Little Blossoms for Jesus

The Avid Readers Award Tag

Wooohooo!! Today we are doing the Avid Readers Award Tag and it is super fun. 😀

The Rules…

Display the blog award logo in your blog.

Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you. // Thank you, Jenna! ❤

Do not forget to link to their blogging website. // http://jennaterese.com

List your favourite 5 books.

Answer all the questions they have given you.

Nominate 4 bloggers of your choice.

Ask them 10 questions.

My Top 5 books…

Basic Principles of Speech by William Trufant Foster & Lew Sarrett.
Daniel Boone: Wilderness Scout by Stewart Edward White.
Enemy Brothers by Constance Savery.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit.

And now the questions!

The first set of questions are the ones Jenna answered and I did them cause they were so cool.

01. If you were forced to live in a book world, which would you live in?

Enemy Brothers‘ world, hands down!!! Imagine living at the White Priory with the Inglefords!! And I know they would take me in, too. <33

02. What is one scene from a book that stuck with you? (We don’t have to get it, just say it!)

The scene in Enemy Brothers when Dym is talking of the war and of history. <33 He put into words what I had been feeling all along…

03. What is one imaginary object that you wish was real?

Oh boy. Uhm… I have nooooo idea. There’s probably something in a book somewhere that I really wish I could have, but for the life of me I can’t think of one…

04. What cover of a book do you like best?

I beg your pardon??

How on earth is that a real question???

My favourite cover on my bookshelf right now is the cover of Little Women (it’s the same cover my review is linked to).

And that’s all the choosing I’ll do.

05. What book character do you relate most to?

I did a post about 5 characters I most relate to. Out of those 5 the one I relate to most is Katy. Check the blog post for more explanation. 😉

06. Which book villain do you hate most?

Probably one from Sherlock Holmes… not sure which one though. He had some really awful ones.

07. What is one book you can’t stand or can’t get into?

I have a hard time getting into books with a lot of embarrassment happening to the characters, so some of the Trixie Belden books were hard for me to get into.

08. What is one book character quote?

*beams*

Here are my two top favs.

“I’d like to add some beauty to life,” said Anne dreamily. “I don’t exactly want to make people know more… though I know that is the noblest ambition… but I’d love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me… to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn’t been born.”

~Anne Shirley from Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery.

and

“But I don’t really know; I’m not in the Operations Room, you see. All I do know is that the world has a Chief who was victorious when the powers of darkness struck at Him with everything they had. He has the plans today. The darkness won’t last forever. There’s a splendor beyond.”

~Dymory Ingleford from Enemy Brothers by Constance Savery.

09. Have you read any of my favorites? XD

Probably not XD idk??

10. What is your favourite nonfiction book?

The Bible, hands down.

And now Jenna’s questions!

01. What would your dream library look like?

Floor-to-ceiling, covering-the-walls-like-wallpaper bookshelves. A really cozy snuggly couch with a comfy blanket. Excellent lighting. Some plants and flowers to rest your eyes. Everything spick-&-span.

02. What three authors would you want to collaborate on a book?

Kassie Angle, Kaitlyn Krispense, & Jesseca Wheaton.

03. What author would you want to meet in person?

All my indie author friends. *smirks*

04. What’s your favourite book in a genre you don’t usually read in?

Persuasion. I don’t like romance as a genre, but this one was soooo amazing.

05. What’s your favourite book to movie adaptation?

2000 Railway Children movie, hands-down.

06. Hardcover or paperback?

Paperback. Hardcovers are too heavy, and I HATE dust jackets with a vengeance.

07. Matte or glossy paperbacks?

Glossy, because matte shows all your fingerprints! *shudders*

08. What’s your favourite indie book?

Tattered Wings by Kassie Angle.

09. What genre will you never read from?

Horror. And apparently there’s a genre called bodice-rippers and it sounds absolutely horrific (no pun intended) and is totally on my list.

10. Who’s your all-time top favourite fictional character?

George Dymory Ingleford. <33 No questions.

And I nominate…

Kassie

Kate

Rebekah

and Abby.

Feel free to do like me and steal Jenna’s questions. Here are mine.

