Q&A // Giveaway Winners!

Y'all asked some amazing questions! Sit tight for the giveaway winners announcement at the bottom of this page! *wiggles eyebrows* I bet you're gonna scroll through the Q&A because the suspense is killing you! XD I know you so well. If you missed Part One of the giveaway, catch up HERE. Also, If you want to read last year's (70 question) Q&A, go HERE. (But I tell you, there's a overwhelming amount of exclamation marks, so be forewarned.)

And so the Q&A questions continue with part two:

~Faith~
What's your most special blogging-related memory?
When I received a email about some commonalities I had with someone. It was a "Wow, God" moment as I never could have even imagined or orchestrated this on my own. God definitely had a hand in it all. <3
What's your favorite month of the year?
Summer months!
Do you have any opinions on coffee?
I do ... But it's a non popular opinion.
I actually have never sat down with a cup of coffee and drank it so this option is formed off of smell, accidental tastes, and watching others. I don't like the taste of coffee and caffeine makes me jittery so I steer clear of most caffeine. Another reason why coffee is not my favorite beverage is it stains your teeth, and I think it smells like skunk. Or rather skunk smells like Starbucks? (don't ask) *hides from almost every writer out there* I know it's all y'all's fuel, and I'm glad it works for you. Hehe, just don't ask me to drink it... I'll pass thank ya very much.

Now, if you offer me chocolate? Different story for sure!

~Laura~
Do you like burritos or tacos more?
A couple years ago, I would have said burritos all the way. But now I'm #teamtaco!
Do you have any indoor pets?
Yes! We have five indoor dogs, and one cat. Maverick, Dakota, Charlie, Maisey, and Tucker. Then there is Lady, our 18 year old cat.
What is your favorite instrument?
Piano, guitar, and ukulele.

~Liberty~
Have you ever been out of the US?
Yes, once we went to Canada but I barely remember it... cause I was little.
If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Save some of it, donate some of it (probably to a animal sanctuary or children home), and maybe do some traveling.
What's your favorite way to spend the summer?
Gardening, four wheeler rides, swimming, mowing job, going to the fair, eating strawberry shortcakes. (That's what I'm craving now anyway)

~Wanda~
What is the least common thing that your a fan of?
Idk...

~Kaitlyn~
What are your top three all-time favorite books?
I believe I asked you this question once and now it's payback isn't it? I see how this goes! Well, since there's really no way around it, and since I can't just answer vaguely... here goes: The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills, Love Finds You in Sundance Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell, and *gulp* I have probably 10 other books/book series that tie for third. *headdesk*
What's the biggest lesson you've learned so far in your blogging life?
That God makes a way. He knows what is best for you and for me. All in His timing will He bring the right people, the right dreams, the right opened door to us right when we need it. I'm amazed at the opportunities that have arised just because of Showers of Blessings.
When are you coming to visit me???
Next time I'm in the Sunflower State, I'll be sure to visit you! *hugs*

~Julian~
Favorite thing to do with Rosie?
I really enjoy braiding her hair. Or sitting on her bareback! Nothing too adventurous.
Dream horse?
Uh, Rosie! *whispers* Only maybe a less crazy version of her? ;)
Fun fact you know that's kinda weird so you never get to share because it'd be weird to randomly bring it up but it's so weird there's never a polite way to bring it up and now you have a chance to share it?
Hehe, I love this question! You ready for a fact that is kinda weird so I never share because its too weird to randomly spout off and I get a chance to say it here? Did you know, that humans produce enough saliva in their lifetime to fill up two olympic swimming pools. Also, snails can have up to 15,000 teeth. *grins*
Ever gonna come to NC and go riding with me?
Hehe, maybe when Rosie becomes a less crazy version of herself! :)

