**NEW** First Line Friday #1: Practice Resurrection

 

Thanks to Carrie at
Reading is My Superpower
for the Link-up

Hey y'all.

With such a great reading year (I read more than 60 books this year) paired with such a dismal showing of reviews (I reviewed one book this year...and it was one I didn't even like), I thought I would try something new.

While I hope to continue reviewing books, I'd like to have a quicker, more consistent way to share what I'm currently reading.  Even if you read different genres of books that I do, I hope what I share encourages you to either keep reading, or pick up a book if you haven't in a while. While searching for something else--which is usually how it works--I found Carrie's website and link-up. I thought that a quick share of the first line and a synopsis of a book I'm currently reading would be fun.  So here goes.

Book:  Practice Resurrection:
A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ. 

Author:  Eugene H. Peterson

Genre: Religious Nonfiction:  Practical Theology

〰First Line〰

                                                                          

Church is the textured context in which we grow up in Christ to maturity. 
But church is difficult. 
Sooner or later though, if we are serious about growing up in Christ,
we have to deal with church.

                                                                          

Synopsis:  (From Hoopla Digital):

There is no question that bringing men and women to new birth in Christ is essential. But, argues Eugene Peterson, isn't it obvious that growth in Christ is equally essential? Yet the American church does not treat Christian growth and character formation with equivalent urgency. We are generally uneasy with the quiet, obscure conditions in which growth takes place. Building maturity in Christ is too often relegated to footnote status in the text of our lives.  In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture, especially Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together in understanding what is involved in the practice of becoming mature - growing up to the "stature of Christ."

So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?

Goals and Goblins: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

Did you set any goals for the new year this time last year? Did you meet them or miss the mark? Tell us more if you're comfortable sharing. 

If you will remember, in my review of Michael Hyatt's Your Best Year Ever, I mentioned how much more in-depth and organized Hyatt's take on goal setting was.  Earlier this year (because I was running behind) I worked through the book and set goals for the year, I did the prescribed exercises and did my best to set (as he termed them) SMARTER goals.  I was pleased to see that I did meet some of my goals.  However, most of them involved various reading goals.  Some of the major--and what I considered more important--goals fell very short.

Where I believe I went wrong was that while I followed Hyatt's formula to set the goals, I didn't follow through with his instructions to consistently review--and if necessary reevaluate, update, or eliminate--the progress of each goal.  In fact, I didn't go back and look at my goals until this question came up.

I know, bad Auntie.

This time, it shouldn't take as long to set my 2023 goals.  Many of them will be updated versions of my 2022 goals.

Hey, when you know better, you do better.

What are three words that might describe the kind of person you were this past year or describe in some way how your life looked? 

Running on empty.

What's something new you ate, saw, heard, or experienced in 2022? What did you think?

This past November, I attended the ETS (Evangelical Theological Society) annual conference.  Normally, this conference is held in another state, so it being so close in downtown Denver was something I couldn't pass up.  I became a member of ETS after I graduated and started teaching theology courses at CCU.

The conference consists of presentations of papers on various theological subjects.  I lean more to the side of practical theology so I chose presentations along that same vein.  Yes, even though I have a theology degree, too much theory without practical application still bores me out of my gourd.  I also bought several good books  (they offered great discounts). 

If this conference ever returns to Denver, I'll most likely attend again.   Who knows, maybe I'll have an opportunity to present a paper at an out-of-state conference some day.

Oxford Dictionary has announced it's word of the year for 2022, and it's this-goblin mode. Huh? Have you ever heard this phrase? Used this phrase? It's defined as "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations." This year they allowed the public to choose amongst three finalists. You can read more about that here. If you were in charge, what word would you declare word of the year for 2022? 

First, this "word" is ridiculous.  From the definition, goblin mode seems to have many derivatives: an unemployed person, someone who is friendless, a psychopath, and a basement dweller at his/her mom's house.  

Sheesh! 

Do these people know what a goblin is?  The dictionary definition of goblin is, "(in folklore and fantasy fiction) a mischievous, ugly creature resembling a dwarf."

Really?

Second, if I could choose the 2022 word of the year, it would be RESPECT.  Respect for others, self-respect, respect of property, etc.  It seems to be missing from the vocabulary of too many people.

