⛄Warm Hugs Tag!⛄

Throughout my blogging time, I've seen some cool tags and awards. I've always thought it's really fun to do a tag. I thought it would be fun to create a tag of my own. This tag is actually my personal dream tag. So here it goes:)

We all know Olaf is the best thing that has happened to Disney. (Well at least I think so) He's original, smart, sweet and just an all around cuteness overload!  Well anyway, since I love him very much, I decided create a tag dedicated to him. The....

WARM HUGS TAG!
(For blogs and bloggers that are welcoming, fun, thoughtful, and creative)

Since Olaf is a character in a story, I thought I would make this tag about story characters, whether it be from a movie or book. I'm going to make this run along the lines of Disney, if you don't mind.

Rules:
1. Follow the blog that tagged you (optional)
2. Post 2 or more
 pictures that include your favorite characters, books, movies, or lyrics from songs. (They can also be your own edits or pictures)
3. Tag 5 or more bloggers and tell them.
4. Answer the blogger's ten questions related to characters, books, movies, or lyrics.
5. Create your own questions having to do with the same thing.

My Questions:
1. Which fictional character relates/speaks to you the most?
 2. What lyric from a song describes you the most? (or song, if that's too vague)
 3.  Whose character change is your favorite? ( Like how Elsa foundv\ her strength and became the girl she is)
4. Has any kind of book or story made you realize something or changed your opinion about something?
5. Which character death made you the most sad?
6. What is your favorite message in a Disney movie and why?
7. Favorite song from a Disney musical and why?
8. Favorite lyric from a Disney musical song and why?
9. What are your two favorite songs from Frozen? (Because 'Let it Go' is a number one choice)
10. If you could make a sequel to any Disney move, which one would it be?


1. Which fictional character relates/speaks to you the most?

Olaf definitely speaks to me. (and he likes warm hugs, just like me!)  But other than that, I have to say Percy Jackson. He's not like the typical heartbreaker hero. He's honest and willing to sacrifice himself for his friends and family, not to mention hilarious.

2. What lyric from a song describes you the most? (or song, if that's too vague)

The song that comes to mind right now is 'Brave' by Sara Barielles. The truth is I'm very honest on this blog, but in real life, I'm actually the quiet one. Just the whole song relates to me. A recent experience has made me realize how I need to speak up more. I love the line, "Everybody's been there/Everybody's been stared down by the enemy/Falling for the fear... bow down to the might/Don't run/Stop holding your tongue."


3. Whose character change is your favorite?

Recently, I saw Thor. I just loved how he was arrogant and a jerk, but when he was stripped of his powers and met Jane, he changed.  In the end, he was softer, honorable, and sacrificial.

4.  Has any kind of book or story made you realize something or changed your opinion about something?
Of course, the Bible made me realize how all men are sinful and how much we need Jesus.

5. Which character death made you the most sad?
Wow, this is hard. Probably Finnick from the Hunger Games or Newt from The Maze Runner!

Okay, on to the Disney Questions.

6. What is your favorite message in a Disney movie and why?
Sacrificial love. I loved how Ana sacrificed herself for Elsa, even though she had constantly shut her out when Ana was trying to help her.

7. Favorite song from a Disney Musical?
Wow, this is a hard one. As a kid, I adored 'Part of Your World' in The Little Mermaid, but right now, it would have to be 'In Summer' by Olaf!

8. Favorite lyric from a Disney Musical song and why?
"Is it sweet and strange? Finally, you can change, learning you were wrong." This is a line from Beauty and the Beast. It reminds me that sometimes you have to learn you're wrong in order to change.

9. What are your two favorite songs from Frozen? (Because 'Let it Go' is a number one choice)
Other than 'Let it Go' and 'In Summer', I love 'For the First Time in Forever' (the reprise) Idina Menzel's vocals are amazing!

10. If you could make a sequel to any Disney movie, which one would it be?
FROZEN 2!

I'm so sorry these questions are so hard. I wanted them to be different from the typical questions.

I tag:
Jessica from (Almost) Perfectly Pink
Bernie from Uniquely You
Julia from Running through the Stars
Rachel from You and I
Noelle from Live Love Move
Danielle from The Diary of Danielle
TW Wright from Indonesia Around Me
Celia Boldizar from Crazy Crazy Crazy

Your questions DON'T have to be as complicated as mine and again, I apologize for that. Now if you want to do this, please do it! I'm sorry you're not on the list!

Ellie's Blog Again

Ellie and I FINALLY found the following gadget and put it on her blog! Plus, Rebecca at Rebecca's Random Ramblings has made a new blog header for her! Be sure to check it out and follow her blog:)  Thanks so much! Uniquely You.

