~ Featured Friend~

I am so excited to share with ya'll my very special friend, Melissa. 
Melissa always has a word of encouragement or advice, and is always in a happy mood. I hope ya'll will take away from this interview as much as I have!

Tell us your salvation story.

I got saved when I was really young, so young that I don't even remember how old I was. I can't give a definite date of the day I ask the Lord to save me, but I do know I did. I can remember being in my mom's room one night listening to her talk to us kids about getting saved, and asking Jesus to save me as she did. I've heard people say that if you can't remember an exact date then you didn't get saved, but I really have to argue against this. I know that I know I am saved, and I can't remember a date! I got saved as a child, but didn't really get active about my faith until I was much older, probably 18 or so, and am still learning and growing in it.

Is God prompting you in a certain direction for your life and your future?

I believe He is. Right now, it seems to be in helping my family and working on my shop, writings and blog. I wish I could say I had a definite plan for the rest of my life, but I've learned it's best not to plan too strictly what you want your future to be, because things change. A year ago, I would have seen myself as a famous blogger with a full time business to run- obviously I haven't reached that yet, haha! So for the time being, I feel I am where God wants me, and I'll see where He leads as I go.

What is one thing you can't live without?

This is hard to answer. My family would be first- aside from the Lord- of course. But yarn makes a pretty close second, I'll be honest. 

Who inspires you to live for God?

My younger siblings. I want to be the best role model for them of what a Godly person lives like. Knowing that they are watching me, and that they are watching the world, and comparing the two, I want to live a life that is truly close to God in all I do so they'll see it is possible and want to as well.

What are you favorite Bible verses and/or story?

Ruth. I love how her story can be applied to everything and teach so much from such a short story. She wasn't concerned with finding fame or fortune, didn't try to make herself known, didn't want to live life her own way. She was obedient, faithful, and loving to Naomi. She was a hard worker and honest with Boaz. She didn't seek to be well known, and yet now she is recorded in Scripture for all to know. What an amazing woman she must have been!

What are you currently doing at this moment in your life?

Trying to get more organized. While I may have a running list of projects, tasks and thoughts going in my mind, outside my mind... things get messy, haha! I'm working on getting my room and work area organized and fancied up, making a custom daily planner for my everyday tasks and long term goals, and generally just trying to catch up on everything I need to. 

What are a few things on your bucket or life-goal list.

Ohh, this is a great question! Well, I guess first would be to see my business and blog take off, for them to grow and do well. Secondly would be to go on a month long road trip to see/meet friends all across the US. I'd LOVE to get one of my many books published, but that's a goal that's going to take more work before I see it accomplished. I'd say getting married would be on the list, but I'm content as I am for the time being. I wouldn't mind getting married, but if it never happens, I won't fret over it- God knows what He is doing, after all!

Tell us something interesting about yourself and your family?

All of my siblings and I were born at the same hospital. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but considering there are seven of us and that one hospital has managed to stay up and running for 26 years... it's a big deal for us, haha! Also, out of all my siblings- who were all born and raised in Georgia- I'm the only one who doesn't like sweet tea, BBQ sauce or hamburgers. 

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice you'd like to share?

Stay faithful to the Lord. Friends may come and go, true love may never come, and your plans might not go as you thought they would, but He never changes. Don't worry about pleasing anyone but Him in life, and you'll be a lot more peaceful and happy for it. Keep pure, keep modest, keep honest, keep humble, keep joyful, keep kind and it'll be easier to keep true friends! 

I really enjoyed these questions and I'm so honored to have been asked to answer them! My blog is http://livingasaproverbs3130lady.blogspot.com and my shop is https://www.etsy.com/shop/Proverbs3130GiftShop 

I enjoyed writing these questions, and having Melissa answer them! I hope you got a word of encouragmement from these.

Blessings, Abigail. 

~Modest Outfit Of The Day. Episode 3~

For today's outfit, I went for a comfortable but chic look. A classic outfit of  jean paired with  black.

My inspiration for this outfit was the West; sort of a cowboy-ish look.

I also am excited to show you my new boots I got for the warm Spring months at Walmart!

Side note: It was very windy so my hair wasn't behaving itself.

My outfit:

Shirt- Goodwill for $5.00

Skirt- Church-owned thrift store for $2.99

Ankle Boots- Walmart on sale for $5.00

I really love this shirt, but since it's already in the 70's and it's still Winter, I won't be able to wear it much longer. I'm very sad to say goodbye to all my adorable winter button-ups, but I'm so excited for warmer weather. Summer is definitely my season!

Blessings! 

Abigail Joy  

~Favorite Books for Girls Ages 10-18. Part two~

Here is part two of my recommended books for girls.

Ages 15-18

"Emma", "Pride and Prejudice", "Sense and Sensibility" 

and other works by Jane Austen.

Jane Austen has been a highly recommended authoress by many for generations. Her intelligent writing, tactful story lines, and beautiful characters have been a favorite of mine for a long while. Her writing is definitely for the older ladies.

Recommended for ages 15+

Any Christian biography or autobiography.

