December Wrap-UP post!

Wow! What a month! December was rather eventful, and it flew by super fast (haha, I always say that!) But anyway, some big things happened, and I hope you enjoy reading this wrap up!

~December started with a 5k race. We ran hard, and enjoyed doughnuts at the finish line. #priorities I was super excited to be able to run this race, and it was extra special. I got tenth place in my age group! 

~We drove by one of our old houses. It's weird to see a house you grew up in, all the memories and all that. 

~I participated in a Christmas book exchange and had a super fun time putting together two packages for two pretty awesome gals. 

~I received a order of promotional items that I designed for my small business! I love how everything turned out! :)

~Catching sunsets with pink fluffy clouds. (well, not literally catching them... ya know, with a camera!) I apologize for my over-thinking of one simple sentence! *facepalm*

~My older cousin asked me to look over her college paper (since I'm a writer and all *winks*) So I spent 3-4 hours working on it with her... hey, sorry, but I have a fine toothed comb, lol. 

~My sweet, darling horse decided to jump aka body-slam our barn gate. Yeah, I don't think it worked out like she had planned.

~Driving by Christmas lights in the dark. *shakes head while writing this* duh, in the dark... 

~Packaging soap!

~A fun day shopping with my favorite people.

~Frost-laced leaves that I HAD to photograph...

~*tries to take bookcase shelfie only to use up lots of photo space on phone and goofing off more than anything* So, note to self, when I'm board things can get comical pretty darn fast.

~Drawing a snowman with stick arms (fairly normal, oh wait, it gets better) and stick legs... Then a snowman beside it "melting" with the caption "Some people are worth melting for." Again, one of my board moments.

~Sunset silhouettes.

~Large soap order shipments.

~Receiving steak in the mail for Papa's 70th birthday from his home state... *wink wink*

~Frozen Hot Chocolate Drinks! And regular hot chocolate! 

~Making Sock Snowman for a babysitting craft, then again for a tutorial!! 

~Hand-lettering signs to put on a cinnamon roll "Rollin' by to say Merry Christmas!" 

~Designing a trifold program for a church event! I'm actually extremely proud how they turned out! ...I was a bit worried! But they looked great, if I do say so myself! 

~Making two batches of soap in one day!

~Practicing music for above said church event. I sang with my mom and auntie. (btw, it went better than I thought, and I survived getting up front in church!)

~Snow! AND then it vanished and we ended up NOT getting a white Christmas.

~Quote for this month, "We can't always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it." 

~Learning to be spontaneous by flying for the first time in exactly one whole decade! 

~I was so blessed by the opportunity to spend a week on the beach with some of my very favorite people! <3 It was a much needed getaway that I enjoyed every minute of it! Making loads of memories, taking many pictures, eating lots of Mexican street corn (if you haven't tried it, your missing out!), searching for shells, time-lapse sunsets, movies, ocean waves, funny selfies, dolphins!!!, chilly walks on the beach, ice cream for breakfast, making a sand snowman, shopping, trying not to get a sunburn (in December!!!), etc. We had a blast! And I don't think anyone will ever know how much that trip meant to me...

~Christmas cookie baking for two days! It was epic! And I must say, they turned out super!

~Christmas Eve dinner.

~Family timing photo's, hopefully you know what I'm talking abt.

~Christmas Day: Nursing home, nachos, family pictures, yummy dessert, way to many cookies, stairs challenge (quite fun!), picnic table challenge (quite funny!), late night movies.

~My future husband is out there somewhere... trying to push a pull door, I just know it.

~Me: bangs head into glass shower door. Also me: bursts out laughing all by myself. 'Cause sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself!

~I ate a whole bag of my Auntie's candy (its like Swedish fish, but a natural spin-off) ...and now it's a continuous inside joke. 

~The picnic table challenge was hilarious! Just google it, and try it! Me and my little sister were the first to conquer it! 

