too? Let me know in the comments.

Of course, me and my Goodmommy are both equally obsessed with selfies. Our park dates are some of my favorite times to take pictures together. The background and lighting is always so picture perfect that it’s super hard to go wrong.

OMG, the sky is so pretty in this shot. And do you see the tree on the right turning yellow and orange? I’m definitely getting the fall vibes from this angle. And if you ask me, that’s the perfect way to bring this post to an end.

I hope you all enjoyed viewing some of my nature photography, today! Honestly, seeing it all in one place is so rewarding to see. Please tell me below in the comments, which one of these photographs was your favorite? Also, if you like to take photography, what is your favorite thing in nature to take photos of?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless each and every one of you, and don’t forget to stay sweet! Peace in!

Mid-October Thrift Book Haul | 2022 ♡

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Hey, everyone! This is Q’Zion and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. Yes, yes I am posting a second bookish post, this week. But I decided to spice things up by posting something that I’ve never done before: a book haul! This month, I’ve already got 8 new books! I don’t know about you guys, but for me, that’s a lot for only half a month!

My favorite place to buy thrift books, which are awesome if you are on a budget, is Goodwill. Before last week, it had been about 2 1/2 years since we’d last stopped by, since we didn’t want to buy any pre-used items during COVID-19. But now that the virus appears to be subsiding, me and Goodmommy (my grandmother and guardian) figured that it’s a good time to start again! So, without further ado, here’s all the books I’ve received this month!

  • Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel by Diana Lopez

I stumbled upon this one by just browsing a large bookshelf in a thrift store. And of course, the bright colors were quick to catch my attention. I had never heard of this author or book before, but when I looked at the back and saw that 1) It’s a contemporary Christian novel and 2) It had a super interesting plot; the protagonist’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, I was immediately sold.

  • Savvy by Ingrid Law

I don’t think any fan of fantasy middle grade books would reject this novel. As soon as I saw the striking cover art of Savvy, I knew that it would be a book that I would like. It’s about a girl named Mibs, short for Mississippi, who is about to turn thirteen and earn her “savvy,” which is a superpower that is earned by each member of her family on their 13th birthday. I can’t wait to get into this one; it’s seems like such a good read!

  • Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek

To be honest, by the title of this book, you’d think it’d be about food lol. But I was pleasantly surprised to see a little baby goat on the front. This cute novel is about a girl with anxiety who learns to face her fears when fate leads her to a little baby goat, whom she names Butter. There’s something about books involving cute animals that makes them so tempting to read. I hope this book is as good as it is adorable.

  • Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

Books that take place in the summer are always so refreshing…even when it’s not actually summertime. And they’re almost always the most colorful, so that’s always a plus. But from the start, this vibrant novel seemed like such a blast–and the plot about a teenage girl becoming a CIT at a summer camp to avoid being a third wheel with her best friend’s new boyfriend and some subtopics like friendship seemed pretty promising. I’m looking forward to giving this one a shot.

  • The Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin

Believe it or not, I actually found this book at Dollar Tree. There is so much going on in this cover art… but I actually kind of liked it. The art style almost reminds me of Gordon Korman’s novels–especially the cute banana peel. I actually started this one about a week ago, and while it was pretty confusing at the beginning–kind of like the cover–it’s growing on me the more I read it. So, keep looking out for my review on this book throughout the next few weeks.

  • Scat by Carl Miaasen

The first thing that caught my attention about this novel was the name. Scat. To be honest, that within itself seems like a pretty odd name for a book. Then, when I read the synopsis the first thing I could think of was the word “quirky.” It looks like this will be such a strange, yet fun book. And I can’t wait to read what this story has up its sleeve!

  • Chicken Noodle Soup for the Teenage Soul I by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kerberger

It’s very rare that I read a book that’s not fiction, but this popular classic became an exception when Goodmommy brought it to my attention. Chicken Noodle Soup is an entire, Christian based, self-help series filled with a bunch of inspirational short stories and poems sent by either teenagers and/or adults—depending on the target age group—about their personal life experiences, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. And better yet, they have a book(s) for parents, college students, Christians, kids, dog lover’s, teachers, etc. so there’s really a book in this series for everyone. But of course, I got the teenage version. I’ve already read 1 1/2 of the 8 sections, and I’m already loving it!

  • Chicken Noodle Soup for the Teenage Soul II by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kerberger

Surpise! Turns out, we were able to spot the second edition to this trilogy in the Chicken Soup series. To be honest, I could not be more thrilled–and tempted to get the third book, plus a version specifically for Christian teens, to complete my collection lol.

  • Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Jennifer Read Hawthorne, and Marci Shimoff.

Double surprise! God surely provides us with what we need; and apparently Goodmommy needed a Chicken Soup book, too. It’s so awesome to see her expanding her book collection, as well. In fact, I think my bookish ways are starting to rub off on her. Whether or not Goodmommy is turning into a bookworm, I’m glad to see her buying new books. Besides, this one practically screams her name with the design!

From now on, I just might make book hauls a monthly (or half-a-monthly) tradition on my blog. This was so much fun! Also, I would love to know if YOU like shopping for thrift books in the comments. If you do, what’s your favorite place to get them? But if not, what book format do you prefer (brand new physical books, eBooks, audiobooks, etc.?)

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Bye, for now! ♡

For the Love of Fall | Book Tag ♡

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Hey, everyone! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to the Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. It’s the middle of fall, and I’ve seen so many awesome tags on WordPress Reader. It has been a while since I’ve done a book tag on here, and I’ve been in a bookish mood lately. So today, I decided to create a fall tag of my own; For the Love of Fall. So without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Pumpkin Harvest: What is your most anticipated fall release?

As I get older, I am beginning to notice that I care much more about the diversity and representation in the books that I read. Frizzy is a graphic novel about a girl who wants to express herself through her frizzy hair. It is said to address how societies have been calling natural hair “unprofessional” or “ugly,” which is one of the many critical topics that is not often openly addressed in literature. Plus, the cover art is gorgeous, don’t you think? Based on what I’ve read about this soon-to-be-released novel, I’m super excited to add it to my graphic novel collection, in the future.

2.) Hot Chocolate: What is your ultimate comfort novel?

As much as I am one of the biggest bookworms you’ll ever meet, it’s not often that I find myself wanting to read an entire book over again–most of the time, I’d rather just start a new book. But the classic Little Women by Louisa May Allcott and the stunning debut novel From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks are a couple of the few that I’d read several times over. They both make me feel so warm inside with their happy endings, and that I think makes them the perfect books to read this time of year. (Read my review of From the Desk of Zoe Washington here.)

3.) What’s your favorite place to read?

For me, nothing compares to getting cozied up on the couch or in my bed with a book in my hand. Reading is such a satisfying and relaxing activity, and I’ll do it no matter where I am. But in the autumn, nothing compares to getting cozy and doing one of my favorite things in the world a few minutes before it’s time for bed.

4.) Windy Day: Name a book that had it’s ups and downs.

Although I really liked Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega–who is also the author of my anticipated fall release, Frizzy–it had moments where things were kind of casual and slow. Then, five seconds later, I was on the edge of my seat. I mentioned in my review that the beginning was also pretty slow, since there was a huge portion before the action got started. The main characters of the book were witches in training, or as the title points out, witchlings. The overall feel of the book is perfect for autumn, with just enough angst to keep you reading and wholesome moments that will remind most readers of the comforting fall season. (Read my review for Witchlings here.)

5.) Pile of Leaves: Name a book that had a lot of subplots.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullay Hunt has recently become one of my favorite novels that I’ve read so far. The protagonist is a girl with dyslexia named Ally who learns how to appreciate the differences of herself and those around her. There were a lot of subplots about her family and friends, mixed in with the main conflict, but they weren’t super overwhelming or distracting, which was nice. This middle grade contemporary novel has a simple yet profound writing style that is sure to make for a quirky, fun, and rewarding read for bookworms of any age. (Read my review for Fish in a Tree here.)

6.) Do you prefer to read old books or classic ones?

Honestly, this all depends on the book, for me. A majority of my books are from the 2010-2020s, and I guess they tend to appeal more to me as a girl growing up in the 21st century. But I occasionally do find books that I like from the 90s and 2000s, as well. At the end of the day, although contemporary novels are my go-to, a good book is a good book in my eyes.

7.) Costume: What’s a book that was different than what you expected?

