Beautiful People {June 2017}

I posted a few months ago an excerpt of my book I am Camilla. So that you get more of an idea of who Camilla is I decided to do a beautiful people post. These are are all about Camilla. If you don’t know what beautiful people is, basically it is a questionere hosted by two bloggers (read more here). Every month they post ten questions and writers can answer them. I’ve done this once before and really liked it so here I am. I also love reading these posts by other bloggers. I hope you do too. Enjoy!

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1. What’s their favourite place they’ve ever visited?

The places her family went on their road trip. They went to baseball games, the hall of fame, museums, a horse ranch, and even toured a veterinary clinic.

2. What’s one mistake they made that they learned from?

She learned that shutting other people out never gets you anywhere and that sometimes you need to be vulnerable.

3. What was their favourite subject in school? Or favourite thing to learn about?

Science, but only sciences relating to animals, especially biology and life science. She loves learning about animals, their anatomy, how to cure them, etc.

4. What’s their favourite flower/growing thing?

Palm trees! They only grow in certain parts of the state so she loves when she catches a glimpse of one.

5. Have they ever made someone cry? What happened?

Yes. She made her brother Jake cry because she socked him in the face at age ten when he insulted her riding skills. He was bleeding on and off for three days.

6. Would you consider them a reliable or unreliable narrator?

She can be on the more pessimistic side so she misinterprets people frequently .

7. What do they dream about at night?

She dreams about her family including her mom, baseball, and school.

8. They’ve gone out for a “special meal.” What would they eat?

Shrimp scampi with hot chocolate! Hot chocolate is a major part of their family and Camilla’s mom loved to cook and shrimp scampi was something she made often as a comfort food.

9. What’s at least one thing they want to do before they die?

To figure out who she is.

10. Do they have any distinguishing or unique talents?

She can muck three stables in under thirty minutes. She also has never lost a thumb war because she is always putting lotion on her dry hands.

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Camilla has a big personality and I love writing about her!

Do you participate in Beautiful People? If so, let me know because I would love to read your post!

Wishing you a super day!

-Rebekah

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My Summer Bink List 2017

The past at least two summer’s I have been doing this thing called a summer blink list. Basically, it is a summer bucket list (last year’s here). It’s called a ‘blink list’, because summer goes by so fast and so this list is things I want to accomplish before the ‘blink’ is over. Some of the things on my list I came up with and others I found on Pinterest (mine is here).

Keep reading to find out what is on my list!

1. This is always on my bucket list. Every. Single. Time. Watch a sunrise.

I have done it twice and I just get an exhilarated feeling watching the sun rise so I want to do it again!

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2. Witness the total solar eclipse on August 21st.

There is supposed to be a total solar eclipse this summer. I think that would be a really unique thing to experience, so I want to make sure I do that.

3. Leave a note in a Library book.

I think this would be really fun to do. And what better time to do it then summer?

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4. This is so random…. but I really want to try fried Oreos.

I know I’m probably going to the beach a few times this summer so I will have an opportunity. I have no particular reason for doing this. They just seem interesting.

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5. Finish an entire coloring book.

I love coloring and will hopefully be able to complete this wild goal!

6. Sew, Sew, Sew!

I love sewing and want to do more of it this summer. I have all the supplies and projects I want. I need to just start.

7. Have a shopping day.

The mall is one of my favorite places (I sound way too much like a teenage girl…. but it is true). It would be so fun to spend a whole day there with my friends. Since there is more time in the summer that is a perfect excuse.

8. Take more pictures.

I’m going to Florida this summer and also on a missions trip and I want to take a ton of pictures while I am on these trips. Plus, hopefully I will have more time to photograph my friends so I can build a portfolio and improve my skills.

9. Bible Journal more!

I love Bible journaling, but I don’t do it as much as I would like. Because I want to make sure I do it more, I’ve made it one of the things on my blink list so I am reminded to do it.

10. Enjoy the break!

I want some time to just kick my feet up, do a face mask, and swim at the pool. My summer is packed already. I’m looking for a few days to just relax.

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What is one thing you want to do this summer? Let me know in the comments.

Have a beautiful day!

-Rebekah

An Excerpt From My Novel

This past November I took part in my second year of Nano. I’d like to say it’s my first official year because the year before I only wrote a few thousand words (Wanna read an excerpt from that?? Comment and let me know).

