Wednesday, October 12, 2016

A Moving Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. I have so much to do in preparation for moving in three short weeks, which naturally explains why I'm blogging. You know how some people are stress eaters? Well I might be a stress blogger. When there's too much to do I like to come here and hide out.

Anyway, if you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post. And before you get back to what you're supposed to be doing, hop over and say hi to the blogger who linked before you because that keeps things cozy here.


1. What would you say is the best and worst thing about moving house?

Best thing? Clean slate, fresh start. 

Worst thing? Finding all the 'news' in a new town...new doctors, new church, new someone to work their magic on my hair...that last bit really stresses me out, which I know is a first world problem, but it's still one of my least favorite things about moving. 

Also, because I experienced this yesterday...setting up a new television/Internet system. It takes hours and that's just the selection process. Everything has to be installed when we eventually move in, and then most importantly, somebody's got to show me how it all works. 

2. What's moved you recently?

In dealing with a difficult and heartbreaking out of town family health situation, the over and above kindness we were extended by a 'bureaucrat' moved me to tears. This person has a big deal title and definitely did not have to be the one to answer our questions, but he did it anyway. He set aside whatever he was working on and made time for us. 

We had no appointment, but through a series of go here, no you need to go there, etc we appeared on his busy office doorstep. He very graciously invited my mom and I, along with the two friends helping us out west, to come on in and tell our story. He pulled up chairs for everyone, and then really listened, which is pretty much a lost art in 2016. He offered words of compassion and took it a step further by offering practical assistance too. Practical assistance that was not technically 'his job'. 

I'd been on a pretty even keel until that point, but as we left his office it was this unexpected gentle kindness that made me want to burst into tears. Unprompted kindness nearly always does me in. 

3. Do you feel your life is moving forward, backward, or is on hold? How so?

There have been many days in the past year where I've felt I was spinning my wheels. We're approaching move in day now, so forward march! I am ready. 

4. On the move, move mountainsget a move onit's your move, or bust a move...which phrase best applies to some aspect of your life right now? Explain.

'On the move'- I looked it up just to see how the definition is worded and found 'in the process of moving from one place to another'. Yep, that would be us. 

5. What song makes you want to get up and move?

Lots of songs but I'm gonna show my age, and also be embarrassingly honest here...Dancing Queen by Abba, Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy by The Tams, Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, I Love You More Today Than Yesterday by Spiral Staircase, 1-2-3 by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, Love Shack by the B-52's, and Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale (that tap routine from 10th grade has stayed with me some four decades now).  

6. Your favorite snack to grab when you're 'on the move'?

An apple or a bag of skinny pop popcorn.  

7. What one accessory makes your house feel like home?

Photographs. In frames, in albums, pinned to a board...they help me remember what home is all about. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

She Reads Truth has their Advent book available for pre-order. It might feel a bit early to be thinking about Advent, but in this season of hurricanes, catastrophic flooding, my candidate's awful but better than your terribly awful candidate, ugly words, name calling, and angry people round every corner,  it feels like exactly the right time to shift our thoughts to the Prince of Peace. 

The She Reads Truth reading plan this year is entitled-


For this. This storm. This election cycle. This beautiful, tired, tender, troubled earth.

The book is available for pre-order now and ships beginning Nov 10. It's designed with daily readings beginning November 27-December 25th and includes beautiful artwork, lovely graphics, and even some holiday recipes, hymns, and scripture cards. If you opt not to purchase the book you can still read along daily on their website SheReadsTruth.com  

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33




23 comments:

  1. This weeks questions were very thought provoking. I actually struggled to answer a couple. I loved your responses. Sometimes I wonder if we are not the same person.

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  2. Hi Joyce... I think we both feel the same about moving! Have a good week.

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  3. Three weeks!!!! Woo Hoo!!! That's EXCITING!
    Unprompted kindness is a kiss on the cheek from a really good God.
    Love Shack and photographs, perfect answers!
    Praying things go as smooth as possible for your move!

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  4. I was moved by your telling of the person who helped your family, the person who showed what it is like to be truly human in a society that seems to be forgetting. And thank you for the book suggestion. I'm always keeping an eye out for another Advent book.

