Sunday, January 24, 2021

My Top 7 Podcasts

Hey friends!

Did anyone else out there discover podcasts just recently? Nope? Just me? Ok. Well, during the months of isolation that we had last year, I discovered the wonderful world of podcasts and lemme tell you, I am not going back. I love listening to them on long drives by myself (especially to work) - it's like I have a friend in the car and they're sharing some super interesting information. A lot of these have given me spiritual help, comfort and encouragement during some tough times, and I am going to share my top seven podcasts with you all, in case you're like me and on the look out for some good shows. ;)

1. WHOA That's Good!

Hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff (and often co-hosted by her husband Christian), this podcast is full of life and energy and great encouragement. I love how they approach deep topics with such openness and still keep it uplifting and bringing you back to God at the end of the day. Also, the entire podcast is centred around asking different people "what is the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?" and I personally love getting advice, so. ;D


2. SHE

If you know Jordan Lee Dooley at all, you know she is SUCH a go-getter and she is always learning new things and in this podcast, she takes you along for the ride! Her episodes have great variety - anything from finances to mental health to business to wellbeing and back again! - and she always leaves you with more than one idea to chew on. I never get tired of hearing what she has to say.


3. Love and the Outcome

I love the music this band put out (also, they're a husband and wife band with two adorable little boys! What's not to love!!), and their podcast is just somethin' extra. I love how soothing it is - it's as if I'm sitting at Jodi & Chris's dining room table, sipping coffee and talking about God things. This is one I'll listen to if I need calming, peaceful words.


4. That Sounds Fun

Obviously - this one is SO. MUCH. FUN.! Annie F. Downs is one of the most enthusiastic, energetic people I've heard on a podcast and I love the vibes in this one! I particularly LOVE the EnneaSummer series on her podcast - highly, highly recommend. She also has other fantastic episodes too, such as "100 Days to Brave". So much great material to check out!


5. Dream Big

Ok, maybe Bob Goff is neck in neck with Annie for enthusiasm and energy levels?! Still can't get over Bob's attitude towards life in general, but it's definitely very inspiring and challenging. He has such a strong spark of fire and passion, and it's truly contagious. If you need a quick boost, pick-me-up of positivity and inspiration, definitely try this podcast! I listened to an episode just recently with his wife Sweet Maria and it was so wonderful. <3


6. Rhythms for Life

I don't know as much about Gabe & Rebekah Lyons' material as I do with the others, but what I have read or listened to I have really loved. I have read Rebekah's book "Rhythms of Renewal" which I loved, and this podcast is basically a broken down way of how to put it into practice with your day-to-day life; tackling the stress and anxiety of the world and replacing it with peace and purpose. Definitely another soothing one to listen to. 


7. The Good Life

This one is more just a ball of fun! Stevie & Sazan are well-known YouTubers and their podcast, which I only semi-recently discovered, can be very fun to have playing on a boring car drive... it's a lot like you're hanging out with some good friends in the car, and you're guaranteed to laugh a bit, and maybe also learn a little, too. I will warn you that sometimes they aren't afraid to discuss topics that may make some people uncomfortable, so listen at your own risk. ;) But they are a Christian couple and keep God at the heart of a lot of what they talk about.



And there you have it! 7 podcasts that I love, and I only just noticed that all of them are actually hosted by Christian people. However, I do believe anyone could take something from them, and they all are great content creators in their own right. 

Do tell me - are any of your favourites on this list? If not, what am I missing? I am always up for some more recommendations!

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

New Years Tag {2020}

Hello friends!

This tag has been going around for years, and I for one have always loved reading them. Ever since 2017, I've filled out this tag and enjoyed going back and comparing my answers and seeing how far I've come! 2020 being the year it was, I did try to get creative and keep the answers interesting as far as possible, since I obviously wasn't able to get up to as much as I'd hoped. I also cut out some questions for privacy reasons, in case you're wondering why some are missing. Enjoy! :)

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What did you do in 2020 that you've never done before?

I took tap dance lessons, I bought my own car, and I started working full time hours.

Did you keep your New Year Resolutions and will you make a new one?

In a manner of speaking, yes, but it was not how I envisioned it to be. My resolution for 2020 was to be brave and do all the things that I had previously been too scared/unable to do. I did do a few things that fit that bill (drive in the city, get a new job, be more independent), but I definitely did not get some of the opportunities I'd hoped for. My new resolution for 2021 is to just be more intentional with my time, especially in boundaries and making time for rest. (If I were to pick a word for the year, it'd be peace.)

Did anyone close to you give birth?

No one specifically close to me, no.

Did anyone close to you die?

