Wrapping Up My September

September has come and gone. And with it, the heat of Summer has turned to a Autumn. As much as I love summer, Fall has it's own charm that I also get excited about. Like... sweater weather, people! And crisp mornings, cozy blankets, good books, and all the Fall colors that I love! 

If I were to sum up my September in one word, it would be: busy. For not having a full time job, or even classes to keep up with, I am a very busy person. Seems like my to-do list is never ending. 

Anyway, lets talk about my month, shall we?

~Church work bee~FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS~Soap making (Moon Child)~Mud Run with family and church friends~Foggy Mornings~Black and White Pictures~Designed a few book covers~Mowed the lawn~Went to the fair~Had a apple cider slushy and a taco salad!~Morning walks~Split wood with dad and big sis~Fall clothes~Painting~Birthday celebrations~Participated in a horse parade~Made more soap (Warm Cinnamon Spice and Charcoal Peppermint Cleanse)~Made scrunchies!~Printed off my WIPs so I wouldn't be devastated if my computer crashed...~Visited the library and couldn't help but smile when I walked in the doors~Road Trip with the Fam~Funny car selfies~Stayed on a houseboat for three nights~Washed our hair and shaved our legs in the lake (I'm telling ya, it was one of my highlights!)~Hammock on top of the boat~Waterfall wannabes~More soap making, getting ready for fall (Pumpkin Patch and Apple Pie!)~Made bath salts~Went to my younger cousins cross country meet: I'm so proud of her!~Looked at old pictures~Sent out the 100th Post Flash Fiction Contest prizes! So excited for both Molly and Faith to get them in the mail!~Sent a friend a b-day gift XD~Packaged bath salts~Designed NEW packaging for my bath salts and my soap!!~Quote of the month: "What if I fall? Oh, my darling, what if you fly?"~Bonfires~Chili dogs~Spontaneously drawing~Nan's Sugar Cookies!~Playing volleyball~Went to a festival and got a buckeye sundae~Fun texting convos with a friend about a certain show we like~Taking some bookish pictures~Morning jog/walks~Mowing the lawn again~Living~Laughing~Loving~And Learning!

Ok, me falling off the couch because my sissy tickled me was pretty funny... for her. Maybe not so much for me?

~~~

Mom showed this to me from Facebook: 

"WHY I HATED MATH: 

In class: 

5 + 5 = 10

Homework:

734 + 555 - 432 / 69 = 12.42

Test:

With 2 sheep flying, one yellow and the other headed right, how much does a pound of asphalt cost, given that the cow is 10 years old?"

^^Now THAT made me laugh! XD 

~~~

Golden Cornfields ready for harvest~Morning sunrises that are always so pretty but never the same~

I love my Mom: you are so special to me. We are a great team, and I am blessed to be your daughter

I love my Dad: you are such a cool dad, thanks for working so hard to provide for us. You're the best.

I love my big sis: you will always have my back and I yours. We sisters stick together through thick and thin. 

I love my lil' sis: You always make me laugh. I love spending time with you and know I can trust you with all my secrets. 

Hmm, I'm learning a lot~And a lot~But it's hard to put into words~I'm learning how to run a small business~How to better manage my time (because, y'all, I need help in this area!)~How to smile more and worry less~How to put my phone down and live in the moment (why is this so hard for the generation we live in?)~I read slower than I think I do~Lets just say I brought 4 books on vacation and only read 7 chapters~Sad, I know!~I'm learning that Gods plans are higher than my own~That time flies~That it's ok to be you and not someone else~That there is no rush to get it all figured out because God's Will is the only timetable that matters.

Mini Photo Dump:

^^ My new labels! I'm building my brand!

^^ Morning walk and I'm matching... XD

^^ Mom's new fall wreath!

^^ Sabbath hand lettering...

^^ Our houseboat!

^^ My Painting!

^^ Our nicely split firewood!

^^ My new shirt I got at the fair!

How was your September? Anything new with you? Are you excited about Fall? What are you looking forward too this week? Comment below! 

Also, I'm loving my new blog look! Do you like it????

Catching the horizon // Flash Fiction

Happy Wednesday, peeps! I am really excited (and slightly nervous) to share with you a piece of my writing! I have posted snippets of my writing before, but never Flash Fiction. Well, that changes today! I wrote this story for a contest that Melissa hosted a while ago... it did not place, but she gave me some very helpful tips to improve! Then, I also entered it in a contest hosted by, Izzy West, but again, it did not place. Even though this story didn't win any contests, I still really like this piece of flash fiction!

I'm hoping to post short stories and flash fiction more often, so let me know if you like this post in the comments! I'd love to hear your feedback! 

Catching the Horizon

1930

The horizon far off in the distance was hazy on the shining waters. Blues and whites stood dull against the vibrant colors of the rising sun and its beauty beckoned the thirteen year old girl to venture off on the peaceful waters. If she could, she would travel by boat to a place far away from where she lived. 

