Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Spicy Hodge Podge

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Wednesday.  At least, I believe it is Wednesday.  I have been off my “routine” and, honestly, have lost track of the days.  But I am pretty sure it is Wednesday…which would be a good time to join the Hodge Podge group.  Of course, at first glance, the questions look a bit tricky for me.  But let’s press on.  Again, I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to catching up with your blogs in the next few days.  As for Joyce’s questions….

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What’s a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  Garlic!  I love garlic and I pretty much reach for garlic salt when reasoning just about anything.  I am not a huge fan of curry.  Or most of the other spices that go in a good curry which is a shame because I am told curry is delicious.  Between vacation and being out of town this week, I have not done much cooking but I will be making spagetti this evening.  That definitely needs more than salt and pepper.  Especially some garlic:)

2.  It’s been said ‘variety is the spice of life’…in what way is this true for you? Elaborate.  I’m not a super creative cook.  I tend to use the same four or five seasonings regularly.  Consistency and familiarity.  They seem to work not only in the kitchen but also in my life.  I thrive on a good schedule and my routine.

3. What’s something in your life that adds ‘spice’ (excitement) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability?  See question two.  I’m not a fan of unpredictability…ha.  But travel would definitely be the spice in my life.  The excitement (every once in a while) that keeps life from becoming boring or bland.  These days, travel also comes with challenges for me.  Flying can definitely be a challenge.  Being away from home for too long is also starting to challenge me.  I’m not sure why that is but I am definitely finding it to be true.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why?  To fluently speak another language.  Any language.  French, perhaps, or even sign language.  I would be thrilled to be bi-lingual.

5. We’re halfway through the year…what’s one book, movie, or activity you’ve loved this year that you’d recommend to others? Paul David Tripp’s devotional books.  We used one last year and are currently using this one.  It is even better than last year.  The devotions go along with the reading plan so you could take advantage of having a plan as well.  We are reading the Bible chronologically so using a different reading plan but the devotionals each morning have been thought-provoking, insightful and a great start to our day.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Summer is here!  I am in my happy place.  I also sense a season of change on the horizon.  Not necessarily in the weather but in life.  Unpredictability and even challenging changes to my (non-spicy) routine are coming.  No details to write about just now but I am reminded, as I write this post, that this can be a time of spice:).  Some excitement perhaps.  I am determining – even now – to have the right mind-set!

Hodge Podge

Comments (35)

  1. We enjoy garlic a lot here, too, Jennifer!

    I enjoy Paul David Tripp’s works as well. He has been given a lot of godly insight.

    I’m glad you are back from vacation…I’ve missed you. xx

  2. Enjoyed your Hodgepodge! I am not a very “spicy” person either… stick with the norm is my way. Garlic is my go to season as well. Wish I could travel more. Maybe once my husband retires we can get away more.

  3. It is good to meet you, Jennifer. I sense we have several things in common, and that is always exciting in making a new friend. I, too, like to write as did my father. He passed away long before the computer era, but I often think about how he would have loved all it offers. We also have our faith and hope in the almighty God, who guides our steps. I am also facing some uncertain days ahead as my spinal stenosis is getting progressively worse with no remedy in store. Yes, changes of all kinds are threatening, but that is where our faith and assurance come in. I look forward to visiting again next week.

    1. Elizabeth, so glad you came by the blog and thank you for introducing yourself more. I so enjoy meeting new friends through my blogging. I look forward to visiting back and forth in the days ahead. Blessings to you –

  4. Always takes a bit of time to re-enter regular life ater travels and holidays. I’ve traveled a lot, but also find it more challenging these days. I dislike flying especially, but sometimes it’s the only option. I need some routine but in retirement we hold that rather loosely : )

    1. I hear ya, Joyce, about holding routines loosely. Probably a very good idea…especially with grand kiddos!:)

  5. I’m enjoying Everyday Gospel this year, too. It has been so good. Knowing a second language is something else that would be wonderful. I was nodding my head a lot as I read your answers. Hope the rest of the week goes well in your neck of the woods!

