꧁The Book Blogger Memory Challenge ꧂

I love fun challenges and madamewriterblog recently posted a good one based only on total recall! For this challenge, I can’t look at my bookshelf or use the internet which is fine for I’m currently at work listening to the sound of rain. 

Name a book written by an author named Michael

I am yet to read this book, but Moonwalk by Michael Jackson. I hope to read it soon for it’s been sitting in my TBR for way too long.

Name a book with a dragon on the cover

I am not a fan of anything dragons for the devilish symbolism is not lost on me, but there were a few popular books a few years ago that I kept seeing EVERYWHERE and now that I need my memory the most, it fails me! This is unaccepta… wait, wait, wait! Yu-Gi-Oh! mangas have a few covers with the – I can’t believe I’m about to say this – Blue Eyes White Dragon on them. Other dragons from the series were also featured on later covers including the golden glorious Winged Dragon of Ra.

Name a book about a character named George

George… George… ah ha! George of the Jungle by Justine Korman! I only know this George and the curious one. Wait, Curious George is also a book! If I recall correctly, my youngest sister had a CG book. I can’t recall the author’s name, but I’ve locked in my final answer, Eddie: Curious George. 

I love this monkey! Also, late afternoon memories are assaulting me
so hard right now. I used to marathon CM when I got home from work
only a few years ago. 😔 I know what I’m going to do when I get home!

Name a book with an author with the surname of Smith

Ooh, Nighty Night and Good Night by Michael W. Smith (Yes, the Gospel crooner). It’s a children’s book that I’ve been meaning to get my hands on for a while now.

Name a book set in Australia

The only book that comes to mind is Private Down Under by James Patterson and I disliked that book big time! As a matter of fact, I dislike what I’ve read of the Private series (2-3 books in) and called it quits because I can’t stand the main protagonist Jack.  

Name a book with the name of a month in the title

This book is either in my TBR or I’m yet to get it: April in Paris. I love that the title contains my birth month and dream destination. 😄

Name a book with a knife on the cover

This is easy because it’s in my TBR: The Chef by James Patterson.

Name a book with the word ‘one’ in the title

This one is also in my TBR: The One Year Bible. 

Name a book with an eponymous title

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. I hope to read this book once again in the near future.

Name a book turned into a movie

My favorite book to movie adaptation was The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. The 1993 version was the only one I accepted as a pass.

This was actually quite fun! However, doing this challenge made me realize that I’ve gone slack in reading. I’ll have to fix that soon. If you’re up to do this challenge, feel free to and don’t forget to check out Madame Writer’s entry here:

The Book Blogger Memory Challenge

***Images and GIFs via Google Search

 

 

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꧁30 interesting questions challenge ꧂

I love fun challenges and when I read the 30 interesting questions challenge over on Stories of Hope blog, I just had to participate. This post was supposed to have been done since last month, but I am always late to the party.

Let’s do this!

1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?

Well, almost everyone calls me Dee and I have no problem with that at all.

2. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?

I don’t doodle much as before, but does this…

…count? It’s the last thing I did sometime back in November or so. 

3. What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and turn? Try to get up and do something productive?

I recite Psalm 91 and pray. Another great one is Psalm 4.

4. Do people consider you as talkative or quiet?

I am both talkative (especially if we’re talking about God, the Bible, travels, etc.) and quiet.

5. What makes you cry?

When people accept/return to God acknowledging Him as their EVERYTHING. And humanity…

6. What is your biggest pet peeve?

When the Lord’s name is taken in vain. I also dislike it when people listen to music via their headset really loud. Like, what’s the use of having a headset if other people are going to be hearing your music?

7. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?

I normally look in the mirror when I’m leaving the house.

8. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

That people entered inside the television set from behind to be on TV. 😆

9. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?

Guilty pleasure? What is that? Here I quote the great Matthew Gray Gubler: “Don’t feel guilty if you like something.”

10. Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?

11. How often do you read the newspaper? Which sections?

I don’t read the newspapers, but I do read news online once or twice a week.

12. Which animal scares you the most? 

This question is very subjective so I’ll give a pragmatic answer: diseased animals.

13. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?

I run away from conflicts. 

14. What was the most recent compliment you received?

It was from my sister in Christ, Leiya. She said that she enjoys watching me grow in Christ. 💙

15. What question are you tired of hearing?

Do you watch Game of Thrones? No. Just no.

Is Annie okay? Of course, she is! She was a CPR mannequin for Smooth Criminal’s sake! She saved millions of lives!

Why do you like Tom Cruise? You, do you.

Why do you support France and not Spain? Last time I checked, Messi wasn’t Spanish and it was Les Bleus who got me into football, not FC Barcelona or Argentina for that matter.  

16. What is the strangest thing you have eaten?

I’m not an adventurous eater so I have to go with pepperoni. 👎

17. Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends?

Close friends that I cherish and love.

18. Do you have a catchphrase?

None I can think of at the moment so I guess I don’t have one.

19. What’s your all-time favorite town or city? Why?

San Fernando! It’s the most beautiful place in the south and it should’ve been the capital of Trinidad. The people there are very different than the town people and they don’t have time to mind your business. And the hill’s got a panoramic view!

20. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I love the name my parents gave me so I don’t see the need for changing it.

21. When was the last time you lied?

Let’s see…

22. What’s something that amazes you?

Simply God. Especially the way He answers prayers! 

23. Would you rather be the first person to explore a planet or be the inventor of a drug that cures a deadly disease?

The inventor for I wouldn’t be able to explore another planet anyway given the firmament God put in place.

24. What is your favorite amateur activity?

Reading and also walking to clear my mind while communicating with God.

25. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

Another day? Thank You, God! 💙

26. What is your favorite song (at least for the moment)?

“All I Want” by Michael W. Smith.

27. List someone you know, and describe them in 5 words.

Lee is caring, eager, driven, focus, and learning.

28. You can select one person from history and have them truthfully answer one question. Who would you select and what would the question be?

Oh my! So many people! Here are a few:

Albert Einstein: Why can’t you take the time to fix your hair? And why would a grown man be sticking his tongue out of his mouth?

King Solomon: How did you ever make time to communicate with your 700 wives one on one?

King Louis XIV: You were four-years-old when you ascended the throne and you became the longest reigning monarch in Europe. How did your longevity affect your reign?

Napoleon Bonaparte: Why in the world did you continue to trust Talleyrand even after you found out that he was not trustworthy? 

29. Which celebrity or artist do you resemble the most?

It’s been often said that I look like…

…God! I was created in His image after all. I wouldn’t even give my left foot to look like any of these basic celebrities out here.

30. What do you want me to know?

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?

This fun challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Thank you to Stories of Hope for allowing me to join in the fun. See her post here:

30 Interesting Questions Challenge

***GIFs and images via Google Search

I’m coming back to the heart of worship for it’s all about You, Jesus! 💙

 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

During this year of restoration, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and self-examination.  

I confess that the only fear in me is standing before the Creator ashamed and guilty after He has given me so much time to clean up all areas of my life. Like, what if I keep holding onto things and refusing to let go? However, I’ve been giving up many things left and right for my life on this earth is but a few minutes compared to eternity with Jesus Christ. And this song, this song makes me feel powerless in God’s presence. Makes me feel speechless. Convicts me. Tries me.

Lord, it’s not about me, my family, my friends, or the idols I used to worship. It’s about YOU and YOU alone. I pray to be counted worthy to even stand before YOU on the day of judgment. To God be the glory. 

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus

There is no one like my Lord!

He is the foundation on which I stand
I will not be shaken!
The only Name worthy of praise
as long as I breathe.
He’ll never forsake me and His arms
are always open to embrace me
no matter how far I may stray.

He forgives
He heals
He guides
He carries burdens
He is the only shelter we need 
in the stormy weather
For there is no one like my LORD!

Jeremiah 10:6 – Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. 

Psalm 86:8 – Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. 

1 Samuel 2:2 – There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

Isaiah 46:9 – Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

And holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You, open up my eyes in wonder and
Show me who You are and fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me

200 Question Challenge: 7-24

7. What job would you be terrible at?

Jobs that require public speaking. I’m more of a background person. I’ll toss salesperson in there for I don’t think I can approach random people and ask them to buy stuff.