To a place of new beginnings and not of dirt, grime, and filth. A place of peace and not of mounting desperation. A place where she could thrive and not just barely survive. 

The only reason she must continue on with living was for her little brother who needed someone to look after him. The Great Depression was hard on everyone, but it hit her family with a blow that was bound to leave a deep dent in their lives. It already had. Her mother had died last winter and her father had been killed when caught in a riot, leaving the two siblings alone in this big city. Times were even harder on her little brother, Brody, when medication was as scarce as finding a filling meal. 

Everly Mae Robertson turned away from the waters that called her from this retched city. She trotted the dusty cobblestone streets to the soup kitchen where thousands lined to be served cold, watery soup and stale bread. Tapping her tattered shoe impatiently, she inched along as the line got shorter. She needed to hurry back to Brody before he awoke in another coughing fit and a blistering fever. When it was finally her turn, she drank a small sip of soup then stuffed a slice of crumbly bread into her dirty skirt pocket for her brother. 

On her return trip to the filthy alleyway where they camped, two boys about her age tried to steel her bread.

"Give it over!" the bigger boy demanded, his tone cold and heartless-- or just hungry. He lunged for her piece of bread, but she side-stepped him.

In her attempt to flee, the other bully grabbed at her sleeved wrist. Pain shot up her arm from his death-grip and she gritted her teeth to conceal her scream. Everly followed her first instinct and stomped hard on the boys foot. This is Brody's meal, not yours! Her thoughts raced faster than her beating heart. 

As soon as the boy loosened his grip, hollering at her for the pain she caused, she narrowly escaped their clutches as she ran deeper into the throng of city people. It was moments like that when she was thankful for a scrawny body and a scrappy mentality.

When she got to where she had left her brother, her breathing had finally slowed from the narrow escape moments before. Everly sidestepped a stray dog and her heart felt crushed for the little animal. She knew how it felt: alone in a alleyway, hungry for each meal.

“Brody, wake up.” She whispered and gently shook her brothers shoulders. Everly Mae crouched beside his sleeping form where she had left him behind a pile of rusty barrels in the alleyway… their so-called home. 

Brody startled awake, rubbing his watery eyes, “I’m hungry Evy.” 

The moan of pain from his parched lips was not overlooked by Everly and she bit back tears of her own. She handed him the bread that she had saved from the two bullies. 

“I’m sorry it isn’t much.” She regretted not taking more than her share of the food.

“It’s ok, Evy. I’m thankful for it,” Brody said with a small bite, “I’m even more thankful for you, ya know. I don’t know what I would do without you.” 

Everly ruffled his curly red hair. Her brother was very mature for his ten years, “And I don’t know what I would do without you. We make a good team.”

His reply was interrupted by a coughing fit and Everly’s heart ached to take away his pain and bear it herself. She would do anything for her brother. 

Her thoughts returned to the view at the boat docks. She pondered out loud, “Do you ever think we will catch the horizon, Brody?”

He seemed to understand what she meant and nodded, “Yes, Evy. Someday we will.”

The End. 

Sooo, thoughts? How did you like reading this flash fiction story? 

Would you be totally excited to read more stories that I write?? 

Let me know/vote in the comments! 

It's Fall Y'all!

Today is the very first day of Fall!!!

It's Fall Y'all! Here in the US of A, autumn is a season of leaves changing colors, Thanksgiving, windy weather, football, sweaters, hot chocolate, and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING! Want to get in on a little secret??? I hate pumpkin spice! I don't even like pumpkin pie! *facepalm* *runs from all the pumpkin spice enthusiasts* But, I do like most everything else about fall! And when y'all eat pumpkin pie with some pumpkin spice latte, and read your pumpkin spice book with your pumpkin spice candle, I can munch on apple pie with my hot chocolate and cinnamon spice candle, how 'bout that! (Also, how 'bout that for a run-on sentence!)

Anywho, enough about pumpkin spice! Let's talk about Fall... Since I did a Summer 2019 Bucket list, I thought I'd do one for Autumn!

So grab a cup o' hot chocolate and your favorite cozy blanket. Lets talk about Autumn!

A List of 50 Things to do this Autumn:

• Make hot chocolate!
• Wear a sweater 
• Take Fall pictures 
• Collect fall leaves 
• Go on a walk in the woods 
• Fall into a good book
• Light a candle (NOT pumpkin spice!) 
• Go on a four wheeler ride
• Take a fall photo shoot with our dogs
• Paint a fall themed painting
• Make a fall scented soap
• Eat apple pie, or cherry, or anything but pumpkin! 
• Run a Turkey Trot race of our own
• Go on a scavenger hunt
• Lay in a hammock 
• Throw the football 
• Watch the sunset
• Bake bread 
• Have a sleepover
• Go on a road trip
• Have soup for dinner
• Make scrunchies 
• Ride Rosie
• Have a awesome (and yummy) Thanksgiving! 
• Go camping
• Pick pumpkins and gourds to decorate the front porch 
• Make granola 
• Write a Fall Flash Fiction Piece 
• Celebrate my 19th birthday! 
• Take more pictures
• Make a photo book
• Open a Etsy shop
• Wear my hair in two French braids
• Paint my nails with fall colors 
• Eat a apple cider slushy 
• Movie marathon 
• Have mom cut my hair 
• Memorize one chapter in the Bible
• Learn a song on the Dulcimer 
• Go hiking
• Finish a First Draft 
• Take dad to the archery range 
• Get up super early to walk and watch the sunrise on a road 2 miles away
• Make big sis' famous pumpkin chocolate chip muffins (Surprised? I know, they are the only pumpkin dessert I actually like!)
• Design a Fall book cover
• Whittle a spoon
• Reread a old favorite book
• Watch a shooting star
• Make a vision board 
• And live in the moment! 

