May Wrap Up Post!!!

Today is my first Wrap-Up post back from the hiatus I took in April, and I am so excited to continue with my wrap-up posts!

Even with all it's highs and lows, May was a good month and I learned a lot! There was many challenges and changes to adjust too, but in the end, my God is so good to me! It's hard during the trials to know He is in control, but when the Son shines through the dark clouds, you catch a glimpse of how God is working for the good.

I hope you enjoy reading about my month!

➳➳➳Recovering from Camp Nano (or at least trying too! lol!) ➳Helped rescue a box turtle from our driveway➳May 2nd was the one year anniversary of my four wheeler accident➳HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS➳Driving lil' sis to her music lessons➳Taking pictures➳Painting➳Photo shoot/four wheeler ride with lil' sis➳Funny selfies➳decorating a savory sandwich cake for my auntie's birthday (It turned out amazing! Picture in the photo dump...)➳Ran a 5 mile race with big sis and kept a 11:17 pace ➳So much fun with the fam➳Our seedlings are big plants now➳Groomed Rosie and braided her mane➳Online cooking class➳Designed t-shirts ➳Was apart of the "camera crew" for a song contest entry that my cousins entered (helped with outfits, camera angles, location finding, etc.)➳Hand-lettering➳Eating a soft pretzel sandwich at the Amish bakery➳ Taking flower pictures➳Making Jasmine Goat's Milk Soap➳Watching YouTube➳Eating good food➳Attempting cartwheels➳Lemon cake!!➳Working out to Carrie Underwood songs➳More cartwheels and a sore elbow➳Taking pictures of books➳A outfit that consisted of a tie-dye shirt with busy pajama pants #fashionisnotmyspecialty➳Mowing the lawn➳Country roads are pretty in the morning➳A day with the girls➳Reading!!!➳Taking notes during church➳Rosie's 11th Birthday!➳Happy birthday Rosie!!!➳Kayaking➳Hard nights ➳Cinnamon pancakes➳Pet-sitting➳Afternoon spent with grandparents➳Front porch sittin'➳A late Mothers Day gift came in the mail and made Mom happy➳Strawberry Shortcake for dessert➳Strawberry shortcake for breakfast➳Emails➳Movie night(s)➳Late night drives➳Firework watching from a field➳Root beer floats➳Planting seeds➳Hiking➳Memorial Day weekend➳cookies and corn hole games➳Had a epiphany about what I want my future career to entail➳Rainy days, and stormy weather➳Planting our raised-bed garden➳Living➳Laughing➳Loving➳And Learning➳➳➳

➳➳➳I can't think of anything overly funny that happened this month...➳➳➳

Me: Talking away about randomness...

Lil' Sis: *severe look of confusion while she stares at me quizzically*

Me: "None of that was supposed to make sense, it's ok."

➳➳➳My Family➳Bella (my dog)➳Sunrises and sunsets➳Taking pictures of nature➳Our animals➳Reading blogposts around the blogosphere➳Writing➳Cooking➳Journaling➳My home➳Little moments that matter➳➳➳

➳➳➳All sorts of things so get ready➳I'm learning that in your darkest moment, you are not alone➳That plans change➳In fact, lots of things change➳Nothing is guaranteed except God's Love, so cherish the little things➳Baby steps➳You cannot do big and extraordinary things until you have done the small, everyday things➳Dream big, but don't except to go from A-Z overnight, because it's in the journey (even if it's mundane) that we grow and are shaped for the purpose He has for us➳

I'm learning to let my faith be bigger than my fear➳I'm learning that it's okay, just breath➳And that God will open the right door at the right time➳I'm learning that it's ok to cry➳But its also ok to laugh and smile➳Life is unexpected, so live in the moment➳Close friends are priceless➳Family relationships are hard, but so worth it!➳Joy in the morning is the best kind of Joy➳➳➳

Mini Photo Dump:

^^ Driving more...

^^ Dandelions! 

^^ Savory cake!!!

^^ Isn't it pretty??!! 

