The Liebster Award Tag

Hi everyone! So, it's been nearly two months since Bri from Forget Not His Benefits tagged me with the Liebster Award Tag, but today I'm finally here (as I'm sure you've guessed from the title of this post!) to answer the questions. So, let's start off with the rules.

Acknowledge the blog(s) that gave it to you and display the award.

Bri from Forget Not His Benefits. Thank you so much, dear! <3

Answer the 11 questions that the blogger gives you.

Alright, let's go!

1. What is a quote that you really love?

Oh goodness, I have such an abundance of favorite quotes that I don't think I could choose just one! However, one that I have been really loving lately is this line from The Fellowship of the Ring:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Isn't that last part such a beautiful, powerful piece of advice to keep in mind as we go through each day?

2. What is a favorite/most vivid childhood memory?

I have lots of fond memories of my family's vacations to Walt Disney World over the years. Disney will always hold a special place in my heart because of the many "magical" moments that my family and I have spent there. <3

3. What is one thing God has been taking you through/teaching you this year?

The Lord has been teaching me so many things throughout this year thus far, for which I am so, so grateful. One of the biggest lessons I've been learning is that I need to trust in Him wholly and completely with every aspect of my life. 

You see, I struggle a lot with overthinking and over-analyzing pretty much everything, no matter how insignificant it may be. This ends up leading to fear, worry, and stress, and it's absolutely exhausting. Lately, however, God has been teaching me to let go of the feeling that I need to have everything perfectly figured out and planned. Because really, we as imperfect humans can't accomplish that on our own! I need to remember instead that God has a wonderful plan for my life, far greater than any I could ever dream up. I've still got quite a ways to go, and my habit of overthinking and over-analyzing will likely always be something that I have to strive to keep at bay, but I'm so thankful that no matter what, I can always find strength, comfort, encouragement, and everything else I'll ever need in the Lord.

4. How did your blog start, and where do you hope to see it in the future?

I started my blog a little over two years ago as a creative outlet, where I could share my photos, projects, thoughts, and ramblings about books and movies. I honestly never expected people to actually read my posts, and yet I've met so many sweet kindred spirits through this wonderful blogging community who not only read, but comment on my blog! Y'all are the best, okay? *sends virtual hugs*

As for where I hope to see my blog in the future...well, I plan to keep writing the same sort of posts that I've been doing, but hopefully on a more regular schedule! (You know, instead of once every month as has been my habit. ;P) I hope it'll continue to serve as a fun creative outlet for me as I transition into college, and that I can maybe encourage or inspire people and meet more kindred spirits. <3

5. What is the longest you have lived in one place? 

Well, I've lived in southern Virginia for my whole life, but my family have moved pretty frequently to different houses within our area. So I'd say the longest I've lived in one particular house has been five years, maybe?

6. Do you see yourself as an optimist, pessimist, realist, or opportunist? 

Hmm... I'd like to think that I'm more of an optimist. I try to stay positive and look on the bright side of things as much as possible, but of course that doesn't mean there aren't days when I'm stressed out and focusing more on the negative side of things than I should be. 

7. What is your typical go-to when you try a new restaurant?

Ooh, fun question! Well, I actually really enjoy salads, so that's always a go-to for me. I also like to go for Mexican or southwest-style dishes, or food with lots of veggies. For my drink, it's either water with lemon or sweet tea!

8. Do you re-read books? If so, which have you re-read most?

I don't think I could say "yes" to this question enough times! I absolutely love rereading the books that I love most, as I tend to pick up on something different each time. I know that I've reread Pride and Prejudice three times, I believe--and it's about time for another reread!

9. If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself five years ago?

I would tell myself that living for Christ is so much more important than trying to please people and fit in with others. (I also need to remind my present self of this truth more often!)

10. What is your favorite part of your every day routine?

My favorite part of the day is when I can curl up in my bed and read for a bit just before I go to sleep. It's so nice and relaxing and really helps me wind down. The only problem is that I often stay up way too late in order to read "just one more page." ;P

11. How do you do your devotions (by a schedule, with a study guide, is scripture memorization part of that daily time, etc.)?