A sweet friend of mine passed away from a freak accident. I was not particularly close to her, but it was a dreadful shock and I will miss her dearly.

What countries/states did you visit?

Haha. Ha. Alas, only New South Wales (Australia), but we can be thankful I even got that far. ;)

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What would you like in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?

A chance to join the community theatre, seeing musicals live, and way better decision making skills.

What date will remained etched upon your memory?

Um... maybe 02/09/2020 - the day I started my new job?

Did you move house?

Heck no. Didn't even rearrange my room. :P

Which was the best month?

Well, I can tell you which is WASN'T, ha! January and February were both lighthearted and lovely, and December also never disappoints (and I got more sleep, so that's a plus.)

What was your biggest achievement?

I guess getting my new job (and sticking at it while it was hard-going)? Also, honestly just making it through this year and still being able to smile because at one stage there I thought that was impossible to do either.

What was your biggest failure?

Falling into very negative thoughts during lockdown, not trusting God when I couldn't see a way, and terrible methods of handling conflict.

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Did you experience any illness of injury?

I bypassed most illnesses and injuries, but I also came a long way in my gut health and discovered I was lactose intolerant and also had silent reflux. What fun (but good to know). 

What was the best thing you bought?

Dance lessons! No regrets. Also my car, I guess.

Where did most of your money go?

Into savings! But also to my car and dance lessons.

What did you get really, really excited about?

Seeing Wicked live. (What did I get really, really sad about? Not being able to see Wicked live. Thanks, Covid.) I was REALLY excited for Christmas this year, because I was dying for some positivity and familiarity to lift my spirits.

What was the best concert you went to?

 *cries* I didn't get to go to any. But out of the virtual ones I attended - "The Hang (NY)'s Christmas concert" (which I found through Instagram... Corey Cott was a guest singer, and Laura Osnes gave a little speech too :)). Also, the play/musical  called "Robbery Gone Wrong" my little siblings and I put on (that I wrote) was pretty good too. ;D

Look at 'em cuties.
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What is a song/album the reminds you of 2020?

Hmm... maybe "Blessings" by Laura Story? It seemed to really fit with what I was going through during 2020. 

Are you happier or sadder?

I'd be lying if I said I was happier. There was a part of my crazy, carefree self that got lost when the harder times hit and it never came back. But God is still good, and there is still joy to be found.

Are you thinner or fatter?

Ahem. :P My, these questions don't hold back. I honestly think I'm exactly the same, although perhaps musclier, haha.

Richer or poorer?

Probably slightly richer, but the car took a nice chunk out, haha. ;)

What do you wish you had done more of?

Telling people I needed help, taking for photos of people for the memories, and encouraging others.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing, over-thinking, and wasting time on my phone. (Some days I want to chuck that thing.)

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What was your greatest musical discovery?

"For King and Country", "Lauren Daigle" and "Sleeping at Last". Also, the musical "Love Never Dies". I didn't listen to much new music, though, which is something I need to rectify!

How did you spend your Christmas?

First at home with immediate family, exchanging gifts, then at my great aunt's with the extended family, playing games, swimming in the neighbours' pool (or in my case, swinging in the hammock), eating lots of food, playing carols and at night, watching "White Christmas" while eating dinner.

How did you spend New Years?

On New Year's Eve I went to a friend's house with another friend and my sisters for a relaxed night of games and food, and on New Years Day I did Laserforce with a big group of friends and then went back to their house to chill and learn some modern Jive dancing!

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Centrelink, when I was on hold for 14 hours. Grr.

What was the best book you read?

"Love Does" by Bob Goff, "Heartless" by Marissa Meyer, "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebekah Lyons, "Live" by Sadie Robertson Huff and "Bread and Wine" by Shauna Niequist... to name a few. :D

Did you fall in love?

Let's just say my answer would disappoint all the romantics out there.

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What was your favourite TV show?

Still "Gilmore Girls" and "White Collar", but you can also add "Ambulance" and "Paramedics" to the list. "The Mandalorian" was pretty good, too.

What did you want and get?

Did I mention dance lessons? ;) Tap dance, specifically. Also a new job outside of Hospitality, more savings, more independence (too much, at times) and a strong desire and dedication for reading the Bible.

What did you want and not get?

An opportunity to be part of a theatre production other than my own, mainly. Also, to see a show or musical live, and to travel.

What was your favourite film?

"Jumunji" (2017), "Love Never Dies" (filmed on stage for the Melbourne cast with Anna O'Bryne), "Hamilton" (2020), "Mamma Mia", "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again", "Tenet", "Enchanted", "The Grinch" (2018)... again, really need better decision making skills. ;)

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What did you do for your birthday and how old were you?

