A Year-End Collection of Somethings

by Lois Flowers

Can I cheat a little? Well, actually a lot? This month I’m not sharing the usual four somethings, but rather a year-end recap of all sorts of things. I’m still linking up with Heather Gerwing, though, because it’s all done in the spirit of her wonderful Share Four Somethings linkup.

So here we go, in no particular order of importance:

Most helpful thing I’ve listened to this year:

When you’re 51 and have gone to church your whole life, it could be tempting to skip a collection of messages on the 10 Commandments because, well, what more can be said that hasn’t already been said?

Turns out, quite a lot.

If you’re looking for some listening material to get your new year off to an encouraging (and quite possibly convicting) start, check out Unlocking the Bible’s series titled “The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life.” I have a feeling you just might come away with a greater understanding of—and a new appreciation for—the 10 Commandments.

A few good books:

I read more fiction than non-fiction this year, and I’m totally OK with that. As I look through my Reading Journal, though, a few non-fiction titles stand out as especially memorable and/or meaningful. (To me, anyway—as I wrote here, just because I like them doesn’t mean everyone else will too.)

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind by Louie Giglio

Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Life from an Accidental Farm Girl by Jennifer Dukes Lee

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

A delightful reading diversion:

Several weeks ago, my friend Bethany mentioned in a blog comment that she was reading a book she couldn’t “recommend highly enough.” I found the book at my local library and wholeheartedly agree with her endorsement.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I’d encourage you to look into The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow. Written from the perspective of Mary, the plain-and-overlooked middle daughter of the Bennet family, this touching book is at times sad, often thought-provoking and—in the end—beautifully redemptive.

Favorite show to watch with Randy:

Speaking of Pride and Prejudice, a couple of months ago I told you how much I enjoyed rewatching the six-hour BBC adaptation of this classic with Randy this fall. We’ve moved on since then—to The Great British Baking Show.

We don’t have Netflix so we’re making due with old seasons from the library. And honestly, I’ll take them over anything current from any network. On your marks, get set … bake!

A new understanding:

My faith is logical. I hope to write more about this in the coming months. For now, though, I’ll just say that reading a book by a man with autism and listening to my daughter talk about physics were among the things that helped me come to this helpful realization in 2021.

Best new habit:

In September, I started fasting from the internet one day a week. Aside from texting family members and playing music on Spotify, I’m completely offline on Thursdays. No email, social media or Google.

As I wrote here, I soon discovered that my weekly break was recalibrating my body, soul and spirit in ways I didn’t even know I needed. And so it continues.

Most encouraging song:

Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham was released in September 2020 but remains at the top of my playlist as 2021 winds to a close.

Song most likely to result in tears:

My daughter shared Ed Sheeran’s “Visiting Hours” with me, and it’s so poignant I just can’t help but include it here. (If you’re someone who has lost a much-loved dad, just know I’m crying right along with you.)

A few memorable blog posts:

I don’t keep track of my blog stats much, but there were a few posts that especially seemed to resonate with readers during the last 12 months. Granted, one came with a giveaway, so that might account for the interest in that one. Even so, I think all three of these pieces are worth revisiting as we wrap up another year here in this little corner of the internet.

Do You Feel Like Your Sparkles Have Fallen Off? 

God’s Perfect Peace

Telling Our Stories

What’s ahead?

There’s a song from the musical Hamilton that includes the line, “We dream of a brand new start, but we dream in the dark for the most part.”

For those of us who prefer to know how the story—or at least the next chapter—ends, this can be disconcerting at best. The good news is that the verse that has stabilized my life so much these past few decades is still as true at the cusp of this new year as it was when it was first written several millennia ago:

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)

• • • 

Now it’s your turn. Feel free to share your favorite book, podcast or song from the last year, a life-changing realization, a lesson learned or any other year-end thoughts that come to mind. I appreciate every one of you and look forward to sharing more of my heart with you in 2022.

Lois

This month I’m not sharing the usual four somethings, but rather a year-end recap of all sorts of things. #sharefoursomethings Click To Tweet I appreciate every one of you and look forward to sharing more of my heart with you in 2022. Click To Tweet

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Share Four Somethings, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, #HeartEncouragement and Grace & Truth

Leave a Comment

23 comments

Tammy Kennington January 4, 2022 - 10:30 am

Lois,
Thank you for sharing this recap. I was challenged in church to fast this month and have been grappling with the “thing” I might give up. You’ve inspired me to let go social media and invite the Lord to step into that space.

I’m intrigued by the books you’ve shared, as well, and love Phil Wickham’s songs.

Peace and grace,
Tammy

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Lois Flowers January 5, 2022 - 10:18 am

I’m glad this post gave you some direction about that “thing” you might give up, Tammy. My one-day-a-week “fast” has been so helpful … I hope whatever you decide to do refreshes and rejuvenates your mind and heart. 🙂

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Lesley December 31, 2021 - 2:52 pm

This is a great recap of the year! It’s good to read about some of your highlights. Gentle and Lowly was one of my favourite books too and I’ve seen it on several people’s lists! I’m glad you’re enjoying the baking show (it’s called the Great British Bake-Off here). The older series are definitely better than the up-to-date ones. I hope you and your family have a happy new year and know God’s blessings in 2022!

