Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Week #1: GIVEAWAY // FIRST DEVOTIONAL // ONE YEAR OF BLOGGING!


Today calls for a tremendous amount of confetti and chocolate! Showers of Blessings is exactly one year old this month. (February 28 to be exact!) Twelve months ago, I started this little blog, and it has become a very big part of my life. I have grown so much since first starting Showers of Blessings. This small spot on the internet has impacted me more than I could have ever imagined! God truly has orchestrated my blogging journey.

First starting out, I had pretty much no idea how to blog. And after a whole year, I have only just scratched the surface. Blogging and writing in general is really a art that takes continuous learning! And I am so glad that God has given me the opportunity to write for Him! 

I am more than just a little proud when I say... I have not missed one Wednesday of posting in a whole year! Every single week, for a whole year, I have kept up with posting. This was really a big commitment and achievement for me! Sticking to this schedule has been amazing. (And I honestly have never run out of things to post! If not, quite the opposite!)

Because blogging has been such a wonderful experience, I have decided to take this month of February to celebrate Showers of Blessings birthday! 



~Giveaway~ 

And it wouldn't be a blog "party" without GIVEAWAYS and a some other FUN posts, so I am going to do something I have never done and each Wednesday in this month, I will post something that is going to be crazy fun! The giveaways are something that I have been planning for a very long time (like, three months!) Along with some other ideas such as a Q&A (but that comes later)!!! 

Soooo, here's how the giveaway's will work! 

There will be THREE giveaway's total! Each giveaway will have a different way to enter. To be entered in today's giveaway (which will last for one week) all you have to do is comment below AND answer these questions! Each question you answer will give you one point. There are a possible 3 points for this giveaway! Each point is one extra name in the drawing hat! Note: this first giveaway is open to those in the U.S.A. So sorry, to my friends who don't live in the U.S.A. Maybe next weeks giveaway... 

~Rules for entering the first giveaway~
Have fun! And take this mini survey in the comment section below:
1. How did you first find Showers of Blessings?
2. What is your favorite post that you've read on Showers of Blessings? 
3. What do you like the most about Showers of Blessings? 

I will be drawing out of a hat for the winner of the prize! 

Ok, ok, now can we PLEASE see what we are entering for a chance to win you ask?? Oh, yes, of course! But, you will have to scroll!!! 

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The very first giveaway is... 
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A hand-painted Showers of Blessings mug + a handmade crocheted mug cozy with handmade wood buttons! 


I had a lot of fun making the mug when my mom and I went and painted pottery. (*whispers* I almost decided to keep if for myself, shhh!) I also crocheted a cozy for it and added my wood buttons (made from Winds of Faith Autumn Olive branches) to it! Someday, I hope to be able to host a giveaway giving a book that I wrote, but for now, handmade gifts will suffice. *winks* 

I can't wait to see who wins this first giveaway! 


~Throwback~

Along with the giveaway's this month, I would also like to share with y'all some of my first beginnings when it comes to writing. Today I will share my very first devotional ever written, next week I will share my very first poems, and so on. 

My first writings are really special to me because there can only be one first. No one has ever read this devotional except for only a couple of people. I want to say I wrote this when I was either 13 or 14 but I am not quite sure on the age. Keep that in mind when reading. Also, this is un-edited for the most part (I obviously changed the spelling errors) :D 

Gift From a Spider
By a younger Brooklyne ;) 

"Of all the things God can bring to my attention... He chose a spider. 

You see, I was mad, confused, and overwhelmed all at one time. I couldn't talk to anyone about my feelings because they were so hard to explain. They were too complex. So, I tried to sort things out myself by sitting in the shower. I was frustrated by the way I felt, I just wanted to be HAPPY. As you might have guessed, it was Friday night-- the beginning of Sabbath. Satan works overtime on the Sabbath, trying to ruin God's day. Well, he was working really hard! I tried to stand up to Satan. I tried not to let him get under my skin. But no, I couldn't do it by myself. Satan made me feel like I was nothing, worthless. He made me think that I couldn't do anything right. 

Bad things about myself was like a thick fog pressing around me, blinding me of the good things. The burden of self-pity was heavy on my shoulders.

I wanted to be Joyful, Happy, Content. I knew that only God can give me true happiness, by filling me with His joy and love. The only way to be truly content is to let go. Let go, and let God. 

So, as the tug-of-war with Satan and God raged in my head, I looked up... And on the wall of the shower, I saw a spider. Now, most people would not care for the idea of taking a shower with a tiny, but very long-legged spider. But, instead of killing the spider, or flicking it out of the shower, I watched it. I watched it walk from close to the top of the shower wall and down. It was going at a fairly good speed like it was confident to where he was heading. 

