Blog Awards!

Libby over at A Noble Calling nominated me for some cool awards!  Fun right?

The Liebster Award...

source: A Noble Calling

Rules:

1. Link the blog that nominated you for the award.

2. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate that have less than 200 followers.

3. Answer the questions given to you.

4. Let the people who you have nominated know when you have done so.

5. You can't nominate the person who has nominated you.

6. Create 11 questions for the bloggers you've nominated to answer.

7. You must follow the blog that nominated you.

(Libby's questions:)

1. What are 3 of your favorite books- besides the Bible, of course?

Ooh, that's a tough one.  "Laddie: a True Blue Story" by Gene Stratton Porter, "Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and "The Story Girl" by Lucy M. Montgomery, to name a few.

2. What is your favorite thing to bake?

I thought the last one was tough! Hmm...if pizza counts, then definitely pizza!

3. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?

Hawaii, because I love surfing!

4. If you have to live somewhere besides the U.S., where would it be and why?

Scotland, because the country is beautiful, the people have lovely accents, and I would enjoy learning Gaelic! (Which actually isn't spoken very much any more)

5. Name 5 of your favorite movies.

Sergeant York, October Baby, Tangled, Facing the Giants, any movie with Roy Rogers,

6. Do you have any pets? If so, what kinds are they?

I have goats, chickens, and a miniature piebald dachshund named Toby.

7. What's one of your favorite Bible verses or passages?

The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. - Psalm 118:14

8. Where do you turn when you are needing encouragement?

Oh dear. I do lots of different things!  Sometimes I pray, or sing. Singing always helps! Sometimes I read blog posts, especially Holley Gerth's because they are so uplifting.  If I'm really down, I explore Pinterest! It has both inspiration, (Bible verses, quotes etc.) and pins to make me laugh.

9. Do you know how to sew?

Yes!

10. What is one thing that you don't know how to do, but would like to learn?

I really want to learn how to ice skate!

11. Would you rather hold a snake or pet a shark?

Hold a snake hands down! (Give me a nice, cute little green snake about the size of a pencil with a little pink tongue any day over a shark!)

My questions for you....

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavour? (or other dessert if you don't like ice cream)

2. It's raining outside.  Do you: a. Read a book, b. Catch up on that to do list, c. Watch your favorite movie or TV show, or d. play board games with your family?

3. What book of the Bible do you find most interesting?

4. What's your favorite smell?

5. If you could play any prank in the world without anyone knowing it was you, what would it be?

6. Bacon or Sausage? (and if you're a vegetarian) Apples or Bananas?

7. If you could do just one crazy thing, (i.e. hang gliding, ski down a mountain backwards,) what would you do?

8. Sporty, artsy, or outdoorsy? 

9. If a neighbors dog is running toward you do you: a. climb a tree, b. run, c. play dead, or d. say "nice doggie" and let him smell your hand?

10.  Do you sew, or knit?  If neither,  which would you like to learn?

11.  A favorite Bible verse, or quote?

The Sunflower Award

source: A Noble Calling

Rules:

1. Share 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the questions set by your Nomination Blogger- Nominate 11 bloggers.

2. Set questions for the nominated bloggers. 

11 facts about me:

1. I am crazy about old literature (you'll find me digging through dusty old books at thrift stores)
2. I strongly dislike, and am prejudiced against, wearing the color purple, even though it's a good   color for me. 
3. I am obsessed with jackets (I have dozens!) especially denim, or army green.
4. I love trying new things! 
5. My writing is my life.
6. I like Bluegrass music
7. I'm a mean chess player (Checkmate!)
8. I have a knack for remembering random information, and forgetting the things I'm supposed to remember.
9. I love to knit
10. Being upside down helps when I'm nauseated
11. I'm a dreamer, and am often caught lost in my own world.

(Libby's questions:)

1. How tall are you?

I'm 5' 7 1/2''

2. What is your favorite candle scent?

Scentless, (my mom is sensitive to scented candles;)

3. What are your favorite tea/coffee flavors?

Peppermint, or chamomile lavender tea,

4. Which do you prefer: ice cream or frozen yogurt?


Homemade ice cream!

5. What are your favorite TV shows?

(Warning: Prepare for reruns;)

"Lawman," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and "The Donna Reed Show"


Now my questions for you...

1. Can you wiggle your nose or your ears?

2. Rain or sunshine?

3. Do you have a nickname?
4. Name something you've always wanted to do,
5. Do you watch or participate in any sports?

My Bloggers to Tag (For 1 or both awards)

(I could only think of five to nominate. Bummer!)

Carissa

Amy

Anna

Rachel

Melody

Thanks everybody! Hope you enjoyed! (I did:) If you weren't nominated you're welcome to answer the questions in the comment section. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and answers!
- Mallory

The Language of Flowers

In the old days flowers weren't given just because they were pretty.  They were also often used to send messages, usually to a sweetheart, but sometimes to a sister, mother, or friend.

