7 Good Things I Learned This Fall

Of all the random things I learned this fall, I am most in awe of the expanded definition of

November 30

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Once a quarter, I look forward to reading Emily Freeman’s “What I 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 always includes the most interesting things and I learn several new things from her post every time! So – you guessed it – I am joining in! And I hope you will learn something new from me today. Life-long learning here we come!

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are 7 “good” (and completely random) things I learned this fall.

Of course, seven!

1. The expanded definition of the word “perfect”

in this familiar verse …

James 1:17 (CSB): Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Beth Moore points out in her Bible study James: Mercy Triumphs, “Maybe you can see some ‘good’ but the whole idea of ‘perfect’ is completely foreign to you in such a flawed world and, if you’re like me, in such a flawed life. Keep in mind the expanded definition of the word teleios that translates perfect in the Book of James. The word describes that ‘which has achieved or reached its goal, objective, purpose.’ Out of God’s astounding grace, a very imperfect person can still receive a delightfully perfect gift precisely because it’s perfect for her. God’s gifts are given with goals. They’re perfect because they’re perfecting. They don’t just give today. They give toward tomorrow.”

God has good goals behind what He gives us – which makes them all good gifts.

James 1:4 (NIV): Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2. Password Protocol

Did you know that you should change your email and social media passwords every 90 days? That’s four times per year! More than I realized! That’s according to Dave Ramsey in this article on avoiding identity theft. Dave has yet to lead me astray, so I’m adding those quarterly dates into my planner.

3. Good Gift Idea

You have probably already heard about the benefits of Amazon Prime – like free 2-day shipping all. the. time! That alone gets me excited. And of course there’s unlimited movies and free Kindle lending library. But I just recently learned that you can give Amazon Prime as a gift. Now that’s a practical and useful gift that anyone would enjoy! Hint, hint.

4. Toilet Paper Debate Ended

I have had this comical discussion with several co-workers through the years – even some who will remain nameless who engaged in over/under wars. Is there a right and wrong way to hang toilet paper? I’m on Team Over, how about you? Please don’t tell me you’re on Team Either Way. This is serious business. As it turns out, there is a right way – and I recently stumbled upon the proof! It appears that the man who drew the drawings for the patent back in 1891 intended the paper to roll over, not under. And if that’s not enough, many believe that rolling it over uses less. So there.

5. How To Buy Avocados

I tried this tip from Salad in a Jar on how to buy avocados – and it works! But just so you know, it does require a little planning ahead. The secret is to buy the ones that are hard-as-a-rock 3-4 days before you’ll need them. Leave them out in a pretty bowl for a few days and they’ll be ready – and bruise free – by the time you need them. Easy enough. Bring on the guacamole.

6. Attention All Bullet Journalers

Although I didn’t last long when I tried bullet journaling (I made my own planner instead), I found a good tip for those of you who do! There is a pen that will allow you to write the old fashioned way in a journal and then, with the push of a button, transfer it to your google drive. This will allow you to digitize and save your bullet journal pages in a flash. My sister sent me a link to this Moleskin set – watch the video to see how it works. You may also want to check out the Neo Smartpen or Livescribe Smartpen brands.

And last but not least …

7. There Are Things I Didn’t Know I Needed

I found several things that I didn’t know I needed this Christmas at my fun friend Elizabeth’s blog – Guilty Chocoholic Mama. Especially #9 {grin}. And check out the interesting ingredient in #2.