I got nominated for the Liebster Award!

Hey y’all! I’m here with the awesome Liebster award! I was nominated by several people and I picked it up from another, so I’ve got a ton of questions to answer! Hope you find them interesting and thought-provoking!

Here are the rules!

1. First, thank the person who nominated you, include a link to their blog, and add the Liebster Award badge to your blog and/or post.
2. Next answer the eleven questions from the person who nominated you.
3. Give eleven random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 5-11 fellow bloggers with less than 200 followers.
5. Notify your nominees that you nominated them for the Liebster Award.
6. Last, but certainly not least, ask your nominees eleven questions.

---

Firstly, I was nominated by Grace, from “Don’t you know I’m singing”! Thanks so much, Grace!! I loved how fun and deep your questions were! (Y’all, I have to admit though, I have the same answers as some of the other bloggers who were awarded! *covers face*) Here’s the link to her post … Liebster Award – Don’t you know I’m singing!

Questions and Answers …

1. What is one line/verse from one song that you really love, and why? I really love this line from Rend Collective’s song ‘Revival Anthem’ … “We will praise you when our hearts are breaking, praise you when our world is caving, we will not, we will not be moved.” Annnd also this line from “Sing it from the Shackles” … “You’re my deliverer, My anthem throughout it all, When my strength and my fight is gone, I know You will come through.” These songs echo the hope I need right now.
2. What is a song you absolutely hate, and why? “Closer”, by Chainsmokers. At volleyball they played it all the time, so when I started listening a little closer to the lyrics I was shocked it even existed! Then in my “Christian” Homeschool group, the other teens loved it! I’m not ridiculing them, but it seemed really sad to 14-yr-old me that they called themselves”Christians”, yet didn’t act like Christ-followers at all.)
3. What are your thoughts on politics, and a Christian’s role in that realm? I know that politics are a big part of life, and especially as seen with the regulations imposed recently, our leaders have a huge impact on our lives. If we choose more carefully, perhaps our lives will be better, but I have come to realize that our hope is not found in our earthly leaders, but in our heavenly Leader. As far as my personal involvement in politics, it goes no further than animated discussions with family and friends, and eagerly awaiting the time when Christ’s kingdom will abolish all earthly “authorities”.
4. Who, aside from your parents, siblings, and relatives, has been a role model in your life, and how/why did they become a role model to you? Many of my friends have become my role models, and in different ways – some of them I admire for their talents, some for their faith, some for their habits and accomplishments – I try to learn from those I admire rather than idolizing them or making them my hero, because no ones perfect. One of my role models is actually my mom’s best friend – she is a truly amazing woman, everything you could ever dream to be – beautiful, hard-working, loving and caring, a good mother, a wonderful cook and home-maker, a supportive wife, and full of vibrancy and faith. She bursts with energy and is always so sweet. I know nobody’s perfect, but she seems pretty close!
5. Do you celebrate Christmas in your family? Why or why not? Our family does not celebrate Christmas, because it is not commanded or endorsed in the Bible and many of the traditions have some pretty scary pagan roots. We do, however, celebrate the Biblical feasts like Passover and Sukkot (Tabernacles), and they are so much more meaningful and fun than the worldly holidays!
6. What’s your favorite aspect of creation? I think my favorite aspect would be the sky – sunrises, clouds, stars …
7. If there was one talent you could magically have, what would it be? A perfect memory!
8. Do you have any allergies/dietary restrictions? And what are they? I have no allergies (for which I am so grateful!) … however, we don’t eat any of the unclean foods described in Leviticus 11. With a little research, you’ll find that not only are we commanded not to eat them, they are some pretty nasty and unhealthy little critters too!!
9. If you could time travel into the future or the past, which way would you go? Forwards or backwards? Backwards … I’d rather go back to happier times, than forward into uncertain times.
10. What movie/book character have you read/watched whose personality seemed to be exactly the same as yours, and who was the opposite? I think I’m a cross between Phillippa Gordon, in the Anne of Green Gables Series, and Tris Prior, in the Divergent trilogy. I identify with Phillipa’s spur-of-the-moment attitude, love of her friends, honesty and insecurities, and bubbly personality! I love Tris’ daredevil qualities, loyalty, and blunt honesty. I’m the polar opposite of Jane Bingley, from Pride and Prejudice. (She’s nice, selfless, virtuous, and always thinks the best of people.)
11. What are your personal boundaries on what you can/shouldn’t watch or listen to in the area of entertainment as a Christian? I try to evaluate my books on how I would feel if I died in the middle of them and someone found me like that! XD I hardly watch any movies and prefer not to, but if there’s a good (and I mean, it has to be really good) documentary or Christian film I’m in! The kinds of music I would listen to, and occasionally do, is music which uplifts and strengthens and encourages me, fills my head with good messages, and doesn’t make me feel things I shouldn’t. I don’t like cuss words, and I don’t like immoral messages, and that goes for all my literature, film, and music choices.