I hope you liked my Autumn Twenty Nineteen Bucket List! Tell me something YOU want to do this fall! 

Twenty Nineteen Summer Recap // The Good Times

I literally can't believe how fast Summer went by! I know everyone says that, but it's true! My Summer Twenty Nineteen was a good one. I hit some major milestones in my life. Lived through some hard changes. Faced many fears. And overall, had the best summer anyone could ask for!

Some of the things this summer held, were bittersweet for me. Some things that happened were the hardest moments I've ever lived. Some things happened for a reason, things that we couldn't see happened for a reason until after the fact. But there are highs and lows to every season.

I don't want this post to be about the challenges me and my family faced this summer. I want to talk about some of the good things that happened. There are so many things that made this summer special to me. And I want to share with y'all some of my highs of this summer!

I will also be reviewing my 2019 Summer Bucket List that I made a post about in June. If you see a "*" by the title, then that means I did a summer activity that was from my bucket list!

~~~

FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS
This summer, I enjoyed many of my favorite drinks! Frozen hot chocolate is perfect for summer (although I still like them in the winter!) *winks* This summer, I also learned to make them at home which was awesome! <3

Carrie Underwood Concert *
At the very first of my summer 2019, we went to a Carrie Underwood concert which was a BLAST! So many memories! And going to a concert was one of the things on my summer bucket list!

Made Lots of Soap
My small business is growing! And I have loved experimenting with new scents and soap designs! It's a lot of fun!

Took Pictures *
I LOVE taking pictures! Especially in summer! There are so many things to capture! Sunsets, baby dear, turtles, country roads, hay fields, hot chocolate drinks, etc!!

Gave Rosie a Bath * 
Rosie was needing a bath for a while, so we gave her one! We have all the horses a bath! It was a whole family activity, so it was pretty fun! XD

Discovered Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bars
So, I was kinda obsessed with them for a bit! Every time me and my lil sis would jump in the pool, we would each a ice cream bar in the swimming pool! Why is it fun to eat in the pool?!

Picked Flowers *
Summer wildflowers are the best!

Participated in Camp Nano + won!
My goal was 30 hours and I barely made it, but I did it! <3

Stacked 500 Bales of Hay
Talk abt #girlpower! We rocked it!

Made Chocolate Raspberry Bars
I couldn't make them fast enough! My sisters appreciated my baking...

Celebrated Fourth of July! *
Fireworks, Flag-cake, and all!

Went to the Lake *
Jet skiing was fun! (although, we may or may not have had to bring umbrella so I wouldn't get sunburned when we stopped in the water! *headdesk*)

Swam in the Pool *
And at a friends house, I even learned to do a flip off the diving board! Kinda scary!

Helped with VBS
Learned some new songs with hand motions...

Read Some Books 
Not as many as I would have wished, but they all were very good reads!

Smoothies!
My fam makes the best smoothies! EVER!

Painted Pottery *
I love painting pottery! Especially with friends...

Went to Two Fairs! *
Fair food, sunburn, watching horse shows, apple cider slashes, etc! Sign me up! XD

Writing
I'm making a lot of progress with my WIPs! And even started a short story!

Went on a Road Trip * 
With Big Sis, and it was pretty awesome! Lots and lots of memories there!

Rode a Rollercoaster *
It was so much fun! And I stepped out of my comfort zone and actually rode a upside down one!

Went Hiking *
The views were so pretty!

Went on a Picnic *
Yum!

Sister Night
Everyone else went on dates, so me and lil sis had a sister night! We made brownies (with peanut butter frosting!), did face masks, and watched two Hallmarks! <33

Made Lemonade *
We have a awesome recipe!!

Stargaze *
In true country gal fashion! We took blankets and pillows out to the hay wagon! We saw a shooting star! We also brought the computer out there and watched a movie... We had such a good time!

Saw Overcomer in Theater
All of Winds of Faith (except Papa) went into big town to watch Overcomer! Highly recommend it!

Morning Walks
We are trying to get into a habit of going 2 or 3 miles each morning!

Drove with our windows down * 
Yess!

Washed Windows
It's apart of my job... we did 23 windows in 3 hours!

Had a Water Balloon Fight *
We caught them off guard and got them drenched! XD XD XD

Found a Four Leaf Clover *
Found it! Than fed it to my sisters horse.

Did a Mud Run *
SO. MUCH. FUN!

Baked Cookies *
Anything peanut butter chocolate! *winks*

Spent 66 hours on a boat with my family! 
I may have to do a post about our adventures renting a houseboat, who wants to hear all about it??

