This week I am celebrating two years as a blogger here on Inspired by Life…and Fiction. It has been such a wonderful experience to get to interact with our wonderful readers, and I am so honored to be a part of this group of amazing author friends. I could never blog every day (how do people DO that??) But being part of this group gives me a chance to share my heart (and a few more frivolous things) with you every other Monday.
The question I asked in my very first blog post here, back in April of 2014, was “What are you passionate about?” I asked you to share the three things you were most passionate about. I loved hearing from you, and you didn’t disappoint with the things you named (or the fact that some of you simply could not keep it to three. LOL!)
To celebrate my blog-iversary, I’m going to ask that question again. If you shared before, don’t let that stop you! There are new readers of the blog who haven’t gotten to hear your answers. And perhaps your passions have changed or expanded. Or maybe it killed you to only be able to name three. Here’s your chance to expand on your list of things you are passionate about. Last time we assumed that Jesus and your family were at the top of the list, so again, don’t list those, and no need to feel “guilty.” We know. 🙂
My favorite all-time garage sale haul.
I’m taking this opportunity to add two things to my list:
Our cat, Melvin, checks out some of the loot from a recent garage sale.
• Garage sales are embarrassingly high on my list of things I’m passionate about! Since we live on a pretty tight budget, Thursday early morning garage sale runs with my husband are our cheap dates. And we love it! Not only do we feel like we’re on an exciting treasure hunt every week, we almost always find things we need anyway and would have paid much more for in a store—which makes the $15 or so we spend each week feel like an investment!
• Grandbabies! We’ve added two in the last four months for a total of seven and every one of them absolutely makes my heart go pitter-pat! (If only they didn’t live so far away. 🙁 )
Do you think we can fit two more on this sofa when we’re all together this summer?
Our little December-born guy. Almost always happy happy!
Our newest sweetie. She’s our baby’s baby…and only our 2nd granddaughter!
So, what are the things that make you feel alive when you are involved in them? What are the things that put a light in your eye and a bounce in your step? I’d love to hear about them in the comments! Ready, set, go!
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1. I love writing to my Compassion International sponsored kids! I’m frequently thinking of letter writing topics and scripture to share with them. I always keep an eye out for blog posts, articles, and printables that would be encouraging to send. 2. Decorating! I love browsing around Pinterest and looking at magazines for inspiration. Also, I love finding a treasure at a flea market or on the clearance shelf to use. 3. Books! I love to read! I am so happy to get a brand new book or bring home a stack of books from the library and get lost in a plot.
We have a lot in common, Elizabeth! We sponsor a little girl in Haiti (not through Compassion, but another organization), and of course you know my love for decorating and books!
Thanks for sharing your passions with us, Deb! I’m passionate about my flower gardens and enjoy working in them so much. It gives me a real sense of peace to dig in the dirt and then see them blooming. I’m also passionate about healthy cooking. It’s always an adventure to try new recipes and create some of my own to share with friends and family.
I’ve seen pictures of your garden spots, Carrie, and I can see why you enjoy them so much! And oh, dear, I wish I was so passionate about healthy cooking. My love for cooking is very much tied to my love for eating, which means I’d rather be baking pies and cakes and puddings! 🙁
We are a lot alike, Deb!I have only one grandchild–born last December, like yours–but she’s my delight! I also love decorating. I’m always re-arranging furniture and pictures and pillows to change the look of my home. Like you, I frequent garage sales and thrift stores. I get more satisfaction from getting a good bargain than I do from buying new stuff.
Oh, Lynn, I couldn’t agree more with your statement: “I get more satisfaction from getting a good bargain than I do from buying new stuff.” Here’s to the thrill of the hunt! 🙂
I think Deb cheated! Grandbabies are part of “family”–a wonderful part!
1. Books and reading
2. Genealogy
3. Family heirlooms – dishes, a table, rocking chair, bed, coverlet that my grandmother crocheted the first year she was married (1911), toothpick holder my parents received as a wedding gift from her grandmother.
LOL! Joan, when my post popped into my e-mail box this morning, I had the same thought! I cheated! 😉 So sorry, but I’m glad it didn’t stop you from playing. 🙂 I loved your list of family heirlooms! Treasures, for sure!
I almost didn’t comment because I’m not typically a “passionate” person, … “contented” would probably best describe me. Don’t get me wrong … I have a list of “favorites”: my testimony of how the Lord saved my soul, dinner and a movie (or favorite TV show) with hubby, days off work – spent puttering around the house, a good book, my salt and pepper collection, junking (garage sales/thrift stores), week-long trips up North with my sister (eating, playing games, more eating, movies, and of course, EATING! 🙂 ). Family and church are a big and enjoyable part of my life, also. I apologize for tailoring your post to fit my comment, but I couldn’t settle on 3 of my loves.
I love your list, Julie! And contentment is SUCH a gift! No apologies necessary…you are blessed with good things, but even more, you find joy in the little things, which I believe is a huge secret to contentment!
Reading, crocheting and camping. And camping allows me to do the first two, ha. And when we’re camping my husband does most of the cooking so I get to relax.
Well, I started to say I wasn’t a fan of camping, but if my husband did the cooking, I just might be persuaded! 🙂 I do love that camping allows you to participate in your other passions.
Children, grandson, husband, reading, crafting and gardening. Time wise the last thing wins hands down. The first two are too far away for a time commitment but they rule the heart. 😀
There’s just something about gardening, isn’t there? I don’t do veggies (unless you count my one tomato plant) but I love digging in the dirt, planting new flowers, even pulling weeds. So satisfying!
