My Decision+ GIVEAWAY!!

You may have noticed that I’ve started posting more often about my faith on Americangirlguide. For a while I’ve been trying to figure out how to use my hobbies to honor God and to serve Him.

I’ve thought about joining a Christian collab blog because those have been so inspirational to me, but decided to scratch that idea. The other day I felt really strongly I needed to start my own blog dedicated to encouraging people, writing on topics of faith, and helping people through hard times.

I got the name for it “When You Pass Through the Waters” from one of my favorite verses:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; -Isaiah 43:2-3a

So please spread this around! I hope it will really encourage people in their faith and bring them closer to God. Here is a link to it.

Side note: whenyoupassthroughthewaters.wordpress.com was already taken so my url is whenyoupassthroughthewatersblog.wordpress.com just wanted to clear that up.

Now, since my blog three year anniversary recently passed, I’m starting a new blog, I reached 230 followers, and you are all so supportive, I thought it would be really fun to have a giveaway!!

I thought long and hard about what to giveaway and finally I decided to give you……….

A coloring Bible!!!!

 

 

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I got mine for Christmas and I love using it. It has helped me memorize Bible verses and I love to use it as a way to relax. It is a great creative outlet for me. Even if you are not a creative person it has pre-made designs you can color in. I love that the margins are lined so you can write or make your own design on them. If you win this giveaway, you will be receiving one NIV Beautiful Word coloring Bible, Hardcover Bible.

Now onto how to enter:

• You must ask a parent if you are under 18 (I will need your address if you win).
• You must live in the United States (sorry!).
• You must follow this blog.
• Leave a comment saying you want to enter.

To receive extra entries:

• Follow my blog When You Pass Through the Waters.
• Share this blog post on your blog, Pintrest, or other social media account and comment leaving a link (you can use the image above to share). Please leave a link to your share in your comment.
• Follow me on Pintrest (here). Let me know your username.
• Leave a comment on this post sharing posts you would like to see on this blog and/or When You Pass Through the Waters.

The last day to enter is August 21st, 12AM EST. I will announce the winner within the following week on my blog and contact them by the email provided with their comment.

I hope you are all super excited for this giveaway! I know I am 😀

See ya soon!

-Rebekah

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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

Life Behind the Camera (Episode 1)

 

*Plays some kind of intro TV theme song*

“Hi guys! Or girls. Actually probably girls. My name is Bailey and you may be thinking ‘who is she?’ Well I’m better known by my characters names, Novia from Camp Summer and After Camp or Jasmine from Worst Enemy, Best Friend. That is the point of this series, to show the blogging community what the Americangirlguide clan is like, off set. Because we are really just a bunch of sisters who are slightly insane. This intro is getting long and I’m just rambling which isn’t like me. Anyway, so let me start.”

“So Mom said I needed to give a quick tour of the bedroom because a lot had changed since the last time we showed you a doll house tour. She said to mention it was in a post linked here. She likes to add lots of links. Anyway, this is the left half of our very small room which is the more studious side. It has our desk and book shelf.

On this side we have Brook’s flute and music stand along with our beds. By our I mean Brooklyn’s, Jessica’s, and mine. Bethany and Nikki have their own room which we’ll show later. In the back of our room you can see our three dogs, Sugar, Pepper, and Rolf. My mom likes dogs so she made sure that we have some.

“Bailey what are you doing?” asks Jessica.

“Oh wow, you are super out of focus Jessica. I’m shooting the first part of Mom’s new series.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I mean I am the star,” Jessica demands.

“SHHH. They don’t know about that series yet!” Bailey replies.

“So basically I’m a nobody to them?”Jessica questions.

“No, you are John, Ryan, and Ms. Madison to them.”

“Two of those are boys. I’m so excited to finally have a major role as a girl. And my name is really pretty too,” Jessica said.

“Don’t give them anymore spoilers Jessica!”

“Ok, fine. Do you know where Nikki is? I want to show her my new clothes,” Jessica announces.

“WHAT? You went shopping?? You hate shopping and malls and fashion. Why on earth did you go shopping?”

“Can’t I try something new? Besides this new series gave me an excuse to buy some more clothes. Keegan’s wardrobe is cute but it needs more pieces,” Jessica said carelessly.

“You just gave out her name!”

“Who’s name? Ohhhh, you mean Keegan. Ahem. I mean that person. Well you can just edit that out right?” Jessica said.

“No I can’t. Now stop giving spoilers!”

“Hi there! It’s Bethany now! They’ve switched cameras so that Jessica doesn’t give out anymore spoilers. So I’m supposed to show you my room.”