~Me: *has super weird dream* Also me: starts writing a tearjerker dream spinoff that is hopefully not as weird as the dream itself. This story is top secret as of now though, so lips sealed. 

~Realizing that "this is how we roll" really is my whole families motto/phrase. 

~Me: Sees typo on a project I had already sent in. Also Me: oh no! What should I do!? Mom: It's ok, they'll get the point.

~New adventures (yes, scary too, but it's awesome at the same time!)

~Sunsets, ocean waves, spending time with my mom, auntie, and nannie.

~Rocking out to Christmas music.

~Baking cookies.

~Well, I did a whole long page of what I learned in 2019... maybe I will post it, maybe I won't. Idk yet. But just for this month:

~I've learned to pray when I'm terrified.

~It's ok to feel.

~To push through my reading slump! Thanks fellow readathoners!! <3

~To think positively, despite wanting not too.

~To cut ourselves and others some slack.

So tell me, how was your December? Did you have a good Christmas? Any funny, cool, awesome things happen in your month? Yay or Nay on this new Wrap UP format? Comment and let me know! 

P.S. No photo dump today... but to let you in on a secret, this month, there will be a whole post dedicated to a photo dump! So stay tuned for that! 

12 Days of Christmas // A Christmas Pattern Poem

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time that a lot of folks look forward to each coming year. It's a time when family and friends get together to exchange gifts and enjoy good food. Family traditions are carried out, and maybe a few new ones started. But most importantly, it's a time to remember our Saviors' birth.

Today, I wanted to share with you a unique poem I wrote about the true reason behind the Christmas holiday. I wrote this poem in a certain syllable pattern and used some Christmas song titles throughout. I'll admit, it is a very choppy poem to read (partly because you want to sing the words when reading the song titlesXD), but the message is what counts and I hope it touches someone's heart today.

Head on over to Faith's blog to read other 12 DoC blog posts!

(Read about Christ's birth in the Bible at Matthew chapters 1-3 and Luke chapters 1-2)

Savior of the World 

A poem by Brooklyne Elysse 

He came 

To live, to die

That we might live with Him

Because He loves us so so much 

~~~

Oh little town of Betlehem 

A chosen place where the  

King of all creation 

Was born 

⭑

Mary 

Did you know that 

God chose you for His plan 

A plan that would save God's children
~~~
It came upon a midnight clear
A Gift so selflessly
Given to us
To live
⭑
Away
In a manger
Not a pristine palace
Yet our Prince of Peace was humble
~~~
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
To make a way for us
A priceless gift
Cherished
⭑
Silent
Night, holy night
When God sent His only
Begotten Son as our Savior
~~~
Hark the Harald angels sing, Glory
To the newborn King Jesus
Let us rejoice
His birth
⭑
O come
All ye faithful
Let Him be our chain-breaker
Emmanuel... God is with us
~~~
And that is the true reason to
Celebrate and rejoice
The birth of our
Savior!

What are you doing to celebrate Christmas? 
What makes Christmas special to you? 

Comment below! And Merry Christmas! <3

12 Days of Christmas // A Christmas Recipe & Tag

On this lovely day, I bring you a Christmas Recipe and the Merry and Bright Tag! This is my third post in the 12 DoC blog party! Keep track of all the other holly jolly posts around the blogosphere by heading over to Faith's blog!

So lets get on with today's post!

Rules:
~Thank the person who tagged you (Thank you SO much Liberty, and Lexi!
~Make sure to include the picture in your post. (Down below!)
~Answer the following questions.
~Tag some friends!

1. Favorite movie to watch at Christmas time:

It's a Wonderful Life,  A Very Merry Mix-Up, and While You Were Sleeping... sorry, I don't just have one favorite! You know me... *winks*

2. Some Christmas songs that make it Christmas:

I did a whole post about Christmas songs HERE!  

3 Some books I love in the Winter:

Any book! But a few that are more towards winter are: Coffee Shop Christmas by Ryana Miller, Behold by Faith Potts, The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter, etc. I actually don't have many books that take place in the winter time... 

4. Some Christmas goodies that make me smile:

If you mean sweets... then peppermint bark, peanut clusters, hot chocolate, cream cheese frosting, sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls (recipe below!), and nachos! XP

5. Some Christmas-y words that make me happy:

Baby Jesus, Nativity, Joy, Peace, Giving, Lights, Family, Cheer.

6. Some things I look forward to every year:

Singing songs, giving gifts, baking while rocking out to Christmas music, more baking, Christmas lights, frosty mornings, sledding, nursing home, and nachos! :)

7. Favorite Christmas memories: 

As a kid, we would sleep in the living room by the tree on Christmas Eve. We would also do a nativity skit for the parents (even having intermission with snacks)...

8. Some memories to be made this year: 

Shopping for babies, singing carols, hot chocolate, book exchange, and nachos! XD

I tag:

Whoever is wearing a red and green shirt today!

