June Wrap-Up Post

June was a interesting month for me. It wasn't the best month, and yet there were some moments that were awesome. To be honest, most of this month was a struggle. It's hard when everything is going on, and nothing seems to be going right. But I don't want to dwell on the not-so-great things of June... so lets look on the bright side. 

My family is all healthy. The sun shines when its not raining. And even when it is raining, our garden is growing because of it. Family is everything. Cake is good. Books are a good escape. Road trips are fun. 

Now, who's ready to hear about my month? *looks out at all the hands raised* Ok, good! Keep reading! 

➳➳➳Natural disaster clean-up➳Long drives➳Picnics➳Cover design➳Finished cooking class!!! ➳And got a certificate!!!➳Cookie dough ice cream➳Tilling the garden➳

➳Music lessons➳Watching the Amazing Race➳Reading➳Cleaning➳Singing karaoke with lil' sis➳Making dinner➳Getting read for Camp Nano➳Feeling overwhelmed about all the life stuff➳Making breakfast➳Sending soap order out➳Getting mail and sending mail *winks* ➳Eating chocolate➳Doing nails➳Black and white pictures➳Smoothies➳Entered some giveaways but didn't win anything➳Helped decorate Fathers Day cookies➳In the process of making a book wishlist➳Taking advice from a chocolate wrapper➳Pretty views while driving➳Laughing silly stuff➳Texting friends➳Taking pictures while it's windy➳Storms➳Rain➳Lightning➳Feeling sad➳Our cat had to be put down (17 years old)➳Eating Mexican food➳Dandelion Dust photo shoot :)➳Looking back over my senior pictures➳Fathers Day picnic at church➳Hiking➳Cake!➳Short road trip➳Shopping at the mall➳Soft pretzels➳First time having rolled ice cream!➳Big city➳Getting dressed up➳Eating yummy food➳Going to a Carrie Underwood concert!!!!!!!!➳It was amazing!!!➳Going on another picnic➳Watching a movie in theatre with sisters and cousins➳Riding Rosie➳Sister-time and chocolate milkshakes➳Reading Own Your Everyday➳Giving the horses a bath➳Living➳Laughing➳And Loving➳➳➳

➳➳➳At the moment when I figure out that I had been watering my cactus seedlings with vinegar... who knew that I had the wrong spray bottle! And I consider myself good at gardening? *facepalm* Who am I trying to kid?➳When I accidentally made our tofu eggs taste like lilac candles➳Don't ask➳Lets just say it wasn't my fault➳At jokes and riddles told on our hike➳At the amount of books I want to read vs. the ones I actually get to read➳It's pitiful➳At the funny movie➳➳➳

➳➳➳Our animals, even when their extra work, ya just gotta love 'em➳My family, because even when life is extremely hard, they are always there➳Memories made at the concert, been looking forward to that for a long time➳When I think my reading slump is finally over?? Maybe, hopefully➳The excitement when I order a book➳Spending time with people I love➳➳➳

➳➳➳That life is hard➳But with each trial, you can choose to become stronger➳God never leaves you alone in the storm➳Don't set high expectations, just live in the moment➳Everyone has their own definition of fun➳Its OK to be original➳A few words of encouragement can go a long way➳Never give up➳Don't cheat yourself out of having a good day when only one thing goes "wrong"➳You have a choice to make with how you handle each situation➳No one is perfect, so stop comparing yourself with who you think that person is like➳Be humble➳It's ok to just breath➳Dreams come true with hard work and dedication➳Music can help➳Write things down➳Trust in God even when you feel scared➳You got this!➳➳➳

~Mini Photo Dump~

^^ Ruger

^^ Psalm 118:1

^^ Morning Sunrise

^^ Best cookies ever!

^^ Chocolate wrapper :)

^^ Rainy 24/7

^^ Best view on the way home (I always take a picture when I drive through here!)

^^ Black and white pictures are awesome!

