Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Life of Late // Letters // Happy New Year!

 


Howdy folks! 

It's about time for a wrap up post--of sorts. Honestly, it's about overdue...  

First, I'd like to wrap up December. Then, I'll talk a little bit about this year. For 2018/2019, I wrote THIS POST where I shared some letters. For 2019/2020, I wrote  THIS POST where I shared a poem and some letters also. Letters seem to be a trend for me to welcome the new year, so I'm keeping the tradition alive in this post! 

December Wrap-Up: 

~~~Snow~Animal chores while freezing~Soap orders~Made a soap graphic to help customers decide on scents~Pinterest quotes~Christmas movies~Watching Doc!!~Snow photoshoot~Spotify wrap-up ~Soap photoshoot~Animal chores after dark~Celebrated birthdays~Workout~Insanity workout program~Healthy meals~Bath salts~Lots of reading for school~Buying my sisters some surprise gifts~Pretty sunsets~Dehydrating orange slices for decoration!~Writing papers for school~Sabbath walks~S'mores brownie~Settlers of Catan~Making orange garland~Finishing Doc!!~Winter break~Memories from last year's beach trip~Hot chocolate~Trail ride gone wrong~Christmas lights~ColorStreet nails~Christmas program at church~Amazing music~Christmas Eve~Frisbee golf~Video game~Christmas Day~Nachos~Dance~Hallmarks~Building trusses~More Hot Chocolate~Grocery shopping~Workouts~~~ 

Still living, laughing, loving, and learning all the time!



Letters:

Dear 2020, 

Wow, what is there really to say? Covid was a major curve ball that none of us were expecting. A curve ball that seemed to have the snowball effect... in other words, this year was a tough one for many on many different levels! So hard. But, 2020 wasn't all bad, there were some crazy big milestones that occurred for me and my family. First, the year started out with a bang. I mean, zip lining in a cave anyone?! 
Other exciting happenings were planning (and re-planning) a trip to the Grand Canyon. Which was a BLAST! 
Helping plan, decorate for, and be there for my sister's wedding!!! <3 <3
Starting college. Whoop whoop!
And climbing Grandfather Mountain in NC. 
Among some other things, but those were the major highlights for sure! 
2020, was a year of hardships and self discoveries. My word "Wildflower" taught me a lot, and yet I wasn't ready for some of the things it brought up. When I choose wildflower, I hadn't realized a big part of flowers is "growing" out in the rough elements. Growing despite growing pains. Growing despite the rain. So in the coming year, I'm thinking my word is going to be either "thrive" or "revive." Why? Bc this poor wildflower needs to find the sunshine! 

2020, I'm not sad to see you end. But I know that the things won't magically go back to normal once 2020 is over...  I'm still looking forward to starting a new year. 2020 has taught me a lot. It's taught me to cherish the people close to me. It's taught me not to believe everything I hear. It's taught me that fear is real, but fear is not the end-all. It's taught me that plans change. And that's OK. It's taught me to step out of my comfort zone. It's taught me that Jesus is the only true source of comfort & peace in the times when the darkness is overwhelming. I'm so thankful for the people who helped me get through...

2020 was really good, and really bad all at once! A lot can change in a year... 

"Nice" knowing ya, 2020, 
Ben 

~*~

Dear 2021, 

Welcome, new year! I'm excited to see what wild rides are in store. My hope is that going into this year, I'll find peace. With where I'm at, with where I'm going. I also hope that I continue to fall in love with Jesus more and more. Because even in the pain and suffering of this world, the Hope of my Savior is enough. Even in the unknown, my trust in Jesus can be known. 

I honestly don't know what to expect from this new year. I'll continue with school. I'll continue with soap making. I'll continue with (slowly) writing that book that I keep wanting to publish. I'll continue to try new things. And who knows what amazing adventures I'll find myself getting into.

But whatever is in store, I'm grateful. For my family, for my friends in my corner. For my animals that make me smile. For my many blessings.

Welcome aboard, 2021,
Ben

~*~ 


Some things to expect here on the Blog in the coming year: 

~Posts every OTHER Wednesday. And I may be taking a hiatus once or twice to regroup. As you can see, I'm cutting back a little. I'll be trying this for the first quarter of the year. 
~Posts on topics such as the following: Hand-Lettering 101, Sisters Wedding Pictures, Poems, Short Stories, Advice, Books, Healthy Recipes, Etc! 
~A giveaway in February!!! (To celebrate 3 years of Blogging!!!!!!!!) 

Comment below if you have any blog post requests! I'd love to hear your ideas. 

With that said, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Each and every one of ya'll who interact here on the blog means a lot and reading your comments brightens my day! Thanks SO much for following along throughout 2020, and I hope you continue to read Showers of Blessings in 2021. What is a blog without those who read it?! So thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3 May you have a new year full of new opportunities and blessings + collect wonderful memories! God's bigger than anything that you might face in 2021, He will carry us through. Tell me down in the comments one lesson God has taught you during 2020. Do you have any new 2021 plans? Comment below! 

God Bless! 

Brooklyne 
Elysse 






Wednesday, December 23, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Blog Party // Why He Came

 


Today, I'm joining in on the fun! 

JI'm taking part in the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party that Faith puts on each year. What a fun tradition! 

Anyway, you must be wondering what my post is going to be about. I bounced many ideas around in my head regarding this post. I was pondering Christmas recipes, Christmas songs, Christmas movies, Christmas books, writing a Christmas poem, talking about Christmas traditions, etc. But the thing was, I have already done Gift Ideas, Songs, and a Poem last year. I wanted something a little different. 

We celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year. I'm not sure the exact date of Jesus's birth. I also think that the typical nativity story we hear around Christmas time has been changed along the way. But the reason for His birth and coming to the earth has never changed!

I decided to write a little piece of fiction. Fiction that hopefully portrays a small piece of the redemption story. Fiction laced with TRUTH, if you will. Yes, Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. In the little town of Bethlehem. Yes, that is usually the nativity story told, but I want to share a different part of the story. A story that answers "why" baby Jesus was born. 

Honestly, this story is not in my typical genre. But I set down to write, and this is what came out. It's not the light and fluffy Christmas story that I set down to write... 

Why He Came // The Ultimate Agape (Love of God for Man) 

I shifted uncomfortably in my crouched position on the cold, stone floor. My limbs had fallen asleep hours ago, and their painful tingling was the only indication that my body was still fighting for its life. Let it fight, but for all I care, my life was already gone. Deflated. Dead. 

Justice had been served and I was found guilty. Prison was the last nail in my coffin. My life was over.

Sitting all alone in a dark cell will get a person to think about things. Things they wish they could have forgotten years ago. I deserved worse than these four walls. I deserved worse. Steel, cross-hatched bars--eleven to be exact--contained the lowest of lows. Me.

I craved darkness, but even I knew that the blessed heavy cloak would not even begin to cover my shame. It couldn't. For my sin was too large.

My lips were like dry fire kindling, splintered and desperate for anything to quench my thirst. My stomach slinked against my backbone in utter hunger, I couldn't remember when I ate last. I deserved this. 

I deserved even worse.

Time was my enemy as it kept ticking. Why couldn't it just run out already? Waiting to die was almost worse than the haunting memories that kept me company. 

The sound of the jail cell door opening came to my ears. It's screeching was deafening against the otherwise, silent room. 

A moment later, He came in. His light, a stark contrast to the walls around me. When was the last time I had seen a kind face? Had I ever? Probably not. I most certainly had never seen this man before. I was blinded by His presence. I felt my heartbeat go from near stillness to full on thudding as I crumpled closer to my dark corner. Maybe I could hide my shame, He hadn't seen me yet... had He? 

My eyes slammed shut and I willed Him to leave. Light was on time's side. Light exposed my darkness. Time delayed the inevitable. Both were my enemy. I deserved this.

A strong yet gentle hand was placed on my bony shoulder. He called me by my name. For a quickened moment, I wanted to open my eyes. I wanted, truly wanted, to see the face of the Man who would even dare step foot inside my dark world. I wanted to see--oh but who was I kidding? This was only a hallucination. No one would ever come near the likes of me. 

Only... Someone did. Beside my crouched form, He sat down despite my filthy living quarters. For a moment, my eyes slitted open. I saw His eyes staring back at me and I braced for the condemnation that I knew I deserved. Instead, I saw a combination of sadness and something else. Was it grace? Or mercy? Could it be, love? My eyes widened further and the blurriness faded until I could focus on His hand. The same hand that had touched my shoulder now was reaching out to me.

His pierced hand was reaching out to me?

My dry throat couldn't form the word, but my heart asked, "Why?" Why was He here, of all places? Why was He here in my prison cell? Why would He stoop to my low world and my sorry state? Why was He reaching out to me, a sinner like me? 

A moment ago, I had welcomed death, wishing for it even. But now? Could there possibly be another way?

His pierced hand was reaching out to me. 

So I took it. I took His hand. And He lifted me up, steadying my weak, filthy body.

He paid the ransom for my life. He brought me out of my chains and took my place. I don't deserve this. I don't deserve this kind of grace. I don't deserve this kind of mercy. And I surely don't deserve this kind of love. 

I guess they call it Agape Love. For it was still at my lowest and darkest place where my Savior called me. He came down to my dark world. He paid the ransom for my sin. He took my sin upon Himself. He called me His own. He died my death, and then He rose victorious. He made a way for the likes of me to have life. He loved me enough to do all that and more.

