My Bucket List...so far :)

Keep in mind others will be added :) I can't wait to actually do them and be able to write about the experiences one day :)

1 Explore all of Europe
2 Graduate high school in the top five percent of my graduating class
3 Visit a Nutelleria
4 Name a Ben and Jerry ice cream flavor
5 Go to New York
6 Go to Walt Disney World
7 Bring honor to the Schemmer family
8 Get a tattoo.
9 Fall in love
10 Let go of a floating lantern
11 Make a positive difference in someone's life
12 Write a book
13 Work at Disneyland as a Princess/Character
14 Experience a White Christmas
15 Ride in a hot air balloon
16 Be in China during the Chinese New Year
17 Be in New York to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve
18 Get a lead in a musical
19 Go to Washington D.C.for the annual cherry blossom festival
20 Buy something from Chanel, Tiffany and Co, and Juicy Couture
21 Be a bridesmaid in a wedding
22 Ride in a plane
23 Pet or hold a fennec fox
24 Get a bill passed
25 Meet Chris Hemsworth and the rest of the Avengers cast
26 See Will Reagan and the United Pursuit live
27 Get bangs across my forehead
28 Have a pet pig named Forrest Grunt
29 See the Northern Lights
30 See Stonehedge
31See the Macy's Day Parade in New York
32 Visit Pixar Studios
33 Run "The Color Run"
34 Run the Disney marathon around the park
35 Do a walk for cancer
36 Trick or Treat at a celebrity's house
37 Finish an entire tube of chapstick
38 Give people a reason to remember my name
39 Design my own font
40 Walk on the great wall of China
41 Play Twister, but with paint
42 Hold a snake
43 See the pyramids of Giza
44 Get my makeup done professionally
45 Dance with my Daddy at my wedding
46 Kiss my future love by the Eiffel Tower and take a picture
47 Meet Randy from Say Yes To The Dress
48 Send a message in a bottle
49 Sponser a child in a third world country, then meet them in real life
50 Name one of my kids after a Disney character
51 Visit the Museum of Tolernace
52 Watch a live flashmob
53 Do a family photoshoot
54 Be in a movie as an extra
55 Go Zorbing
56 Ride a gondolla
57 Buy a pair of white shoes and totally decorate them
58 Swim with a false mermaid fin
59 Ride a horse on the beach
60 Sing in front of a large crowd

Of course, more with be added but that's all I have for now :)

Back to School

Yup, its that time of year already ! Time to go back to school. As the Target back to school commercials play endlessly and I finish my AP summer assignments, I am beginning to realize how much I truly appreciate education.

It's really easy to complain about school and why we have to go, but its harder to look back and appreciate what we have. As a honors and advanced placement student balancing Madrigals choir, community service, church, and avocation groups, it can be difficult.

Education is the way we unlock barriers of other cultures, races, and worlds. Education is the way we can help others through science, arts, language, english, and mathematics. Education is not limited to six hours in a school, but we learn everywhere we go, from different people's lifestyles to the natural world around us.

I am grateful that I go to a school where there are dedicated teachers, a clean campus, and an equal opportunity learning system. I love where I go to school, and I'm proud to say, thank you education, for unlocking doors I didn't even know existed. :)

This is my schedule for next year...crazy right?

Madrigals
Honors Language Arts
Honors Chemistry
Alegbra 2
Spanish 2
AP World History

No matter how hard my schedule might be, I know I can do all things through Christ. I'm very school focused and I aspire to go to Sterling College and Harvard University for medical school, and eventually become a medical doctor in impoverished areas of Africa and Asia.

Songs :)

1) All He Says I Am by Cody Carnes

This song has impacted me in so many ways, I don't know where to begin. Every single word breathes hope into my hallowed veins. To think that me, a sinner that fails in so many ways, would be loved by a God as mighty and powerful and loving is incredulous.

I think at one point everyone will deal with insecurity at least once in their life. I know I have had a lot of my life dictated by my insecurity, but this song reminds me of the great love God has for me. It's awesome to think about! I'm no orphan anymore. I am new again. I don't have to live with my past, God already knows me future. He views me as special and beautiful and that's all that matters.

Society might think otherwise, that you have to perfect hair and looks and personality. But what matters is that God views you as special. Society might say something, but in the end you won't answer to society. You'll answer to God.

2) Nothing I Hold On To by Will Reagan

This song has helped me through a lot of hard times. Through the good and bad times, I will embrace the mountains in my life with open arms. I am never alone, for God is with me.

Awesome Quote

"The Word of God was meant to be bread for daily life, not cake for special occasions."

