Week 3#: GIVEAWAYS // Q&A ANSWERS // BLOG THROWBACKS!

Week THREE has arrived!!! *shoots off fireworks* 

Today is going to be extra fun because I have answered all y'alls questions for the Q&A!!! Also, because of that said reason, this post is really REALLY long! 

But first things first, lets talk about the GIVEAWAYS! I want to say a HUGE congratulations to the winner of my leather journal! You can join me in congratulating whoever won after you scroll!!! (yes, I'm having a little too much with making you scroll in these posts!) Now, don't dawdle, let the scrolling begin! 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Winner...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Is...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

CONGRATULATIONS, JULIA!!! I will get you a email sent shortly so we can get the details worked out for me to mail your prize! Congrats on winning the leather notebook! If I don't hear back from you within a week, I will draw a new name from the hat... 

Now, for the third and final giveaway celebrating my one year blogging anniversary, I will be giving away two (2) of my Goats milk soap bars! But the fun part is the winner gets to pick the two scents (I almost said flavors, lol) they would like! The winner of the giveaway can decide between these following scents: Hot Cocoa, Salty Snowflake, Wild Rose, Lavender, Pink Peppermint, Creamy Unscented, Passionfruit, or Candy corn! Pictures below in the giveaway graphic! 

If any new readers are wondering, I have a small Goat's Milk Soap business. I first started this business when our doe, Lilly had her baby and we were able to freeze some of the milk! I love making cold-processed soap, and am so excited to be able to share with the giveaway winner two bars of their choice! Because this package will be light weight (compared to the Showers of Blessings mug...) this giveaway WILL be open to U.S. and International residents! *cheers* 

The giveaway is open for one week. It ends on February 27th.

This giveaway has a possible one point (aka name in the hat...) 

~Rules for entering the third giveaway~

1.  Share your favorite Bible verse in the comments below! 

Pretty self explanatory... :P

~Q&A~

 I ended up having a ton of Q&A questions! Y'all did a great job with these questions! I had a lot of fun answering them for ya! Also note that I have a super hard time picking favorites! In total, I have 70 questions... I thought about splitting it up into two posts, but I already have something planned for next weeks party post! *winks* So, enjoy this really looonnggg Q&A session! I threw some pictures in there so it won't be boring, hopefully. :D 

1.What is your favorite dessert?

Ice cream all the way! And FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS! *winks* Or cookies! 

I have figured out how to make my own dairy free HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS! Almond milk, one frozen banana, raw cocoa powder, maple syrup, and ice! Chocolate syrup: Maple syrup + cocoa powder! And almond milk spray whipped cream. It is SO good! Heres a picture... 

2. What is your favorite bird?

Hmm, I like blue birds. But I like chickens too! Buff Orpington's are my favorite chicken breed! ;)

3. What is one of your favorite handmade items to make? 

Great question! I really like making wood-burned signs, rope/rag baskets, hand-lettered cards, and soap! Sorry, I have a hard time picking just one favorite! 

4. What is your favorite soap scent you have made?

Oh, this is a hard one! I like so many!!! My favorite would probably be the Pink Peppermint, just because peppermint is one of my favorite scents. But the runners up would be either the Lavender or Wild Rose... or Orangesicle! 

5. Do you like crafts?

I LOVE crafts! Especially crafts that turn out like the picture! Or at least similar to the picture!

6. Whats your favorite snack?

I don't snack that often, but I like apples and peanut butter with honey. 

Or chocolate. Of any kind!

7. Favorite Bible verse?

There are SO many wonderful, encouraging, uplifting, thought-provoking Bible verses! But my favorite? The first that comes to my mind is Jeremiah 29:11 followed closely by 2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'..." These two are so comforting to me!

8. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2019?
I really don't think twice about this, A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin! (wait, now I am thinking twice about this, because I also really enjoyed reading the novella Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy!) 

9. Favorite movie and/or TV show?
Oh, how can I possibly narrow down?! 
Movies: Mom's Night Out, Parental Guidance, Soul Surfer, Yogi Bear. Just to name a few. 
Series: Road to Avonlea, Wind at My Back, Snowy River, A-Team, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Roy Rogers, etc.

