Friday, January 2, 2015

Time Flies | Things Change

It's 2015 guys. No really, it is. I feel like 2014 sped right through my life and is now almost a blur. Even though this year gave me some great memories, I have hit a view bumps on the road of life as well. 
I found out just how difficult change can be. 
Friends I thought I knew and trusted seemed to change into different people. I know, I know. People change. That's life. But the weird part is, I don't feel I've changed like everyone else has. Example: Here I am, thinking about how majestic unicorns are and how good sparkling grape juice is while a lot of my friends are obsessing over every boy they meet and taking selfies. I feel like everyone is following the latest trends in our society rather than just being themselves.
Sometimes it's hard to not follow the crowd, because honestly, it's so much easier. It's easier to blend in like a chameleons rather than stand out like an elephant. I love Romans 12:2. 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

It's nice to know, 
while time flies by, 
and things change in our lives, 
God is always constant. 
That He'll always be there, no matter what.

I turned sixteen this year. That's another change in my life. I'm studying for my learner's permit, but I feel like the information does not want to stay in my head. I'm not one of those people who really looks forward to driving. Frankly, I'm sorta dreading it. I've practiced driving only a few times in an empty parking lot, but I wasn't very good at it. I know that driving would be a very useful thing to master, but it's just not something I'm extremely excited about. It seems like driving is such a very grown up thing to do, and I feel like time is speeding up on me leaving me wondering "Where did my childhood go?" 

Even though change can be really hard, some changes can be positive and great. 

Through 2014, I feel like I've somehow grown wiser, in a small way. I look at people differently than I used to. I used to judge people right off the bat, but now instead of judging their appearance or their actions, I like to wonder what their story is. What made them the person they are today? 

Another thing that's changed is that I don't care as much as I used to of what people of me. When I was 13 or so I was really self-conscious of what people thought of me. I refused to dress up for Halloween like my family or wouldn't do the things I loved because I thought people would judge me. This Halloween I went to a Halloween carnival with my little sisters. To get free admission you have to dress up. I was Amelia Pond. I put on a red plaid shirt and other stuff she would wear topped off with tally marks drawn with a marker all over my arms. My sister was a TARDIS. She made the costume herself and it was quite amazing. Yeah, people might have stared at us, but they just didn't recognize our awesomeness. ;) I now do things that I love even though they're different or out of the box compared to other teens' hobbies. 
For example I like graphic/web design, art, photography, etc.
I've also learned just how important family is. Though friendships can fall apart family is always there. To help you, to care for you, to support you, to love you.

Even though time flies and things change in our lives, let's remember to savor the precious moments life gives us. Because years can zoom right past us if we don't watch out.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” 
― Mother Teresa

42 comments:

  1. Ooh yes, I am the kind of person who hates to blend in with the crowd -- and I've also learned to not care about what others think of me. And girl, you are GORGEOUS! xoxo

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  2. It sometimes tends to feel like everyone else is changing, especially in today's society where there's a lot of pressure on people to follow certain trends or look and act a certain way. Conformism is a way for people to feel like they fit and that they are accepted. I think what we have to remember is that it's good to stand out from the crowd. Life would be rather dull if we all did the same things and acted the same way. That last quote is something I feel is quite obvious but harder to acknowledge. Dwelling on the past is pointless, anticipating the future may only cause worry but living for the moment is one of the best things in the world. I just realized how long this comment is.

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    1. Ah, your words are perfection. I completely agree with you! <3

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  3. At my school, you cn tell those people who want to grow up and the ones who don't. I am one who doesn't grow up. I still have toys out and dream of imaginary worlds. But most people don't. Those people dye their hair unnatural colors, use kik or instagram and hurry to have boy friends to kiss in the halls. I don't. Thankfully my friends don't push me to do those things. I suppose it's easier to stand out with a few friends than by my self.
    ~Emily

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    1. Yeah, like you, I'm not in a rush to grow up.
      A lot of girls I know are like that. They dye their hair in a strange fashion and are obsessed with Instagram. I don't even have an Instagram and I don't really plan on getting one. It's a lot easier to stand out with people we trust and know well, but it's really difficult when they're not there. When we're without people we know it's a lot easier to blend in with everyone else. Thanks for commenting Emily!

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  4. Great advise and testimony, Eve! You are very mature it seems like in life and spiritually.

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    1. Thank you so much, Clara! That is so nice of you to say. <3

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  5. There was this one photo that I saw on Instagram that said something along the lines of this: "Fake seems to be the new trend. And everyone appears to be in on it." It's so strange, and I don't think I'm just the one aware of it; a lot of people that I know are aware of it too. Some of the stuff that I do that seem grown up I get-- but only for good reasons, like getting an Instagram to keep in touch with my friends who live 20 miles out of town that I don't see often. And like Emily said, there are people that want to grow up and some that don't. I may just be in the minority, but in my school, in the mini program I'm in, about 90% of us talk about unicorns and rainbows and stuff like that still.