~Katja~
How many WIPs do you have?
Mmm, I have two fiction work in progress drafts (but ideas to make those into series?? I won't count those) And a couple non-fiction WIPs. <3
Have you ever considered working around horses as a career (riding teacher, etc?)
Yes, I have. If I were to consider it more, I'd either like to give younger kids riding lessons, or train a wild horse. But a couple different reasons has kept me from doing this...
What's one of your favorite hymns?
It might be cliché, but my favorite is Amazing Grace. Or Wondrous Love.

~~~

Thanks again all who asked me questions! But I'm not just thinking you for asking me the questions, I'm thanking you for following my blog, reading my rambles, and caring enough to spend a little of your time here in my corner of the internet. Thanks for making blogging so enjoyable. I truly am thankful for the opportunities I have found through Showers of Blessings!

Let the scrolling begin 

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To see which three of you 

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Won the themed letter

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Giveaway(s)!!

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The winners are *throws bucketful of confetti*

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Winner of The Flower Garden Letter: Alice S.

Winner of The Pampered Bookworm Letter: Kaitlyn K.

Winner of The Creative Letter: Jacie T

Congrats to all the winners!! I'm SO excited for you! I will be getting in touch asking a couple questions in order to personalize your bookmarks, then I will be mailing out your prizes as soon as they are finished! Thanks again all who entered and for helping me celebrate two years of blogging! 

Can you believe it will have been two YEARS on February 28th? Comment below!

Many Blessings,

Brooklyne Elysse 

Q&A // Part One

Since I had enough Q&A questions, I decided to split up the questions and make two posts out of it!

First off, thank you all for asking such awesome questions! I'm excited to see who won the giveaway, the winners will be announced on the next post!  (Also note that today the giveaway is closed to new entries.)

Now, on to the Q&A!

~Alice~
What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I love being able to share my thoughts and words. Words that hopefully will brighten someones day.
Plus, making new friends and interacting with followers is always fun!
What is your favorite soap scent you have ever made?
Ah, I love our Pink Peppermint scent, Lavender, and Warm Cinnamon Spice the best! They all smell so good though! (I usually like the essential oil scented ones most, but an occasional fragrance oil is nice too.)
Favorite Season?
Summer and Fall!

~RebekahAshleigh~
What is one of your biggest dreams?
To be a wife, mother, and author. All in God's timing, y'all. That is, if it's His will. But yes, I'd say this is my biggest dream...
What is your favorite flower?
Wildflowers!!! Sunflowers!! & Lilac!
If you could invent an ice cream flavor, what would it be?
Ok, are you ready for this? Basically it is a combination of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter ice cream, salted caramel ice cream, cookie dough ice cream, and mixed together with caramel sauce, peanut butter cups, and pretzels! All toped with with a whole lotta whipped cream! Woah, you want to try my invention, don't you? :P

~Anita~
Who is an author that has inspired you and how?
Hmm, I feel like anyone who writes my favorite books inspires me to be a better writer. But one by name would be Faith Potts. I'm not just saying this because I consider her to be a friend. Her books have inspired me to be a author because I want some girl out there to feel the same way I do when I read her books.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Um, my invention! Or peppermint ice cream. Or black raspberry chip. Or just plain peanut butter cup.
Why did you first start your blog?
I first started a blog to share my devotionals and poems with more people other than my nannie and the nursing home. And then soon after, I realized how much I want to be a writer, a author.

~Jacie~
What is your favorite board game?
Settlers of Catan and Horse-Opoly... I also like card games too!
What is your favorite post that you have done on your blog so far?
Oh wow! I'm really not sure! :)
What's your favorite candy?
Anything chocolate and peanut butter! Or I like sour candy too.

~Patience~
Would you rather have unlimited books or art supplies?
At first I thought books (cause that sounds like bookworm heaven) but I'm gonna have to go with art supplies. The possibilities are endless!
What is your favorite classic book?
I don't read much classic books, but I liked the Little Women movies so I'll say that.
What has been your favorite read of 2020?
A book I Beta read! <3

~Lilly~
What have you learned most by blogging?
I've learned that its not about writing what you think will get the most likes, the most comments, the most attention. It's about writing what is on your heart. And trying to apply what you write to your daily life. I've learned so many good things from blogging!
Why do you eat vegetarian?
I don't eat meat because (1) I believe it's healthier for my body, (2) I love animals too much to eat them, (3) I like being a vegetarian.
How many blog friends have you met?
In person? Two lovely friends! Through video chat? Two other lovely friends! And I feel so thankful to be given those opportunities! Was it outside of my comfort zone? For sure (I mean, we're talking about shy lil old me) but so glad I got the chance to meet some of my blogger friends! <3

~Rakayle~
Ever been to Disney World?
I don't think so.
The most horses you've had at one time?
That is actually now. We have four horses and a mini!
Favorite Family memory with extended family?
A couple trips that we've taken come to mind. :)