The main reason why Guts by Raina Telgemeier was different from what I was expecting is because I kind of bought it without much knowledge on it, firsthand. All I knew was that I had read the first too additions of this triology, Smile and Sisters, and I loved them. So I just thought, “I know this one’s going to be good, so let’s go ahead and buy it!” But that risk really payed off considering that although the storyline was different than what I had assumed from the cover and synopsis, Guts is such a wholesome story, that I had finished within a day’s time. I guess that goes to show that sometimes its good to go with your gut (pun intended.) (Read my review for Guts here)

8.) Pumpkin: Name a book with a cover that says “Fall”

I couldn’t really find many books in my collection that went with the fall theme (besides just being the color orange) so I decided to just to my best and choose Beacon Street Girls: Bad News/Good News by Annie Bryant and All Four Stars by Tara Dairman because they have what is somewhat reminiscent of fall colors or backgrounds. But, they’re both really cute books, so I don’t really mind adding them in this fall tag.

9.) What’s your favorite autumnal activity?

If I had to pick my favorite season, I’d pick either summer or fall. Like many people, I especially enjoy making hot chocolate, reading all snuggled up on the couch, shopping, and taking mile walks in the autumn. There are so many fun fall activities, that it’s almost impossible for me to choose just one!

The Questions

If you’d like to do this tag for yourself, here are the questions for you to copy and paste. And in case you do The For the Love of Fall Book Tag, please tag me so that I can check out your awesome answers!

1.) Pumpkin Harvest: What is your most anticipated fall release?

2.) Hot Chocolate: What is your ultimate comfort novel?

3.) What’s your favorite place to read?

4.) Windy Day: Name a book that had it’s ups and downs.

5.) Pile of Leaves: Name a book that had a lot of subplots.

6.) Do you prefer to read old books or classic ones?

7.) Costume: What’s a book that was different than what you expected?

8.) Pumpkin: Name a book with a cover that says “Fall”

9.) What’s your favorite autumnal activity?

I won’t be tagging anyone for this tag, but If you’d like to do it feel free to give it a go! I had so much fun creating this, and I hope you all enjoyed it, as well! Also, let me know in the comments what your favorite place to read and autumn activity is.

Have a fantastic rest of your day/night everyone! God bless you all and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

REPOST – Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month! ♡

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Hey, everyone! This is Princess Q’Zion, and welcome to the Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen! Did you know that in 2020, 2.3 million woman were diagnosed with breast cancer? And sadly, 685,000 of these people died? Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and because of that, October is the time of year that we acknowledge this as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I did a little digging, and I found this throwback that I had written last year. Considering that breast cancer is so common–and has affected so many people, including some of my family members over the years–I decided to bring it back in this quick throwback. So, if you’re wondering how can we stay prepared and protect ourselves from breast cancer, this post is for you! Let’s get started!

  1. Go to the doctor once a year (at least!) 

Calling all boys and girls, men and women! Everyone! Make sure that you take the time to go to the doctor at least once per year. If you feel any lumps anywhere on your body, especially in or near your chest, tell your parents and get yourself checked out. Although it might be scary, it’s better to get diagnosed before it’s too late and the cancer is more developed. Even if you are healthy, get checked out. It’s better to be save than sorry.

2. Eat healthy. 

One of the best things that we can do for our bodies is to make sure that we have a healthy diet. It not only can help prevent cancer, but also a long list of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. So eat some vegetables and fruit. Just a little every day! Your body will appreciate it when you do.

3. Don’t smoke! 

Please. Please don’t smoke. It is getting more and more common for teenagers to smoke, or vape. But, even though I’ve never smoked in my life–and I don’t intend to–I want to explain to you right now that it isn’t worth it. Talk to someone who you can confide in about what you are going through. Don’t destroy your body, and love yourself!

I hope you all learned something from this post about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and how we can prevent ourselves from contracting the common disease. If you don’t take anything else away from this post, remember that it’s important to try to live a healthy lifestyle, go to the doctor frequency, and take care of both your mind and body: keep yourself healthy! Your mind, body, and spirit will appreciate you!

Have an amazing day, everyone! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

7 Ways to Get Cozy This Fall ♡

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Hey, everyone! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. I’ve got really good news; autumn has finally arrived! I don’t know about you guys, but fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. From the gorgeous warm colors, to the perfect temperature–not too hot, and not too cold–what’s not to love?

But although it’s no question that fall is a wonderful time of year, it can be difficult to find ways to transition from one season to another. As a result, today I decided to give you all some ideas for how you can start making the most of this autumn. Let’s get into it!

Bring Out the Blankets

If you live in an area that tends to get cold at this time of year, it’s probably a smart idea to go ahead and find ways to stay warm, during your autumn planning. Not only are blankets, a comfy way to stay warm, but they also make for a relaxing fall night; especially with a snack or book in hand.

Pumpkin it Up!