  7. I will check out Paul David Tripp’s devotionals- I trust your opinions and discernment so mightily. One of the best things about blogging for me is getting to know and meet like minded people and people to emulate. You are one of those people to me! I know that doesn’t mean that I have all of your preferences (and certainly not about the “little things”) but I want you to know that I trust your Biblical insight and wisdom SO MUCH!

    1. Thank you so much, Maria, for such a sweet comment. I definitely feel we are like minded and I am so grateful to have “made friends” with you here through our blogs!! Your comment blessed me today!!

  8. I do like routine and predictability but am flexible enough to step out of the box at times. The cook in our household (and it isn’t me!) uses oregano and this stuff we get from Yoder’s Market called Chicken Dust a lot. Happy Thursday, Jennifer!

  9. I like that you thrive on a schedule. I can definitely relate to the challenges of travel these days. I like that you are doing devotional books. Your random thought is very interesting.

    1. I definitely like my routine, Barbara….which is completely off just now. But that’s okay. It will be back to schedule/routine soon:) Glad you stopped by today!

  11. I don’t use a lot of spices in cooking and I should. I’m learning slowly. I might enjoy my own cooking more! LOL
    I’ve used the little jar of minced garlic but it’s been a long time since I used the fresh. I think I need to “spice” up my life a bit.

  12. Hi Jennifer, oh my our random thought… I too am all of a sudden going to be going through a change. A few weeks ago I mentioned that we have been praying about a decision, well that decision has been made. I will share more as the plan it set in place.
    Happy Weekend,
    Carla

  13. Hi Jennifer~ I love garlic as well, it makes everything more delicious… Except cookies! Change is hard for me as well, especially as I get older. I love to travel, but even when I am away, home is where my heart is. Spaghetti sounds delicious, I think I will put that on my meal plan for next week! Hope your summer is bringing you much joy! Hugs, Barb

    1. Barb, I do love garlic and I especially love cookies – but, nope, not the two together!!?! And, yes, home is where my heart is as well. I am glad to be here helping my friend but will look forward to being back home next week too!

  15. I use garlic liberally as well, but I guess I didn’t think of it as a spice. Maybe because I almost always reach for the huge jar of minced garlic I keep in the fridge, not for any garlic in my spice cabinet. LOL Loved your answer to #4 – I also wish I could master another language. I have a smattering of French vocabulary (barely enough to follow a hockey game if necessary) and I know Low German though I seldom use it. I’ve been working on learning proper German but I would find it very difficult to converse. Hope you’re having a great week!

    1. Thanks, Kym. I don’t think I have ever heard of Low German – but sounds like you already know quite of few other languages. That would be so nice!! Glad you stopped by and left a comment!

  16. Oh how I would love to speak a second language….living in Texas it would be best to speak a little Spanish. lol I’ve read so many things on how healthy garlic is for you. With that being said, I rarely cook with garlic. Traveling is something we love to do…we enjoy visiting places that spice up life… Have a wonderful weekend.

    1. Anita, Spanish would be very helpful where I live as well. You would think I would “just pick it up” as it is spoken/used so much around me! Hope you have a good week!

  17. We use lots of garlic too! Travel is a great way to add some spice and excitement to life. I do find I don’t like to be away from home for really long stretches of time though; while I always think it’s neat to read people’s vacation experiences when they go away for several weeks or even months I’m usually ready to head home after 7 or so days.

  18. We use a lot of garlic here but we do like a good curry so we are more adventurous with spices. We can be a bit trial and era in our cooking which we enjoy.
    We absolutely love getting out and about and travelling both at home and abroad. We are going to be doing a lot of travelling later in the year and very much an adventure so that will be a lot of fun. Hope you enjoyed your cruise, Jennifer and that your friend is doing Ok after her op.

  19. Hi Jennifer, like you, I’m thrilled that summer has arrived! I, too, sense a positive change in this season of life on the horizon. I’m not sure what it might look like, but I’m so ready for it! After losing my dear mom last year, and turning fifty this year, it is time!

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