Friday, January 3, 2014

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."

27 comments :

  1. I will have to go back and read your forgotten post, which my eyes did miss. I have posts like that, that get missed. I love your Friday randomness. Makes me want to do one. Now if only I can fit it into the editorial calendar. Today's (and yesterday's) readings had me thinking about how God spoke light into existence. Oh friend, I love taking this journey with you. And I am taking the Joy Dare and will post mine next week!

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  2. Beth, I just love your Friday Randomness and I like the idea of sharing the most and least read post. I might have to steal (em I mean borrow) that idea...lol. Can't wait to check out some of the goodies you recommended when I get a chance. Have a great weekend my dear.

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    1. Thanks, Wanda. I have to say I had hesitations on shared that least read post but I went for it. I'm coming on over to say hello. It's been too long.

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  3. Beth,
    Love your randomness and especially Ann Voskamp's words - she has a way, like you, of touching the heart of the matter. So glad to hear the JOY in your writing. God is good and brings us joy when we least expect it. Hope you are shoveling out from the blizzard?! I will look forward to your visit and you may be ready to escape to the south :)!
    Love and ((hugs)),
    Bev

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    1. He is SO good. He's kindof blowing my mind these days!! I'm so looking forward to visiting you soon.

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  4. Again, a great list of randomness! Joy is a great word! I'm looking forward to hearing about what God says to you this year about it! Now I get to have the fun of exploring all the links you put up!

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. I hope you enjoyed the link ups, Joan! I love sharing the love found from others.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  5. Hey Beth ... I LOVE that you were brave enough to share the 'least' of your posts. That says something about your humility, sense of humor, and courage level!

    ;-}

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    1. Oh, thank you, Linda. I did have second thoughts but God has me stepping outside of my comfort zone these days.

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  6. You, my friend, are a sweet treasure too. Happy weekend! :)

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    1. Aww, thank you, Kristin. I think you are a sweet treasure too. Love you.

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  7. I agree with Kristin ^ - YOU are the treasure, my dear friend :). {{Hugs to you}}

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    1. Karin, I really am so grateful for you! YOU are the treasure!! :)))

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  8. Thanks for sharing my story Beth. You are such a blessing. And what a fun idea, sharing your most and least read posts. Have a great weekend!

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    1. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, Shelly. Many blessings for a wonderful week.

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  9. Hi Beth, I love coming over here. I can feel the JOY emminating from your posts. I am so glad we share the same "word" for the year! One of my goals this year is to spend more time over at my favourite bloggers. And, you are one of them. So, God bless, joyous year ahead and I look forward to your posts.
    Tracy

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    1. Oh, thank you sweet friend. Your words warmed my heart. I plan to spend more time at your place as well.
      Blessings,
      Beth

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  10. Thanks for always making this a post I look forward to diving into! I met a few new favorites today, thanks to this post. :) Love that you're linked up with Recommendation Saturday! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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    1. I'm so glad you found some new favorites.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  11. Great post, as always! I've the Risk Rejection idea as I am getting ready to do something that is a big risk of rejection!! Thanks for directing some encouragement my way.

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    1. Thanks, Holly. I hope to hear about your risk, or please let me know how I can be praying for you.
      Much love and {hugs},
      Beth

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  12. So many awesome things here. I just kept thinking, "Ok, first I'll go here... then here... then here." So fantastic. I just love your blog- it is an extension of your heart! Praying for joy in your day! P.S. Funny fact- our husbands share a name:)

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    1. I just love you, Lauren. You always warm my heart by your visits here. How cool that are hubby's share a name. :)

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  13. I agree with L.R. SO many good things...Good for me, the kids are too busy watching Despicable Me 2 to notice that I have been on the computer way too long! I love the risk taking idea from Amy. Oh, all the inspiration here! So glad you linked up and shared these wonderful ideas! I look forward to reading even more! And of course, being able to share some inspiration in person someday soon. XO

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    1. Thank you, Angie. I love your link up. Great idea!! Thanks for your kind words. I'm anxious for us to meet soon.
      Hugs,
      Beth

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  14. Random posts hold a very dear place in my heart. :) Love yours!

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Much love to you.