~~~

And now *drumroll* I bring you a family favorite Christmas recipe: my mom's famous Vegan Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls! These vegan buttermilk cinnamon rolls bring back so many fond Christmas morning memories... and even without the memories, these cinnamon rolls are AMAZING!

You are missing out, and you need these delicious cinnamon rolls in your life. 'Nuff said.

Ahem. Moving right along.

I'm so happy to share this recipe with you and maybe (just maybe) your family will have to add a new breakfast Christmas tradition after making this recipe! *winks*

Enjoy!

~Vegan Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls~

Ingredients:

2 packages active dry yeast or 4 1/2 t active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 Cup "buttermilk" non-dairy milk with 2T ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)
1 t salt
1/2 t Baking Soda
1 t Ground Cinnamon
1/2 Cup vegetable Oil
4 1/2 Cups AP flour
1/2 Cup sugar

What's rolled inside ingredients:

1/2 cup vegan butter melted
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 t Ground Cinnamon

Direction:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. (we usually take a 1t out of our 1/2 cup sugar to dissolve in with the yeast...) Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, heat "buttermilk" until warm to the touch.

2. Pour "buttermilk" and oil into the yeast mixture; mix well. Combine flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir the flour mixture into the liquid 1 cup at a time until soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 20 times (OR, if using stand up mixer with dough hook attachment, knead 4 minutes). Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out unto a large rectangle. Spread the brown sugar and butter mixture over the dough, roll up into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 1 inch pieces and place cut side up in a lightly greased 10x15 baking pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let stand for 2 to 3 minute before serving.

Vanilla icing

Ingredients:

Melted vegan butter
Vanilla
Almond extract
Powdered sugar
Non dairy milk

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients until desired consistency...

Pecan Sticky Topping (Double recipe) ...Cause big families double recipes anyway, I'm just making it easy for ya!

Ingredients:

8 T Vegan butter
1 1/2 Cups brown sugar
1 Cup Coconut cream
1 t salt
4 T honey
2 t Ground Cinnamon
2 Cups chopped pecans

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine first five ingredients and bring to a boil. Boil 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in Cinnamon and Pecans. Let cool slightly, drizzle sauce over warm cinnamon rolls.

Did you like the Merry and Bright Tag? 
Have you ever made Cinnamon Rolls? Are you going to try these? And if you're hung up on the whole vegan thing, don't hesitate, just try them and you'll love 'em! 

Comment below your favorite Christmas breakfast! And don't forget to check out the other 12 DoC blog party posts that are going up around the blogosphere!!! 

12 Days of Christmas // Top Ten Christmas Songs

My second post in the 12 DoC blog party is going to be all about MUSIC! I love music, I mean, who doesn't? Music is pretty amazing...

(If you want to listen/read my other music related posts, click HERE and HERE!)

