Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Things are Changing // Quick Blog Update

Hey peeps! I hope your August has been fabulous and you are enjoying the season of life you are in! I just wanted to write a post to keep y'all informed and to let you guys know of some changes I'm needing to make to Showers of Blessings. 

I'll just cut to the chase: 

My life has been busy. And I'm not just saying that. Truly. I've been feeling really overwhelmed with everything on my plate. So, I need to start posting once a week. Posting twice a week is great, but it's just not realistic at this time in my life (more on that in a sec) so I think it would be wise if I cut back on the quantity of posts and just focus on the quality. I plan on continuing to post every Wednesday. I also might be less active commenting on other blogs. I don't want to take a blog hiatus, but I definitely need to lighten my load. Thanks for understanding! 

Blog posts in the future will be related to life happenings, devotionals, and poems. I hope to continue to do some bookish posts and fun tags, but I'm not going to promise anything. I absolutely still want to post things that interest my readers, so if you have any post ideas/requests, then shout them out in the comments and I will see what I can do! 

Now, for the main reason of this change: 

*drumroll* 

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I am a college student!!

I never thought I'd say that. I never thought I'd do college because it was never fitting into my plans. But obviously God had other plans and I'm stoked! I'm nervous and excited. But I'm mostly feeling blessed for this opportunity. I'm going to Liberty College Online. I'm getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design with some classes (maybe getting a minor) in Creative Writing. 

I started classes on the 24th, and I'm really excited for this next chapter (four years!) Prayers would be appreciated. This was unexpected and it's all very new to me. But it's really been a God thing, and I'm excited for this opened door and for my next step, because it's a lot clearer than it was two years ago when I first graduated high school. 

I hope to write a post that goes more into detail about this big life decision (and my journey up unto this point) but until then, just know that since things are changing really fast, I'll need to make blogging less of a priority. It's still a priority in my life, but I only have so much time in a day. I love sharing posts with my readers and interacting with you girls in the comments. But, I'm learning that I can't do things with the best of my ability if I stretch myself so thin. Hopefully, by cutting back, I'll be able to keep Showers of Blessings active without it becoming too time consuming. Starting from now on, only posting on Wednesdays. 

Talk to me in the comments below! 

Many Blessings, 
Brooklyne Elysse 

Monday, August 24, 2020

Garden Tour 2020 // Photo Dump

 Happy Wednesday, peeps! Who loves to garden? *raises hand* 

Well, I don't know how green my thumb is, but our garden this last year was very fruitful! I was really happy with all of our plants (except for the tomatoes, peas, and green beans.) Also, those pesky raccoons got our corn. *sad face* 

Anyway. I had an idea for a garden tour, and I took the pictures back in June, July, and August but I haven't found the time to post them until now. I seriously can’t believe August is almost over! 

I hope you like seeing some of these pictures of our garden(s)!! 


























Did you have a favorite picture? Have you ever grown garlic? We had SO much zucchini and crookneck squash to harvest... Have you ever made zucchini chocolate chip muffins?? Have you ever found a arrowhead in your garden??? 
Comment Below!

Many Blessings, 
Brooklyne Elysse



Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Mustard seed


Mustard Seed

A poem by Brooklyne Elysse 


I'm the kind of girl who needs parables

I need a story with a message

Something to relate to

Give me a mustard seed


I'm the kind of girl who needs to see

The moving of mountains

My faith is weak

Give me a mustard seed 



I'm the kind of girl who needs grace 

The proof of God's hand moving

To believe in His miracles 

Give me a mustard seed



I'm the kind of girl who tries on her own

Before coming to my knees 

Take my fear, worry, anxiety 

Give me a mustard seed



I'm the kind of girl who needs Jesus

But tries too hard to be worthy

When all I need is to come, as I am

To have F A I T H as a mustard seed



Matthew 17:20,21 "So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you wills to this mountain, 'Move form here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Faith as a mustard seed. It is my hope that this is our prayer today. 
What is a way to grow our faith? Even a small amount of faith can do big things. Comment below! 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse 

Monday, August 17, 2020

7 Days of Hope // Blog Tour

Hey y'all! I got the privilege to be asked to participate in this blog tour and I couldn't pass it up. The point of this tour is to spread hope, and it is my goal for this post to be of hope for you today. Also, thanks to SawyerMarie and Abby for setting this up!

Bible Verse:

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” NKJV

Quote (from Pinterest): 


Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be... | Church ...

"Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." 

I chose this quote because I felt like it helped understand how having "hope" is not always easy. Doubting is easy, it might even be our first reaction to hardship. But, being hopeful (to me) means not settling for believing in the doubt or fear. It means to rise above the human reaction to be negative, and to be positive instead. To put our hope in the Lord is to have faith. 

