Goodbye, 2019, the Year of Growth // The Year in Review

Well, it's not quiiiiite the end of the year, but it almost is and I doubt anything big will happen in the two days left. XD 

2019 was a crazy big year for me. It pretty much rocked my world. I'm not sure how to do this, so I'm just going to do a bullet point list.

Highlights of 2019: 

• I went to a Youth Camp for the first time in my life. It was completely bewildering, fun, frightening, and painful. Read more here. I don't want to do it again, but I'm super grateful I did get to do it. 
• I launched my blog. I was scared silly but one day I just desperately told myself, "now or never. Nothing venture, nothing win," and clicked that fateful button. Since then my blog has made me grow, learn, meet new friends... I'm so glad I decided to be brave and do this.
• I launched my reviews blog too. 
• I made new friends & deepened old friendships. I LOVE people and I'm so happy to have made some new friends, and to keep in contact with old ones. My bestie & I started drifting earlier but we decided to hold tight to our friendship and make time for it, and I think we are better friends than ever now. <33
• I wrote two novels that people fangirled over & loved & even got people i barely knew to beta-read it. I reached a goal of 46,526 words with Chords and met my favourite character of mine ever. Then in November Broken made me pass my dream goal of 50k and even my highest ambition of 70k. 
• Listening to the Messiah on repeat almost daily. <33 This oratorio is now in my heart nd memory and I love that. 
• I had a book proofread by a real proofreader and I made it available to the world. It was then reviewed on a well-known indie author website and was even put on Goodreads.  
• I buddy-read with about five different people simultaneously and basically buddy-read A LOT. It was fun. :) I also did a book-journaling of my favourite book. <33 I also did several readathons & read many ARCs and review copies!
• This deserves a point of itself... buddy-reading mysteries with Bethany & trying to solve them, as well as forming a Holmes, Watson, & Lestrade threesome with Mary & Bethany and having proper British conversations pretending to be those chaps. and laughing ourselves sick with our hilarious nonsense. And discussing Enemy Brothers and Emily & Brent from the Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott with Mary. <33 
• I reached my dream goal of reading 365 books & ended up reading over 530 books & short stories. And I met so, so, so many good books. 
• I finally did NaNo & wrote over 55k words in less than 30 days. 
• I went to a pastors' conference in November & was so blessed.
• I passed my theoretical driver's test at first try & then passed my practical one on my second try.
• I discovered Scottish folk songs & Christmas carols and fell helplessly in love.
• I discovered just how fun Snoopy is. XD
• I created a bookstagram challenge & launched a reading challenge and a writing tag. 
• I voted! xD
• I FINALLY FINISHED GRAMMAR REVOLUTION AFTER WANTING TO FOR YEARS YAYYYY. 
• I participated in several linkups/blog parties (Five Fall Favourites, unofficially; 12 Days of Christmas; Happy Fall Blog Party; a Cover Reveal Blog Party; and two Book Release Blog Tours--one on here and one on Old-Fashioned Book Love.) I also joined in some bookstagram challenges and stuff. It was so fun :) 
• My grandparents came to visit after a over a year of not being able to see them. <33
• We went to the lake and I thiiiiiiink I learned to swim lol. And we went to the Zoo with my uncle & cousin and that was a blast.
• I turned 18 and my family threw a party. I enjoyed that SO MUCH. And I got my first bouquet which was lovely. ^_^

This I Learned in 2019:

• How to disagree politely, accept other people's opinions, & not be bitter about the way I'm treated. 
• That God answers prayers when it's best for us, not when we demand it. 
• That fear costs so much, and faith & courage is so rewarding. 
• That dreams come true when you surrender to Christ.
• That we really, really need missionaries in QC (and I'm finally willing to be the wife of a minister.)
• That you can be terrified of starting something and end up really loving it.
• That dedication & perseverance pays off.
• Laziness costs so much; hard work is so rewarding.
• Schedules & to-do lists & planners (and outlines) can be your best friends. 
• That when you let yourself down, you need to forgive yourself, pick yourself up, and try again. 
• That it's oh-so-worth-it to be honest & real & vulnerable.
• People-pleasing is absolutely crippling. 
• That I can talk about deep subjects & things God has laid on my heart.
• That the world needs proofreaders! XD 

Yes, 2019 was a year of change and growth. I matured. I saw my flaws. I learned a lot. It was a hard year but a good one. I thank God for the friends He gave me this year to support me as I navigated this (adult) life. I thank Him for fulfilling my dreams. I praise Him for changing my heart. I've changed a lot over this year.

So, 2019, goodbye. Thank you for teaching me so much. Thank you for forcing me to be honest and see my flaws.

