16 Things I Learned in 2016

There's only one day left in 2016. One. And that's kind of hard for me to comprehend. So much has happened this year that it's sad to think that it's nearly over. But you know what? A new year is also on the horizon. A new year, with new hopes and new dreams and new excitement and adventures. But before the old year is gone, I'd like to share a few of the most important things that, by God's grace,  I've learned in 2016.

1.  Jesus' love is the only perfect love- it never fails, it never gives up, and it never ends. No other kind of love is as perfect, as agape, as amazing, as Jesus' love. It's forever.


2. It's okay to make mistakes. Those of us who tend to be perfectionists have a hard time accepting this one- me included. I've been in a few circumstances where I haven't tried something simply becuase I was afraid to fail. God's given me a  new perspective on this- one that says it's okay to make honest mistakes. Failures are how we grow.


3. God's plans don't always match yours. That's okay, becuase His plans are infinitely better than ours. 2016 has been full of examples of this one, both in the world and in my personal life. I tend to be the type that tries to plan everything in life out perfectly, then get disappointed when my "perfect plans" come crashing down around me. Realizing that God's plans are always better than ours was a big realization for me this year.


4. People can (and will) let you down. God never will. *sigh* What do you really say about this one? We've all experienced it. I've learned that it's best to not to depend on other people without first depending on God. If they leave you, who will you depend on?

5. You don't have to be good at everything. You also don't have to be everything, either. I truly think that's why God blesses different people with different abilities- so we can all serve Him in the areas that He's called us to. And it's not going to be the same for everyone.


6. Comparison really is one of the biggest thieves of joy. It's an old saying with a lasting importance. Comparing yourself to others is also one of the biggest time wasters ever. We're all different for a reason, and you're beautiful and amazing to God just how you are.


7.  It's really hard to be yourself sometimes. It really is. When I wrote this post a couple of months ago, it was something that I was really thinking about it a lot. God has shown me a lot more since then, and I'm glad, but I've come to realize that it's always going to to be hard to be yourself sometimes. And that's okay, since God's grace is sufficient.


8.  It takes a lot of strength and courage to go against the flow. God never promised that it would be easy. In fact, He said that it would be hard to live differently than the world and go against the flow. But He's also promised us that He'll never leave us, and that His strength can be our victory.

9. Courage doesn't always mean that you're not afraid- it means doing what's right, even if you are afraid. It always bothered me to hear that courage was "doing something unafraid". Actually, that's not courage at all. Courage is doing what's right, no matter what you feel like.


10. Leaning to balance and prioritize are two of the best lessons you'll ever learn. I feel like I really learned (sometimes the hard way) this one in a whole new light this year. I've had a lot more going on with school and life and extracurricular activities this year then I can ever remember having before. Instead of having a million and one different things just to do,  I've had to really prioritize which activities I'm going to throw myself into and be serious about and committed to, and stick to those. And of course, there's so much more to balance and prioritize later on in life, so I'm glad that it's something I can practice ahead of time!


11. There's a lot to be thankful for in life. There really is .Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 


12. God is preparing you for something bigger. This one is one of the biggest things that I've learned this year. It seems basic, but it's what really gives me hope that the upcoming year will be something big. Because He's preparing us for something bigger.

13. Staying close to Jesus is the only way to find true joy, fulfillment, and peace. There's a lot of things in life that I find joy from. There's certain things that give me a sense of fulfillment and peace, but they're not always going to last. Jesus will.


14. Goals and ambitions are a good thing. This may seem kind of silly, but for a while, I kind of avoided having big goals and ambitions for things, mainly becuase of #2. I was afraid to fail. However, I've since learned to accept that to succeed, you have to try. If you don't try, it's true you can't fail (but it's also true that you can't  succeed, either).


15. Both the big things and the little things are important in life- don't overlook one for the other. There's so much emphasis on "enjoying the little things", right? And I understand that- people have become to totally wrapped up in their "big" stuff that they fail to appreciate the "little" blessings in life, and that's not good. But some people live wholly for the little things of life, and that's not good either. It all comes back to balance- live to enjoy what God sends your way, big or little or in between.


16. God is King over all, and He's in control, no matter what happens. So much has happened in 2016, including lots of anxious moments about the future and what it might hold. But it's also included a lot of truly beautiful moments that I wouldn't trade for anything. And above it all, there's the hope that God holds it all.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Thank you so much, dear readers! Thank you for reading and commenting and following and encouraging throughout this year. I appreciate you all so much! I hope that your 2017 will be one of your best years ever. ♥  What's something special that you learned in 2016?