Now, there are a lot of things that scream autumn–some of which are included in the remainder of this list–but one of the first things that come to my mind are pumpkins! They’re bright, earthily sweet, and most of all, perfect for decorating. So don’t be afraid to decorate the majority of your house with these large, orange enhancements! It is fall, after all!

Candles, Candles, Candles . . . and Even More Candles

I mean . . . do we really need much of an explanation, here? Candles are the perfect way to add a little brightness to any room on a dark autumn night with their crisp yet comforting designs. Plus, the fact that they have delectable scents–especially when they’re fall themed–make them even more attractive as an option for decoration.

Have a Movie Marathon

One of the best ways to past time while cuddling up on the couch is to have a family movie night. There’s just something about watching comedies on an autumn night with a mug of warm, hot chocolate in hand. It’s a comfy, delicious, and timeless tradition that’s the perfect way to get cozy in the season of fall.

Bake Your Favorite Fall Dessert

Speaking of delicious, desserts are a must-have in most households when the end of the year comes around; they’re like the icing on the cake when it comes to holidays. So why not get into the Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit early with your favorite pie, cookies, cupcakes, bars, or whatever type of dessert is your favorite for fall!?! Not only will this be some extra inspiration to get in the kitchen, but you could also spend some quality time with family and friends, while doing so!

Switch Out Your Wreath–or Add One

All year long, me and Goodmommy are constantly switching out the wreath on our front door for every season—and sometimes, even more if we want to spice things up. In my opinion, they just make your home seem that much more inviting with a little burst of color. And although most people focus on decorating the inside of their homes for the holidays, we’ve got to remember to give the outside a little bit of love, as well.

Accessorize with Throw Pillow Galore

Let’s face it; throw pillows are the ultimate decoration for any living room, particularly during fall. The possible autumn-like designs are endless, and they provide us with excellent comfort–making them another necessity for a fall family movie night. And I think we can all agree that you can never have too many of those!

Seasoned-themed posts are always so exciting to create! There’s something about transitioning from one season to another that’s so exhilarating; it’s like, time to get ready for another adventure! I pray that this list will aid you well in making the most of the season of autumn.

What is your favorite season? Also, what are some of your favorite activities to do in the fall? I would love to read your responses in the comments, down below!

Have a beautiful and blessed day, y’all! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ~ Q’Zion ♡

The Quirks of Being an Ambivert ♡

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Hello, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen! ♡

I already know that some of you may be looking at the title of this post and asking yourselves, “What is an ambivert?” Well you can wonder no longer; an ambivert is a person that has a personality that has the qualities of both an introvert and an extrovert. In other words, a person who is ambiverted is both an introvert and an extrovert mixed into one.

I’ve seen so many people write about “The Struggles of Being an Introvert,” which I can relate to considering that I’d still consider myself about 60% introverted. But I’ve never seen a post like that about being an ambivert. So I thought, why not write the first?

Here are a few of the unique parts–or as I like to call them, quirks–of being an ambivert. Let’s get going!

You’re talkative around certain people, but quiet around others.

This is a habit that I have noticed throughout the past few years. Around my close family and friends, I love to talk and make conversations. But when I’m around strangers or people who I don’t know as well, I tend to be quiet (sometimes even a little shy), but I talk more as I get to know them better.

You like making new friends, but too much socialization can be draining.

Whenever I get a chance to interact with people my age, I’m almost prone to take that opportunity. And I can spend quite a while in that environment feeling at ease. But after about three hours, I’m ready to say my goodbyes and have some quality alone time–which is most likely gaming or reading. In other words, I enjoy socializing, but only for so long.

Sometimes, you often find it difficult to choose whether to stay home or go out.

This is a biggie for me, especially since I’ve had this urge to go out more often, lately. Like on one hand, I love being in the comfort of my own home; home truly is where the heart is. But lately I’ve definitely been itching to do something–even if it’s just a stop at the grocery store or a drive around town. I used to be the type of person who’d do anything (but not literally anything) to stay at home. But now, it all depends on the day.

You like trying new things, but when it comes to life, you don’t like change.

Okay, okay. Let me explain. When it comes to things like baking (and taste-testing) a new recipe or trying a new hairstyle, I’m all for it. But I can also be really picky when it comes to the things that I’m used to or have already prepared for suddenly changing–such as new instructions on an assignment or a canceled appointment.

You think that the word “introvert” or “extrovert” don’t describe your personality.