Song: 


You Will Make a Way by Mallary Hope 

Not only does this artist's last name imply "Hope" but the song itself is hopeful. Because it's not titled "Maybe God will Make a Way." It is direct, without question that He will make a way for us. God has done so many things for us, and we know that He is capable. He is more than enough for us to put our Hope in Him. 

My Two Cents: 

Hope in Jesus is a choice. Without hope, life would look pretty bleak. Doubt would creep in, and sadness would overcome us. But by placing hope in our Savior's capable hands, we can rest assured that He is fighting for us, making a way for us in this crazy world. In the end, I think that having hope in Jesus is worth the struggle of surrendering to self. Because, if God is for us, then who can be against us? 

Make sure to stop at all the other blog tour stops on each of these days! 

Day 1 (August 16) - SawyerMarie

Day 2 (Today!)- Brooklyne Elysse

Day 3 (August 18)- Katja

Day 4 (August 19)- Brooklyn

Day 5 (August 20)- Emma

Day 6 (August 21)- Ellen

Day 7 (August 22)- Abby Elissa


What is one Bible verse that brings you Hope? Do you have a favorite song that brings you Hope? Have you ever read that quote I mentioned above? Comment below!

Many Blessings,

Brooklyne Elysse

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

James Chapter One


James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Today, I'd like to share some verses in the first chapter that stood out to me as well as what they mean to me. I'll be using the New King James Version. 

~~~

James 1:2-6 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into carious trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." 

>>>This verse has always been hopeful to me... but also confusing. It says to count it all joy when in trials. Huh? When I'm in a trial, I usually just go into survival mode and don't really think about being joyful. Looking for joy in trials is so much harder. But then, it goes on to say that when our faith is tested (during the trials we face), that patience can grow in us. Patience is a virtue. In other words, trials can refine us. And make us better people on the other side. I like it when it says that we can ask God for wisdom. That He gives to us liberally (in generous amounts) and without reproach (disappointment). So, if we come to Him and ask for wisdom, He will give it to us freely. But-- there's a slight catch. We must ask with childlike faith. Because if we doubt that He can, then we don't really have trust in Him. 

~~~

James 1:17,19,20 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shadow of turning.... So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

>>>Ah, I love this verse! God gives us gifts. And He is never changing! Then, in the next verses, it says how we should be swift to hear. (Meaning we should listen and regard those around us.) Slow to speak. (Meaning we should think about what we are going to say so that we don't say something we will regret.) And slow to wrath. (Slow to anger.) 

~~~ 

James 1:22-27"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be. blessed in what he does. If anyone among you things he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

>>>Being a doer of the Bible means that you've heard it, but it doesn't stop there. You go out and apply the Bible's teachings into your every day life. God wants us to walk the walk, not talk the talk with no action of faith. It's interesting that this verse mentioned a mirror. I thought it was a pretty good analogy. Then, it talked about deceiving your heart. Maybe we tell ourselves things for so long but never fully live them. Or maybe we believe lies that we tell ourselves. 

In the last part of these verses, it talks about pure and undefiled religion. And along with the acts of kindness mentioned, I think the verses from above paved the way for this definition. Pure religion is finding joy in trials, practicing patience, believing God's promises that are never changing, acting on that belief, listening to those around us (selflessness), slow to speak, slow to anger, and kind to those around us, unspotted from the world. 

~~~

What is your favorite verse in James chapter one? 
Do you have a favorite take away from the verses I've mentioned? 
What do you think is a virtue of those with pure and undefiled religion?
 Comment below! 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse 

Monday, August 10, 2020

It's going to be OKAY


I'm writing this post for you. I'm writing this post for those out there who are hurting. I'm writing this post for the girl who is confused, afraid, unsure. I'm writing this post to the girl who has two bad days for every good day. Amazing highs and discouraging lows. The girl who doesn't give up, but wonders why things are getting worse, not better. 

I'm writing this post for the girl who feels like a burden. Who feels like feeling is a useless and cumbersome. I'm writing this post for you out there who desperately want to see God work in your life, but are distracted by the drama and stress that are so frequent. 

I'm writing this for the tired, heavy laden, and those who can't seem to find rest. I'm writing for the broken. 

I'm writing this post for someone like me. 

Life is a mixture of emotions. As soon as I think things are looking up again, life punches me down. As soon as I put effort into a healthier lifestyle, life laughs and throws me a curve ball. It feels like I'm running in circles. I'm running up a mountain that keeps getting steeper and more rocky. 