I look forwards to 2020, the year of change.

8 Favourite Books I Read This Autumn

Hey friends! I am back with another post of my favourite books read this season. I know, I'm super late, butttt... oh well.
It’s quite funny to look back at these books! It seems like soooo long ago since I read these but it’s only been about three months. Click the links to read my reviews. ,


*Note: I borrowed some of these categories & this post idea from Kate Willis.


Romance ~ 

By “romance,” I mean a book that cannot stand if you take out the romance. Chip, of the Flying U by B.M. Bower is perhaps the funniest romance I’ve ever read. It was hilarious. There was some content (read my review for details) but I really enjoyed it and I intend to read the rest of the series.
Fantasy ~ 

By “fantasy,” I mean books set in this world but in made-up countries or places. The Tales of Tarsurella by Olivia Lynn Jarmusch took the cake this time. Those three books totally took my heart by storm. My favourite of the three was book 2, but I looooved book 1 & book 3 too. They were so real—I felt as if Tarsurella was a real place. And they were beautiful, hilarious, and SUCH rollercoasters. <33

Historical Fiction ~
Rilla of Ingleside, by L.M. Montgomery. I haven’t reread this book for years, and I loved it so much more as an older girl. It is the most poignant and beautiful war book I have ever read. I don’t think I have any higher praise.


Nonfiction ~
Basic Principles of Speech by William Trufant Foster & Lew Sarrett. I started this one in August, but I read most of it in September. It’s my favourite book because it’s so full of wisdom and humour and helpful tips for life in general. 



Finish That Series ~

Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve been retreading these old favourites all year, and in September I finished the last three. <33 I’d forgotten how much I loved them, and I loved them even more as a young woman.
History ~
Battles with the Sea by R.M. Ballantyne. I have never heard of the English lifeboats of the 1800s before, but they are fascinating! This was such an interesting book to read and I really enjoyed it.
Comedy ~
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat. I reread this book about once a year and it never gets old. It is SO. hilarious. We laughed so hard reading it the first time, and I still laugh rereading it.
MG/Juvenile Fiction ~
The New Treasure-Seekers by Edith Nesbit. I both read book 1 & reread book 2 during the summer, and this autumn I read the third and final book. They’re very humorous and with a little editing are perfect readalouds or solo reads for 8-14-year-olds.
Reread ~ 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I’ve reread this book at least once a year ever since I have first read the whole thing... and I love it a little more each time. So humorous, so real, so beautiful, so sad, so good... it’s my second-favourite novel for a very good reason.

Mystery ~

The Window at the White Cat by Mary Rinehart Roberts. This book was absolutely hilarious and very mysterious. I enjoyed it so, so much and at the moment it stands as my favourite mystery, with That Affair Next Door as a close runner-up.

Contemporary ~
More About Paddington by Michael Bond. Okay, so this is contemporary with a fantasy twist. It’s set in our modern world, only with a talking, thinking bear that no one is surprised to see. XP It is excellent. I think it’s even a little bit funnier than the first book!

~ // ~

So, can you name any favourite books you read this autumn?

Remember the CHRIST in Christmas + A Gift For You // 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party

Today is Christmas morning. The day we set aside to remember the birth of Christ Jesus--the Son of God who came to earth in human form, to die upon the cross for our sins. The ultimate gift. He came to give life to those who were dead. He came to bring light to they who wander in the darkness. He came to give healing to the broken. He came to bring joy to the grieving. He came to give hope to the hopeless. He came to give peace to all.

This is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the amazing love of our God. We celebrate His power. We remember what Christmas means and what Christ brings.

That time has come

With its tinsel and lights,

It’s hurry and getting

From morning ’til night.

That time comes again

With its sleigh bells and pine,

With the lies about Santa,

And the song and the wine.

With no thought of Jesus,

God’s babe in the hay

Who was sent down from Heaven

That wonderful day.

“CHRISTmas” they call it,

But CHRIST they forget—

All the wonder and beauty

Of that awesome event.

~Gertrude Grace Sanborn,

With Tears in my Heart,

The Old Paths Publications, Inc

posted with permission

The most wonderful part of Christmas must not be forgotten or taken for granted. Every year, we have a chance to be awed again by the miracle of Christ's birth and by His amazing love. And I pray that we choose to do this, every year. 

I've only ever written one Christmas poem, but it has that theme, though it's French. So I'm posting it here, with a translation. 

VOICI NOËL

Luc 2:7-14

Voici Noël,

Avec tous ses cadeaux,

Ses lumières, ses réveillons,

Et ses joyeux festivaux.

Voici Noël,

Avec tous ses festins,

Ses cartes, ses cantiques,

Et ses jolis sapins.

Voici Noël—

Un étable avec un cadeau

Dans la crèche :

Jésus, le Divin Agneau.

Voici Noël—

Des troupeaux et des anges,

Des bergers couchés,

La gloire de Dieu, et des louanges.

Voici Noël—

Voici Émmanuel,

Dieu est venu

Sauver les perdus.

HERE IS CHRISTMAS

Luke 2:7-14

Here is Christmas,

With all its gifts,

Its lights, its réveillons,*

And its happy festivities.

Here is Christmas,

With all its feasts,

Its cards, its hymns,

And its pretty Christmas trees.

Here is Christmas—

A stable with a gift

In the manger:

Jesus, the Divine Lamb.

Here is Christmas—

Some flocks and some angels,

Some reclining shepherds,

The glory of God, and some praises.

Here is Christmas—

Here is Emmanuel.

God has come

To save the lost.

*réveillon: staying up till midnight to see in Christmas Day. No idea what you'd call that in English! 

Amidst all the rejoicings, remember Who and what we are celebrating. <3

And now, in honour of Christmas Day, I'd like to make you a gift of my Christmas story. 

An 

Old-Time Christmas  

No one should be forgotten at Christmas...

★

The approaching holiday season brings no joy for Elenora

Gregory. Isolated and forgotten, she ekes out a meagre

existence for herself and her mother, but with no money

for even ordinary comforts, a Christmas celebration is far

beyond her reach. How can others have so much

when her life is so empty?

★

Amid the whirl of holiday preparations, Edwin Langton

can't forget the face of the girl in the red cloak. Enlisting

the help of his siblings, he quickly discovers the truth of

her need. Can they find a way to make Christmas brighter

for the lonely little family?

★

As the Langtons prepare their surprises, Elenora resigns

herself to another cold, lonely holiday. But will their presents

 be the greatest gift she receives on Christmas Day?

Click here to download the PDF, mobi, & ePub. 

Joyeux Noël, mes amis. <33 

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Giveaway winner being announced on Faith's blog today, so make sure you pop over.

8 Favourite Christmas Books | 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party

Well, friends, here is the 10th day of the 12 Days of Christmas Party. Today I will be sharing eight of my favourite Christmas books. I love Christmas stories, so if you have any recommendations, drop them in the comments. I love checking out new books!!

Without further ado, let's get started.

(Yeah, I know, so cliché, but... you run out of leading-up-to-the-post sentences after a while ;P) 

Click the links to read my reviews & read more of my thoughts on the books!

1. Wind Chimes by Victoria Minks. Okay, so this book is a debut and it does have some flaws. But the stories totally make up for it. They are so sweet and beautiful and Christmassy. Absolutely perfect to curl up with on Christmas Day. ^_^

2. Christmas Delays by Rebekah A. Morris. This is a compilation of three short stories. I love every single one of them!! They're all set in WWII and they all include soldiers... ;) ;) 

3. The Birds' Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggins. This is my absolute favourite Christmas story. It is so, so beautiful... I cried the first two times I read it. This time I didn't and I felt so cheated. XP 

4. The Christmas She Wanted by Rebekah A. Morris. Ahhh! This author nails her settings and I love it. This was such a Christmassy read!! And it has a good message too. ;) 

5. Beasley's Christmas Party by Booth Tarkington. This book is really funny and really sweet. That's basically the only way to describe it! It deals with a smiling, silent man, a sick child, and imaginary friends... and a romance. ;) 

6. First Christmas in America by Rebekah A. Morris. Okay... this book was just sweet. It captured the family relationships perfectly. <3

7. Noelle's Gift by Amanda Tero. This little story made me cry with sheer happiness. It is so, so sweet!!! (Yes, I keep saying that, but these stories are all sweet!) 

8. Home for Christmas by Rebekah A. Morris. A discontented little girl... a snowstorm... and an amazing cousin. <3 This story holds such a good message. :) 

~ / / ~
Okay, so we have a little different ending today. xP

I just had my first guest post on Saturday! Run over to Kassie's to read it.

*NOTE: KASSIE’S DOMAIN HAS LAPSED AS OF 2022 AND BEEN TAKEN OVER BY ANOTHER COMPANY. DO NOT GOOGLE IT*

 You know the drill... Now hop over to Faith's! ;)

There's also a 12DoC giveaway this year! There’s two prizes, and each winner will receive a paperback copy of Behold by Faith Potts, a pair of fuzzy Christmas socks, a Christmas ornament, and a few other small goodies (magnet, candy, something like that). The giveaway will open on the 14th at 12am and close at 12am Christmas morning. Winners will be announced in Faith's post on Christmas Day. Click here to enter! 