Any special plans for an end of year celebration in your house or town? The travel channel says the world's best New Year's Eve celebrations will happen in Copacabana Beach-Rio de Janerio, the Orlando theme parks in Florida,  London, Sydney, New York's Time Square, Edinburgh Scotland, and Paris. If you could attend any one of these which would you choose? Tell us why? 

As of today, I don't have any special plans for ringing in the new year--but that is subject to change.  If I could choose any of the celebrations destinations listed, I'd pick the theme parks in Orlando, Florida.  Why?  One, I've never been; and two, this time of year, it would be wonderful to visit somewhere warmer and with some humidity in the air.  We just had some of the coldest temperatures on record in the Denver metro area.  Even after more than five years, I apparently still have thin Southern blood.  Oh well.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Stay tuned for something old, something new, nothing borrowed (Dave Ramsey says NO!), and probably something blue on my other blog.

Come After Me! I'm a Woman; I'm 50!: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 

Tell us a little bit about the best birthday you've ever had. 

The best birthday I've ever had was the recent celebration of my 50th trip around the sun.  My only other attempt at having a birthday celebration was when I threw myself a party when I turned 15. It was a depressing disaster, never to be repeated.

My sweet friend, Diana, invited my Colorado peeps to attend a pop-in type party so that no one would feel obligated to stay for several hours.  She made and sent out the most gorgeous invitations.  Some of my friends were going to out of town that weekend, so we celebrated separately.  Others showed up, brought lovely gifts, ate, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company

No, it wasn't extravagant, but it didn't need to be.  People who came genuinely wanted to be there and made me feel loved and special without my being an arrogant attention whore.  

Even if I never have another birthday party, and that's fine.  The memories of this one will bring me joy for a lifetime.

In what way(s) have you changed in the last five years? 

What ways haven't I changed in the past five years?  On August 13, 2017, I left my hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama.  I loaded up my 1996 Honda Accord (The Silver Bullet, aka "Auntie Mobile, v. 2.0") and headed west to the Denver, Colorado area.  It looked like the Clampets heading for "Beverly."  Five years later and I've upgraded to the "Auntie Mobile, v. 3.0 (RIP v. 2.0), upgraded my education by earning a 2nd Master's degree, upgraded my career by adding "Adjunct Professor" to my job titles at Colorado Christian University, and am still working on upgrading my health and finances. #OnlyGod  With all that, I'd say I've changed greatly.  However, I'm still a southern girl at heart...and always will be.

What's your favorite thing about the street on which you live? 

Even with the amount of traffic on our area, my street is pretty quiet.   Along with out apartment complex, the houses and business buildings on our street have pretty landscaping.  There are seasonal flowers, pine trees, and the ubiquitous Blue Spruce trees to enjoy.  One of the things I'm learning about Colorado is what WILL grow here, rather than what won't.  For example, most, if not all, annuals that grow in Alabama will also flourish here--the spring planting season is just later.  Some perennial bulbs, such as day lilies and gladiolus, bloom during the warmer months.  In the place of the azaleas are "Knock Out" roses.  Instead of wisteria, we have lavender. Don't get me started on snowball bushes and hydrangeas. 

The Hodgepodge lands on National Beer Day...are you a beer drinker? What's a recipe you make that lists beer as one of the ingredients? If not beer, how about yeast?

As a recovered alcoholic, I don't partake anymore.  Before that, I'd drink a couple of cans of Budweiser with my brother-in-law, Bernard, before moving on to the heavy stuff.  My only other use for beer was to set traps to keep slugs out of my tomato plants.  

Yeast?  Yes.  I enjoy baking with yeast.  I'm still learning (and relearning) some of my baking skills because of being at a higher altitude.  I've successfully made whole wheat pizza dough, so that's saying something.

As I grow older I would like to be a woman (or man, if there are any men in the HP today) who __________________________.

(Speaking of guys in the hodgepodge, what happened to our friend over at Life SPR?)

I'd like to be woman who leaves a true legacy.  I always bristle when I hear people act as if parents and grandparents are the only ones who can leave a true lasting legacy.  Everyone, regardless of marital or parental status, should leave a positive legacy.  When I die, I want to be remembered as someone who loved well, gave generously, and served God with reckless abandon.  I go into more detail about this here.

Insert your own random thought here. 

An explanation of the title of this post:

 Anyway...

