The Christmas Tag

I was tagged for The Christmas Tag! Christmas is in three days, folks! Are you resting in the peace of Jesus Christ and rejoicing in the hope He brings? ^_^

I admit, often it's hard to spend December being still before God and developing a heart of worship and praise. This month has been difficult for me in some ways, but it has also had many beautiful moments and I've been able to spend quite a bit of time in prayer. I pray that you allow yourself to be filled with His love, joy, and peace this Christmas season and into the new year of 2018!

Anyway, on to the tag! Thank you, Natasha @ Simple Things for tagging me! *hugs*

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1} What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I don't believe I watch actual Christmas movies. However, Love's Long Journey (2005), Felicity: An American Girl Adventure (2005), and The Sound of Music (1965) are perhaps movies I've seen during the Christmas season and have a cozy, nostalgic, or festive feel to them. The first two have parts of celebrating Christmas in the duration of the film.

The TV series, Call the Midwife (2012-), has some lovely Christmas specials that I've enjoyed. (Note: I haven't exactly kept up with this series because some of the later seasons have been pushing liberal agendas.)

2} Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes, indeed! At least during the years I lived in the cold and wintery state of Minnesota. Last year I experienced a white Christmas, I believe. *smiles*

3} Where do you usually spend your holiday?

At home! Going to relative's houses for dinner. There have only been a few times when my family actually traveled somewhere for Christmas.

4} What is your favorite Christmas song?

I love O Come, O Come Emmanuel. One version, of many, that I like is by Celtic Angels.

I also enjoy O Holy Night, Mary, Did You Know?, Carol of the Bells, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

5} Do you open any Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve?

Um ... I don't really know. I didn't last year, anyway, haha.

6} Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Absolutely not. I don't keep up all that stuff, apparently. I never knew much about Santa Claus. *laughs and shrugs*

7} What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?

Well, I really enjoy the usual relaxed, family time that we have on Christmas morning. The kids are up fairly early, typically, wanting to see what's in their stockings. We have some special foods for breakfast. Everyone sits in the living room amid presents, sweets, and laughter. It's just cozy and close.

I've tried to make it a tradition to make Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake on Christmas Day. We've done it a couple years, and have all the ingredients to make it in a few days! ^_^

(Click the picture to find the recipe this pic goes with. I use this recipe, but don't follow it exactly.)

8} Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

It is real this year! Some years we don't have a tree. But this year we do and it's perched all lit up and lovely in our living room.

9} What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

Dark chocolate with sea salt? Spiced apple cider? Chocolate cherry pudding cake?? *hugs yummy food* Those kind of come to mind when I think about Christmas.

10} Be honest: Do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

Receiving gifts is fun, but it's not what I look forward to Christmas for. And ... I'm not much of a gift-giver. I don't always get excited in anticipation of presents (though I do usually like what I receive & truly appreciate people's thoughtfulness and care! *hugs sweet people tightly*), so maybe giving gifts isn't something I'm good at, likewise.

If I bought/put together a gift that I knew someone would really love, I could get very excited to give it to them and feel a lot of warmth in the face of their happiness.

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11} What is the best gift you've ever received?

Quality time. Connection and conversation. Laughter. Genuine hugs.

Not saying I don't feel special when people take the time to buy and give gifts to me. Especially gifts that they would only know to give me if they took time to get to know me! Presents are special things. It's just that my primary love languages involve relationship and conversation. *winks*

12} What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

*thinks* *thinks some more* Well, I do have very fond memories of having family reunions of sorts during Christmastime.

Vacationing at a nice city all festive for Christmas is fun.

13} Are you a pro present-wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

Probably closer to failing than being a pro.

14} Most memorable holiday moment?

Playing a lively game with my grandparents, older brother, aunt and uncle, and cousins on Christmas Eve, I believe. We laughed crazily and it was beautiful. Still warms my heart and makes me smile when I think about it.

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15} What made you realize the truth about Santa?