~~~

I didn't get all the things on my Twenty Nineteen Sumer Bucket list, but I did do a lot of them! And more! Although I am sad to see summer go by so quickly, there are things about Autumn that I am gettin' real excited for... Make sure to read my Fall Bucket list that I'll be posting in a few days!

What is something you did this summer that was awesome? Feel free to share a summer memory in the comments below! <3 

Contest Winners!

First off, I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to all who entered my 100th Post Flash Fiction Contest! All the entries I got were spectacular! For the age group 10-17 I got five entries!! And for the 18+ age group, I got four entries!

After much thought put into grading everyone's flash fiction pieces, all three judges (Thanks mom, big sis, and lil sis) have come to the conclusion of winners in both age groups!

I'm sure ya'll are excited to find out who won, so let the scrolling begin!

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WINNER(S)

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*DRUMROLL*

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Ages 10-17: Molly Anne

Ages 18+: Faith G.

Congratulations, girls!!!

I loved reading your stories! I will be emailing you shortly so that I can send you your prizes! Each of you have won a bar of my goats milk soap, three scrunchies, and a mystery prize! Congrats again, and thank you for entering my 100th post Flash Fiction Contest! 

Now who want's to read these winning entries? 

Molly Anne's flash fiction piece: (This story is a special one. I wrote it fall of 2018 for my sister. She creates absolutely beautiful and amazing items for so many little children- she gave me the inspiration to write this story.)

Show His Love

Excited, squealing kids swarmed around us and the yaks that carried the OCC shoeboxes. We began opening and passing out the individual boxes and placing them in the children’s waiting arms. As I looked past the sea of smiling faces, I saw a little girl, about three years old, peeking out from behind a tree. She watched the commotion with wide, dark eyes. She looked like she wanted a box, but was hesitant to come near the excited jumble of kids.

I searched through the pile of boxes on the ground, grabbed a box from the girls’ 2-4 section, removed the tape, and walked toward the little girl. She crept from behind the tree, and moved in front of it and sat down. She watched me, hungrily looking at the box.

Just looking at the small girl brought a soft smile to my face. I sat down next to her, and gently handed her the box.

She made a small noise of excitement, and opened the box. She spotted a doll, wrapped up in a fuzzy, adorable, turquoise and multi-colored blanket. A joyful squeal erupted from the little girl. Gently, but excitedly, she lifted out the doll. She stared at the baby doll, then placed it in her arms and held it close, a happy smile on her face.

After holding the doll for several moments, she then continued to unwrap the other contents of the box, excitement still evident in her face. The items included: a toothbrush, a washcloth, soap, a puzzle, and a beautiful headband; not to mention other things. She loved it all, although her favorite item was definitely the doll. She held the doll like she would never let go. After a few moments, she looked up at me, smiled, and whispered, “Thank you”.

This was what it meant to show the love of Jesus. I had never seen it expressed in such a way before. I loved handing out the shoeboxes, gazing into those beautiful eyes; watching them light up as they open their box. It fills you with a joy that cannot be expressed in words. I would not give up this experience for the world.

~~~

Faith's flash fiction piece: (This story was inspired by Psalm 91:11 and Hebrews 13:2)

The Forth Man

"God will protect you. You will see, Amalie."
     "I wish I could believe that, Mother."
   
     A rough hand ripped the blindfold off my face. I blinked, taking in the beauty of sight once again. I noted four men at the campsite: The two who held up the stagecoach and captured me; a chunky, older-looking one; and one lone man crouched down by the campfire. The chunky man, apparently the outfit's leader, looked me over with a crooked grin.
     "Good work, gentleman. I'm sure your uncle will be more than happy to pay for your safe return, Miss De Bois. Tie her up."
     "My uncle?" The two stage robbers grabbed my arms. "B-but," I managed. "My name is Amalie Mundy, not De Bois. I've only traveled out here to teach school in Manitou..."
     "Teach School!" The leader guffawed, along with his two partners who were now tying my hands and waist around a nearby tree. Their leader turned toward the campfire. "Ya hear that, Big Mike? Everett Debois, richest man this side of the Rockies... his niece is a little ol' schoolteacher!"
     The fourth man crouched by the fire now stood up slowly, his height exceeding the chunky man's by at least a foot. His mouth stayed in a steady line.
     "Oh, well, Mike," the chunky man said, laughter still lingering in his voice. He turned back toward me. "I reckon you can't expect a man to obtain our sense of humor in just two days. You'll get used to our work soon enough."
     Big Mike rested both hands on the end of his rifle. "I don't plan to get used to it."
     The chunky man turned back around. "Oh, now, Big Mike, what are you talking abou..."
     My eyes widened. Big Mike now had the rifle pointed right at his leader.
     "Untie her."
     A few moments later, I found myself being hoisted up onto Big Mike's horse, and the three outlaws tied in my place. "I know'd we shouldn't a trusted 'im!" was the last thing I heard of the rogues as we rode toward town.
     Big Mike let me down beside the main road at the edge of the town of Manitou. He stayed seated on his horse.
     "You can inform the sheriff about the outlaws," he said. "I have other business to attend to."
     All this time, I hadn't found any words to say. But now, I finally found my voice. "Oh, yes, I will. Thank you... very much, Mr. Mike, I... I don't know how I can ever repay you."
     "You don't have to."
     "But... I owe you my life."
     He smiled slightly, shaking his head. "You only owe God that."
     I looked carefully into his face. "Why should I owe God that? You were the one who saved me from those outlaws. I don't see what you mean." Just then, a wagon rushed by, and I turned to look.
     "You will see, Amalie."
     I swirled back around at the familiar words. He was gone.