1. If you could pick one fictional character as your sibling, who would it be?

2. What’s a strong opinion you have about a trope/opinion/anything else lacking in books, especially Christian fiction?

3. What’s a book you didn’t expect to like but fell head over heels in love with?

4. What is your dream reading goal?

5. Favourite quote (or two ;P) about reading?

6. Your opinion on dust jackets??

7. Your favourite book spine(s)?

8. Do you like to eat while reading?

9. Can you read with silence or music in the background?

10. What’s your favourite indie book? (‘Cause we gotta spread the love!)

And there you are. This was a ton of fun and I hope it was for you too! 😀

Feel free to answer the questions in the comments!!

Truly Thankful

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1)

Thanksgiving. What a beautiful holiday. A day where we stop and count up our blessings.

… or that’s the idea.

Thanksgiving, especially among Christians, is known as a day for giving thanks. But how often do we just say vaguely, “Oh, yes, I’m thankful for all God did,” or ‘I’m grateful for ___________”–and leave it at that?

Thanksgiving ought to be a real thing. Every day, we are called to give thanks in everything (1 Thess. 5:18). But on this day which is specifically set aside to be grateful, I think we should really be purposeful about giving thanks.

“Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” (Psalm 97:12)

Draw up a list. Write out….

the things that you’re grateful you have.
The moments you got to experience.
The people you’re grateful to have in your life.
The works that God did in your life this year.
The things you learned.
The areas you grew in.
The little pleasures (or big ones) of the year.
The things that He’s brought you through or given you throughout all your life.

Look at your blessings for real! Nothing is too small or too big to write down. Count your blessings and I promise you will see what God has done for you.

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people.” (1 Chronicles 16:8)

Then share some of those things with someone. Encourage them in the Lord. Bless them by sharing His works with them. Sing His praises! Let people know what an amazing GOD you have!

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy Name, O most High.” (Psalm 92:1)

Take time to speak with God personally in prayer and thank Him for what He’s done for you. Praise Him for His wondrous works & ways. Take time to read His word & really meditate on what He’s done for us & given us and continues to do for & give to us. Our God is awe-inspiring! Worship Him!

“O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.” (Psalm 30:12)

And remember to keep being grateful & thanking Him & worshipping Him. When you feel like grumbling, thank Him for 3 things. When you feel worried, praise Him for 3 things. When you feel angry, thank Him for 3 things. Keep on seeing what God does for you & find JOY in it!

Just be truly thankful.

“The blessings that you take for granted someone else is praying for.”

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed;

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost;

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

-Johnson Oatman, Jr.

An Author’s Prayer // A Poem

An Author’s Prayer

Help me, Lord, to write for You;

To always say and write what’s true;

To pray, and use my time for You;

Help me, Lord, to write for You.

Help me, Lord, to write what’s true;

To always give the praise to You.

To sing, and use my time for You;

Help me, Lord, to write for You.

Help me, Lord, to aye praise You;

To help another though the slough.

To trust, and use my time for You;

Help me, Lord, to write for You.

Help me, Lord, to aid like You;

To try to be a blessing too.

To work, and use my time for You;

Help me, Lord, to write for You.

written c. 2016-2017

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

you are precious.

Dear Baby,

you are loved.

Dear Baby,

you are wanted.

Dear Baby,

you are deserving of life.

Dear Baby,

you are worth fighting for.

Dear Baby,

you are not a choice.

Dear Baby,

you are a miracle.

Dear Baby,

you are not a mistake.

Dear Baby,

you are not a problem.

Dear Baby,

you are a blessing.

Dear Baby,

you are not forgotten.

Dear Baby,

you have not died in vain.

Dear Baby,

you are being fought for.

Dear Baby,

you are special.

Dear Baby,

you are not unseen.

Dear Baby,

you are not unheard.

Dear Baby,

you are wept for.

Dear Baby,

you are cherished in our hearts.

Dear Baby,

we know you are safe in the arms of Jesus.

Dear Baby,

we stand for your right to live.

Dear Baby,

we will not yield.

Dear Baby,

we will not give up.

Dear Baby,

your death will not be in vain.

Dear Baby,

we will choose life.

Dear Baby,

we will help the mothers scarred by this horror.

Dear Baby,

we will not be silent.

Dear Baby,

we will not be passive.