~~~ 

Merry Christmas ya'll! When we celebrate this year, I hope you are reminded of why Jesus came to this world as a baby. <3 He came for you and for me.

Now, be sure to check out the others participating in this blog party, posts ranging from December 13-25th: 

An Attempt at Authenticity (Scarlett) 

Angela Watts 

Faith on the Farm 

Farm Life: Autumn’s Adventures 

Gabrielle E. 

God’s Path (Hannah) 

Life of Heritage (Ryana) 

Little Blossoms for Jesus (Katja) 

Maidens for Modesty (Kaitlyn)  

Novels, Dragons, & Wardrobe Doors (Abigail) 

Qadash - Set Apart, for Him (Molly) 

Read Review Rejoice (Abigail H.) 

RebekahAshleigh  

Showers of Blessings (Brooklyne) You are HERE :)

Soldier Girl Stories (Kassie) 

Sundrop Girls (Sawyer)  

Tower in the Plains (Tara)  

Whimsical Writings for His Glory (Jesseca) 


Sharing on Instagram: 

Courtney 

Emily 

And also, be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY HERE!!! The giveaway closes Christmas Eve night. The winner will be announced Christmas Day. 

And that's a wrap, y'all! I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Have a merry merry Christmas this year, and stay safe! <3 

Comment Below one thing you are thankful for this Christmas season!

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Repost // Icy Branches

Back in December of 2018, I wrote this post and thought I'd share it again for any new followers. 

"One month ago, we were driving into town the morning after a night of sleeting rain. Everything was coated in ice. Like, everything was completely incased in ice! Grass, trees, cars, houses, anything that was out in the elements all night was icy and slick.

As we were driving, we saw at least five or six trees that had actually lost their branches because they had been so weighed down with ice wrapped around them. When I looked outside the window of our car, I noticed that every tree had branches that were drooped and hanging lower than normal. The trees that still clung to their fall leaves had been even more weighted, and those trees were the ones to loose their branches.

Do you think that we are similar to these icy branches? When we are faced with trials and tribulations in our lives, we feel a heavy weight bearing down on us. The trials that we face are just like the ice on the branches, it is cold and restricting, making us feel heavy and tired.