As I mentioned above, I never really got into the Santa stuff. I watched that one movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, perhaps once. And I've seen a couple random movies about Santa Claus or Jack Frost. But those traditions and fanciful tales were never a huge part of my Christmas celebrations. Not the real reason for celebrating Christmas anyway, right? *smiles*

16} Do you make New Year's resolutions? Do you stick to them?

No, I probably never have seriously made any.

17} What makes the holiday special for you?

Family time // candlelit evening church services // singing joyful and peaceful Christmas songs // holiday foods // festive gatherings // ... I can't always hold onto it, but I seek to dwell on the love, joy, and peace of the Lord. To reflect on the hope the birth of Jesus Christ brought. Because He came, I now have a Savior. I have been given the undeserved right to be a daughter of the Heavenly King. I have been given the gift of adoption into an eternal family.

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During the Christmas season, I want my heart to swell with the beauty of God's plan and the joy and peace of belonging to Jesus forever.

It is perhaps a time to remember and dwell on the truly important things in life - and that is a precious thing to me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Turning Twenty-One

I turned twenty-one yesterday!

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Now I should think of something profound to say. But ... I'm not really coming up with anything. Hmm. Here are some of my thoughts - briefly and unorganized.

I thank God for bringing me this far - and that He's been with me each step of the way, even when I've thought I was alone.

And I look forward to growing ever closer to Jesus Christ this 21st year of my life ... and forevermore! Because He is everyone and everything that gives life meaning.

I look forward to going on new adventures. I look forward to growing in fearlessness and grace. I look forward to reading more soul-stirring stories ... and, perhaps, writing a few of my own. I look forward to being filled up with the love of God. I look forward to new friends, close relationships, nurturing, and speaking life to people. I look forward to spending time with old and dear friends. I look forward to maturing as a prayer warrior. I look forward to another year of blogging and interacting with my amazing readers!

***

Lots of blessings came my way this birthday! On Saturday, my mom took me out for coffee at Panera Bread. She surprised me by inviting the ladies from our Bible study group (two of which are my aunts). That was so special for me! I loved the sweet fellowship with them and was so glad that each of them came. <3

This is the book we're going through in our Bible study: A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas.

Sunday, I attended Sunday school at a church I've gone to three times now. Afterwards, they had a Christmas party for the college-aged people. That was really fun, and I felt truly blessed ... like God worked it out that I could spend time in fellowship with some brothers and sisters in Christ my own age on my birthday!

We ate lunch, exchanged gifts, played some fun games, and talked. I truly enjoyed myself and look forward to getting to know this group better! *smiles*

Then I came home. My mom had made a gluten-free, dairy-free cake and we had meatballs, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for supper. It was all so delicious. I got my chocolate cake at last! *laughs* <3

They sang 'Happy Birthday' to me and we ate cake, talked, laughed, and played games such as "spoons" and "golf".

What's more, I received lots of lovely birthday wishes from friends on Facebook, and emails and cards. They all blessed my heart so! ^_^ THANK YOU, DEAR FRIENDS!

Here are gifts I'm received. So blessed to have been given these!

Did you notice the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD adult coloring book??? My siblings bought it for me, and I'm so thrilled! This coloring book, made for the eight-book fantasy series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is beautifully illustrated by Hannah S. J. Williams. It just released! Purchase it on Amazon today! *grins*

***

It was a beautiful 21st birthday. I hope and pray that I have a beautiful 21st year spent deepening my relationship with Jesus and all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! A year of growing and serving and loving and laughing and adventuring. A year of rejoicing. A year of making much of His name!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

Praise Him in the heights!

2 

Praise Him, all His angels;

Praise Him, all His hosts!

3 

Praise Him, sun and moon;

Praise Him, all you stars of light!

4 

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,

And you waters above the heavens!

5 

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

For He commanded and they were created.

6 

He also established them forever and ever;

He made a decree which shall not pass away.

7 

Praise the Lord from the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths;

8 

Fire and hail, snow and clouds;

Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

9 

Mountains and all hills;

Fruitful trees and all cedars;

10 

Beasts and all cattle;

Creeping things and flying fowl;

11 

Kings of the earth and all peoples;

Princes and all judges of the earth;

12 

Both young men and maidens;

Old men and children.

