Interview with Lucia Marie, from the blog "From Under My Little Umbrella"

So Lucia, how have you been doing?

Well. And that is the truth. :] Busy, stressed over school, dampened by the constant rain, but, altogether: well. And praise the Lord for that!

Coffee or Chai? Ooh, I am an avid disliker of Chai. I don't know why..oh, my. Okay, enough with the rhyming already. ;) I am not a huge drinker of coffee, either..just haven't gotten into it, yet! Mom says that's a good thing..? ;)

 If you could make a new law in America, what would that law be?

Well, like alot of people on this side of the blogging world would say, I would outlaw ABORTION. It is beyond sad that our country gives the death sentence to someone who murders a one-year-old, but says it's a "mother's right" for her to kill her unborn child..even eight months into the pregnancy. :/ DEFINITELY something we all need to pray about.

 How are you using your blog for God's glory?

When I first began my blog, I knew nothing. I was totally inexperienced, and only knew that I had no future whatsoever in becoming of those big, "popular" blogs--I only wanted to share a little about my life with others. I really don't know how it happened, but my readers began to multiply, and I realized that many eyes at least scan my posts everyday--from all around the world. What better way to witness for Christ, then through my words? Since then, I have been striving to write heart-searching articles, reflections, and show the world my love for Christ alongside my fun/random/daily life posts. I have gotten lots of positive feedback, and it lifts my heart to know that I am an encouragement to others! <3 

Do you know what you want to do for the future {as in occupation, marriage, etc}?

I am now completeing my sophomore year of hi-school, and the future looks big, scary, and not ready for me yet. o.O But, I know God has something amazing out there for me~~I am totally unsure what, as of yet, but if it were up to me: become an English major through online schooling and/or a nearby college. Become a wife and mother. I have loved children since I was a child myself, and my utmost dream is to become a mother, LORD willing. But, who knows? Before that blessed day, I may have a wild ride, yet..

What is your favorite scripture?

Oh, it always depends on what is happening in my life/what I am going through, but for now, one of my favorites is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." That verse has guided me through many decisions, and has always been a comfort to me.

If you could say one thing to the readers of this blog, what would it be?

I don't consider myself as someone you would go for to get advice, but these past months I have been getting alot of questions from girls who are discontent. They want to follow God's plan for their life, but one thing keeps getting in their way--appearance. I seem to come across as a very "confident" girl, so they all want to know--"Why are you so confident? I try, but I just can't escape the fact that I'm not ____." ..You fill in the blank, but I think that what that blank always holds is the word "perfection." Every girl wants it, whether they admit it or not. I did, too. Until you admit to yourself that you are never going to achieve outward perfection, and start loving what you have and how God has made you, you are going to be discontent--unconfident. Coming from someone experienced with that feeling of being "not as pretty as ____." So, if there is one thing I would say to your readers {once I finish my little sermon, hehe..}, it is this: don't you know you're beautiful? Inside is what counts. Remember that, and you'll have a confidence that makes you more beautiful than Elizabeth Taylor. <3

White, Dark, or Milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate is my "one weakness." ;) I know dark seems more romantic and is waayy more healthful, but I just can't help myself. :] "Forget love..I'd rather fall in chocolate!"

 Do you speak any languages besides English?

I can't say that I "speak" another language, for that would be somewhat of a fib. But, I am learning German, and have been immersed in it since I was a young child. My dad and mom speak it fluently, and lived in Germany for many years. I hope to master it, someday..

Favorite Color?I'm an "every-pretty-color-girl," so I would have to say..every pretty color is my favorite color. :] But, one that I admire above all the rest is a good, deep, royal purple. I want a dress in that shade..

Would you rather wear a skirt and blouse, or a dress?

I'm not really a dress person~~they tend to be less comfortable than a skirt and blouse. So, I would have to go with the latter. But, if it is..say, a regency DRESS, or a Civil War DRESS, or a cute summer DRESS, or any of those lovelies...send 'em over! :]

Thank you so much for doing the interview Lucia!  Make Sure to Check out her awesome blog!

Book Review: Freedom's Stand by J.M. Windle

     What would you do if you, a thirteen-year-old girl, were being forced into a marriage as one of the many wives of a very aged opium addict? This frightening scenario opens the first scene of the book, and sadly, this is the unbelievably inhumane case for many young ladies living in Afghanistan.  This book focuses on three people:

      Jamil, the former jihadist turned doctor, ever proclaiming the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.

      Amy Mallory, the director of the New Hope foundation, struggling to maintain the hope of women and children. And Finally there is

      Steve Wilson, the veteran special forces agent simply looking for a purpose in life; he just wants it somewhere other than Afghanistan.

In a twist of fates, these three people will work hard to find love and freedom, which could cost them their lives

     I liked reading the happenings of the nameless girl’s destination of running away from her fiancés. Although this book was written extremely factually, it was somewhat hard to get into after the prologue. I believe it would have been better were it slightly less chaotic. It took me quite a while to figure out what was happening in the story. On a happier note, the cover was incredibly stunning! I could not believe the beautifully bright colors, much less the strikingly clear swirls. Overall, I thought it was a good book once you got into it, and the truthful displays of Afghan hardship. This book could really help the Afghani people!

Tyndale Publishers gave me this book for free to honestly review.

My Dear Sweet Followers;

Dear Friends,
I am so apologetic for not posting that much these past few weeks. Life has been CRAZY. I have been reading more books then I thought possible, and have had so many graduations and parties it is insanity. So, to catch you up with some announcements:

• I am going to the Desperation conference in June! Yahoo! I can't wait to see Kari Jobe again :)
• I am officially obsessed with Fair Trade products. My mom bought me this awesome bag. That was the end for me....
• I am having 3 relatives stay at my house next week from Thursday until Monday. It will be even more insanity, but still fun :)
• Wanna know what drink I can't stop drinking? C2O Coconut water. I:am:addicted:
• I would love to have a huge giveaway in honor of my blogaversary ( In July!) so I will be needing sponsors for that :) 
• My offer for a free blog button still stands! I love making them, so long as you check your email often :)
• I am going to Seattle this summer with my family!
• I am going to be a SENIOR next year. Now whisper it Senior!  Now shout it! Senior!So SO excited!
• I am on an outdoor volleyball team starting on June 2nd. EEP! Crazy eights with tie-dyed jerseys. Just sayin'. 

I also have a couple of (hopefully) interviews coming up :)  See you all soon!