In Christ,
Sarah and Bernie

Ellie's Blog:) (Uniquely You)

My awesome sis, Ellie, has started her own blog! Go check it out and please follow! BTW, to follow any blog, whether it's on Blogger or not, go to your blogger dashboard. Right above the " new posts" section is an "add" button. Click on that and put that link in and there! You can follow ANY blog! Her blog is called Uniquely You and it's great! Check it out!

In Christ,
Sarah

Scarecrow (Alex and Sierra)

Okay... so Alex and Sierra, the winners of the X Factor Season 3, (and my personal favorite contestants of all time) released a lyric video for their first original song today! And let me just say, it's awesome! It's very catchy, yet the lyrics are deep and unique!

Please press play. You won't be disappointed.

I know you've been hurt, but I swear I'm here for good.
I'll never leave...

You're staring out the widow.
And I'm out here in the street.
You're standing like a scarecrow
And I'm begging you to speak.
You used to be my solid ground
Now I'm drowning in the sea
And I just wanna believe in you and me.

How can I make you feel again?
Only you can make me real again.

Just some of my favorite lyrics from the song!

In Christ,
Sarah

Monday Minutes Challenge

Here's my entry of Monday Minutes Challenge, using the dialogue: You have one chance to make your decision. What's it going to be?" (298 words)

At the sight of my friend attacking Colton, I freeze. Hayden was fierce, but she wasn’t unjust. As she kicked him, he cried out.

The blood running down his cheek pulls me into reality. I get up and tug at her. “Stop! He’s not what you think!”

“Get off me!” she scream, shoving me backward. “You don’t know who he is!”

I barely manage to keep my footing. Once again, I charge. “You’re insane!”

In a flash, her eyes bore into mine. “I’m insane? If you knew who he was, you wouldn’t protest!” She places her hand on the stone wall, breathing heavily. “Why do you care anyway?

“I—”

Her voice softens. “We’ll talk about this later. Let’s get out of here before they come.”

I look in Colton’s direction. He shakes in his corner, meeting my gaze. The blood is drying now, making a stain on his pale face.

I can’t hear his voice, just read his lips. “It’s okay. Just go.”

“Prescott! Get over here! We’re leaving, remember?” Now at the doorway, she stomps her foot and points to the exit.

“We have to take him,” I insist. “You don’t know what they’re doing to him here.”

“Absolutely not.” She steps towards me.

He captures my attention once again. “I’m not leaving without him.”

Rough hands grab shoulders, forcing me to meet her gaze. “I risked my life to save you. Either you leave him or I’m leaving!”

 “But—”

"You have one chance to make your decision. What's it going to be?" she hollers. “They’re coming!”

 My head jerks backward, seeing him. I recall her words. No. She was wrong. I promised myself I’d save him. Right now, his scars and trembling hands pain me more than ever before.

“I’m not leaving without him.”

Hope you like it!

In Christ,

Sarah

5 Things that Will Keep your Reader Interested

I decided to write a writing advice post today about a few things I’ve noticed in books that have always keep me interested. I’m going to use  and Percy Jackson series as references since these books never failed to keep me turning pages.

1.       Cliff-hanger chapters. Obviously, this is a well-known tactic used everywhere. If you plan your story right, this isn’t that hard to do either. It’s not limited to just action parts. You can have one of your characters say something we’ve all been waiting to find out, or have something happen suddenly. Unlike other things, this can’t be overused.

2.       Someone is about to tell something we’ll have been waiting to find out and the conversation is interrupted. This happened many times in the Percy Jackson series. He was about to find out something and then some stupid monster appears out of nowhere. Subject is dropped. But if you do this, be sure to come back to the topic somewhere down the road.

3.       Memory loss. Someone in your story doesn’t remember something significant. The character can have full blown memory loss (as in he doesn’t remember anything), or he can just forget a certain important event. Be sure to give a reason why the reader wants to know what happened.  You don’t have keep it a strict secret. Put hints to possibilities of what could’ve happened here and there.

4.        A balance of action and personal conversations. Even if your story is action and adventure, you should still include personal conversation with the characters. Your action might be far from boring, but the reader still needs to care about your character. That makes the dangerous adventures more exciting to your reader. Why? Because they know about the character and they care.

5.       A personal risk. Whatever the main risk is, always add another risk to do it. That’s what kept my heart pounding during the first chapters of The Last Olympian. Of course, the main thing was: Percy must defeat Kronos or the gods will be overthrown and the world would end. Along with that, the know-it-all Oracle predicted that he was going to die while doing so. I LOVED Percy so this was not only heartbreaking, but I didn’t wanted to stop until I reached the end.

Hope these were helpful! Be sure to remember Memorial Day!

Friday Reflections

Here's my Friday Reflections!

This Week's Verse

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Tessa's Questions

Have you ever placed any dreams before God? What was the result?

Often I've thought about my dreams without God in the equation. The result is that I see how empty and cliché my dreams are without Jesus.