This year I tried again. My goal was 15,000 words. I won and I’m so glad I did it. I already have some goals for next year.

Anyway, I’m doing Camp Nanowrimo in April (My goal is to get my book up to a total of 25,000 words). I thought it would be fun to share a summary of my novel and excerpt from it. Are you ready to finally read something?? Read on then (Hmmm, I feel like that was kind of obvious….)

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Synopsis

Camilla is fourteen years old and in 9th grade. She is going through that point in her adolescents where she is trying to find her self. Her mom died two years ago and she’s trying to coping with the loss. Plus, she doesn’t have any female role models in her life and lives with five guys. She feels like an outsider sometimes with four older brothers, especially when she acts like herself. Even her best friend is a boy and she doesn’t connect with girls. Through all of this Camilla has lost her faith in God and hates him at this point. Camilla struggles to find herself, make friends, and restore her relationship with God.

Excerpt

(The book is told from first person view of Camilla)

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^^Camilla

I didn’t expect to spend my Wednesday afternoon having a chicken nugget fight and ranting about peaches (ew, their just so hairy!), but it happened. After last night’s news, I wasn’t particularly cheery to say the least when I plopped down in first period the next morning. Ambrosia slid into her seat right next to mine. “Did you understand any of the homework?” she whispered nervously.

“Ummm,” I replied really intelligently.

“You ok?”

“Sure, just a rough night last night and yes, I did understand the homework,” I said.

“Wanna come over? We can talk about it later,” she asked, flipping her hair off her shoulder.

I was caught off guard but I replied casually, “Oh, well I have homework that I need to get done before youth group tonight.”

“Ok, maybe another time.” she said disappointed.

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^^Ambrosia

The rest of the day I felt sort of bad for lying to Ambrosia. I barely had any homework and nothing else planned other than youth group- which she was probably going to- that evening. I was just not in the mood for talking about my feelings or anything for that matter. Wow, sounded like the definition of my life right now.

The lunch line dragged on and on forever that day and I felt so self-conscious all alone. Ambrosia packed her lunch and was patiently waiting at our table. Dad didn’t have time for that anymore. I had always hated lunch lines and school lunches.

When I finally sat down, Ambrosia interrogated me again. “What’s wrong Camilla? You aren’t your normal self.”

“Nothing is wrong. Why do you think that! Can you please stop asking?” I snapped.

“Ouch,” called Jake who just so happened to be walking by, “and it’s because you bought tomato soup. We all know you hate it!”

“Ignore him,” Ambrosia rolled her eyes, “I completely understand. He was completely correct about the soup part though.”

I’m pretty sure she actually hated me though. I know I would if I were her. Gosh, I had a conscience. Nothing else note-worthy happened throughout the day but right after last period Troy came up to me and told me, “Hey Cam, turns out we have a spur of the moment play practice. I won’t be able to drive you home. Dad can’t either. Sorry.”

A plan began to form in my head. One in which I could show a little more love and not lose my only friend (ok, I’m not including Stan but he doesn’t really count). Hopefully, Ambrosia would hate me a little less after this. “No problem Troy. I’m going home with my friend Ambrosia. I’ll text Dad.”

What’s to lose? I ran over to her locker to tell her. “Hey…. So actually I don’t have homework to do and I would like to hangout if I still can- that is if I haven’t offended you so much that you never want to see me again.”

It sounded like I was begging and apologizing things I never did. Where had this change of heart come from? “That’s awesome! Why would I be offended?” she squeaked, “but before we leave we should go see the duet pairings! C’mon!”

“Wait, they are out???!” I asked.

We raced over to the choral room. The list was there. I scanned it. I didn’t see my name. Great, my fear was confirmed, I am bad at everything, a complete and utter failure– but Ambrosia interrupted my thoughts screaming, “CAMILLA! WE ARE PAIRED TOGETHER! THIS IS GREAT.”

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Thanks for reading! If you have any writing tips I’d love to hear them below.

What do you think so far? Would you want to see more excerpts or an excerpt from my 2015 novel?

Let me know in the comments!

-Rebekah

Everlasting Love

For some, today is filled with gooey chocolates and sweet love notes while for others it is a day that reminds them about what all their “missing out”on. All around the world, people are looking for something to fill them up. Many people turn to relationships and another person.