---

This set of questions was posted on my friend Jasmine’s blog! Thanks for nominating ‘whoever read it’, Jazz! 😉 She doesn’t do awards anymore, but I thought I’d grab this from the archives since it looked like fun (plus, it’s great publicity for her too!!) So head on over and check her out! Here’s the link to her post: Liebster Award – Bookworm.

Without further ado, let’s start in on the questions! *rolls up sleeves*

1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (In 5 years, I will have graduated from high school. In the three years since graduating, I hope to have gotten a full-time job (or part-time business,) played volleyball on an actual team, and decided whether to ranch or become a lawyer.)
2. Favorite ice cream flavor? My favorite ice cream flavor is either mint chocolate chip, or chocolate, or vanilla, or caramel, or … need I go on?
3. Have you played or do you play any sports? Yes! I have played on soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams, but I play mostly volleyball now.
4. Describe your idea of a perfect day! Go to bed at 8:45 in a tent in the BC mountains at Gardom Lake the night before. Wake up at 6:00 AM. Go for a walk with my best friends. Make breakfast in the lodge. Go swimming and kayaking on the lake. Study the Bible with Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson. Play volleyball and worship jam with my Bible study group. Get an email offer from Capitol Records to contract an album. Get an acceptance and scholarship letter from Prairie or Briercrest. My acne magically disappears. Roast marshmallows over a huge bonfire with all the gang. Sing campfire songs. Play dark tag – with flashlights – in the forest. Go to bed at 1:00 AM. Sleep in til 10:00. (Was that too detailed?🤣)
5. Something you’ve made recently? A few sketches and paintings, some of which I hope to show in an art post sometime soon!
6. Tell us where your ideas come from. I pull them out of my sock drawer. 😎 JK! Actually, when I get inspired, it could be from anything! Often, normal, boring activities make my poor brain try to compensate by making lists, or making up a story in my head.
7. Tell us the book you’ve learned the most from. The Bible, hands-DOWN!! (I also loved “The 7 Habits of Highly effective Teens” by Sean Covey, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, “Horse Speak”, by Sharon Wilsie, and “An old-fashioned Girl” by Louisa May Alcott.)
8. Fave magazines. I don’t have any magazine subscriptions but I love to read any fashion, interior design, or christian teen girl magazines I can get my hands on!
9. Share a personal experience/choice that has improved your writing. Taking the Ron Paul Curriculum has, without a doubt, drastically contributed to the quality of my writing. (See this essay on the many benefits of taking the RPC!!) My love of reading has provided me with a pretty extensive vocabulary! Also, taking the Challenge program forced me to do my research and find synonyms in order to “not plagiarize”.

---

A few days later, I was nominated by Laurel Jean! Thank you, Laurel! 🤗 Please do check her out, she’s got some amazing posts which are great for reading and discussion! Heres the link to her original post: Liebster Award.