I think Christmas music is it's own category. You see, I live in a house divided. Some of my family members LOVE Christmas music *looks at you mom* but others, well, not so much *winks at older sis.* As for me? Hmm, I suppose I like Christmas music, although it's not my most favorite. I like listening to it best when we are baking in the winter time!

So today, I'm sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you! And I'd love to know what side you are on. Are you for or against Christmas music?? Tell me in the comments below!

1. Mary, Did You Know? 

^^ Love this song! My sister is going to sing it at church, and that means when she practices it, it will get stuck in my head and I'll be singing it all day. Also, can we note that the Pentatonix have a pretty cool talent for singing without instruments?!

2. What Child is This 

^^ This song makes me think of this story that I read last year around the blogosphere. And, of course  with Carrie singing, it makes it even better! <3 

3. Oh Holy Night 

^^ I really like this song too! :)

4. Silent night 

^^ Christmas can't go by without singing this favorite once or twice! 

5. Joy to the World

^^ I love playing this song on my thumb piano! And it's such a cheery song...

6. It came upon a midnight clear

^^ Another one that is played a lot when we go to the nursing home.

7. Breath of Heaven 

^^ This one is one of my very favorites! And I love Amy Grant's voice. <3 

8. Gloria/Angels We Have Heard on High

^^ This was a unique mix by Casting Crowns, and I really like it! 

9. Oh Come All Ye Faithful 

^^ This one by Casting Crowns is also really good!

10. I'll be home for Christmas 

 

^^ Something about this song gives me lots of story ideas/inspiration... which is kinda cool. :)

Bonus Song:

^^ This song I will be singing in church with my mom and auntie in a couple days. Just listen to those lyrics... wow! 

~~~

There ya have it! A list of my top ten Christmas songs! Thanks for reading/listening to this post! Make sure to head on over to Faith's blog to stay updated on all the other 12 DoC blog posts! And don't forget the GIVEAWAY! 

What is your favorite Christmas song?

 Out of this list, were there some songs you hadn't heard, 

or have you listened to all these before?

 Comment below! And Merry Christmas! 

12 Days of Christmas // Christmas Gift Ideas!

I'm super stoked to be able to say that I am participating in Faith's annual 12 Days of Christmas blog party! I've read these blog party posts in the past, but this year I'm going to be participating and joining in on the fun! I won't be posting on all of the 12 days before Christmas (like some do), but I am going to be doing a few posts... so I hope you enjoy some more Christmasy posts coming your way! :)

Looking for meaningful Christmas gifts that don't break the bank? It just so happens I have compiled a whole list of great DIY Christmas gift ideas just for YOU! And, I've given you a few small businesses with great prices and awesome gifts as well if you don't fancy yourself as a DIYer. Also, if you haven't gotten your Christmas gifts made/purchased, better hop to it! Christmas is coming up mighty soon!

***all images are from Pinterest, they aren't mine***

Handmade Christmas Gifts:

1. Scarf

Scarves are super cute as well as very useful during the winter months. I love gifts that are useful. Making scarfs can be pretty easy if you know how to knit or crochet... therefore it makes a perfect gift for your friends and family.

2. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are my favorite! I love making them, and wearing them! They are so versatile! And they are also customizable because whoever you're making them for may have a favorite color or pattern that you can consider when picking out your fabrics!

3. Winter Headbands

When it's cold outside and your wearing a messy bun, putting a hat on just doesn't work. So the solution? Winter headbands! And the bonus is they are totally cute! The different options and designs are endless! They can have different crocheting patterns, or just a simple stitch will do. The can have wood buttons (which I like), crocheted flowers, etc!

4. Bath Salts

Who doesn't want to get pampered with bath salts? They are really easy to throw together with a few simple ingredients! Making this a awesome gift for any bath lovers in your family. Scents can be chosen on preference, as well as fun add-in's like flower petals or natural colorants.

5. Cute Hot Chocolate Mixes

Everyone loves chocolate! And I'd say most everyone loves hot chocolate! So that just makes it easy for us... hot chocolate mixes make fun and yummy gifts! It's simple, but it's also creative and when someone sees you put a little extra effort into their gift, then it's all the more special.

6. String Art

All you need is a piece of wood, some small nails, colored string, and a hammer. And while it makes a GREAT gift, it is also really fun to make!

7. Bookmarks

Every reader needs a favorite bookmark, so why don't you make them one for Christmas! There are tons of bookmarks out there... some for just the corner of the page, others made out of unique materials, and some with pretty hand-lettering on them!

8. Bracelets

Again, there are so many bracelet designs out there! And I personally think that bracelets make great gifts! Especially the ones with meanings to it. (I think it's super cool to have the morse code beads on bracelets and have it spell out something!)

9. Themed Mason Jar

I saw this idea the other day, and thought it was super cute and creative! Themed Mason Jars could really include anything you (or the one you are gifting) like! Tea time themed, baking themed, spa themed, craft themed, etc!

10. Personalized Candles

I love anything and everything personalized or customized! It just adds a special touch that you couldn't purchase anywhere! These candles I saw looked really easy although I haven't tried them yet, so who knows if they would turn out like the picture...
Anyway, you'll have to look these up, because all you need is picture, candles, wax paper, and a hair dryer!

Buy a Christmas gift: 

1. Winds of Faith Co.
Obviously, I have to mention my small business! Check out my Facebook page HERE if your interested in cold-processed Goats Milk Soap or Bath salts! I also sell more products, although soap and salts are my main products as of now. (My Etsy shop is under construction and I don't have anything listed yet... but soon!)

2. Rustic Lane Jewelry
I ordered from Rustic Lane Jewelry a couple months ago, and loved the bracelets and rings I got! They are super pretty and have a rustic charm that I love. Check out this awesome Etsy shop HERE.

3. The Color Box Studio
I have not ordered from The Color Box Studio, but I love seeing Allison's artwork! She is a amazing artist and has some really neat things on her Etsy shop. Click HERE to see them!

4. Any Indie Book
I love supporting indie authors! And this Christmas, if you have a book lover in your family, make sure to look into buying indie books! Some indie authors with amazing books are: Faith Potts, Kaitlyn K., Eliza Noel, Rebekah Morris, Hailey Rose, ETC! There are so many awesome indie authors out there!

I hope this list has inspired you with Christmas gift ideas! What is a handmade gift that you like to make? Let me know in the comments below! Merry Christmas! 
(Also make sure to check out the other 12 DoC posts going up! And plus, go to Faith's blog to enter the super cool giveaway!) 

The Writer Games // Spotlight & Interview

I am super excited to share with y'all about a newly established writing contest: The Writer Games! Both Julia from Lit Aflame and Kassie from Soldier Girl Stories have created this new and exiting way to inspire writers all over the blogging community!

Check out the official website HERE.