As he descended the water-splashed wall, every few steps he would stop and fold one of his legs underneath him to where his body was. To me, it was like he was taking a drink from the water on the wall, or maybe he got stuck in the water and was wiping it off. But whatever he stopped at the water for, he only stopped for a moment then moved on. 

He kept going down the wall and I thought he might keep going to the floor and drown or something. I was wondering if he knew there was danger and that going down was a bad idea, because about a foot from the floor, he stopped. He paused awhile, then started to climb back upward. Going up was a lot harder than going down for the little spider. He would loose his grip on the wall and fall, but every time he fell, his web string would catch him. The spider would swing in the air for a second, then regain a lower spot on the wall. He climbed up and then would fall again and again. The only thing saving this spider his string attached to one of is long legs.

Water droplets slid down the wall and gravity was against him, but he never gave up on his hike. 

Now, as I watched the little spider on his journey in my shower, God won the tug-of-war with Satan. God sent me that spider as a object lesson. You see, I am the spider. My journey in life is the shower wall. As I walk my journey, there are obstacles or situations, these are the water droplets on the wall. I can choose how to react to the obstacles, either for the good or for the bad. Just like the spider either took a drink of water or got stuck, we can choose to learn from our problems or just get stuck and let them slow us down. 

In our life, we might find that we have taken the wrong path or made a bad choice so we decide to turn around, like the spider did when he got close to the water. This is when Satan really tries to get you. Satan pulls you down with force like gravity, all the while throwing water droplets in your face. You lose your grip, you slip and fall, but you are at peace with it because your string always catches you. Do you see the picture? 

God is our safety string. He is always with us everywhere we go. When we fall and make mistakes, he catches us until we gain our footing. God gives us each one of us a web string of Love and sometimes that is the only thing to hang on too. We will always have God's help. Nothing and no one can take it away. Satan is always going to try to make us give up and be discouraged, but lets take our little spider friends advice and keep climbing upward!" 

A grand total of 821 words made up my first devotional that I wrote it as soon as I got out of the shower. After that day, I started looking for other object lessons and the rest... well, they say, is history! That is how I first began writing devotionals! Fun fact: Another devotional I wrote early on was Quicksand

Well, that's it for today's post! Enter the giveaway in the comments and then stay tuned for next weeks post where I will tell y'all who won!!! Can't wait for next week's giveaway as well! I would tell you what else I'm giving away, but it's a surprise! *winks* 

Are you going to answer the three questions to get entered for the giveaway prize? Are you as excited as I am for this month and the fun posts? 
Have you ever shared any of your first drafts and first writing works with anyone? 
*cues nervous gulp* Did you read my first EVER devotional? 

The giveaway starts now and ends on Tuesday the 12th at midnight. Ready, set, GO! *hands you party confetti and chocolate*





42 comments:

  1. So fun!!! Here are my answers to the questions:
    1. I found Showers of Blessings through Andi Carter's blog:)
    2. I like so many of the posts!! My favorites are the wrap-up posts, the winds of faith post, and the goat milk soap post:D
    3. What I like most about Showers of Blessings is the devotionals, poems/writings, and photos that you share<3
    This is such a cool giveaway!! You did such a good job painting the mug!! (The handmade wood buttons are really pretty:D)

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    1. Yay! Thanks so much for entering! You have 3 points!!! (Putting your names in the drawing hat right now!)
      I'm so glad you like the first giveaway prize! The wood buttons were fun to make! XD

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    2. 💕💕💕 :D

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  2. FUN Giveaway!!

    1. I found showers of blessings through Beth in boots blog (I think.)
    2.MY favorite posts are monthly wrap up posts.
    3.I love your poems, and stories.

    ~Alice~

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    1. THANK YOU!

      I'm glad to hear you like my wrap up posts! ;) You have 3 entries!

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  3. AHHHH. Congratsssss! And that mug is SO cute!! My one year is coming up in a few weeks too. :DD

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    1. Thank you so much, Victoria! I had a lot of fun painting this mug! And happy early blogging anniversary to you too!!! <3

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  4. Congrats! It's impressive that you've managed to post consistently. It's harder than people realize. :D

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    1. Thanks, Skye!!! Blogging every Wednesday has been such a blessing for me! And your so right, it definitely can be hard to stay consistent! :)

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  5. This giveaway looks so cool!!!

    1. I found this blog like I find a lot of blogs. I look at blogs my friends follow if it sounds like a good blog I check it out.
    2. I like to read all of your post!! I think this one is a favorite!
    3. I like the colors and stories, learning more about you!

