{Play}Lists

You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do. (Psalm 139:3 NLT)

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I’m not very good at it, but I love to play skeeball. When our boys were younger, I would use some of their Chuck E. Cheese tokens to play skeeball, while they enjoyed the video games.

For my birthday, I wanted to do something fun and different, so we played skeeball and pinball, went out for dinner and then to karaoke. It was fun to laugh and be together. You never grow too old for play.

Author, Laura J. Boggess, wrote a really good book about the theory and theology of play, so I will refer you to her Playdates with God: Having a Child-like Faith in a Grown-up World for deeper insights into this wonder-filled pursuit of enjoying God.

One of my favorite types of play includes making art. I love collage and art journaling and experimenting with all kinds of art supplies and techniques.

A fun way to engage in this type of play is to start small. For the past five years artist, Tammy Garcia, aka Daisy Yellow, hosts a no-pressure, fun challenge called ICAD (Index Card A Day). You can jump in any time, so head over here, if this challenge interests you.

There are prompts to follow, if you are so inclined, or you can just play along however you like!

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mailbox and map prompts

 

If art is not your thing, then just write a list of playful activities that you might like to try this summer.  Summer is a great time to play!

Here’s my list for today:

reading a book, ride a bike, karaoke, skeeball, pinball, board games, playing in a creek, going to the pool, hanging out with friends, laughing, listening to music, collage, going to the library, outdoor plays, concerts or movies, picnic, have a campfire

 

 

I am looking forward to . . .

You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head. (Psalm 139:5 NLT)

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In the Old Testament scriptures, a year of Jubilee was decreed by God for the Israelites to forgive all debts and have a year of rest for the land.

I plan to observe this ancient practice in my own unique way for the next year.

I have been looking forward to this year of Jubilee for fifty years. Well, maybe not consciously, but I have been alive for fifty years now. I have been counting the days to this moment, so that I could offer a special thanks to God for getting me here.

To recount all the blessings and ways God has kept me would take at least 50 blog posts. So instead, as I mark the beginning of a new era, I compiled a list of things I’m looking forward to in the next season of life.

My greatest longing is to see God face to face, but until then I will seek His presence in the here and now.

So here’s my list for what I am looking forward to as I celebrate becoming 50:

I am looking forward to . . .

more celebrations, more surprises, more adventures, more joy, more art, more reading, more writing, more love, more travel, more living and more of God’s grace.

I am good at . . .

I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. (Psalm 139:2 The Message)

” . . . there’s a big difference between humility and discounting ourselves.” (Melodie Beattie)

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vignette from “Lantern Festival” at Botanical Gardens

Many times in my life I have put myself down, discredited my abilities and been just plain mean to myself. How about you? Do you tell yourself less than complimentary things? Are you more likely to list what’s “wrong” with you rather than your strengths and accomplishments?

Today’s list challenged me to look at myself through a more realistic lens. Things I am good at!

After you read my list, I challenge you to get honest with yourself before our gracious Maker and list all things good about YOU!

I am good at . . .

listening, trusting, giving
sharing, creating, being active
eating well, making time for fun
writing, thinking, cooking, cleaning
being aware, being alert, being faithful
loving, serving, helping
organizing, teaching, encouraging
welcoming, caring, discerning
accumulating clutter
making messes and cleaning them up
collecting memories
taking pictures
telling stories
seeking adventures
sewing, crafting, sketching
playing, laughing, crying
celebrating, choosing, designing
reading, learning, making up answers
generating ideas, imagining, expressing
exploring, discovering, preparing
giving permission to others
making lists!

 

About Me

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! (Psalm 139:1 ESV)

photo 1-004This is a shadow of myself. I was born on June 3rd, the year Julie Andrews starred in The Sound of Music.

As I approach this significant milestone, I have been wondering how to celebrate. In the midst of this pondering, our oldest son is approaching another significant milestone, he’s getting married on June 13th to the love of his life. (You would think that I have little time to wonder and ponder, but pondering and wondering are part of what defines me.) So today, I am going to start a new series about me.

That may seem self-focused, but being me is what I do best. My theme is actually altruistic; I love sharing myself with others.

Because we need each other.

I wasn’t made just for myself, but for the One who made me. Celebrating me, inevitably celebrates you, because my heart’s desire is for everyone to love themselves, just as God loves them. In fact, He has asked us and encouraged us to love one another.

As I grow older, I wake up earlier. I have been awake now, since about 5:00am. I made a cup of coffee, checked my phone, and started writing in my journal about the messages I had received. I checked my email, and started reading one that caught my eye: [30 Lists] Creative Inspiration from Listers like YOU! (A subscription to a website that encourages you to use lists in your journal keeping.)

One thing leads to another, and at 5:30am the idea to blog using the 30 Lists over this month was born! (To check out 30 Days of Lists, click here.)

 

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selfie taken in Dunedin, Florida

Here is my first list: “A few things about yourself”

female
5′ 125 lbs
hazel eyes
hair dyed (auburn)
freckles
short
creative
Jesus follower
wife
mother
mother-in-law (to be)
daughter
sister
aunt
friend
writer
teacher
artist
English major
leader
guide
facilitator
darer of souls
soul nourisher
people pleaser
recovering codependent
contemplative
free spirit
loves living on Intuition
loves being outdoors
loves creating atmosphere
loves riding bike and
running
loves variety and
having fun!