Something I've Been Neglecting

Remember this? An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook?
I just checked, and the last time I did it was in May. Somehow summer slipped by without me remembering about my daybook! But I have decided to start it up again, possibly every other week on Saturday or Sunday. :)

But before I begin, I would like to direct your attention to two things:

1. I wrote another guest post today for Elizabeth Rose at Living on Literary Lane. It's called, When You Need a Little Humbling... I would love if you went over there and read it. :)

2. I have a friend in real life who started a blog not too long ago called My Musings and Other Profound (or not) Thoughts. She would be greatly encouraged if y'all went over there and checked her blog out!

Okay, now on to the daybook:

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today the number one question I was asked by people at church was: "Are you all packed yet for college?" :P
I'm feeling contemplative from playing piano, and also a little stressed out from too much multitasking.
My outfit is a turquoise tee and light-colored shorts.
Outside my window it's overcast and dreary... the type of day where mosquitoes are having a party and everyone else wants to stay inside. ;)
A song that's stuck in my head is "Shine on Us" by Michael W. Smith, which I played an arrangement of for the offertory at church.
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently: the amazing, humbling love of my family and friends as I'm preparing for college.
A prayer of my heart this week is to trust in God for everything - knowing He has my life in His hands.
I am creating a CD of my compositions, which I'm trying to complete in the next couple of weeks before I go to college. (AAHHH!!)
I am reading Passion & Purity (yes, still), Start Here (almost finished), and I'm hopefully gonna start one of the many fiction books that have been on my shelves just waiting for me to read them!
I am thinking about all the different things I'm multitasking on at the moment - mainly just how I can use the rest of my day most productively.
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week: 1 Peter 1:8-9 "Though you have not seen him [Christ], you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to trust God with ALL aspects of my life. Each new worry, new fear about college I'm having to lift up to God
An attribute of God I've seen this week is Father. He loves me like a child, and cares very much about all the details of my life that could easily seem insignificant. And unlike my earthly father, who cannot be with me everywhere I go, my God will be with me, even at college.
A picture I’d like to share: This is the picture I'm thinking of going with for the cover of my CD. What do you all think?

A creative goal for next week well... there are a few compositions I have left to work on and get totally complete. A couple of which I have to work out with the violinist. So my creative goal would be to get all my songs for the CD finalized and ready to record!
Did I complete my goal from last week hehe well... it's been a few months. ;) 


I hope you all are having a great Sunday! :D

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook #8

And, it's time again for an entry in an inspired young woman's daybook! But first, I have some fun things to let you know about. Livvy at A Daughter's Heart is doing a giveaway of  a Sense and Sensibility e-pattern (so you can make a dress just like the ones from a Jane Austen novel)! Go over to her site and enter soon, because the giveaway ends this Tuesday!

Also, Samantha at Simple Delights is doing a Modest Fashion Week on June 14-19! You post your modest outfit each day of the week, and then at the end of the week everyone gets to vote on their favorite. Click on over to her blog to find out more about it and sign up!

Alright, now here is my entry in the daybook (which I filled out earlier today):

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today the world has finally decided to be springy. Therefore, so am I!
I'm feeling cheerful & chipper.
My outfit is jeans and a turquoise short sleeve shirt.
Outside my window it is a beautiful day, though come to think of it, the sky still is covered with faint clouds.
A song that's stuck in my head is Vivaldi's Spring (again!) I'm playing it to accompany a violinist, so I've been hearing it over and over and over again. ;)
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently: my church is doing an outreach to the community, and it's really inspired me to witness to those around me.
A prayer of my heart this week is to delight in God and in spending time with Him.
I am creating a lot of ongoing things... and I'm not really focusing on them at the moment (unfortunately).
I am reading Do Hard Things, (still), Passion & Purity (still), and I just got some books from a used book sale which I'm excited about starting as well!
I am thinking about the Spanish that I have to work on for my Clep study. :P
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week: James 3:17 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to listen to God's leading, and rely on Him for the strength to be bold and tell the truth to others.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is Holy. He is so pure and righteous - and it is my desire to be more and more like Him each day.
A picture I’d like to share: (this is one I've wanted to put on my photography blog but haven't yet)

A creative goal for next week is to try to get at least a few chapters of "Rescue My Heart" re-written. I have a lot going on this week, so this may not happen... we'll see.
Did I complete my goal from last week um... it was to work on "Rescue My Heart". Unfortunately (or fortunately) I've been working on writing just about everything else besides that, so I didn't complete my goal. 
But I did finish the allegory I was telling you all about awhile back! It's an allegory of Christ's work for us on the cross, called "Redeemed". If you all would like to read it I might post it on here. But I'd have to get a lot of responses in order to do it. ;)

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook #7

Here is my entry for An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook. I actually filled this out yesterday, but I was trying to upload a video of my piano-playing, and it failed. So I'm posting my entry (from yesterday) today. I will just have to try uploading a video another time.