//Emily

Tuesday Thoughts [3]- Shadows

{my picture}

shadows

lurk in the corners

and in the folds

of the unknown 

they're composed

of so many things

too nameless to count

but all so dark

the unknown waits 

ahead

as it's drawn back

the light floods in

erasing the shadows

up to the edge

of the dark future

 waiting

beyond

there's still the shadows

of darkness

hiding in the darkness

of the unrevealed

that seems to stretch

on and on

but the shadows are gone

for the moment

and when they arrive again

there'll always be

more light

that will erase

the never ending

but always defeated

shadows

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. // John 1:5

...And He said "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". // John 8:12

The Gift of Christmas

Every year, it's kind of the same, isn't it? Christmastime comes around. We see the same sights, watch the same movies, hear the same songs, and listen to the same story. It's all so familiar. 

  the jingle bells

         the red and green lights

                   the piles of presents 

                               the waiting 

                                         and the little baby in the manger 

{via}

Honestly, I don't really think that's the way it's supposed to be. Christmas is the time of year that we've set aside to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus! It's supposed to be a time of joy and hope and peace- not of stress and chaos and trouble. It's rather ironic, isn't it? With all the crazy rushing around that this time of the year tends to bring, I forget, too. I get worried and stressed about the presents to buy and wrap and the packages to mail and the parties to go to and the cookies to make...

All of those things are great and wonderful in their place! I love buying and giving gifts, and going to parties, and making cookies, and decorating. But that's not the point of the Christmas season. The point of the Christmas season is that God cared about us so much that He sent His perfect Son to be born as a baby and take on human form and live on earth as a man- all so He could grow up and be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. When I think about it that way, I'm suddenly not as concerned about that gift I  haven't bought yet and that party that I missed.

{via}

The first Christmas was nothing like what we usually imagine it as. It wasn't a perfect little scene in a clean stable with a few sheep standing around while Mary gazes at a baby with a halo around his head. In reality, it was a time of wondering and waiting and unfamiliarity. 

  the dusty and crowded roads

           the noise and chaos 

                     the unfamiliarity of it all 

                                the waiting 

                                          and the little baby in the manger 

Remember, this was Mary's first child, and she was most likely quite young- a teenager- when she was chosen to bear God's Son. I honestly can't imagine what she felt like during that time! But she did know that God had chosen her, and that His plans were infinitely the best.

{my pic}

With these thoughts in mind, I was thinking them over and feeling a bit ashamed of how many times I have heard or read the Christmas story this season, and how I've gotten so familiar with it that it didn't really effect me in the way that it should. I think all of us that have grown up hearing it every year can get like that sometimes. So I was trying to get back on track with remembering the real reason for this season and how unfamiliar and exciting and awe-striking it should be- and feeling rather guilty and un-joyful because of my previous mindset.

Then another thought came to mind. God sent the angels to tell the shepherds the good news, and they rejoiced! It was most certainly a time of rejoicing and celebration for those who knew and believed what had happened! It should be like that for Christians, too. With that in mind, it was much easier to get in the spirit of the holiday and be joyful again.

 So it's perfectly okay- and a blessing- to celebrate the season in the many different ways that we do. And I really think that when we do it with the right heart behind it, it truly honors Him. He gave the best gift of all to us, so we should be sharing that gift with others, especially this time of the year!

Even with only two days left until Christmas, it's not too late. We can still spread the love and joy and hope of this special season with others, and do it for the right reason. After all, the angels did say: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord."

Merry Christmas!

//Emily 

Christmas... In {Some} Photos and Quotes

{all images my own}

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

~ Luke 2: 10-12

I heard the bells on Christmas Day; Their old familiar carols play; And wild and sweet, the words repeat; Of peace on earth, good-will to men.  

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Merry Christmas! Long live the true king! 

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!

-Joy to the World

Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life. 

~Corrie Ten Boom 

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” … Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  

~ Luke 1:28-33 

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.

-C.S. Lewis 

“Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king.” Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! 

~ Hark the Herald Angels Sing

"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." 

~ C.S. Lewis

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

-Isaiah 9:6 

------♥------

I'm sorry that this post is late today, but I know ya'll understand! It's been one of those days where everything take much longer than you imagined it would- which is why you get a photography post with a few quotes thrown in, instead of what I was originally planning. I'm sorry for the lack of "real" posts lately, but they'll resume soon- I promise!

Have a fantastic week celebrating the birth of our Savoir, Jesus Christ!