“We have our wardrobe in the right corner, our desk in the middle, and our bunk beds pushed up against the left side of the room. Sorry about the mess. I just got home from dance class and haven’t had time to clean it up.”

“BROOKLYN! Why is there a DOG on my bed?! You know I can’t stand dog hair!” Bethany said suddenly.

“Well,” Brooklyn started.

“Hey, Nikki, look at these cute clothes I got,” Jessica interrupted.

“Oh, cute! Next time you should bring me Jessica,” Nikki said, “By the way, I think Bethany is having a slight over reaction above me so you may want to get out of her way!”

“BROOK. WHY WOULD YOU BRING A DOG IN MY BED?? I need to do my homework but I can’t when SOMEONE brings a DOG which has DOG HAIR on my bed,” said Bethany, hyperventilating.

“BETHANY, THE DOG IS HYPOALLERGENIC!” Brooklyn screamed back.

*slow motion*

“WHAAA,” said Brooklyn.

“What just happened?” someone yelled as they all ran over.

“She’s unconscious! We need to take her to the hospital,” someone else said.

DUN-DUH-DUH.

And that ends episode 1 of Life Behind the Camera.

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Okay, so, I may have created a new series. I know a few posts ago I said I wasn’t enjoying writing doll posts as much but then I wrote this and I REALLY liked it. So, I think I’m just going to write both kinds of posts for now. I’m still figuring it all out.

Also, I’m having trouble figuring out how to write this since the whole post is dialogue. Was it clear who was speaking? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments 🙂 Let me know what you think of the new series and if you would like to see the other series I spilled some spoilers for.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

My small group at church starts back up tonight! We are getting something called Cajun Snow 🙂 Have you ever tried it?

 

What’s Up With Me

As you all probably know, I haven’t posted in almost three weeks. The main reason and the one I’m going to be talking about in this post of why I haven’t been posting is, I don’t like the posts I’m writing.

When I first created americangirlguide, a little over two years ago I wanted it to be about American Girl Dolls. If you look back on my posts from this past year less than half my posts were doll related. If I think about it, yes, I had fun writing the doll ones, but I liked writing the non-doll posts even more.

When I started american girl guide I did it to write about something I liked. I’ve learned so much over the past two years and have realized how much I like writing and photography. But I’ve also come to the conclusion that…. Dolls aren’t my main hobby/thing I enjoy doing. I still think they are cool, but I just don’t enjoy them like I used to.

This post isn’t really about me not liking dolls, it’s more that my main interest has changed. If you look at my posts in the past year I don’t know what category you’d put them in, maybe lifestyle? but they aren’t doll related and that’s why I don’t want to keep posting under americangirlguide when that’s not really what this blog is about.

I’ve been thinking for a while about completely changing the direction of my site and making it into a lifestyle site or making a new blog where I can post about the kind of posts I like. I haven’t reached a decision yet and so I’m asking for your help/ suggestions.

What do you think I should do? I know a lot of you have multiple blogs and I don’t think I could keep that up, yet I don’t want to wipe americangirlguide off the surface of the earth. I’m quite torn on what to do. So, if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments! Thanks for putting up with this little word spit. I’ll be updating you soon on my decision and what happens next with my blog.

Two little things I want to mention before I end this already long post,

1. This doesn’t mean I won’t be posting about dolls at all, that just won’t be the main focus of the blog.

2. I’m definitely not quitting blogging, I’m just readjusting my blog to fit me.

Anyway, that’s it for this post! Thanks for sticking through to the end.

I went to an amusement park yesterday with my church, it was super fun!

DOC 3

Hi everybody. I know I’ve been absent lately, I needed a little break from blogging. I’m back and I have a LOT of post ideas that I’m working on! With school wrapping (well in two months) I’ll have more time for posting. Thanks for sticking with me! I wanted to share with you a few things in the post.

1. I’m participating in My Dolly Neighborhood’s doll outfit challenge. Here is my picture for the theme Fantasy:

I decided that since it was fantasy that it would be cool to try to portray a unicorn.

This is what happened. Also, sorry about the bad picture quality.

2. Jaclynn is having a giveaway over at Little House Of American Girl. The deadline is TOMORROW, March 30th. So enter quickly!

3. Finally, I just wanted to thank you all so much! Guess what?? I’ve reached 75 followers. WOW! You are all so amazing, thank you!! My goal is to reach 100 by my second blogaversary, which is over the summer. Can you help me do that?

That’s all for this quick little post. I hope you all have an amazing week. If you are on spring break have fun! Talk to you soon 🙂

*Disclaimer: I did not take this picture. Via*

What do you think of my new signature?

Welcome!

Brooklyn’s POV

“Wait up, Pepper!” I called.

I huffed and puffed across the large yard.

