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

An Earthy Hodge Podge

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Wednesday….or Happy Earth Day, as the Hodge Podge reminds us today.  I can honestly say that I am not typically aware of Earth Day.  Would not know it, if not told, and don’t usually “celebrate” it.  Are there celebrations?  I dunno but, for some reason, it makes me think of “being crunchy.”  Remember when that was a phase?  Not sure how it started but I often heard the term used in a negative way, but, apparently, it is still “a thing” and is not only rather popular but it is a compliment to be “crunchy,” or some I am told.  (I recently discussed this topic with several friends.  Why?  I have no idea.)  I suppose everyone has their own idea of what it takes to be crunchy, but I don’t suppose it defines me.  Especially if it involves camping (which was included in the first description I came across while interent searching)!!  Nevertheless, Joyce has some fun questions for today…..

1. April 22nd is Earth Day.  What’s the most ‘out of this world’ place on earth you’ve ever visited? I think I would say Samoa.  (Not American Samoa….)  It took many, many hours – with multiple flights, a long boat trip and an hour in the truck – to get there and felt like we could have, indeed, traveled to another world.  But it was well worth it.  More than worth it.  It was the trip of a lifetime!

 

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it?  I will share two verses….

Philippians 2:10 “That at the the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

3. What’s the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion? Well, define trivial.  There were many things that popped into my mind…but are they trivial?  Also not sure about an opinion.  For instance, all the hangers in my closet not only match but they all face the same way.  The clothes on the hangers all face the same way.  I also like the switches on the wall to all go the same direction (down).  I certainly feel “strongly” about these things but I’m not sure that is what is meant by having an opinion.  I’m also not sure this is considered trivial but something I have a strong opinion about is leaving one’s Bible at church (simply leaving it in the pew so as to not have to carry it back and forth with you) and/or placing it on the floor (under your chair or the pew in front of you).  Unfortunately, this happens quite a bit (not in Junior Church!) and, yes, I have strong opinons about it.  Sigh.

4. What’s your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? What’s the last thing you made using that tool?  I was going to say air fryer.  But that’s an applicance, isn’t it?  Utensil??  I would probably say measuring spoons and/or cups.  I am not an intuitive cook.  I measure.  And re-measure.  I measure the amount of half and half in my coffee every morning.  Consistency is key:)

5. What is your greatest extravagance? I do enjoy getting a pedicure each month.  I used to get the basic one but, lately, have been getting a “spa pedicure.”  It seems rather extravagant, if not indulgent.  I also recently changed hair salons.  It is nice but I cannot justify the crazy prices for a hair cut.  Somehow the cost for pretty nails doesn’t bother me.  But expensive hair…well, that gets me!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I have mentioned a friend from church was recently widowed.  She and her husband had been married for 72 years.  Seventy-two!  Hard to imagine.  I was chatting with her on Monday.  She was reminiscing.  She is wanting to move to an assisted living, for a variety of reasons but especially now that it is so lonely in her home.  She lives in the same house they raised their family in, etc.  I’m not sure what year it was, but they bought the house for $15,990!!  What?!?  She told me, when they bought the house, they could not imagine who they would ever afford the mortgage payment.  The $121 mortgage payment.  Oh my!!  I love to chat with senior friends.  I love their stories and their memories.  Sometimes…I am just speechless!

Hodge Podge

Comments (19)

  1. Hello,
    I too enjoy speaking with senior friends. 🙂 I loved the relationship I had with Marv my garden mentor for just that reason. The stories he shared with me about his life. He would jump train cars from Wisconsin and travel to California.
    I enjoyed your answers.
    Have a great day!

    1. Carla – can you imagine jumping train cars? Incredible the stories that come from our older generation!:) Glad you stopped by, Carla!

  2. Our son had a sweatshirt on with the words ‘Every Knee will bow’ on it this weekend when they visited. Well you came up with a fine list of things as they should be, LOL. My mother was dying and she hung in there to my parents 70th wedding anniversary and died on that day. She was 90. So many ‘out of this world’ stories to hear from our seniors…wait…I’m a senior!! Have a great day, Jennifer.

    1. Wait..I’m a senior:) I am quickly becoming that generation…that will entertain others with “can you believe it?” stories and memories!!

  3. My father-in-law sure had some stories – depression and serving in the Pacific in WW2. He loved,sharing them and we loved listening. A lot of thought went into answering the,questions and I really enjoyed your answers. Enjoy today!

  4. Your responses to the Hodge Podge were interesting to read, Jennifer. I love chatting with the older generation and listening to their stories, the simplicity to living. I can’t imagine leaving my Bible behind week to week. We don’t celebration Earth Day (and many years, I only remember when either the news or someone mentions it). While teaching, I would incorporate an activity that dealt with Earth Day. Enjoy your day!

    1. I cannot imagine leaving my Bible anywhere – even at church. It really is disrespectful. Glad for your visit today, Robin. Happy Wednesday to you –

  5. I enjoyed your answers to the Hodgepodge questions today, Jennifer. What a precious time you enjoyed with your friend as she shared with you about her marriage of 72 years! I know you are a blessing to her as much as she is to you because, well, that’s just who you are…a blessing. Sending hugs to you. xx

  6. So some people at church leave their Bible at the church all week? Just so they’ll have it for church the next week? Psalm 24:1 is a good verse! My FIL is about ready to move out of the condo he shared with his wife of “only” 24 years. He does not like living in it without his wife. I can imagine how your friend feels (plus she likely really does need assistance or will very soon at her age). How wonderful to have a mature friend. That home price, WOW!

    1. Yes, indeed, they do. And they seem to be training/encouraging their children to do the same. Huge sigh. I doing my best to fight the tide:) And, I know, can you imagine that house price?? And in this (crazy overpriced) area of the country??

  7. Oh I bet Samoa was amazing! That last thought with the house prices really blows my mind– you can’t hardly even buy a used CAR for that price now a days. Though honestly even when I talk about what my husband and I spent on our first house.. I’m not even sure you can buy an empty plot of land for what we paid for a really nice 3 bedroom cape that was completely move in ready.

    1. I thought much the same, Joanne, when I was talking to her! Hard to imagine!! And, yes, Samoa was rather amazing:)

  8. Gosh, I’m only 74 (only!), and I have stories like that! LOL I enjoyed your Hodgepodge! Joyce is amazing, giving us this fun week after week.

  9. I love getting pedicures too but I don’t get them all that often. One of the things I love best about my hairdresser is that her prices are very reasonable!

  10. I love your blog, Jennifer, and I’m grateful that you took a chance on mine with your sweet comment! However, I don’t see here how I can subscribe to yours. Any suggestions? I really would like to follow you. Blessings!

  11. Samoa sounds like an amazing place to visit.
    All my hangers are a mish-mash of one’s I have collected over the years. Oops. They look messy and unorganised but I think that fits the theme of my closet. hehehe
    Oh wow! Being married for 72 years is amazing and the price of her house! Wow! Older people do have some wonderful stories.

  12. I remember my parents worrying themselves sick over buying our family home in Memphis for $32,000. It was 6 bedrooms and 3 baths, formal dining and living, big lot!! HAHAHAHA! Imagine. Love the story you shared from your elderly friend. God bless her to have been married all those years.

    I like my hangers much the way you like yours. And I don’t understand leaving your Bible at church. Might you need it in between Sundays?

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