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 6:15 pm

Thanks, Lesley! I’ve never seen the more recent episodes of the show … Sue and Mel aren’t on it anymore, are they? I can’t quite imagine it without them. 🙂 Happy New Year to you too!

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Lesley January 15, 2022 - 4:04 pm

Yes, Mel and Sue left and Mary did too. I think that’s when I stopped enjoying it so much.

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Lisa notes December 30, 2021 - 4:41 pm

My youngest daughter loves The Great British Baking Show. We recently started watching Ted Lasso to see what all the hype is about. It has been fun. I’ve loved your wrapup here, Lois. I look forward to seeing what God will bring us in 2022.

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 6:11 pm

Me too, Lisa. I’ve never watched Ted Lasso … I’m glad it’s been fun for you! Hugs, friend.

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Donna December 30, 2021 - 4:16 pm

Beautiful wrap up, Lois, so rich and encouraging! Isn’t it amazing to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the ways we have grown in the past year! Here’s to walking in fellowship in 2022. May the New Year bring opportunities for deeper intimacy with Christ dear friend.

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 6:10 pm

I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through your writing this year, Donna. You’ve been a faithful encourager here and I appreciate that so much! I’m forward to seeing what 2022 brings for both of us. ❤️

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Trudy December 29, 2021 - 2:02 pm

Love this, Lois. Thank you for sharing what mattered to you this year. Gentle and Lowly was my favorite nonfiction book this year. Thank you for reminding me of that song. I have to often remind myself that the battle belongs to Him. Love and blessings of a hope-filled 2022!

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 6:09 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed this, Trudy. I hope that 2022 is full of blessings for you too, my friend … I thank God for the gift of your friendship. 🙂

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Joanne Viola December 29, 2021 - 7:12 am

Lois, I love these sort of posts as I always find something new for me, and others 🙂 The series on the Ten Commandments is something I will be listening to in the new year. While I long to know what lies ahead in 2022, I am finding peace in knowing the Lord goes before me (us) and as we wait on Him, He will be our guide.

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 5:39 pm

That truth is giving me peace too, Joanne. I’d love to know what you think of the 10 Commandments series if you’re able to listen. It gave me a whole new perspective, that’s for sure. Abundant New Year blessings to you and your family!

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Linda Stoll December 28, 2021 - 3:57 pm

Dear Lois … there’s nothing quite like a year end review, seeing what mattered in black and white, spotting the links, seeing the grace, and mulling over the lessons caught.

I’m so grateful to head into 2022 with you.

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 5:37 pm

The feeling is mutual, Linda. Many blessings to you and yours in the coming months. 🙂

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Bethany McIlrath December 28, 2021 - 1:29 pm

I’m glad you cheated! : ) Grateful for you and so glad you loved The Other Bennet Sister too. I just finished Growing Slow and I know it’s one I’ll revisit. Matt and I recently started watching The Great British Baking Show too – how can it be so relaxing and exciting at the same time?! Happy almost new year, Lois!

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 5:37 pm

Ha ha, Bethany … that’s a good way to describe the show. I’m addicted, for sure. And thanks again for the book recommendation … I think Randy’s already half through it and hasn’t complained once, so I think he likes it too. 🙂 Happy New Year to you too!

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Yvonne Chase December 28, 2021 - 12:28 pm

Music saved me this year. It’s such an intricate part of my life. Not a day goes by that music isn’t playing in the background like now as I’m typing this comment listening to Charity Gayle or blasting it in my car. “No Greater” by CeCe Winans is a song I played loudly and danced to almost every day while making the bed. When Christmas came, I fell in love with CeeLo Greens’ rendition of “Mary Did You Know.”

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 5:34 pm

I love that you dance to music while making the bed, Yvonne. Music is important to me too … I don’t cry easily, but certain songs often trigger healing tears. Good to hear from you this week … I hope you have a wonderful 2022.

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Barbara Harper December 28, 2021 - 9:16 am

I like these kinds of posts. I felt about the ten commandments like you did, but then I read Ten Words to Live By by Jen Wilkin this year. Wow, so eye-opening.

I will have to look up The Other Bennet Sister–that sounds so good.

I think I am generally more logical–or practical. Sometimes when reading or listening to preaching, I want to know how what they’re talking about looks like in real life.

Oh wow–that Ed Sheeran song certainly does bring on the tears. My mom died at 68–much too soon. I’ve often wished she could see my boys grown up and meet my daughter-in-law and grandson.

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Lois Flowers January 1, 2022 - 5:28 pm

Oh Barbara … 68 IS much too soon to lose your mom. If you end up reading The Other Bennet Sister, you’ll have to let me know what you think. 🙂

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Barbara Harper January 20, 2022 - 7:32 am

I just finished it yesterday and loved it. (My review is here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2022/01/20/the-other-bennet-sister/.) I’m so glad you mentioned it!

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Lois Flowers January 22, 2022 - 12:47 pm

I’m glad you loved it! 🙂

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