Friday Randomness (Vol. 9)

It's only been three weeks since my last Friday Randomness post but I've missed it. It has become my favorite post to write.

My friend Karin of Sunrise with a Sixpack said this weekly post of mine was like going on a treasure hunt. Oh, how I loved that description. Thank you, Karin! By the way, Karin is a treasure! You really should follow her if you do not already.

Recap of 2013

I'm not good with recaps so keeping this short. I could give you my top 10 blog posts from 2013 but instead I thought I'd share with you the post with the most views and the one with the least. Those poor posts with so few views...our heart tells us it most have been a poorly written post but it could be it was simply missed.

Here goes:

Most read: A Story of Transformation (also tells of my greatest moment from 2013)
Least read: The Forgotten One (ironic that this happened to be the post that was missed ~ or forgotten)

And my favorite blogging moment from 2013: launching Three Word Wednesday! A big heartfelt THANK YOU to this family of writers. I love what God does with three words.

Scripture speaking to my heart

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." ~ Genesis 1:31a

Now go on over to Shelly's place and read her post One Thing You Must Remember for the New Year. It really is something we need to remember so be sure to read.

My One Word - JOY, and a new favorite quote

I announced my One Word for 2014 here. Shortly after announcing my word I read a post by Margaret Feinberg that included these fabulous words,

"In 2014, may joy bubble over and wonder abound. May this year be one where you walk with your forehead glued to Jesus’ shoulder blades. Where every inhale will be of God’s presence and every exhale an extension of his love."

Amen!!

Favorite song of the week

My sweet friend Lauren of It's A Wilderness Out There...And In Here Too has me humming this childhood Sunday school song:

"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay"

Have a listen and you will soon be humming too. It's contagious! These children are adorable too!!

I love my one word. There is so much JOY in the word JOY!

Go Give Challenge

Jennifer at A Girl on the Doorstep announced a new challenge that I'm super excited about. Every month she will share a challenge at her place to go out and give. At the end of the month you come back and link up with her to share your stories. What was her challenge for January? Find out here.

I made my way to Starbucks earlier in the week and enjoyed blessing the person in the drive-thru behind me. Along with a free coffee, they also received a print out of Jennifer's pretty Go-Give January Printable.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." ~ Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

Risk Rejection

Oh just go visit my friend Amy Sullivan and she will explain. Then come back and let me know if you are going to join us. Sounds intriguing but scary doesn't it?

Finding blessings in a deployment

January 1st marks the beginning of taking the Joy Dare with Ann Voskamp. Taking this dare seemed appropriate since my one word for the year is JOY. While I was already counting blessings, I'm going to start over again with #1.

#1 ~ The twirling sound of marbles in a plastic tube (it was used in a game I played with friends and it had me mesmerized).

#2 ~ Lots and lots of laughter from an evening with friends.

#3 ~ The beep my phone makes when I get a message from my husband.

#4 ~ Snow. It really is beautiful as it falls from the sky.

#5 ~ The many different flavors of tea; each of them so yummy and comforting.

#6 ~ Pretzels and Brie cheese. I love this plate combination.

I'm ending with beautiful words from Ann Voskamp...

"Go slow. Be God-struck

Grant grace. Live truth.

Give thanks. Love well. Re-joice.

Share whatever is good."