Dear Baby,

we will try to make a difference.

Dear Baby,

we will continue to stand for the Right.

Dear Baby,

we will continue to fight in God’s strength.

Dear Baby,

you are not forgotten.

~ // ~

Today is Chain Life Sunday. Please think & share about this. Stand for life.

I’ve Learned

When I wrote Chords, I was convinced it was amazing and ready to be published.

My alphas let me know it wasn’t. I was discouraged, disappointed, and angry. I tucked the story away and moved off to other stories. Then I suddenly decided to finish it. And then I got an idea for a short story sequel. And the suddenly a whole series came to being, and I started to work on it. I looked back at Chords, and realized that it really was bad, but it could be fixed.

When I had the idea for The Colour Red, it was supposed to be a short story. I was quickly undeceived. Before I was halfway through, I knew it was a series that tied into the other series. Then God suddenly put together some of the puzzle pieces that had really bothered me in Chords and its series. Again, I looked back at Chords and saw, once more, that it had to be written, bad as it was, to get me started on this journey.

I was so excited when I wrote The Colour Red. I was so happy. So at peace. So full of ideas. I knew that was what God wanted me to write and He was giving me the message He wanted me to speak loud and clear. Then I finished The Colour Red. And got ready to write the sequel. I was just SO excited and so full of ideas.

I’m the girl who wants to please everybody. Who doesn’t want to mess up. And that shows in my writing. I don’t want to make a mistake. I want it to be perfect. I want it to be loved.

But that doesn’t always happen.

I discovered that not everyone likes or understands my writing style, especially for this series. It’s unique and out of the box, especially for YA contemporary.

It was debilitating. Every time I sat down to write, I looked at my words and said, “No one will like this.” And I’d wipe it all away. There was no more joy in writing. It was anxiety. The ideas were there, but my fear was hindering me from writing them out.

Finally a dear friend let me wail about it. She told me some truths, sympathized, & encouraged me.

On the first day of KDWC, I made a resolution.

“I will write this first draft. No matter how crummy it is, it will at least be written. It will be able to be fixed. That’s what counts. That’s what first drafts are all about. Capturing the wonder and excitement. Fixing things is for later. I’m going to sit down and write for myself. I’m going to find that happy place. The ‘home’ I had before I invited critics in. I’ll add them in later. For now, I’m writing for God and for myself. I’m getting the words out, no matter how bad they are. I’m taking the first step. I’m gonna be brave and move forwards. Because I know His hand is in this project. Somehow. I don’t know how. I don’t know what He has planned. But I know He wants me to write this right now.

So I’m gonna take that step in faith that He knows best & He’s not wasting my time.

And I’m gonna joy in this journey.”

Day one of KDWC, I got 100 words written. Disappointing, but at least it was a start.

Day two of KDWC. I sat down to write, and the story just started flowing. The ideas poured in again. I was back in my happy place, with the people I loved.

And I wrote 1,209 words.

And once more I was smiling and loving my story.

You see, I’ve learned something.

I’ve learned that no matter how awful a book is, it had to be written so that it can be fixed. And it is not a waste of time. Until you write it, you can’t fix it, and you can’t move forwards.

I’ve learned that you can’t write for your audience. You have to write for God and yourself. That’s how you keep your voice genuine.

I’ve learned that when you have courage and step out in faith, God rewards you and takes care of you.

I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what people think about your book. What matters is that you write the message God gave you. He will bring it to the people—or person—who needs it.

I’ve learned that trusting God with your first draft is the best and only thing to do.

I’ve learned again that my writing needs to be surrendered to God.

I’ve learned that I’m still thin-skinned and anxious to please and fearful. I thought I was over that, but it’s going to take more than a couple months to fully change that. But I’ve learned that I’ve learned a lot and I’m stronger and braver that I was. I’ve grown and changed.

I’ve learned that this year IS a year of growth and learning.

God is so good.

2020 has been the year I needed it to be. It was nothing like I imagined it would be. But it was exactly what I needed.

“My life may not be perfect, but it is perfect for me.”

Because my God knows exactly what I need, and He is the One in control of everything. And He is the One who planned my journey and directs my steps.

And He is the One who frees me from fear.