- Unknown

Me.

To be honest, I'm not like most teenagers my age. I don't hang out with my friends all the time, I don't cuss, or drink, or smoke, or party in that way. And I'm proud of that. I'm a choir kid, misfitted by the rest of the world but accepted by my very best friends in choir. I break out in song every few minutes, and I do my best to encourage others. I don't have perfect hair, most of the time its knotted. I don't have the perfect body, or wear revealing clothes, or even wear makeup. And I am proud of that. People my age have grown up too fast and it breaks my heart.

I don't date around, I'm still waiting for the perfect, godly man. I work hard in school and enjoy the results, such as a 4.0 GPA or a USC acceptance and scholarship. I work for what I have but I don't regret because the feeling of satisfaction is even better than just getting it.

I love God, and I get made fun of for it. Mocked. Persecuted. But I don't care because if my Daddy could endure the cross, I can endure friends who really aren't my friends.

I smile consistently, but there is a story behind my smile. Be careful what you say because their story could be different than your journey.

I might not be like everyone else, or follow the crowd. But that's okay. Because for once in my life, I can accept just being ME. Julia, flaws and all. If you don't like me, that's fine. But I am uniquely made by a loving Savior, and for once I will not regret who I am. Every day I am learning what its like to be a disciple of Christ.

16 Things to do before I turn 16

1. Plant something
2. Try Chicken Tikka Masala, matzo ball soup, and sushi
3. Go to a formal dance
4. Do a photoshoot
5. Visit the mountains for a few days. Just Julia and God time <3
6. Find a sport that I love, and pursue it, even if I'm not the best at it.
7. Have an above 4.0 GPA
8. "Adopt" a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas
9. Be a friend of someone living in a different continent, and write to them every month.
10. Learn how to tap dance
11. See a best friend/family member get baptized
12. Read at least fifty classic novels, taking in their wisdom
13. Get my writings published in print
14. Go to one of my school's football games
15. Spend a whole day at a hospital talking to cancer patients and giving them hope
16. Memorize 1 John

favorite quotes

Okay, who am I kidding? I'm a HUGE quote addict, and there is no way I could narrow it down to just a blog post, but I'll pick some that seem to stand out to me more than the others. :)

All pictures belong to their respective owners of course! No copyright infringement intended.

 

a poem.♥

A broken spirit who can endure?
Because right now I'm at a loss for words
Haven't slept in days, even lost some weight
For you my heart breaks

Everywhere I go I think of you
You and me the unstoppable two
I'd give anything to take your place
Keep going, your still running the race

For you I'll be strong
I'll be all that I'm not
You gotta stay with us
Because the reality of losing you is too hard to bear

You'll beat this cancer, I know its true
And if all else fails, don't forget that I love you

learning.

I love my life, but everyday I'm learning.

I'm learning that people can hurt your feelings, and break your trust. I'm learning that education used in the right ways bring enhancement to our world. I'm learning that the prettiest eyes cry the most sorrowful tears. I'm learning that it is okay to be vulnerable in front of other people. I'm learning who my real friends are from my fake friends. Every day is a journey, a discovery within myself, and that is the simple beauty of life.

things musicals have taught me.

 

Sometimes it's okay to break out in dance and have fun.

Dream big because anything is possible.

 Love comes in unexpected forms.

Passions override oppositions.

 

Anything goes ;)

 There is humor in this world.

Don't judge someone until you know their story.

Grudges affect more than you and the person, they affect everyone involved. 

 

Don't buy a plant just because it looks unusual. 

Through all the song and dance, hard times and good times, flat and sharp, rich or poor; God provides through it all. His love is what conquers the grave <3

(all pictures belong to their respective owners)

 

choir and countless houghts.

Note: Picture was from last year's choir group I participated in.

My whole life I have loved to perform. I feel important and happy when I open my mouth and sing fluent notes. As a high school freshman, I've had a hard time finding myself. It's hard to stand out when you are conformed to a mold. I grew up with five other siblings with whom I love, but their footprints etch into what I am expected to be. I may not be the smartest at math or the most excited about P.E, but for once in my life I feel like I can be finally be myself. I am me when I sing. It's not conformed to a certain style, though sometimes you fit the style of the song. I learn about myself when I sing, and I can finally come to grasp with the person I am becoming through methods of song. Choir is my heart's desire, what keeps me sane throughout the day. It's in that single class that I finally can become myself. It's only forty minutes a day five days a week, but in that time I grasp more knowledge than five other classes full of education. I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing. It's through song that I can become myself, and accept the things going on in my life. It makes me feel like I can finally do something right for once.