//Emily 

Need Him

You're on your highest peak of life

And everything's just fine

You think you've finally figured out

Life's ever changing design

Until the peaks all disappear 

Amid the clouds of doubt

You're plunged into the valley 

And you think there's no way out

We need Him in the desert, we need Him in the rain

We need Him when our hopes and dreams have gone up into flames

We need Him in our highs, we need Him in our lows

We need Him all the time, because He's the one who knows

It's been a while since He came

And turned your life around

The valley's gone and now you think

You're fine, 'cause grace abounds

You've slipped back to your old ways

You're trying to run your life

You forgot the One who saved you 

From your guilt and strife

We need Him in the desert, we need Him in the rain

We need Him when our hopes and dreams have gone up into flames

We need Him in our highs, we need Him in our lows

We need Him all the time, because He's the one who knows

Life is going well for you

Since He rescued you again

You're on the mend, and life is good

'Cause you're forgiven and free of sin

But when you're tempted to forget

That you can't control it all

His words remind you of the time

When you first understood and saw

That

It's easy to forget

That we can't save ourselves

We get prideful and we think

We've got it all somehow

But when life starts to slip

Out of our control

We realize all too late

That we don't know it all

We need Him

We need Him all the time

I need Him

I need Him all the time

You need Him

You need Him all the time

We need Him in the desert, we need Him in the rain

We need Him when our hopes and dreams have gone up into flames

We need Him in our highs, we need Him in our lows

We need Him all the time, because He's the one who knows
That

We need Him

We need Him all the time

I need Him

I need Him all the time

You need Him

You need Him all the time

We need Him

We need Him all the time

<<<<<<<<<<<<

Just a little reminder to not forget that we need Him, every second of every day- because we all forget. I do. You do. We all do. And we need Him. I do. You do. We all do. May we all seek to grow closer and want to need Him every day! ♥

Survey Results and Updates

Hello, readers!
I am so happy to be back! I had a great break, and am excited to get back to posting again. =)  This post is full of random tidbits, as well as survey results, so consider it a bit of a catch-up post. My normal types of posts will resume next week.

Several of you had mentioned that you would like to see some of the results from my most recent  blog survey. Therefore, I've compiled some of the results below for you. ( And I do realize that this post is not the most atheistic- I tried to make some more cutesy and interesting pie charts to display the information, but my efforts failed, so you'll just have to stick to reading the facts- sorry!)

52%  have been reading for about 8-5 months
35%  have been reading for around 2-4 months
9%  have been reading since the beginning
4%  have been reading less than a month

87%  think that it's perfect
9%  think that it's not enough posts a month
4%  think that  it's too many posts a month

26%  think I should keep my current blog design
17%  think I definitely need a design upgrade
26%  weren't sure
31%  added extra thoughts, and generally suggested a  design change or a few changes

52%  follow with GFC
26%  follow with email
13%  don't follow
9%  follow with Bloglovin'






70%  think the name is perfect
17%  think it's nice
13%  think it's okay, but another name might suit better

52%  are ages 16-19
35%  are ages 13-15
9%  are ages 10-12
4%  are 20 or older





I always love reading survey results. :) What statistics surprised you the most?

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to complete  the survey. I really appreciate the feedback and comments, which helped me out a lot in deciding a few things about what to update and change. There will be a few slight changes to A Purpose and A Promise in the next couple months, although nothing too drastic until the New Year (yes, more surprises!) Please bear with me in the next few weeks as I adjust a few things. :)

There's one other random thing that I wanted to address, since I haven't yet done it and I should- about photo credit.  All the photos that I use on my blog are either from Unsplash. com or Pexels.com (and therefore free and in the public domain), or are my own. I always want to give proper credit where it's due, especially as a photographer myself. All photographers work really hard for their photos, and they deserve the credit for them! I don't use Pinterest photos for that reason, and from now on, I'll try to make it clear where the credit goes to for any photos I use on my blog. Photos that I use for title images that don't have a credit underneath are ones from the public domain that I edited. My own photos are marked as mine, whether I edit them or not. If I have ever failed to give proper credit anywhere, I apologize, and please make sure to let me know if I ever forget in the future! Sorry to ramble, I just wanted to get that out there. ;)


Thank you all for being amazing readers! Have a wonderful weekend. =)

//Emily 

Book Review | 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart

Author: Liz Curtis Higgs

Series: None

Genre: Non-fiction

Published: 2016

Publisher: WaterBrook Publishers 

Pages: 224

Age Group: All ages

Here are the words of hope you’re looking for when your faith needs a boost or a friend needs encouragement. Chosen by more than a thousand women as their favorite verses in the Bible, each one is worth learning, worth sharing, worth remembering,
You’ll find verses you already know and love: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Others may be less familiar but are no less powerful: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). All of them capture the truth of God’s goodness, mercy, and love for His own.

31 Verses is a really neat little book with a lot packed into it! It contains 31 different Bible verses from both the Old and New Testament, and a few pages on each that dive deep into each verse and explain them. I love how it included popular verses that almost every Christian knows, as well as lesser-known but still amazing verses that deserve to be known. Each verse is examined in detail, and several different translations of the verse are written, which was helpful in diving deeper into each one. It can be used as a devotional, reading on one verse a day for a month, or in a Bible study group (it includes a guide in the back). In all, I enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it! 

**I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review**

------------------♥----------------

A quick note to say thank you  to everyone to took my latest blog survey! I appreciate the feedback so much. If you haven't taken the survey yet, you can do so here. 

Thanks for reading, and have a great November!

//Emily 

Announcement || Blog Survey

Hello, everyone! I hope you're having a great Friday.

First off, I would be super thrilled if you could take a minute or two to fill out my blog survey. I'm always eager to know what my readers think, and surveys are a great way to find that out. ;) This survey is a little different, as it's all anonymous. So you don't have to worry about offending me!  xD I'll most likely be sharing a few of the survey results with you in a few weeks- we'll see. (Would you be interested in seeing some of the results? Let me know in the comments.)
Just click the link to begin! ----> Click here to begin!


Okay, now on to the announcement. I have decided to take a short blogging break from next week until the end of November. I have a lot going on this month, including lots of traveling, so I feel like this would be a good time to take a break. I do have a book review scheduled for Tuesday, but after that, I won't be posting until December. (Okay, I just realized that December is the next month in the year. It's also the last month in the year. How on earth did that happen?)
Anyway, I know I'll miss you all and your comments for a little while, but hopefully I'll return to the blogosphere fresh and inspired in a few weeks. ( I hear that blogging breaks are good for that). =)

I also want to know how your October went! What were some of your adventures this past month? Are you doing NaNo this year? Comment and tell me!

I'll see you in December!
//Emily 

what if

what if

we could look inside

someone else's mind

and see what's really

inside?

someone

like that girl

who you thought

looked perfect

and had it all

and who is really

struggling

and depressed

and so alone?

someone

like that guy

out on the street

who looks so weird

and wanders around

yet who's really

a renewed soul

who needs a

chance?

someone

like yourself

who feels imperfect

and useless

and yet at other times

feels just fine

then starts it

all over
again?

what if

we all need

something in common

to heal and renew

and give another chance

and show us we can't

do it alone?

'cause no one can

what if
we saw all this

and accepted

the help we can receive

if we ask?

i think

we'd be surprised

at what will happen

-written 9.4.16

Lovely {Writer} Blogs

Hello, readers!
Today I have some more blog recommendations to share with you! A few weeks ago, I shared some of my favorite inspirational blogs with you, and today I have some of my favorite writer's blogs to share! These are blogs that are purely or mostly devoted to writerly-type posts, or actual pieces of writing.

A Writer's Faith, written by Katie Grace

Katie Grace writes mostly about, uh, writing, and she's written several novels already. Her blog design is really beautiful and professional, and she has lots of great writing tips, plus posts about books and other awesome things like that. Make sure you give her blog a follow, if you don't already!

Twilight to Dawn, written by Julia Ryan
Twilight to Dawn is Julia's poetry blog. Instead of rambling about it, I'll just say that you should definitely head over and check out her beautiful poetry right now!

Pen and Ink, written by Megan
As the title of her blog suggests, Megan does indeed write about writing! In fact, her most recent post is all about things that all writers know to be true. Megan also writes posts such as book reviews, tags, and life musings, so make sure to stop by her blog!

Scattered Scribblings, written by Savannah Perran
I'm so excited that Savannah's blog is now public, so I can share it with you! Savannah writes posts about writing, books, and other random things, plus some amazing poetry and novellas.  Make sure to stop by and give Savannah's blog a follow!

The Left-Handed Typist, written by Abi Ellison 
Abi's blog is mainly about writing and books, which is always a great combinations, isn't it? ;) She has written a novella, and has lots of other story plots that sounds really interesting! She writes posts about writing, books, and other neat things, so make sure to stop by her blog as well.