~~~

Stay tuned for part two of the Q&A as well as the announcement for the giveaway winner(s)!

If you could invent a Ice Cream flavor, what would it taste like? Comment below!

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse

Q&A // Happy Birthday!

Hello my awesome blog readers!

Can you believe that I've almost had the blog for two whole years?!?!?! Like, whaaa??? My, how time flies when your having fun! Showers of Blessings has been a wonderful outlet for me, and I'm just so thankful for each and every one of you who have followed along on this journey of mine.

I've grown so much since starting this blog, it has been such a blessing for me. As I hope it has been for you too. <3

Today, I am in need of a favor. To celebrate my 2nd year blog anniversary, I am going to be doing a Q&A and I need your help! In the comments below, ask me anything you'd like! It could be about me, my animals, my business (Winds of Faith Co.), my hobbies, my favorites, etc! It could be anything bookish, farm related, or as random as you like!

You can ask up to three questions, and each question equals a point! (So a possible 3 points!)

Why do you need points? Well, what is a birthday party without presents? And since Showers of Blessings is turning two years old...

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I've Planned 

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A Super Fun 

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GIVEAWAY!!! 

*all the confetti* 

That's right! Three winners will be chosen randomly to win themed letter prizes! And the greatest thing? This giveaway is open to both international and U.S. residents!!! The prizes are...

~*~

The Flower Garden Letter = Prize #1

Includes: Wildflower seeds, Garden themed stickers, AND three customizable bookmarks (hand lettered by yours truly and laminated for durability!) 

The Pampered Bookworm Letter = Prize #2

Includes: Color Street nail stickers, One peppermint tea bag, AND three customizable bookmarks (hand lettered by yours truly and laminated for durability!)

The Creative Letter = Prize #3

Includes: One Pura Vita bracelet, A washi tape sample, AND three customizable bookmarks (hand lettered by yours truly and laminated for durability!)

Note: The bookmarks will be "watercolor" and hand lettered, made after I know who wins. The winners will be asked favorite colors, their words of the year, favorite quotes, etc. That what makes them personalized. :) 

Also Note: if you're under 18 and win, you will need your parents permission because I will be needing your address to mail you your themed letter prize! <3 

~*~

I will be sending out three themed letters to three amazing blog readers as a way to say "thank you" for reading, commenting, and following along on my blogging journey! <3 

All you have to do to enter is comment asking me Q&A questions (up to three questions each). The giveaway ends on the Monday the 24th and winners will be announced on Wednesday the 26th when I answer y'alls Q&A questions! (So no wrap up post this month...)

Are you guys as excited as I am?! Comment below with your questions for me!

 I can't wait to see who wins the giveaway! <33 

Many Blessings,

Brooklyne Elysse

Week #4: GIVEAWAY WINNER // 20 TIPS + ADVICE FOR NEW BLOGGERS // THANK YOU!

Hiya everyone! Today is the last Wednesday in February, which means today is the LAST post in celebration of Showers of Blessings' one year anniversary! I have had a lot of fun over this last month with the giveaway's and I hope you have had fun too! Today I will be announcing the third and final winner of last week's giveaway! 