I say I'm busy. Being "busy" is a weak excuse. But it's accurate. Only, I don't have much focus in my busyness. I have too many irons in the fire. Too many plates spinning. Too many areas of my life that are falling apart. 

The more I try to search my heart, the more I dig up... and it hurts. 

It hurts to acknowledge that anxiety is one of my mountains. 
It hurts to acknowledge my literal need for a better relationship with my Savior. 
It hurst to acknowledge that my negative thoughts are a rock in my mountain. 
It hurts to acknowledge that church isn't a atmosphere that helps build my trust in God.
It hurts to acknowledge that people in my life are hurting and I can't do anything to help. 
It hurts to acknowledge when fear is real but so are the lies I tell myself. 
It hurts to acknowledge that the world we live in is broken and the things of this world are temporary. 
It hurts to acknowledge sin and not let it overcome, but rather forgive and love the sinner. 
It hurts to acknowledge insecurity and hold your head up anyway. 
It hurts. 

I desire a life more simple and less complicated. I desire to be stronger. 

Maybe one of the reasons I'm climbing this mountain is so that I can help someone else climbing a similar mountain. Because, as hard as it is to hurt, there has to be more. Surely there is something good in all this. 

Girl, if you're reading this and relate to anything I've said so far, then keep reading. 

It's going to be ok. It's going to be OK. It's going to be okay. It's going to be OKAY. 

Stop pulling the wool over your own eyes. Stop believing the lies you tell yourself. You were made for more. There CAN be victory in all of this. But the battle is a every day battle. 

I have two pictures for you:

(1) Climbing your mountain, you find hand holds. You search among jagged rocks to find places that are going to hold you. You wonder if the rock you've chosen is going to give or not. You're arms shake and your forearms burn. Your hands form immediate calluses. You look up at all the rock you've yet to ascend. It's daunting. The path you must choose is uncertain. What if the rock you hold on to, gives out? What if you aren't strong enough to hold yourself up any longer? What if you fall? 