God sometimes asks us to let go of certain things that we wish to cling to because He knows what is going to be ahead. The pretty fall leaves had to die and fall from the branches. They had to let go of their leaves just as we, as humans, have to let go of our selfish wants, letting God look out for our needs. Now, let me clarify here, I’m not saying that we should let go of our dreams and desires, I’m saying that not all of our dreams fall in line with God’s plans. Sometimes we have to let go of our plans in order to see more clearly His plans.

If the autumn leaves had not fallen yet, the winter ice would have more to cling too, creating so much weight that the whole branch would have to give under the pressure and break off. When we don’t listen to God’s design for us, and we cling tightly to our “leaves” then when those trials come, and we have so much weight on our shoulders, we will break under the pressure.

God has designed the leaves on trees to fall off and die to prepare itself for winter. Even though the crunchy leaves seem hopeless, they are not. When they have fallen, they decompose and provide nutrients to the very tree they had fallen from. Leaves have a important purpose. Just like we ARE mean’t to go through certain seasons in life as the leaves do. The leaves bloom, bud, grow, change, and eventually fall away. But each of those seasons weren't lived for no reason. The “leaves” in our life that had once fallen away, those past experiences will help us in the future seasons in our lives. 

So, you ask, what about the trees that have kept their leaves attached and the ice has made their branches break, where is the metaphor in that? Is there hope for those trees? 

God is a God of second chances. Even third, forth, fifth chances! His everlasting love has made it possible for us to be forgiven. There is hope. We all have broken “branches” but guess what, as long as we believe that God is the Healer of those branches, then we will be healed. That very same part of us where the branch had fallen will grow a new branch. One that will be nourished and grow stronger than the branch before it. 

Notice that the ice weighed down ALL of the trees, not just the ones that still clung to their leaves. Trials come to ALL people, whether they are ready or not, but it is up to us how we will choose to deal with those trials. Will we bend under their weight? Most likely. Will we break? Well, that is up to us.

Remember that all of the trees bent under the pressure, but only those who kept their leaves broke. It was the trees who had prepared themselves by letting go of their leaves that were able to pop back up when the Son melted it.

Next time you are weighed down by a trial in your life, let the love of God melt away the ice that is keeping you from flourishing. Know that “This too shall pass.” And have faith in the future God has planned for you!" 

It's kinda a messy, jumbled analogy, but I thought it was worth sharing because there is a lot of wisdom to be found in these words. I hope you enjoyed this icy blast from the past! lol XD

Have you ever felt the weight of a icy branch in you life? Do you see the comparisons from these branches to our lives? How can we learn from our past mistakes? Do you believe that God has the power to forgive us when we break under pressure? Lets talk in the comments below! 

Many Blessings, 
Brooklyne Elysse 

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

My Favorite Things // Tag


It's time for a My Favorite Things tag! Thanks for nominating me a VERY long time ago, Alice and Liberty!!! 

Rules: 
Thank and link back to the persons who tagged you! 
Thank and link back to the person who started the tag! (Thank you, Beth!)
Write about eight of your favorite things in your post
Add at least 2 pictures in your post that is related to your favorite things
Tag eight others to do the tag! 
Include the picture above in your post

1. Animals 
I love our animals! I love all of our puppies. They make me smile each and every day with their antics. I love our horses. Grooming them and feeding them treats. I love taking pictures of them. They are so funny and sweet! 

2. Frozen Hot Chocolate Drinks
Okay, y'all already knew this! But I HAD to mention it here in this post because I love hot chocolate drinks and they are a perfect "healthy" dessert! Make the healthy version at home by simply blending frozen banana's, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, peanut butter, and ice! 

3. Working out
Working out is one of my hobbies. I love working out (for the most part!). But it's also a challenge and hard work. Working out has many lessons to be learned, and I love working out because it makes me feel like I'm being a good steward of my body. 

4. Nature
God has given us nature, and I love all things earthy, leafy, created. I love taking picures of nature. I love hiking, and four wheeler rides. I love gardening (for the most part!)

5. Books / Cover Design
Books make me excited! I could talk about books for hours! (And have, *winks*) I also love covers! Cover design makes me excited too! When a design "works" it just makes me smile! (I know, I'm weird!)




6. Cooking / Baking
I menu plan a lot. I cook a lot. But I enjoy it! (Maybe not the cleaning up part tho!)

7. Soap Making
Soap making is so fun! And it's not just a hobby, its a part of my job! I love coming up with soap designs and making soap with my mom. <3 <3 <3 



8. Friends
I have a handful of people I call my friends. But, my friends are pretty awesome, and I'd rather have few close friends than many not-so close friends! Hanging out with my peeps, texting and messaging my peeps, those are some of my favorite things! 

Tagging the first eight commenters, and if you don't have a blog, feel free to share 8 of your favorite things in the comments!

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse




Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Bookworm Pet Peeves

 


In this post, I thought it might be fun to cover some of my Bookworm Pet Peeves. So, below is a list of 10 things I find annoying in the bookish world. Maybe you can relate to some of these! And if you do, comment below or tell me some of your own book related annoyances! *winks* 

  1. Witnessing other readers fold the front cover behind the back cover, bending the spine, and creating warped covers. *jaw drops in horror*
  2. When a page has been dog eared... (Note: I do have an exception of dog earring non fiction or journal pages. But fiction? NEVER!)
  3. Library stickers or stickers in general. When you get a good deal on the book and there's a sticker on it, this happens about 99% of the time. Although this is annoying, I do have a cure for stickers (goo be gone spray gel). But when they are retired library books with the library labeled spines, those are impossible to remove without hurting the cover. Thus, library stickers had to make this list! They are every bookworm's nightmare.
  4. Hype for a book that I dislike. I find it very annoying when there is an extreme amount of hype for a book that I could care less about. That's great that you have a book to fangirl over, but do you have to share about it everywhere?! *eye roll*
  5. A good book that's too short. That moment when you are loving a book and it somehow just... ends?!?! How can authors do this to their readers!?
  6. Half books in a series. As a reader, I find this to be extremely annoying. Book 1, book 2, book 2.5, and book 3. A half book that is shorter that somehow squeezes into a series? I don't think so. (Also, on a side note, I don't care for compilations either.)
  7. When the title has nothing to do with the story. This is truly a rare pet peeve, but occasionally it will happen that the title (or even the back blurb) help in no way to understand what's inside the book.
  8. Annoying characters. Usually there is that "one" character in a book that just rubs me the wrong way. Just a bookworm thing. *headdesk* 
  9. When the series has different sized books. Now, I may be a little on the picky side, but when my books are lined up on my shelf, I much prefer the series to match and have the books be the same size. Am I the only one? 
  10. When the book gets a updated cover. Personally, I don't like it when the author updates a cover. First, it makes me feel like I need to buy it. Second, if you don't like the first cover in the first place, then you should worked on it more. Third, I usually get attached to the first cover and correlate it with the book, and if you change it, then I'm more likely to be biased and not like the second cover.
Can you relate to any of these? Comment below! 