I have always enjoyed reading biographies, and I think you would too. There are so many to choose from, both Christian and non-Christian. 

Recomended for ages 10+, but the older ones would understand more of what's going on.

"What would cause and eighteen-year-old  senior class president and home-coming queen from Nashville Tennessee to disobey and disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother's heart, lose all but a handful of friends (because they think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she only knew one person and didn't even speak the language?

A passion to follow Jesus.

( taken from the back cover) 

I absolutely love this book. I was crying, laughing, and living with Katie Davis in Uganda. 

Recommended for ages 17+

Sharing from her own struggles and triumphs, home-schooler Sarah Bryant encourages young ladies to become vital cornerstones in their father's home while preparing for Godly womanhood. Filled with encouragement and personal testimonies, The Family Daughter  will help Christian girls begin their journey of being their family's pillar of strength and virtue. 

(taken from the back cover)

Recommended for ages 15+

Ask Thy Father is the true story of one child in a christian home who has begun to realize that 

gos gave.. commands- and many like them- for a reason.Contained in these pages is a mini biography of her journey towards learning to be a spritual student of her parents. She shares tales of life in her home, memories of lessons learned, and exclaims over the wondrous ways God has fulfilled His promises to bless those who learn to ask their fathers.

(taken from the back cover)

recommended for ages  15+

"Waiting for Her Isaac  is the story of one young womans spiritual preperation for marriage, as well as the story of her courtship. We hope this book will emcourage young women to give themselves completely to the Lord as they wait for Him to unfold His plan for their lives. "

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry

(taken from the book introduction)

Recommended for ages 17+

This book has been handed down from sister to sister for the past 15 years. As you can see, it has been well worn, and frequently read.

"Jane Eyre" 

and other works by Charlotte Bronte

if you haven't read Jane Eyre then you are surely missing out on a wonderful book filled with mystery, adventure, love, and easy-to-love characters.

Recommended for ages 17+

"Love Comes Softly Series" 

and other works by Janette Oke

Janette Oke has long been a favorite author of mine.  Her books range from a variety of genres, and are all centered around Christ. Most people think that her writing is mostly romance, but that is not true. If you want  a good tear-jerker, then read Dana's Valley; if you want a book about family love, read Heart of the Wilderness, she also wrote quite a few children's books and devotionals! 

Recommended for ages 15+

Also not pictured are:

 The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis

Dear America Series by various authors.

And m,any more!

And so ends (just a few) of a my favorite books. I do hope you are able to read at least one! 

What are your favortie books! Maybe make a blog post and leave a link in the comments so I can go read it!

Go over to my first blog post to see my first list for ages 10-14!

Blessings, 

Abigail Joy.

*All opinions and reviews are my own unless stated otherwise.

~Favorite Books for Girls Ages 10-18. Part one~

I thought I'd take a minute or two and write out a list of my favorite books and the books I would recommend from the time I was 10 up until now. I grouped them together by age, so that it would be easier for you to navigate and choose which ones look interesting. I hope you leave my blog with a few new books on your  "To Read" list!

Here is part one in this blog series..

Ages 10-14

Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
The Little House Series is centered around Laura Ingalls Wilder's life from her childhood in Wisconsin and on the open prairie, to her adult life in the town of De Smet in South Dakota. This book is perfect for readers of all ages, but it was written for the ages 8-14.

Side note: If you want to read about the real Laura Ingalls Wilder, I suggest you read "Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder."

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The daughter of a wealthy  English widower, who is stationed in India, is sent of to a boarding school  for little girls in London. When Tragedy strikes little Sara Crewe, she is forced to earn her keep. She makes long-lasting friends, and learns valuable lessons along the way  

Recommended for ages 10-14

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Mary Lennox is a sickly, spoiled, rich young child. After a sickness takes away her parents and servants, she is sent to live with an uncle she never met. There she finds a door in the wall, which leads to a secret garden. There Mary thrives and finds love and a place to call home.

Recommended for ages 10-14

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.

When Fern Arable's father is set on getting rid of the runt pig of the litter, Fern falls in love with the small animal. When  Wilbur, the beloved pig, grows too big to stay in Ferns bedroom, Fern must sell him to her uncle. As Fern grows older, her visits to Wilbur's stall become less frequent and Wilbur becomes more lonely. Until one day he makes a surprising new friend.

Recommended for ages 10-14

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

Three adopted girls discover each of their talents when they begin school at The Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. When funds become tight, their adoptive mother must open up their home to boarders. Each of the girls decide to help out their mother in any way they can. 

Recommended for ages 12-14

Anne Of Green Gables Series by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
This book  series is perhaps my favorite series I've ever read. The series opens up with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert adopting a little boy, or so they think. When a redheaded girl ends up on their doorstep,  they must decide to keep her, or send her back. Anne Shirley is an imaginative, spirited young lady, who has many adventures on her small Prince Edward Island.
The whole series is for all ages, from 10-99, with each book set in a different time of Anne's life.

Blessings! 

Abigail Joy.

* All opinions and reviews are my own unless stated otherwise.