I wasn’t ready to go inside yet, so sat down outside the house.

Would this new family like me?

Bethany’s POV

We were all gathered, baking ginger bread houses and wrapping presents for my mom.

“I’ll be back, I’m going out for some fresh air.” I announced.

It was so beautiful outside, but I was really hoping for snow.

(does anyone else really want snow;)

What was that? I saw a small grey, furry dot and a hand sticking out from behind the lone tree in our yard.

I walked closer and saw a girl with wavy, dark hair and freckles. Next to her was a cute husky puppy.

“Uh, Hi!” I said.

She looked startled, “Oh, Hi. Sorry. I should probably have come inside.”

“That’s okay. This might sound rude, but who are you?” I asked.

“My name is Brooklyn and I’m coming to stay with you for a while,” Brooklyn said.

“It’s nice to meet you! Would you like to come in and meet my sisters?”

“Sure,”she said reluctantly.

Brooklyn’s POV

“Guys! Hey I want to introduce you to someone very special, ” Bethany announced, “This is Brooklyn.“

“Hi,” I said,”As Bethany told you my name is Brooklyn and your mom is having me stay with you for a little while.”

“Awesome!” a girl with short brown hair said.

A girl with curly red hair introduced herself, “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Bailey and I’m fourteen.”

“I am too,” I managed to mumble.

“Brooklyn plays the flute and she has a dog named Pepper!” Bethany filled in for me.

“Hey! could you play a few songs for us?” Asked a freckled-faced girl.

“Sure, lemme go get my flute!” I chimed.

I took a deep breath and began to play my all time favorite tunes, Let it Go, Amazing Grace, and Roar. They were all amazed (apparently no one is musically talented in this family)

After I played for a bit, the girls went back to baking and I joined them. Pepper seemed to be enjoying Sugar’s company and I was having a blast. Maybe I would grow to like it here……

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YES. I GOT A NEW DOLL! (you can see I’m super excited) She is #55 and Beautiful. Shout out to my friend Shanti! This was her doll, but she isn’t really into dolls and so she gave her to me:D She also gave me a bunch of clothes and accessories. Look for a review coming soon! That’s it for today.

Days Until Christmas: 10

My blog button!

Hi everyone! I would like to show you my updated blog button. Here it is:

If you would like to trade buttons with me comment down below. Thank you Sunny for helping me. I am at an Art Camp all week but will still continue working on posts:) See you soon:)

Stamhp award

HI. Thank you Morgan for nominating me! I really appreciate it. Let’s get started.

1. What do you have planned for your summer?

I am going to NY and the AGPNY and I’m really busy with just random stuff:)

2. What’s your favorite hairstyle to do on your dolls?

 I love to do all differnet kinds of fishtails.

3. Which American Girl doll looks most like you?

Truly You #59 I own her and she is named Bethany

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Umm… Paris or New Hampshire, totally different places:)

I nominate:

 Sunny from Everything fun under the sun

Lily from Dollies on a farm

Miranda from Aday in the life…

 My questions are:

1. Which historical Caroline or Kit?
2. Which GOTY do you like the best?
3. What are your plans for the summer?
4. Do you have pets?

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Thank you for reading! BTW, I am going camping for memorial day so I won’t be able to post. Bye!

New Blogger Award

Thanks Morgan for nominating me!

~ Post the award on your blog.

~ Answer the questions you were given.

~ Nominate 4 to 7 blogs (they must have under 100 posts, and their blog has to have been running for less than a year), and leave a comment on their blog telling them they have been nominated!

~ Then come up with 4 questions to ask your nominees!

Morgan’s Questions:

1. If you had to buy a non-AG doll, what doll would you buy?

I don’t really like other brands but I guess our generation.

2. Do you have any pets? If so, what? If not, do you want one?

Yes. We own a golden mix named Allie ( she has three legs and if you want to know the story behind that tell me and I’ll make a post about it)

And a cat named Alex.

3. What do you think about Grace Thomas?

I think she is really unique and gorgeous:) Her side bangs are so cute.

4. What inspired you to start a blog?

I really liked making doll stuff and thought it would be fun to share my ideas.

5. Do you think you will ever “outgrow” your dolls?

I don’t think I will. It is one of my main hobbies 🙂

I nominate:

1. Lilly from Dolliesonafarm

2. Shai from Dolls and Then Some

3. Laniey from Heartofdixiedollies

4. Megan from Dandelions and Daisies

5. Christian Homescholer from Treasured Friendships with a Flair

My Questions:

1. What is your favorite current AG outfit?

2. Who inspired you the most to start blogging?

3. Do you like GOTY, MAG, or Historical best?

4. What is your favorite thing about blogging?