^^ FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS! XD

^^ Sun through the leaves.

^^ Hiking adventures!

^^ Strawberry Shortcake!!! Yum!

^^ Rose excited about her birthday "cake!"

^^ Selfie with the birthday girl!

^^ Sermon notes...

^^ Food! 

^^ Soap picture!

Goals:

I've decided to have a "Goal" section in my Wrap-up posts to mention a couple goals I have each month. They might be small goals, or larger ones, we'll see! 

June goals: 

-Make a vision board for my room! (It's like a Pinterest board but in real life!)

-Write 5,000 in my WIP

-Care for plants in the garden

-Finish my cooking class... 

-Ride Rosie more

-Make a summer bucket list of sorts (vote down in the comments if you think this would be a good Monday post idea! Or if you have any fun summer ideas!)

-Read three books

How was your May? What is one thing God has been teaching you this last month? Are you excited about June? Did you like this Wrap-up post?? 

Talk to ya in the comments! 

Memorial Day 2019

Today is Memorial Day. 

A day of remembrance to the military men and women who served in the U.S.A. 

A time to remember those who lost their lives serving our country.

I would like to re-post a poem I wrote last year for Memorial Day, but a revised version. 

Let Us Remember

Written by Brooklyne

Let us remember 

The ones who taught

Let us remember 

The ones who fought

Marching proud for the U.S.A

Let us remember 

The ones who braved 

Let us remember 

The ones who saved

Fighting for the land of the free

Let us remember 

The ones who doctored 

Let us remember

The many who died 

For the freedom of our country

Let us remember

The ones who stayed

Let us remember 

The ones who prayed

On their knees for the battlefield 

Let us remember 

The ones who trained

Let us remember 

The ones in pain

Making a noble sacrifice 

Let us remember 

The ones who never forget

Let us remember 

The ones the battles blow hit

For our home of the free because of the brave 

Let us remember 

The One who is true

Let us remember 

The One who brought us through

Victory is In God We Trust!

1 John 5:4

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. 

And this is the victory 

that has overcome the world- our faith.

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Can you believe there are only five more days until June?? (And June marks half way through 2019! What??!!) 

Lets talk in the comments below! 

Never-Failing Love // A Poem

Never-Failing Love 

Written by Brooklyne 

God, You always go before me, 

Your light shines through my dark. 

You’re the Author of my story. 

We sing, “How Great Thou Art.” 

God, You’re never-failing, 

You’re alway’s there for me.

God, you pave the harsh and steep way. 

You redirect my road. 

When I go completely astray, 

Your loving care flowed. 

God, You’re never-failing, 

You’re alway’s there for me.

God, You are my most faithful Guide, 

Through what’s unknown to me. 

In You, I safely will confide. 

For you give me mercy. 

God, You’re never-failing, 

You’re always there for me.

God, You hear my cry when I call,

Upon Your mighty name.

You reach out Your hand when I fall. 

Casting on me no blame. 

God, You’re never-failing, 

You’re always there for me.

God, You hold my hopes and You’re plans, 

May my hopes be Your plans.

You hold my future in your hands, 

No matter what happens. 

God, Your never-failing, 

You’re always there for me! 

Corinthians 13:4-8 

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." 

God is Love and Love never fails. 

I'm not talking about the kind of love we tend to throw around when we talk about random everyday things such as me saying I love chocolate. No, God's love is agape love. It's lasting love. It's the kind of love that covers a multitude of sins. A love that forgives. A love that is selfless and sacrifices for us. A love that flows deeper than the sea.

What an amazing God we serve! We are so blessed to be truly loved by our Heavenly Father! Today I encourage you to make a list of how you see God's love in your life and post it somewhere will you can see it. A sticky note on your bathroom mirror, taped to the wall of your bedroom, stuck in your back pocket, wherever you like! It might look something like this: 

God show's me His love through... 

-Nature

The way the flowers bloom and the trees sway in the breeze. 

The sun that cuts through shadows making patterns. 