Has God ever given you a desire of your heart?
I've wanted to touch people with my writing and this blog has enabled me to do that:)

Has God ever given you a desire of your heart?

List steps that you are going to take to put God first in your life.
1. Constantly remind myself how empty my dreams would be without God! I know that Jesus is the only thing that can fill me, but sometimes I get lost in the moment and forget that.
2. Read the Bible and spend more time with God.
3. Spend more time listening to/reading Christian stuff instead of secular books and music.
4. Put that inspiration in my writing and mind.

What are the desires you think God has placed on your heart, and how could you use them to bring Him glory?
I've always wanted to offer people hope in Jesus in some way. Once again, I would like to someday being a published author and want to show Jesus to young adults through that.

Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (at least one paragraph).

Because our heart is corrupted with flesh, many times the desires of our heart don't focus on God. Instead, it lives to glorify us and our way of life. But the amazing thing about Jesus is that he can purify our desires and want us to live for his glory. I see that in my dad all the time and realize how different it must have been when I didn't have God.

If we ask Him, Jesus can make our desires focused on Him. We must remember that only He is worth being the #1 priority in our lives.

Hope you enjoyed it!

 

 

 

 

 

Monday Minute Challenge

Today I'm starting my Monday Minute Challenge with this sentence prompt: What (s)he said next could have the power to change my life forever.  293 words.

In the lightless room, I wondered how it came to this. I felt stupid for trusting that woman. Maybe I should be used to being trapped, but that wasn't what worried me. The fact that I didn’t know if the person I cared about most was alive or not—that’s what haunted me.

But none of it seemed to matter once he walked in the dark room.

I hadn’t seen him since the night Mother died, the night he abandoned me. Resentment crept into my heart, but it was overcome by longing. Despite denial, I missed him.

His lips formed my name. The dim light from the door revealed his body’s outline. He had grown taller, more muscular. So much time had passed.

“Caleb,” I managed to whisper. “What… what are you doing here?”

His hands dropped to his sides. “I need to explain things.”

Before I could stop them, questions rolled out from the tip of my tongue. “Who is she? Why does she want me?” By the time I stood up, my whispers had turned to yells. “What are you doing here?”

“Jacob, she’s my wife.”

As my anger against him became stronger, part of me wished the darkness would swallow me up. That way I could tell him how much pain he caused me.

He spoke up. “She’s been looking for you. She wants the rich inheritance from Father. That’s one of the reasons why she married me.”

At the thought of my brother marrying someone who wanted him for money, a sharp pain invaded my chest. Something else was wrong. “If she’s married to you, she doesn’t need me. You’re the oldest! You’ll get it, not me!”

What he said next had the power to change my life forever.

What I Can't Control

If anyone hasn't guessed by now, I am a writer. I write fiction. In my brain are thousands of stories, characters I call my own. By chance you would hang out with me, you might see me mouthing words to myself maybe a few times. And that's just me.

Not a lot of people have read my works. (expect for the Monday Minutes Challenge) I haven't written much fiction on this blog either. None of it is especially good. In the future, though, I do hope to have some kind of writing career.

Why do I like writing so much? There are many reasons actually. One of them is that I like to have something that I can not only imagine, but control. No matter how uncontrollable life is, my stories are always my own choice. I can choose which stories to put on paper. Mistakes aren't that a big deal either. If I reconsider killing a character, I can bring it to life just like that. I can break a heart, mend another. It's that simple.

Unfortunately, life isn't like that.

Okay, I know what you're thinking. Well, duh. Of course you can't control life. I know that. Being a writer means I have to continually remind myself of that.

As much as I wish that my story is real, it's not. My characters are different sides to me. They help me get through things. But just the same, they're not real. It's hard to admit, but it's truth.

I was reminded of that this past weekend. I had a hard time doing something that was the right thing, but it was sad for me. The pain was much more than anything I felt when I killed my favorite characters.

But through every trial and pain, there is hope.

Even secular stories have reminded me of that. Peeta. Olaf. I think it's because that everyone never wants to avoid hope. We need hope. Things get hard, but when hope comes, no one rejects it.

I will remember that there are many things in life I can't control, but Jesus does.

Even if I could control things, I probably would mess things up. In a terrifying mess, it's hard to see Jesus' love. Our reminder, our hope, is that God controls what we don't. He sees what we don't. Most of all, he loves when we cannot.

I am a writer. I must realize that life isn't stories. Other than myself, there is nothing I can control. God does what I can't. He keeps the whole world under his arms. My unfailing hope is that He is in control.

PS: On the whole writing subject, I'm going to start posting some writing advice. I really like writing blogs and I decided to share some techniques I've noticed from my favorite books that have helped me. So stay tune.
                                         

My birthday!