Honestly, I think this was the main thing that convinced me to consider myself an ambivert in the first place. I have qualities of both introverts and extroverts, just as much as I relate to both. Calling myself one or the other is like only acknowledging one half of the qualities that make me, me.

You enjoy working solo and in groups.

What else can I say–it’s not only relatable, but also one of the most common qualities of most ambiverts. To be honest, whether or not I want to work independently or with friends all depends on the assignment and how I’m feeling that day. Sometimes, working alone can make a project more boring. And other times I want to be in control of every detail; I guess that’s just the perfectionist ingrained in me. But I will say that whether or not I’m working alone or with others, I am pretty good at adapting to either work environment.

Honestly, I think being ambiverted is really underrated. Seriously, though. When’s the last time you’ve heard someone say “I’m an ambivert?” But to be honest, I think that fact alone makes me and all the other amazing ambiverts out there that much more unique–and if you ask me, that’s a really good thing!

Many of you probably know that when I was younger, I considered myself an introvert. That was until I reached my teenage years. But what about you guys? Would you describe yourself as an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert? Also, has your answer to that question changed over the years? Feel free share your responses in the comments!

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

Monthly Wrap-Up | September 2022

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Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome back to my corner of the Internet! Oof, I just realized that it’s been 5 days since I last posted. I’m so sorry, y’all: it’s been a really busy few days! But thank God I got through it with flying colors! And I’m back with my monthly wrap-up of September of 2022.

Today I’ll be discussing some of my favorite moments from this month, with some of the novels I’ve finished and films I’ve watched sprinkled in between. Okay, okay–enough of the chatter. Let’s get started!

My Life

  • My birthday was this month, and I’ve got to say that it was the best birthday ever. (But just wait until I say the same thing next year.😂) My favorite gift was probably my second ear piercing! I got my first one when I was a baby, so being able to experience getting a piercing for the first time was an experience that I’ll never forget. You can look at my 2022 birthday post here!

  • I realized that in the past few months, I’ve been reading (and actually finishing) more books! In fact, ever since I joined Book Club last year, I feel like I’ve started getting into the swing of things again when it comes to reading every month. And that’s a huge relief, because I could never imagine my life without books!
  • Goodmommy and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, this month. As part of our fitness journey, we’ve been experimenting with flourless cookie recipes, and so far we’ve made peanut butter cookies, dark chocolate oat cookies, and fudge chocolate cookies, which were made from hot chocolate mix. While the peanut butter cookies were my favorites, they were all fun to bake and taste!

  • I’ve had at least one club meeting for each of my clubs now (which are Creative Writing, Glee, and Teen Driving Club). Even though most of the clubs are way different then what I was anticipating to join, this year, I couldn’t be happier with my choices! They make school days so much more, eventful, if you know what I mean.

Books I Read

  • Guts by Raina Telgemeier (link to review) – I’ve been a fan of Raina’s books since I was eight years old, and after finally getting my hands on the triology of her Smile series, I have to say that it didn’t disapoint. From the protagonist’s quirky character to the elementary school nostalgia, this book is the perfect gift for any tween or teenager–not to mention the perfect new addition to my growing graphic novel collection.
  • Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullay Hunt (link to review) – Although I love to read more than most things in this world, I’m hard to impress when it comes to giving a book five stars. But Fish in a Tree is one of the few novels to win that award. From the lessons of friendship, self-esteem, and being yourself, to the character development, iconic quotes, and heartfelt moments, this novel is officially one of my new favorites.
  • From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks – I don’t want to reveal too much about this one because my review on it isn’t out yet . . . but this was SUCH an inspiring book! Zoe reminded me so much of myself, and the pace of the story was just right to keep things moving without being hard to follow. It’s so hard to believe that this was Janae Marks’ debut novel. In fact, her second novel, A Soft Place to Land, is now on my TBR (to be read) list!