    And the judging thing; gosh, I had to learn and grow through that, too, when I was very very young. I just realized I've embarked on that journey five years ago; whoa.

    xoxo Morning

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    1. That quote is amazing and very true! The strange thing is, the friends I used to talk to about how fake every acts or how everyone follows the crowd, turned into those type of people themselves! I hope it's not contagious! ;) Yeah, that's completely understandable. That's the same reason I got a Facebook. Unicorns and rainbows are so awesome. :D Thanks for commenting! <3

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  6. Oh, Eve.
    This post defines my life and every detail I've been feeling lately.
    And, by the way, you are so beautiful! <3

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    1. It's so nice to know that you relate to this. :)
      Thank you! You're too kind, Jordy! <3

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  7. Goodness, Eve.

    How I needed your words and the promise that is weaved into them. No matter what, He will remain. Thank you for your friendship, and the grace that lingers in everything you do.

    xoxo

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    1. I'm so happy you found this encouraging! Aw, thanks! Thank you for your friendship as well. I'm so glad we got the chance to become kindred spirits through blogging :)

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  8. When I was your age (mind you, I'm not much older), I felt the same way about these things. (By the way, the idea of driving gets more comfortable, really.) Keep doing as you are; you're on the right track :)

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    1. Thank you, Ashley! I really needed to hear that. :)

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  9. This was purely inspirational. A real pick-up booster that I just needed to hear. Thanks, Eve <3

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  10. Amazing Eve. Simply amazing.

    (And I totally get you on the driving thing. I'm [newly] 17 and the very idea of driving is something I like to ignore altogether... Like, if I get my license, I'm just one step closer to growing up, right? *sigh*)

    xx Nicole Rose

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    1. Thank you so much!
      I'm so glad I'm not the only one! When I tell people I'm sixteen they're always like, "Aren't you so excited to start driving?!" Sometimes I just nod my head, but normally I'm like, 'No, not really.." Then they just look at me, completely flabbergasted.
      Thanks for you lovely comment! <3

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  11. Your posts always make my day, Eve! You inspire and remind me of things that matter. Thank you. <3

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    1. Thank you, Candence! You have no idea how encouraging it is to hear that! <3

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  12. I can relate to this so much! I have noticed a lot of my friends have changed, and maybe I have too. Its not all bad just different. I wet to a Halloween party as Amelia Pond too, I had to keep explaining who I was. But I had fun. -Bethany!

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    1. Oh and I Love your mint sweater! -Bethany!

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    2. Agreed. Oh, how awesome! Yeah, I got a lot of weird stares because of all the tally marks on my arms. Same exact thing happened to me. :)
      Oh and thank you! <3

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  13. I know that I don't usually comment on your posts, Eve..but something about this post really spoke to me. The change..in friends, life, age, school, etc. Life is moving past in a fast spiral..and I think we all (especially us teenagers) can get lost in it. It can be hard to not follow the phases that everyone else does. It can be difficult to change from your carefree world to doing things like driving, babysitting, cooking for your family, Algebra haha, etc. But, with Christ all change, things, whatever, is possible! Isn't that soo comforting? :D Haha, sorry for that long winded comment. ;) Happy New Year Eve!

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    1. Oh my! Your comment is so beautiful, Julia! I couldn't agree more (especially with the algebra thing ;)). It is so awesome to know that God is always with us and he'll help us through whatever obstacle we face. Happy New Year to you too! <3

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  14. These photos are amazing! Being different from the rest. In high school it seems like everyone is always trying to fit in and then afterwards everyone tries their hardest to be unique. You're just ahead of the game and it's obviously paying off. <3

    xo,
    Mariamma

    http://ifmyfingerswerefeathers.com

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  15. Thank you for your encouraging words. Being different is so special!

    p.s I love your sweater.

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    1. No problem, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, indeed!
      Thanks!

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  16. Beautiful post Eve ♥ I feel the same way :) And I'm so glad that you stay true to yourself because the person you are is absolutely amazing!!! I'm so glad that we've become friends through this little 'ol place called the internet. Your friendship is such a blessing to me!!! I'm so excited for 2015 and what it will bring, aren't you? :)

    ~Maiya~

    http://maiyamac.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Maiya! You are so sweet! <3 You are such a great encouraging person, and I'm so happy that we're friends!
      Same here! I can't wait to see what this year has in store. :)

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  17. Driving! Gosh, where is life going? Next year-wait no this year, I'll be sixteen and I'll have to start learning. Wow, I feel old.
    Being true to yourself is the most important thing. Always be yourself, don't worry about everyone else, because I love you!

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    1. I know what you mean. I feel like only yesterday I was just a little kid, but now I feel like I'm being shoved into adulthood.
      Aw, thanks, Kat! <3

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  18. Wow..awesome post. I totally understand with the friends..it's hard. It just seems like, I don't change but others do. Maybe I do change and just don't notice it though. But, family is always here! I just LOVE your pictures! I can't wait to get my new camera!!! :D Have a wonderful new year!

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    1. Thank you! I know, I'm so excited for you! You too!

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  19. Its amazing how much things really do change! I understand what you mean! Keep being yourself because that's exactly how God wants you to be! Also Romans 12:2 is one of my favorite verses as well! Have a wonderful new year!

    Running Towards Jesus

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  20. Good read always prefer to read the quality content
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