5 Links, Books, and Things I Love – September 2019
Every month I share my list of favorite 5’s.
- 5 interesting things online
- 5 articles about words, books, or podcasts
- 5 pictures of things I love
- 5 blog posts from the month
What are you enjoying this month?
1 Second Everyday
[If you can’t see the 1 Second Everyday video, click here]
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
5 Things Around the Web
1. 8 Questions to Ask Someone Other Than “What Do You Do?”
There’s much more to learn about each other than, “So, where do you work?” I would appreciate being asked these questions. (Although we have a friend who regularly asks #5, and I’m never quite sure how to answer. ha)
2. Having Kids Makes You Happier…Once They’ve Moved Out
I’m not saying I agree or disagree, but I do see the logic here.
3. Make Sunday Mornings Uncomfortable: Three Rules of Engagement at Church
Nobody likes being uncomfortable. But that’s kind of the point here. Help others be comfortable, even if sacrificing your own comfort temporarily.
And along the same lines, also read Jesus Invites Interruptions.
“The life of Jesus calls us to transform our daily lives in such a way that people are no longer ‘interruptions’ but ‘inter-ruptions.’ I am slowly learning that a Jesus-informed way of life must pry my hands away from the need to get things done toward connecting with people in such a way that my encounters with them ‘rupture’ me internally.”
4. The Most Gender-Switched Names in US History
Boy name or girl name? Depends on the year. These charts are a little hard to follow at first, but the data is interesting.
5. 5-Day Automation Challenge by Asian Efficiency
Although this challenge was officially last week, you could do it anytime. I did all 5 days and learned some cool tricks to save a few minutes here and there. It all adds up, right?
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
5 Things with Words and Books
1. Instagram LineBreak Caption Generator
This little tool is wonderful if you like to break up your lines in Instagram instead of having one long paragraph of unbroken text. Just type in your text and hit Convert. It works every time.
2. Why Don’t I Read All My Books?
Do you have unread books on your shelves at home? I do.
3. In Defense of Reading the Same Book Over and Over Again
And at the same time, I have other books that I read again and again (The Practice of the Presence of God; The Power of Now; Unoffendable; etc.) Why? This article explains some of the reasons.
4. 13 Words That Mean Something Completely Different in the South
This makes me smile. Since I’m from the south, these definitions make complete sense to me. But maybe not to you? These ordinary words include: toboggan, ugly, buggy, and cut.
Here are 7 favorite books I review from what I finished reading in August, including Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
5 Pictures of Things I Love
1. Tennessee Aquarium
Morgan was able to squeeze in a quick trip to the Tennessee Aquarium and then our house a few weekends ago. Such fun getting to show our grandbaby all the sea life that she’d only seen in books thus far!
~ * ~
2. Celebrating Giant Leaps
His Way is a local residential recovery center here that puts on a great annual dinner. I love seeing my precious Jesus-loving friend Selwyn there each year. This year’s speaker was Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys, and the theme was One Small Step (which leads to giant leaps!), an appropriate theme for our Rocket City and the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Both Selwyn’s and my father worked for NASA for years on the space program.
~ * ~
3. Splish-Splash!
Jeff and I took a quick trip to see our sweet baby girl and play in the water a few Sundays ago. She loves her slip ‘n slide and we love her.
~ * ~
4. Photobombed by Dead Presidents
Jeff and I took an anniversary trip (our 27th anniversary is this Wednesday!) to South Dakota. We saw Mount Rushmore for the first time, the Badlands, ran into buffaloes, and crossed into Wyoming for about 30 minutes.
~ * ~
5. Birthday Celebrations
The Lunch Bunch met on Friday to celebrate birthdays of one of my best friends Julie and my sister Sandy. Later our family got together to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday. We’re blessed to live close enough to see each other fairly often.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
5 Favorites from the Blog
1. Who’s Needy? Practice Closer Encounters
Who is the needy one—me or Ryan? When we look closer, we’re all the needy one. Practice encountering needs, in others and in yourself.
2. Free Printable for Hebrew/Greek Word Studies – It’s Easier Than You Think
It’s easier than you think to study Hebrew and Greek, the original languages of the Bible. Get your downloadable study sheet.
3. You Have a Safety Net. Take the Risk.
Do you take more risks when you know there’s a safety net? With Christ, there’s always a safety net. Take more risks.
4. What’s on Your Spiritual Shopping List?
What’s on your shopping list? Does it reflect an investment in stuff? Or in people?
5. Unexplainable Love in Any Language
I spoke little Spanish. She spoke little English. It’s hard to explain how love fills in the gaps.
* * *
What was a highlight from your August? What do you have planned for September? Please share in the comments.
Loved, as always, your video, Lisa, and how exciting your trip to South Dakota was! The buffalo was WAY too up close and personal for my taste, but glad all turned out okay.
Happy Anniversary!
