Emily H.

Today, Emily speaks to us about being set apart and her love for photography.

Emily H.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in a Christian family, I have three older siblings, and I have been homeschooled all my life. My siblings and I were very close growing up, and we still are to this day!

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Psalm 18:21a is a very inspiring passage for me in this season of life. It reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This passage reminds me that what I say really does matter. It can either make a great impact in a positive way, or make an impact in a negative way.

“This passage reminds me that what I say really does matter.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth focus at the moment is praying more. I need to have time set apart for prayer, so that I can focus on only that with no distractions.

Profession: My profession at the moment is that I am a student, so I am just focusing on doing my work diligently with that! I also help in the home by cleaning and watching a girl that we nanny.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? If I wrote a memoir and I had to title it, it would be titled, “The journey of being set apart.” When I was younger, all I wanted to do was to be like other people and fit into the crowd. Now, as I grow older, the only person I want to be like is the Lord. I want to be as set apart from the world as possible, so that I can set that example of Christ-like living.

“I want to be as set apart from the world as possible, so that I can set that example of Christ-like living.”

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? My encounter with Christ is not one that has a set date stamped on it. I came to know Christ slowly, through many years. When I was young, I never felt accepted or loved by people. Satan had trapped me into believing false lies about myself. On the outside, all people could see was a girl that had no care in the world; but on the inside, I was very self-conscious and had many doubts. I was finally done with feeling sorry for myself and tried a simple solution- reading the Bible. Through many passages and many books in the Bible, I came to know Christ. I now know that He loves me and forgives me and wants me. It was a hard journey, that’s for sure, but it was by far the most rewarding.

“When I was young, I never felt accepted or loved by people.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? In this season of life, reading Christian quotes is what helps me spiritually grow. Quotes, actually, played a big part in my testimony and got me through a hard period of time. So, I believe my love for quotes has carried on and will carry on forever. Quotes are everywhere! I read them in my Jesus Calling devotional (by Sara Young), and I even read some on Instagram (my favorite quotes are by “Written to Speak.”). Quotes can be long and drawn out or short and to the point. Either way, they always get a great message across that always inspires me and helps me grow.

“Quotes, actually, played a big part in my testimony and got me through a hard period of time.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Currently, I am reading, This Changes Everything, by Jaquelle Crowe. It is such a great book for any age, but especially teens, ages 13 and up. It clearly teaches the Gospel and how it can transform lives even when we are young.

Top three essentials: Bible, camera and coffee.

Hobby: I have many hobbies, but the hobby that beats them all is photography. My interest for photography started when I was 11 and my passion has only grown even more! I am currently interning for a photography business (Lifeworks Photography) and that has blessed me so much with learning a lot about photography and the editing process.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:
1. Stay in the Word. There are so many distractions now days with phones, computers, friends, work, etc. With all of those we seem to get our priorities mixed up, and unfortunately, reading your Bible seems to end up on the bottom of the list. But if we have time to text a BFF, we have time to sit down with no distractions and read the Bible.
2. Pray. As I said before, praying is something we need to do. To be in communication with the one who created us is unfathomable! It’s a gift He gave us, so why not accept it?
3. Go to church. As believers in Christ we need that fellowship with other Christians. We can challenge each other, pray for each other, and even be a listening ear for other.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? What I want people to know about Christ when they look at me is that He can make someone who is broken restored. Before I accepted Christ into my heart, I was broken, hurt, cracked and there was no Band-Aid big enough to piece me together. But when I finally had Christ come into my life, He immediately turned my life around by mending my cracks and brokenness.

“But when I finally had Christ come into my life, He immediately turned my life around by mending my cracks and brokenness.”

How do you leave your mark on your community? I leave a mark on my community by serving on my worship team in my church. I am so blessed to be part of the wonderful team there! I am not on the worship team for any other reason than to serve Christ.

Favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas! I love it not because of the candy or the presents, but because of the meaning behind it and the fellowship of family.

A goal you have? A goal that I have is to have photography become my career. I am trying to learn as much about photography that I can, so I can put it later into use later in life!

What does your morning routine consist of? My morning routine is pretty to the point! Once I get out of bed I brush my teeth, wash my face, make coffee, and eat breakfast.

What is on your nightstand? I don’t have a lot on my nightstand, but I have a lamp, a plaque, a candle, and a jewelry holder.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is a relationship with the creator of the universe, the God who died for our sins, and the King who wants to spend eternity with us.

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO