Joy, Love, and Giveaways

It happens from the very beginning. We gather our dolls and stuffed animals, dressing them all up for the big "wedding" of Mr. and (soon to be) Mrs. Bear. We borrow Mother's dresses and have a make-believe ceremony under the tree in the backyard. As we get older we get even more serious about it. We hear a song that would be perfect for the big day. We make pinterest boards to plan out our entire wedding. (Yes, I have one of those.) We wonder how many kids we'll have and already start naming them, middle names included. (I already…

Continue ReadingJoy, Love, and Giveaways

Turning Goals into Reality

January, what an exciting month! A time for new beginnings, promises to live better, create lists, get organized. That time of making resolutions and embracing them. Well, my January has been full of recovering from Christmas, having the time of my life out of town at a friend’s house, and then coming home to the flu. Not much of a chance for making those resolutions and turning them into reality. But, thankfully, the flu has left our household and life is settling back into normality. And though January is almost behind us, it’s never too late to make those New…

Continue ReadingTurning Goals into Reality

20 Random Facts About Me Tag

Belle over at In My Life made a fun little "getting to know you” tag that I couldn’t resist snagging. Tags are always fun! And if you don’t follow Belle, you should! She’s such a sweet person and has a delightful blog. 1. What are three of your hobbies? Writing, obviously. Does reading obsessively count? I do it so much I think it qualifies as one of my hobbies at this point. *nods* And playing the piano. 2. What is your favorite season? Used to it was Spring, but that’s switched over in just the past year or two to…

Continue Reading20 Random Facts About Me Tag

New Years Tag

This tag seems to be floating around the blog world and I couldn’t help but take part in it. I might be a little late, but better late then never, right? What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before? Rewrite a whole entire book. It was a big leap for me. As you probably know by now, I’ve always been terrified of rewrites. *shudders* Did anyone close to you give birth? Yessss! My bestest friend had her first baby. A little baby boy and the cutest one you’ll ever see. AND my cousin had the most precious…

Continue ReadingNew Years Tag

Courageous

Ever since the New Year hit, I’ve been seeing all over the place people choosing a single word to live by for the entirety of the year. I don’t know how I’ve missed this until now. When I saw it, I fell in love with the idea. I think we could all use a word to grow in. A word to draw us closer to our Savior. A word to shape us into better people, to make us more like Him. Something to use as the foundation of our year, to expand on. I knew I wanted a word. I…

Continue ReadingCourageous

It’s the Little Things

I’m thankful for the pattering of raindrops on my window. I’m thankful for siblings who never cease to make me smile. I’m thankful for those random memories that make me burst into laughter in the middle of the night. I’m thankful for the clacking sound of keyboards. I’m thankful for rainbows that remind me that storms can turn into beauty. I’m thankful for the magical smell of books. I’m thankful for Owl City music. I’m thankful for the ever going music birds provide for the outdoors. I’m thankful for the cozy smell of coffee. I’m thankful for pizza. I’m thankful…

Continue ReadingIt’s the Little Things

Embracing the Fall

Hot Summer days are slowly being swept up by the wind. The green of leaves are transforming into vibrant oranges and reds. Gloves, scarves, and boots are being donned. Pies are baking, pumpkins are being picked, hot drinks are brewing. There’s a curious smell of excitement in the air, mystery. And with a sudden expectant thrill, one realizes: Autumn is coming. Fall is the best! Slowly, but surely, these miserably hot days are working their way towards crisp, cool air, and what a thrill it gives me! I had a very pleasant summer. I finished writing a book, got a…

Continue ReadingEmbracing the Fall

Homeschool Tag

Jessa Bri, over at her blog Freckled Adventures, is doing a homeschool tag! I highly recommend you go on over and check out her delightful blog, she’s a fantabulous person. And if you are/were homeschooled join on in with the fun tag! Having been homeschooled all my schooling days I could not help but do it myself. Rules: 1. You must be currently enrolled in homeschool or a homeschool graduate. 2. Answer all the questions in a blog post of your own. 3. Comment here on my blog to let me know you have done a post. Questions: Are you…

Continue ReadingHomeschool Tag

When Life Makes You Say… [Guest Post]

Today I have the honor of my own beautiful mother guest posting. Over at her blog, Sweet Tea & Simplicity, she always has such encouraging things to say. I just couldn’t help but get her to share a post here on Musings of an Elf! So, without further ado: When Life Makes You Say… “But I just don’t know what on earth to do in this situation!”  God is your Counselor. (Ps. 119:24; Is. 48:17) “But I am afraid!”  God is your Protector. (Joshua 1:9; Ps. 91:1; John 14:27) “But I’m so lonely!” God is your Unfailing Friend; your All-time…

Continue ReadingWhen Life Makes You Say… [Guest Post]

The Child Within

I believe that we should never let go of the child within us. Children look at the world as something brand new and exciting. They seek out to explore and discover all of God’s creations. Even the simple things are delightful. Their imaginations are endless. Beautiful things are always seen through their eyes. They grin at strangers. Their love is given freely. They believe in the impossible. Children find joy in thing adults take for granted. They do not spend their days fretting; they play and explore and see each day as something wondrous and new, not something to dread.…

Continue ReadingThe Child Within