Many Blessings, 
Brooklyne Elysse 

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Let's Talk Movies


Today, lets talk movies! 

I haven't mentioned a lot about my taste in movies on my blog for a couple reasons. Number one, I like talking about books and writing and life better. Number two, everyone has different tastes in movies, and I don't know what y'all are comfortable with, so I wouldn't want to recommend a movie and have it be not up your alley.

Sooo, despite those odd reasons, I thought I'd do a post about some of me and my families favorite movies and shows anyway. I'll give little mini review on the movie series so you can decide for yourself it it's a movie you would like. I also did my personal star ratings to give you an idea! 

One thing I might point out is: My family loves series! We love getting to know the characters, theme songs, and quoting movies!

That being said, lets start with series!

(Note: Currently watching Doc {SO good so far!!} and Charles in Charge but have not finished them so no ratings yet).

Series:::

--Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (5 1/2 star!)

Sue Thomas is basically my top favorite series! It's so fun, entertaining, and exciting! I love the hearing dog, Levi. I love the funny office banter. I love the teamwork. I love watching them solve problems. And It's just a great show! My family was so sad to finish it!

--Road to Avonlea (5 star)

If you like Anne of Green Gables, and haven't watched Road to Avonlea... then you must!! It's so fun! As the series goes on, you get to grow up with the characters. All of the mischief the kids get into keeps things entertaining! And its very clean. 

--Wind at my Back (3 star)

I didn't like how the show started, or ended. But in the middle, I really liked it! And that theme song is so catchy! 

--Man From Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (4 star)

First, I love the Australian accents. Second, it was a great show. It did have lots of family drama so not all of the episodes were my favorite. 

--Dr. Quinn (3 star)

I love the storyline to this series. Definitely keeps things exciting. Content warnings on a few of the episodes though... 

--Hailey Dean Mysteries (3 1/2 star)

Every once in a while, I love a good mystery movie! These are usually good ones. 

--The Amazing Race (3 star)

I loved to "travel the world" by watching these challenges! Content warnings. 

--Five Mile Creek (4 star)

I loved this series and have actually watched it through twice. But I just hate that ending!! 

--Full House (5 star)

Just a fun show that is only 20 min long. Lots of "dad jokes" but makes for a good laugh!

--When Calls the Heart (3 star)

I love the first three seasons... then it kind of went down hill from there. Still fun to keep up with the latest plot twist(s). 

--Father Murphy (4 star) 

Great for a younger audience! 

--The Waltons (4 star) 

I loved watching these when I was younger... 

--A-Team (4 star)

Things blow up but know one gets hurt! 

-- Chesapeake Shores (3 1/2 star)

Great storyline! Little too much drama here and there. But looking forward to more seasons!

--MacGyver (19850, Magnum Pi, Last Man Standing, Simon and Simon (each of these are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 stars) A lot of episodes are good, but some can be iffy.

Oldies:::

Dick Van Dyke Show (5 star)
I Love Lucy (3 1/2 star)
Andy Griffith Show (4 star)
Ma and Pa Kettle (4 star)
Gillian's Island (4 1/2 star)
Green Acres (5 star)
Roy Rogers (5 star)
Bonanza (2 1/2 star)


Movies:::

Mom's Night Out (5 stars!)
Parental Guidance (5 star)
Picture Perfect (4 1/2 stars)
Indivisible (3 star)
Overcomer (3 1/2 star)
The Redemption of Henry Meyers (4 1/2 star)
Woodlawn (3 star)
Mighty Macs (4 1/2 star)
Moondace Alexander (4 star)
Horse Crazy 1 and 2 (4 1/2 star)
Soul Surfer (5 star)
Priceless (3 1/2 star)
Signed Sealed Delivered: The Impossible Dream (5 star)
Signed Sealed Delivered: Higher Ground (5 star)
Yogi Bear (5 star)
Father of the Bride (4 star) 
Anne of Greene Gables (5 stars!)
National Treasure (3 1/2 star) 
Playing with Fire (4 star) 
While You Were Sleeping (4 star) 
Ranger, Cook, and a Hole in the Sky (4 star)
The Greatest Showman (4 star)
Wild Hearts Can't be Broken (3 1/2 star) 


What is your favorite Movie Series?? What is your favorite movie? Got any recommendations for me? Comment below!! 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse 






Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Just a ramble.


Hey, Hi guys, hi. 

*wonders why I decide to open this post with quoting Studio C* 

If you know, you know.

I had a really long day studying. I want to read my book (that I have been neglecting for too long) but when you've read your art appreciation book all day, reading of any kind becomes less appealing.... So instead, I decided to open up a blank blog post and fill it. Ya know, if I consider myself a blogger, I need to be writing posts every once in a while. 

The thing is, I don't know what to say. I have so many "fun" blog post ideas lined up, yet I wish I could line up some more meaningful posts. I have so many things on my mind. But getting them out of my mind and formed into little black letter combinations on a blaring white page is the tricky part. When I first started blogging, I would share my poems and devotionals. It was easier back then to find lessons in the world around me. I write poems every once in a while for my journal. But devotions have slowed down to a trickle. Seems like my life got too messy and I didn't really feel deserving of writing anything to help other people's "messiness." I didn't quit, but I kinda took a break from my object lesson devotionals. 