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today was one of the most productive, joyful, and blessed days I've had in a long time.
I'm feeling happy. Genuinely happy. And for no specific reason!
My outfit is exactly the same as last week's! (I guess it's my Saturday outfit, lol)
Outside my window the sun has set and everything is dark. It was a pretty stormy day today, though.
A song that's stuck in my head is the second movement of Vivaldi's Spring. (click on the link to listen to the song)
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently: my parents challenged and inspired me this morning to make a habit of redeeming my time and doing the hard things first. I followed their advice today, and what a difference it makes!
A prayer of my heart this week is to be more intentional with my time, focus, and my words with others.
I am creating a number of book ideas, actually. I just wrote a short story, and I'm working on another one. I also had an idea for a book this morning... we'll see if it amounts to anything or not. ;)
I am reading Do Hard Things, (can you tell?), Passion & Purity, and A Series of Unfortunate Events (which a friend recommended - I'm not sure if I like it or not.)
I am thinking about the abundant blessings God has poured out upon me!
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week: Psalm 73:25-26 "Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is that my worth is found in Christ alone.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His peace - I've been sick most of this week, and yesterday was a rough day for me, yet I felt His peace and strength throughout it all.
A picture I’d like to share:

raindrops

A creative goal for next week is to keep working on "Rescue My Heart" - I think I'll challenge myself to do a chapter a day.
Did I complete my goal from last week... no, actually I didn't finish the allegory I'm working on - because I got distracted with other story ideas!

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook #6

Well, I've been lax in my daybook for a couple of weeks, so I thought I would get back into the habit. So here is my Inspired Young Woman's Daybook.

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I am kind of overwhelmed.
I'm feeling tired from the English country dancing "ball" we went to last night (though it was lovely!)
My outfit is jeans and a gray sweatshirt that says "Lovin' Life"
Outside my window it is a gray and weary day. Everything seems bogged down by the heavy clouds.
A song that's stuck in my head is the National Treasure theme... my brothers and I are using it for a movie we're making.
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently: the song, "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful", by Keith Green. I sing it often, and it helps me to re-focus my thoughts on God instead of on my worries or on a catchy song with not-so-good lyrics.
A prayer of my heart this week is to be able to trust God in all areas of my life - and especially about my future.
I am creating a ton of things... I seem to love multitasking at the moment.
I am reading Do Hard Things by the Harris twins, and Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot (with my mom).
I am thinking about how nice it was to have a heart-to-heart talk with my mom this morning. :)
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week: Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to be willing to let God use me no matter the consequences.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His omnipotence - He has everything under control even if I don't!
A picture I’d like to share:

The sunrise was beautiful yesterday!

A creative goal for next week is to finish a short story I'm working on which is an allegory of Christ's redeeming work for us. And also continue in re-writing "Rescue My Heart"!
Did I complete my goal from last week... well, I rewrote up to chapter 11, but not all of Anna's part. So - I guess I did most of it. ;)

Daybook, and a Crazy Week

It's been a crazy last couple days for my family, so sorry for the longer amount of time between posts. This week we had to empty out our livingroom and diningroom/schoolroom in order to put in carpet. It was a lot of work, especially since we had four bookcases we had to empty out. I seriously think we have like hundreds, if not thousands of books! And after the carpet was put in, we had to put them all back again. Thankfully, I think things are just about back to normal now. :)

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I did my chores, put books back on the shelves, wrapped presents, and baked a lemon cake for my brother's birthday.
I'm feeling very tired, yet happy that most of the work is done.
My outfit is jeans and a grey sweatshirt with a big brightly colored heart. It says "Lovin' Life" underneath. :)
Outside my window it's a blustery day: rainy, windy, drab & dull. But I'm thankful for the rain because that means we'll be having green grass and flowers again soon!
A song that's stuck in my head is... the theme for Pirates of the Caribbean (my brother was trying it out on the piano, and you know how I am - if I hear a song, it's stuck in my head the rest of the day!)
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently is my friend (Violet), giving me one of her famous "lectures" on my story. :)
A prayer of my heart this week is that I would not procrastinate!
I am creating a cake for my brother's birthday, also, a beautiful home!
I am reading... hahaha should I even answer this one? 
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week is James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to have a cheerful and helpful attitude, no matter how tired I am.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His peace, and unity in our house even as we're going through this crazy week.
A picture I’d like to share: 

(Poem is "A Rainy Day" by Longfellow. I thought it fit with today!)

A creative goal for next week is to figure out Christopher's character a bit more, and to edit up to chapter 11 in my novel.
Did I complete my goal from last week... not quite. I only worked on the first three chapters. :P Hopefully I'll have more time this week - and not procrastinate!

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook #3

And..... another entry in An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook!