10. Favorite book of the Bible?
I really like the book of James...

11. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? 
Peppermint, chocolate, cookie dough, peanut butter, pretty much anything! *grins*  

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Well, I have alway's thought a trip to Alaska would be cool! Seeing the northern lights would be pretty neat! Or Australia! ;) 
Basically anywhere with mountains or beaches. I like both! 

13. Who is your favorite blogger / why?
I can't pick favorites!! I guess, those who's posts are uplifting and encouraging. I also like reading lifestyle-ish posts around the blogosphere! Those kind are always fun!

14. What is your favorite song ever?
I don't know! I have so many! 

15. How many horses do you own?
I personally own one horse. Rosie is the best! But we have seven horses on the farm! 

16. Who was the first blogger you discovered?
The first blog I found was Mrs. Marlow's blog. Then, I went blog crazy and found this amazing community! I think of the first few were Apples of Gold and Stories by Firefly.

17. What is one career that you definitely have no interest in pursuing? ;)
Being a surgeon. As noble as it is to heal people, I just couldn't handle the procedures. I get grossed out at stuff. Blood, doctors office lights, etc. Let's just say, I have only passed out once and it was when I was getting my blood drawn! 

18. Introvert or extrovert?
I am definitely an introvert! The only time I am a extrovert is when I am around my family!

19. Top three favorite books? 
Thank you, thank you for saying top three! But honestly, this is still a super HARD question! Huh, how on earth can I possibly choose?! 

Ok, I did some serious narrowing down, here are some of my favorite fictional books: The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills, Love Finds you in Sundance Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell, The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, The Rawhiders by Jim Walker, and A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin. That's not including Indie-Published books! *hopes against hope that no one realized I went over the 3 book limit* #hardestquestionever  #abookwormsnightmare

Moving on! 

20. Top three favorite songs?
*long pause* faith, your killing me here! Again, such a hard question! *winks* 

Country songs: Pretty much anything by Carrie Underwood, Maddy and Tae, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and Dan + Shay...
Christian songs: Jesus, Friend of Sinners, Trust in You, and What a Beautiful Name (There are so many more I like!) Maybe a post about songs I like coming up in the future! ;) 
Hymns: Wondrous Love, How Great Thou Art, and White as Snow.

21. Top three favorite colors? 
Blue (any shade!), Red (or a version of dark red and purple-ish, I don't know what it's called, but I'm drawn to it!), and Dark green (forest green)...

22. Dream car? 
A JEEP! As much as I really like trucks (has to be a Ford, btw!), I just think that Jeeps are super cool! Four door, and a silver-grey color.

23. Dream job?
Good question, when you find out, please let me know the answer! *nods* 

Serious answer: I would love to be a mom and homeschool my kids, become a author, and have a side-job-etsy-small-business-selling artsy things... ya, not really sure how to explain it! ;)

24. Dream home?
Wherever my family is, I am content! Home is where the heart is! <3 

(I've alway's thought log cabins are neat, though.) I also like small houses with wrap around porches! 

25. Chocolate chip or chocolate crinkle cookies?
Um, BOTH! Ok, ok, if I had to choose, I'd take chocolate crinkle cookies, because I actually made a batch today! *yum*

26. Favorite Susan K. Marlow book?
I loved all of the Circle C Adventures, but my favorite was probably Dangerous Decision. Another favorite was Thick as Thieves... 

27. Favorite writing utensil - pen, pencil, etc.?
I'll take a good notice I said good, meaning not out of ink pen any day! (Although sharp pencils are good too.) Now, if we are talking "writing" writing, then I prefer typing on a computer! 

28. If you could only eat one meal for a straight week, which meal would that be?
I have no idea! Ice cream? jk jk! (no, being the practical person I am, I would probably say tacos!) 

'cause tacos are practical??