I know it's been a hot minute since I've posted a hodgepodge (or anything else).  It's taken me a year to get into the groove of maintaining both my teaching schedule and my full-time job without feeling like I'm chained to the computer 24/7.  With that, and some upcoming time off, I hope to post to both of my blogs on a more consistent basis.

Five Minute Friday: "Explore."

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (ESV) - “And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

This summer, I will celebrate five years of being in Colorado.  I still marvel at where the Lord has brought me in such a short time.  I never get tired of telling the stories of His faithfulness and provision. One of the things I strove for once I settled in was to explore my surroundings, know all the fun places to go, learn about new culture, art, and food, and, like Jacksonville, know this place like the back of my hand.  Most importantly, I didn't want to turn into an old fart.

Ha!

I'm writing this at 2:15 a.m. Friday morning.  I'm in my comfortable old lady nightgown, in my comfortable old lady house shoes, sitting in my comfortable recliner (I don't know if that's more old lady, or dude like). I like the fact that I have certain routines and places I frequent.  It's easier to get to know people that way.  But, my explore button is broken.

When I did "My Mythical Year," it was so much fun; I ate at new places, learned some new things, and even cut my hair short.  My only regret was not being able to buy all the badges I'd earned.

But now what?

Can I safely explore alone?  Is there enough to explore without having to be out at night?  Can it be called exploration in the context of safety?  Come on, even Dora the Explorer had Boots and a talking Backpack to keep her safe.

What does someone in my (house) shoes do?

-----------------------------

In case you missed it:  

* My last Five Minute Friday post "Behold" is here.
* My last Wednesday Hodgepodge post, "Barbara's Crab Shack," is here.
* My latest 2022 Book it Reading Challenge review of Belong is here.
* My last Simple Woman's Daybook post "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
* My last Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III" is here.

Barbara's Crab Shack: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

Where do you get your news these days? 

I haven't watched an actual newscast or read a newspaper in a while.  I'm all the happier for it.  I see enough headlines and such on the Web to stay informed on relevant happenings.

It's National Crab Day...do you like crab meat? What makes you crabby? 

I don't know that I've ever had real crab meat, so I don't know if I like it or not.  I've had imitation in various seafood salads and California rolls from the grocery store. 

What makes me crabby?  How much time do you have?

• Hormone changes.
• People who are condescending.
• Politics. 
• People who don't turn their cell phones off during church. 
• Store clerks who don't know where anything is.
  
• Over aggressive or under attentive drivers.
  
• Grocery stores that don't alphabetize the soup. 
• Hobos who steal the little grocery buggies. 
  

Does freedom mean more choices? Have you ever felt there were too many choices? Elaborate. 

It depends on what your asking about.  For some things, freedom means an elimination of choices that are not beneficial.  For other things, it does mean more choices.

Barbara Millicent Roberts was introduced to the world on March 9, 1959...that's Barbie to most of us. Did you have Barbies as a kid, or did you let your own children play with Barbies? What well known Barbara (living or not) would you most like to meet? 

My best friend bought me a black "kissing" Barbie doll for my 8th or 9th birthday.  I think I lost her during a move.  I must confess, I really didn't (and still don't) know how to play with Barbies.  I wanted to play outside instead of being cooped up inside pretending to have this unrealistic life with plastic dolls.  Nothing against Barbie, but she just wasn't my favorite kind of toy.

Well known Barbaras I'd like to meet:

Barbara Bush - (No, this isn't political)  I didn't fully understand her literacy initiative during her time as First Lady (I was in elementary and high school at the time).  Now that I'm a teacher again and see the affects of adequate (and inadequate) exposure to literature and reading, knowing more deeply what her initiative entailed would have been helpful.

Barbara Walters -  (No, this isn't political either) My undergraduate degree is in Mass Communication (back when journalism was still journalism).  Barbara Walters was a journalist during the time that women were not welcome in the profession.  I think I would enjoy some of her stories on how she worked in that environment.  I think her story would be fascinating.

What are three things you value most in another person? 

Honesty, openness, and a sense of humor.

Insert your own random thought here. 

I want to go back to a question Miss Joyce asked last week since I didn't participate in last week's hodgepodge: In what way(s) do you 'march to the beat of your own drum'?  

I've been thinking about this lately.  I couple of the personal development books I've been reading lately have brought this question to the surface.