Soooo, what's the purpose of this post? Good question. 

I guess I just wanted to get on and ask how y'all were doing? I realize this year has been a hard one for everyone. Or maybe there are some out there who have turned the obstacles into blessings. If that's the case, that's awesome. It's okay to be doing good. Don't ever feel like you have to have something wrong in order to get prayers or attention. But-- if you've had more bad than good happening in your life, it's okay to feel too. Just please don't dwell there for long. If you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Better days are coming. Keep looking for the good. Don't give up. I pray you will be able to find the peace in this season. <3

Another reason for this post is to share a couple (ramble-y) things that have been on my mind lately: 

~Is it usually painful to think about putting stickers on your laptop?

I really want to have a cool, aesthetic laptop. You know, the kind that look all good vibes and adventurous. But, I'm having such a hard time actually committing to putting stickers on it! 

~Emotions are a funny thing. 

Or are they? Are they a blessing or a curse? The verdict is still out...

~Friends are a gift. But sometimes finding friends can be a journey.

Let me tell you a story. 
    I once had only a few close friends. And most all of them were my family (does this count?) As a younger teenager, I wasn't bothered by this. For the most part anyway. I had my small group of close friends and family, and life was good. I also had my animals (and my dog was my very best friend). As I got older, I slowly drifted from those close knit friendships. Life got busy. We all had differing interests. The sad thing about change is, things change. Anyway, shortly after starting this blog, I began to find a community of friends that will never be as close as my amazing fam, but I began to find friends outside of my family. This was so new to me. Me? Some homeschool country gal starting to make "friends?"
    I reached out a lot. Sometimes it created lasting friendships. Other times, there wouldn't be much of a connection. Then, I started to get more of a online platform. More people were introduced into my circles. I was at first intimidated by the mutual friend "clicks." But I continued to reach out. (Looking back, I can see now how desperate I was to find a friend. It makes me wonder, was I really trusting God to find me friends or was I trying to do it on my own?)
    Quite a few people were genuinely kind to me. The more people were nice to me, the more I struggled with one question: Why? 
    Why would you like me? Why would you be so nice? Why would you want to be my friend? I guess I kind of guarded myself from being close to anyone. (The sad fact is, you can still get hurt from online friendships.) What if they learned something new about me and decided to not be my friend anymore? What if I opened up too much and they saw me for who I am. I broken person just trying her best to even like who she saw in the mirror. Would they still like me? Is the purpose of having friends to find someone who likes you for who you are or for how well you look, how accomplished you are at stuff, etc? Something seems to tell me that a friend worth having would care about the former rather than the latter things. For some reason, I had it in my stubborn head that no one should want to be my friend and that if someone was to be nice to me, it was because they were nice people and not because they liked me as a fren.
    Anyway, I wasn't really sure about having friends. Slowly, I began opening up to the idea that it's OK for me to have friends. It's OK to have people in your life who care. People who will listen. And I'm so grateful to have found people outside of my family who are kindred spirits. People who don't mind talking for hours (and graciously overlook my awkwardness). People who don't mind inviting you to virtual worship. People who send random happy mail. People who message and ask how you are doing. People who don't mind if you answer truthfully. I think God places people in our lives for a reason. And maybe friends are His way of reminding us and giving us just a small little glimpse of what love He has for us. If you think about it, true friends kinda mirror how God looks at us. He sees us how we are and loves us the same. He helps carry our burden even though we are undeserving of that kind of grace. Friends who stick with us, demonstrate just a tiny bit of that same love. 
    Ahh, and then there are the girls reading this right now going, "That's all dandy, but what if I have no friends like that." Girl, we've all been there. I know what it's like to feel like there are no people who I can relate to outside of family. My advice to you would be to give it to God. He already knows that you desire a friend. And in His timing, He will bring you that person. It might be a couple years. It might take some missed attempts to reach out. It might be slow goings, but there are people out there who will want to be your friend (Because you are a pretty cool person and if someone doesn't see that then they will miss out on a very special friendship because of it). There will be people who will share commonalities with you. People who will encourage you. People who challenge you to grow. You might wonder why you ever got such good friends, but I hope you never wonder Who brought you those friends. 

To have a friend you must be a friend. 
Just don't be afraid of getting hurt. You will get hurt, but you will also learn so much from each season in friendships. It's a interesting journey. 

On a lighter note...

~Is peanut butter with dill pickles on a sandwich really a good idea? Cause is sure sounds disgusting to me!

If you've tried this, lmk in the comments how it went. I mean, I love dill pickles. And I love peanut butter. But, I also love spinach dip and peppermint ice cream. And you don't see me eating a spoonful of each one together! XP

~If I ever write a book, will I be satisfied? 

This is the dream that has been on my heart for a couple years now. Some days I know I'm destined to be a author. It feels right. Then other days, I feel so discouraged and wonder if I will ever see my book on the shelf. Maybe that's where I go wrong, thinking it as my book. Because, truly, if I ever write a book, I will not have written it on my own. Deep inside, I know I have words to share. But the timing isn't right right now. Someday I hope the door will open. Until then, I'll keep trying to polish my skill. And I hope that when the day comes to see a book that I've poured my heart in on the shelf, then I hope that I won't be satisfied. Yep, you read that right. I hope that I'm not satisfied. I hope that I keep searching for ways for God to use my words. I hope I write more books. I hope I let God give me more ministry opportunities. More open doors. Sure, I hope I will be content with where I'm at. But I hope I never lose sight of why I do what I do. If that makes any sense at all...

~What if I did book cover critiques, would that be weird? 