1. How did you choose the name for your blog? (I chose “Yah’s Girl” partly because I wanted a name that drew attention to faith in YHVH instead of just to me, but also because I was out of ideas! I may change the name in the future, so any ideas from y’all readers out there?)
2. If you could work any job for one week, what job would it be, and why? (I would love to be a firefighter for one week. I would need to be ready at any moment to give up my safety for someone’s house or workplace, or even give my life for another. If I came out of it alive, it would be a strengthening, awe-inspiring experience that I believe would change me forever.)
3. What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from blogging? (Now that I think of it – one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that appearances aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes I follow a blogger, and later find out that the person I thought was pretty perfect is actually dealing with *gasp* issues!! (JK) Seriously though, it leads to becoming more sensitive to others and trying to really understand them; which is a great quality to develop.)
4. What does your ideal weekend look like? (Sleeping in on Shabbat and eating breakfast as a family, then watching a couple bible teachings and discussing them; hanging out with the pals from the Bible Study group from noon til midnight, reading the Bible, singing, and playing sports or running games!)
5. Do you set goals for the New Year? (I set new goals every month, but I don’t set New Years goals, per se.)
6. What is the best book (aside from the Bible) that you’ve read, and why do you think so? (Aside from the Bible! Aw, come on! 😉🤣 I don’t know which I’ve learned the most from, but I’ll choose one, just for kicks! “Horse Speak”, by Sharon Wilsie. I read it when I was trying to figure out a friend’s horse, and although I don’t agree with everything in the book, I found it really thought-provoking as it forced me to think extra hard about the body language I show and how others could perceive it. My friends thought I was crazy for trying to communicate with a horse, but y’all, it’s legit!😅)
7. What was the best thing that happened to you in 2020? So many things, but since you said ‘best’ … in the last few months I got real about my faith. I didn’t know how to have long prayer times or long Bible study times by myself. I love worship singing, so that wasn’t a problem, but I needed to expand my comfort zone and do it for YHVH. He is so good and is currently in the process of ripping out and replacing the drywall in my heart. It really hurts, but I know it’ll look better in the end. 😊🙏.
8. Which historical figure do you most admire, and why? King Josiah of Israel. He walked in YHVH’s ways all the years of his life. What’s unique about him, is that he began seeking YHVH at age 16. I identify with him because of his age (lol!) but also because he sought YHVH at a time when it wasn’t popular. I feel its a similar situation today, and am so glad to see more teens stepping up.
9. Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years? It really all depends on YHVH’s plan, because there is no way I will proceed into the future without His blessing. BUT … In ten years I’d like to be married to an amazing guy, managing teens camp and discipling young teens in the Word.
10. If you knew that today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it? I’d meet up with all my friends and tell them everything I’ve ever been hesitant to say – I’d write letters to people for their future birthdays – I’d get in my heart and help YHVH with that drywall job, because I want to be ready. In fact, maybe I’d better start doing some of that now …
11. What is your favorite Bible verse, and why? I love 1 Timothy 4:12. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers; in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I also love Romans 12:2. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” These verses are pretty much my anthems – what makes me want to change and stay set-apart from people’s expectations of “an average Christian teen”, and be a part of something so much greater, although no one may ever think I’m famous.

Well thanks again, Laurel! I LOVED answering these!

---

I was just about ready to post this, when Grace over at Vibrant for Jesus nominated me!! I’m so glad she did, ’cause I love her questions! Thanks so much, Grace!!

1. If you could only have three books of the Bible, which ones would you pick? Ahhh, don’t do this to me!!! Wellll …. I’ve recently begun to read the whole Bible straight through, so let’s just choose among the ones I’ve read so far on this goal, which would be Genesis to Micah. Ummmm, I’d have to choose Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah. But that was so hard! 😉 I’m so grateful that we have the WHOLE Bible!
2. What’s something that the Lord has been teaching you lately? Whew, thats a question all right! YHVH has recently been teaching me that when I ask him for advice, I need to take it! It sounds crazy, but sometimes I ignore what he responds because I don’t like it – but that’s not trust, is it?
3. How would you explain salvation to someone who has never heard of Jesus? “God, the one and only, has a name, Yahovah. He came into our human dimension as Yeshua, Jesus, so that he could bring us back into covenant with him. Jesus showed us what it means to fully obey and love God, and through His sacrifice we have forgiveness of all our sins, if we repent and turn from wickedness.”
4. What are three of your favorite inspiring quotes? 1) “Work Hard; Dream Big.” 2) “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” 3) “Imagine a guy, praying to God that he gets to marry you!” (I’ve included the image below, because it just pops with meaning! Listen, I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but it just fills me with hope for the future and peace about God’s plan. That ‘guy’, whoever he is, is out there, and praying about it, and imagining him praying about it, makes it all much more real and keeps me focused on the true goal in relationships – to honor God through it all, not turning it into something romantic or awkward, but keeping it real and present and having fun and enjoying just being friends. Aaaah, I have to make a post on this, cuz this is getting way too long! 😉)
5. What three words would you use to describe who Jesus is to you? Emmanuel. Savior. King.
6. What do you spend the majority of your day doing? Thinking. 😛 Really, I do a ton of variety during the day, but what it all boils down to are the things I love or believe in – working hard, education and learning, music and artsy stuff, and writing.
7. What are five historical characters you admire? 1) Louisa May Alcott. Not only did she believe in a simpler way for women to be beautiful – through cultivating their inner beauty and their character – but she wrote fiction that showed young women blooming into maturity and beauty, and gave us all a glimpse of what a sweet and perfect young woman is. 2) The Ten Booms. During WWII, The Ten Boom family hid Jews from the Nazis who wanted to capture and destroy them. They were such noble and strong people, and the persecution that they suffered for protecting YHVH’s chosen nation was horrendous, leading to two of their deaths. Corrie Ten Boom escaped with her life, and wrote an amazing biography called “The Hiding Place.” I admire her so much for her resilience and faith, during some of the darkest times the world has ever seen. 3) Bethany Hamilton. Granted, she’s still alive, but she’s still historical!! I admire her determination for not giving up on surfing even though she’d lost her arm in a shark attack. She perservered and beat her own body, and gave thanks to God for it. 4) The leaders of the American Revolution. They had everything to lose, and nothing physical to gain. Their only gain? Freedom. Freedom to have faith. Freedom to support their families and move up in life, unfettered. Freedom to obey God’s Laws instead of man’s. That’s true freedom. 5) Arnold Schwarzzenegger. Yeah … maybe a little weird, but hear me out! While I don’t agree with everything in his personal life, he was a politician, businessman, successful actor, and a guy who broke the expectations set for him in everything (not to mention that he attained an insane fitness level.) He was committed and determined, and that’s what I admire about him.
8. Do you prefer reading out of your paper Bible or your digital one? Oh, my paperback, ALLLL the way! I love underlining, circling, or starring important phrases/passages/things I want to remember, and to me it just feels so much more “I’m reading the Word of God” if I’m holding a literal book in my hand as opposed to looking at a screen. But I often do find it helpful to cross-reference using digital bible tools, like the interlinear.
9. When you are sad, angry or hurt what’s a Bible passage that ministers to you? At the top of my head, Isaiah 43. It outlines just who we are as children of the King – sought after, treasured, and brought home. But it’s not often I seek any specific chapter in the Bible when I’m hurting – I’ll pray, or just blindly pick up the Bible and flip to where I’m reading in an efort to forget about whatever hurtful thing happened.
10. If you are joyful, happy, or excited what’s a Bible passage that helps you worship? I don’t have a specific one, but I love to praise through any hopeful, joyful, or thankful passage that can be put to song! I’ve written songs based on Biblical passages in the past and it really makes the Word come alive for me!
11. What helps you to be focused on Jesus throughout the day? Honestly, I often fail to be focused on Jesus throughout the day. Life catches up and I lose sight of what matters. But I find that I live more productively, consciously, and faithfully when I make studying The Word a priority.