(2) Climbing your mountain, you find hand holds. You search among jagged rocks to find places that are going to hold you. You wonder if the rock you've chosen is going to give or not, but you trust. You trust because the One you have your faith in has already traveled this path. And if the rock you chose crumbles, then you won't fall. You have a safety rope. You have a Belayer to keep you safe. You're arms shake and your forearms burn, but you keep going. You are persistent and you find inner strength not by trusting in your own strength. It's hard, but it's not impossible. Your hands do not become callused. Your heart is pliable to God's leading & guiding. You look up past the rocks you are about to ascend. You keep your eyes locked on your Redeemer, the One who carries you. Though the path you are climbing is daunting, you are not afraid. The path you've taken is chosen by the One who knows. If doubt creeps in, things will be uncertain. But uncertainty is the rich soil for Trust to thrive in. What if the rocks you hold, give out? Then your Heavenly Father will catch you. What if you aren't strong enough to hold yourself up any longer? You aren't strong enough on your own. But God's strength works perfect in our weakness, and with His strength, this mountain is but a little ant hill. What if you fall? What if you fly?

~~~

Each of us have mountains. But it's how we climb them that matters. Do we try to climb them in our own meager strength without the right equipment? Do we fix our eyes on the jagged rocks ahead? Do we let worry consume our every waking thought? Do we work ourselves too hard only to come to worldly success that will crumble in the end?

Or... Do we climb with the assurance that God's strength will get us to the top? Do we put on the armor of God (the right equipment for this mountain)? Do we claim the promises in the Bible that He has given us? Do we trust in our Belayer. Do we fix our eyes above the rocks in our path? Do we find joy in the journey? Do we rest in God's purpose for us? 

Hmm, good questions. But here's another question. What happens when you are trusting God, but life just keeps getting harder? 

Notice in the two pictures I painted above, both climbers felt exhausted in their climb. Both of their arms shook. Both had the same struggle, just the second one didn't feel alone. 

Everyone in the world goes through seasons of hardship. You can't live in this sinful world and be unaware of it's struggles and trials. Believing in God and Trusting in Him does not give you a pass card for all the hurt of the world. If anything, having the blessed assurance in Christ only gives the enemy more fight in trying to get us to fall from our mountain. Because satan knows that if we turn away from God, if we run from Him, if we shun Him from our lives and try to climb by ourselves, then we will fall. 

God has given us free choice. He so desires us to want Him in our lives. He willingly hands us a safety rope. A TRUST ROPE. He gives us resources to thrive and not just survive the climb. He strengthens us. But only if we seek Him in our lives. If we choose to turn from Jesus, then the Belayer’s rope can not be for our use. If we try to do it by ourselves, if we put so much stock in earthly things, wants, and dreams, then we will be disappointed. We will not be safe. Only in Jesus can we be secure, because He is our refuge and help in times of need. But we have to decide to trust Him. We have to choose how we want to climb our mountains.

The mountains in our life are not bigger than our God. We need to learn to step aside and let God do the moving of mountains. We need to surrender to self every day. This battle is every day. This battle we don't have to fight on our own. 

I thought this verse was fitting: "For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength." Psalm 31:3,4 NKJV

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

10 Tips for a Good Day


Ok, so I had the privilege to guest post on Twin Thoughts a couple months ago, but I thought I'd share these quick tips on my blog as well! 

<<<Ten Tips for a Good Day>>>

First off, we all have different definitions of a “good” day. To me, a good day looks like being productive, working hard, having fun, and finding time for not only the things on our mile long to-do lists but also things that bring us joy. Yeah, that’s all great, but lets face it, not all days are as picture perfect as the one I just described up above. So how do we turn our mundane, normal days into good days? 

I’m happy to be sharing some tips that seem to help me have better days and I hope you can gain something from them too! 

Number One // Choosing an Attitude of Gratitude 

It might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Every good day starts with a good attitude and a positive mindset. So when we make that choice to have an attitude of gratitude (choosing joy, if you will) then we are already setting ourselves up for success and half the battle for a good day is already won.

Some ways to start off with the right attitude are the following: making a list of what your thankful for, take a walk, pray, write a favorite Bible verse on a 3x5 card and stick it in your pocket as a reminder, etc.

Number Two // Prioritizing What’s Most Important 

Decide what’s most important to you and make that your top priority. Whether it be family, your writing, your job, what you’re passionate about, a project you are working on, etc. Find what matters most and don't hesitate to make time for it, even if that means saying “no” to something or someone. Trust me, as a people pleaser myself, I know how hard it is to say that you’ll pass on something in order to keep time open for something more important. But in order to feel productive at the end of your day, you have to prioritize, because you can’t do everything all at once. It isn't healthy to stretch yourself so thin because if you try to do it all, then the things you do won't be done well. 

Number Three // Stop Tearing Yourself Down

How can we have a good day when we are constantly tearing ourselves down? Both physicality (by overworking ourselves) or mentally. Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves that it just ruins the rest of our day. 

The truth is, you're not perfect. You make mistakes. You sleep in. You have a cheat meal. You are late to the meeting. You mess up that painting. You have an awkward introduction. You forgot to do your morning devotion. Whatever the case may be… 
So stop tearing yourself (and others) down and start building yourself up. You make mistakes, but you’re not giving up. You slept in, but you still got up and around so you could tackle your day. You had a cheat meal, but are determined not to make it a cheat week. You were late to that meeting, but you learned for next time to plan ahead. You messed up that painting, but was able to fix it with some creative problem solving. You had an awkward introduction, but it was much more awkward in your head that in reality. You forgot your morning devotion, but decided tomorrow you would try harder. You get the picture!

Stop tearing yourself down, because once you show yourself some grace, your day is going to look a whole lot brighter. 

Number Four // When You Hit the Snooze, A Good Morning You’ll Loose 

I can’t stress enough that mornings are when I feel the most productive. It may just be me, but when I get up with my alarm (and not the annoying snooze that is really just a tease) then I can have a satisfying morning. Morning routines are golden. When you get up, you should know the plan and start your morning. If you don’t know the plan, you’re liable to stay in your pajamas all day… 

In the mornings, I like to workout. When I get a workout in, I feel—well, tired and sore—but also ready and productive. After my workout, I do animal chores and have breakfast. Then I get started on the agenda for the day.

When our mornings are filled with things that will give us energy for the rest of the day, then we will feel so much more productive by the time 3:00 o’clock rolls around and we are starting to slow down and feel less motivated.

Number Five // Block out your time

This one is similar to Number Two. But the cool thing is, you get to decide what you do in a day (well, for the most part.) So take advantage of that and block out your time so you know what needs to be done and when. 

If you need to write but find yourself caught up in other things, block out time for writing. Set a goal that you will write for one hour at 5:00PM. Then when 5:00 o’clock comes around, go sit down and set your timer. 

Blocking time like this can be super helpful for some people, but for others, it doesn’t work as well. Some need more of a flexible schedule. But give it a try and see if it works for you!

Number Six // Make a Manageable List

I like lists. I like making them. I like crossing them off. I’m the kind of person that when I’m in the grocery store and put sometime in the cart that was not on the list, will write it on the list just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing it off. XD

Call me weird, but lists rock! Although I will admit, to-do lists are kinda overwhelming at times. That’s why it’s best if we can keep our to-do lists manageable. Don't put something on the list if you know it’s unrealistic. Make your list, and if you feel it is too long for that day then only pick a few things on the list to do. If you try to do it all, you will be running around like a chicken with its head cut off. We’ve all been there, and it’s not a good feeling.

Number Seven // Conquer Procrastinating and be Intentional 

So you know that thing people call Social Media? Oh… Yeah… that. Sometimes we’d rather be procrastinating online or whatever than to be intentional about what we really need to have happen that day. We are all guilty in this area. We get sidetracked. Then, before you know it, we’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook or pinning something to Pinterest, or catching up with blog posts or texting a friend. 

It’s hard. To be intentional and to stay focused. But it’s truly worth it. Finding moderation and balance is so important to having a good day.

Number Eight // Don’t Forget to Celebrate

Let’s not call it a bribe… let’s call it celebrating! When you’ve got a lot done on your list and you feel like you’ve been productive, give yourself some free time. Get outside for a walk (or a four wheeler ride!) Have a snack. Watch a short YouTube. Give yourself something to look forward too. Like a mini prize after you’ve worked hard.

Number Nine // Read That Book

Work hard, but never forget to take time to have fun and do something that brings you joy. Many times, when life gets busy, we can so easily edge these things farther and farther out of our days. So make sure to leave room in your day to read that book, watch that movie, create that diy project, take a bath, bake those cookies, etc. 

Give yourself a little bit more than just free time. Do something that gives you joy and fills you with contentment.

Number Ten // Journal and Pray

I love having a journal. I don’t write in it every day, but I love documenting parts of my day, events that are taking place, or just my thoughts. Journaling is something that is meaningful. 

Prayer is so important, and sadly it’s one of the things that I often forget to do. I’m talking about praying more than just before every meal. It’s important to talk to God throughout the day just like we would a friend. Just knowing God has a special plan for each of your days is reason enough to have a good day! So let’s take each day as it comes, and try our best to live in the moment so we can have days that are more than just “good.”