~~~ 

Thank you all for entering my first contest here on Showers of Blessings! I loved getting to read the entries and it was so fun to host this contest! This was a lot of fun! And trust me, there will be more contests in the future! 

Aren't the winning flash fiction pieces just awesome! Did you enjoy this contest? Would you like to see more contests in the future? Comment Below! <3 

Posts around the blogosphere that should be bookmarked // Shoutouts

Hey everyone! Today's post is going to super fun, because I'm going to be doing some shoutouts and also sharing some awesome posts around the blogosphere that I have loved reading in the past! I have been around the blogosphere long enough to have found some really awesome blog posts! And I want to share some posts (of various topics) with you guys that have impacted me! So lets get started!

Note: These are in no particular order! XD

Having a Heart Like His

If Your Looking for Purpose was a post I came across in April 2019 and it impacted me enough to actually write it out (or at least some of it) in my journal! I encourage you to go read that post if you haven't already, because it was truly insightful! Click the title for a link!

➳Favorite phrase: "Maybe we need to stop seeking our mission or purpose and instead seek the Purpose-Giver."

Apples of Gold

You Are A Lighthouse is a post I read in May 2018 and its short message carries a huge call to be a light for Him. 

➳Favorite phrase: "Your words or art or music or whatever it is – a text to say I’m thinking of you, a hug, helping with the dishes – might brighten someone else’s world." 


RebekahAshleigh 

God is in Control! Don't worry! is a short post but to the point, and I love it! 

➳Favorite phrase: "God knows the future. He knows what will happen."


Twin Thoughts 

God vs. Braces is a really relatable post for me! This post was back in January, but I have often thought of it since then.

➳Favorite phrase: "But keep your eyes on the things above.  Realize how much you need a Savior.  Trust.  Endure the pain, because He will sustain you, and in the end, it will all be worth it."

One Name

A Contradicting World is such a good post reminding us that though our world is changing, God is never changing and is always there for us! This post was posted back in August, 2018...

➳Favorite phrase: "God never contradicts Himself. His Word is never contradicting."

Chosen Vessels 

Not By Sight is a post I read a long time ago on November 3rd, 2018. It was what I needed to read at the time, and you should go check it out too! Also note that this blog isn't currently active.

➳Favorite phrase: "There is always a reason, for the pain and the waiting and the unknowns. Hold to His promises, walk by faith, and one day—it'll all make sense."

Julia Ryan 

Learning How to Embrace the Pain in Change was a post on the blogosphere posted on September 19, 2018 and it is really spot on!

➳Favorite phrase: change will always be scary (still is for me). wrap yourself around people who will be willing to say YOU'VE GOT THIS and then promise to do the same thing in return for them. never ever say "i can't" because that's when you'll stop growing, when change will break you, and when you can no longer say "looking back..that change was good." because you didn't embrace it."

What is a post on a blog that you were impacted by? Did you read any of the ones I mentioned? There are so many good posts out there! Do you have any posts that you really relate with? Comment below! 

On a side note: My Flash Fiction Contest ends tonight at midnight! So make sure your entries are sent in on time! Winners will be announced on September 16th!!! Yay!

What does it take to become a world changer?

What does it take to become a world changer?

To become a world changer--a challenge that many are already doing without even knowing it--one must first have a willingness to be different. If everyone was the same, the world would be the same. But it's when people dare to be different than the rest and go against the flow, that the world they live in becomes changed. Therefore making them world changers. So, number one: in order to become a world changer, you must be the one to be different and stand out.

We all do this in different ways. Making us all capable of being world changers!

We have to choose what kind of world changers we want to become... Because we all know there are people that have changed the world into a darker place.