^^ A senior pic from last year

^^ These flowers are all over the pastures!

^^ Hiking

^^ Reading and road trippin'

^^ Typical hotel room smell 

^^ City Buildings

^^ Yum!

^^ Getting ready for concert with a snack

^^ At concert!

~Goals~

June goals recap:

-Make a vision board for my room! (It's like a Pinterest board but in real life!) In progress... still gathering ideas for it.

-Write 5,000 in my WIP Um, nope. Did not do that.

-Care for plants in the garden Sure, I'd say everything is still alive. *winks*

-Finish my cooking class...Yes!!! Nailed it! 

-Ride Rosie more Yes! 

-Make a summer bucket list of sorts Yes! Read it HERE! 

-Read three books How about almost finishing two books? 

July goals:

-Participate in Camp Nano! (Goal is 30 hours, so cheer me on!)

-Continue blogging twice a week

-Ride Rosie

-Help pull off the fourth of July party at our house...

-Oh, and eat Fourth of July cake!

-Do some continuing education research

-Garden

How was your June? Anything new or exciting happen? What was your favorite post to read around the blogosphere this month? Do you have any goals for July? 

What is one thing that God has taught you this month?

I'd love to talk to you in the comments below! <3 

2019 Summer Bucket List

A few weeks ago, I had said something about sharing with y'all my Summer Bucket list for 2019, and today I decided to do just that! Because... last Friday was the official first day of Summer!!! Yay!!! Who's so glad that summer is here? I know I am!

So without further ado, here's my summer bucket list (Also, Pinterest helped me out on a few of these! *winks*)

A list of 50 things to do this Summer:

• Drive on a country road with the windows down
• Go on a picnic
• Read three books with "Summer" in the title
• Write a summer-y piece of flash fiction
• Make lemonade 
• Swim in the pool at night
• Give Rosie a bath
• Go camping
• Jet-ski at the lake
• Play volleyball 
• Go for a four wheeler ride
• Sit on the front porch and watch the sunset
• Eat a popsicle 
• Go to a concert 
• Make pickles 
• Go Kayaking
• Stargaze
• Have a water balloon fight :) 
• Make a summer playlist
• Get a Polaroid Camera 
• Find a four-leaf clover
• Paint on canvas
• Watch fireworks
• Read a book on the beach
• Bake cookies
• Buy more indie books 
• Make scrunchies 
• Ride a rollercoaster 
• Go hiking 
• Thrift store shopping
• Step out of my comfort zone
• Movie marathon 
• Run a race (5k or mud run) 
• Paint my nails a crazy color 
• Spa night
• Sing karaoke 
• Have a sleepover 
• Game night
• Eat pineapple 
• Make a smoothie 
• Grill out
• Go on a bike ride
• Garden
• Paint pottery 
• Do a cartwheel
• Play basketball 
• Go on a road trip 
• Try an exotic fruit
• Up-cycle DIY summer clothes 
• And lastly, complete all these things on my list! :)

That's it, folks! This list sounds like a lot of fun and I can't wait to start checking things off! 

(I actually already have started doing some of these fun summery activities!)

 Tell me, what are some of your 2019 Summer bucket list activities?? 

Comment below! <3 

Exodus 3:14 // A Poem

Exodus 3:14 

Written by Brooklyne 

I AM WHO I AM 

Why do you question My abilities?

Why do you make excuses for yourselves?

Will you not do as I ask you to do?

I AM WHO I AM 

Here is the sign you so unfaithfully asked for

A burning bush and a serpent rod

Now do you see, for I AM? 

I AM WHO I AM 

And yet you still are unsure

Will you believe after I give and heal your leprosy? 

Will you believe if I turn water to blood?

I AM WHO I AM 

Speak, for I will give you words

Be bold, for I am with you

Obey Me, for I AM

I AM WHO I AM 

You say you do not speak well

But who has made your mouth? 