The animals and their soft coats and sweet personalities. 

-The Bible

Each verse that talks about God's love.

Each verse that takes about God's forgiveness and second chances. 

Each verse that talks about how God will never leave us or forsake us. 

-Family 

For blessing me with a wonderful family who loves me. 

For giving me people to care about.

For keeping us healthy and for God's protection. 

-Talents

A passion that makes me excited. 

A gift that can be used for God's glory. 

A opportunity to show God's love. 

~*~ 

The list could go on and on, really! Each of us have different lists! But my point is that there are many ways to see God's love in our lives. And by making a list, we acknowledge that. And when we acknowledge that we are loved deeply by our Father, then we will praise Him and His love will shine through us to be a light to others. 

What are some other ways to acknowledge God's love? Does your list look similar to mine, how is it different? What did you think of this poem? How can I pray for you today? Comment below! 

Rejoice in the Lord, Always!

This Monday, I would like to share some songs with you! I believe music is powerful and moving, and I also believe that God can speak to us through music. I have been recently going through a hard time, and I found that listening to some Christian music really helps. 

Music can be so uplifting and I think it is also a form of praising and worshiping God. I wish I could share all of the songs that I listen too when I need encouragement, but the list would be to long... so I will pick my favorites! In no particular order... 

City Harbor - Somebody Tell Them and Come However You Are 

Somebody Tell them:

"Somebody tell them that the lost are saved

Somebody tell them that their debt's been paid

And let them know love is calling out their names 

Somebody tell them, they're a child of the king

And there is an end to the suffering

And hope that never fades through grace thats made a way

Somebody tell them, somebody tell them now" 

^^ This song always reminds me that there are people out there who have never been told of Jesus' amazing grace and love.

Come However You Are:

"Come however you are

Come with all your heartaches

Come with all the mistakes you've made 

Lay them down at the cross 

Give them to the God who loves you 

Hurt, scarred, falling apart 

Come however you are"

^^ No matter where we are at, God wants us to come to Him however we are. 

Unspoken - Lift My Life Up

Lift My Life Up:

"I lift my life, lift my life up

I give it all in surrender

I lift my heart, lift my heart up

You can have it forever 

All my dreams, all m y plans 

Lord I leave it in your hands

I lift my life, lift my life up

Have your way in me

Have your way in me"

^^ I don't like repetitive songs very much, but this song stand out to me not only because of the lyrics, but also the way it is sung. Singing "Have your way" really is so freeing when you give God what your going through.

Bethel Music - It Is Well

It Is Well: 

"And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And it is well with me" 

^^ This song is so good! This is another one that is kind of repetitive, but I love listening to this one when I'm having one of those days... 

Kari Jobe - I Am Not Alone

I Am Not Alone: 

"In the midst of deep sorrow

I see Your light is breaking through

The dark of night will not overtake me

I am pressing into You"

^^ First off, I love her voice! Second, this song is the perfect reminder that we are never alone. <3 

Laura Story - Blessings

Blessings: 

"'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops 

What if your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are 

what it takes to know your near

What I trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

^^ What if our trials are really His blessings in disguise? (I actually have a memory with this song, both my auntie and mama sang this together for church once, and I always remember that's how this song became special to me!) 

Lauren Daigle - Trust in You  

Trust in You: 

"When You don't move the mountains 

I'm needing You to move

When you don't part the waters 

I wish I could walk through 

When you don't give the answers 

As I cry out to You

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You"

^^ This was the first song I had heard of Lauren Daigle's music. And it is one of my favorites! 

Well, I hope you liked getting a glimpse of some of the songs I like to listen too! There is seriously so many good songs out there! 

What is your favorite song that gets you through a tough time? Out of the seven I mentioned, which one was your favorite? Have you already heard these, or was some of them new to you? Just curious, do you judge a song by lyrics, or the musical aspect of the song? 

Lets talk in the comments! 