A gentleman might arrange a nosegay of various flowers to describe his feelings, declare his love, or apologize.  

Since it is the Month of February (Month of Love) and Valentines Day is this weekend, I thought I would share a few of the meanings with you!  

(Okay, more than a few;)

Acacia: Friendship

Aster: Always merry

Balm: Sympathy

Bluebell: True and tender

Camellia: Beautiful but cold

Carnation White: Purity

Carnation Red: My heart is broken

Chrysanthemum: Hope springs eternal

Clematis: Beautiful thoughts

Columbine: Bound to win

Dahlia: Gracious

Daisy: Innocence

Fern: Sincerity

Forgetmenot: Forget not me

Fuchsia: Fickleness

Geranium: Warm regard

Heather: I am lonely

Honeysuckle: Devotion

Hyacinth: Hard fate

Iris: Have faith in me

Ivy: I cling

Jasmine: Friends only

Lavender: Sweets to the sweet

Lilac: Unadorned beauty

Lily: Austere purity

Lily of the Valley: Doubly dear

Marigold: Honesty

Orange Blossom: Happiness in marriage

Pansy: My thoughts are with you

Petunia: I believe in thee

Poppy: Forgetfulness

Primrose: Do not be bashful

Rose Red: Love

Rose White: Worthy of love

Rose Yellow: Why waneth love?

Rosemary: Remembrance

Sweet Pea: I long for thee

Tulip: Unrequited love

Violet: Modesty

Favorite Natural Cold Remedies

Behold, I have a cold!  (Wow, big surprise;)  So guess what?  I thought while I was sitting on the couch wrapped up and feeling blah, I would study up on, and share some natural remedies I like to use (when I feel blah) with you!  

Now I'm sure most of us have heard of rest, broth, steam, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, keeping warm, vitamin C, and the usual remedies, so I won't be going into those.  

Only eight of the slightly less known ones that I'm using RIGHT NOW!

(I am not a doctor.  These suggestions are based on my own personal experience with the common cold and are not meant to be taken as medical advice.  Please check with your doctor before taking or using any herbs or supplements.  Thank you:)  

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar

2.  Cinnamon & honey

3.  Peppermint tea

4.  Chamomile tea

5.  Ginger Tea

6.  Ginger Apple Juice

7.  A favorite book, movie, or TV show

8.  Prayer :)

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar can be effective with sore throats, coughs, headaches, indigestion, nasal congestion, mild depression, skin problems, hydration, and it fights bacteria, among a long list of benefits!

You can drink a teaspoon or two in a glass of water once to three times daily for your health, and as a preventative.  I've only started taking it since my cold, and it's helped tremendously!

2.  Cinnamon is antiviral, and antibiotic.  When mixed with a spoonful of raw honey, it makes a fabulous cough syrup!  (My Dad practically swears by the stuff.)

From what I've read it is also supposed to help with congestion, and lower a fever.

3.  Peppermint tea is antiviral, and antimicrobial.  It helps with digestion, sore throat, lowers fever, and loosens mucus.  Plus breathing in the steam can help clear your airways.  

I also like to drink it for allergies, and breathing in the essential oil is great for allergies too.

4.  Chamomile tea is so soothing and delightful.  It is a very relaxing tea, (I like chamomile with lavender) and I drink almost every night before bed to help me sleep. 

It reduces fever or inflammation, regulates hormones, and promotes a good night's sleep.  Plus it has a light, slightly sweet flavor!

5.  Ginger can be effective against congestion, inflammation, digestion, and sinus symptoms.  

I like to drink it as a tea with a little honey stirred in, but it can also be cooked in soup.  (I wouldn't recommend it raw)

6.  Ginger Apple Juice is a delicious right before bed drink that I found helped sooth my cough, and sleep better because of it.  

I warm a mugful of apple juice, and while it is heating in the pot, I swish around a ginger tea bag in it, taking it out when the juice is ready.  The result is sweet and spicy!

7.   A favorite book, movie, or TV show may not sound like a remedy, but if you are completely miserable and have tried everything, the distraction is most welcome.  

By taking your mind off of how you feel, it can actually help you feel a bit better!

8.  Prayer always helps!  God is always listening, and even if He doesn't choose to remove the cup (cold) He will comfort!  Remember, even the tiniest trials have a purpose.

I hope you don't have a cold, (honestly!) but if you do, you might like to try some of my favorite remedies!  I'm feeling better already, and hope to be out and about soon.

Blessings!

- Mallory

 

P.S.

Remember where I mentioned rest?  I think I'll take some of my own advice.  

A nap sounds wonderful right about now!