Those who don’t have this can be reminded of it, especially on a day full of showing others how much you love them. They can feel lonely and unloved. Even if we reach what we think will bring us happiness: a job, a friend, a significant other, a certain amount of followers, etc. We will realize that it didn’t fill us up and we will just keep searching.There is a way to find something that will fill us completely, a love greater than you can imagine.

You want to hear more about an everlasting love that is immeasurable and incomprehensible? Read the Bible. It is a book full of love letters for you from God, the one who made you and who holds the world in His hands. I want to show you one way that God shows us His awesome love.

God created us perfect. We decided to mess up and go our own way. God is holy and therefore, has no sin in Him. We can not be around Him because of our sin.

As it says in the verse above, we sinned. Therefore what is the consequence? Death. You may be thinking, we all die, right? Yes, we all physically die. That doesn’t mean we have to spend eternity separated from God (in a place called hell).

Then there is the magic word, but. This isn’t the end of the story. Even after mankind disobeyed God the first time, [Genesis 3], He loved us and wanted to work out a way for us to be with Him.

The only way this would be possible is if we somehow became blameless and pure. If one man could be pure then he could take on everyone’s sin, dying, falsely accused.

Before it was time for God’s full plan to come into action the Jews [God’s chosen people] had to go every year to sacrifice a lamb in exchange for their sins. The blameless lamb took on their sins and died in their place. This was obviously not an ideal situation. God wanted something that could be for everyone and last forever.

God sent his one and only son to die for us [Jesus]. Jesus became like the lamb, except through Him it could be once and for all.We weren’t perfect [or any where near it] when God sent His son. Jesus came in the middle of our rebellion.

What did we do to earn this gift? Nothing. Zap, nada, none. Even if we were trying, nothing we would do could ever come close. God showed His outstanding love for us in this.

Are you starting to see the theme? We messed up and fell short time and time again and God still loved us. He demonstrated this when He sent His son. No one can love you as much as God. We all fail and disappoint. God’s love is unfailing.

We have the chance to accept this free choice of spending an eternity with God and accepting His love. You know that feeling you receive when you mess up so badly and you feel worthless? God can take that away. He loves you so much and forgives you of all those crummy things you’ve done.

Do you want to know how you can receive this free gift? In Romans 10:9 it says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

That isn’t very hard, is it? God forgives us each and every time we mess up. Most importantly, we don’t have to be perfect to believe in Him. So, what’s holding you back from accepting this radiant love that will never run out?

If you are feeling down today remember that there is a God out there that knows you by name and loves you.

-Rebekah

Guess who was nominated for Some Awards? (Me!)

A few days ago I was nominated for two awards, the Selcouth award (which I had never heard of) and the Blogger Recognition award (I’ve done it before in this post). I hadn’t done an award post in FOREVER so I though it would be fun to do one or two so here I am :D!!! I was nominated by Rachel and Julia! You should really check out their blogs because they have awesome content 🙂

(Selcouth award) Rules:

• Thank the blogger that nominated you (and a link if you’re willing).
• Nominate 5-10 blogs (links too!).
• Answer the 13 questions given, and give the definition of your favourite (or just beautiful) word.
•  Ask 13 questions of your own. They must all be about writing, reading, books or book characters. Make them as creative/wacky/selcouth as can be!

1. What do you want to do with your life?

Well, that’s a deep way to start this post. Ultimately, I want to show people God’s love (so much so that they come to a relationship with him) and I want to be bold in following God wherever he leads me. Everything else falls under those two things.

2. Do you live with your character (mourn with them, rejoice with them)?

Not really. Though I think if I was a full time author or I wrote everyday on a certain story I would start to do that 😀

3. What’s your favorite book turned movie?

The Chronicles of Narnia! I love that series and the movies.

4. How do you get your writing ideas?

A few different ways. Sometimes I’m just sitting thinking and an idea just pops into my head. Other times through reading things on Pintrest, books, and WordPress or through real life experiences. I get inspiration from everything and I try to write it down as soon as I think of it (otherwise I’ll forget 😉 )

5. Which book would you burn?

The Illiad! I had to read it for school recently and I really did not like it. It is just really long winded and there is wayyyyy to much strife.