Have you any Christmas recommendations? I'm always on the lookout for Christmas books & stories! :) 

Reflections on the Wise Men // 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party

I was recently reading the account of Christ's birth in the gospel of Matthew, and the journey of the wise men stood out to me. I think the wise men is a part pf the Christmas story that we seldom really think about.

Let's see what the Bible tells us about them.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

So far we know that the wise men came from the East. That's... vast and vague. Still, we know they came from a good distance away. These men were obviously people who knew about God and the Messiah. And they were searching for the Messiah.

I'm going to read verses 7 & 16.

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. ... Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."

According to these scriptures, it seems to me that the wise men were two years upon the road, because Jesus had been on earth for two years when they finally made it to Bethlehem. That's... a long time. More than likely, they journey through mountains and desert. It was inconvenient, hot, long, tiring, dangerous... not easy or fun. But they chose to do it--and stick to it, too.

I'm going to go back to verse 9 now.

"When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."

I just love this verse. Because it tells us that God brought these men all the way from their country, all the way into Israel, all the way to the house in Bethlehem. He led them straight and exactly to where Christ was. They didn't have to worry or wonder. When we seek Christ, God always leads us to Him.

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

Now, I am not an expert in these things, but it's obvious that these are rich gifts and fit for a king. The wise men brought their best--their treasures.

Now I'm going on to verse 12.

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."

 When God told them to do something, they obeyed Him. They didn't send a message to Herod; they didn't try to sneak past; they just changed their plans to obey God and avoid Herod.

I don't know about you, but these thoughts made me ponder. Am I willing to undergo trials to follow Jesus? Am I willing to undergo trials for a long time? Do I trust that God will lead me right where I need to be? Am I willing put aside and rearrange my plans arriving to what He says? Am I willing to bring Jesus my treasures and give them freely? Do I give Him my best?

This Christmas, let's ponder these things and keep them in our hearts for the coming years.

Head over to Faith's to see the rest of today's posts. 

Sharing My Early Writings: 2 Poems & 1 Story // 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party

Hi, friends. :) Happy five-days-'till-Christmas. :) 

Today I thought I'd share some of my early writings. Partly as an encouragement to young authors (see how far I've come) and partly because... I still like that poem, and the story is apparently the only Christmas short story I have besides An Old-Time Christmas... need to change that. Well, I did wrote a Christmas poem but it's in French and I doubt you'd get anything out of it... XP

(Also, FYI, I seem to be in a silly mood this afternoon. Enjoy, because I'm usually not when it get to blogging. You're welcome.)

This was originally titled "Sharing My Early Writings: 2 English Poems & 1 Story + One French Poem (translated!)" which was probably one of the longest blogpost titles ever... until I decided to move the poem to another post. xP 

Anyhow, without any more rambling because I don't know what to say... here's the poem. Just for fun, I'm giving you the original as well as the updated version. The first version was written when i was around 12 (I think??)  and is highly inspired by out of Laurene Lambert's Stories of the Nations 2. Actually, I read that for school and then had to write a poem about the Christmas Truce. (I don't know about you, but I find the Christmas Truce super cool (I hope you know what it is...) ). 

So, the first version. 

THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE

(Written by a young World War I soldier on the Western front to his family in Canada, as a letter)

On Christmas Day, in 1914,

In the middle of the war

We made a truce, I ween.

We common soldiers, my dear brothers,

As our high-and-mighty officers

Would not, my dear uncle vicars.

We exchanged buttons with each other,

And also addresses and chocolate cakes.

I met a German cook who can make

A very wonderful piece of pie!

“It will not last”—I hear you sigh

Dearest Isobel and Margot —and you are right.

As Christmas fades into the night

We fire—no more silence, alas, alack!

The war is back.

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:8

I still have a soft spot for it! It's got such a cool plot. ;) I love how I managed to work in my favourite girl names of the time (as unrealistic as they are for an English Canadian family...) and how I desperate grabbed some "uncle vicars" to rhyme with "officers"... and then discovered it doesn't really rhyme. XD And I do like the last three lines! ;)

Then in 2016 (I think...) I updated the poem to send it in to a contest.

ON THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

“A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

—Ecclestiastes 3:3-4, 8

The war had boomed from many shores,

And it would boom from many more.

Yet on that Day of days, Christ’s holy Spirit

Of Joy, Love, and Peace, they chose to share it.