I am an athlete. I run like it is my second nature. In running, I finally have time to talk to God and be real with my emotions. Sometimes its a good thing, other times not so much. The same God in Heaven that gives me life also takes my breath away, and I love looking at His creation as I run. The endurance needed to run is insane, but I feel powerful overcoming my tired self. The last few weeks have extremely challenged my faith and made me stronger. I have lost all, but gained all through Christ. Through running I have the confidence to conquer anything. Hurdles? Bring it on. Long jumps? Come at me bro. Running the bleachers five times? No thank you, I am still sore from yesterday's run ;)

It makes me sad to see how many of my friends from last year have changed. I think the main thing that hurts is my etched memory of them, and the reality of who they are now. High school has changed people - some in a positive way, others in a negative way. I've changed, and certain events have put me under the crucible and formed me into the person I am today. I wish I knew who to trust now and days. It's not fair to say everyone, but certain people have shattered my trust. Yet God always sends me the beautiful conviction to what? Love them. Do they hurt your feelings? Do they make you want to cry? Do they make you feel worthless? Love is what conquers all oppositions, trials, burned bridges, hurt, and shame. 

To end this blog and my countless thoughts, I leave you with my new favorite song. "I need a hero" from the 2011 movie Footloose. Of course, no copyright infringement is intended, and all rights belong to their respective owners.

It's safe to say that I could really, really need a hero right now.

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

life begins...

convicting song...

His Love goes on and on

Verse 1: Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
One thing... Remains (repeat)

Chorus:
Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me (3x)

Verse 2:
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains

Bridge:
In death, In life, I'm confident and
covered by the power of Your great love
My debt is paid, there's nothing that can
separate my heart from Your great love

Dear Cancer

Dear Cancer,

I hate you. I absolutely despise what you have done to my family, and innocent people around the world. You've ruined too many relationships. You are destructive, and a tyrant to everyone. You are not a human. All you are is a bunch of cells that ruin our lives. I hate how no matter how hard we try we can't get you out. You may think you have everything, but I am refusing for you to have my sister. She is the sweetest girl, with a smile that lights up the world. She's prettier than a rose on a spring day. She will never give up..She's strong, and she WILL win this battle. Don't get comfortable...

"I Will Follow Him"

Seriously, I loveeee this song!

Broken Eggs...

                                      "You can't use an egg until its broken." -Author Unknown

you know better than I.

Papa,

To whose standard am I living my life? Am I following You or my own hopes and dreams? In You is the path of life, in me is bitterness. You are wise, I am feeble. You are strong, I am weak and need you to carry me on Your shoulders. In me is mire, but You clean and cleanse like no other. Create me in the likeness of You. You make life worth living. I could go across the world and see the most beautiful sights, Yet nothing compares to your presence. None is like You Papa. You are my Savior, you are my best friend. The deepest parts of my heart are  reserved for only you. In you, you hold the life and breath of every being. Through the tough times and the good times, I will praise You. You know better than I.

Love,
Your Little Girl

drowning.

The water struck my surprised body like a warrior in combat, as I went underwater unexpectedly. I always thought I was strong enough to stop the current, invincible, strong. But now I was underwater, nostrils being filled with saltwater and my invisible cries being reverberated throughout the pool.  Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed me out of the water. I remember the multitudes of “Are you okay?” being spread throughout the atmosphere, and being surrounded by my family and friends. I was six years old, and I am pretty convinced that was the scariest moment of my life.

            I always thought I knew it all, that I was strong enough to fight my own battles and support my head above the water.  But sooner or later, the storm hit. Everything that I thought I was was taken from me and tested. People who I loved went against me, and I needed to decide: who is running my life? I was giving into my selfish desires with no shame whatsoever. I was hurt, broken, and ashamed, but blissfully unaware. Then one day I felt God’s presence. It was undeniable. I felt the worth that I was searching for so long. On my knees I discovered that God reached out His hand and helped me when I was drowning in myself. Since then, I’ve entered the water, made a few splashes in the world, but also almost drowned a few times. But nevertheless, God has provided and has always saved me from the storms of this life.

            If you are having one of those days where you are drowning, I want you to know that His love is enough. He wants more than anything to help you. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10). Accept his reaching hand, and begin to live again. Some days are going to be better than others, granted, but it’s the fact that His faithfulness never fails and will always, always, always, take you out of the storm.

Oh and by the way? I still don’t know how to swim. :) 

words in the form of pictures

                     When words can't articulate the feeling and emotion caught in the moment, pictures do.