Hey everyone! Thanks for all birthday wishes and sweet comments. They made my day! Well... I wanted to write a little about how my birthday went. First, I wanna say IT WAS AN AWESOME BIRTHDAY!


For my birthday I got the "Percy Jackson" series, some shampoo and conditioner, a hair brush (which by the way works really good), a nice pair of shoes/sandals, frozen (the movie), A big ball, soccer ball, tennis balls, candy, sunglasses, bows, rainbow loom kit, nail polish, makeup bag, headbands, cool spoons gift card, duck tape:), and a purse. It's a long list of blessings God gave me! I thank him for great friends and family who spent money to get me these things.



 I also had a sleepover! My cousin came, my friend from basketball came, and my friend from church came! It was an awesome time! We had brownies! We played life which I didn't win, but I was only 100,000 away from winning. Bummer! Anyway, I just had a great time! Yes it was hard to say goodbye!

Closing up, I want to say thank you all of you for making it a great birthday! I'm finally 12 now! Yay! Hope you all have a great week! Stay in there!

Peace and Love,
                           - Ellie

Offical Ellie Week: Day 4

I'm sorry I skipped yesterday! Ellie had a sleepover and I forgot about it! By the way, thank you for all the nice comments. Ellie and I really appreciate it.

Tonight's topic is: What Ellie likes. Like me, Ellie is a music freak. Not as big as I am, but still. So this is mostly going to be pictures of her favorite group. (She has more favorite groups than singers.) So here we go.

First, Cimorelli, They're a sister group who mostly do covers and is probably her favorite pop group. Ellie's been obsessed with them since I downloaded a free song from them that I heard on the radio.

Most of all, her favorite band is a Christian group called Royal Tailor. At first, she didn't like after seeing them at a Britt Nicole concert. After finding more about them though, she saw how awesome they are and they have been her favorite band ever since. Just goes to show you that first impressions aren't always reliable.

 

Another one of her favorite groups is the Gardiner Sisters. They are another group of sisters that she discovered on Youtube.

A singer from our favorite X Factor group is named Camilla from Fifth Harmony. She is an amazing, very interesting girl who shows Ellie that it's okay to be crazy.

Ever since watching the Lord of the Rings, she loves Legolas, the amazing elf who never misses a shot. (Even I can't blame her.) If you haven't heard of Legolas (I pity you if you haven't), just think of him as the most awesome thing you know of multiplied by ten thousand. My brother, Ellie, and I both agree that all the Avengers combined still isn't more awesome than Legolas.



 

 

 

Along with that, here's some other random things that she's crazy about.

Tomorrow is the last day of Ellie week. I hope you've enjoyed the posts. As you can see, Ellie is an awesome and crazy person. Thank you for reading this series of posts. The things that she likes has changed from last year. Well, a little bit.
Thank you for reading!

Sarah:)

Offical Ellie Week: Day 3

Once again, thank you for following me through Ellie week. Today is Ellie's official birthday. She's 12 now. So I thought I would post a special letter dedicated to her. I thought I would do this at the end of Ellie week, but since it's Ellie birthday, I think I'll do it today.

Dear Ellie,
Wow! I can't believe you're 12! One more year and you'll be a teenager! (Yikes!) Well, I'm not going to think about that right now. I'll focus on today and take one day at  a time:)

First of all, I just want to say how awesome you are. Yes, I know I make you out to be this crazy person, but truthfully, I admire you. Because you're never afraid to be yourself, no matter where you are. You love your personality. You're unique in your own way. You're not afraid to make funny faces and then put them on Instagram.

This might sound weird to you, but you're one of the nicest people I know. Never do you fail to do something nice for me everyday, whether it be making soup or singing the Olaf song when I'm upset. Every time you know I'm sad. So you hug me and whisper, "Put me in summer and I'll be a.." And you won't let go until I say, "Happy snowman."

Thank you for putting up with my annoying way of bursting into random songs for no reason. And my adoration for Rudo. Thank you for reminding me that I'm my own person too. You're not weird. You're unique. And guess what? I wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm sure through your life, you're going to get some negative comments from people. (Already have in fact) Don't ever believe them. You're not a wimp. Sure, you might not be good at everything you try, but I wouldn't want you to change. I wouldn't like you shorter or taller or with a slightly different personality. You're awesome just the way you are.

Yes, I know I'm your sister and I'm supposed to say all this. So I'm going to change the subject. Remember, whenever you're down, that God created you. You're not perfect, but you have a purpose. He loves you just the way you are and he wouldn't change you. He could if he wanted to, but he wouldn't. Jesus died for you. I'm so glad you have a relationship with Him and you're continuing to grow in it.

Above all, thank you for always being there for me. We have our arguments, but I can never stay mad at you for long. You've given me confidence in myself and showed me that it's good to be you in front of people. I know you'll always been there and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us. I know a can be a jerk sometimes. Thank you for forgiving me. I wouldn't want anyone in the world to be my sister.