39. What is your favorite thing about horses?
My favorite thing about horses is their ability to teach us. Being around horses, we can learn so much, it's amazing! <3

30. What riding style do you ride mainly? (example: bareback, western, English, etc.)
I ride western... sometimes in a bareback pad or endurance saddle. But I first learned how to ride in a English saddle. I was posting a trot at age 5. :)

31. What has been your favorite thing about blogging your first year?
Everything! I love the community, y'all are so encouraging to me! I really like sharing my thoughts, my devotions and poems. I like having a platform to spread the Word. I love watching God orchestrate everything, from posting to "meeting" new blogger friends. My first year of blogging has been so good for me, I have grown so much! I can't wait to see what God has in store for Showers of Blessings in the coming year! 

32. Are you the type of person that likes to plan and organize, or prefers to do things on the fly?
Can I be a little of both? I'm kinda like 60/40. I love feeling like I have a plan, and I love having everything all laid out and organized, but sometimes "staying on top of things" makes me feel too high-strung. Sometimes I have to take a step back and just breath. God will work things out!

33. What's something you wish you had the courage to do?
Hmm, Jessica, your making me think real hard on this one! Let's see... I wish I had the courage to be bold for God off the internet. I gather my words so much better with pen and paper, and typing online, most times it is hard for me to stand up for God with actual human interaction (does that make any sense!) 

34. What's your favorite thing about today so far?
The ability to post this post! To read and write, to think. The freedom to do so... 

35. What is your favorite hymn? 
I really like Wondrous Love...

36. Who is your favorite historical figure? 
I've never really thought tons about this question before. I suppose I admire those who showed bravery even when the odds were against them. 

37. Who is your favorite poet?
I don't read much poetry, I write more poems than I read, so I can't rightly say who my favorite poet is. 

38.  If you could choose ONE book world to travel to, what book would that be?
A book world? I don't know about world, but I do think it would be cool to travel back in time (just for a little bit) to where some of the historical fiction books were written written. I love pretty much all things vintage! :P

49. If you could have one book character come alive and be your best friend - who would you choose?
Allie- A Distant Melody
Caden- Where two Hearts Meet
Charity- Dandelion Dust
Jen- I Don't Dance 

Sorry, you know me with picking JUST one answer! 

40. What's your favorite quote?
I HAVE SO MANY!!! Fine, I'll pick the first one to pop into my head: "When your down to nothing, God is up to something." 

Or this one: " An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming." 

41. Do you think you could survive stranded on a desolate island, if so, how would you go about it?
Uhh, maybe? If I had my crew with me, I know we could! (My family is the best team I will ever have!) 
First things first, pray. Then find water, shelter, food. <-- In that order, btw! (note: before drinking the water, I'd boil and/or filter it using the method below...)

A few years ago for school, I took a Science of Natural Resources class and learned all kinds of survival things such as filtering water, shelter building, plants to be used as bandages, etc. Here are some pics from my science folder... 

^^ Steps and layers of filtering and boiling...

^^ Me starting a fire using my fire-starter knife... 

^^ Dad's fire did better than mine...

^^ Fire started from a battery and steel wool (might not have batteries on a island, but cool experiment anyway)... 

^^ A knot box I made to help practice...

^^ Nature's bandage sketches: Plantain, Lambs Ear, and Yarrow...

42. What is the most AWESOMESS (yes that is a word) thing God has done for you so far?
Awesomess is totally a word! And to answer your question, I would say the most AWESOMESS thing God has ever done for me would be putting me in the most loving, caring, awesomess family EVER! I truly am blessed to have my people always in my corner!

43. Is being a writer something you'd like to do as a career, or more as a hobby?
Can it be both? Writing is a lot of fun to me... (well, most of the time!) I consider writing to be one of my many hobbies. Probably one of my most treasured hobbies. I would love to be a author one day! If I could complete a book and make some money from it, that would be great, but money is not my goal. 

44. If you had the choice to have any pet in the world - what pet would you choose?
Can I have a pet dolphin, please?? Or maybe a baby penguin? Aren't they so cute! *realizes the two animals I picked are quite opposites*

45. If you had a time machine - but could only use it once, where would you go?
I don't know if I would go anywhere, because since I can only use it once, I would never be able to get back... from wherever I went! 

Here I go again, overthinking the question! *headdesk*

46. When your life comes to a close, what do you want the "theme" of your "story" to be?
This is deep! Ummm, what about being a Light for God. Choosing Joy. And Walking by Faith.