“The way to freedom is to surrender control.”

Why I No Longer Do NaNoWriMo + My Alternative

I have been participating in Camp NaNo & @NaNoWriMo for about 7 years now. I was an enthusiastic supporter of the organization, and I was always recommending it and gearing up for November. But on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, I deleted my NaNo account, unsubscribed from all their emails, & quit following their Instagram.

There are several reasons for this, and I will briefly list them out.

NaNo’s been promoting homosexuality, transgenderism, & other unbiblical things/lifestyles loudly for about two years now—not only to older adults but to young writers (13-18) as well. I kept thinking off and on about getting out of this organization, but the pros always outdid the cons.

Then on that Tuesday, NaNoWriMo made a blatant & unjust attack upon police officers which shocked & upset me deeply. They sent out a newsletter which essentially called the police racist, which makes the family members of some dear friends of mine—people that NaNo doesn’t even know—racist, simply because they’re LEO. They also supported terrorist groups and promoted anarchy & the destruction of their country.

I am not American, but I cannot stand by silent at such injustice & wrong. Do not make this out to be a Black Lives Matter affair. I grew up surrounded by blacks and some of my dearest friends are blacks. Black lives matter, emphatically, and no one can say the contrary. But so do blue lives. Every single life matters, and I will not stay silent on the subject.

I have deleted my NaNoWriMo account and I will no longer promote or recommend an organization that speaks such rampant injustice and does does not honour authority. I am not alone. Many of my writer friends (more than one with LEO family) were also deeply upset by this. My friends are hurting; my friends’ country is being ravaged. The way to fix this is not by attacking the brave officers who place you and your loved ones above them and their loved ones. The way to fix this is by showing grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness, and moving on. The American justice system may have flaws, but it is not the officers’ fault, it is the responsibility of those higher up. There are bad apples in every group, but on a whole, 99% of police officers are good, self-sacrificing people.

Again, this is not political in any way, nor is it an attack upon anyone, nor is it saying that black lives don’t matter, nor is it saying that every officer is a good officer, nor is it saying that racism doesn’t exist. It is simply a protest against the injustice of calling every single police officer in America racist—an insult to people I love—and a blatant lie—and a protest against the unbiblical agenda that NaNo is pushing.

To be very plain:

I don’t like injustice, and this loud pushing of injustice towards so many children really bothered me. And that’s what it boils down into. Police or not, no one deserves this type of injustice. No child should be taught such injustice. No child should be taught such unbiblical lifestyles are okay, either. I could no longer support an organization that did this.

Feel free to email/message me if you want to see screenshots of emails & posts for proof of what I’m saying.

Now onto the good news!

As I said, lots of Christian authors rallied around me & my friends and deleted their NaNoWriMo accounts. My friends and I got busy and worked hard to set up a Writing Camp for Christian ladies. It is called the King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp, and it is a free, online camp for Christian ladies of all ages. You can set your own goals; create your own tent or be placed in one of the current tents; there’s a whole Campground to chat & sprint with the other Campers on… it’s really super fun. It is on Slack, so everyone has to create an account, which is free and super quick to do—and really Slack is an extremely useful app; best messaging app I’ve ever used, actually. It’s available both online and as an app, too. Here’s some extra info direct from the website…

“This camp is a gathering of Christian ladies from all over to focus on writing stories that honor God.

It was created by a group of writers who wanted a safe place for Christian ladies of all ages to connect with and encourage each other in our writing journeys without worrying about the offensive or unbiblical messages promoted by secular writing organizations.

The camp is run on Slack. (Each participant must create a simple account.) There are separate channels in which to chat with fellow writers, participate in writing sprints, get help on your story, and encourage each other. All information such as emails are kept private, and participants may use pen names if they so desire.

Every “camper” is divided into “tents” and each “tent” has an older, mature young lady counselor known as an “Auntie” who will be there if anyone needs anything, to encourage, answer questions, and to just be an older mentor for writers of all ages.