This thought was rolling around in my head today. What if I featured a couple book covers in a blog post and do some cover critiques. In school, I'm learning that critiques are not a bad thing. It helps us grow and see things from other peoples's perspective.
    When I look at a cover, as a future (hopefully) cover designer, I always study it for things that could be improved or things that I really like about it. So I guess my question to my readers would be, would anyone be interested in seeing a post critiquing book covers? Just giving honest thoughts on the cover design. If you think this is a cool idea, vote in the comments! And maybe give me a couple titles to get me started! :)

~I wanna be that person who is safe to talk to. Who doesn't jump to conclusions and gives the benefit of the doubt. 

The world we live in is so quick to jump to conclusions, make assumptions, form stories that are most likely far from the real truth. What if it wasn't our gut reaction to first judge a person, I wonder what kind of world we would live in then?

~Wouldn't it be nice to have a machine that plugs a book in and creates that book into a movie?

Yeah yeah, it's not the same. But sometimes (like tonight), I'm too tired to read and would so much rather chill with a movie. It's so hard to find movies that are good. And there's so many good books I'd want to plug in!

~Art is everywhere. But it's who can see it that makes the difference. 

My room is 99% of the time-- a jumbo mess. When you run a small business and live in a small house, things tend to pile up mighty fast. Even as I'm writing this, I'm looking at a stack of empty cardboard boxes that I've collected to repurpose for Winds of Faith Co. sales. They are medium to small sized boxes stacked two feet tall on top of my antique trunk sitting beside my desk (also piled high with books, art supples, my typewriter, and random other things). When I look at this scene, I see a mess. I actually see failure (on my part) to keep a tidy room. But then I'm reminded of a artist featured on my first college art class. A artist who painted and specialized in painting still-life paintings. 
    What she did was look around her at everyday objects in her kitchen or in her studio (which happened to be a stack piled super high of small boxes!) and she would paint those objects. In her eyes, the stack of boxes was just as interesting as a field of wildflowers. In her eyes, I milk carton next to a box of cereal or a bowl was just as interesting as a painting of a galloping horse across wide open spaces. The point being, we have a choice in how we see things. The things around you may seem ordinary or messy to you. But if you were to look at them from a artists perspective, how would that view change? 
    Now, I'm not saying that we should wreck our rooms and call it "art." Lol, no, what I'm saying is we should look into our lives like a artist would. It might be way more interesting once you get past the initial impression.

Well, that concludes this post of rambles. Maybe it was deeper than I thought. Maybe it was funny here or there. Maybe you can find a takeaway somewhere in this post. But if not, I still want to hear from you! Since this post was just a bunch of rambles, here are a couple random questions for ya! Answer a couple of them in the comments if you want to! Also, feel free to ask me a random question in return!

1. What do people, who don't have barn animals, do with their time in the winter?
2. If you were to become famous, what would you be famous for? 
3. If your favorite genre of music described your life, how would your friends describe you?
4. If I did a post on Hand-Lettering 101, would you be interested?
5. You are at home by yourself with nothing to do, how do you spend your time? 
6. If your life's motto was the first quote that came to mind, what would it be? 
7. Can you like bananas and hate coconut, or like coconut and hate bananas? Or do people always dislike or like both? (I like both. My sister dislikes both. So just curious.)
8. How would you describe your style (room decor, clothing preference, etc.) in three words?
9. Lets say you are in charge of making dinner for you whole family, what would you make? And why? 
10. If you could travel anywhere for a whole day, what destination would you pick? 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

a n x i e t y

Idk how many of you struggle with anxiety. But if you do, I want to share a post with helpful ways to handle panic attacks. Also, know that your anxiety does not define you. You're identity is in Jesus. And it's okay to reach out for help. 

1. Breathe

Breathing is so so so important. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then out for four seconds. Practice your breathing when you feel anxiety or when you are feeling panicked. Deep breathing lowers blood pressure and increases calm. 

2. Four Senses Game

It's not really a game, because panicking is no fun. But, using four of your senses to play this "game" helps refocus your mind away from overwhelming fear or a unhealthy thought process. 

What you do: 

Sight = name three things you see right in front of you. Hearing = count how many sounds you hear right then. 
Smell = ask yourself what do you smell in that moment. And Touch = touch something tangible, is it soft? Wet? Hard? etc. When you practice this, you are letting yourself focus on things that you can see, hear, smell, and touch. Thangs that are concrete and present. Things that force yourself to think of things other than your panic (which is usually about things that you don't have control over). Yes, you are feeling this way, but also yes, the birds are singing, the sky is blue, the corn stalks are scratchy, the air is clean, etc... 

Does that make "sense?" (Pun just now noticed so kind of intended.) 

Also note: I didn't include a taste category because 1#, it encourages stress eating and 2# CHOCOLATE IS ONLY A QUICK FIX AND WILL NOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS. 

3. Music

Friends, music is healing. Music helps so. much. I'm going to share a couple songs that help me: 

Trust in You by Lauren Daigle, Still by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United, Blessings by Laura Story, Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, I Will Rest by City Harbor, Who Am I by Casting Crowns, and Whisper by Natalie Grant. 

4. Scent

Kind of going back to 2#... Scent is more important than you might think. Maybe buy yourself a scented candle, or if you have a favorite perfume, or one of my bars of soap will work just fine. :) When you feel a panic attack, smell the scent that calms you. I personally like lilac, lavender, and peppermint.

5. Writing

Sometimes in the heat of panic, you can't write. That's okay. But if you feel like you can, then try. Write in a journal. Don't keep it all boiling inside your brain. Blurt it out on a piece of paper, a napkin, a random sticky note. (And don't worry about your hand writing either...) Type your feelings on the computer. Whatever, just form some sort of words. They don't have to make sense to anyone but yourself. Use a secret code if you'd like. But writing is really healing and it can help sort some things out. 

And if you feel up to it, talk about it with someone you trust.

6. Pet your dog

This might not work for anyone but a animal lover like myself. But dogs can usually sense a panic attack long before you even notice things are getting uncontrollably overwhelming. Pets can be listeners who don't try to fix things or even help. They are just there for you. 