Before I dive into this, I have a question; what is the difference between marching to the beat of your own drum and making the best of unintentionally standing out?  I marched to the beat of my own drum in high school because my standing out made me unwelcome with most of my peers.  I got used to that.  

Church youth group was a different story.

Picture it, a youth group full of middle-class white kids who attended the local Christian academy (housed in the church we were attending) and me, a poor black kid from the hood who only knew enough about Jesus to say yes to Him.  I had to march to my own drum because I knew absolutely nothing; these kids heard this stuff all through the week at school and at church on Wednesday and Sunday.  The problem is that our Youth Pastors didn't know how to handle a kid who wasn't playing the church game.  The others knew how to be good little church children.  Not me, I would call them on their B.S. (the group and the leaders).  I wasn't there to play, I was there to learn and grow.

Has anything changed?  Not really.  Though I'm now in a much better place, I still don't have time or patience for church games.  No judgement or thinking I'm better than anyone else. In fact, I feel like I had and have to work harder just to keep up with everyone else.

In case you missed it:  

*My last Hodgepodge post, "Being a Squirrely Nutcase" is here.
*My latest Five Minute Friday post "Behold," is here.
*My latest 2022 Book It Reading Challenge review of Belong by Radha Agrawal is here.
*My latest Simple Woman's Daybook "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
*My latest Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III," is here.

Being a Squirrely Nutcase: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 
February 16th is National Almond day...are you a fan? If so what's your favorite food item or recipe that contains almonds? 

Oh yes, I really enjoy almonds.  The problem is that currently whole almonds currently cost almost as much as a half a tank of gas.  Maybe I can get a bag my next grocery day. One of my favorite recipes uses slivered almonds.  I use them in the place of sunflower kernels in my broccoli cranberry salad.

Something you are currently 'nuts' about? 

My "new" closet.

I've recently done some rearranging in my apartment.  I'm still decorating and upgrading things as I can.  I'm really enjoying how it's coming along.  My place feels more cozy and welcoming.  The part that I am most nuts about it my coat closet.  There's not a lot of storage here, so I have to make the most of what I have.  I recently got a fabulous Christmas present.  During a conversation at one of our staff meetings last year, a member of our team said he had leftover wire closet shelves and hardware from a project he did at his house.  His Christmas present to me was to redo the coat closet the I use as craft closet with those shelves.  He didn't get to do it at Christmas time because he and his wife contracted COVID.  He installed the shelves last week and I've taken the past few days to arrange things where I can more efficiently find and use them.  I also ordered an over-the door shelf for even more storage.

Something currently driving you 'nuts'? 

Have you ever had a day where you're so squirrely that you can't concentrate on anything?  Well, I'm having one of those days (Tuesday).  I've got tons of work to do for my job and at home and I can't focus to get a thing done.  I can't figure out how to snap out of it.  NOTE:  It took going to the grocery store during my lunch break to start regaining focus.  Sheesh!

Something you recently bought for 'peanuts'? 

Nothing comes to mind.  I haven't been to the thrift store lately.  😊

Share a favorite quote uttered by any U.S. President (if you're not an American, a quote made by the leader of your own country). 

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never tasted victory or defeat. - President Theodore Roosevelt.

Insert your own random thought here:

A quote from Craig Ferguson I find apropos for this post:  "I guess any attention is good attention for a nutcase!" 

In case you missed it:  

*My last Hodgepodge post, "Groundhogs Still Don't Know Jack" is here.
*My latest Five Minute Friday post "Behold," is here.
*My latest 2022 Book It Reading Challenge review of Belong by Radha Agrawal is here.
*My latest Simple Woman's Daybook "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
*My latest Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III," is here.

2022 Book It Reading Challenge: 01

Title:  Belong

Author:  Radha Agrawal

Info:  Copyright 2018. New York: Workman Publishing Company.

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):  ✮ 1/2

Where Acquired: Purchased at a Women's Health Expo in 2018

Category (ies) - Impulse buy and Potty books.

Synopsis: Agrawal, a self-proclaimed "community architect," offers strategies for getting out of your head and off your phone in order to build community.  She walks the reader through exercises in self-awareness to help identify the most important characteristics of a healthy community.

The Positive:

• Her analogy about the "mean girls" of the mind producing nothing but comparison, perfectionism, and judgement is spot on.  This is a true detriment to a healthy community.
  