Going "Snow-where"

I looked out my window this morning and thought, "Well, I'm going snow-where today."

Here at the end of January, it has finally snowed!  A couple inches of fabulous, powder white packing snow, and I can't even go outside because I have a cold.  I can only look at the beautiful winter wonderland my yard has become.

My situation reminded me how sometimes as Christians we reach a point in our lives where we feel like we're snowbound.  Like we're simply waiting for things to unfold, or the snow (obstacle) to melt.

I have such a long list of things I need to do, and things I want to do, but can't do because of my present circumstances.

Right now I'm "stuck" in a period of waiting...waiting on the snow, and waiting on God.

So I want to take the time to share one of the most important truths we will ever learn.

(Drum roll!!!)

WAITING IS HARD.  (Period)

Because face it, humans are not the most patient creatures on God's earth.  We want things to be happening right when, and how we want them to happen.  We want everything to go our way.

Notice the use of the phrase "we want."  It's all about us right?

But we are no longer selfish individuals.  When we accept Christ's sacrifice, and become part of His family we are new creatures.  Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God - 2 Corinthians 5:17-16

It's not about us anymore.  It's all about God.

Sure things WILL happen, but not always the way "we want," or when "we want" them to.  For your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8

He knows our future...

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11

We are never really "stuck."  When God says "wait" He always has a plan, and a purpose for us while we're waiting, even if we can't see it right away.  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Joseph was "stuck" in prison, but God had a plan. (Genesis chapters 39-31)

For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Often God draws us from our work, and busyness to draw us closer to Him.  Even while we are serving the Lord, we can still be easily distracted from Him by the pressing of our own plans and agenda.  Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. - Psalm 37:4

There may be something else He wants us to focus on right now.  (For me, possibly this post?)

Perhaps He has an even better plan for us than we ever dreamed of!

He is always working, even while we're waiting.

I could look at my time of sickness like a calamity, or I could look at it as a time of rest, to write, reflect, and renew my spirit.  A blessing in disguise.

I might seem to be going snow-where, but I am going somewhere in my relationship with Jesus Christ!

I think I'll publish this post, fix a cup of peppermint tea, and grab my Bible for a little quiet time. I'm not too sick to relax, (thank God:) or enjoy a nice warm fire.  Maybe I will find some verses about snow!  Speaking of which...

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of war? - Job 38:22-23

Who says you have to go outside to enjoy the snow?

What about you?

Are you snowbound?  

Feel like you're going snow-where?  

Stuck in a drift?  

Waiting for the snow to melt?  

(Wishing for snow-more snow puns?;)



Then you could ask yourself,

"What does God have for me to do right where I am?"

"What is He teaching me through this?"  

"How can I glorify Him in my weakness?"

New Year, New Post!

Hi blogging world!  Long time no post;)  I honestly have no excuse, except maybe that I couldn't make up my mind where I wanted to go with my blog, and what sort of posts I wished to write...  

Well guess what!  I think I've made up my mind now:)  I'm not going to over think my posts anymore.  (or stress over them either:)  

Instead, I'm just going to post about my life, little bits here and there of what God is teaching me, and believe me, I'm a slow learner!

But most of all, I'd like to post my thoughts about things.  I hope you don't mind?  If you do, speak now or forever hold your peace.  (fake cricket chirping in the background;)

All I hear is the roaring of our wood fire, and the clicking of my keyboard, so...

speaking of posts about my life...

What I've Been Up to on "My New Adventure"

- Learning to drive

- Working on starting my own online business (I'll tell you more about it later)

- Learning French "Merci beaucoup!" with a new free app called Duolingo.  Try it!

- Making messes in the kitchen, but cleaning them up too:)

- Writing letters to two new pen-pals:)  Having fellowship with other like-minded girls through writing has been such a blessing!

- Writing...writing...and of course more writing!

- Playing board games in the evenings with my siblings

- Memorizing Isaiah 55 (I just like it:)

- Tending sick critters that, (thank God) are all well now!

- Knitting Scarves for "Knit Together in Love"

- Finally Taking down our Christmas tree.  (It was time;)

- Getting up earlier in the morning so I can drink a cup of tea (usually peppermint) while I read my Bible and KBR magazine!

- Reading "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis with my brother Andrew

- Feeling better than I've felt for years!  What a gracious answer to prayer!

- Trying to be "strong and courageous" (1 Joshua 1:9)

- Enjoying life with my family

- Growing in God as I climb out of my comfort zone one step at a time.

- Wondering what lies ahead...

How about you?

What's kept you busy this year?

Have you made any plans for the new one?

Heritage of Grace: Interview a Blogger Challenge

      Rebekah from "Heritage of Grace" blog invited me to join in her "interview a blogger challenge."  For the challenge I answer some questions about myself, (nothing too personal) and post them right here on my blog! Want to join the challenge?  Simply go to http://heritageofgrace.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/interview-a-blogger/#comment-596
and leave a comment answering the questions!  Everyone is invited!
   