7. Pray

Guys, when you are praying, the enemy can't overcome you. Read that again.

When you are pleading for Gods help, He is there. 

You might not feel relief in that moment, but your prayer was heard by the Creator of the universe. And when He is fighting for you, anxiety does not get to control you. Pray. Read the Bible. Claim the promises you read. Let God do the fighting. Be Still & Know.

9. Light 

Whatever you do, if you feel anxiety. Don't turn your light off. Keep a light on until it passes. Being able to see (back to #2) helps. It helps feel less closed in. Less claustrophobic. Being in a dark room at night does not help. 

10. Exercise 

A very important "step"! (Here I go again with my halfway intended puns!) Get outside and go for a walk. Go for a jog if you're up to the challenge. Lift weights. Plank for a full minute or 40 seconds. Start a ab video. Stretch for 15 minutes. Do something active. This helps, but I find it to be more preventative of panic than helping during a panic attack.

Bonus tip: Don't forget to laugh

When you feel anxiety, the farthest thing you want to do is laugh. So that is exactly what you should do. Laugh at a funny video. A funny meme. A funny sibling. Etc. Laugh or maybe even just smile a little.

~~~

I hope these practical tips can help you. I don't know the extent of what you are going through right now, but I do know that God will never leave you. I repeat, He will never ever EVER leave you. So take Him up on His promise. God doesn't lie, and if He has said that he won't forsake us, then He won't. 

Dear friend with anxiety, I just want to let you know that I am praying for you.

Many Blessings, Brooklyne Elysse

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

10 Country Songs // Playlist Swap

Hey all!! Today's post is going to be super AWESOME because I am doing a Playlist Swap with non other than Kassie Angie! I must say, she's got a lot of good songs on her list! 

So how this works is... I'm posting her Top Ten Country Songs, and she is posting my Top Ten! That means, if you want to see my favorite country songs (so hard to narrow down the list!) then head on over to Kassie's blog HERE

Now, let's get on with the post! 

1. What It Takes by Montgomery Gentry

*inserts imaginary music/lyric video* Sorry, I couldn't find this song in the blogger youtube download section... 

Chorus lyrics: 

"Sink or swim, live or die
A saving grace and a blue sky
All alone and unafraid 
It's never just another day
And you don't back down or walk away
But I know, I do, I am 
What it takes 
What it takes"

I love the tune of this chorus! *Adds to my country playlist*

2. American Soldier by Toby Keith



*Literal goosebumps*
Ok... this song! <3 Go listen to that video.

"Cause freedom don't come free" 

3. Airborne Ranger Infantry by Kristy Lee Cook


I had never heard this one, but wow. Another tear jerker. 

"And all we ask is that you don't forget
Cause the wars not over when the fighting ends"

4. I’m Already There by Lonestar



I have this one on my playlist already! :) 

"We may be a thousand miles apart 
But I'll be with you wherever you are"

5. Made in America by Toby Keith


I love this one! 

"He's got red, white
And blue flying' high on the farm"

6. Even Though I’m Leaving by Luke Combs


This ones on my playlist too! 

"Even though I'm leavin', I ain't goin' nowhere"

7. I’m Gonna Be Somebody by Travis Tritt


I don't think I've heard this one before. 

"I'm gonna be somebody. 
One of these days I'm gonna break these chains.
I'm gonna be somebody
You can bet your hard earned dollar I will." 

8. Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts


I really like this one! I like a lot of songs by Rascal Flatts.

"I couldn't see how every sign pointed strait to you 
That every long lost dream led me to where you are" 

9. One More Day by Diamond Rio



This is a really sweet one! 
 
"But then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you"

10. Stubborn Angels by Brad Paisley



I don't know if I've heard this one before...

"Turn the tables
This world could use some more
Stubborn angels"

Well, that's a wrap folks! I hope you liked listening to Kassie's top ten favorite songs! I know I did! This is such a fun post idea! Comment below!

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

To My Big Sis

 To my big sis, 

Thank you for being you. Thank you for being the best older sister a girl could wish for. Thanks for always being there for me and having my back. Thanks for going on adventures with me. For talking me through stuff and listening to my crazy self. You are so special to me. And I'm excited to see how God works in this new season of your life. 

We no longer share a last name, but you are forever my big sis, my best friend. 

We are polar opposites yet so alike. We are thick as thieves yet have been known to disagree. We know how to hang out and our version of fun is simple. We don't need no fancy reservation, just junk food and a movie. :) 

We no longer share a last name, but you are forever my big sis, my best friend.

We have been through a lot together. You've seen me at my worst. You know me so well, I'm like a open book to you. We know how to hold down the fort and make a good team. We know how to push through. We complement each other. Together, we are strong.

We no longer share a last name, but you are forever my big sis, my best friend. 

I think back on our childhood and realize how close we were (and still are). Sneaking toys up in our bunkbed. Playing together for hours on end. "Going" to school together. Going to horse camp together. You protected me from the tree bark on the tire swing. You fixed my problems, turning my scribbles into masterpieces. You did so much more for me. So many memories we share.

We no longer share a last name, but you are forever my big sis, my best friend.

You and I have the weirdest conversations. I can talk to you about anything. Together, we are deep, funny, cool, and just a couple of weirdos. You are the jelly to my peanut butter. 

We no longer share a last name, but you are forever my big sis, my best friend. 


As we've grown up together, things change. But not all change is bad. It's different. But you and I are still thick as thieves. All my life, you have been there. You've laughed with me, and cried too. You've picked me up. You've taught me how to be confident. You've loved me no matter what.

We not longer share a last name. We no longer live under the same roof. (And I'll miss you in the room next to mine). We no longer share the basement together. But we are the same two sisters. No amount of change can change that. So let's stay close. You are forever my big sis, my best friend. You will always have me, and I'll always have you.

I'm excited for you as you embark on this new adventure. I love you. To the moon and back. <3 

"To my sister, you are my best friend, my human diary, and my other half. You mean the world to me and I love you." -Pinterest

Comment below if you have close siblings! How many siblings do you have? Are any of them married? 

P.S. I hope to share more photo's in a photo dump (vote down below if you want to see more pics of the wedding! it was absolutely stunning btw!) ... but for now, I hope you liked seeing some of the ones that I took on my phone! <3

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The 777 Writing Challenge Tag

 

I saw The 777 Writing Challenge Tag at Little Blossoms for Jesus (Ya'll be sure to check out Katja's blog!) a long while ago. But, I thought I'd do this challenge today! I'll be using Third Chances for this...

Also, a quick update on Third Chances... It is no longer my top priority (school first y'all.) so I will not be participating in Nano this year. I hope to continue writing. But not put so much pressure. I truly believe there is a story here, a story that I will be thrilled when I can share it. But I can't share something that is not ready. So, I keep writing. Slowly. If there is a purpose for this book I'm writing, then it will be finished one day. But for now, I will keep trusting God's plan. His timing for this is perfect. It might be a couple years before I publish... I wish it were sooner. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this glimpse! 

Rules: 

1. Open your WIP to the seventh page

2. Scroll to the seventh line.

3. Copy the next 7 paragraphs and past them on your blog for THE WORLD to read!

4. Tag seven other writers to do the same. (I'm leaving this tag open, so anyone can do it!)

I'm also going to mix it up just a little and also share paragraphs from my pages 7, 70, and 77. 