Since this is an all girls camp, there is no need to worry about inappropriate relationships between guys and girls. We also have a statement of faith and a simple set of rules we ask each camper to agree to.“

Isn’t that awesome?? The camp website is https://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.blogspot.com; be sure to follow it for updates of the next writing camp. We had one Summer Camp from July 1st to July 31st and it was a huge success. We had over 70 ladies from all over the world & of all ages, and we had an absolutely amazing time. We made so many new friends and wrote a ton and just had a lot of fun! I highly recommend it–and here are some more testimonials! 😉 I really recommend checking out the whole website, too—there’s a lot of useful and fun information.

We have spent the summer fixing issues and getting ready and we are now starting a new writing camp, which runs from October 15 to November 15th. If you’re interested in joining in with us, head over to the website; there is all the information you need to know, and the information on how to sign up to join! Let me know if you have any questions. 😉

I am super excited for this new Camp and everything we will be able to do; and I feel so much better and cleaner after definitely breaking up with NaNo.

Whether you do NaNo, KDWC, or anything else, happy writing, everyone!! And those of you who aren’t writers, happy October. 🙂

The Second Chances Book Tag

We all know I love the themes of second chances, redemption, hope… so this was such a fun tag! And I thought it was appropriate to this month. Give yourself & other people second chances, friends. <33

Name a book you expected to dislike but ended up loving because you stuck with it to the end.

“With Roberts to Pretoria” by G.A. Henty. The beginning wasn’t very interesting, & I was pretty sure it would be among Henty’s duller, dragging books. But I chugged on & I was pleasantly surprised!! It was exciting, interesting, & enjoyable.

Admit it–we all judge books by their covers. What is one book you’ve given a try and enjoyed despite a less-than-appealing cover?

I really don’t love the cover of Livy Jarmusch’s Tales of Tarsurella. They’re just not my type at all. So the covers definitely didn’t move me in favour of them. But I gave them a try and I’m SO glad I did because I really, really enjoyed them!!

Ranting opportunity! Which author are you forever mad at for denying a character their second chance? Talk about it. 😀

There was this one L.M. Montgomery short story about a scoundrel who was engaged to a girl. He heard people talking about how miserable her life would be with him & because he truly loved her, he decided to pretend to abandon her & leave so she could marry someone else & be happy. I was so happy with his changing but I was SO MAD that he didn’t have a second chance with the girl!!!!

Do you have a favourite book that includes a theme of second chances?

Do I?? Do I!!! Alone in London, Charlie to the Rescue, Beloved, Off Course, A Tale of Two Cities, Until We All Find Home, Johnny Tremain, Enemy Brothers, The Reb & the Redcoats, The Dark House on the Moss…. yes, yes, I do, I do. <33

Name a favourite fictional romance that only succeeded because the characters were willing to let go of their first impressions and move on.

Everyone’s thinking Pride & Prejudice here, hm?? XP I’m saying Persuasion. Both Anne & Wentworth had to let go of some impressions & seek the other. I do know several other romances where the characters had to let go of impressions and move on, but I just can’t think of them right now….There ya go! Feel free to steal this tag. and tell me one book you gave a second chance to. 😉

How Should We Live Right Now?

There’s a lot of scary things happening all around us right now.

How should we be acting and living, as Christians, right now? During all the scandal and worry and injustice and anti-God attitudes that surround us?

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

There will be scoffers. There will be those who deny the return of Christ. There will be those who walk after their own lusts. There will be those who are wilfully ignorant that God created the heavens and the earth and then destroyed them by a flood. There will be those who deny any judgement and settling of accounts. There will be those who deny God completely and utterly and seek to efface Him from everything. We have been warned.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

There will be wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes… There will political struggle. There will be troubling rumours. But you are not to be troubled (“Disturbed; agitated; afflicted; annoyed; molested.”). These things must happen. Worse will come. But—

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

God reigns.

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

The Lord is returning. He is true to His promises. He does not see time as we do. He waits patiently. He is not willing that any should perish. He cares even more than we do for the poor lost souls groping in the darkness around us. He is not willing that the worst of them should die.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

The Lord’s return will be unexpected. This earth, and all the works in it, will be burned by fire. Do not be discouraged by the ways of this world. Look to a new heaven and earth where righteousness shall reign. Remember that all your works will be destroyed. These things are not your priority. Live for Heaven, not for the earth. Put your heart and your treasures up above. Turn your eyes once more to what is truly important: seeking the lost and telling them of Christ Jesus.