I hope you were able to find a few new blogs to perhaps encourage and help you out in your writer's journey. And even if you're not a writer, these blogs are totally worth reading anyway! =)

//Emily 

One Life

one life

so precious

messed up

full of guilt

shame

and regret

about the decisions

that were made

it seems like

the only way

to fix the problem

but deep down inside

full of the knowledge

that it's wrong

but it feels

like there's no other choice

but to go ahead

and regret it

forever

one life

so precious

unborn

full of potential

unique

and special

made by the Creator

from His very hands

robbed of the chance

to ever live

the amazing life

that He gave

especially for it

that unheard voice

is crying out

for life

to live

and be loved

forever

--♥--

one Life

so perfect

eternal

holy and just

sent to be

the ransom

for many other lives

no matter what 

they look like

messed up or guilty

shameful or regretful

broken or empty

everyone's life

has something of those

which is why the

one true Life

came to give His life

for those who will accept

forever

so spread the word
and help others
to learn of
the one Life
that was given for them
while fighting for
the ones
who can't speak up
for themselves
becuase every life matters
to Him
who gave His life
for all
and would have
even for only
one life
because even one life
matters
forever

-written 9.3.16 and 10.13.16 

Life is precious. Let's spread the one true Life to others as we proclaim the message that every life deserves a chance. Because even one life matters to Him. ♥

//Emily 

Monday Musings [1]- Broken

we all

want to be whole

be perfect

be together

we all

are not whole

we're not perfect

we're not together 

we say

we're okay

when we're not

 we act

like we're fine

when we're not

it's okay

to not be whole

or perfect

or together

if we were all

already whole

then we'd have

no need

for a Savior

so be honest

and free

and broken

because 

we're all broken 

and imperfect

and not together

and that's okay

'cause that's how

the Light gets in-

when we're broken 

>>>>

He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. // Psalms 147:3 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. // Psalms 51:17

Triple Tag Time!

Hello, everyone!

I have been tagged for several different tags in the past couple of months by several lovely people. However, like I mentioned before, I won't be doing all of the tags that I may get nominated for in the future. Please know that I do appreciate being tagged, and I will still be doing tags, just not very often. =)

However, today I have three tags that I decided to do...hence the title. I know that I was tagged for all of these last month, but hopefully you can still enjoy reading this month! xD

On to the tags!

> The Ultimate Writer Tag from Allie

R U L E S
> Link back to the writer who tagged you (Thank you, Allie!)
  > Answer all of the questions, including the "Ultimate Writer Question".
> Make up your own "Ultimate Writer Question".
>  Tag as many writers as you'd like.
> HAVE FUN AND BE NICE.

01. When did you first begin writing? I was about seven when I wrote my first real "story". However, it wasn't until recently that I begun writing longer pieces (such as a novel).

02. What are the best things (pros) about writing? One of my favorite things about writing is the way that writing allows you to express feelings and ideas to others in a way that not much else can. And the way that writing  can impact people is amazing, if you use it in the right way!

03. What are the worst things (cons) about writing?  To me, the worst thing about writing is when you know what you're trying to express, to put down on paper, and the right words just won't come! 

04. What is your favorite thing to write? (novels, stories, poems, etc.)  I like writing short stories and poems the best, although I occasionally write other things. 

05. What is your favorite genre of writing? Historical Fiction or Contemporary. I also like a little fantasy, but I really haven't written much in that genre up to now. 

06. What are your favorite writing resources?  WordHippo is great for finding new, unusual, or rhyming words. I also am excited to try NaNoWriMo for the first time this year!

07. Do you like writing in guy’s POV or girl’s POV?  A girls' POV most of the time, since it's the easiest for me to write. 

08. What is your favorite music to listen to while writing?  I normally only listen to Christian music anyway, so I don't have a particular favorite. In fact, sometimes I like writing in quiet better. xD  

09. What are your favorite writing snacks?  Chocolate, smoothies, or something crunchy, like chips. Although I don't really eat while I write, those are nice for breaks. 

10. What is your favorite place to write? I actually hardly ever write at my desk... it's usually on my bed, when it's quiet.  

11. What is your favorite time to write? At what time do you write the best?  I prefer to write at night, normally. Since I'm a night person, it comes naturally to me, and I do think I write better at night most of the time!

12. What are your favorite famous authors/writers? Some of my favorite authors include L.M. Montgomery, C.S. Lewis, and Martha Finley. You can decide if they're famous or not. :D

13. What/who inspires you to keep writing?  Jesus, my friends and blogger friends, and my family. 

14. How do you find inspiration?  Where do you find inspiration? I would have to say that I find inspiration for writing in very unusual places. Most of the time, I can't even remember where certain of my ideas came from. But I do know that I get a lot of inspiration from reading. 