8. When was the last time you climbed a tree?

I was about 14…

9. What is the most annoying habit that other people have?

To be honest, I dislike it when people complain about every single thing in their life when there are others suffering worse than them.

10. What job do you think you’d be really good at?

Paralegal. I love doing research and preparing documents. The best thing? I’ll be around the law. 

11. What skill would you like to master?

Fluent French and archery. 

12. What songs have you completely memorized?

Too many to count, but I’ll say a few of Michael W. Smith’s songs, Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’, Depeche Mode’s ‘Peace’ and Brian Littrell’s ‘The Answer Is You’. 

13. Are you usually early or late?

I am the most punctual person you’ll ever meet. 

14. What takes up too much of your time?

At the moment, it’s nothing, really. I have some downtime at work and I use it wisely… or at least try to. 

15. What do you wish you knew more about?

I don’t believe in wishes, but I wish I knew more about world history and how to speak tons of foreign languages so I can tell more people about God and how much He loves and cares for them. 

16. What’s the nicest thing someone has ever said to you?

Someone recently told me that they like how I’m following in Christ’s footsteps. 💙

17. Where did your name come from?

*Shrugs* My parents liked the name Diana and hence they named me Diana. Thank God I was not named for the likes of Diana Ross or Princess Diana. 

18. How do you want to be remembered in life?

As a representative of God.

19. What’s the one thing you cannot live without?

God’s Word. I thirst and hunger after it every day.

20. What do you want your last words to be?

I lived, I loved, I laughed, now, I sleep.

21. What is something that offends you?

When people can’t keep what you told them in confidential to themselves. They just have to go and spread the love to others.

22. What is something you are certain you’ll never experience?

Hmm… I tend to never say never and I tend not to dwell on things… but, maybe attending a concert or parties for I dislike crowds.

23. Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know?

If I don’t understand something, I ask enough questions even if I asked it twice already.

24. Write a letter to your 5-year-old self.

Life is going to have its ups and downs; bumps, twists, and turns. You’re going to go through some tough trials and a period of self-doubt, but once you lean on and trust God, everything is going to be all right. 

*** GIFs and images via Google Search

 

Day 23: A song that you think everybody should listen to

Aw, man! I don’t like recommending music at all. I’ve chosen Michael Jackson for the past few days or so and I have a feeling that I’ll be selecting some of his songs later on again, so I’ll leave him out this round! 😄 I’ll just leave 4 songs that I enjoy and hope you enjoy them too. Fair?

All I Want by Michael W. Smith

There is no greater desire than drawing closer to Jesus. 💙We’re nothing without Him and although we may fail Him, He is quick to forgive us when we come to Him. Our eyes should be set on the things above as we continue to seek Him every day and Mr. Smith couldn’t have sung it any better. Jésus est mon Univers!

Peace by Depeche Mode

When Dave Gahan sings, you shut up and listen. Eh, not really, but Gahan just happens to be my favorite vocalist after MJ. At the beginning of the year, this song chose me. It’s calm, it’s peaceful, it’s motivating, it’s uplifting, it’s about letting go of a negative nature, accepting the past, and moving forward. Peace is also my word of the year… and so is epic! 😆

Hold Me Now – Thompson Twins

Stay with meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Was I disappointed when I found out that this band wasn’t actually a pair of dashing twins? Of course, I was! But they actually had some decent music such as this one and ‘Lay Your Hands’. It’s about reminiscing about a relationship gone bad, focusing on the good times they had while they were together. 

Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy

It’s just beautiful, soothing piano music. Clair de Lune is French for “light of the moon” or “moonlight” and it was originally written in 1890. It belongs to French Impressionism, although Debussy rejected this label in a 1908 letter. Now, this is giving me some serious inspiration for a poem!

Day 5: A song that needs to be played LOUD

At the moment, I’ll have to go with ‘Here I Am To Worship’ by Michael W. Smith. 

This beautiful song is my all-time favorite of Smith’s and whenever I play it, I have to press the replay button multiple times! Christ selflessly came down here to die for us and yet, we’re still ungrateful and stubborn when it comes to pleasing Him. The songwriter was right about one thing: we’ll never know how much it cost to see our sins upon the cross. And I’m not gonna lie, the first time I heard this song, I wasn’t really moved, but then I heard Smith’s version and that did me in. I don’t ever want to hear another version to this day.