Love,
Sarah

P.S THANK YOU for asking for the Percy Jackson books and FROZEN for your birthday. It's awesome.

Ellie, you never fail to live out this song.

Offical Ellie Week: Day 2

Today is Day 2 of my Ellie Themed week! I hope you are enjoying this. Ellie is the kind of person who is very fun to talk about. Tomorrow I'll talk about what Ellie likes. Today's topic though, is Ellie's hobbies.

Well... probably fashion. She's obsessed with converse. And skinny jeans. Not the one when you wonder how they can walk because it's so tight, but mild skinny jeans. She does my hair in a braid for Katniss and is always making some cool way to make her outfits look cool. No, she doesn't shop at the mall or any of the brand names. Her favorite story is Target, but we don't go there very often.

She also loves to dance. Since Zendaya danced on Dancing with the Stars, she follows that show, but only when someone she knows is on it. She has taken no classes, but she can dance. Creatively, she makes up dance routines for our original Video Star music videos.

Her other hobbies include stalking people and getting into her friends' iPods and taking a million selfies. (She specializes in that) Snapchat is her addiction. She snapchats all the time. Talents include singing and  dancing. Plus, annoying boys she dislikes.

She doesn't like sports as much as other things, but even our dad, a Little League coach, said she throws better than half the guys on his last team. More than that, she likes tennis. Leaving me the odd one out when it comes to sports in our family. (I stink) But that's okay.

I hope you're enjoying Ellie week! Remember to check back next week. Tomorrow is her official birthday.

Bye peeps,
Sarah:)

All The Stars- Ed Sheeran (a beautiful song)

Okay, I know I've posted before today, but I had to share this song. I'm listening to it right now and I feel the tears coming to my eyes. I've never read The Fault in Our Stars, but I know about it. And... Ed Sheeran is the best guy vocalist there is. This song proves it. Because no guy is this soft and sensitive.

It's beautiful. Please listen.

It's just another night, and I'm staring at the moon
I saw a shooting star and thought of you
I sang a lullaby by the waterside and knew
If you were here, I'd sing to you
You're on the other side, as this skyline splits in two
Miles away from seeing you
But I can see the stars from America
I wonder do you see them too?

So open your eyes and see, the way our horizons meet
And all of the lights will lead, into the night with me
And I know these scars will bleed
But both of our hearts believe
All of these stars will guide us home

Offical Ellie Week: Day 1

Hey hey hey! It's Sarah. This week is.... (drum roll please)

Ellie's birthday week!!!!

Which means, this week on Forever Changed, I am doing a Ellie themed week. Every day, I will post about something Ellie likes, stuff about Ellie, and on the last day, I will write a personal, serious letter to my fabulous sister. (Running from today to Saturday)

Today I will be talking about Ellie, her personality, her style. Facts.

Oh, where do I begin?

Ellie isn't a normal girl. She's not crazy all the time either. But when she is, watch out. Because she will surprise you.

She is confident. If you're wearing skinny jeans or socks with strange designs on them one day, and hear a squeal behind you, chances are it's Ellie. Let's say she has a unique way of letting out her emotions. And if you do something fashionable that's worthy of her adoration, she will freak out. Another reason why she's cool.

She loves leggings. And skinny jeans. Crazy socks as well. She loves her room to be clean too. Okay, she's not obsessed, but she loves a clean room.

In my experiences, she never thinks of herself. Most days she makes lunch of us. She can make soup too and canned ravioli. Plus another treats and things. She's destined to be a chef. At least that's what I think.

Children love her. She could carry around cute kids all the day if could. Well, all little kids are cute. Someday she's shy. That's rare.

Instead of saying, Ellie's my best friend, I'll say I'm her best friend. Because really, she keeps me happy, even when I'm sad. She never fails to make me laugh, never will. I can deal with  hard things so much better with her than without her.

This is Ellie. Stay tune to find out more about her.

Monday Minutes Challenge

I'm a day late, but I'm still doing Monday Minutes Challenge. (Link) I'm doing the sentence prompt. I always knew this day would come—I just didn’t expect for it to get here so soon. 298 words.

From the window, I watch her walking in the yard, just like I did when she was a girl. Bouncy brown curls. Smiling face. Everything about her appearance reminded me of Dominic. Not so much with her personality. She’s kind like him, but not as quiet. Deep down inside is my young, adventurous spirit. She’s grown up now. Her curls are straightened She doesn’t laugh as much.

Watching her brings back two words as they speak into my mind like an unwanted friend.

Tonight, Addison.