As Christians, we are called to change the world by being a light to those we are around. And not shining our light, but rather, shining His light. When we have Jesus in our hearts and minds, how can we not shine brightly for Him? If His light shines through you to others in this dark world, than you are actually already a world changer.

~~~

This is all nice and dandy, but can a small group of people really change the world? This question popped up in a youth group conversation at church one time... and we came to a conclusion that it depends on how you look at it. Let me elaborate a bit:

You can take the question quite literally and think that a small group of people (just by themselves) cannot change the world. Because there are things you just can't change. For instance, you can't change the fact that there are hundreds of dogs being kept in shelters and without homes. You can't change the fact that there are hundreds of orphans without loving mothers and fathers. You can't change the fact that city corners are full of homeless people. You can't change the choices that people make when they have a abortion or if they commit suicide. Lets face it, a small group of people can't change the entire world...

Or, you could take the questions and go. "Well yes, a small group of people can change the world by changing certain peoples worlds." You can change the world of a dog in the shelter by rescuing it. You can change the life of a orphan by adopting and loving the child as your own. You can change the life of a homeless person by giving them some food, or paying for a hotel room for a night. You can change the life of the the mother who wants to abort her baby by showing her other choices and helping her make better decisions. You can change the world for the person who is going to commit suicide by showing them someone who can help them, or by telling them about Someone who is bigger than anything their going through. And by changing the worlds for these individuals, the small group of people can change the world. Because it's a ripple effect, and if the small group of people touch another small group of peoples lives, than the group has multiplied... therefore changing the entire world. 

~~~

So those were the two responses we came up with to the question of whether or not a small group of people can change the world. Even with these two ways to look at this, I believe that when "Changing the world" and being "World changers" is daunting task, if we start by changing the worlds for the individuals we are around, then we can be a huge positive impact on the world! 

And let me just clear something up: You don't have to be a celebrity or have 100k followers on social media to make a impact and be a world changer.

A lot of times I believe a lie that I'm too shy to make a impact, or that the books I write won't change sometimes world, or that I don't have a big enough online presence to make much of a difference in someones life. This, my friend, is not the truth. Because God has given us all our own stories, and our own purpose to live. Maybe you don't see it yet, but if you let Him, God will use you and your talents to change lives-- to change the world. 

And I am encouraged to share a #R2L (reason to live) today. Faith and Kaitlyn's new releases are published tomorrow, I think anyway. But their blog tour is still going and I thought I'd share a reason to live that goes along with this post. My reason to live is to "change the world" by making a positive impact. The people we meet, the words we write, the songs we sing, the talents we have. We have been given so many opportunities to change someones world. And you, my friend, are one of a kind. You are world changer material, and if you let God use you, YOU can change the world.

On a side note: My 100th post Flash Fiction Contest is still going! You still have time to submit a entry! Contest deadline is September 11th, and the winners will be announced on September 16th! 

13 Reasons Why Blog Tour // Author interview(s)

On this fine day, I have a very special post to share! I was extremely happy (and excited) to be apart of both my online friends book release blog tours! Two new indie books are coming into the world, and I am stoked! Like... YASSS x100! I totally need these two books on my bookshelf ASAP!

*cough* Please excuse my excitement. Today's post is going to be author interviews! Two of them to be exact!

And before we begin the interviews, I'd like to share a little bit about this blog tour and why it stands out from the rest-- it's message.

Why Faith and Kaitlyn call this the 13 Reasons Why Blog Tour:
13 Reasons Why is a Netflix TV series centered around a young girl's suicide. There's debate about whether it promotes suicide or simply raises awareness, but the undeniable fact is that this show has persuaded others to take their own lives. Each episode explains a reason for the girl's suicide—13 episodes, 13 reasons. Since both Freedom and Beloved deal with the topic of suicide, we decided to name our blog tour the 13 Reasons Why tour—but each day, we are giving reasons to choose life. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, loved beyond measure by our Creator. And that makes every day worth living.

Because they are raising awareness with their books and this blog tour, they asked if I'd like to share a few of my reasons to live.