    The devotional was so good!!

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. *throws confetti* I have alway's wanted to host a giveaway! They are a lot of fun!

      Loved all your answers to my giveaway questions! You have 3 entries in the hat! XD

      Thanks! I'm glad to be able to share some of my first writings with y'all!

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  6. The cup is so pretty! I'm not sure how I found your blog, but it may have been when someone tagged you. It may have been Alice Seavey, but I'm not sure. don't know my favorite post, but I do love your poems. What I like most about Showers of Blessings... hmm. Well, you!

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    1. Thanks, I'm glad you like it! And thank you for entering! Aww, your so sweet! Your comment made me smile today! <3

      You have 3 names in the hat!!!

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  7. HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! That's so exciting, I'm glad you hit that milestone. <3

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    1. YAY!!! THANK YOU! It is exciting! And, congrats to you as well for two years of blogging! Our blogs both have birthdays around the same time *winks* <3

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  8. Wow! This is exiting! Happy One Year Anniversary!!

    1. How did you first find Showers of Blessings? umm.... I think you followed me so I followed you back.

    2. What is your favorite post that you've read on Showers of Blessings?
    umm.. Probably this one! :P I love giveaways!

    3. What do you like the most about Showers of Blessings?
    Probably the rustic look of your blog!


    ~Beth~

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    1. You have 3 entries, Beth!
      I love giveaway's too! And I'm glad you like the rustic look! I really like the wood background! ;)
      Thanks for entering the giveaway!

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  9. Yay for you, Brooklyne! *applauds and throws confetti* Since I, too, am a blogger, I'm awed that you have posted EVERY WEDNESDAY, for a FULL YEAR!!! Yippee! *throws more confetti* Good for you! And a BIG round of applause for Showers of Blessings' first birthday! That's so exciting!
    What a beautiful devotional, too! Very touching. As for being young when you wrote it, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) Thank you so very much for sharing!
    And now you're hosting a giveaway? *big grin* Sounds super fun! Count me in ;-).


    (1). How'd I find Showers of Blessings? Through Andi Carter's Blog

    (2). What is my favorite post? Since I'm still exploring your beautiful blog, I'll have to say that ONE of my favorite posts is either this post or one of the wrap-ups :-). Your pictures are always so fun!

    (3). What do I like most about Showers of Blessings? The warm, cheerful young lady that's "behind the screen" :-) I also (again) LOVE your pictures!

    ~Ellen


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    1. *dances in your confetti* Aww, thanks! Posting consistently has truly been a blessing to me! Blogging is so much fun! Yay! I can't believe it has been a whole year already! It seems just like yesterday I published my first post...
      Thank you! And I love that Bible verse! <3 <3 <3
      Giveaway's are so much fun! *winks*

      You have 3 names in the giveaway hat!

      I'm so glad you like the pictures and wrap up posts! Oh, that's so sweet of you to say! Your comment brightened my day! Thank you, Ellen!

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  10. Fun fun fun!!!!!Happy anniversary to yoouuuuu + the blog! :D I have to say, I LOVE that spider poem! I feel like that's something I would do/write about! Such a cool devo! ;D

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    1. Thank you, Mallory!!! I'm glad you liked reading my very first devotion I wrote!
      It's truly amazing to see how God can bring comfort and encouragement through something as small as a spider... who would have thought! <3

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  11. happy one year posting into the blogosphere!

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  12. I’ve been very excited for this post and I’m excited for the ones that follow! :D
    Fun giveaway! Okay, my answers to your questions:
    1. I’m not exactly sure. I think it may have been that you left a comment on my blog and that’s how I found your blog or it may have been through the Circle C blog.
    2. I really liked your December wrap-up and room tour. :)
    3. You! <3 I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and I like your posts a lot. :)

    Great devotional, Brooklyne!

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    1. I have been excited for these posts too! *winks*

      You have 3 entries!!!

      Oh, my room tour was a fun video to make! I should post more videos sometime! ;)
      Aww, I've loved getting to know you too! <3 <3 <3

      Thank you!

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  13. Brooklyne this sounds super fun! I can't wait for the rest of the posts!!!!!!! And that mug.... I needs it on my pretty book shelf <3
    Congrats on one year of consistent blogging!!!

    1. Is it bad that I can't remember? Was there even a time when I wasn't following you!?! =P Lol, Anyway huh... How did I find you? Either I found you from someone else's blog, or you commented on mine... Or wait, was it when you sent me that email??? (yeah, I think that was it)
    2. Hmm... Well, I really enjoyed reading the January wrap up post!
    3. Lets see... I'd probably have to go with your love for God <3

    *Settles down with an armload of chocolate and confetti*

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    1. Yes, it is! I have had lots of fun planning (and painting!)
      Thank you so much!

