Best of 2019

As we’re kicking off the new year, here’s a look at recent faves and other go to’s that got me through 2019.

Podcasts

Shane Blackshear’s Seminary Dropout – I recently discovered this one and it is great. Shane is relevant and clear speaking exploring theology from many angles in words that those of us who did not attend seminary can understand, follow, and learn from.

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe – Remember the guy with the TV show Dirtiest Jobs? He’s got a great podcast. Episodes are short and the stories are memorable and well told. Kind of reminds me of “The Rest of the Story” with Paul Harvey.

Annie F. Downs That Sounds Fun – Yeah, yeah, yeah. I talk about this one all the time. But, it is truly my favorite and Annie is one of the best interviewers I’ve heard on a podcast.

Podcast Episodes

Seminary Dropout’s recent episode with Jeremy Courtney from Preemptive Love Coalition is outstanding. I’ve followed PLC for a few a couple of years now on social media. This episode explores their transition through a few types of mission work in places in the world most of us would never venture. And how God used them when ISIS was at their doorstep is amazing and inspiring. Jeremy has a book out, “Love Anyway” and it is currently on my to-read list. The podcast episode should be enough to wet your palette for more of the work coming out of PLC.

Annie Downs with Jeff Henderson – Jeff is the senior pastor at Gwinnett Church in the Atlanta area and he’s recently released a book. Love the points he makes about serving our communities well and leading in a way that builds relationships.

Books – Nonfiction

Love Does for Kids – This is a lovely devotion-style book for children based on the Bob Goff’s Love Does. Each chapter is short, revolves around a great story, and has a solid takeaway for kids to apply loving more like Jesus. My kids begged for it (even at ages 9 and 11) and we were sad to reach the final chapter.

The Road Back to You – Suzanne Stabile and Ian Cron do a great job of explaining the enneagram and how it relates to our faith. Learning about myself (I’m a 3) has been useful in every relationship in my life. Highly recommend this book.

White Fragility – I don’t think I can overstate the impact this book had on me in 2019 and I pray for the rest of my life. This is a perspective shift we as the majority need to have. It hurts, it is uncomfortable, it is heartbreaking, and it is the beginning of progress.

Books- Nonfiction

The Guardians by John Grisham – I love me some John Grisham and I think this one might be his best. I listened to this one on audible when I had some time alone traveling during the holidays. Based on actual events, this one is compelling and convicting.

Allies and Refugee by Alan Metz – These are both good historical fiction for young (tween and teen) readers. We listened to these in the car and it was a great way to hear an interesting story, but also process some hard realities of our past (and things we may be repeating in the present).

Movies

Downton Abbey – Man oh man I waited for this one. And I loved it. Still would prefer another full season (or ten), but the movie held me over until more Downton magic happens.

Aladdin – I loved the original animated Disney version. And, I mortified my children singing along (loudly…in the theater) to the songs in the 2019 live action version. Loved it. Have the soundtrack. Listen to it often. Carry on.

Overcomer – My kids loved this movie and it had a great message. Add in Lauren Daigle on the soundtrack and we were all fans.

McFarland USA – Yes, I am aware this did not come out in 2019. Yes, I am aware I’m behind. But thanks to Amazon I’m caught up and this one is touching. Plan to share it with my people. The scene of Kevin Costner spending his Saturday in the fields alongside his students and their families is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. And don’t even get me started on when he takes the team to the ocean.

Dessert

My mom tells a story of craving Dairy Cream Dilly Bars when she was pregnant with me. She did me in on the love of ice cream and it is still my shortcoming four decades later. So, there’s a theme with dessert faves from 2019.

Bryers Peanut Butter and Chocolate Ice cream – In July, I discovered the Bryers is out to get me and has a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. Read more on my feelings in the inaugural First Friday Faves post. And let me know if you see it in a store in the north Atlanta area.

Publix Holiday Peppermint Stick Ice Cream – In December, I discovered peppermint stick ice cream. Apparently, this is not new and I’m thankful that a) I was slow on the uptake and b) that this is only in stock seasonally because I would eat it all. For breakfast. Add a little hot fudge and oh gosh the Christmas wonderfulness.

Happy new year and here’s to a 2020 full of favorites of all sorts (and flavors)!