6. Which book would you like to take credit for?

The whole Percy Jackson series (be prepared for a lot of PJ and HoO mentions up ahead!) Rick Riordan’s writing is so captivating. He’s really good at sarcasm too. He introduced me to the third POV. I always think I know what is going to happen in his books and then it’s never what I thought. I could keep going but I won’t because I’m sure you get the point. I would love to take credit for his work.

7. Which book character would you like to be your brother or sister?

This such a hard question! It think Jason (Heroes of Olympus series), Tanner (Forever Faithful), and Peter (The Chronicles of Narnia) would make great brothers. I would like Piper (Heroes of Olympus series) or Jenny (Forever Faithful) as sisters.

8. Which book do you wish was a movie?

I wish they would make The Angles Walking Series into movies or make The Percy Jackson Series into movies based ON THE BOOKS.

9. How would you re-write Swiss Family Robinson? I really don’t like that book!

I haven’t read the book so I don’t think it would be fair to try to re-write it 😉

10. Which book character would you like to take out of a book and which book?

PERCY JACKSON (The Percy Jackson series/Heroes of Olympus)!!!

11. Which character is your soulmate?

No book character I’ve read so far embodies my soul mate.

12. Which author would you like to meet?

I would love to meet Karen Kingsubury. I love her books and she really inspires me.

13. How would you best describe Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia?

Empathetic, innocent, kindhearted, trusting. Lucy is adorable 🙂

My favorite word is average but I love the meaning. Haha, I just said it! Love.

Alright, now onto my questions:

1. If you were only allowed to have one book (and read nothing else) what book would that be?
2. What is the most boring thing you’ve written or been forced to write?
3. When did you start reading?
4. What book character is your soulmate?
5. Who is your favorite character that you’ve created?
6. If you could rewrite one book what would it be?
7. Do you prefer writing nonfiction or reading nonfiction?
8. What book would you like to take credit for?
9. Which author would you want to meet?
10. How do you get your ideas for you books?
11. What is our favorite type of fiction to write (action, fantasy, romance, etc.)
12. What book would you erase from existence?
13. How would you write about a character that you hate?

The Blogger Recognition Award! – Love My Dollies

• Thank that awesome nominator! And give a link to their blog(S)
• Write a post about this award
  
• Give a short bit about how/why your started your website
• Give two bits of advice for bloggers.
  
• Nominate 15 bloggers
• Tell those 15 bloggers via comment!

Thank you Julia (Love My Dollies) for tagging me!! I was so excited to get to do this again 🙂

How I started my blog:

In 2014, I had watched some YouTube videos and read some blog posts about dolls and I thought that it was cool. My friend Hayley and I then participated in a website coding class. We didn’t learn enough to make our own websites, but Hayley told me about WordPress. Through plenty of prompting by her I started americangirlguide (if you want to read more about me and why I blog click here)

My advice:

1. Resize your pictures. I wish someone had told me this when I started blogging!  If you don’t you’ll use up three GB worth of space pretty quickly. It’s really easy to do and saves lots of space. All you have to do is put the pictures into an editor (I use Picmonkey) and click resize. I like mine 400X300.
2. Don’t let your blogging become a stress. I know, I know, easier said then done. You should enjoy your blog. If you are staying up way past when you should, just to get out a post (that might not even be the best quality) or not letting yourself take a break because you don’t have any time.You need to take a breather. Blogging should be fun.

Nominations:

For both awards, I nominate anyone who wants to do them!

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I hope you like reading awards as much as I do!

Have a blessed day. Talk to you in the comments 😉

-Rebekah

5 Ways I Beat a Blogging Slump

If you have had a blog for a while then you have probably felt uninspired or you just don’t feel like blogging at least once before. This has happened to me quite often, so today I thought I would share five ways I beat a blogging slump.

1. Rest.

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Sometimes you need a break from the blogging world. Don’t worry about your blog or if your followers will stay (because unless you are unheard from for months on end this isn’t going to happen), it will be fine. You are supposed to be enjoying this break. When you feel like you are ready just hop right back in to blogging. If you cannot spring right back into blogging, try the other five tips. During this break, you could also use the time to become organized with school work or other reasons that you are having less time for school work.