If you missed out on any of Showers of Blessings first birthday posts this month, here are the links to the first three weeks: week 1, week 2, week 3!

~Giveaway~ 

Start scrolling! 

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The winner is...

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*cue confetti showers*

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Congratulations, Beth, for winning two (2) Goat's Milk Soap bars of your choice! Since I don't know if I have your email or not, please email me using my contact form on the sidebar and we can work out the details for getting your prize shipped to you! Also, you get to pick out two scents (I seriously typed out flavors again!!!) that you would like! If I don't hear from you within a week, I will draw a new name from the hat.

And that, folks, is the last of the giveaways! I had so much fun putting these together! Thank you all for participating and congratulations to the winners of the three giveaway prizes: Rakayle, Julia, and Beth!!!  

I will have to do more giveaways in the future! ;)

~Advice For Bloggers~ 

Whether you have been blogging for 5 minutes or you've been blogging for 5+ years, I have compiled a list of twenty tips and advice that I have found to be true in my one year of blogging! Note: this advice is for me just as much as it is for you all... :D 

<<<TWENTY TIPS FOR BLOGGERS>>>

• Keep writing: Never let discouragement or bloggers block (is that a thing?) keep you from fulfilling what God has placed on your heart to do- Blog. 
• Alway's remember why you started: Why did you first start to write? Is it because you love it? Or because you want to make a difference? Is it because you have given your writing to God and He has led you to blog (or just write in general...) If you answered affirmatively to these, then keep reminding yourself "why" whenever you are having one of those bad blogging days.
• Stay true to who you are: You are unique. God made you special, and you are your own. Only you can fulfill the purpose God has for your blog. Be original. Be yourself.
• Don't compare: As I said above, God made you special, don't compare yourself to what you see in other blogs. Sure, they might seem perfect, but their not. No one is. So don't bog yourself down with comparison. Let me just say, it is so easy to look at others blogs and feel like yours isn't as "successful" or as "aesthetic." But I was told once by a very wise blogger friend: "There will always be supposedly 'more successful' bloggers out there, and it's easy to get discouraged and feel inadequate. But God gave you a voice that is yours alone, and what you write might be just what someone needs to hear." 
• Don't worry about the stats: You know, those little numbers that grow as your following gets larger? Yes, those stats. Don't care about them. (Unless of course, that is your goal.) But if you are blogging for the joy of it and for sharing God's word, then don't worry about those numbers. I'm not telling you to create a blog and wait for people to come across it, by all means, go out and network and comment on other blogs. Tell other bloggers that your out there, but when you start getting followers, don't worry about how many you have. Instead, look at the page views because that is going to tell you whether or not you have readers. Your blog readers are real people, don't turn them into numbers measuring success.
• Always stay humble and kind: This one is pretty self explanatory. (Anyone singing the song now?) 
• Get to know others: Comment on other's blogs. Especially when you first start your blog, it is really important to get your name out there. You'll be so so surprised to find that you might have a lot in common with someone. Let God lead you, because if you let Him orchestrate your blogging journey, you will be AMAZED! I was truly blown away when I first found out a major commonality I had with someone. It was a "Wow, God" moment for sure! I am so blessed to have met the blogger friends I have!
• Post what you love: Whatever your interests are, post about it! If you like fashion, makeup, books, self-publishing, devotions, poems, pictures, whatever your niche in life is... blog it! Nothing you post should feel forced. When you post what you love, your blog will last a lot longer! 
• Don't be afraid to ask: It never hurt to ask! Got a question about layout or formatting for your blog? Find another blogger who you really like their design, and ask them some of your questions! 
• Take a leap of faith: Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and do it. For me, it's every time I punch that "publish" button! Literally. every. time. I am the kind of person that second guesses everything. I worry what people will think or say. I worry about if I will step on someone's toes. I write what's close to my heart, but then I fret about how it looks or how it will come across. But God asks me to take a step of faith, and so far, I have hit that publish button around 60 times now! 