~~~

I hope you enjoyed reading this list! And maybe these ideas can give you ideas on how to have a good day today. Remember, don't bite off more than you can chew, and take each day as it comes. You got this! 

How do you "have a good day"? What is a song that motivates you? If you had to choose, which is your favorite household chore?? Comment below, I'd love to chat with you! 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse 

Monday, August 3, 2020

Behind the Blogger Tag



Hey guys! This is, like, a really bad blogger moment. But, I honestly didn't have a post scheduled or planned for today. I usually stay on top of these sorts of things... I've been pretty busy. But, that's not a good excuses even though it's hitting the nail on the head.

So, I thought I'd throw this post together last minute and cross my fingers I'll do better next time! 

Rules: 
1.Thank the person who nominated you. (Thank you so much, Leah!)
2. Answer the questions.
3. Nominate 5 bloggers (First five commenters get nominated! And if you don't have a blog, feel free to answer in the comments if you'd like!) 

Why did you start blogging, and why have you kept blogging?
I started blogging when I felt God's prompting and somehow managed enough courage to share my writings. I keep blogging because I desire to be a light in a dark world, and this is one platform where I can do that. <3 Plus, I love connecting with future book readers!

What is your favorite type of blog post to write?
Poems, devotions, and short stories. 

What are your top 3 favorite blog posts on your blog? 
This one. This one. And this one

What are some of your favorite things to do to relax?
Read, movies, paint, hand letter, walks, music, etc!

What are three of your favorite things? 
Family, Animals, Nature. (I'm being vague, but will it count??)

What are your favorite blogging moments? 
When I get the opportunity to "meet" online friends. And when I get tagged for fun tags! 

Describe your personality in 3 words.
Goofy, insightful, creative. Idk! Obviously indecisive should be one of those.

What are your top 3 pet peeves?
1. Right when we move our horses out, then the weather changes to a storm... 
2. When the dogs bark at nothing at all. 
3. When flies get trapped in the house and bug me all day. 

What is something that your followers don't know about you?
I think only one person out in the blogosphere knows this... I was once asked by a little girl to get her picture taken with me. lol, we were at one of those old west towns and all of us girls decided to dress up like we were from that era. I was an Indian (a blonde Indian *winks*) and she must have thought I worked there, but she was so cute that I couldn't refuse. And, so for a moment, I felt like I was one of those Disney  characters at Disney world who get their pictures taken with lil kids! :)

Your turn! Answer one of those question in the comments below! Also, what did you do today? Any fun plans for August? (Wow, is it already the third of August?????) 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse