Blue Sky Tag

Hi, all! I was tagged by Grace @ True and Pure for the Blue Sky Tag! I really enjoy doing these ... so thank you, Grace! ^_^

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The Rules:

Thank the person who tagged you

Answer the 11 questions

Tag 11 people

Give them 11 questions

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1. What would you say is the hardest season that God has brought you through so far? Looking back, what did He teach you through that season?

I would say I had a pretty tough season of anxiety/fear and even depression. (I still struggle with anxiety, but I believe it's gotten better.) You can read about my personal journey HERE on Lady Grace.

Looking back, it's overwhelming to see that the moments I thought I was so very alone and that I either wasn't truly a Christian/or God didn't care about me, He was actually right there by my side.

On one of the worst, most fearful nights of my life, at 4 AM Pacific time I was certain I was abandoned. But at the same time, 6 AM Central time, in another state, my mom couldn't sleep and was awake praying for me.

When my mom told me that the next morning over the phone, I could have cried. I was shocked. And in that moment, I knew that I belonged to God - I was His child. Because He was looking out for me, even when I couldn't feel anything.

It reminds me of the poem, "Footprints in the Sand". Those times when we are so weak, and literally can't do anything, and think we're utterly alone ... our Heavenly Father is carrying us. *tears* What a beautiful, beautiful thing.

2. If you could only have three books with you on a desert island for the rest of your life, what would they be?

The Word of God first off, because I need His wisdom and to read of His love, holiness, and faithfulness! And heaven! ^_^ Then, perhaps, Waking Rose by Regina Doman, because it's such a lovely tome of fairy tale-ness, delight, suspense, and love. And, maybe Deliver by Tricia Mingerink, because it reminds me to be brave, trust God, and always hope! Also, it's a beautiful conclusion to a beloved series.

3. Do you prefer tea or coffee? And what kind (black or with cream and sugar, herbal tea, lattes, etc.)?

Tea. I drink some herbal teas, mostly for health purposes. But I do enjoy natural fruity teas, and, on occasion, lemon iced tea or unsweetened tea mixed with lemonade (from, say, Chick-fil-A!).

(from Pixabay.com)

4. What is one sermon/talk that you think every Christian should listen to?

The "To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain" series by Matt Chandler! Very inspiring. Both encouraging and challenging! Start a fire in my soul, Lord!

Understanding Grace by Joseph Solomon is also really good! A six/seven minute video filled with wisdom, humor, and depth. Makes you think.

5. What is one book that you think every Christian should read?

Besides the Bible, which is (should be!!) mandatory for every Christian to read, well ... hmm.

There aren't any that I think every Christian absolutely must read, but some I recommend for women are Girl Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird and Answering the Guy Questions by Leslie Ludy.

Men and women: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a really good one.

6. What is your favorite way to rest and de-stress?

Take a leisure walk outside (if it's warm). Snuggle up with a book and a snack. Talk, talk, talk - talk out all my emotions, and problems, and thoughts! Haha! Put on some worship music, read Psalms, watch short, inspiring videos from Christian speakers.

(from Pixabay.com)

7. Was there a time in your life that God answered a prayer in a really amazing way (share the story!)?

Yes! The story above (from the first question) is an example of an unspoken (or maybe even spoken, I don't remember) prayer.

I've also had times where God has brought me smoothly through situations that my anxious, un-trusting, controlling self thought I couldn't possibly get through okay.

Another special example is when I'd been praying for someone I cared about - that they would come to know the Lord/have a deeper relationship with Him. When I got the news that the person's life had suddenly taken a turn and they were seeking God, tears came to my eyes! For one, I had the assurance that this person was now forever my family and I would see them in heaven! And also, it's just a reassuring, beautiful moment when you realize God answered your prayer.

These are the moments to remember and cherish in hard times!

8. What is one childhood hobby that you wish you’d kept pursuing?

Ballet! I love dance. Especially ballet, because it's so graceful, elegant, and emotional - it can even be worshipful! I've watched women do ballet in worship of God, and it is a stunning and moving experience.

Dance speaks. ^_^

I did three years of ballet when I was younger.

(from Pixabay.com)

9. What is one childhood hobby that you’re really glad you stopped pursuing?

Um ... I don't really know?? Haha. Can't think of something specific.

10. What is your favorite hymn?

Blessed Assurance. Be Thou My Vision.

11. What books do you really want to read this summer?

Waking Rose by Regina Doman (re-read). Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson (re-read). Fearless by Cheri Fuller. Wonderland by Emory R. Frie. Fallen Star by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Unraveling by Sara Ella. Sandy Toes by Robin Jones Gunn. Paper Crowns by Mirriam Neal. When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin.

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I Tag:

Natasha @ A Camera and a Dreamer

Deborah O'Carroll @ The Page Dreamer

Claire B. @ Claire M. Banschbach - Fantasy Author

Felicity @ Poems, Prayers, and Promises

Amanda @ Scattered Journal Pages

Marita @ When I Hear Music

Sam @ Books and Arrows

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory

Rebekah @ Rebekah Ashleigh

Emily @ Living Through Jesus

Hannah @ My Bookcase and I

Questions (I'm going to use most of Grace's questions):

1. What would you say is the hardest season that God has brought you through so far? Looking back, what did He teach you through that season?

2. What's one book/verse from the Bible that has inspired you lately?

3. Do you prefer tea or coffee? And what kind (black or with cream and sugar, herbal tea, lattes, etc.)?

4. What is one sermon/talk that you think every Christian should listen to?

5. What is one (or more) book that you think every Christian should read?

6. What is your favorite way to relax and de-stress?

7. Was there a time in your life that God answered a prayer in a really amazing way (share the story!)?

8. What is one childhood hobby that you wish you’d kept pursuing?

9. What do you dislike most - spiders or snakes?

10. What is your favorite hymn?

11. What books do you really want to read this summer?