• Trust your instincts: Listen to your gut. This is such a good blogging community, but please don't trust everyone you "meet" online. There will be scam comments, there will be those scam email chains that pull at your heart strings just to get a long list of emails. Nowadays, it is so hard to decipher between what is real and what is fraud. Pray about it, and trust your instincts. Some tips I have come across: (1) Don't publish your email address. (2) If the photo's you take are from your iPhone, screenshot them before posting. (3) When necessary delete rude or scam comments to keep a clean place for your readers.
• Try it: You won't know unless you try it... If there is something that you are thinking about participating in around the blogosphere, try it. The worst thing that could happen would be that it doesn't work out. Obviously, pray about your decision first, but if there aren't any red flags, give it a shot, you never know what might come of it. ;) 
• Give notice before major changes: Your readers will get accustomed to your blogs design, layout, posting schedule, etc. It's always nice (and more professional) when you give a notice before you make major changes on your blog. Write a little post telling your readers that you will be on hiatus or that you are changing your blog's look, just to give them a heads up. Also, it makes them feel included on what's changing! 
• Reply to comments on your blog: People like to know they have been heard! Tell them thank you for commenting or engage in conversation. Giving and taking feedback is so important in the blogging world! 
• Use the drafts when planning posts: When you have all these blog post ideas, it's hard to remember them all. That's why it makes it a lot easier when you write them down. On Blogger, you can write your post as usual, but instead of posting, you can just "Save" it and it will keep it ready for when you want to publish it. Another way it to keep a separate file no your computer to store all your posts that you are preparing in advance. Note: I normally don't schedule my posts, but this is always another good option to have!
• Find a balance: Find a balance between your social media accounts. At times, it can be easy to let your blog (or Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, you name it) take over and consume your every waking moment. It's important to remember what truly matters in your life. Family is more important staying caught up on your social media accounts. Find a balance that works for you. Something that gives you enough time to be online, but also enough time to be in real life. I am still trying to find what works for me... it's a struggle.
• Be real: Be real with your readers. Life is not all about Pinterest worthy pictures or quotable sentences. Nail polish is going to chip, sentences are going to sometimes be run-ons or maybe they won't even make sense. You will look back on posts and cringe at typos. This is real. And it's ok, keep on going. 
• Stay Consistent: This is truly the key to blogging! When you are dependable with your posting, people start expecting your posts. Staying consistent is hard at times, but it is so worth it! Writing words that flow and have cohesion won't happen over night. Writing and blogging takes a lot of time and effort, but as long as you can stay consistent, you will most definitely see your writing skills change for the better! 
• Find your style: Blogging styles are entitled to change, but the way your blog looks is really important! From the background or the header to the graphics or pictures throughout the post. Your style could be a color scheme, or flowers, arrows, etc. When you find a style that is your favorite, stick to it for a while. Like I was saying above, your readers will get used to the way it looks. Plus, its a lot funner for us bloggers to have a nice looking space on the internet! ;) Us bloggers/writers must also find our writing style...
• Pray through it all: Whenever you publish a post, comment on a blog, plan a post, etc., it is so important to pray through it all! Give God your blog and He will in return, give you such a blessing from it!

Oh, and always remember that blogging should be fun and enjoyable! If your not having fun with it, try a new blogging strategy. That might entail posting less, or just whenever you feel like it. That might entail adding more pictures or doing tags or hosting contests. Blogs are flexible and custom to you, so have fun with it! ;) 

One year ago, before I even had a name picked out for Showers of Blessings, I decided to email three of the blogs I had been reading. I asked them five questions and today, I will answer them for you guys!

