Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then hop over and leave a comment for the blogger there before you. Here we go-
Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party?
I'm married to the life of the party and there can't be two. I'm not a party pooper though, and would say I land somewhere in the middle. If I'm in the mood for a party then I lean more toward the fun side. If we've had too much socializing and not enough at home time, then I'm going to lean the other way. I prefer smaller gatherings to huge parties. My favorite is probably a dinner party...table for 8 please.
2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list?
perspective, wisdom, and blue jeans
3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you?
I love my birthday. I want to always embrace the gift of a new year. There's not any special way it needs to be celebrated...mostly I want to feel like the people I love took some time to think about me and to tell me so. It might be just a phone call, text, or a card in the mail. I don't need big splashy gifts, but something small that says 'me' to them means a lot.
4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month.
In 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building. I read something interesting George is quoted as saying -
'...however, political parties may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
Words to ponder, yes?
5. Share two good things about your life right now.
- grandchildren
- my sister and brother-in-law taking such good care of my mom is an honest to goodness answer to prayer...I don't write about it a lot, but my mom lives with them and that is such a blessing.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
The world is a lot right now, isn't it?
I want to point to Jesus, the light of the world, and say He's the answer to every question we're asking in our efforts to make sense of something so senseless.
Maybe you don't know Him and this latest tragedy has done you in and you're seeking relief. If that's the case feel free to reach out. Maybe you knew Him as a child, but have drifted away because life has come at you hard and now, in the midst of these troubling times, you want to find your way back. Do that. Open a Bible. Talk to God in your own words, and with sincerity. He will hear you. He can handle our anger, confusion, and sadness. His love for you and me is enormous...bottomless...sure.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
I, too, answered with grandchildren as one of the good things in my life. Seeing them experience the world is so refreshing.
ReplyDeletePerspective, wisdom, and blue jeans - excellent answer!!
ReplyDeleteJeans getting better with age - yes! I am the same about socializing. I have to have my home/down time to be ready to go again!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a blessing that your sister and BIL have your mom. Do they have breaks every now and then? I don't know how much care your mom requires so there is that.
Loved to read that your hubby is the life of the party- such a blessing- takes a little pressure off of you too ;) Thank you for the reminder and inspiration too- Jesus is definitely the answer
ReplyDeleteYour statement at the end is so good and true! I had heard the GW quote before and I think it´s true. That is great about your sister and brother in law with your mom. My sister helped take care of my mom before her death. I was the only sibling not living close to my mom in her sickness and I feel terrible about that. I am glad my siblings were physically close to her.
ReplyDeleteWe're similar in our party style! It can depend on my mood as well, as to how I feel about them. I always prefer a smaller gathering over a large one! Beautiful words at the end, my friend. The world feels heavy right now...I don't know how people stand on their own feet without Jesus, because even life with Him still feels hard! I'm so thankful we don't have to have it all figured out, and that we can trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty. Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteI loved your answer to "two good things right now" - it's such a relational answer, as is the way you want your birthday celebrated. Good GW quote - power is like a drug to many. I *know* there are still some out there in office with the idea that they CAN make a difference and for that I am grateful, that in our country anyone from any circumstance can make a difference. Even though I didn't post answers today, I did write in Amy's comments that a dinner party is my preferred kind of party too!
ReplyDeleteI’m married to the life of the party too, great answer! Isn’t history fascinating? And I just started listening to the Bible on Libby! Charlie has influenced me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, sweet photo that is. Having our parents cared for by family is such a relief and blessing. Hats off to your sister and hubs! Yes, to the truth and encouragement in your random thought. What a week!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Jeans do get better with age, I have some really old one's which are the comfiest jeans that I own now.
ReplyDeleteHow reassuring to know your mom is being so well looked after.
I agree on smaller gatherings! I wish I had a sister to take care of my mom...
ReplyDeleteI am the opposite when it comes to jeans. I stay so hot and jeans burn me up!! We have jeans day at school, and I mostly wear skorts!!! (yes, even in the winter with boots). Great random thought ; love it.
ReplyDeleteHello Joyce,
ReplyDeleteMy sister is taking care of my parents as well. It is a blessing.
I appreciated your random.
Carla
I love that you are married to the life of the party. Another great answer for #2. I think I missed the point of that one. No doubt the people you love know how you feel about celebrating your birthday. I'm sure they do an excellent job. Great answer for #4. Interesting quote. Great answer for #5 and I know how much you appreciate your sister and brother in law. Mine took care of my dad in Florida. Your random is spot on. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank for thoughts shared there at the end. I, too want to be a light in this very dark world. Thank you for the encouragement. And such a cute party picture!! Enjoyed the Hodge Podge today!!
ReplyDeleteI love your answer of perspective getting better with time. I so agree and also with your random thought. That is all so true and that verse is what I am praying! I am asking the Lord for confidence. Thanks Joyce and happy early birthday!
ReplyDeleteYour response to #6 could not have been stated better.
ReplyDeleteI loved your random thought at the end, you just pointing us back to Jesus
ReplyDeleteI do love your random thought answer.. What a world we are living in and we need to win as many souls for the Lord as we possibly can. What a sweet sweet pink birthday party in your photo. Seems like the simple parties way back when were more appreciated than the big ones of today. thanks Joyce for doing the Hodgepodge...it makes my Wednesdays fun.
ReplyDeleteOH yes, blue jeans get so much more comfortable with age. Though that said I've gotten rid of all my old blue jeans in favor of the more elasticized ones that are popular today!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful words at the end of your post. So many are seeking right now. I feel the same about the parties.
ReplyDeleteGreat answers as always, Joyce. Your random is a beautiful and heartfelt message—thank you for sharing it. You’re speaking encouragement not just to me but to anyone who may need that reminder. You're absolutely right: God is always working, often quietly and deeply, even when we can't see the full picture. And having people around us who point us back to Him, who remind us of truth, and who simply show up with love and authenticity—that's a gift.
ReplyDeleteKeep being that light. You're making a difference more than you know
Thanks for another fun Hodgepodge! Ditto your final thoughts in #6. Amen. Sending a hug!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, blue jeans do improve with age! Loved your answer about two good things and the random thought - which certainly isn't random but a very timely reminder that this world needs Jesus, and we who know him need to trust and share the gospel with others. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to your party answer! Perspective, wisdom, and blue jeans was a great answer to #2. I never thought about blue jeans, but you are so right.
ReplyDeleteAmen, friend. The world does feel so heavy right now, and it’s easy to get lost in the noise and despair. Thank you for pointing back to the only true source of hope and peace, Jesus. I love how you reminded us that He can handle all of our emotions… the anger, the questions, the heartbreak. What a comfort to know His love is steady and unshakable, even when everything else feels so uncertain. Hebrews 4:16 is the perfect verse for this moment. Grateful for your words today.
This time we have different opinions, the parties, the birthdays and religion. I don't believe in the bible, it has been translated more then 2000 times, and translators had often to write what the kings at that time told them. As a translator I know what you can translate.
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce, I enjoyed reading your post today. I especially like the end when you shared about the Lord. He is our salvation and hope. He is my peace in troubled times. Great verse too! Thank you!
ReplyDelete