• Agrawal puts great stress on getting away from the screen and making face-to-face connections with people.
  
• The cover artistry and the illustrations were innovative.
  

The Negative: 

• After finishing this book, I feel duped. This tome isn't really about building friendships and bringing your strengths and talents to enhance a community It's about building your own little kingdom based on specific sought after benefits and sucking it dry.  Agrawal's definition of community is a homogeneous group of people who look the same and think the same.  In other words, she's teaching the reader how to build a gated community, not a beautiful diverse community. 
• Her advice for building community is unnecessarily complicated.  Her steps are more conducive to building a brand or a platform.  Getting out in your neighborhood, meeting people, being friendly, genuine, and hospitable does not require building your own fonts, slogan, and language. 
• The content reeked of too much "woo-woo," and not enough substance.  For example, the author's main focus in selecting optimal candidates for the community is "energy."  Do what now?
  
• I don't think the author considered how visually traumatizing all the font size and type changes would be to the reader.  I appreciate what she was trying to do, but it was like being pinched one minute and slapped in the face the next.
• I understand the description of FYF (F--- Yeah Friends).  We do need encouraging friends in our lives.  However, Agrawal leaves out an absolutely necessary type of friend; HNF  (the Hell No Friend).  True friendship and healthy community requires accountability, not just dances and "energy."
• If I were a senior citizen, the chapter on "Belonging and Aging" would be a huge insult.  Well, I'm not even 50 yet and it still felt like a huge insult.
  

Conclusion/Takeaway:

This book really rubbed me the wrong way.  Like Uninvited and books of that nature, it felt backhanded: "You belong unless..."   Good thing I was sitting on the toilet when I read through this because it was full of crap.

Groundhogs Still Don't Know Jack!: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge landing on Groundhog's Day sounds about right. Besides the Hodgepodge what else lands on your calendar just once a week? Is it as much fun as the Hodgepodge-ha!? 

Most months, church lands on my calendar once a week, and yes, it is more fun than the Hodgepodge (sorry, not sorry).  Occasionally I am able to attend extra church activities like our "Mug 'n Muffins" ladies fellowship, or our Dare to Care serving Saturdays.  With the winter snow season in full force here in Colorado, just getting out for weekly service is an accomplishment. 

The Winter Olympics begin on Friday, surrounded by much controversy. Will you be watching? Why or why not? Have you ever been to China?

No, I've never been to China, but I would like to someday.  I don't plan to watch the Olympics, but the controversy doesn't have anything to do with it.  I haven't watched the Olympics in a long time.  Like NBA basketball, it just doesn't have any appeal to me anymore.  After my extensive eye exam (which always makes me squirrely as a pecan grove), my Optometrist and I had a lively conversation about sports (which made me a little less squirrely).  Our consensus was that many sports have too much extra going on and just aren't fun to watch anymore.  So far, I'm still sticking with college football, MLB baseball, and NFL football (in the rare instance that the Broncos let the 'Bama boys play and they actually win). 

Speaking of college sports: since Colorado Christian University (sadly) doesn't have a football team or (most sadly) a marching band, I hope to catch a few baseball and softball games when the weather is more cooperative.  BTW--why in the Sam Hill are they starting baseball and softball season in FEBRUARY in COLORADO?!  We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground right now, with more on the way, with softball season starting this week and baseball season next week.  No, thank you.  I'll see the Cougars play in March or April.

Something in your life lately that has felt a bit like an 'olympic event'? 

Miss Joyce mentioned her never-ending home improvement project, which got me thinking about the decorating of my apartment.  I'm still creating items and saving up for upgrades to some of the items I purchased when I first moved in four years ago (for example, my dining chairs are plastic and I would like nicer ones).  I'm still thinking about the possible rearranging of furniture and wall decor and trying to figure out how to have a more ergonomic and efficient home office area (my computer is set up well, but there's nowhere to write or place reading materials for reference).  Also, can I declare the decorating "finished" though I'll leave space for future completed art projects?  Man, I need Vern Yip for this!

Do you like fondue? Sweet or savory? Restaurant only or do you own your own fondue set?

I've never tried it, so I'm not sure if I'd like it or not.

Give us five short (2-3 word) phrases to sum up your January. 