Mind Over Matter, Trust Over Fear

Good morning, afternoon, or night... wherever you are in the world! For today's post, I am going to be talking about my theme struggle. Basically, most of my devotions and poems are around this topic, because I am constantly struggling with it. It is my hope that you are able to apply this post to whatever you may be going through right now.

Last Wednesday I posted a poem (to read it, click HERE) talking about trusting and obeying in God's leading even when you feel inadequate for the job. To me, that poem was just a plea asking God to help me trust Him more with the unknowns in my life. Because I am still learning how to surrender my plans, my worries, my fears, etc. over to God. In this post, I am very real and sort of blunt. With that being said, this post is also very close to my heart and the main reason I am sharing it today is because I feel that this is a message that someone needs to hear.

~*~ 

Last year, we went on a vacation to Florida. On that vacation, my Dad spontaneously suggested that my family go parasailing (I mean, we are on a trip, so that means we must do something EPIC!) #havingadadwholikesadventure 

My first reaction was thinking these things: 
“Um, no thanks!”
“Count me out.” 
“Not really my thing.” 
“I’m not that adventurous.” 
“Turtles and dolphins, sure. But FISH! SHARKS! JELLYFISH!???”
“No, no, and NO! 

Yeah, so parasailing was way outside of my comfort zone. It was unknown to me because I had never ever done anything like it before. To be honest, I’d rather not get eaten by a hungry shark! So, to play it safe, I was planning on not going and just watching my little sister and dad do it. 

But my “play it safe” plan soon changed as I got to thinking. I started wondering if it could end up being fun, and by playing it safe, would I miss out on a super fun activity? Would I look back on that vacation and wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone and just went parasailing? After all, you are attached to the boat! What could go wrong? (Of course, multiple things to do with sharks and jellyfish popped into my head, but sometimes you have to stop yourself when you start to make up detailed stories of what could go wrong. Because that is what they are—made up…) 

Eventually, I decided to give it a try. We ended up finding a place that did parasailing, and reserved a spot for the next day. That night, I was getting really nervous and almost backed out, but me and my older sister were going to do it together (Who knew you could go two at a time!), so that made me feel a little better. 

The next morning, we arrived at the place, and I was crossing my fingers that it would go smoothly. But then, I saw a video of some other people parasailing. And in that video, they were really close to the water, like, um, their feet were in the water! Now I was really nervous, I did NOT want to get dragged in the water! 

Thankfully, for the rest of the “adventure,” I was able to let go of my worry and really enjoy myself. Mind you, I was praying very earnestly!

The boat ride was fast and bumpy, which was really fun, and we saw mama and baby DOLPHINS! The actual parasailing was a blast! Once you were up in the air, it was amazing to see so much from that far up! We saw all sorts of jellyfish and even sharks up there… (my dad and little sister even saw a sea turtle!) It was both scary and so much fun! We did get put down in the water for a second before the ride was over, but it was a short time (only long enough for me to get a mouthful of salt water from screaming/squealing!)

After it was over, I was SO glad I had gone! We even bought the picture packet, so we have proof that we went parasailing and survived!  

Have you ever let fear control a decision? Have you ever just “played it safe” and stayed in you comfort zone? That zone where you don’t have to rely on your Trust in God? 

^^ I know I have definitely answered affirmatively to each of those questions before. It’s hard to not fear the unknown. That is so human nature, isn’t it though? 

I think so many times we stay in that place where we are comfortable. We don’t want to step out because there are too many “what if’s.” If we are uncertain of the outcome, we most likely won’t push ourselves out of that constricting comfort zone. And one of the reasons why we do this, is because we put our trust in ourselves all too often when we should be putting our trust in the capable hands of God. 

When we trust only ourselves, our comfort zone is controlled by how we feel. We know what we are capable of doing from past experiences, and when there is something new (like going parasailing) we worry and doubt in our ability, letting our comfort zones hold us back. We are the ones who have created our comfort zones. 

When we trust God, there is no such thing as a comfort zone. If we truly are surrendering our worry over to God, and letting Him control the outcome of a certain situation, then there is no comfort zone to hold us back. We only trust and obey. 