Go, I will teach you what to say

I AM WHO I AM

Oh Ye of little faith

I ask for you to be apart of My plan

My plans will always prevail, for I AM

I AM who I AM 

Go and have faith

Believe in Me

For I AM WHO I AM!

Exodus 3:14 NKJV

“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 

I wrote this poem when I was struggling with God just like Moses was in Exodus chapter three. Moses kept voicing excuses and doubts when God was right there, performing miracles and signs. Even though Moses saw God's power first hand, he still complained and finally asked God to find someone else to do the work that He wanted him to do. 

Eventually, Moses came around and did the work. But reading those passages in the Bible one night, I was like "Come on, Moses. What's it going to take for get you to trust in God's plan? He has already done so many amazing signs, why are you being so stubborn about this? God told you that He was going to be with you, and you still doubt... seriously??" 

And as soon as I thought these things about Moses, I realized that I myself have a lot in common with him. When God asks me to do something, or maybe He only asks of me to wait, I complain and doubt. Yes, I am very much so like Moses. I doubt in God's plan for me. I doubt even though I know He is all-mighty. I doubt even though I see his miracles.

So how do we overcome our own doubt and fear in God's plan? Good question, I wish I knew the answer too it, but what I do know that we have to go to God and be real with Him. I think we have to lay everything (our fears, worries, excuses, etc.) out on the table and let Him help us. We can't do it on our own.

Today, that is my goal, to complain about my worries LESS, and to trust Him with them MORE. Who's with me?? 

Could you relate to this poem? Has God ever asked you to do something you didn't feel like you could, or wanted too? What did you think of the song I included? 

Talk to me in the comments! (P.S. This is my 80th post!!! Any ideas to celebrate when I reach my 100th post??)

Dandelion Dust // Author Interview

Good morning, all! Today, I am so happy to be helping celebrate Dandelion Dust's 2nd Birthday!!! I read this AMAZING novella last year in November, and let me just say, you need this book in your life! It was happy, it was sad. It was super sweet and had such a summery feel! I am so glad to have a copy sitting on my bookshelf!

But, todays post is not just me fangirling over this lovely novella... I am doing another author interview with one of my most favorite indie-authors! If you would like to see the other interview with Faith Potts on her book Behold, go HERE. Today's interview is going to be talking mostly about Dandelion Dust!

~~~

1. What inspired the idea behind Dandelion Dust?
In December of 2016, I had a dream that I was watching a guy speed across a field on a four-wheeler aannndd…he crashed. By the end of the following day, I’d written a few scenes of what I thought would be a short story—which is now Dandelion Dust.

2. What character do you relate to the most in Dandelion Dust?
Charity, for sure. Not as much now as I did when I wrote and published her story, but I still relate to Charity’s character, her struggles, and her personality on many levels.

3. What is the best part about the writing/publishing process for you? 
(Can I give two answers?) Best, as in most enjoyable, would be the first draft. I love writing without holding back, letting the story take control and flow out, making it’s way to the page and deeper into my heart. If we’re talking best meaning easiest… I don’t know, maybe the actual publishing? Uploading files, choosing categories, taking care of all the details, setting up pricing, arranging a preorder, and making sure (hopefully!) things go up on time… I don’t mind those little things at all. It’s even kinda fun. ;)

4. Since this was one of your very first books published, do you have any tips for new indie-published authors? 
Chase your dreams. Like, seriously. If there’s something you want to do, learn as much as you can about it—and go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to fall short. And most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young, too inexperienced, or not good enough. If you’re chasing your God-given dream, He will give you the strength to accomplish it. <3

5. What was your favorite scene to write in Dandelion Dust? 
Oh my goodness, so many! I really loved all the sad/heartbreaker scenes. (I know, I know, so wicked…), but the happy/teasing scenes were fun to write too. And I had way too much fun with the haircut scene… If you know, you know. ;)

6. Do you have a playlist for Dandelion Dust? If so, what are some of the songs on it? 
I do! And I still listen to it sometimes, just because of all the memories that it holds.There’s like…so many songs on it. Some of my favorites are When You Smile by Casey Darnell, Miracle by Unspoken, and Mean to Me by Brett Eldridge.

7. If you were to describe Dandelion Dust in five words, what would they be? 
Dreams. Prairie. Tears. Prayers. Hope…. And so many more. ;)

~~~

And there you have it! If you haven't read DD and you enjoy a sweet romance + a moving story, then I highly suggest that you do!

