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 Hodge Podge: On Golf, Recipes and Back to School

Posted on By jennifer

Well, I did it again.  Missed getting my post done and uploaded.  This past Monday post.  The one with the update – and pictures – from my trip to California.  I blame the photos.  It is such a process for me and, for some reason, takes way longer than I am apparently willing to invest.  But, I will get it done.  Maybe for Friday’s post.  Hopefully.  Fingers crossed.  But, rather than skip another day of blogging, I thought I would join the Hodge Podge group today.  Of course, the questions start with sports.  And then space.  I’m already drawing a blank.  But let’s give this a try…..

1. August is National Golf month. Do you play? Do you enjoy following golf? Have you ever been to a professional tournament?  I do not play golf.  I do not watch golf (oh my but that seems so boring) and I am not interested in golf.  Not interested in most sports but golf is an extra easy pass.  All of this to my father’s sore disappointment, I am sure.  He loved to watch golf and follow the leader boards for every big tournament.  I don’t know that he ever really played golf and I have no idea why.  Maybe he tried a few times when on vacation but I never saw him “hit the course.”  But  he definitely loved to watch it.  Sorry, Dad, but I just don’t get it.

2. Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday. Are you interested in outer space and what’s happening today in terms of space exploration? If space travel became common in your lifetime would you go? How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious…does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else? I am also not really interested in space exploration.  Given the opportunity, I would not travel to space.  An airplane is about as far off the ground as I want to go…and I don’t even love that.  I am perfectly happy to keep my feet on the ground.

Exploring something vast and mysterious, truthfully, sounds boring to me.  Good thing discovering and/or opening up the new would wasn’t dependent on me!

3. Describe your communication style in three words.  Non-verbal (preferred), passive (for sure), and thoughtful (or deliberate).

4. Do you have a favorite cookbook? A favorite celebrity chef? Do you watch any cooking shows on TV?  I have a few favorite cookbooks, although I will confess to not using them very much.  All were written by people that I know.  And love.  One by my aunt’s best friend.  One by our church’s womens’ group.  And one very dog-eared one that my mother hand wrote for me when I was getting married.  It is a treasure to me.  I also have a collection of my grandma’s collected recipes and handwritten cards in her recipe box.  I wrote about that here.

I do not have a favorite celebrite chef.  My Tyler loved Emeril Lagasse and we were huge fan favorites back in the day.  BAM! I have no idea if he is still on air anywhere but I would watch that cooking show if he was (and I was able).

5. As a child did you have any back to school traditions? If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children? Do you have any back to school traditions you’ve started on your own?  I do not remember specific back to school traditions.  Is that because we did not have them?  or I just cannot remember them?  Hmm.  I do remember shopping for back to school clothes.  We would go to the only mall in our area – which was a bit of drive and “a big deal” – and I distinctly remember the Sears store not only had a small restaurant/dining room but there was also a large candy and nuts station in the middle of the store.  You would buy fresh nuts and chocolate candies by the pound.  My dad may not have passed on his love of golf but I certainly did share his joy in a bag of warm nuts and/or a small bag of chocolate covered raisins.  It was the best part of going to the mall!

Before our school switched to uniforms, we also did back to school shopping with our kiddos. But shopping for the supplies was even more fun than looking for the new clothes.  We would take those supply lists and make the hugest event out of each child choosing just the right pencil box, lunch box and Trapper Keeper.  Very important business, don’t you know!!?  Every other year there were new backpacks to be discovered as well.  We left with a full cart and a huge bill.  That is what I remember:)

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I recently read this account and thought it worth sharing:

President Ronald Reagan liked to tell the story of when his aunt took him to a cobbler for a new pair of shoes. The cobbler asked if he wanted round toes or square toes, but Reagan couldn’t decide. When he returned still uncertain, the cobbler told him to come back soon to pick them up. To his surprise, Reagan found one shoe with round toes and one with square. The cobbler said, “This will teach you to never let people make decisions for you.” Reagan later reflected, “If you don’t make your own decisions, someone else will.”

Recent days and weeks have required a lot of “big” decision making.  I am grateful that God’s word promises that those who lack wisdom (that would be me) can ask God and He “giveth to all men liberally.”  I could use a daily dose of wisdom and am thankful that my Heavenly Father generously provides just the wisdom I need.

Thanks for stopping by, friends.  I hope you will do so again on Friday.  Have a wonderful day –

Hodge Podge

Comments (7)

  1. Going to the mall used to be so much fun. Now I avoid it lol. Many have become a bit sketchy since people seem to prefer online shopping or the outdoor shopping centers. I know I do. I like what you’ve said about wisdom. I don’t ask for it often enough. Hope you have a great day and hope your decisions are made with a sense of peace.

  3. I always wanted a Trapper Keeper, but was always given one of those regular 3-ring binders. I liked the story you shared about Ronald Reagan. I haven’t been to a mall in ages. From what I understand, many have become “ghost towns”. Have a wonderful Wednesday, Jennifer.

  4. OOH I remember using trapper keepers in college. and my daughters always had one.

    Loved the anecdote about wisdom.

    I dont really go to the malls…I tend to shop either online or at locally owned stores vs big chains or box stores.

    ours here in Albany NY all seem to be doing well (the malls).
    We also have a lot of Plazas with higher end shops and restaurants. And of course we frequent Saratoga since we live so close. BEST shopping anywhere!!

    I’m with you regarding golf. But I DO love to explore new places specifically in the mountains or along the ocean

    HAPPY WEDNESDAY

  5. I have never heard the story you shared about Ronald Reagan. What a powerful message that cobbler gave him – an important one for everyone to learn.

  6. Oh I remember “trapper keepers” with my sons. They had to have a new one each year.

    I’m glad I was finally able to comment. There are times when I am unable to- and have to go through the whole routine of getting a new password. At least for today, I can comment.

  7. I couldn’t hit a golf ball to land where I want it to save my life. I have played crazy golf on many occasions though. My hubby, who is jus about to retire enjoys hitting a few balls at the driving range . Not fond of planes but they get me from A to B. Space – I love looking at the stars on a clear night but have no interest in space travel. D and I have one set of cookery book we use all the time. – mostly for cakes and cookies.

Comments are closed.