      Now for the questions!

• What is your favorite hymn?

      My favorite hymn is definitely "Amazing Grace."  (I know all the words!)  It is a beautiful song, written by a very sinful man who had much to be forgiven, and thankful for.  

• What do you consider to be the most difficult book of the Bible? Why?

      Leviticus was the hardest book for me to finish because I found the laws, and ordinances, and measurements of holy things to get rather dull.  Still, I am very glad I read it!

• A character trait you most admire in people?

      What I admire most in people has to be the trait that makes a teenage guy play with a little toddler, a friend give you a hug, (just when you really need a hug) a preacher preach to a half-empty (he would say half-full) church every Sunday, a police officer give a bike to a teenager so he won't have to walk to work, and a nice girl befriend another girl who really needed a friend. . . A trait called Christ-love. 

• What do you like most about your family?

      Laughter:  I love laughing with my family, because we all have the same silly sense of humor.

• What do you wish you could do more of?

      I would love to be more active, and swim more, but I don't feel very well most of the time, so I can't as much as I would like.

• Favorite author and book?

My favorite all-around author is C. S. Lewis, but my favorite book is most definitely 
"The Hobbit!"

• Do you prefer active/outdoor activities or creative/indoor activities?

I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and bike riding.

• Do you keep a journal/diary?

I have in the past, and I am re-establishing the habit.  It helps free my mind.

• What is your favorite healthy food or recipe (ex: blueberries)?

      This is a tough one, but probably homemade ice cream.  (Yes, it can be healthy!)

• Do you think music is neutral or does it have an influence on those who listen?     

       I think music has an influence, but perhaps more on a person's mood than worldview.  Any thoughts, or ideas I get from music usually wears off when the song is over, but an upbeat, uplifting song does tend to lift my spirits considerably.

• Which historical person (besides Biblical characters) do you most admire?

Perhaps President Ronald Reagan, because he stood up for what he believed to was right: (Although he wasn't perfect.)  He was also a great president, and a good actor! 

• What do you like best about blogging?

I love being able to share opinions, connecting with other Christians, and WRITING of course!

A New Adventure

      Finally, after all those bitter winter months, it is the beginning of Spring... and it has snowed.  Oh well, at least the first day of Spring was warm and Springy!  I am so excited about Spring, it's my favorite time of year... well, at least until allergy season arrives, but none of us want to think about that, do we?  I am making garden plans, playing with the four goat kids, studying, writing lots, and thinking even more.
      Spring is such a bright, happy time of year, when all things seem newer, and better than ever before.  Spring is a good time for me to reflect, and think about where I am headed in my life, where I want to go, and where my Heavenly Father wants me to go.  It can also be a restless time, when I just want to make up my mind, so I can plan out my entire life one minute, and then I want to leave the whole an open blank page the next... a blank page waiting to be filled with adventures!  Did I mention I love adventures?
      Sometimes though I feel kind of trapped, held down by my past sins and former habits, so that I can't move on, and do what Jesus wants me to do.  I felt that way recently, when I read something which helped me to believe that the trap I illusioned, was an illusion.  I am not being held down by past mistakes, because their ties no longer have any hold on me.
      For sin shall not have dominion over (me) : for (I am) not under the law, 
but under grace. Romans 6:14 
      (I am) a new creature: old things have passed away; behold all things are become new.  
2 Corinthians 5:17
      As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed (my) transgressions from (me.) 
Psalm 103:12
      Do you know how far the east is from the west?

How far is the east from the west?
'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been,
rising up in me again.
In the arms of your mercy I've found grace,
'cause you know just how far the east is from the west,
from one scarred hand to the other.
- Casting Crowns

      No matter how far I walk east, I will never reach the west.  My old ways and habits have passed away, and sin no longer has dominion over me.  I can choose to be a new creature this new Spring season, and make the old part of the past winter.  With God's help I can make new choices, build new habits, and make Him, (not myself) the center of my life.
      It isn't that our sins are holding us back, it's that we are holding on to our sins!  We feel so safe in our past, comfortable because we know what to expect, but if we never leave we will never fully realize our true God-given potential.  If we never travel forward, into the dangerous unknown road called "change" then we will never know what we're missing.  We'll be standing still, gazing down the road, while life passes us by, wishing we can follow, and see what lies ahead.  There are no chains that can bind us, so what are we waiting for? 
      Life is an adventure, and a ride we don't want to miss.  I am going to try and let go this Spring, and see what God has in store for those who are brave enough to change.  I'm going on an adventure!
 

- What about you? 

 - Are you holding yourself back? 

Share your thoughts below