I always knew this day would come—I just didn’t expect for it to get here so soon. The night where Dominic and I will have to tell her everything. None of our children know of the happenings before they were born, when he and I was a young couple. Like kids, in fact. Kids who only found peace in each other, while their world was a cruel place.

If I had to chose, I would never tell our daughter about it. Hide it forever. I promised Dominic and I’ll never break another promise to him.

Why am I so afraid? She’s almost seventeen now. Something tells me it’s because I didn’t know anything about it until I was a few years older, but I know the truth. Ideas will come to her. Even though our story is terrible, it won’t stop her. She’ll want to know more. That’s something she didn’t inherit from Dominic. Her recklessness. Already she knows that we’re not normal, that something was going on when we met.

Tonight we will unlock the dark door to our past. I would think if we told her every pain we felt, she would stay away. But hardly anyone truly understands all we went through.

Footsteps enter the kitchen. It’s time.

In Christ,
Sarah

 

Reflections

Today I'm doing Friday Reflections! I especially like this week's reflections because I love 1st John. To learn more about it, click here.

This Week's Verse

"But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."

~ 1 John 4:4 (NLT) (Copied directly from Christ is Write.)

 

 Tessa's Questions

Have you ever tried to take a situation into your own hands, relying on your strength rather than God's? What was the result?

I'm actually guilty of doing this many times. When something is wrong in my life and I'm upset, instead of going to God like I should, I listen to my music. (And it's usually not Christian) To my flesh, it seems like a much easier thing than praying to God. But God has shown me the truth. He is more satisfying than any of my worldly pleasures could ever be.

 

Are there any difficulties you are facing that you need to hand over to God? 
I usually am a 'it's going to be okay' kind of person. More than that, I tend to let my instincts take over. They tell me everything's going to work out okay and I shouldn't bother talking to God. That's a lie. No matter how big or small, I should take my troubles to God, knowing that He will out things for His good.

How can you face these struggles through His strength rather than your own?
I know I can always talk to Him by praying. Reading the Bible is a necessity. Now that I am growing I see that even though I might think I know a lot of things about the Bible, there is so much I can learn.

Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph).
In fantasy books, sci-fi movies and all kinds of entertainment, we constantly see a battle between good and evil. These wars have tension, sacrifice,  and at times, seem hopeless. But what is amazing about Jesus is that He, and only He, can assure us that the war is won. He defeated and crushed sin on the cross. Though strife goes on in our lives, God has victory.

Thank you once again, Tessa for doing this!
In Christ,
Sarah

 

 

Monday Minutes Challenge

For this week's Monday Minute Challenge (link), I'm using the sentence: I'd told myself I would never come back here again ... yet here I am.

I'd told myself I would never come back here again ... yet here I am. My eyes close and I’m back in her house. Our last conversation. The last day.

Why do I even bother?

I open my eyes. Mom says I shouldn’t live in past. Move on. Forgive. Usually, I can handle those things. With her, simple things are complicated.  Mom’s words come back to me. “Are you sure things are complicated? Or are you just making them complicated when they don’t have to be?”

Megan said I had trust issues. We called it quits. I wish I could leave it like that. Before I know it, I’m on her front porch again, staring at the door.

It hasn’t changed. On my left is a swing. That swing. Her laughter echoes in my mind, the happy days.

“Megan,” I call, knocking on the door.

There. I did it. Here we go again.

But a few seconds later, the silence is still there. I know she’s here. Her red car is in the driveway.

I hit the door again. Creak.

The door is cracked. Did she know I was coming? She couldn’t have. I know her. She wouldn’t leave the it cracked on accident.

If she catches me coming in without an invitation, she’ll know how much I miss her. That’s not what I wanted. I step into her house and remember to take off my shoes. The white carpet feels soft against my bare feet.

I listen for her footsteps in the kitchen. Nothing. In the living room, the color red sends my mind in a daze.

A circle shaped blood stain on the carpet. Other than that, the room looks normal. But something’s missing here.

Megan.

Hope you like it!

In Christ,
Sarah

About the blog list and other random things...

Hello friends! (That's how I greet my family) I wanted to say a few things in this post.

First of all... about that blog page. One of the writing blogs I put on the list had a cuss word in one of its posts. When I linked it on there, I didn't think much of it. It wasn't that bad of a word and the writing advice remained helpful. Reconsidering, I decided I didn't want to seem like I was promoting that profanity and I didn't want anyone to be offended by it. So I removed that blog and added another writing blog that contains a lot of advice from a Christian perspective. I apologize for not thinking it through considerably and if you saw that word.

Now, I want to take a time to thank you. Yes, you. Anyone who has read my blog, commented, or followed me. I can't believing (not counting me) Ellie and I have 19 followers! At first, I didn't even want to put the follower gadget on because I thought no one would follow my blog anyway. The truth is that I love to write. I love to voice my opinion and just... write! Not only have I been able to do that with this blog, but I've also gotten a lot of feedback from all of you! So thank you. You are very encouraging!