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I have done nothing creative... at least not yet ;)
I'm feeling tired and daydreamy... if that's a word :P
My outfit is jeans, and a swingy brown dress-like shirt.
Outside my window is the mysterious-looking lights of our neighbor's house (they shine down from each corner... it actually looks pretty cool).
A song that's stuck in my head is... I have a ton of songs stuck in my head! "I Hope You Dance," "Always" by Building 429, "Holy" by Nichole Nordeman, "Think About His Love"...
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently is the song, "Think About His Love". I ought to do that more often!
A prayer of my heart this week is that I would trust in God for the future, and redeem the time in the present.
I am creating... sadly, not much at the present! I have a few song ideas swirling around in my head, but they are refusing to take form. So I shall have to console myself with creating brilliant prose and touching sentiments in my novel I'm editing. :)
I am reading too many books still (actually, I haven't touched them since last week! For shame!)
I am thinking about my novel I need to work on editing. And also the blog post I'm working on writing for tomorrow. :)
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week is 1 John 3: 18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to meet with Jesus early in the morning - so He is the focus of my thoughts and my day.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His sovereignty - especially in the life of a dear friend! :)
A picture I’d like to share: one of the last pictures I took that has my camera in it. Poor camera :/

 (The smudges are dirt or something on my mirror :P )

A creative goal for next week is to edit all that's from Anna's perspective in my novel.
Did I complete my goal from last week... yes! I've figured out a lot of the backstory, and also the main conflict of the story.

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook #2

Well, it's Saturday again, so here is my second entry of An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook. Click here to see the first one.

Oh, and by the way, a couple nights ago I had a dream where I met all of you bloggers who I've become friends with. It was really cool! I'd love to actually do that in real life. :)

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I helped my dad paint our hallway
I'm feeling motivated (though slightly overwhelmed)
My outfit is jeans and a blue shirt under a brown sweater
Outside my window are huge icicles dripping down to the snow-covered ground.
A song that's stuck in my head "The Call" by Regina Spector - and also "Pizza Angel" (VeggieTales) lol!
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently is the Olympics - it's amazing how they can be so driven, and so good at what they do!
A prayer of my heart this week is that I would focus less on me, and more on Christ.
I am creating a short story which is an allegory of the salvation story. It is called "Redeemer."
I am reading all the same books as last week, plus a few more. (Hopefully I'll finish at least one of them soon!)
I am thinking about the delicious peaches and cream I just ate!
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week is Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to not be a procrastinator (which applies to all areas of my life)
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His love for me in sacrificing His son on the cross for my sins. I know this may seem elementary, but I so often forget what a huge love God has for me!
A picture I’d like to share of the icicles out my window:

A creative goal for next week is to get cracking on my editing for NaNoEdMo!
Did I complete my goal from last week... yowch! nope :/ I'll try to do better this week! :)

An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook

Well, I've seen alot of young woman's or teen girl's daybooks floating around the "blogosphere", and I thought they'd be cool to do. But none of them quite had the questions I'd like. So to remedy that, I thought I'd start my own! This is the inspired young woman's daybook, specifically for those young women who love the Lord and enjoy doing creative things.

If you'd like to participate in this (and I'd really love it if you would!), pick a day that you can write on your blog consistently (I'll probably be doing Saturday... we'll see), and then just post on your blog, filling out the following prompts. This is a sample form (please make sure to copy and use my picture and the link):

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I…
I'm feeling...
My outfit is...
Outside my window…
A song that's stuck in my head...
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently...
A prayer of my heart this week... 
I am creating… 
I am reading...
I am thinking... 
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week...
A spiritual lesson I'm learning...
An attribute of God I've seen this week…
A picture I’d like to share…
A creative goal for next week... 
Did I complete my goal from last week...


So here's my first entry.

Find out how to do An Inspired Young Woman's Daybook here

Today I was antisocial - I was in my room on my computer practically the whole day (bad, I know)
I'm feeling tired, but still happy.
My outfit is my favorite comfy jeans, and a sweatshirt. (pretty much my favorite attire, unless I'm going out :P)
Outside my window... Unfortunately I can't see outside because it's nightime and dark, but I did notice a gorgeous sunset earlier!
A song that's stuck in my head "Viva la Vida meets Love Story" by Jon Schmidt (it's in my music player on the sidebar)
Something (a book, song, movie, person...) that's inspired me recently is my parents. They encouraged me when I was feeling overwhelmed about my audition at Cedarville, and inspired me with their love and sacrifices they've made for me.
A prayer of my heart this week is that I would have God in the forefront of my thoughts, not myself or my desires.
I am reading too many books at once... "Emma" by Jane Austen, "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, and "The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
I am creating a novel (or working on it) called "Alphyri". Currently I'm still figuring out details, but it's set in a Medieval-type landscape, about a peasant who doesn't know she's the rightful princess, and a prince who just wants to be a peasant. And they fall in love :D
I am thinking about my book I ought to be writing. :P
A scripture verse or passage that's stuck out to me this week is John 15:4 "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." A spiritual lesson I'm learning is to seek God first above all else.
An attribute of God I've seen this week is His peace. He granted me an abundant measure of it for my audition, and I'm so thankful!
A picture I’d like to share from a recent trip to our grandparent's. It's an old abandoned schoolhouse.

A creative goal for next week is to write, oh, let's say 4,000 words in my novel (nothing like word count goals to motivate one's writing!)
Did I complete my goal from last week... n/a

I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about me. Please feel free to participate in this on your blog as well!