Discovering Liz: Wednesday Hodgepodge

Until my blogging inspiration returns, I'll jump in here as I can. I've seen the Wednesday Hodgepodge link up every week on one of my friend's blogs, so today seems like a really good day to answer some hodgepodge questions.

1. Share your Christmas Eve traditions.

Every year my side of the family gathers on Christmas Eve night for finger foods, reading the Christmas story, and exchanging gifts. That includes me and my husband, Mom & Dad, and my sister & her family. This year we add my grandma, since she moved in with my parents at the start of 2010. It's pretty much the highlight of Christmas for us because we get to eat all those little goodies like meatballs, shrimp cocktail, smokies in a blanket, and especially the baked goods. (Sugar cookies are my favorite.).

2. What was the best book you read in 2010? (we're not going to include the Bible here)

This is a tough one to answer because I've read a lot of books, and many are new favorites. I'm going to choose two (or three), one fiction and one non-fiction.

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury was fascinating to me because it introduced me to the world of autism, and it was also the first book I had read by Kingsbury. The story gave me goosebumps. I must say that a tie for favorite fiction would also be How Do I Love Thee? by Nancy Moser. Loved that book!

Under non-fiction I have to choose Outrageous Mercy by William Farley. He's a new author to me as well, and he really gave me new eyes to better understand God's justice and love in a way I had not grasped before. I think everyone needs to read this book because it's about making the cross central in everything we do... live, serve and worship.

3. Do you have pets and if so do you allow them on the furniture?

I have a cat and a dog, and we allow them on the furniture. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to enjoy them as pets. I'd have to crawl around on the floor with them, and you know, I've got old knees at 38.

4. What event in 2010 are you most thankful for?

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble remembering a lot of highlights from 2010. So the most recent event that stands out in my mind just happened a couple weeks ago. A dear friend in our church, Martha, passed away from pancreatic cancer, and Judy and I were asked to sing at her funeral. We sang the hymn "I Love to Tell the Story" because it embodied what her life was about. I cannot express the filling of joy I experienced in those moments of singing, praising the Lord for His gospel and in honoring our friend for her faithfulness to the gospel.

5. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?

I had the privilege of being a speaker at a ladies luncheon at church in May. It was both challenging and encouraging to me.

6. Brussel sprouts...friend or foe?

FOE!!! The one and only time I tried brussel sprouts was at a buffet. I took only one, just to say I tried it. I put it in my mouth and started chewing, and all I wanted to do was spit it back out. Ugh! How does anyone eat those things?

7. Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year?

I am uncertain. This question would be easier for me to answer if it was who I would NOT nominate. *cough* Nancy Pelosi *cough*

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I got a new phone this week, and it's a smart phone. I'm totally enthralled with the technology. I mean, really. I can't believe what this Android phone can do. The only thing it's missing is the ability to "beam me up". Now that WOULD be something!