Speaking of that, if anyone has any advice you could give me on how to improve this blog, leave a comment. I've always looking for opinions in that area. I want to be able to improve this blog in any way I can. Thanks! (Suggestions for post topics, reviews, or just things I could do to make it better)

In another news, the winners of The X Factor USA,  (unfortunately, the last season), Alex and Sierra, have released the title for their upcoming single! 'Scarecrow.' Hmm... it sounds unique, but I absolutely adore these guys. They're so different from pretty much everyone in the music industry! I could go on and on about how much I love them.

Okay, this is what I'm most excited about. If Taylor Swift follows her normal pattern for three albums (one album every two years), this year she will have a new album!!!! YES! I know she's working on her new album. A famous guy who heard the music said all the her other albums were practice for this new one! I can barely contain my excitement!!!!! Hopefully, by the end of this year, she will have blown my mind away with amazing, heartfelt new music.

Thank you for reading!
TTFN,
Sarah

New Page

I have a new page on my blog with a huge list of blogs I love to read. It includes fun blogs and writing blogs. Be sure to look at it!

In Christ,
Sarah

The Lost Hero Book Review

Title: The Lost Hero, book one in the Heroes of Olympus series. (Continued from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)
Author: Rick Riodarn
Genre: Junior High/Young Adult fiction. Action. Roman and Greek mythology

Plot: Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god. (Taken from Goodreads)


What I liked: After extremely enjoying the Percy Jackson series, I was excited to read a contiuan. This book included many new characters, but also old ones. (Annabeth!) It also explored the traits of gods and goddesses that the previous series did not. (Aphrodite, Hephaestus) The humor was not lost and the excitement did not fade. Leo and Coach Hedge were hilarious. Jason, Piper, and Leo, though had one quest, had personal issues and goals of their own. Unlike in the Percy Jackson series, the gods were more involved with their children. I really missed Percy, but hopefully he'll show up in the next book!

What could've been better: Okay, it was never boring, but I would have to say that it was a little too long. There were so many things I wanted to know and it took forever for me to get there. Three perceptive made it a little more confusing.  The many, many little conflicts during their quest made me wonder if I would ever get to the end.

Content: A lot of violence while fighting monsters and giants, but nothing graphic or unnecessary. Piper and Jason kiss once and lean on each other while sleeping on a flying dragon. Not one god marries a mortal. So you figure how the demigods were born.

Conclusion: I've heard a lot of good things about this book and I definitely wasn't disappointed. I loved how the old characters made reappearances. It wouldn't have been as good without them. A little long, but nothing disinterested me. So far, I like the Percy Jackson series better, but I can't wait to read the Son of Neptune!

Liebster Award

I've been nominated for this before, but I really love doing this tags!

 Thank you so much, Elizabeth, Juila and TW! Check out TW at Indonesia Around Me and Ravens and Writing Desks. Also, see Elisabeth's blog, Reflections of the Heart and Everlasting Hope, her way to raise money for orphans. Find Julia at Running Through the Stars. Please look at these blogs. They're awesome.

Thank and link back to the person who nominated you 
~List eleven facts about yourself 
~Answer the eleven questions asked by the blogger who nominated you 
~Nominate 9 bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers (you can't nominate the blogger who nominated you)
~Ask them eleven questions
~Let them know of their nomination

Eleven Facts about Me

1. Frozen is the best animated Disney movie there is.
2. My favorite song at the moment is 'Problem' by Ariana Grande.
3. I write modern day fiction, sci-fi, and fairytales.
4. Recently, I finished 'The Lost Hero' and 'The Maze Runner.'
5. I really like old tv shows.
6. Music is my main inspiration for everything in life.
7. My favorite hymn is Blessed Assurance.
8. To me, rock music doesn't make sense.
9. In my opinion, meaningful lyrics are so much more valuable than a catchy tune could ever be.
10. I love the Percy Jackson series:)
11. Earlier this year, my siblings and I promised that we wouldn't ask our parents to let us go see a move because we want to be sure that we see The Hobbit 3.

Elisabeth's Questions
Would you rather be floating in a river of chocolate or falling down a syrup waterfall? (You can eat as much as you want!)
River of chocolate, definitely.
 
If you have watched the Hobbit movies, who's your favorite character?
I love this question! I have so many characters I love, but I would have to say Legolas. Now I know he's not actually in the book, but I think the director might have thought: Man, the readers are going to be mad that we didn't follow the book hardly at all. I know! Let's put Legolas in it." He's amazing. (I also love, Tauriel, Bilbo, and Gandalf)

How many siblings do you have?
3, counting my dog

Do you have a favorite number?
15. Partly because I'm turning 15 this year and because of Taylor Swift's amazing song that inspired one of my first books.