O blessèd Peace, begun by Truce! not in thy breast

Should there be room for hate; thy blessing rests

Alike on thy sage maker and simple keeper.—

In th’ impromptu soccer and friendly chatter

And old carols dear, Christ’s wond’rous coming

Was anew remember’d , so sweet and aweing.

Perhaps ’twas our Father’s kindly reaching

To th’ endanger’d deaf to preaching.

In amiable contention and hearty laughing

Did men forget their own, their nation’s hating.

As upward rose the lovely strains familiar

Of  “Silent Night, Holy Night” in clear

Tones, the one tune and diff’rent tongues

Brought to each the one with whom he last it sung

Around the hearth of home, or near the church’s altar.

For God made but one man, no hundred warriors.

But Peace is e’er shackled by man’s brutality.

As Christmas faded into night’s sweet amity,

Deep-ton’d guns rent the air, demoniac!

Implacable, compassionless, war rolled back.

Soooo at the time I was studying English poetry of the 1700s and 1800s... XD I think this isn't a bad imitation, haha! I do still really like the last line. ;P #dramaqueen 

Aaaaand then here's the story. I think I wrote this around 2016...

PEACE ON EARTH

The old Christmas carols wafted about Noëlla Hollie. The tears which had sprung to her eyes now threatened to overflow, and she hastily bent her head to disclose her emotion. Her lips trembled, and she was unable to keep them straight. “Oh, Christopher!” she moaned. “If you were here, I should be happy now!”

Noëlla Hollie was an orphan. Her family, attacked one and all by pneumonia  had one by one been taken from her. Her eldest brother, Christopher, had died of it merely two weeks ago, and now, instead of being filled by the joy of Christmas, she was filled with the sorrow of death.

“Why, hello, Miss Merrie,” a cheery voice hailed her. “How are you today?”

“Good day, Mr. Crossman,” the girl replied in a low voice, fearing that her voice should betray her.

Mr. Crossman peered at her. “Why, surely you are not crying, Miss Merrie!” he exclaimed, with genuine astonishment and dismay in his tone.

Noëlla Hollie suddenly burst into a paroxysm of tears, covering her face with her hands. Mr Crossman reached over and patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Miss Merrie. Losing a loved one is always very difficult, but it's doubly so when one has no one left." He paused, waited until the girl was controlling her tears, then continued, "Have you not told me your name is Noëlla Hollie Merrie?"

Noëlla Hollie nodded, wiping her eyes. "Yes. My mother named me that because I was born at midnight in Christmas Day. It happened that my last name was Merrie."

Mr Crossman paused again, then said, "Have you ever wondered why God arranged it so that you received that name?"

Noëlla Hollie looked at him, surprised and bemused. "No. Why?"

"Well, perhaps it was because His work for you was that you'd bring peace and joy to others," Mr Crossman suggested. "Perhaps you could take as your life's verse Luke 2:14, you know, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men' and work for that end."

Noëlla Hollie nodded slowly, her mind going over what the minister had just said.

"Of course, I don't claim to know Gods plan for you," he added hastily. "Perhaps you should pray about it. Ask God to help you in your pain, and show you what Ge wants you to do for Him." He patted her shoulder again. "Well, good day, Miss Merrie. God bless!"

Noëlla Hollie merely nodded in reply, too full of thoughts to think of responding. Suddenly the strains of Hark! the Herald Angels Sing rang out, clear and pure:

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

Risen with healing in His wings:”

She smiled suddenly. “‘He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces,’” she murmured. “Yes, Lord! I surrender. ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord’—Thy will be done.”

~ / / ~

Don't ask me what's up with that ending.... I had to stop and think for a while before I figured out what I'd been trying to say. I'm still not quite sure. xP

Also, it is hilarious that I tried to find a fancy words for "hide" and used "disclose"... which means "make a secret thing known." 🤣 And finally, I find it so funny that I managed to call her after Christmas Day, Christmas decorations, and the Christmas spirit. XD Still, I like the message. ;) 

~ / / ~

So there you are. I hope this made you smile, and I hope it encouraged aspiring authors out there... weaned to start somewhere, and sometimes the things you write when you're young aren't too bad. <3

And now, hop over to Faith's to see the other posts!  

There's also a 12DoC giveaway this year! There’s two prizes, and each winner will receive a paperback copy of Behold by Faith Potts, a pair of fuzzy Christmas socks, a Christmas ornament, and a few other small goodies (magnet, candy, something like that). The giveaway will open on the 14th at 12am and close at 12am Christmas morning. Winners will be announced in Faith's post on Christmas Day. Click here to enter! 

What's one of the earliest things you wrote?