~~~

Page 7:

        “I know, I know, I’m just teasing ya.” 

        “One more secret handshake before you go?” Natty inquired with a wiggle of her eyebrows. 

            

        “Alright, if you insist… but you do know we are way too old for that, don’t you?” Aimee had just turned twenty-two, not necessarily a secret handshake age.


        “Hey, you might be too old for a secret handshake, but I’m surely not!” Natty’s single grin could brighten a roomful of frowns.


        Aimee shook her head but went ahead and performed the fist bump, high five, fingers snap, twirl, and handshake anyway. Some traditions were too special to break even though they seemed elementary. 

        Natty tapped her watch, “You better get going if you’re going to be at your mothers by 7:30 tonight. Plus,” she glanced at the gray clouds forming above, “the sky doesn’t look so promising. You might get some rain on your way home. I just hope my flight doesn’t get canceled because of the weather.”

        “Ugh, I’m starting to regret that I told her I’d be home at a specific time. Because if I’m just one minute late, she’ll guilt trip me for hours, maybe even days to come. I don’t even know why I told her I’d come back home for a while until I can find my own place. I don’t even know why I’m going home to Marysville anyway.” This is one time I'm actually okay with being late.

~~~

Page 70:

        She walked in the doors and was greeted a warm welcome that made her heart swell with gratefulness. Someone truly cared about her being back home. 


“Well if it isn’t Aimee Bernard!” Aimee’s favorite person in all of Marysville boomed in her typical Penny fashion, “Why, I wondered when you would stop by! I heard you were in town… Come here, sweet child, and give old Penny a hug.” 


To Aimee, the older woman hadn’t changed a bit. She still wore a baby blue apron with white ruffles and her hair tied back in a long, gray braid. With those vintage looking, gold rimmed and perfectly round spectacles that fell slightly down the tip of her nose.


“Penny, I missed you!” Aimee hugged her Maryville grandmother. 

        “Oh, sweetheart, me too.” Penny swiped at her wrinkled cheek, “Now, come sit down. I can get you a cup of strawberry lemonade and if you're hungry, today’s special.” 

“I’d like that very much.” 

The older woman led Aimee to a corner booth. The same booth that had been her favorite as a child. The booth she had drank her first milkshake at. The booth she had cried at when she had just gotten her braces and it hurt to eat. Aimee remembered how Penny had brought her out a special bowl of ice cream. The same booth where she had barely endured her first date… to Fredrick, the classroom nerd. The booth she sat in and contemplated what life paths to take. The booth she sat in when she decided to go to veterinary technician college. The booth where she now sat and pondered her scattered life.

~~~

Page 77:

        She set down her butter knife, uncrossed her legs, and cut a too-large bite of omelet with her fork. Then, taking her straw, she opened it halfway, and blew the wrapper at the young girl sitting beside her. 


“Much better!” Zoe laughed. She caught the white wrapper before it landed on the floor. Danny looked at Tina for a split second before laughing alongside their daughter. Ok, fine, she laughed too. There would never be a point when she was above laughing. Even if it was laughing at herself. 

After Zoe performed her ice breaking skills, the conversation at the breakfast table flowed more smoothly and felt less rigid. They talked about their plans for the day. Tina had an art class and both Danny and Zoe were going to go to the grocery store. Aimee was going to get an update on her car. She needed to know whether or not it was fixable. She probably should start looking for a new car. That old Pinto had caused her enough problems as it was.

“Since we brought separate cars, I’m going to go straight to my art class, but Danny can drop you off anywhere on his way to the grocery if you’d like...?” Her mom worded her sentence more like a question and Aimee was surprised that she’d even care enough to communicate a plan that didn’t involve her oldest daughter being stranded and left behind.


“I don’t want to be a bother.” Aimee wrung out her napkin underneath the table, shredding it into little pieces. Such a bad habit, she thought to herself. She could feel the tenseness of earlier return.


Tina looked at her daughter with a piercing sadness in her eyes, something she usually covered up with self pity or guilt tripping schemes. She opened her mouth to say something, then pressed her lips tightly as if she’d changed her mind. 


Finally, Danny broke the heavy silence that had suddenly hung over their heads, “Um, well, I can speak for both of us when I say that you couldn’t possibly be a bother to us.”

~~~

I hope you liked getting this small glimpse of Third Chances! Which was your favorite scene? Comment below!

ALSO CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT THIS IS MY 200TH POST ON THE BLOG?!?!

Many Blessings, 
Brooklyne Elysse