What is your favorite TV show?
Sam and Cat and Liv and Maddie

Who do you think is the cutest cartoon character ever?
Does Olaf count? Because he does, is this a trick question?

Do you find yourself picking up trash that has fallen out of your younger siblings escapades on a regular basis?
Sometimes...

What letter of the alphabet would you use to sum up your whole character?
R, because my dog, Rudo, defines my life! (His name means love)

Would you rather be so stupid you can't add 1+1, so ugly you scare Frankenstein, or so lazy you can't pick up your spoon to eat your favorite cereal?
This is a hard one, but probably ugly like Frankenstein because that reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. (Besides, writers don't have to look good.)

Would you rather be a pot of oatmeal, a utterly destroyed banana, or a severely burnt muffin?
Pot of oatmeal. My dad used to make it for me every morning.

Do you usually find banana peels, apple cores, a army man who has been mutilated by a BB gun, a hideous rubber cheese (hideous rubber mice are included), or ugly jewelry on your bed? (I have seriously found a rubber cheese under my pillow at least 6 times. I guess the Tooth Fairy is mad at me, lol)
I have a bunk bed and I see on the lower one. So I don't have to worry about that.

Thanks again, Elisabeth!

TW's Questions

Cookout or Eat-out?
Eat-out. Love restaurants.

Favorite Quote? 
“To me, Fearless is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.”
― Taylor Swift 
"If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, and do not have love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal." 1st Corinthians 13:1

Waterfall or Beach?
I see beaches all the time, so waterfall.

Ninja Turtles or Ninjago? (Yes, I'm strange)
Lol. Actually, I've only heard of Ninja Turtles. This might be shocking, but I don't watch cartoons.

Do you play/like Legos?
A little bit. I don't have many.

 Would you rather spend a day outdoors or indoors?
This is so hard because I love outdoors, but I also would hate the idea of not having my computer next to me. So inside.

Clothes shopping or grocery shopping?
I somewhat dislike both, because clothes shopping bores me and grocery shopping makes me hungry. However, if you catch me on a good day, I like to buy clothes. 

How often do you blog?
I try to blog once or twice a week, but recently I've done more than that.

What's your favorite food?
Ice cream and pizza

Have you ever been out of your home county?
No, unfortunately, but my dream is go to England. A. Many singers I like live there. B. I love British accents!

What about your home continent?
I haven't been anywhere around there either.

Julia's Questions

If you were a demigod from the Percy Jackson series, who would you be the child of and why (If you haven't read it, just Google a quiz. There are tons)?
I've always thought I would be a daughter of Athena. The quiz said so too. I'm not extremely smart, but I love to learn.

Would you rather date Khan from Star Trek: Into Darkness or Voldemort, from Harry Potter (BWAHAHA good luck with this one)?
I've never seen any of these movies, but I've seen a picture of Voldemort and he looked really scary. So I'll go with the other guy. Whoever he is. Lol:)

What's your favorite Shakespeare play?
I've never seen a Shakespeare play, but I know the story of Romeo and Juliet. So probably that.

What fictional character do you most relate to?
Oh wow. The one that comes to mind right now is Ellie Sweet from The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet. I'm really shy and I love to write, but not a whole lot of people know about my fictional writings.

Which do you prefer, skirts or dresses?
Skirts are a lot easier to get one, but I like dresses best.

What's your favorite motivational song?
There are so many. 'Gold' by Britt Nicole. 'Happy' by Pharrel Williams. 'Unstoppable' by Tobymac. 'Let it Go' by Idina Menzel. (and a lot more)

Do you prefer a Kindle or a book?
Kindle books are a lot cheaper, but I love reading paperback or hardback books more than anything.

Do you think #7 is a big deal?
Hmm... yes. I can't read classics on a Kindle. But I can pretty much read any modern books on a Kindle. It's weird to be to think that some books have batteries.

Would you rather turn into a turtle for a month or a panda?
A panda. They're cuter and faster.

Do you prefer C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien?
This is such a hard question. I love C.S Lewis' books, but I adore how Tolkien used the ring to represent sin. I like them both the same!

Do you prefer drawing or writing?
Writing, definitely. I stink at drawing.

My Questions

This are all going to sound the same because I'm thinking of them at the top of my head.

1. Frozen or Tangled?
2. What is your favorite genre to read?
3. What is your favorite music genre?
4. What is your favorite book?
5. What is your favorite accent?
6. Favorite actress?
7. Favorite actor?
8. Favorite action movie?
9. Favorite award show?
10. Favorite classic?
11. Favorite old TV show?

I nominate all my followers because I'm sure I've tagged you for this before. Plus anyone who wants to do it!

Thanks again, girls, for nominating me!

In Christ,
Sarah

Coming tomorrow: My review of The Lost Hero