The one reason to live I'm going to share is Jesus Christ. Think of it, He made the ultimate sacrifice so you could live! Jesus made a way for sinners like us to have L i f e .  Jesus is our reason to live because He has made a way for us. He has a reason and purpose for us to live. And He loves us so much!

~~~

With that said, lets start the interviewing!


~Faith's Interview~

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you love being an author, what made you decide to self-publish? 
Thanks for having me today, Brooklyne! First off, I’m a redeemed child of God, a southern girl, and a lover of words and stories. I’m so thankful for the opportunity God has given me to shine His light through the stories He places on my heart. Self-publishing is something that I discovered in 2014 and loved from the start. Such an awesome way to chase your dreams and reach readers with the stories of our hearts! In early 2016, having just finished my first book, God impressed upon me the idea of self-publishing.

2. Where did the idea for your book, Freedom, come from?
Originally, the inspiration came from a story I stumbled across on Pinterest… :P But from there, the more I researched veteran suicide, the more I wanted to write a story that would (hopefully) portray these topics in a real and heartfelt way.

3. What makes Freedom stand out from your other works?
At surface level, Freedom is my first published novel and the second longest book I’ve written to date. But beyond that, Freedom is the hardest book I’ve written. It deals with dark topics that too many of us would like to shy away from instead of shining a light toward.

4. Out of the characters in Freedom, who do you relate to the most?
I’m really not sure. I guess Alex—because she often cares more about people and relationships than she wants anyone to know. And she knows Marines are the best branch of the military, sooo…

5. What message would you like to come across to your readers when they finish reading Freedom?
It’s all worth it. Even when it seems hopeless, Light will triumph over darkness. God is always in control. Jesus died for you. Your life has meaning and purpose. And no matter what, hold onto hope.

~Kaitlyn's Interview~

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are passionate about writing, what made you decide to become a indie author?
I’m a Kansas girl with a love for my Savior, family, books, music, and sunflowers! As to why I’m passionate about writing . . . I couldn’t give you a reason; I just am. Ever since I learned how, I’ve loved reading. So I guess it just seemed natural to weave stories of my own. Back when I started my book, I don’t think I even considered traditional publishing—not at length, anyway. As this is my debut, I wanted this to be something special. I wanted to have control over what happened to this book. Plus, I lacked confidence that I would ever get a publisher to accept me! But more importantly, I felt God leading this way. And how He’s played it all out has been amazing.

2. What inspired you to write Beloved?
A random pin from Pinterest, actually. The simple black background with the white words “I’m the girl no one wants” started a journey on which I never would’ve imagined myself to be. God continually inspired me throughout the writing of this book, and in the years after it was completed.

3. If I understand correctly, Beloved is your debut novel, (so excited for you btw!) how does it feel to be a author??
Surreal. Honestly, I don’t feel like an ‘author.’ I still feel like the same blogger I’ve been for years, who wrote the story that God laid on her heart. I don’t feel any more important now that I’m being published than I did when I first started writing Beloved. I’m still Kaitlyn, the country girl whose brothers often called a bookworm, even before she considered the name a compliment.

4. What is your favorite character in Beloved?
How can you ask that?! It’s like asking your mom which of her children she likes best! Um . . . I could be cliche and say Erich (because he’s the heartthrob and everyone’s favorite somehow *facepalm*), but no. Cara is a very close favorite (I just kinda love her, y’know? *winks*), but I’d have to say that my favorite is probably Edward. He doesn’t play a huge, huge role in the story like Erich, but he’s still my baby.

5. What lesson would you like your readers to learn while reading Beloved?

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” His love for us is constant, unwavering, passionate, persistent. We are all loved, each and every one of us. Loved beyond measure.We just need to accept it and allow Him to work through us. Because without love . . . life is hopeless.


~~~

Want to learn more about these books and authors? Keep reading!

~Freedom~ 

About the book:

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out.

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace?


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Find on Goodreads and Amazon!

About the author:

Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and—of course—blowing dandelions.

Visit Faith on her Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, and Instagram!

~Beloved~ 

About the book:

Life without love is hopeless.

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?


Find on Goodreads and Amazon!

About the author:

Kaitlyn is a farmer's daughter and a born-again believer in Christ with an obsession for books and music. It is these obsessions that led her to write her own stories. Psalm 46:10 gives her inspiration, her brothers make her laugh, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of opening an unread book for the first time. Her passion is to share the steadfast love of her Savior through the writing that takes up much of her free time, whether actual writing takes place or writer's block, in which case she's probably browsing Pinterest.