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Focus on remembering what the Bible says. Focus on God’s commandments. Focus on being holy. On living a holy and Godly life. Be diligent. Live in peace. Be spotless and blameless. Read your Bible. Pray. Go to church. Be wary. There will be those who twist the scriptures, to their own destruction. Be steadfast. Grow in grace. Grow in knowledge. Live like a Christian. That is your duty in these times.

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

You will be hated. You will be afflicted. You will be in personal danger. You may even be killed. People will be offended. Traitorous. Hateful. Deceived. False prophets will abound. Iniquity will abound. Many will let their love grow cold.

But not you.

Endure to the end. Keep loving, no matter what. God will still be in control and He will deliver you.

And no matter what the world says—no matter what the politicians say—no matter what the powers say—the gospel WILL be preached in ALL the world.

Be a part of those who keep preaching in all the world.

Your God is with you.

He knows the end and He has warned you of it.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

“Let all your things be done with charity.”

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

“Be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life;”

“If ye love Me, keep my commandments.”

“Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

A Message to Anyone Who Feels as if They Failed This Year

Hi, guys. Today I have a really short but hopefully an encouraging post. It was written on this day last year. Of course things have changed since then, but the message still applies. <33

~ * ~

This year, I was really hoping to form good habits. Read my Bible every day. Get up early. Exercise. Eat well. Read books. Write a lot. And so forth.

Well, I failed most of them. But you know what? It’s not too late to start over again. And that’s what I’m going to do.

This September, I challenged myself to write 100 words a day. I surpassed that goal most days. And I’m determined to keep on. If I miss one day, I’ll catch up the next and keep on.

This year, I challenged myself to read 365 books. Next year, I’m not going to set myself a reading goal—I’ll be busier—but I will challenge myself to read at least a chapter a day.

Starting now, I will strive to read my Bible every day—if I fail, I will pick myself up and go on.

I’m going to take another try at losing weight. If I miss one day, I’ll pick myself up and go on.

I’m going to set 10 minutes a day aside to do some stuff I’ve needed to do but don’t have the time to do. If I miss one day, I’ll just get back to it the next day.

Making good habits take effort, but it also takes forgiveness. Have you failed your resolutions for this year? It’s not too late. Pick yourself up, and start working on them. 💕 The Lord forgives us when we fall—let’s forgive ourselves and move on in His strength.

~ / / ~

July-August 2020 Wrap-Up

Hello, friends!

It’s been a while since we had one of these. There’s been a lot that happened. XD So let’s take a look, shall we?

~ Happenings ~

// Canada Day. 😀 The lovely first of July! Where I shamelessly spammed my social media followers with Canadian pins from Pinterest (okay, I totally kept that up because it’s just so fun).

// I read a TON of classics. Let’s see… the most notable were Old Yeller; The Bronze Bow (don’t recommend it, sorry); The Gone-Away Lake Series; the whole Sherlock Homes collection (except for book 1 which I read in June); books 1-5 of the Rose Years series; The Hiding Place; Savage Sam; Jane of Lantern Hill; The Blue Castle; The Black Stallion; a Nancy Drew mystery; The Little Prince; The Moffat Series (except for the last book which is not on Archive!); books 1-4 of the Basil of Baker Street Series; A Night to Remember (MY FAVOURITE BOOK OF 2020); and most of the Trixie Belden series because I became extremely obsessed. XD Oh, and I started a buddy-read of Pride & Prejudice with camp friends and it was awesome!!!

// Had an ingrown nail. It was on my thumb so really bothersome and painful. I was gearing up for my mother to dig it out but then it disappeared. I guess the hot-salt-water I soaked it in helped after all…

// I put up my fairy lights for the first time 🙂 that made me really happy!

// I began addressing hard/unpopular topics on my social media without fear–a huge step! I also just kept trying to be encouraging and helpful. 🙂

// I had some fun “battles” with my friends on Instagram *looks at Kassie and Abi* about hurting characters and Air Force vs. Army…

// I got my annual haircut 🙂 you probably don’t care but it’s a big deal to me! Makes my hair so pretty.

// Fell in love with Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary again. *smirks*

// I had my second book review ever 🙂 the sweet Joy reviewed An Old-Time Christmas on her blog!