As hard as it is, I think it is so important to NOT let our fear and comfort zones control us. Because if we let this happen, we would never grow. It’s like exercising: no pain, no gain. If you never work your muscles, you will not get stronger. Sure, you will be sore in the "growing" process, sometimes it’s down right painful. But in the end, you are stronger because of it. 

Likewise, if we never exercise stepping out of are comfort zones, those boundaries we set for ourselves will never get bigger, only smaller. Yes, it will be scary. It might be terrifying. You might take a chance, and it won’t work out right. It’s not guaranteed to work out perfectly. But by stepping out of your comfort zone, you will learn and you will grow because of it! 

Don’t be confined to the boxes, labels, and comfort zones you put yourself in. Comfort zones might feel safe, but trust me, they aren’t. If anything they are dangerous. Because by having a comfort zone that somehow “justifies” not doing something that God has put in His will for you, you are saying that you trust yourself over God. 

God has a perfect plan for you. He promises to be with you through it all, but our comfort zones act as barriers that the Enemy has placed in our way to slow down God’s plan. 

So if I know this truth, why do I still let my comfort zone control me with fear? I don’t know. But what I do know it that I want to get better at saying “no” to my comfort zone and saying “yes” to my trust in God alone. WE are all a work-in-progress. And I will be the first to admit that I let my fear and comfort zone (that I, myself, have created) to make my decisions for me. Not all the time, like when I went parasailing, but a whole lot of other times I have decided to opt out of something because I was scared. 

I can tell myself all that I want, but the truth is the truth. 

I can say: I am a introvert, I’m too quiet, or that I’m so awkward. These are “boxes” that I use as excuses (and most of the time I use them negatively.) The thing is, maybe I am some of these, but these adjectives are not my identity. My identity is found through Jesus Christ. 

The real truth is: I am chosen, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am His. This is who I am. 

I’m not saying that we should never use the words that put us in labeled boxes to describe our personalities, I’m saying we should not use these words to define who we are as children of God. We are all so unique and original. 

So I am encouraging each of you (and me) to trust God with your future and decision making. Listen to His voice, not your own voice that lets the comfort zone rule you. Pray about it, and then if you are persuaded that it is what God is prompting you to do, take that step of faith. 

Trust that He will be with you every step of the way.  
Trust that He will be your Guide.  
Trust that He will be with you if you fall. 
Trust that He will be with you to pick you up when you do.

Because if we trust in ourselves and rely on our own fears, we will never know God’s outstanding plan-- the plan that blows our comfort zones clear out of the water! His plan is so much greater and so much better than we could ever begin to understand! 

Here are a couple pictures of our parasailing adventure!

Psalm 18:30-32

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."

Do you struggle with letting your fear stop you from taking that step of faith? (You're not alone!) What do you do when you want to trust God but can't let go? How have you stepped out of your comfort zone this week? How can I pray for you? Even if it is a silent request, let me know and I will definitely be praying! 

Lets talk in the comments below! <3

Dawn Chandler // An Author Interview

Good morning all! Today I have a very special post to share with you! I am participating in Eliza's book tour!!! *throws party confetti and sparkles*