Connect with Kaitlyn through her Blog, Goodreads, and Instagram!

~~~

Also, enter the giveaway they are hosting HERE!!!

Ahh, I loved reading interviewing you both and learning more about your books! And the messages in these books are GOLD! I can't wait to have these to books sitting on my shelf!!!

Have you read either Freedom or Beloved? Do you want too?? Doesn't this blog tour have a awesome message to the world? Comment Below your favorite indie book!

On a side note: Today was the last day you can enter my 100th post Flash Fiction Contest! HOWEVER, because I have only received a few contest entries, I am postponing the deadline of the contest. You now have until September 11th at midnight to enter! Results will be in on the 16th of September! Get your entries sent in at wofgoatsmilksoap@gmail.com for a chance to win scrunchies, soap, and a mystery prize! If you haven't already, go to my 100th Post for all the contest details. <3

ASI 2019 // Meeting a online friend for the first time!!!!!!!!

Sooooo, I did it.

I met a online friend for the first time EVER! Guys, I got to meet one of my very best blogger friends for the first time in person!!

Exactly one month ago (how time flies!) I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to meet face to face with Jessica! When I knew she was going to be in America (She lives in Australia) for awhile, I thought it would be super cool to get to meet her, but then I never thought it would happen.

But... God likes to blow our minds with His amazingness! Just like He orchestrated Jess and I to meet online a year and a half ago, He also made it possible for us to meet in person! God is good, y'all.

Lets rewind back when I first "met" Jessica for the first time. I hadn't even started Showers of Blessing yet, but I was gathering information about blogging and how it all worked. I emailed three people (who's blogs I had come across before I knew of the blogosphere) and the first to respond to my questions about blogging was Jessica. Jess was so nice to me when she replied to my email and her encouragement was what I needed to start this blog. Soon after, we started emailing off and on and found out that we have a TON in common! She and her sister, Rachel, are truly sisters in Christ, though miles and miles apart.

^^ Taking notes and also hand-lettering

I will never forget the email she sent me on my 18th birthday. We had been emailing and I had told her how I wasn't really excited to be a "adult" and how I didn't have anything figured out regarding what I wanted to do when I graduated.

She told me and I quote, "... So when you feel like everyone else has it together, your the only one struggling; we really don't know what we're doing, and you aren't alone. We are all on the Journey together! And God has promised to supply everything we need (Phil. 4:19) and that totally included the strength and wisdom required for adulating and all it's challenges. :) Thanking God that He made our paths meet through blogging, and praying for special blessings on your birthday, friend. Love, Jessica"

I have that message written on a 3x5 card tucked in my journal on the page I wrote for my birthday.

Sometimes God does allow paths to cross for a purpose, and I am so blessed to have had my path crossed with Jessica's. I'm so glad to call Jess a blogging friend! <3

Just this past May, we got to talking and she was excited to share that she was going on a trip across the USA! I was super excited for her and how God was working in her life. Then, in June she told me about a convention she was going to be at come August. When I found out it was going to be only a few hours from my home, I got a bit excited that maybe it was possible for us to meet up. I toyed with the idea for a few weeks.

^^ #sunsetsaremyhappyplace

Ok, I more than just toyed with the idea, I tossed it back and forth for days... On one hand, I saw this awesome opportunity in front of me. I really wanted to meet up because now was my chance. But then, on the other hand, I was scared. Meeting a online friend was so unknown to me. It was going to be WAY outside of my comfort zone. Miles and miles outside of my comfort zone. Your talking about this shy blogger over here who only has a handful of close friends. In my mind, I doubted. I told myself that when we met, I'd freeze up and not be able to get any words out. It would be safer if I just stayed home and just be satisfied with video chats.

Guys, I was so unsure of this, and then I asked myself a question, "If I don't take this opportunity, will I always wonder what it could have been like?" So that moment, I knew I had to trust God with it and take this opportunity. Because if the worse thing that could go wrong was me being my awkward self, then I could live with that.

So I messaged Jessica on July 14th and told her that if she was still going to the convention, that me and my older sister were thinking about driving down so we could meet up. I had never gone on a road trip with just my older sister so that in and of itself was also exciting and unknown.

^^ Sissy and I catching the sunset

I am so blessed to have a mom and dad like I do, because they really encouraged me and made it possible for us to go on this short trip.

On July 31st, me and Sissy headed out on our road trip. We had a blast on the way down, listening to the radio, eating snacks we got, and just talking. Once we got into the "big city" (mind you, we are two country gals who aren't use to all the traffic and people!!) it was a bit stressful finding where to park in the parking garage. But we figured it out. That evening, we got registered in our hotel as well as the convention center. Our hotel room had a really cool view overlooking the water and one of my highlights of the trip was watching the sunset each night!

^^ My suitcase and computer bag

The next day, Thursday, we had breakfast at the convention, then walked around the exhibits for a little while. I messaged Jessica and we planned to meet up at the exhibit area entrance, so me and Sissy sat down for a while to gather our "free stuff" (we got lots of pens, a water bottle, t-shirt, etc!)

When I saw Jessica coming, I was so excited and nervous to finally meet her in person! We ended up walking around the exhibit area some more and got our picture taken at a photo booth thing. Also, note to self: I didn't freeze up like I thought I would. We decided to get lunch and ate at Panera Bread. That's when I also got to meet a couple of Jessica's friends who were on the trip with her.

We met up after lunch for a evening seminar, and got to talk a little after that before me and Sissy had to go to dinner at the convention. (Which I was happily surprised that dinner was really good! ...breakfast wasn't my favorite. XD) After dinner, we went back to the hotel room for a little while and then walked down by the water to catch the sunrise.

^^ Breakfast on Friday

After watching the sunset, we decided to go to a youth rooftop thing at our hotel. We met Jess and her friends there. We only stayed for about 20-30 minutes before we decided to head back to our room.

The next day, Sissy and I got Starbucks for breakfast. I had a frozen hot chocolate and a slice of lemon pound cake. (Which was amazing, btw!) After another seminar-- which I may do a blog post from my notes-- we decided we needed to head home because we had a nursing home program scheduled for the next morning. We met up one last time to say goodbye to Jessica, before we headed out.

^^ Jess and I 

(note: I don't have red hair, but this picture makes it look like I do!) 

On our way back home, we were able to take one more walk around the city (and ride one of those scooter things!) and walk on this really cool bridge!

Overall, I am so glad we went on this short but sweet adventure! This trip was unforgettable for me. It was a great experience and a great opportunity that I'm so glad I didn't pass up.

Have you ever met a online friend?
 What is one time that you really saw God orchestrating your life? 
Comment below!