Each morning, I try to read a chapter of whatever book of the Bible I'm currently reading. (Lately I've been reading through the Old Testament, and currently I'm in Esther.) In addition, I usually read a chapter from a devotional book, or do a devotional plan on the Bible app. I've also recently gotten back into using the Give Me Jesus journal from Well Watered Women Co. It's a wonderful tool for journaling through your daily Bible reading!

Give 11 random facts about yourself.

1.) I'm an introvert by nature, and would infinitely prefer staying at home with a book or project than going to a party. If you're a fellow introvert, I'm sure you understand! (This meme is hilariously accurate.)

2.) Recently I've gotten into drinking hot tea, and I've really been enjoying it! I'm actually drinking some "English Tea Shop" tea while I write this; the flavor is white tea with blueberry and elderflower, and it's delicious.

Yes, I totally bought a commemorative Royal Wedding tea tin, because I'm eighty years old at heart. It actually tastes quite good, though! Speaking of the Royal Wedding, did any of you watch it this past Saturday? I did, and I thought it was so lovely. Definitely worth getting up super early and being sleepy for the rest of the day ;)

3.) I love to play the acoustic guitar and sing, although I'm certainly not an expert by any means! It's just a very fun hobby.

4.) I adore The Princess Bride, and my family and I quote it frequently! It's definitely one of my favorite movies.

5.) My favorite flowers are hydrangeas. I get so excited whenever they start blooming!

6.) My dad and I have often engaged in "Jane Austen style" text message conversations, and it's awesome. Basically, we use the word "indeed" a lot! Haha. ;P

7.) One of my favorite childhood movies is Ella Enchanted. Wait, who am I kidding? I still love that movie! Yes, it's silly and very different from the book, but I grew up watching it, so I like it partly for nostalgic reasons. (Maybe if I had read the book first, I might have enjoyed the movie less?) But anyways, I'm so glad that my younger sister now likes it, because we enjoy watching it together. :)

8.) I've been told countless times that I look just like my mother; in fact, we've been mistaken for sisters a few times!

9.) I've traveled up and down the east coast of America--as far south as Florida and as far north as New York--, but I've never been out of the country or off the eastern coast. However, I hope to change this one day and travel to loads of places!

10.) I have been known to mispronounce words that I've only ever read in books, without hearing someone say them in real life. My family likes to tease me about this, because often the way I say these words is pretty funny! For example, I pronounced the words "Yosemite," "epitome," and "leisure" all incorrectly the first time I said them. And mind you, this was recent! (Actually, I didn't say the word "leisure" wrong; instead, I pronounced it the British way ("leh-sure" instead of the American "lee-sure") because I sincerely thought that's how you say it! I still say it the British way, though, just to tease my family back. ;P)

11.) My fave superhero is without a doubt Captain America. ❤

Nominate 11 blogs. (We're nearing the end of this crazy long post, I promise!)

Okay, so since I've seen this tag floating around on several different blogs, I'm really not sure who has or hasn't been tagged already. Plus, I've already spent way too much time typing up this post! So instead, I'm going to take the lazy route and just say that if you want to do this tag yourself, then by all means consider yourself tagged by me!

Give them 11 questions to answer.

1.) How would you describe your ideal day?

2.) Are you introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

3.) What is one of your favorite childhood movies?

4.) If you're a Jane Austen fan, which of her heroines can you relate to the most? Which do you relate to the least?

5.) If you could have any other accent, what would it be?

6.) Do you play any instruments? If not, which one do you wish you could play?

7.) What is your favorite genre of music?

8.) If you could travel to any one place in the world right now, where would it be?

9.) Do you have any hidden talents?

10.) Tea, coffee, or both?

11.) If you could have any period drama character's hairstyle, what would it be?

If you made it to the end of this post, then you're amazing! I know I probably rambled far too much in this post, and I'm sorry if I've bored you to death. But I hope you enjoyed this post and that you got to know me a little better! And if you decide to do this tag yourself, please let me know so that I can read your post. :)

Much love,

Molly