The buffalo was a little too close for my comfort too. But yes, it all turned out okay; I was happy about that. 🙂
I always love your monthly round-ups! Your trip sounds great, and I hope you have a happy anniversary! I liked reading about the words that mean something different in the South. Just to confuse things even more, in the UK the word “buggy” refers to a pushchair for a baby or toddler!
Yes, I imagine I would have quite a time with vocabulary in the UK! I’d discover LOTS more words that I didn’t realize had different meanings. lol.
I’m definitely learning to step into the uncomfortable places a bit more. Especially at church. I don’t know where I got it in my head that church should be cozy and comfy. Instead, I am learning to find areas of comfort, but also be the comfort someone else is looking for.
(And I’m definitely checking out the IG LineBreak tool!)
I think I grew up thinking church should be cozy too. Maybe it’s just a kid thing? I don’t know. But as an adult, I’ve learned that while it still can be comfy, we’re not to stay in our comfort zones at the expense of others (too bad for my introvert self, sigh. ha).
That IG LineBreak tool has been amazing to me. I use it all the time now.
Happy anniversary! We saw Mt. Rushmore and some of the badlands years ago on a trip out west. Different from the Southeast, but intriguing in its own way.
I don’t read all my books just because I keep adding to them. 🙂 I figure having an ongoing TBR pile means I’ll always have something to look forward to. Just this year I read a book I’ve had since my twenties. I wasn’t impressed and wished I had read and discarded it long ago.
Even though I know the importance of greeting visitors, it’s still one of the hardest things for me to do. If I stop thinking about and just get started, then it goes ok.
I didn’t know what to expect from the terrain in South Dakota, but not that. ha. It was very different than what I’m used to.
I’ve had the same experience: finally reading a book I’ve had forever, only to discover it wasn’t worth the bookshelf space it had been taking up all these years. Sigh. I need to go look at my shelves now and see what still hasn’t been read and make a decision to either read it or get rid of it.
Busy month! Love those pictures and the video of your grand daughter trying to drink from the slip and slide/drinking fountain!
Cool shots of the Dakotas and buffalo!
I recognize that familiar Southwest Airlines wing too!
Good for you and another good month! Where does the time go?
Southwest is about the only way we fly. However, we have to drive two hours in either direction to get to an airport hub to fly with them. The money we save is significant enough to make the drive though. But with the way time is flying…I’m sure there’s a pun in there somewhere. 🙂
We loved our trip to Mt. Rushmore–and I believe our favorite moments in August were similar: time with our kids and grandkids.
Time with our sweet family members is always the best! I wish we could have had everyone with us on our Mt Rushmore trip. But it gives us good incentive to come back home so we can see everyone again. 🙂
Oh … just so much fun, so much to love and linger over here, Lisa!
That’s how I feel when you do a round-up post too, Linda. Just not enough time to linger in all the spaces I want to!
I always love this post, Lisa. I clicked on the first link right away! I have to say “Where did you grow up?” is one of my favorites, (and to start a conversation with runners, you just have to ask about their next race), but I think I will also start using “What are you looking forward to?” I like that!
Happy anniversary to you and your hubby! Your SD trip looks awesome. And those granddaughter photos on the slip n slide – just adorable! She has such a great little smile!
Love that insight into runner’s conversations. It’s interesting how each niche has their own favorite questions. With some of my friends, we know to ask each other: So what good book have you read lately? Those answers can be revealing and lead to deeper conversations. 🙂
Yes, her little smile is the best; I’m missing it. 🙁 I’m planning a road trip to see her in a few days.
Nice to meet you! I love this post. I saw you on a linkup and hopped over for a visit. I’m “Nana” to 7 and they love slip and slides! If you have time come over and linkup at my page! http://nanahood.com/it-is-well-with-my-soul. Have a great September! Teresa from NanaHood
Nice to meet you, too, Teresa. I’ll head your way next. I can’t imagine being Nana to 7! I have a hard enough time keeping up with our one! 🙂 And now that #2 will be here shortly, I’m praying for even more energy. ha.
Dear Lisa, your round-ups always brighten up my month! My Dad said once about re-watching Laurel and Hardy that they were “good company” and that’s how I think about re-reading books. September: I have a tentative plan to attend a Sunday church service (I have a church and date in mind)! :astonished: so I hope I don’t trigger “An Alone Person in Our Gatherings Is an Emergency” — I’ll be tempted to use my powers of invisibility if I don’t chicken out altogether. Any recommendations about being the Alone Person welcome. David
Ah, good company. That’s a great way to put it, David. I agree with you and your dad’s philosophy. Maybe that’s why I like keeping my most favorite books on my bedroom shelf instead of a shelf I wouldn’t see as often. I like the company. 🙂
Praying that all goes well with your visit on the Sunday you choose! If you WANT to be invisible, arrive late and leave early. But I wouldn’t advise that. You’ll get more out of it if you get the whole experience, beginning to end. Maybe this church doesn’t have an emergency plan. lol. Keep me posted on how it goes, please!