// Remember how obsessed I was with Babar? Yeah, I kept watching Babar. 😇

// I wrote. A lot. I cried. I smiled. I laughed. I beat my writing goal. I finished The Colour Red (over 66k). I edited it. I added it to Goodreads. I brainstormed The Colour Blue and the rest of the series. I sent CR to the beta-readers. And I took a writing break. I needed it, even if it wasn’t in my plans originally.

// I got a paperback I’ve wanted for a long time (A Father’s Promise) and it was sooooo good!! Actually, I just read SO many good books in July-August… blessings on Archive, y’all. I also read a lot of mysteries and dusted off my Sherlock-lover deerstalker and my detective cap. XD

Oh, and there was this one book that was my first favourite book ever and it was a library book and I’ve wanted my own copy of it for forever… and my mother randomly gifted it to me. <33

// I GOT GOODREADSSSS! That has been so amazing and helpful. I worked really hard to get all my shelves up and now I’m copying all my reviews over to there. I’m up to all the F reviews now. XD

// I did 4 bookstagram challenges at the same time for about a week. It was really fun. XD

// I snapped a picture during a one of Lindsey from Books For Christian Girls’ videos to remember a book I wanted to read and it ended up a really great picture… XD

// I had a brief holiday from university between two courses and then started Copyediting I (my next course). I really enjoyed it, even if it was a lot of work!

// I went hunting for spiders’ webs ON PURPOSE.

For my bookstagram.

Yeah, you could call me crazy… XD

// I was obsessed with hedgehogs for a bit… they’re not allowed as pets in Canada though. 😦

// I ate some lemon cheesecake. DA BEST Y’ALL.

// I hit the one-year anniversary of finishing Chords… read more here.

// I watched the 2000 Railway Children movie with Lissa and it was sooo good! My favourite movie now. 🙂 They were so accurate to the book!

// I participated in several book cover reveals and that was super fun!! I can’t wait for those books to come out 🙂

// Fell in love with the hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go. Yeah. That’s all.

// So in August, after a whole summer of house visits, we had an offer made on our house and we had about a month to find, inspect, and buy a house, and move. So we started packing. (And purging). I have very weak ankles, and I twisted my ankle in July, and then twisted it again just before moving (not cool). It was a crazy time. I was doing my midterm exams while everyone else was packing, and I was so tired from college that I had no energy to pack in the evenings. Plus there was a whole slew of complications with the money and the buying and selling. It was all God, that’s all I can say. He’s the only One who could make it work out. But we did finally find and buy a house and we moved out on September 1… so any more updates on that will come in the September Wrap-Up! 😉

// Read a lot of poetry (as usual). I began to actually like Shelley’s poetry. And it was so cool to run across poetry snippets quoted in other books. 🙂

// Fell back in love with the harp. Just that. ❤

// Lissa began writing a book about the North-West Rebellion and the Mounties and now she and I are ardent Louis Riel supporters. This book is going to be AWESOME, guys.

// When my siblings packed up the tents we’d had outside all summer, they discovered a mouse nest underneath. We got to look at the babies (so. crazy. cute.) and then watched the mama come back for them and take them away. It was soooo cool!!

// I did two guest posts! One on Clarissa’s blog (linked below) and one on Abigail’s. You’ll notice the two posts are different. That’s because my memory is often faulty when it comes to my writing journey… oddly enough!

// Started using Microsoft Word for university and after kicking about it a lot I fell in love. XD

// Decided I have a new nickname: Kats. I really like it and it makes me feel so special when people call me that!! 🙂

// Started a #100DaysofJoying Challenge. Learn more here.

// Also, I did the King’s Daughters Writing Camp. I’ll be talking of it more in October, but for now… go check out the website and think of joining us in October when we start a new camp! It was the best writing thing I’ve ever been in, and the campers were SO amazing, and I made so many new friendships, and… yeah. It is just simply EPIC, guys.

// If you missed some of my posts from July/August, go read them, because they all talk about/ show what I was doing in those months.

There was probably a lot more happening in my life right now but this update is long enough, and I need to get back to life xP If you’re on social media, be sure to look me up because I have way more updates on there. XD

Happy fall, guys. 🙂