So what is TWG? It's a flash fiction contest that lasts from January 1st to February 5th. But the cool thing is, there are elimination rounds... challenges... mentors... prizes... and more! Make sure to check it out, because it sounds like loads of fun!

There will be judges of the three different rounds and the judges are Kassie Angie, Jenna Terese, Cassandra Hamm, and Julia S. But the last round (out of the four elimination rounds) will be judged  by whoever votes!

Who doesn't want something to motivate them to write?! This is a awesome opportunity and I can't wait to give it a go. (Or try to anyway, lol!)

Still not sure how exactly The Writer Games works? Here are some of the basics broken down for you from the website:

THE BASICS
~ Lasts from January 1st to Feb. 5th

​~All times are Central time

~ Flash Fiction

~ 500 words or less

~ 3 Elimination Rounds

~ On the Fourth and final Round contestants will be assigned to a "Mentor" - a published author who they can get advice from on their final entry, geek about chocolate with, and plot to ruin readers' dreams together.

Sign up for this contest HERE!

I think this sounds like a unique and fun way to practice my writing skills and get lots of awesome feedback!

I also asked a few questions for a interview! Thanks girls for answering them, I loved your answers!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what instilled your love of writing?
KASSIE: Well, I’m an 18-year-old Army girl with Texas roots and a heart for wounded soldiers, missions, and special needs kids. I love running, Lightning McQueen, and rodeos. I’ve been writing since I knew how; I’ve just always loved it. As I grew up and began to realize the gap between the civilian and military world, the Lord opened my eyes to the idea that writing stories was something I could do to help bridge that gap.

JULIA: I'm an INTP who dwells in a little hobbit-hole in Texas. I write Sci-Fi and Fantasy stories that revolve around seeing the light in the midst of darkness and finding healing in brokenness.  Saved, sealed, and going to Heaven -- I seek to bring my Savior Jesus Christ glory in all that I do, and I firmly believe that if the Bible says it, it's true! I think a lot of my love for stories came from my mom reading to my brothers and I when we were younger. A few pinnacle books in my childhood were The Boxcar Children, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Little House on the Prairie.

2. What inspired the idea behind The Writer Games?
KASSIE: We were emailing back and forth about doing a giveaway, which turned into a contest, at which point we said this is not going to be your average writing contest. Julia was really the mastermind behind the idea of The Writer Games; I just added the Olympic edge, haha!

JULIA: What if there was a type of contest for writers where they had to enter a sort of "arena"? What if these writers had to face challenges that put their literary strengths to the test? What if, as time passed, the contestants dwindled, challenges grew harder, and each round advanced the participating writers towards greater rewards??? These are the sort of questions we though on while creating TWG. We drew on our personal interests: melding together The Hunger Games and Olympics to create a writing contest like none other!

3. What is your target audience and are there age categories?
KASSIE: Well, by default I guess we’re reaching out to our homeschooled blogging community, although we hope to share stories that will be able to inspire and teach anyone. There are no age categories and no age limits, either!

JULIA: As Kassie said, The Writer Games is open to anyone who wants to participate, and there are no age categories. We hope to provide an intriguing, inspiring, and altogether motivating writing experience for the Writers - young and old - around the writing community!

4. How will The Writer Games encourage newbie writers and challenge experienced writers?
KASSIE: New writers will get to try their hand at different styles of writing and potentially get to work with an experienced author-mentor. Experienced writers will get to stretch out of their comfort zone of writing and try something new every week.

JULIA: WHAT KASSIE SAID XD

5. When the flash fiction entries are judged, what are some aspects they are judged on?
KASSIE: Plot, character, theme, and how well their incorporate our mini challenges. The different judges will be looking for a strong, well-paced plot; realistic, relatable characters; and seamless use of the mini challenges.

JULIA: There are four focus points when it comes to judging the Writer Games entries: Plot, Character, Theme, and Mini Challenges. Jenna Terese will be judging plot; I will be judging character; Kassie is the judge of the theme; And lastly, the Mini Challenges will be judged by Cassandra Hamm.

6. How long did the planning process for The Writer Games take?
KASSIE: Wellll...we started emailing about it at the beginning of July, and we finalized everything for the website/signup launch pretty much the day before it happened? So basically five months, I guess! XD

JULIA: SooooOOooo LOngggggg, lol. Getting together an entire contest like TWG is WAY more work than it looks. In fact, we're still planning and preparing things (such as prizes), and probably will be all the way up till January 1st when the Writer Games begins!

7. What is your favorite thing about being a writer/author?
KASSIE: Falling in love with my characters and having them seem oh so real to me—and then having people I’ve never even met get invested in that same story, take the message to heart, and act on it. I love seeing how God uses my stories in more ways than I’d ever dreamed.

JULIA: There's so many things I could answer with! I love the way mere dreams can come to life; And the moment when you're writing and you just know -- you KNOW -- that this is what you're meant to be doing, and that the act of creating a story is one of the most beautiful things in the world; But really, ultimately, I'd have to say that my favorite thing about being a writer is the opportunity to inspire and change lives through the weaving together of words.

Do you like writing flash fiction? Doesn't this contest sound EPIC? 