Praise You, mighty Lord! There is none like You and there’ll never be another like You and I am thankful for You dying for my sins. There is no other who deserves my praise as long as I breathe. Thank You for loving me, Lord. 💙

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Psalm 100:1

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me 💙💙

Day 11: Put your iPod on shuffle. Write down the first 10 songs.

I don’t have an iPod (do these things still exist?), but I can put my phone on shuffle.

1. God and God Alone – Steve Green

2. Peace – Depeche Mode

3. All I Want – Michael W. Smith

4. Pardon – Ridsa

5. Angel – Depeche Mode

6. I Need Thee Every Hour – Fernando Ortega

7. Porto Rico – Ridsa

8. Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens

9. Here I Am to Worship – Michael W. Smith

10. Sing to Jesus – Fernando Ortega

Liebster Award

La Petit Muse is an award-free zone, but I do make exceptions from time to time. 🙂

I was nominated by my bestie Tammy over on Godinspiredart for this award. Mon amie, merci beaucoup! ❤ I’ll also like to thank my mother and father for raising me into the woman that I am today. My sisters for being there for me and… okay, enough playing. Let’s do this.

1. If you could be any animal on earth, what would it be and why?

An eagle. It is the sign of strength given that they soar with ease without flapping their wings. They fly alone (they don’t have no time for bird gossip!), they’re patient and they’re faithful for life and they’re majestic beauties. ❤

2. If you had to write the soundtrack of your life, what would be the first three songs? 

Heart of Worship – Michael W. Smith

Forever – Michael W. Smith

Enjoy the Silence – Depeche Mode

3. If your death was imminent, what would you choose as your last meal?

Gaaa! I must’ve bumped into this question like 99 times this year! I’ll have to go with macaroni pie, tiramisu for dessert and coffee. There is always room for coffee. 

4. What movie that has not yet been made would you pay good money to see?

The one where they actually told the story from the Biblical point of view and not man’s.

5. What was your favorite age to be and why?

The age that I am now.

6. What is the one book that has most inspired your writing and/or life?

It’s always the Holy Bible.

7. If you could live anywhere you please, without that pesky restraint called money, where would it be and why?

You know there is only one place for me!

Well, that was fun. Thanks again, Tammykins. ❤

31 days of lists challenge: days 6-10

Here we go again! 🙂

Day 6: Pet peeves

When the Lord’s name is taken in vain.

Day 7: Reasons to be happy

Just waking up to see another day! Being alive and being able to breathe is beautiful and enough reason to be happy! ❤

Day 8: Random quirks of mine

Random? Try weird. I refuse to travel in red cars unless it’s someone I know at the wheel. When it comes to money, all bills must be facing the same way – largest to smallest. When I sneeze, I dislike it when someone says ‘Bless you.’ I must have clean feet when I go to bed. In order for me to work/write, things have to be messy as possible. When I used to watch TV and I turned it off it has to be on channel 5.

Before I go to bed at night, I must make sure that the locks on the doors are locked and this may mean me unlocking them to lock them again. If I like a song, I put it on repeat 4 times. Yep, just 4.

Shucks! I got carried away! Are they even quirks, quarks, or just obsessive compulsives? *shrugging*

Day 9: Favorite songs

Honestly, I don’t listen to music as before, but I do like a few songs at the moment:

* Draw Me Close to You – Michael W. Smith

* Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

* Mambo Italiano – Rosemary Clooney

* No Fakes – Dobre Brothers

* Nothing’s Impossible – Depeche Mode

* That’s Amore – Dean Martin

Day 10: Odd facts I know

Haha! Yes! Because I’m a walking encyclopedia, I know these things! Kidding. Kidding. But I love weird fun facts so I’ll share 4 that I know off the top of my head:

* A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h.

* Cleaveland spelled backward is ‘DNA level C’

* When ATMs were first invented, it was originally thought to be a failure for the only users were people who didn’t want to deal with the tellers face to face: gamblers and prostitutes. 

* The French government gives medals to citizens who have “successfully raised several children with dignity.”