thoughts: change and two years

[ all images are mine]

US 

 uncertain // unsteady // alternating // changeable // wavering// inconsistent // irresolute // unstable // fluctuating // erratic // variable // changing 

GOD

enduring // eternal // immutable // changelesss // consistent // continuing // fixed // imperishable // invariable // lasting // perpetual   // unfading // unfailing // unfluctuating // unvarying // constant // unchanging 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. // Hebrews 13:8 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation of shadow due to change. // James 1:17

I really don't know where this is going. And I definitely don't want to be depressing, but somehow, contrasting God with us little tiny humans makes me amazed all over again. 

The fact that we, as humans, change is not always a bad thing. However, it's a relief to know that something -Someone- out there does not, will not, and will never change. Change isn't always bad, but sometimes (okay, make that usually) it's hard. And having something solid to cling to, to trust to, to run to, makes all the difference. 

///////////

The two years part of the title? Yes, this little corner of the internet has been around for two years already, and I can't believe it. Blogging started out as something to do "because it was cool". Now, blogging is something to do because it's just a tiny little way that I can share with others about the amazing God who loves me. 

In just two years, A Purpose and A Promise has undergone quite a few changes (speaking of that subject). I hope, though, that the basic message has not: living for God is our ultimate purpose in life, because He's the One who's given us our ultimate promise. My life is not perfect, nor is this blog perfect, but we have a perfect God who sticks with us no matter what, and I hope that's what you've glimpsed through this blog!

Anyway, I want to say a huge thank-you to every one of you who have read, followed, commented, or in any other way supported and encouraged this little blog. You are such a blessing! Getting followers is no longer why I blog, but the fact that 64 people would take the time to click follow is  humbling, inspiring, and encouraging. Seriously- thank you. xx

One Year Blogiversary!

As you may have guessed from the title, it's a special day here on the blog- it's A Purpose and A Promise's one year blogiversary! (And by the way, I'm still not sure the correct way to say/spell it. Blogiversary? Blogoversary? I suppose it doesn't really matter, so I'm sticking to blogiversary. ;D)

First off, I want to say a big thank you to all of my readers. Without your encouragement, comments, and follows, I doubt that I would still be posting on this blog right now. A year ago, I never imagined that 52 +  people would actually take the time to read and give feedback on what I wrote. I'm grateful to each and every one of you for making my blogging experience such a good one.

 ♥♥  THANK YOU!!!  ♥♥

Now, let's get on to a few stats from this past year:

the top three most-viewed posts-

~ other stats ~

 comments- 1141 

page views- 10, 252  (not including my own)

followers- 52  

posts- 70

 most-commented post -Summer Photography, with 39 comments

first commenters- Hannah, Hosanna, and Emma

++++++++++++

My super-sweet friend (in both the blogoshpere and real life), Hannah, has been my fellow "adventurer" as we both started out on the adventure of blogging around the same time last year. In fact, our blogiversaries are only one day apart! (Hers is tomorrow, so make sure you stop by and leave a comment or two to celebrate with her!) We decided we should do something together to celebrate, and decided on a short little "interview", of sorts. We each thought of 5 questions to ask the other, related to blogging. I've answered Hannah's question to me below.

1. What was the hardest thing about starting a blog?

For me, I think the hardest thing was figuring it all out. That may sound obvious, but when I first started blogging, I truly didn't know anything about it, as my first post proves quite well! Once I learned a little more about the basics, it became a lot easier. 

2. What is one fun memory from blogging?
Hmmm.... I remember once when I got 3 new GFC followers in one day. That put me in shock mode for the rest of the day, and it's funny to look back on that and remember it! :)
I also remember when we (Hannah and I) were both doing our first blog "makeovers" at about the same time. We asked each other a million and one questions about random things (how do you make the blog header the right size? How do you adjust the date stamp on the comments? How do you make a favicon? What's wrong with PicMonkey again?!) We sent photos and many many messages back and forth via Hangouts during that time, and it's one of my favorite blogging memories. =)

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging has been how, through just some simple words on a page, you can really reach out and effect people's lives for good. I'm not saying that I've done that- I'm simply amazed at the potential it holds! God has shown me that what I write really can and does have an impact on others, and that's why everything should be pointing to Him!

4. What is your favorite post?
 I have several favorites, but I think #1 would be this one. 

5. How has your blog and yourself changed in this past year?
 Relating strictly to blogging, I can say that I've gained a whole lot of new knowledge about the blogosphere in the past year. A I mentioned above, I didn't know hardly anything when I first started, and I honesty never thought I'd be celebrating my one-year blogiversary with so many readers! My blog's design has changed majorly three times in the past year, and with each change, I think there's been a sort of re-inspiration that comes with it, if you know what I mean. Personally, I've gained a lot of experience by sharing my writing and thoughts with others in a lot of different ways. God has shown me a lot of different things through this blogging journey this past year.


Thank you Hannah, for the great questions! 


++++++++++

Well, that about wraps it up. I know this wasn't a big fancy post, but I just wanted it to be a simple recognition of an amazing goal reached. Thank you,readers. You all are amazing! <33 

I'd love to hear from you in the comments. If you've been following my blog for very long, what do you think's been the biggest change that you've seen? And when is your blogiversary? Let us know so we can celebrate with you when it's your turn! :)

//Emily 

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

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 

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 

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 

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 

September Highlights

Wow. Somehow, it's the last day of September! I can't believe how fast it went by (again!).

-ADVENTURES AND HIGHLIGHTS-

//Diving head first into school and all those other fun activities! :)

//Lots of birthdays! The gift of another year to learn and grow is always amazing. 

//Actually starting an outline for a new novel.

-BOOKISH THINGS-

I read 10 books this month, which is probably about my monthly average. :D

I enjoyed all of these books pretty well. My favorites included Authentic Beauty, The Birthright, Tramp for The Lord,and The Horse and His Boy. Authentic Beauty is an amazing book that I highly recommend. And of course, you can't go wrong with a Narnia book! xD My least favorite was Story Genius, which was rather disappointing. You can see my review of it here.

-BLOGGING-

There were so many lovely posts that I enjoyed this month! But let's see if I can round up a few of my top favorites.

// When God is Silent by Kara Lynn
// Broken Yet Beautiful by Anna
// The Me You Want Me To Be by Mikayla
// An Undivided Heart by Hannah
// 31 Hugs by Jessica
// Kalem by Hosanna Emily
// I Need You  (a guest post by Megan)

And in case you missed any, here are my blog posts from September:

// Presenting Poetry, September Edition 

// Tuesday Thoughts [2]- Your Eyes

// God Calls All Kinds

// Where Hope Prevails | Book Review

// Blog Thoughts || Lovely {Inspirational} Blogs 

// Be Who He Made You to Be

// Story Genius | Book Review

-THINGS COMING UP-

// Actually, really starting fall. I know that it's already officially started, but where I live, it doesn't even feel like it until October!

//Seeing what adventures God has planned for us in October!

How was your September? What are you looking forward to in October? Comment below!

Thanks for reading, and have a lovely weekend! <3

//Emily 

Blog Thoughts || Lovely {Inspirational} Blogs

Hello, readers!
This Friday's post is one that I hope you will understand and take the right way. I am not trying to make you feel guilty or anything! It's just some of my jumbled thoughts that I attempted to put together so that hopefully someone will be blessed by it in some way or another!

I have been thinking lately about the importance of doing everything with a extra-special purpose in mind  after reading Hannah's post last Saturday. (If you haven't read it, you should stop reading this and go read it right now!)
Anyway, this is especially true of blogs, I think. There are so many blogs out there to read! Even in the Christian blogging circles. It can take up a lot of time following and reading all those blogs.But guess what? Most of those blogs are good! There's nothing wrong with them. They're wholesome and clean. And they have great content. So what's wrong with that? Well, nothing! There is absolutely nothing wrong with reading and following lots of blogs! So if there's nothing wrong with that, then what is the point? Well, this is the point I'm *trying* to make (especially to myself!)
There's nothing wrong with reading or writing random, entertaining posts. ( I do it myself sometimes).  But is that the best thing to focus on writing as a Christian blogger? Is that what will matter in eternity? You're probably thinking what I thought as I was first contemplating this- "For goodness' sake, it's just a blog!" Yes, it is just a blog. And it's just a post- a post that can effect someone forever. A post that God can use for His glory. He can use anything, even blog posts!
Instead of reading and looking at photos of what someone ate for their breakfast that morning, what if we put our efforts into inspiring others to help give someone else a breakfast in another country who may not have one? Instead of posting all about us, what if we posted all about Him? What if we cut down on the number of blogs that we follow, to the ones that we really enjoy reading and benefit from so we can have more time to serve others?
Please understand- I am not condemning following lots of blogs, or writing fun posts at all! I enjoy fun posts like tags, and I still will be doing them. It's just trying to make our main goals to be less about us and more about Him.

With that in mind, I'd love to share a few blogs that I follow that really inspire and encourage me every time I read one of their posts. And guess what? They all post fun things as well! But it's obvious that these bloggers are directing their readers to think about something other then themselves- which is the best goal to make! Whether it's a tag, a poem, a Christian living post, or a review, these bloggers always strive to give God the glory.
Please don't feel bad if your blog isn't on here! I plan to do a few more of these blog recommendations, but on different topics, such as writing blogs,etc.So if your blog isn't mentioned, it probably will be in the future! :)

Anyway, I'll stop rambling now and get to the blogs.  (These are in no particular order).

Becoming Lost, written by Hannah E. 

Hannah and her blog are amazing! She recently changed her blog's name to Becoming Lost, and it truly reflects what her goal is- helping others become lost in Jesus! She is the author of the post I mentioned above. Hannah writes Christian living posts, book reviews, writing and photography posts, and more.

Having a Heart Like His, written by Hosanna Emily

Hosanna Emily's posts are so thought-provoking! She is a published author with a beautiful writing style. Most of her posts are on Christian living, and she reflects God's love so clearly in all her posts,while encouraging others.(Oh, and make sure you check out her book too!) 

Grace in Everything, written by Hannah P.

Hannah doesn't post a whole lot, but when she does, her posts are amazing! She shares poetry, thoughts, Christian living, and more posts about living as a Princess, a daughter of the King. And her blog design  is so pretty! :)

Bonnie's Blessings, written by Bonnie S.

Bonnie writes about a variety of things, so her blog would fit in almost any category! ;) All of her posts are encouraging and helpful, and her Christian living ones are especially nice. Bonnie's style  of writing is really fun to read as well.

Apples of Gold, written by Jessica

Jessica's posts are wonderful and she is a talented writer. She writes about Christian living and more, and her posts are always uplifting and insightful. The beautiful simplicity of her blog and posts are very refreshing!

Fifth out of Ten, written by Tane Hannah

Tane's blog is amazing! The design, her writing, and everything. She writes lots of beautiful poetry about life, thoughts, and Jesus, and every one of them is heart-touching. Tane is very talented, and it shows in her beautiful poems! 

Saved by Grace, written by Kara Lynn

Kara Lynn posts Christian living, review, and life posts. They are always so insightful and amazing. Right now, she has a blog post series started where she invites readers to share a story or testimony  about how God has worked in their life. You can check it out here.

Scattered Journal Pages, written by Amanda Beguerie

Amanda writes amazing Christian living posts, and her Bible Study series is wonderful! She is a talented writer, and her posts are so inspiring! 

If you don't already, please make sure to give all these lovely ladies and their blogs a follow!


Thank you for reading, and have a blessed weekend!

//Emily

August Highlights

So, August is over and summer is ending, and we have another monthly highlights post!  I apologize for this being posted so late- I was teetering between posting it today or on Friday, but decided to do it today since I have something already planned for Friday. ;)   So let's dive in!

~ADVENTURES AND HIGHLIGHTS~

//Enjoying the last days of summer! Even though I haven't done a whole lot this summer, I have gotten some chances to relax and just slow down, and that's been nice.

//Starting school and other activities again. Lots of busyness and fun!

//Beta-reading for some lovely people. Hopefully I'm getting better at it!

//Writing poetry. I've been writing a lot of poems lately, and am excited to share some with you through some more Tuesday Thoughts posts soon!

~BOOKISH THINGS~

I read 6 books this month, which for me is a rather low count. Anyway, I enjoyed the ones I did read and have some new books I'm looking forward to reading this month.

Books read in August: 6

Please excuse the weird format of these pictures! Hopefully you can tell which ones they are. :)

I liked all of these books pretty well. My favorite was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, though. Narnia is pretty awesome. ♥  I didn't really have a least favorite, although Women in Science wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was still a nice read, however, and you can read my review of it here. I also will have a review of Where Hope Prevails coming soon.

I'm currently reading The Horse and His Boy and Jesus Freaks  

~BLOGGING~

Ahhh... I read so many good posts this month! Here's a few that I especially enjoyed-

// Extending Grace- Especially in Our Conversations by Bonnie 

// Vanquishing Fears by Hannah P. 

// freedom by Julia Ryan 

// Monday Musings- Your Truth by Tane Hannah

// Stress, School, Schedules by Hosanna Emily

And in case you missed any, here are my blog posts from August:

//The Wisteria Writer Tag + the By the Book Tag

// Presenting Poetry, August Edition

// "Women in Science" Book Review

// Summer Photography 

// Tuesday Thoughts [1]- Free

// 7 Words That Aren't Real Words

~THINGS COMING UP~

//Fall! Fall is my favorite time of year- I can't wait for the pumpkins, the candles, the beautiful leaves on the ground, the spices.....

//Diving headfirst into school and activities again

//Seeing what adventures God has planned for us in September!

How has your August gone? What are you looking forward to in September? Comment below!

Thanks for reading!

//Emily 

7 Words That Aren't Real Words

Hello, readers!
I've mentioned before that I'm pretty random, right? And I also like posting an occasional fun post on my blog. So, this Friday's post is basically  a combination of my randomness, my inward writer, and want for a fun post.

Irregardless

So yes, irregardless is technically a "word", as in  it doesn't have a red line under it in the Blogger post. But really, what on earth does it mean? The opposite of regardless? With regards? Why not just say with regards.....?

Supposably

Oh, were you thinking of the word supposedly? I bet you were! 

Undoubtably

Another commonly miss-spelled yet accepted word, just like supposably. In this case, the word should be undoubtedly.  

Conversate 

This is definitely not a word- even Google says so! Converse works and sounds a lot better. 

Unthaw

This one makes me laugh. If you're unthawing something, you're freezing it. So why not just say freeze and save yourself a syllable?

Flustrated 

You can be frustrated or flustered, but not flustrated! Please pick one or the other.

Heighth  

Yes, this is a Bible word, and it was used in ancient times. But now, it's considered an out-of-date word, so just use height, okay?

I hope you enjoyed this rather unusual post! I had fun writing it. :D  What was your favorite "un-word"? Do you use any words like these?

//Emily