Do you like writing contests? Lets Taco bout it!

The Secret to a Life of Power // Seminar Notes

My notes from a Dwayne Lemon seminar (in bold)

At a convention last August, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar entitled “The Secret to a Life of Power.” Sounds interesting, right? 

Well, I took some notes at that seminar, and I thought I’d do a post about some of the things that stood out to me.

~James 1:22-25 “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, an is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” 

These verses in the Bible are encouraging us to be doers of the the word and not only hearers. Doers of the word? What does that mean? To me, it means walking the walk and not just talking the talk. It means actually doing acts of love instead of just talking about it. Actively following the Bible and not just preaching it. It’s following Jesus’ example and living the Word. Doers of the word, and not hearers only.

~What are you doing with what you have?

Dwayne Lemon posed this question, and it gave me pause. What am I doing with the talents and resources I have? I think it is good to ponder such a question and really examine what we are doing in our walk with Jesus and how we are showing others love. God gives us so many opportunities each day, and sometimes we let them pass by because we get so wrapped up in ourselves, life is just too “busy,” it’s too awkward, out of the comfort zone, etc. Whatever the case or excuse may be, sometimes we let these rare opportunities—to share our faith or to act out our faith—just slip by. That’s why it is important to do a reality check every now and then and really ask ourselves what we are doing with what we have.

Then he went on to say.

~It’s not as much what how much you know, but how much you do with what you know.

To me, this means: you don’t have to be perfect and extremely knowledgeable for God to use you. 

You don’t have to become a pastor or have a leadership role in the church to share God’s love and be God’s hands and feet. Sure, if it is your calling to take on those roles in the church or even in other areas of life, follow God’s guidance. But know that a title isn’t what you need to shine a light for those around you. God can use you right here and right now. He can use your imperfections and even these obstacles you face this very minute. If you let Him, He can turn your messes into beautiful ones. Acting on this faith is crucial.

~God wants us to search our hearts. God doesn't require a perfect person to do a perfect work in witnessing to others.

^^ Exactly what I was trying to explain above! None of us are perfect, but God's work is perfect, and He has given us each a unique calling. 

~We are all on the road. Everyone has a different journey. 

Just as we all have unique callings, we also have different journeys. Everyone is on this road, and everyone is going through something different. And that is so important to keep in mind when we catch ourselves trying to fit into boxes or trying to make others fit into boxes.

~There should be a higher goal in our workplace. 

What you do for work shouldn’t just be for the money. Obviously, money helps pay the bills and puts food on the table, but what if you used this time you had at work (even when it's not the work you want to be doing. Even if you are in a season of transition between jobs, etc) what if you used this time to smile at a stranger, or pray for a coworker? God is calling you to be a witness and love others now. Right now, not when the stars align for you to get the perfect job.

So we seem to have gone off topic, what is the secret to a life of power? 

~The gospel is the answer. 

Sharing about Jesus our Savior and following His example is what truly matters if we desire a life of power. There is power in the blood of Jesus. 

~The Bible is our map. The Bible is the knowledge, but what are we doing about it? 

Christians are given a map as a guide. The Bible has so much knowledge in it, but sometimes we don’t study like we thirst for that knowledge. Sometimes we just let our Map collect dust on our nightstand. What are we truly doing with the knowledge we were given? 

We are all guilty of not studying out Bibles. One of the saddest things I’ve realized in my own Christian walk is that sometimes I don’t read my Bible for weeks, only to open it up to search for a Bible verse I had in mind to share on social media. Every time I feel like such a big hypocrite. But you know what, my Christian walk isn't perfect. In fact, it’s very flawed. But God forgives our mistakes and is right by our side through each rough patch when we don't necessarily feel like we have a good relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

~”having a form of godliness but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:5

I know for sure that I do not want to be comfortable with just a form of godliness. I don’t want to deny the power of God. But sometimes we do get comfortable and then we are never pushed to improve. We become desensitized to a “form” of godliness.

And that's when we really need to sit down and reprioritize some things.

~Jesus had the power of the Holy Spirit and was a witness to others. Acts 1:8

If Jesus lives in your heart. If we have opened up our hearts and surrendered our dreams into His hands, then God will give us a life of power. Maybe not how the worlds sees power, but how it truly matters. 

~Be like Jesus, not others who seem powerful. What you see in Jesus, others should see in us.

Jesus is our example and when we follow His guidance then His light will shine through us and touch other hearts. 

~When you’re full of something (Jesus) there is no room for anything else. 

Let Jesus be our focus. So that we can nurture a relationship with Him. And if we have that relationship and focus, when we pray, we will feel close to Him and our connection will be stronger than any storm we might face.

~My peace I leave with you.

In all this chaos, God promises us peace. His peace. His peace is a powerful tool when everything seems like it’s falling apart. What a awesome promise!