      Yay! You are entered 3 times!
      Oh, I remember! I found your blog through Saver of Memories when you did a blog launch! And then we started emailing! :)
      Aw, thanks!

      *generously adds to your confetti and chocolate collection*

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  14. Happy Blogiversary, Brooklyne!! :D You're such a sweet part of the blogging community, girl! <3

    1. We'd been talking a bit, and you shared the link with me, I believe. :)
    2. Oh, goodness, I don't know! Your poems are always fabulous, though...
    3. Again, not sure! This is certainly a sweet, encouraging corner of the internet, my friend. ;)

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    1. Thanksss, Faith!!! Aw, that's so nice of you to say! Ditto! <3

      Yes, you were one of the first three bloggers I contacted about starting a blog!
      Thank you! Next week I share some of my first poems! *nervous giggle*
      I'm glad to hear to think so! <3

      You have 3 giveaway entries!!!

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  15. Hooray, hooray!!! *throws confetti and dances in a circle* Conragts, Brooklyne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!! YIPPEE!!

    1. I think I found your blog through Andi Carter's blog, but I also got a comment from you on my blog
    2. I love your wrap-up posts
    3. and what I love most about Showers of Blessings? Probably you! I've loved getting to know you through this amazing blog you've created into a warm, cheery, happy corner. You really are a blessing!
    ~Izzy

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    1. And wow, your devotional was a really big blessing to me....that is so true and so good.....<3

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    2. *hugs* Yay! I'm so happy to see you joining in with all the confetti throwing around here lately! *winks* Blogging confetti is the best kind of confetti! ;)

      You have 3 giveaway entries! I just put your names in my cowboy hat sitting next to my bed!

      Aw, and your sweet comment is such a blessing to me! <3

      I'm so glad you liked reading my devotional, Izzy!!!

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  16. Congratulations on 1 year of blogging! :) I've loved getting to connect with you through the blogging world! :)

    1. I think you reached out to me through my blog, and then I discovered yours! :) (I'm not 100% sure, though. I might have found it through the Andi Carter blog.)
    2. Favorite post?! Oh goodness, that's so hard! ;) Probably your devotional posts. Love those! <3
    3. Hmm... hard question! How can I choose?! ;) I love the encouragement I get through reading your posts! :) <3

    So glad you are part of the blogging world, friend! :)

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    1. Thank you! And same! :D

      Yes, sounds about right! *winks*
      I'm so glad you like my devotionals, that means a lot to me! <3
      Oh, I'm so thankful that you find encouragement through Showers of Blessings!

      Aw thanks, Molly, and back at ya!
      You have 3 entires for the giveaway prize!!!

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  17. I found showers of blessings right after we came to your farm! I had so much fun so I found Melissa reading them and she introduced the page to me! My favorite post is the one when you were talking about the mud run. My favorite part about Showers of Blessings is being able to read about you and your family! Also being able to talk to you ♥️

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    1. Yes, I remember!
      The mud run's were so much fun! I'm so glad you liked reading about our adventures!
      I just put 3 entries in the giveaway hat for you!!! :D

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  18. Oops I'm just catching up. What an awesome post! I am exciting for the others. I loved your devotion the message really spoke to me. Also I remember a so similar experience being in the shower with a sleepy fly in winter. Haha, is that weird? Congratulations on 1 year and posting right through! Your a hero.

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    1. I'm so glad you liked my first devotional, Rachel! Thank you so much for commenting! <3 <3 <3

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  19. I'm sorry I'm late for the party! Congratulations on one year of blogging, Brooklyne!!! :D And that's awesome that you've been so consistent posting every week! :o (I should take a page from you xD) The giveaways sound lots of fun, and that devotional was very encouraging! And that mug and cozy are awesome! Too bad I missed this giveaway... oh well, maybe next week! ;)

    CONGRATS AGAIN!! *throws confetti* *dances* *hands Brooklyne homemade celebratory cookies* :D

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    1. No worries, welcome to the celebrating, Faith! Thank you! I'm so happy you liked reading my devotional! <3
      The mug was so fun to make! I really liked how it turned out! Sorry you didn't see about the giveaway sooner, but hey, your not too late for this weeks giveaway! I'm giving away a leather journal I made! Then, stay tuned for next week where I will be giving away another cool prize! :)

      THANKS!!! *dances in your confetti while nibbling on some of your homemade cookies* *winks*

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