2. Be Inspired.

When you don’t know what to post or you are just feeling lazy you need to be inspired. This might be through using Pintrest, reading someone’s blog, watching a YouTube video, or talking with other bloggers. I know whenever I talk to any of my blogging friends I am motivated to write. Pintrest group boards are also really great for collaborative ideas (link to my Pintrest here). I recommend writing down ten post ideas– they can be horrible— this is a sure-fire way to feel inspired. Take inspiration from your favorite posts to read and things you’ve seen recently in the community.

3. Become Organized.

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You have lots of ideas but they are all in your head you can easily lose them. There is usually more pressure you will feel if you aren’t organized. Here are just a few organization ideas that make everything so much easier:

-Create a schedule, even if you decide not to follow it. It is always a safe idea to have an outline.

-Write out the theme of your blog. If your blog doesn’t have a purpose, then it will be harder to tailor ideas to use.

-Create goals. Goals will give you a point of which to work from. If you know what you want to do and when you can pin-point exactly how to accomplish them.

Hayley (Flourishingbyrestfulfalls) did a really great series about blogging that I really recommend. She had so many positive responses with it. Here is the link to the first part.

4. Try Something new.

Starting with something that is fresh and new can jump start your productivity. Whether it is a new type of post, season change, blog theme, or a new way of taking photos doing something new will help get you excited about blogging. Find something new and challenging that you love. For me, this was experimenting more with photography especially through taking more vertical pictures (like the one above).

5. Start Small.

Now that you have all these ideas and plans you may start to become overwhelmed. Take baby steps. With so many goals you may become frustrated about accomplishing it all. I think it is best to start with a few simple goals. For you that might be posting twice a week for a month, while for someone else it might be posting twice in a month. If you can easily accomplish the few minor goals you set, move on and slowly add more. If it doesn’t work, simplify your goals and try more minute.

Those are five of my tips to beat a blogging slump. Let me know your tips and suggestions by commenting. Also, I would love to know if you like this type of post and want more of them. Talk to you soon!

-Rebekah

A Real Blog Post

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas (a week early)! I decided to sit down today and just write out a post. I’m going to try not to have to edit this and make it sort of like a YouTube vlog except as a blog post because that’s what a blog is.

I know I’ve been MIA for a little bit. I definitely have a TON of blogging plans for the new year. I started to talk about them in this post. I’d start now (which I have been doing even though ya’ll can’t see) but I would rather not during the Christmas season because that is kind of abrupt and also the posts aren’t very Christmasy so I’m going to wait. I am so excited for the new content though 😀 I hope you will be able to see more of my personality through these post.

In other news, I lost my camera about 8 months ago but i found another random charger that woks for my camera. Unfortunately (wow! I spelled that right!), it’s for our kindle that broke. So, the charger was confiscated (big words, oooh) so that the Kindle could be fixed. This long-winded story’s point? My camera has a very low battery with no way of charging it.

I can’t believe 2016 is almost over! I’ve heard some people saying that 2016 has been a bad year, but for me it has been awesome. I’ve been able to try so many new things this year and grown in my faith. I don’t think I expected 2016 to be so great. I thought it would just be another year, but I’ve had so much fun this year and I’ve grown a lot. Just a year ago I felt so different. Anyway, this is a little taste of what I’ll be posting about in my New Years post probably 😉

I can’t wait for Christmas! I actually only have one more gift to wrap and then I’m done. I just received an email (about ten minutes ago) that the package has shipped. I feel so on top on Christmas presents this year.

I know that Christmas isn’t all about gifts-but I love giving them. I find it so fun and this year present wrapping has become an art form of mine 😀 😀

Well, I hope you are having a merry day and I’ll talk to you soon!

THREE days until Christmas!!

Gratitude

With Thanksgiving today and the Christmas season right around the corner I know a lot of us are thinking about thankfulness. It can be so easy with it all around us. I know through out the year I can be too busy focusing on what I don’t have then to focus on what I do have.