~~~

So those we're a few of my take away's from that seminar. I hope some of these points gave you food for thought. Have a blessed day, and know that God loves you so much! <3 

Do you like taking notes? Lets talk about it in the comments below!

Girl, there is so much more to you than just your hair...

To the girl 

who said she wouldn't be pretty 

without her hair, 

I want to shake you by your shoulders right now and tell you that there is SO much more to you than just your hair. You ARE pretty. And you ARE special. So stop comparing yourself to that one girl.

Don't let her words--only mirroring her own insecurities--affect you so much. God made you unique. And whoever told you that your appearance is what matters anyway? You don't need a nose job to be pretty. You don't need to fit into a size zero to be pretty. True beauty is way underneath those layers of makeup. True beauty is deep down in your heart. There is so much more to you than just your hair.

If you let what others say define you, than you will get crushed. The world can be cruel and heartless, but when you realize that who you are in Christ is what defines you, then you will see that there is so much more to you than just your hair. 

Why try so hard to blend in when you were made to shine? Why are you wanting to fit into a box labeled "barbie doll" when there is so much more to you than just your hair?

Pretty by Lauren Alaina 

You spend an hour on your hair

And you can't find a thing to wear at all

You pile that makeup on real thick

Trace outside the lines of your thin lips

'Cause they ain't big enough

All the other girls are thinner

So you skip another dinner

You tell yourself it's for your health

What's the matter with this picture?

Girl, deep down you know better

Beautiful is who you are

When no one's watching, it's your heart

That should be the one to tell your story

'Cause the rhythm that it's beating is your glory

The truth inside you can't erase 'cause

It ain't written on your face

There's no difference between a mirror and a liar because

Pretty is as pretty does, does

You've got hopes and you've got dreams

But you've been hiding them behind the scenes, oh yeah

But pretty cares and pretty loves

And I'm pretty sure you're more than just skin deep, oh

Them high heels won't get you higher

Let your kindness be a fire burning bright

You're the light

Beautiful is who you are

When no one's watching, it's your heart

That should be the one to tell your story

'Cause the rhythm that it's beating is your glory

The truth inside you can't erase 'cause

It ain't written on your face

There's no difference between a mirror and a liar because

Pretty is as pretty does, does, pretty does

...

So next time you believe the lie that you wouldn't be pretty without (fill in the blank) 

know that is exactly what it is: a lie. You ARE pretty. You ARE special. 

To the girl 

who believes she wouldn't be pretty 

without her hair,

Remember this... The song didn't say beautiful is how you look, it said: Beautiful is who you ARE. When know one is watching. It's your heart that should be the one to tell your story.

Girl, there is so much more to you than just your hair...

***Post inspired by something I heard on TV***