7 Amazing Things I Learned This Summer
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Once a quarter, I look forward to Emily P. Freeman’s “What We Learned” series.” I am fascinated with the premise not only because I like to learn (especially from the Bible – as you have probably figured out by now), but because it makes me sit back and take stock. Emily thoughtfully includes the most interesting things and I always learn something new from her post every time! So let’s join in – life-long learning, here we come!
Oh – before we start, I will warn you that my list does not contain the amazing solar eclipse (like I’m sure most will). Unfortunately it turned out to be super uneventful in my neck of the woods. No shadows changing or anything. Maybe next time. Sigh.
Now let’s get to it! In no particular order, here are 7 somewhat amazing (and completely random) things I learned this summer.
Of course, seven!
1. Where have I been? I had no idea that we could buy stamps on amazon! Even the USPS sells on amazon – which is a better deal than getting them on their own website which charges shipping. Now, you do need to be careful to scroll down and shop around because some stamps were more than the regular price, but some weren’t. So just look for the current price. This is mighty convenient for those of us who order regularly from amazon anyway!
2. I found a cool new idea that would work for displaying a bunch of our printables at a time! They used it in a kid’s room, but I think it would look great in an office or kitchen too. It has that industrial feel. And using magnets is genius because you can easily change out the verses you display (maybe after you memorize them?) and you won’t have to poke holes with push pens or rip anything with tape. You can either purchase one here, or save money and do it yourself here. Let me know if you try it!
3. Calling all competitive natures! My hand is raised. The YouVersion Bible App has come up with a brilliant idea to help us read the Bible every day. Check out this article where they announced Streaks. Let’s see how many consecutive days of reading the Bible we can put together! They even send reminders and rewards. I’m in! Wanna race?
4. The most amazing thing I learned this summer was what I learned about freedom right after a mission trip to a communist country. I’ll never be the same.
5. After gaining insight about cheese (did you know it freezes well?) from this article, I’m thinking about going old school and shredding my own cheese rather than buying it already shredded. Because I’m not too keen on eating wood (aka cellulose). I’m not a beaver – or a termite. Plus I’m cheap – I mean frugal.
6. A very special person had an anniversary this summer. I saw her movie and read her book way back in the day, and she has influenced many a life – including mine. Joni Eareckson Tada wrote this amazing post: Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident. To give you a taste …
“I began to see there are more important things in life than walking and having use of your hands. It sounds incredible, but I really would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus as I do than be on my feet without him. … The process is difficult, but affliction isn’t a killjoy; I don’t think you could find a happier follower of Jesus than me. … If I were to nail down suffering’s main purpose, I’d say it’s the textbook that teaches me who I really am, because I’m not the paragon of virtue I’d like to think I am. Suffering keeps knocking me off my pedestal of pride. … The more my paralysis helps me get disentangled from sin, the more joy bubbles up from within. … Because Jesus is ecstasy beyond compare, and it’s worth anything to be his friend.”
I encourage you to go read Joni’s anniversary article – every word – all the way to the end. It gets more amazing as it goes along!
Psalm 119:71: It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
7. I learned that I can indeed participate in – and actually enjoy – a hand-lettering challenge! I had always wanted to join one, but I was afraid that I would get stressed out due to not enough hours in the day. You see, most of these challenges have a different prompt for you to letter every. single. day. I wonder if these folks have a life outside of instagram? Anyway, the perfect challenge came along! It had a prompt for every other day, and it was going to be all-things-hymns! Now that was my kind of lettering challenge! I didn’t jump in until halfway through the month, but it was long enough to find out that I can do this! It was a fun way to make myself practice consistently and I even made some new friends. And you get to benefit from it too, because today’s freebie is … amazing grace!
I pray that you have believed and received the gift of God’s amazing grace spoken of in this verse …
Ephesians 2:8 (Amp): For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;
If you have questions about grace and salvation, click here.
*My prayer for you is … that this blog will inspire you to open your Bible every single day to seek God’s face and write His Word on your heart – because HE’S the key to lasting heart change!
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I am linking up with Emily P. Freeman and Holley at Coffee For Your Heart and Jennifer at Tell His Story and Kelly at RaRa Linkup and Lori at Moments of Hope and Deb at Faith ‘n Friends and Alisa at Salt & Light and Arabah Joy at Grace & Truth.
You might also enjoy these …
Read > Hidden Wisdom for the Crazy Busy Woman
Check Out > My Personal Bible Study Method
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Shop > Our Scripture Writing Journals!
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