“Where the Crawdads Sing” is on so many people lists. I guess I am going to have to read it.
Yep, I caved due its popularity too, Shannan. 🙂 In this case, it was worth it. Bonus: our library has all the modes: hardcover book, audiobook, and Kindle. There are LONG holds on each, but eventually it became my turn for the kindle version, and oddly enough, at the same time my husband got the audiobook! So I read a little, listened a little, read a little. And we could talk about it. Very good narrator, if you go that route. Rarely do my husband and I read the same book, and usually never at the same time, so it was extra fun this way. We’ve since done another book that way and loved it.
Happy Anniversary, Lisa! I’m glad you and Jeff got to go to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Did you make it to the Crazy Horse Memorial, too? And I’m sure I saw the falls in Sioux Falls in your 1-second everyday? You were so close! 🙂 I LOVE the look of sheer delight on your granddaughter’s face while playing in the water. 🙂 Precious memories! Love and blessings to you!
Thanks, Trudy! We’re going out to dinner tonight for our anniversary since we’ll both be busy tomorrow night. We had a great time on our South Dakota trip, and yes we did see Crazy Horse too! Funny story: as we were headed there, our Waze app kept telling us to turn around, that it was 30 minutes away. But my husband has internal GPS (I need that!), and he knew it was wrong, so he ignored it. We decided to stop at a visitors center to ask for directions, but before we got out of the car, we looked up, and there was the memorial in plain sight! We both laughed so hard. Kinda hard to miss a mountain, but we almost did.
So many interesting things here, Lisa. Thanks for posting. The IG line break thing is interesting. I just use my notes on my phone but I may try this. Thanks!
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements.
What I’ve enjoyed about the IG thingy is that it is more consistent than I was on my own. When I previously would insert line breaks on my notes, I’d inevitable mess up something. This helps me make a few less mistakes anyway. 🙂 Small pleasures.
Lisa, I love your 1 Second Everyday videos. And I’m so glad you got to go to South Dakota for your anniversary. It’s such a beautiful state and seeing the video snippets brought back many happy memories of my family’s travels there. 🙂
Thanks, Lois. We loved the differences between South Dakota and Alabama (and the MUCH cooler weather!). 🙂 I’m glad we were able to make our own happy memories there. The only place I traveled as a child was back and forth to Grandma’s house in Mississippi (oh, and one trip to D.C. to visit relatives). lol
I love this post! What fun! You have provided some great info and resources here and I truly cannot wait to dig into to all of the value of it. Thanks Lisa!
Thanks, Gretchen. I love compiling these every month. And it’s a good opportunity for me to clean up my digital clutter from the previous month as I sort through things. 🙂
What a labor intense blog post but I love it. 13 words in the south – ♥ questions beside ‘what do you do’ ♥ Loved every word.
Thanks, Susan. Labor intensive, yes. lol. I try not to spend too much time on these round-up posts each month, but I do enjoy looking back and compiling. And then one thing leads to another and an hour has gone by. 🙂
Lisa, this is one of my favorite “5” posts you’ve done. Love the 1 second every day video, all the photos…and really so much about this. But this made me laugh out loud big time, “Having Kids Makes You Happier…Once They’ve Moved Out.” Still smiling. Ha ha!
The article about empty nesters made me laugh, too, Karen. (I hope my kids didn’t see that I posted it! lol)
I like the 5 questions link although I usually don’t like being asked those kinds of questions myself. But I do like “what do you do for fun” and “what charities do you support” questions; I will remember those and use them.
I also enjoyed Melinda Gates book, if for no other reason that I feel like I know her now, she’s now how I would have expected a billionaire to be. She sounds like someone I would like as a friend.
You make a good point, Aletha…not everyone would like being asked those questions. We really have to be aware of dropping heavy questions on people too quickly, while at the same time avoiding constant small talk. Such a balance. 🙂
Yes, Melinda Gates didn’t fit my stereotype either, but seems like a normal person (well, as much as a billionarie can be normal? ha). I definitely enjoyed reading from her perspective and seeing her heart.
Sounds like such a great trip!! I enjoyed this post so much and I love the article on 8 questions to ask someone other than what do you do! I find I get asked that question so much and it really does irk me at times when it is one of the first things I am asked, as though I am defined by a job, or even by the assumption I have one! I like the ‘what do you do for fun’ question so much better!! Thank you so much for sharing this great post and thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies
I know; I never know how to respond to, “What do you do?” I don’t have a job title (I used to say I was a retired homeschool teacher, ha), so I usually stumble around with my words and can’t give a direct answer. 🙂 I understand that it’s a question we often ask (I still ask it too) to get to know people, but I’m glad to see a few new suggestions to substitute for it.
What a fun post! This photos made me smile tonight. I really enjoy your sharing and your writing.
Thanks, Jean. Likewise when I read your posts! 🙂