To learn more about Faith Potts, visit her website, blog, and Instagram!

AND in honor of Dandelion Dusts second birthday, it is going to be FREE on kindle the 30th of June!   So don't miss out on a chance to read this awesome book!

Because we are celebrating a book birthday here... *throws confetti and eats birthday cake* I thought I'd do a photo shoot with my copy of Dandelion dust:

Me and my little sister had a lot of fun taking these pictures!

^^ So Pretty! 

^^ My favorite! 

^^ Had to take a picture with a dog print because: Katydid!

Have you read Dandelion Dust? Did you like reading the author interview? What was your favorite picture that I took? Comment below! 

h e a l i n g . . .

We are all broken.

Last year, my Nannie fell while she was out in the horse pastures. She landed on her right hand and broke two major bones in her wrist. One titanium plate and eight screws later, she spent many weeks recovering from her surgery, and going to physical therapy. After the first pain meds wore off, the healing process was extremely excruciating. And it was a long drawn-out recovery. Her broken bones did not heal overnight. It took months of carful dedication and focus to regain the movements of her right hand. She is right handed and during that healing time, my Nannie had to learn to use her left hand instead. 

We are all broken people. Both physically and mentally. We’re bruised and tattered, torn and shattered. We are sinners. The advisory laughs when we fall for the sin he has laid as traps for us. But God, He cares for us so much that He has made a way for us to conquer. God has already overcome satan. And with His help, so can we.

I think that sometimes we forget how Jesus is such a powerful Healer. Sometimes we assume that He only performed miracles and healings when He was physically on earth. 

God still heals and performed miracles today. There is power through prayer!

When you feel broken and defeated, let God heal you. It might not be instant healing like we read in the Bible stories. It might take weeks spent recovering. Maybe even continual support from family or friends. Healing our brokenness is going to be painful. It could take months or years to heal completely. It WILL take carful dedication and refocusing on God. 

God uses our healing time to teach us. Just like Nannie had to learn to do things with her non dominant hand, we will have to learn some new things too. Through that learning process, we will become stronger and more capable for future times when we need healing. Sometimes God uses past pain to shape us into the people we are today. We don’t know what is up ahead, maybe God is teaching you something now so that you can be better equipped for the future. 

Learning to be left handed through her recovery time was not easy for my grandma (Nannie). Simple tasks such as opening lids on jars or fixing her hair were 10x harder to do and took 10x longer to complete. I will guarantee that healing will be difficult and painful. But when we start to heal from either physical pain or from a storm in our life, it’s so important to know that God is right along side us doing the healing. 

And more than just wanting to be healed, we should be looking to the Healer. 

~Sure, these obstacles that we face feel like high Mountains, but our faith in God can move mountains. (Matthew 17:20)

~And our trials are as gigantic giants blocking our joy, still God defeats the giants. (1 Samual 17)

~Ok, so the storm is boisterous, but our God speaks and the waves obey His voice. God calms our storms. (Psalm 107:29)

God is greater than anything you might be facing today. Trust in Him, and let Him have control. Open your heart to healing. Ask God to heal you. Instead of turning to worldly things, turn to God for His love and support. Let the grace and forgiveness of God wash over you, and let it be the screws that hold your brokenness together! 

Psalm 107:29

“He calms the storm, So that it’s waves are still.”

How is God healing you? Is there anything you would like me to pray for you about? Have you ever heard the song I included in today's post? What has God been teaching you lately?