Psalm 148

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My Doings

Hey, my lovely friends! How are you doing? I hope your day is blessed and that you are filled with the joy of the Lord so that you can bless others too! ^_^

I myself am a bit tired today, among other things, so I'm finding myself being irritable. Eek! Trying to speak with a happy tone and calm heart to my five-year-old sister and two-year-old brother. They're home with me right now as the rest of the family is out working on our new house.

Speaking of the new house ... it's coming along! We're doing a lot of renovations, so it'll be awhile yet before we move in, but it's exciting to see all the work that's been done so far!

We ripped out all the carpets the first day we went there. Then we had to take a break while my mom ordered an asbestos test and got all that done. No asbestos in the ceiling paint! We were able to go work again!

Yesterday, we spent the better part of the day working there. I vacuumed most of the house, which was covered in dust, dried paint, etc. from sanding down the ceilings. Then I spent most of the rest of the time dusting & priming trim and walls for painting. We had two of our cousins helping out that day, and it was fun to work and eat lunch/snacks together. The more the merrier! ^_^

By the end of our work day there, I was sitting on the kitchen floor, surrounded by painting supplies, sanding tools, and bags of lunch food, holding my two-year-old brother as he drifted off to sleep. It was a good day. I drove home with half the kids, and my mom with the other half.

Last Saturday I was cleaning houses with my family. That was a very busy day as well. (One highlight was I got to go to Chick-fil-A. *grins*)

And ... overall, it's just been busier than normal. Besides spec house cleaning and working on our house, we have been trying to sort through all of our possessions before the move - getting rid of things and figuring out what we need.

I now have Bible study on Sunday nights and a few Christian Living books I've been working through.

And continuing to form friendships! *smiles*

Plus, I'm trying to set my priorities straight. More time spent in God's Word and in prayer ... perhaps cut back on some other things.

It's been good to just reevaluate. Breathe. Organize. Toss out the junk. Put aside things I don't really need to be doing. Focus on what's important. Growing closer to my Lord. People.

• Writing.

My "writing progress" has gotten a little pushed into the background. I'm 61% through Silver Rose, and have come to a bit of a standstill. But that's okay. Sometimes we need to just step back from something and breathe a little before going back to work on it. I'm still hoping to publish it fairly soon! Because writing/putting out books is a blessing to me and my desire is that it would glorify God and speak life to the world!

I am blogging though! Here, and getting more efficient with Lady Grace: Embracing Light, True Womanhood, and God's Perfect Path - I'm trying to post there every Tuesday and Saturday.

• Reading.

Besides Proverbs, Bible study reading, and some Christian Living books, I have two review books on hand. Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge. And The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller. Hopefully I'll get to them this month because they both seem lovely. ^_^

• Listening To.

I've been listening to a lot of songs, haha! I talked about this on Lady Grace, actually. *smiles* I also just discovered I really like young Christian artist, Hollyn. Some of my favorite songs by her are:

STEADY ME

MINE

LOVE WITH YOUR LIFE

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

• Watching.

I've been watching Matt Chandler's series, TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN. Also, just random videos from Joseph Solomon, Girl Defined, and other Christian Youtubers. One such video I really liked was:

I don't think I need to add anything to that. Perfection. ^_^ Live and love God where you are!

• Moments.

When I don't fall asleep until 2 or so in the morning, and then am awake at 5:30 AM, unable to sleep. So I pray awhile. Listen to some music. Get up and read my Bible and study books. Wander into the kitchen and do the leftover dishes, put some wash going, fold a batch of clothes ... feeling real efficient. Ha! Peoples, I am not a morning person. I told my mom she better hope I never go back to sleeping normally, so I'll get more work done around the house. XD

That went on for about a week, and I didn't feel exhausted even though some nights I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep. Now I think it's finally catching up on me. I was feeling pretty tired today, so I decided it would be best to stay home from working at the house and give the little ones a break too.

Anyway, I am sleeping better! But still staying up fairly late with my headphones on, listening to Hollyn - just to relax and dwell on resting in the Lord's love.

I've been doing some other exciting things, (for me, anyway!), such as driving to Cracker Barrel with my sister on Memorial Day to meet the rest of my family for a fun evening. Truthfully, it was only like the second time ever that I've driven on a freeway. :p

• Looking Forward To.

• Family Reunion
• Seeing my brother in a few months (Lord willing)! <3333
• Going forward with Silver Rose
• Moving into our new house
• Just seeing what awesome ways God works in my life and the lives of those around me

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;

    with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known

    through all generations.

I will declare that Your love stands firm forever,

    that you have established Your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Psalm 89:1-2

Top Ten Most Exquisite Titles of Coming Releases

Do you all think book titles are important? I certainly do! Some are fun, some are beautiful, some are chilling, some are mysterious. Some make your heart soar! Here are ten novels coming in 2017/2018 whose exquisite titles I simply adore! ^_^

***

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

On the eve of her wedding, Lady Elisabeth Lawson's world is shattered, as surely as the fine glass windows of her colonial Williamsburg home. In a town seething with Patriots ready for rebellion, her protection comes from an unlikely source - now if she could only protect her heart.

Series: Standalone

Publication Date: January 2nd, 2018 (Revell)

***

White Dawn by Sara Baysinger

This is the beginning of a new era.

The slate is clean.

A white dawning has emerged and I'm ready to face the day.

AURORA WHITCOMB has taken the place as Chief of Ky, but the ghosts of her past continue to haunt her future.

RAIN TURNER has lost the the embers that kept his hope burning, and all he’s left with is a raging desire to avenge the love of his life.

With an insatiable hatred toward each other, Aurora and Rain must learn to work together to bring the country back to its feet. In order to do so, they must be invincible. But being invincible isn’t only about conquering the battles in the physical world. When their journey to rescue Ky takes a violent turn for the worst, Aurora and Rain must learn the true meaning of forgiveness, not only for each other, but for those who haunt their pasts.

Series: Black Tiger #3

Publication Date: July 6th 2017 (StarFinder Press)

***

Amber Eyes by S.D. Grimm

Series: Children of the Blood Moon #2

Publication Date: Unknown (Enclave Publishing)

***

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

As D-Day approaches, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton is teamed up with Dorothy Fairfax, a British officer. Once they piece together family and reconnaissance photos to map Normandy, will Wyatt's bombardment plans destroy what Dorothy loves most?

Series: Sunrise at Normandy #1

Publication Date: February 6th 2018 (Revell)

***

Keturah by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Series: The Sugar Baron's Daughters #1

Publication Date: January 6th 2018 (Bethany House)

***

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton

When settler Clare Inglesby is widowed on a mountain crossing and her young son, Jacob, captured by Shawnees, she'll do everything in her power to get him back, including cross the Ohio River and march straight into the presence of her enemies deep in Indian country. Frontiersman and adopted Shawnee, Jeremiah Ring, promises to guide Clare through the wilderness and help her recover Jacob.

Once they reach the Shawnees and discover Jeremiah's own Shawnee sister, Rain Crow, has taken custody of Jacob - renaming him Many Sparrows - keeping his promise becomes far more complicated, the consequences more wrenching, than Jeremiah could have foreseen.

Series: Standalone

Publication Date: September 19th 2017 (Waterbrook Press)

***

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

French romance. A storybook castle hidden away in the heart of the Loire Valley's vast wine country. A road for walking ... a castle's secrets for uncovering ... and a past (the French Revolution + WWII) for exploring! [taken from the author's post HERE]

Series: The Lost Castle #1

Publication Date: 2018 (Publisher unknown?)

***

Unbreakable by Sara Ella

Series: Unblemished #3

Publication Date: Unknown (Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins)

***

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

After being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah has had no prospects for marriage - until now. She hopes to please the man, but things go horribly wrong and she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces, and the enemies - and allies - she encounters on her way.

Series: Cities of Refuge #1

Publication Date: January 6th 2018 (Bethany House)

***

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

Series: Tales from Ivy Hill #3

Publication Date: December 2018 (Bethany House)