1. Do you like blogging?
Yes! I love blogging!

2. What are your highs and lows to having a blog?
Some of my highs: Writing, Graphic design, Connecting with others, Being able to share Jesus's with people all over the world, Making friends, etc. 
Some of my Lows: Sometimes staying "on top of things" can get stressful, Trying not to worry what people will think, and the Technical difficulties that sometimes pop up.

3. What blogging site do you use to power your blog?
I use Blogger... To me, Blogger is pretty easy to get things set up. ;) If you are wondering what blogging site to use, I would suggest either Blogger or Wordpress.

4. Was your blog free to start?
Yes, starting a blog with Blogger.com is completely free! Now, you will have to pay for a custom domain name, if you are interested in one of those.

5. Is there anything you’d do differently if you were to start a new blog?
I can't think of anything big. I think it was a good idea to reach out to other bloggers and ask some of the questions I had before jumping in headfirst. So that is why, if you are a new blogger or thinking about starting a blog, feel free to shoot me a email and ask me your questions! I might not have all the answers, but I will certainly try to answer them with the best of my ability! ;)

~Thank You~

Thank YOU! Yes, you over there on the other side of this screen, maybe even across the world. Thank you for reading my blog whether it be for a split second or all throughout my first year of blogging! This community I have found has been outstanding! I'm so glad to be apart of it! 

I want to say a huge thank you to my family who supports me in all my blogging endeavors! I love you guys! <3 

Thank you, Mrs. Marlow for answering my questions and helping me get started with my blog! Thank you for the amazing books you write that actually first made me like reading so much! I am a bookworm because of you! *smiles* 

Thank you, Jessica for answering my questions before I even had a name for this blog! All of your help with my layout and design was crucial. Your insight and encouragement means more than you know to me! 

Thank you, Faith for replying to my first email asking questions! I love your blog and the books you write! Thanks for sticking with me, your comments always brighten my day!

Thank you, Rachel for being such a good blogging friend! Thanks for reading through my very-long emails and for reading/commenting on my blog posts! 

Thank you, Rebekah for your sweet comments and emails! I have loved getting to know you through emailing, and I am so glad you have put up with my sometimes-crazy asterisks. *throws confetti in your direction* 

Thank you, all my followers! I am so glad you have decided to follow along on this journey of mine! :) 

Thank you, all my readathon friends! I have only participated in the readathons (that Faith puts on) twice, but you girls are such a fun bunch! *throws lots more confetti* *winks* 

Thank you, all my faithful commenters! Every new comment makes me smile! Seriously. Each and every comment means a lot to me! I would mention all of you, but the list would be very long, so just know that you are appreciated! <3

I am so excited to see where God is going to take Showers of Blessings in the coming years! Showers of Blessings has truly been a blessing for me. I have grown so much since first starting this little spot on the internet, but most importantly, I have grown closer to my Savior. I have a lot of new and exciting posts coming up in this new year, and I can't wait! 

What was your favorite part about these posts this month? Can you believe that this year of blogging went by so fast?! How did your February go? (I miss doing my wrap up posts!) What has God been teaching you lately? 

I'll see ya in the comments below! 

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

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

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

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

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The Winner...

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

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

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

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

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

~Rules for entering the third giveaway~

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

Pretty self explanatory... :P

~Q&A~

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

1.What is your favorite dessert?

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

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

2. What is your favorite bird?

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

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

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

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

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

5. Do you like crafts?

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

6. Whats your favorite snack?

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

Or chocolate. Of any kind!

7. Favorite Bible verse?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'cause tacos are practical??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sorry, you know me with picking JUST one answer! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

49. Rain or snow?
Snow.

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

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

52. Coffee or tea?
Neither! Hot chocolate! 

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Throwbacks~

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

First post: Showers of Blessings

First Devotional posted: Sea Glass Treasures

First Poem posted: Walking by Faith

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

First Book Tour: Behold, An Author Interview

50th post: Twenty-Nineteen

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

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

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

Let's taco 'bout it! 

The third giveaway starts NOW!