15. Who are your writing buddies? Although it's sad to admit, I've never yet had a writing buddy that I actually *write* with! But it sounds like a great idea, so I need to find one. :)

 ALLIE'S ULTIMATE WRITER QUESTION: What is your best advice for editing your novels or stories? I'm not sure if I should be answering this, since I've not yet edited a novel. But when the time comes, I highly suspect that I will be clinging to the advice to NEVER GIVE UP!

 MY ULTIMATE WRITER QUESTION: What do you do when you're ready to just give up on your WIP because of writer's block?

 I   T A G-

Allie Taylor, Rebekah and Autumn 

> The Liebster Award [2] from Julia

{There were no rules included in Julia's post, so I'll just skip it as well}

01. If someone handed you a puppy, what would you do?  Probably pet it, then give it to one of my little brothers. 

02. Would you rather camp in a tent with nothing for a month, or be snowed in a log cabin with everything for 4 months? Yikes! I'd prefer neither, but if  I had to pick, I would definitely take the log cabin. I like camping, but not that much. And not without necessities. xD 

03. Your most used word? (i.e. dude. yo. bro. huh. uh. whatevs) Definitely "like". I say it way to much. 

04. If you HAD to move and got to choose the place, where would you go? I have no idea, so I think I'll move on...lol...

05. Are you involved in any Instagram group chats? If so, include a short and utterly goofy snippet.  I'm not on Instagram, so no.

06. Would you rather have poison ivy or chicken pox? Poison ivy (although why must you ask such questions, Julia?!)  

07. What do you do when you're nervous?  Twist my hair, which is a rather unfortunate habit to have.  In fact, I do it all the time, whether I'm nervous or not.

08. Do you write poetry? If so, include a poem. Yes, I do like write poetry. And yes, I'll include a poem, since I must. It's not one of my best, but it's pretty short. 

Sometimes

It takes a while

For our prayers to seem to work

We see it

From our narrow viewpoints

And not from God's

Who sees it perfectly

Much better than we do

When we're tempted 

To give up

To give in

To anger

And hate

And bitterness

We should remember

How narrow

Our viewpoint really is

And how His plans

Are so much better

Than ours 

09. Can you remember passwords??  Most of the time. Unless I get too creative, which I try not to do.

10. What are you looking forward to right now?  Several things, really, but one of the first ones would be cool weather for fall!

I  T A G-

Whoever would like to do this! Julia's questions are really good, so I'll just go with those.

> The Music Tag from Jessica 

R U L E S

 > Thank the person who tagged you (Thanks again, Jessica!)

> Answer the questions.
> Tag others.
> Add your own question to the tag for your nominees to answer.
> Include the rules in your post.

01. Do you play any instruments? I've played the piano for about  7 years (although I've gotten rather rusty lately!), and am learning to play the violin, which I really enjoy. 

02. What is your favorite music genre? I like a lot of different genres, really. Classical music and old hymns, as well as some modern Christian music. I suppose it's better to ask which genres I don't like! And yes, I do normally only listen to Christian music. Just a personal thing. ;)

03. Is there a music genre you absolutely cannot stand?  I don't like rap (even Christian rap... sorry!), or hard rock, etc.

04. What is your favorite way to listen to music? (CD, vinyl, MP3, radio, etc)  I usually listen to music either on the radio, on a CD, or on my iPod. 

05. What/who are your three favorite bands/singers?  Three? Well, I don't think I can narrow it down that much, since I tend to like certain songs from a lot of different bands more than just certain bands themselves. But a few that I do enjoy include Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Francesca  Battistelli, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe....

06. What are your three favorite chords? Interesting question! I like C major on the piano, just because it's basic and easy and soft. Besides that, I'm not sure if  I have any favorites...

 JESSICA'S QUESTION: What do you think is the purpose of music? What a great question! I think that music has a lot of valuable uses, include uplifting and enhancing our lives, for our pleasure and enjoyment, for worship, and a lot more. 

MY QUESTION: How has a certain piece of music influenced your life?

I  T A G -

Anna | Kara Lynn | Hannah 

I hope you were not too swamped by three tags in one post!  I'd love to hear your answers to some of these questions, so if you want, pick your favorite question (or two) from the tags, and answer it in the comments. :)

Thanks for reading, and have a lovely weekend!
//Emily