– Books/ Reading
– Gems
I love learning about gemstones and the processes that they are out through to go from rough to beautiful (not unlike some of the refining processes the Lord allows us to go through in our lives). No one really wants to get me started on the subject of gemstones;)
– Survivors of sex trafficking
I work full time and go to school full time because I want to be able to help survivors of trafficking through their recovery process. Many people call them victims but I choose to call them survivors because, in and with the Lord, these precious people can find a profound strength and beauty despite their past. I want to help them find beauty in the ashes through Jesus Christ
I think the gemstone topic sounds fascinating! I had an uncle who had a rock polisher, and I was always so amazed that a plain old rock could end up SO beautiful after being tossed and turned and tumbled! Great analogy of what God does with our lives.
I have a niece who, with her husband, works with victims of sex trafficking in Thailand. Such a ministry there! (And kind of ties into your analogy of God’s refining process, too!)
I could list several things I’m passionate about. Other than the obvious two I have to think what two things would I be sad without.
1) Connecting with people
I love meeting new people, hearing about their lives, how I can encourage them and what need can I meet.
2) Creativity
I enjoy playing and learning piano pieces, painting, drawing, photography and writing which is inspired by my two passions.
Oh! You’re making me miss having a piano, Daphne! I don’t read music very well, but I play by ear and love playing for my own enjoyment. Haven’t owned a piano for several years, but I do miss it sometimes!
I can testify to your passion for being an encourager because I’ve been on the receiving end of it!
You are kind Deborah. I didn’t have a piano for the first 25 years of marriage. Then our church was desperate for a pianist and it took some practicing to get in shape so we got a piano out of necessity. Now I play for enjoyment. And playing allows me to slow down and breathe.
Yes! Playing piano is totally therapy for me! Our kids tease me that they knew when Mama was banging out Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog on the piano, they’d better steer clear! 😉
Awww! Cute pictures!
Thanks, Dana!They seem to get cuter every day!
I’m passionate about… 1/Crocheting items to give away to those in need (especially babies.) 2/Any other type of crafting. I just love to make things. 3/ the color yellow. It reminds me of happiness, sunshine, fresh, clean,etc. 4/ Reading!
Oh, Betty! I am so not crafty with things like sewing and needlework. I’ve started and never finished so many projects like that, so I REALLY admire those of you who see something through to completion. And then to give your handiwork away! I’m even more impressed! And I couldn’t agree with you more on YELLOW! Just love it! Especially butter yellow, and a paint color I’ve used called October Morn! (Isn’t that just the prettiest paint name ever!)
Passionate is such a strong word, I think, it got me thinking. So…
Prayer groups. No matter where the Lord has led me in my life, I either created or became significant part of some prayer group. And this way or the other, prayer is passion for me.
Books. I have always read books, probably even before I could read, my mum says. And especially during last six months, I almost devour them, I read so much it’s crazy, even for me.
Crafts. I enjoy making and creating stuff. Cards, bookmarks, anything related with paper. I wish I could really paint so maybe I get to it and learn it this year.
There are probably more things, but these three are most important for me.
You’re right. Passionate is a strong word, and should cause us to think about whether we SHOULD feel so passionate about some of the things we do! I love your list, Rachel!
1. My second highest gifting is mercy and I get such satisfaction out of helping others. I found a FB group that donates food etc to those less fortunate. Several years ago, I was in that position, and was so grateful for the help. Now it brings me such joy to be able to give to others who need the help for whatever reason. It may sound strange, but there are times when I feel in my spirit the Lord saying, “Let’s go shopping!” I don’t really like grocery shopping, but when I feel that in my spirit, I get so excited! I ask the Lord to show me what to get. I’m really not blowing my own horn here, (do you use that terminology?) but I’d spend my last 5 cents to help somebody, and have. I have to let the Lord manage my finances as I am on a disability pension. It’s not a lot, but if I feel the Lord nudging me in that direction, then that’s what I do, and it really is my joy.
2. I have a lot of different health issues, and my one of my doctors told me to do something I really enjoy the hour before bed to calm me down in readiness. Well what I do happens far more than before bed. I’m actually doing the wrong thing because when I’m in front of my laptop, I fall asleep. I can’t fall asleep without my laptop or the TV. Weird, right? Anyway, what do I do? I read. I’ve been a bookworm since I was a kid. In fact my favourite book as a kid was a dictionary. Yes, it’s eccentric. I feel the pull to go back to it.
3. I love to cross stitch. When my concentration span allows, I’ll do as much as I can. Scripture verses, landscapes, animals. It’s something that I really enjoy when I can.
That is truly a high calling, Trish, to have and use the gift of mercy so wonderfully! And what a gift to have DOCTOR’S ORDERS to do something you enjoy! I, too, have always loved the dictionary! Have you ever played Balderdash aka the dictionary game? SUCH fun, even if you don’t love the dictionary as much as we do. 😉
I am passionate about reading,baking and living a godly life
Three very honorable passions, Shelia! Thanks for weighing in!
You have some beautiful grandkids. Although I have never been blessed with children I ,have been blessed with nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. I love them all to pieces.
As I was reading your title, I thought to myself that there was nothing I am very passionate about. Then I read your post and realized I have a lot I am passionate about. My nieces and nephews for one. I take them all the time.
I love to create things like afghans, cards, and scrapbooks that I make of my family. love blessing people with items I have made and it blesses me when they like them.
Reading is up there with my passions. I love to read it takes me away to wonderful scenes and places.
In fact, I just today finished your book, “Above all Things” and loved it. It is the first book I believe I ever read that you have wrote and look forward to reading more.
It looks like I have more passions than I thought and I can probably add more. Thanks for the great read!