47. What is the most fun thing you remember doing as a child?
Playing with my sisters and cousins! We had so much fun together as kids! Playing shows, exploring the woods, sleepovers, horse-camp, etc.

48. Do you like musicals? If so what is your favorite musical? 
I'm not a big fan of musicals, can't say I have watched many of them... The Sound of Music?

49. Rain or snow?
Snow.

50. Would you rather live in a desert where is never rained or a place that is always snowing and is super cold?
Snowing and super cold, I guess. At least then we could have fun playing in the snow! I think I would get a really bad sunburn if I lived in the desert!

51. What is your favorite food?
Any Mexican food or Italian food! Tacos, burritos, lasagna, pasta, etc.

52. Coffee or tea?
Neither! Hot chocolate! 

53. Sunshine or rainy days?
Sunshine over rain any day! I love sunny days! Not too hot, though.

54. How did you decide to start blogging?
I first decided to start a blog when I felt God pointing me in this direction. As soon as I found this blogging community, I realized that this was something I wanted to do. I love writing, and I am so grateful to be able to have this platform to share my writing on! <3 

55. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Seeing how God works! 


56. What is your favorite breed of horse?
Morgans!!!! #slightlybiasedhorseowner #rumorhasitrosieishername 

57. What's your favorite outfit like?
My favorite everyday outfit would be jeans and a t-shirt. My favorite go-to-big-town outfit would be skinny jeans and a nicer top. My favorite church outfit would be skinny jeans or skirt and a dressier top.

58. What's the best breakfast ever?
Biscuits and gravy with tater tots!!! 

59. Have you ever gone out of the country/how far have you traveled?
I went to Canada once, a long time ago...

60. What was the last song stuck in your head? :D
Probably a catchy country song! lol

61. When did you start to love horses? 
For as long as I can remember. I have always had a love for horses! I guess I am a horse girl at <3! 

62. What is a kids book you really loved? 
Froggy Goes to Bed! Especially read in my dad's fun voices! :P

63. Do you like brussel sprouts? 
Uh, not really. The only way I sorta like them is broiled.

64. Are you shy or outgoing?
I am definitely shy! 

65. What is your favorite part of writing poetry?
I like being able to express my emotions through words that either rhyme or are totally jumbled, that's what writing poems are all about. I also am drawn to the patterns in words that is a huge part of writing poetry for me-- finding the pattern.

66. What's your favorite thing about living on a farm/out in the country?
I absolutely LOVE living on a farm in the country! I love being able to have animals, and have a big garden!!! 

67. Do you have a goal for when you'll finish your book?
Well, I suppose after my story goes through all the steps to polishing, I hope to self-publish!

68. Besides horses, what would be your next favorite animal?
Dogs!!! Dogs are a girls best friend! And puppies are even better! <3

69. What's your favorite outdoor activity? 
I really like riding horses, gardening, hiking, jet skiing, kayaking (in the dark!), playing volleyball (even though I'm not very good at it!), etc. Obviously by that list, I like outdoor activities in the summer! In the winter, I like sledding...

70. What about inside?
READING, crafts, and writing! I also like baking and cooking some! :)

~Throwbacks~

So, I don't know if blogging for one year is old enough to have "throwbacks" but, I do have quite a few blogging firsts I would like to share today! I try not to cringe looking back, because it's all apart of the journey! ;)

First post: Showers of Blessings

First Devotional posted: Sea Glass Treasures

First Poem posted: Walking by Faith

First Wrap-up: August 2018 Unique Wrap-Up Post

First Book Tour: Behold, An Author Interview

50th post: Twenty-Nineteen

And that concludes week three!!! Hope you liked reading through my Q&A answers! Thanks again, all who asked them. Once more, congratulations to Julia for winning the leather journal!!! 

Make sure to share your favorite bible verse in the comments to be entered in this last giveaway! 

Did you read through this very long post? Can you relate to any of my answers? Do you have a hard time picking favorites like I do? Do you like brussel sprouts?

Let's taco 'bout it! 

The third giveaway starts NOW!