But if I think about it, I could easily name hundreds of things I’m grateful for and I wouldn’t even scratch the surface. God has blessed me so much and I’m so thankful. I decided I would share with you today my top ten. Sit back, grab your popcorn and start reading 😉

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1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without him, everything else on this list would be pointless, without God I have nothing. I’m so thankful that over 2,000 years ago God sent Jesus as a baby to save me and everyone else who believes in Him.
2. A loving family. I’ve learned so much from my parents. We have a very close relationship and they are amazing role models. I love my two crazy younger brothers who make me laugh. I can’t imagine life without my family.
3. Grandparents who care so much about me. I know some kids don’t have grandparents that can spend a lot of time with them. I’m very thankful to have grandparents that are able to come to all my different events and make time to be actively involved in my life.
4. Friends new and old, who care about me. My friends are a big part of my life. Each of them support me and out up with my craziness. They are always there for me when I need them. I love them so much.
5. A church and small group where I feel welcome and included. I’ve been at the same church my whole life and I love it. I always joke that my church is my second home because my family is there so much. I really like our pastors and the overall community of the church. I’m part of a small group inside my youth group with other girls my age. It has really brought me closer to the girls in the youth group. My small group leaders are always there for us and are also awesome role models.
6. Supplied with all my earthly needs (food, water, clothes). I have a house, clothes, food, and water. I have abundantly more than that. I tend to take these things for granted it, really I’m so lucky to have them.
7. Co-op/learning in general. I don’t always want to be doing school but I do really enjoy learning. It’s amazing how much we can learn that points us back to God and His awesomeness. I also really like my co-oop and the teachers.
8. My blog. I’ve learned so much through blogging and found things I’m passionate about because of blogging. It is a very special opportunity that I have access to this form of media.
9. Pets. My pets are a very special part of my life. I’m so thankful God made animals for our enjoyment.
10. Music. Music, is so powerful, it can be calming or frightening, it can tear people down or bring them up. I love listening to it and it brings me closer to God.

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Thanks for reading! I’m so thrilled to be able to blog and also meet new people through blogging.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’d love to know some things that you are thankful for. Leave me a comment telling me what you are grateful for!  Also, what is your favorite food that is served on Thanksgiving? I like everything, but especially stuffing.

 

WordCrafter 2

I just finished writing for Nano for the day and now it is time to blog. So much writing 😀 I would say I feel pretty confident about how Nano is going so far, so that’s good. If you want to friend me it’s Bekah_Boo on the YWP site!

Anyway, onto the business at hand. If you don’t know what Wordcrafters is, it is basically where a bunch of bloggers write a collaborative story. Each person gets a turn and writes a part of the story. If you want to know more about it and see a more detailed summary you can check it out on Allison’s blog. I really enjoyed writing this story (it was a refreshing break from my Nano story). So now you can read it! Get going 😉

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Esme stood there and stared at the unicorn. Katri had told her that unicorns were very rare and people hardly saw them anymore. So Esme was shocked to be face to face with one.

“Yo, girly. Watcha starin at? You’re starting to offend me,” the unicorn said.

“Hi,” she whispered softly when finally sound her voice.

“Hiya kid! My name is Daisy. I know what your thinking,” the unicorn said rolling his eyes, “Why is your name Daisy if you are a guy? Don’t get me started. Anyways, I’m here to rescue you.”

“Ok! Will you help me return a baby dragon too?” Esme asked.

“Yikes, this situation is more complicated than I thought. Normally, I wouldn’t even bother to help any human, but I sense something special about you, girly. Yes, I will help you. Now where is this dragon?” the unicorn replied.

“Well, it is with my friends and I don’t know where they are!” Esme said worriedly.

After that he muttered something like, “This is what happens when I help out humans. Why did I decided to help this girl? I don’t want to start sprouting dandelions in my mane like last time.”

Then he sighed before saying loudly, “We must leave now. Lord Zilch will be back any second to take you to his dark dungeons. C’mon.”

 

“How do you know all this?” Esme asked.

“I’m always up in the sky. I’ve been watching you and waiting for a time when Lord Zilch is not around to help you,” the unicorn whinnied.

“Also,” the unicorn added, “I know your friend Devin. He is in danger. We must go find your friends and then go save him!”

As they rode off into the woods Esme clung harder onto the unicorn’s mane. She hoped with all her might that she would find Vivi, Pipin, Katri, but most of all Devin. He had saved her. Now, it was her turn to save him.

*****

Devin’s head pounded and his whole body throbbed. The darkness around him was so thick he thought he might choke. He couldn’t see anything. It felt like he had been in the despicable dungeon for years.

After he had saved Esme, Lord Zilch had grabbed his arm with such force Devin couldn’t move. Then he positioned his spear lightly on Devin’s back. “Not so fast mortal. If you move, you are a goner.”