So without further ado, lets begin!

~~~

1. Tell us a little about yourself and why you are passionate about writing, what made you decide to first start your self publishing journey? 
Hi! I'm a home school graduate, the oldest of nine kids, and a writer who strives to honor God in all that I do. I think I first decided to go on this self-publishing journey when I stumbled across blogs like homeschooledauthors.com and saw how well other writers like me were doing in self-publishing. The more research I did the more I liked it. Dawn Chandler is so close to my heart and as cool as it would be to be published by a big publisher I didn't want to be forced to change anything I didn't want to (especially the book's location, Lone Pine). In the future I have some book ideas I'm holding onto a little more loosely that I would like to pursue traditional publishing with.

2. What makes this book special to you? And how does it feel to become a author? I can’t imagine how excited you must be! :)
This book is special to me for many reasons. One would be that it was the first idea I followed through with all the way to writing 'the end'. Another is that it takes place in the small town of Lone Pine in California. I lived in Lone Pine from when I was six to eleven and I have wonderful childhood memories there. Writing Dawn Chandler, in a way, helped me deal with my homesickness. How does it feel to become an author? Honestly, I feel like I'm just pretending sometimes. I've been looking forward to this for at least the past five years and I can't believe it's actually happening! Overall, I'm truly excited, but there are those little bits of fear that nag at me.

3. How long did it take you to write Dawn Chandler from start to finish? 
About 7 years.

4. Who is your favorite character and why? 
Kenneth, Dawn's older brother, is my favorite. He's goofy and caring and basically the older brother twelve-year-old me wished I had.

5. What is the best part about the writing/publishing process for you?
I don't know that I can pick one best part, but reading beta reader feedback and advanced reviews has been really rewarding. I have a 12-year-old friend who beta read it and has told me several times how much she loved it. The fact that someone in my target audience enjoyed it so much meant a lot to me.

6. What is the hardest part about the writing/publishing process for you?
Probably the part between writing the first draft and giving it to beta readers. Editing it by myself without other people's input was hard. I found myself getting a little tired of the story and questioning if it was any good at all.

7. What lesson would you like your readers to take away from reading Dawn Chandler?
The story revolves around learning to be content. Editing and prepping for this release I've realized how much I still struggle with contentment, just in different areas of life than I did when I was twelve. While I think learning to be content is possibly a life long battle I hope this book is able to help others with that in at least some small way.  Also, I hope they see that being content isn't about thinking, "Whatever. This is what life handed me I'll just pretend to be happy." It's more, "God's in control, He knows what's best for me, and I'm gonna trust Him joyfully."

Thank you for interviewing me, Brooklyne! I enjoyed answering each of your questions.

And THANK YOU, Eliza, for letting be be apart of your book tour! Dawn Chandler sounds like such a good book! <3 (And that last questions answer really is so so true!)

~~~

Find Dawn Chandler on Goodreads HERE.
And pre-order a Kindle on Amazon HERE.

Book Blurb: 

Dawn Chandler likes the way her life is— or was. She liked going to the mall with her best friend, excelling at middle school, and attending church with her family. Typical life for a twelve-year-old in the city of Fresno.

When Dawn’s parents announced they were going to homeschool her, on her birthday no less, she felt like her world was falling apart. Normal kids are supposed to go to school, not read books at home. To make matters worse, they may be leaving the only home she’s ever known.

What are her parents thinking?

Before making the final moving decision, the Chandler family visits Lone Pine, a small town between Mt. Whitney and Death Valley. While there, Dawn and her siblings become acquainted with their eccentric great uncle, explore the new area, and meet a large homeschooling family. All of this makes the 'vacation' more bearable. Still, Dawn isn't sure if she can make the move and leave everything she’s familiar with behind.

Can Dawn learn the values of faith, family, and contentment?

~~~ 

Author Bio:

Eliza Noel is a home school graduate with passion for Jesus, people, and literature. Growing up, her favorite books were always Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, and Pride and Prejudice. Around age twelve she wanted to read something with positive values in a modern setting, but couldn’t find what she was looking for. So she wrote it.

When not doing something book-related (reading, writing, blogging, bookstagramming), Eliza works at her day jobs, spends time with her many younger siblings, longboards, has coffee with friends, eats chocolate, and listens to music. California is home, but she would like to travel more and feels she could learn to be content anywhere.

You can follow her writing journey and see snippets of her everyday life on elizanoelauthor.blogspot.com or by following @elizanoelauthor on social media.

~~~ 

Connect with Eliza Noel on her blog, Goodreads, and Instagram! 

And here is a Rafflecopter giveaway link, so be sure to go enter!!!

Philippians 4:11 NKJV
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have leaned in whatever state I am, to be content:"

Have you read Dawn Chandler yet? Isn't that cover the cutest?? What is one of your favorite self-published books? Lets talk in the comments!