Ten Favorite Things from 2019
Today I’m sidelining the normal routine to bring you the most eclectic post of the year. In this post, I’ll share with you ten of my personal favorite things for 2019.
This mixed-up list includes favorite resources, family traditions, and everyday activities. Enjoy the varied snapshots into some of the things Cassidy, Wallace, and I do from day to day.
The Book Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow’s Success (Maxwell, John C.)![""]("//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=joshuabontrag-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1931722528")
“>Today Matters. In this book, John C Maxwell challenges us to live intentionally every day. Too often, we simply hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Hope is not a strategy. Ian Mulder’s Music
In his beautiful instrumental music, Dutch pianist, composer, and conductor Ian Mulder masterfully combines the classical and creative. Mulder rearranges familiar tunes and hymns that touch the heart and stir the soul. Mulder’s CDs feature his piano playing with stellar orchestration.
Traditions with Wallace
The past few months Cassidy and I have begun many special traditions with Wallace. One of our recent favorites is hide-and-seek before bed. Wallace absolutely loves this, and Cassidy and I do too!
Burning Wood
We have greatly enjoyed our new home’s cozy fireplace. A friend of mine who generously helped us chop the wood observed that wood heats you twice; first, it heats you when you chop it, and later it warms you when you sit by the fire sipping tea.
Fall Harvest
Hauling grain is one of my favorite things to do on the farm! This fall, the tractor cab provided me quite a bit of time to think, listen to scripture and podcasts, and interact with people.
The valuable reflection time allowed me to better evaluate family and personal life and to prepare for 2020.
American Elections Podcast
Each week, this engaging podcast tells the story of one presidential election. You’ll learn about some of the key figures, issues, and controversies in past elections. By the time the presidential election rolls around this fall, American Elections will have covered each American presidential election, from Washington to Trump. To find the podcast, just search for “American Elections: Wicked Game.”
While the podcast is not presented from a Christian worldview, it does provide a fascinating glimpse into presidential elections of the past.
Family Routines
One of our favorite traditions happens each Sunday. We make popcorn, discuss the previous week, and we read one of Peter Marshall’s great sermons. Sometimes we play a game, or we sit and bunny trail from one idea to another. 🙂
Airplane Mode
Technology is a wonderful tool, but it was never meant to run our lives. There are certain times of day when I just set my phone in another room or turn it on airplane mode.
Airplane mode helps me fully focus and engage on the most important people and priorities in my life.
The Worldview in 5 Minutes
This informative podcast presents daily news from a Christian worldview. For those who don’t have time to dig out all the latest stories, The Worldview summarizes the highlights, in just five minutes. Often, The Worldview also includes reports on the Persecuted Church across the world.
Early Mornings
Morning is my favorite time of day. There’s nothing quite like getting up while it’s dark outside, and having quiet time in the office. As David said, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3).
A New Year Is Here!
Above all, I’m thankful for God’s goodness in bringing us through another year. No matter the circumstances around us, His faithfulness in the past gives us hope for the future. Jesus Christ is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 12:8).
Question: What are some of your favorite things from 2019?
2 Comments
Clara · January 2, 2020 at 3:25 pm
I “discovered” Ian Mulder in 2019 and I probably listened to his music more than any other as I was studying! It is beautiful and I love how his style of hymn arrangement keeps the lyrics running through my head as I listen.
Joshua Bontrager · January 3, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Clara,
Agreed! I’m glad to hear you’ve benefited from Ian Mulder, too.