Movies That I Watched

  • An Unlikely Angel – This film was such a beautiful reminder and demonstration of how God gives us second chances. Overall, there were a lot of funny and tense moments in this movie–a bit of an emotional roller coaster for the protagonist as we follow her on her journey to learning how to be a mother. If you’re a Christian who likes sweet movies that are perfect for family movie night, I would highly recommend watching this film on Pureflix.
  • The Mystery of Her – To be honest, I was really excited to watch this movie as soon as we turned on the trailer. And for the most part I liked it . . . that’s kind of all I’ve got. This film was about a teenage girl who tries to find herself after loosing her memory in a car accident. At first, it was good, but it slowly became more and more confusing. The end was pretty open, so it kind of left it up to you to imagine how the girl’s story ended. Not my favorite kind of ending, but it was an okay movie overall.
  • Grace Unplugged – This. I absolutely LOVED this movie. The main character, Grace, is a newly-eighteen-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a pop star–like her father, who was a rock star that threw away his fame to sing at their local church. I really appreciated how this movie showed young audiences–especially Christian teens–what it means and looks like to go down the wrong path. But there were also some amazing characters in the film that helped Grace get back on track with pleasing the Lord–and finding herself in the process. This film is definitely a must-see for any Christian teen/young adult.
  • The Way Home – To be honest, I didn’t watch the first half of this movie because I was busy watching YouTube videos and playing Roblox lol, but the second half was super emotional and pretty good, overall. And considering its about a community working together to try and find a missing two-year-old I expected that from the beginning. The ending was super heartwarming, and the fact that the film is based on a true story made this movie that much sweeter.

My Favorite Posts of the Month

So, we wrote a total of 11 post this month, 12 including this wrap-up, and I’ve got to admit that although I didn’t post a lot, I’ve written some really awesome posts, this month. I think I deserve a little self-pat-on-the-back. Anyway, here are some of my favorite posts of the month.

If you’d like to check out all the posts that I’ve written, this September, please check out THIS LINK!

I hope you all enjoyed reading what I was up to for the entire month! Overall, I really enjoyed myself these past thirty days, and I pray you all have, as well. And speaking of prayer, please send your prayers for all the victims of Hurricane Ian around the world. Your kind thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

What were your favorite parts of this month? I would love to hear your responses in the comments!

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! God bless you all and have a splendid weekend! ~ Q’Zion ♡

5 Things that Exercise Has Done for Me

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It’s been about a month since I started my fitness journey, and it all started when I began my ‘Physical Education with HOPE’ course. After struggling to complete the mile run for a baseline fitness assessment, me and my grandmother started walking a mile (at minimum) three days a week, while incorporating other exercises (like dancing and muscle strength training) to spice things up, in between.

Even though these awesome changes in our lifestyle are still pretty new, my life has changed for the better in so many ways (even as a teenager) and I’d like to share some of the things that exercise has done for me with you all! Let’s jump into it!

1. It’s made me stronger

Believe it or not, exercises as simple as walking engage quite a few of your muscles. And I’ve noticed that my muscular endurance–or the amount of walking that I can do without getting tired–has increased significantly within this first month. Now, we always manage to surpass our goal of 1 mile on our “park dates” and I always love the challenge.

2. It has increased my confidence

There’s something about creating an exercise routine and sticking with it that gives your self esteem a huge boost. Like you’re capable of anything that you set your mind to. For me, exercise has become a way for me to clear my mind and have a productive rest of the day. Whenever I’m done with a workout, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world!

3. I feel lighter on my feet (mentally and physically)

Even while scooting the results on the scale aside, I can see just by looking in the mirror that I am making progress. Plus, I can feel my progress with how much easier it is to engage in physical activity, both while exercising and doing everyday things. And while most people think that exercise is just for physical benefits, I think the mental aspect is what keeps me the most motivated. While getting a breath of fresh air and working off some calories, I can’t help but feel that much more at peace. And considering that that’s coming from someone who’s always had a happy personality, it means a lot!

4. I’m more productive

Remember how I said that walking has helped me prepare for a productive day? Well, something else that I’ve noticed in the last four weeks is how much more energy I have throughout the day. I’m able to focus on my school assignments even more than before, my attention span has increased, and I’m able to get more done throughout the week.

5. I have a better quality of life

In short, exercise has made me feel happier, healthier, and more productive every day. I’m able to do more and feel great while doing it. Even a little bit of exercise a few times a week has made a huge difference in my physical, mental, and spiritual health. And a healthier body, mind, and spirit make for a happier life.

As you all can see, exercise is a powerful tool that we all need a little bit of in our day to day life. I wrote this post not only to share my experiences during my fitness journey with other teenagers, but also to encourage other young people to get a few minutes of exercise every day! From dancing to playing fitness video games to playing sports, there are so many different ways to get active: we just have to be a little creative! Hopefully, this post will help you do just that!

What are some of your favorite (or most fun) ways to exercise? I would love to read your responses in the comments!

Have a healthy, happy day, everyone! May God bless you all, peace in, and never forget that God is love! Bye everybody! ♡