{a few of} my favorite things

Leah at The Narrow Path tagged me. I know that several people have tagged me earlier on this year, and I'm sorry that I never got around to it. Anyways, I had a little bit of time so I thought it would be fun to do this one...

1. Favorite sport: Does horseback riding count?

2. A good name for a dog: Well, it kind of depends on the breed and color of the dog, but one dog name that I like is Patches.

3. Favorite animal: Most definitely horses. You would have never guessed that...right?

4. Favorite subject in school: Hmm...I like almost all of them, but if I have to choose a favorite it would probably be History or Math.

5. Favorite drink: Fruit smoothies or Mochas (after water, of course)

6. Last song you heard: "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman - this song is one of my new favorites.

7. Do you like to make people laugh?: Yes!

8. Favorite color: I like all of the colors, but some of my favorite color combinations are lime green or aqua blue with brown.

9. Favorite hobby: I really, really enjoy photography, but I'd have to say that horse related activities still top that.

10. School grade you are in: I'll be in 11th grade this upcoming school year.

And now to pass this tag on to a few other bloggers...

Shannon at A Bright Light In a Dark World

Crista Moriah at Uniquely Fashioned for His Glory
Farmgirl at A Simple Farmgirl

Bethany Joy at Rejoice Evermore 

Kelsie-Anne at Kelsie's Wonderful Adventures

(I'm sure that these girls would love it if you stop by their blogs for a visit!)

Silhouettes {photo challenge at Allie Photography}

This week I'm participating in the photo challenge at Allie Photography. 

The theme for this week is silhouettes...

Aren't sunsets so beautiful? God's creation is truly amazing!

Sowing seeds of sunshine

It's amazing how little things can make someone's day.

Maybe it's an encouraging note, a thank-you card, taking the time to talk to someone, or even a smile. Everyone likes to feel special and appreciated, and it's a blessing when someone goes out of their way in order to do something that will make our day. But my question for you is, how often do we seek to do the same for others?

An area that God has been laying on my heart is sending thank you notes. I always enjoy it when someone sends me a note or letter, but I find rarely make the time to do the same for others. As I sat down at my desk today, I noticed a piece of paper laying there that said "Send thank you notes to...". Underneath was a list of people who I needed to send thank you notes to. Some had been on that list for a few months, others just a week or so, and I can think of a few more that should be added.

Maybe you have the same problem as me. If so, here's a challenge to both you and myself. Take some time in the next week to sit down and make a list of people who you need to write thank you's to, and then do it. Maybe you only have time to write one or two a day, but try to get caught up. It's easy to wonder if it'll even matter, but who knows but that God will use it to brighten that person's day and bring a smile to their face.

Even if you are good at sending thank you's, but I'd still encourage you to look for ways to put a smile on someone's face. Maybe it's an encouraging note, spending quality time with someone, or helping out with a project. Even something as simple as a smile can make someone's day.

Let's seek to be a blessing to those around us by doing the little things that bring sunshine to their day. Yes, it may be hard or "inconvenient" to find time amidst busy schedules, but those few minutes that you take to write a note, give some encouragement, or help out could make someone's day a whole lot brighter.