• Congratulations, Georgia.  #RollTide  
• It's time for a snow break.
• Man, it's February already?
• New reading challenge underway.
• Good report at eye doctor's office. 
  

Insert your own random thought here:

For any of you who follow my yearly reading challenges, after I had already posted this year's introduction, I decided to add new category. "Potty" books.  No, it's not what you think.  I noticed that I was spending my extended visits in the potty scrolling on my phone and/or playing a game (at least it was Words With Friends, so I was feeding my brain somewhat).  Don't act shocked; I know some of y'all do it too.  Before the days of cell phones, I used to keep books and magazines in my bathroom for those times (and for semi-relaxing soaks in the tub).  This year, I'm running an experiment.  I want to see how many books I can read during those times.  I see enough screens during the day, so I'm reading paper books.

In case you missed it:  

*My last Hodgepodge post, "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" is here.
*My latest Five Minute Friday post "Behold," is here.
*The introduction to this year's reading challenge is here.
*My latest Simple Woman's Daybook "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
*My latest Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III," is here.

2022 Book It Reading Challenge: Introduction

Artwork by Shannon Maddox, aka "Auntie."

The Flip and Sip Reading Challenge has come to a close.  It was a very productive reading year.  I finished 60 books, exceeding my goal of 50.  I only had one "Ain't nobody got time for that" volume this time around.

This year, I'm going to slow down my reading goals (thus the irony of calling it a "book it" challenge, since the phrase usually indicates speed).  There were several books over the years that I feel that I didn't get the most out of.  They included journaling or participation in certain activities to get the most out of the volume.  I want to take the time to go back and read and participate.  So, my 2022 goal for the year is 12 books (one book a month).  I'm sure I'll read more than that, but it takes the pressure off me to produce quantity over quality.

NOTE:  In early April, I upped my goal to 20 after I passed the 12 mark.  In late May, I upped it to 40 after passing 20.  After I passed that goal, I just let her eat!

If you'd like to follow my reading progress, see my Goodreads page.

Like my other reading challenges, this one doesn't have any specific instructions or types of required books.  However, some books may be part of various categories.  Examples include:

• Kiddie Lit -children's books.
  
• Recommended Reads - books recommended by what I hope are trustworthy sources.
• Glorious rereads - books I enjoyed so much that I'm reading them again.
• Everybody's Reading It - books that everybody and their grandma read that I'm just now getting to.
• Nobody Admits to Reading It - books that others have said to stay away from (whether they've read them or not).
• Impulse Reads - Books I bought, borrowed, or checked out of the library for no other reason than "hey, this looks interesting."
• "Potty" Books - No, it's not what you think.  I noticed that I was spending my extended visits in the potty scrolling on my phone and/or playing a game (at least it was Words With Friends, so I was feeding my brain somewhat).  Don't act shocked; I know some of y'all do it too.  Before the days of cell phones, I used to keep books and magazines in my bathroom for those times.  This year, I'm running and experiment.  I want to see how many books I can read during those times.  I see enough screens during the day, so I'm reading paper books.
  

My rating systems is as follows:

✮✮✮✮ = Outstanding
✮✮✮ = Pretty good
✮✮ = Could have been better / could have been worse.
✮ = Not so great
Zero stars = Ain't nobody got time for that = DNF (did not/would not/could not finish)

Whether you read one book or 100 this year, I would enjoy some company.  Drop in a comment once and a while to let me know how it's going. Yes, I know I say this every year...I mean it every year.

So, what are your reading goals for 2022?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Books Read and Reviewed:

Completed books will be marked as a link to the review or Goodreads comments.

Book 01
Book 02 - A glorious reread
Book 03 - A glorious reread
Book 04 - A glorious reread
Book 05

Read, but not Reviewed:

1. Christian Apologetics by Douglas Groothuis
2. Our Daily Biscuit by Todd Starns and Michelle Cox 
3. Knowing God's Will by R. C. Sproul
4. Come Before Winter and Share My Hope by Charles R. Swindoll
5. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco
6. Show Up for Your Life by Chrystal Evans Hurst
7. The Art of Writing and the Gifts of Writers by C. S. Lewis
8. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
9. Discipling by Mark Dever
10. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
11. How to Write a Lot by Paul Sylvia
12. Discipled by Jesus by Robert Gelinas
13. Hearing God by Dallas Willard
14. The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron
    