I turned twenty, and, like the mature adult that I am, I played games with my family and ate pizza and cheesecake and watched "Newsies: the Musical" (filmed on stage).

Describe your personal fashion concept?

Ehh? Practical, pretty and probably three years behind the current fashion trend.

What kept you sane?

Prayer and surrendering everything to God over and over. Endless podcasts, and talking to people about my worries and having them listen.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Um... maybe Jonathon Crombie as Gilbert Blythe? ;)

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Which political issue stirred you the most?

DON'T GET ME STARTED ON POLITICS FOR 2020. To keep it national, the state elections and handling of our Covid restrictions by our premier.

Who did you miss?

Basically everyone during isolation. I missed seeing my family when working really long days.

What was a valuable life lesson you learnt?

No matter what you will walk through in life, God is ALWAYS there beside you and He is enough and He will always be enough.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I would point you back to Laura Story's "Blessings":

"What if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

And what if trials in this life are Your mercies in disguise"

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What were 5 personally significant events of 2020?

  1. Working with my cousin for his accountancy business as his personal assistant for a few days. It meant a lot that he asked me, we had quality time together, and having it on my resume was part of what got me a job!
  2. The whole Covid ordeal - I did a LOT of heartwork during some of the loneliest, darkest months of my life. It really changed a lot of things for me.
  3. Performing "Robbery Gone Wrong" and also completing a 30 Day Singing Challenge on my Instagram, back in March, where I publicly shared my singing online and got so much kind feedback!
  4. Getting my new job was very significant as it was something I've been working towards for years and I couldn't believe I actually got the position! Also, getting my own car was pretty cool.
  5. Seeing my three other cousins all get married this year was significant to me as I won't see them as much and it also made me feel how very... single... I am. :P

What are 5 things that you want to do in 2020?

  1. Be part of my community theatre! Whether that be as part of the cast or even working backstage.
  2. See more shows/productions live!
  3. Become better at saying no and creating boundaries for myself, even if it means letting opportunities go by in order to take up another.
  4. Hold a handstand and do the splits.
  5. Take great care of my health, including physical and mental wellbeing.

Who are some people you'd like to know better in 2021?

I'd like to know other theatre fanatics in my local area so that we can have that in common. I'd like to know whoever it is that God puts in my path to know. But above all, Abba, Father, I want to know you in deeper, richer, more intimate ways.

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Let's dive into this year with peace that God is in control of our today and bright hope for tomorrow! 

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Rating Every Book I Read in 2020

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The title pretty much says it all, but today I thought I'd do something a bit different and write a list of every book I read in 2020, and then rate it out of 10. (And I'm not one of those awe-inspiring folks that reads hundreds of books every year, so don't worry - it's not an intimidating list.) 

Also, before I go on, I will mention that I have a tradition of writing out the new year tag in a notebook annually, so if anyone would like to read my new years tag for 2020, let me know and I'll type it up. ;)

Alright, let's get to it!

  • "Unglued" by Lysa Terkeurst - 8/10
  • "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte - 7/10
  • "Love Does" by Bob Goff - 10/10
  • "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott - 10/10 [re-read]
  • "The ABC Murders" by Agatha Christie - 8/10 
  • "Digital Minimalism" by Cal Newport - 8/10
  • "The Four Tendencies" by Gretchen Rubin - 7/10
  • "Heartless" by Marissa Meyer - 9/10
  • "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebekah Lyons - 10/10
  • "LIVE" by Sadie Roberson Huff - 10/10
  • "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo - 9/10
  • "Bread and Wine" by Shauna Niequist - 10/10
  • "Romanov" by Nadine Brandes - 9/10
  • "Girl, Wash Your Face" by Rachel Hollis - 7/10
  • "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper - 9/10
  • "To Hell With the Hustle" by Jefferson Bethke - 9/10
  • "Good Wives" by Louisa May Alcott - 10/10 [re-read]
  • "The Barefoot Investor" by Scott Pape - 9/10
  • "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee - 5/10
  • "Live Fearless" by Sadie Robertson - 10/10 [re-read]
  • "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon - 7/10
  • "Little Men" by Louisa May Alcott - 10/10 [re-read]
  • "Don't Give Up, Don't Give in" by Louis Zamperini - 10/10 [re-read]
  • "The Road Back to You" by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile - 9/10
  • "Relaxing With God" by Andrew Farley - 8/10 [re-read]
  • "Dream Big" by Bob Goff - 8/10

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It honestly felt like I read a lot more than 26 books this year, haha, but hey, Les Miserables should really count as 10, right? ;)

Do you have any favourites on this list? Are you surprised by some of my ratings? I'd be eager to discuss it in the comments section below!