This is not my pic – all credit goes to the owner, whoever they are. 😊

---

My nominees!

• Kellan Asher
• Lydia Therese
• Tanya
• Lizzie Grace
• Ivory
• Annika
• Megan
• Noelle Rose
• Chloe Mali
• Kendra
• Authentic Athlete
• Allie

(Hehe … 12 nominees? Oh well! 😝)

My questions for all of y’all! Sorry that the first two are a bit goofy!

1. What was your first thought when you saw your name on the nominee list?
2. Did it take the ambulance members long to revive you after you realized you’d have to do this award? *giggles*
3. What’s one of your favorite books of the Bible, and why?
4. What’s your favorite genre of music?
5. What is something you’re really passionate about?
6. How would other people describe you?
7. Where do you find hope when you’re feeling hopeless?
8. What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
9. What is your biggest fear?
10. What is something you wish you could tell your ten-year-old-self?
11. Where do you want to be in five years?

---

And finally, here are the eleven random things about me!

1. I have a habit of sticking pencils in my hair … and leaving them there and forgetting about them!
2. If you see me wearing a dress, it’s either because my parents made me, or my jeans are all in the wash. Or I might just be in a “dressy” mood (which almost never happens!)
3. I’ve always wanted to learn to surf, but never had the chance.
4. My room is almost never messy. (Ha. I just destroyed the typical teenager stereotype.)
5. I am a night owl AND a morning person.
6. I hated peanut butter with a passion, up until a year or two ago. And now I could eat it every day!
7. I might be on a Keto diet, mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting program, or health kick – but the minute you set a cookie in front of me, I’ll forget it all.
8. If I could spend all day with my friends, I would wake up happy for a week!
9. I’ve never liked video games – the longest time I’ve played is around 10 minutes of minecraft when I was 10 years old.
10. If I’m in my room, listening to a video, with my door closed, and my parents are on the other side of the house whispering, I can hear what they’re saying. 😶 Don’t worry, they know!!
11. I have had so. many. often-weird. nicknames. (Mikki, Mik, Killah, Kayla, Sis, Jess, Rosebud, Mak, Makalay, Makayler, Obsessed-kitty-girl, KK, Bell Bottoms, and *shudders* Macky.)

This was SOOOOO much fun, and this time, I actually nominated the quota of people! XD I hope you all found this enjoyable! Any thoughts? Rants? Questions? Talk to me in the comments! 👇

Thanks for coming back to the blog! Be sure to subscribe for future content on faith, fitness, lifestyle and more!

Have a great day everyone!

Makayla

Advertisement