15. Living Above the Level of Mediocrity by Charles R. Swindoll
16. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F--k by Mark Manson
17. The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith (a glorious reread)
18. Chasing Vines by Beth Moore (a recommended read)
19. Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande
20. Strengthening Your Grip by Charles R. Swindoll
21. How Can I Cultivate Private Prayer by Joel Beeke
22. Jesus:  The Open Door by Kenneth Hagin Sr.
23. Conflict Free Living by Joyce Meyer
24. The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
25. It's Not Too Late by Tony Evans
26. Art and Faith:  A Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimur
27. Soul Keeping by John Ortberg 
28. The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal
29. How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie.
30. Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll
31. Dropping Your Guard by Charles R. Swindoll
32. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
33. The Tale of Mrs. Tuttlemouse by Beatrix Potter
34. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter
35. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
36. The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter
37. Christ the Healer by F. F. Bosworth
38. Worship by A. W. Tozer
39. Discipleship by A. W. Tozer
40. The Great Omission by Dallas Willard
41. How to Find Your Wealthy Place by Dr. Leroy Thompson
42. Deep Work by Cal Newport
43. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottieb
44. The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
    
45. Growing Deep in the Christian Life by Charles Swindoll 
46. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version
47. Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson
48. Prayer by A. W. Tozer 
49. Eternal Living:  Reflections on Dallas Willar'ds Teaching on Faith and Formation by Gary W. Moon
    
50. The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer 
51. Going Higher with God in Prayer by A. W. Tozer
52. Knowing God by J. I. Packer 
53.  Concise Theology by J. I. Packer
54. Watch Your Mouth by Tony Evans
55. Psalms:  The Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
56. The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
57. On Christian Doctrine by St. Augustine
58. Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon
    
59. The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott 
60. The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson 
61. Sanctuary of the Soul by Richard J. Foster
    

Ain't Nobody Got Time for That!:

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

Don't Eat the Yellow Snow: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

It's National Popcorn Day-my favorite! Are you a fan? Sweet or salty? A good or great movie you've seen recently (at home or in a theater, either one)? 

I'm a fan of popcorn.  I like it either sweet or salty.  I really can't enjoy most of the sweet varieties of microwave popcorn anymore since nearly all of them have Sucralose in them (my body does not do well with fake sugar).  The last really good movie I saw was The Hundred Foot Journey.  My friend Emily recommended it and I rented it from Amazon.  It's the story of an family from India trying to make their way in the gourmet restaurant business and all the ups and downs of the journey.

What's something you didn't realize was going to take so much of your time as an adult? 

The internet.  I had no experience with the internet in my early adulthood.  As the years went on, I went from downloading e-mails over dial-up (yes, dial-up), to doing research for work, all the way to having a cell phone with more storage space and memory than my first three computers combined.  I am happy for the connections that social media and the internet have provided, but now it seems that I have to fight the temptation to let it replace true face-to-face relationships.  I don't like that.

Your favorite yellow something? 

Sunflowers, bananas, daffodils, day lilies, and black eyed Susan flowers. 

Took this shot in Belmar

Why do you write? 

Like playing music or creating arts and crafts, writing is very cathartic for me.  In some aspects such as my blogs, it is a means of sharing my mind and heart with others.  In other aspects such as my personal journal--for lack of a better way to put it--it gets things out of my head and heart that need to be said, but not necessarily shared with anyone. 

Share a favorite memory associated with snow.

From Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO

In more than four years of living in Colorado, I've dealt with more snow than in 45 years of living in
Alabama.  I don't necessarily have a favorite memory associated with snow. Snow and ice are still a big point of anxiety for me, especially it I need to drive anywhere.  I enjoy the beauty of it as it flocks the trees and spreads a soft blanket on the grass, but I don't get out in it unless absolutely necessary. I don't have anyone with which to build a snowman, make snow angels, tube, or have a snowball fight.  Those are the fun things about snow.

Insert your own random thought here:

In case you missed it:  

*My last Hodgepodge post, "New Year, New...Something" is here.
*My latest Five Minute Friday post "Behold," is here.
*My last 2021 Flip and Sip Reading Challenge review of All Earth is Waiting, is here.
*My latest Simple Woman's Daybook "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
*My latest Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III," is here.