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  5. Oh yes, photos on the wall and on our dressers and all around.
    Your #2 ... sounds like a very special person.
    Carla

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  6. Love your song choices! I always want to dance when I hear them as well and MIGHT be guilty of some car dancing when I can't. ;)

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  7. So nice to hear about the kindness shown to you in a difficult situation. I almost picked "I love you more today than yesterday" too. That was one of the songs on my wedding song list but we didn't pick it because I didn't want to fast dance with everyone watching ;)

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  8. This week's Hodgepodge is welcome entertainment, Joyce! Thanks for another great one. I enjoyed reading your answers and do like the songs you picked to "move" to. I don't envy you the work ahead to get moved in, but how very exciting that move in day is finally near with the holidays just ahead!

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  9. Oh my goodness. I had forgotten all those things that must be accomplished in a move. The computer, the TV, and eek, the new hairdresser!!! Loved your answer and the way you were moved. That is most refreshing to read. All of your answers are good and thanks for the tip on the Advent book. A couple of years ago, I ordered their book for Lent and it was beautiful. I am sure the Advent book will be as well. Have a wonderful day!

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  10. I loved your story of unprompted kindness! I felt the same way when someone we didn't even know brought us a generator to use during hurricane Matthew. God is good!
    I know you're dealing with a lot, but I'm excited that your move is within sight! Best wishes with all of that :)
    Thanks for another fun Hodgepodge!
    Kathy (Reflections)

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  11. You know you are in modern society if the internet and cable have to be installed first before the gas and electricity! Well, maybe not before, but a very close second! I do hope that your family is doing ok - what a blessing to see God intervene by sending you to exactly the right person and exactly the right time. Gives me Godbumps just thinking about it!

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  12. Yeah, moving is not fun. Until it's all over and you get to enjoy the new home! ONLY three weeks! :) Thanks for the Advent book link. I pre-ordered mine.

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  13. I agree with you. I think the thoughtfulness of others, and especially the unexpected thoughtfulness, touches that tender spot in each of us. I come away thinking, why can't I be more like that. For some reason I missed the "don't like" part of question 1, but can agree with you on every thing you wrote. Doctors are the hardest thing. Thank you for the recommendation of the book.

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  14. As always, thank you for hosting Joyce! Sounds like a VERY busy time for you. I do love a good bag of Skinny Pop! Sending hugs from here, my friend! xo

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  15. 2 of the doctors we chose 5 years ago, have retired this year...so we are going about that again.

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  16. Your answer to #1 is perfect. Those are the worst! Beautiful touching answer to #2. What a blessing. I had a large display of photo before Amber/Dylan moved in and had to rearrange some things in the house :( Great answer!

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  17. It is so awesome when an act of kindness falls our way at such a much needed time. So sorry you are having to deal with this on top of a big move. And, yes, finding new "everything" is a chore. Blessings abundant to you!

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  18. Learning the new technology is always tricky. We had to get our Marine to show us how to use Suzanne's smart phone. If it was not for him, I could not transfer files from the camera to the laptop. Have a great week and enjoy your move.

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  19. Having to find new everything is very stressful. We got here to Texas during a tropical storm, and had mapquested the Walmart while we were still in South Carolina. It was dark and torrential rain coming down, but we finally found it. Finding new doctors that are competent is the real test. We've been lucky in some cases, not so lucky in others. Best wishes as you find your "news".

    I am glad that your family had a helper during this upsetting time.

    I am very excited that you get to move into your new home soon. What a beautiful place to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas!

    Your song list is great. I remember many of them. :)

    You're in the best place for apples!

    A home full of family photographs is beautiful, just perfect. :)

    Thank you for hosting the Hodgepodge.

    Have a blessed week, Joyce. It won't be long now!

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  20. Hi Joyce! What a busy lady you are but so excited for your upcoming move! I loved what you shared in your answers. What a blessing that the person you referring to took the time to help during a difficult situation. Great song choices too...all great to bust a move to! Yes, we are living in a time like none other. Thanking Jesus for His everlasting love and guidance through these troubling days! Thank you for taking the time out of your busyness to host hodgepodge!

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  21. Thanks Joyce for another great set of questions especially when you are moving so much around right now. I never read any answers until my post is up so I'm not influenced but I always look at yours and wonder "why didn't I think of that?"! Great job.

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  22. I really get the dealing with family health situations. I am sorry for your troubles. On the positive side, I am glad that you are almost ready to occupy your new home. God's blessings as you do so.

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  23. Wish you all the best with the moving process. We moved from one home to another in July. So glad that's over with.

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