Knowing he couldn’t get away, Devin used the most used threat in the book, “You’ll never get away with this!”

“Ah, Devin. This is my world. Who will stop me?” Lord Zilch replied haughtily.

“My friends will, that’s who,” Devin announced.

“No, they will not,” Katri’s father lied, “I have already captured them and now that I have you we can complete my plan.”

The old man gave a sinister snicker. Devin had been to distraught and worried about his friends to resist as he was roughly thrown into the dungeon. “What will I do?” he thought, suddenly helpless.

*****

Night was falling quickly. Pipin, Vivi, and Katri hadn’t found Esme or Devin yet. After Vivi had healed Pipin they had begun their search for Devin and Esme again. The problem was, they dared not call out for fear of calling attention to themselves and riding on this beast they now had was also out of the question.

“I hope they are all right!” Vivi said fearfully.

“I’m sure they are. I bet the battle is around here somewhere. We heard it earlier,” Pipin replied assuredly.

All of a sudden they heard a gallop of a unicorn’s hooves coming through the woods.

---

What did you think? If you are doing Wordcrafters I can’t wait to read your part! Just a reminder, Suzy you are next. I really enjoy Wordcrafters and I’m so glad I was able to do it.

Look for more posts coming soon!

GUYS. Do you know the band 21 pilots?? They are so awesome!

A Good Enough Christian

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Sometimes I feel like I’m a good enough person. I attend church every Sunday, I volunteer, and I’ve been called a goody-goody before, but I’ve come to the realization that it isn’t enough.

I beat myself up inside when I make a mistake. When I wish I hadn’t said something or don’t follow the rules.

It’s hard because people say that I’m a good person. I like to hear that. I enjoy that standard. The problem is it’s harder for me to admit that I am actually just as much of a failure as everybody else.

I try not to be prideful about it and I hope that’s not what you are thinking because I’m not trying to brag. I finally realized that I mess up, a lot. I’m not perfect. I’ve known that I’m not the best, but it didn’t fully sink in. I need to be saved from my sin just as much as anyone else. I struggle with that. I always want to compare myself to others and say, “Well, I’m not as bad as so and so. I’m still pretty good.”

When really, that’s not what matters.

Did you know that The Grand Canyon is gigantic, 277 miles long?

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You can stand on one side and try to jump across but you will never make it. Even if you could jump almost to the other side, we know it is impossible. But what if there was a bridge?  Then you wouldn’t need to jump.  Jesus is like the bridge that spands from one side to the other.  With this bridge, anyone can reach the other side. Anyone can cross. They don’t have to do anything super great. They only need to accept that the bridge will take them to the other side and walk across.  That is what it is like with Jesus. Jesus, is perfect and he died, so that we can enter heaven.  Without him, as our bridge, we won’t reach the other side.  Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The point I’m trying to make is that none of us are perfect, me included. I mess up. I shouldn’t think of myself as better than others. I’m a sinner who needs Jesus just as much as anyone else. I don’t know where I would be without Him. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Which means, we all make mistakes and none of us is perfect. Then in Romans 6:23 it says “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The other point I’m trying to make is that us (you and me) will never be able to make our way to Heaven on our own. You ready for another example? Ok, say that someone murdered (I know it’s a little harsh, but it gets the point across.) your mom. Wouldn’t you want the judge to give a fair trial? What if the person guilty of the crime pleaded, “Well, yes, I did this horrible thing, but look I’ve done all these other great things!”

If the judge let him or her go free of charge, would you think the judge is fair? Most people would explain that he’s a terrible judge. (I borrowed this example from the movie Courageous). This is also the way God works. He doesn’t judge us by the good things we do, but by what we do wrong.

You may be thinking, well then I guess I’m toast. I would be too, but there is this amazing thing called grace. We don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it, and there is no way to buy it. But it is free to accept. In Acts 16:31 it says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.” That’s all there is to it. How simple, am I right? It’s amazing that God cared enough to send his son to die for me and you and all of us. That’s the takeaway I want to leave you with. God forgives us each and every time we mess up. Most importantly, we don’t have to be perfect to believe in Him. So, what’s holding you back from trusting in what Jesus has done for you?

I got contacts last week! If you wear them, do you have any tips??