New Year, New...Something: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

Share one happy moment/memory from the holiday season. 

In my last Hodgepodge, I mentioned that I was looking forward to a white Christmas--just not a white Christmas Eve.  Mercifully, we didn't get our first big snow until December 31.  This stay allowed me to fully celebrate the holidays.  I had the joy of attending Colorado Community Church's Christmas Eve service, as well as worship with my friends at Table Mountain Baptist in Arvada.  I also had great dinners with friends on Christmas day and the day after.  I spent New Year's Eve refreshing Google to check on the Alabama vs. Cincinnati game.  Yes, the TuneIn app blocked the semifinal game AGAIN.  They do this every time Alabama goes to the playoffs or the championship.  Oh, yeah, Miss Joyce said happy moments.

Let's be reasonable with our expectations going into this new year, k? What is one thing you'd like to accomplish/improve/complete/do in 2022? 

Reasonable expectations don't mean throwing in the towel and giving up or expecting less.  The further we get from "the thing," the more I expect out of life.

Anyway...

Among other things, I'd like to improve the consistency of my blogs.  The past three years have been the most inconsistent since I started blogging in 2012.  In all fairness, in the past three years, I've had school, then a new side hustle as an Adjunct Professor.  I don't have any desire to stay chained to my computer every waking hour.  However, I know that with blogs absence does not make the heart grow fonder.  Absence makes y'all forget I'm here.  I'm taking a writing workshop at work, so maybe I'll learn some pointers on more consistent writing.  I don't want to write simply for quantity; I want to actually say something in my posts.

Every January 1st (since 1976) Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words are chosen). Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2022-wait, what?-no worries-at the end of the day-that being said-asking for a friend-circle back-deep dive-a new normal-you're on mute-supply chain. Which of these words/phrases do you use regularly? Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word/phrase not on the list you'd like to add? 

I ask this every time this question comes up:  Who died and made Lake Superior University the gatekeeper of language?  Hey, don't let the word "Superior" in your name go to your head.  Some of these are legitimate words or phrases.  For example, the supply chain is a real thing (it's screwed up right now, but it's real).  "You're on mute" is a legitimate phrase for Zoom meetings (how else is someone going to know that they're talking while on mute).  If folks would pay more attention to what they're doing, it wouldn't need to be said so much.  Some of the other phrases are tired corporate catchphrases--circle back, deep dive, that being said, etc.).  I wouldn't mind either seeing them go, or at least be used much less.  Words or phases that should absolutely go?  How about the phrase "no cap," calling anyone pejorative terms for male and female genitals, commenting "first" on any social media post or YouTube video (what are you, twelve?), and  "I can't even" (You can't even what?  Complete sentences, please?).

Best thing you ate in the month of December? 

Cranberry relish from the grocery store.  I'm a big fan of jellied cranberry sauce in the can and want to learn to make homemade cranberry relish.  However, I had Christmas dinner with friends and they had relish from the deli at King Soopers (our version of Kroger).  It was the best I'd ever tasted. I don't know if it's available all year long, but I'm going to find out.

January 5th is National Bird Day. Are you a bird lover? What's your favorite bird to see in the wild? Choose a phrase from the list that follows and tell us how it relates to your life currently...eat like a bird, bird's eye view, early bird, bird-brained, free as a bird, a little bird told me, or kill two birds with one stone.

I like all kinds of birds.  My favorites to see back home were the cardinals. They and the bluejays fought every summer over the seeds of sunflowers I grew in my backyard.   Here, the prettiest bird I've seen so far is the black billed magpie.  I saw one out in the parking lot at my old office and tried to snap a picture of it.  Why do birds sit still until you try to snap a photo of them?  Oh, well.  I plan to try my hand at painting one sometime this year.

I'd say early bird is the best word that describes my life right now.  My years of getting up before God does when I worked at the YMCA have made me a permanent early bird--just not THAT early.

Insert your own random thought here:

Welcome to 2022, y'all!

In case you missed it:  

*My last Hodgepodge post, "Just a Little Trim," is here.
*My latest Five Minute Friday post "Behold," is here.
*My latest 2021 Flip and Sip Reading Challenge review of All Earth is Waiting, is here.
*My latest Simple Woman's Daybook "A Buggy Full of Lemons," is here.
*My latest Auntie's Workshop post "Finishing and Fixing III," is here.