The Hodgepodge

From this Side of the Pond


1. What's something you think is underappreciated? Explain.

The Bible is frequently undervalued and overlooked in our contemporary society. Many people own a copy, yet rather than immersing themselves in its teachings and stories, they leave it to gather dust on their bookshelves.  Often hidden behind a veil of neglect, collects a fine layer of dust that symbolizes not only disinterest but also a missed opportunity for spiritual growth and insight. As time passes, the pages remain unturned, and the profound wisdom within goes unexamined, quietly waiting for someone to rediscover its significance. I can’t help but think how precious a Bible is in other countries that do not have the same freedom as we have. 

As we step into the church, we often witness a familiar sight: congregants arriving in droves, yet many clutch nothing more than their personal belongings. They've come to rely entirely on the church's tech team, who skillfully project verses and texts onto a large screen at the front.  In this modern setting, the rich, layered experience of engaging with the Scriptures seems to have faded into the background. 

Bibles, meanwhile, lie dormant and forgotten beneath the rows of chairs, in front of us - remnants of a once-vibrant tradition. Their spines gather dust, each one a silent testament to the sacred texts they hold, yet they often go unnoticed by the gathered faithful. We glance at these volumes, their covers worn and pages crisp, only to turn our attention away, leaving them in stillness while we connect with the digital display instead. It’s a sad contrast—a reminder of the profound wisdom available to us, too frequently overlooked in the bustle of modern worship.

We often find ourselves not engaging with our Bibles independently. Instead, we invest significant amounts of money throughout our lives in purchasing books authored by others who have interpreted the Scriptures. We're either too lazy or too busy. We place our trust in these individuals and their insights about the Bible, we should be reading on our own.

Throughout history, the Church Fathers, through their unwavering dedication and personal sacrifice, have played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting the Scriptures, ultimately bringing us the sacred text of the Bible that guides our faith today. 






2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? 

I don't know, I just do. 
 

 3. What's a popular food you don't like? 

 Plant-based foods. 



 4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

I have a deep appreciation for art in all its forms, but my true passion lies in the fascinating world of history. The stories of the past captivate me, and I love exploring the intricacies of different time periods. 


 5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? 



I refrain from
giving advice, as I firmly believe that a 35-year-old adult (I'm 70) will ultimately make their own choices, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Having watched others give advice, I know it usually doesn't end well. I mind my own business.  Anyway, age alone does not guarantee wisdom.

Even if asked for my advice, I am still not comfortable. However, the advice asked will give me insight into how best to pray for that person. Then, sit back and watch God do His best stuff!



 6. Insert your own random thought here.






 





Comments

  1. Profound words on the bible and yet so very true. Janice

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  2. Thank you, I have 7 Bibles and they are all 7 in the closet. thanks for the reminder. Raised in a church that used Bibles and hymn books, I missed that when it all went digital. Winter in Floridia is when I am the most productive. Perfect weather for inside or outside work... the heat of summer and it has been a long one, drains me of the desire to do anything, not that age might have something to do with that.

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    1. Same here. Our 100+ summer temperatures has me inside during the heat of the day unable to do anything. The other three seasons are for doing what I can’t do in the summer!

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  3. I so appreciate your response to #1, Debby. Guilty! I'd like to share this with Pastor Janet and my Bible-study friends. Wish I'd thought about plant-based foods -- that make me giggle a little, remembering some of those sci-fi films. Have a blessed day!

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  4. I agree.. Even our smart phones have taken the place of our Bibles! I'm a big note taker when it comes to studying and reading the Bible. It is nice to have instant accessibility to scripture on your phone, but THE BOOK, my bible, is what I prefer. Like you Debby, I do not like the plant based foods, nor do I like tofu! As for giving advise....I only give occasional advise to my daughters, when they ask. I enjoyed your responses to these hodgepodge questions today.

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    1. I too am a big note taker! My dilemma is where to put my notes!

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  5. Hi Debby, well said in your answering of question #1. And the random.
    #2... we have to Keep er Moving in the winter here in Wisconsin or we would get snowed in. Ha Ha. :-)
    Love, Carla

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    1. Don’t get snowed in! I guess winter here is when we can get things done we can’t do in the summer since our winter is relatively mild.

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  6. What you said about the Bible is profound, Debby. And I don't like to give advice, either, but if someone asks me, I'll answer carefully and pray for that person. Blessings!

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    1. When asked, I always say back to them, “Do you really want my advice?”

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  7. Your answers are very good and your love for the Bible is beautiful.

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  8. I agree with you on the Bible becoming archaic in a lot of churches nowadays. Our former church had all the scripture up on the screen and no one brought their bibles. It was mostly random verses at best.
    Our church now is very bible based. We go through a book of the bible at a time..verse by verse. In Luke now..pastor says it will probably take us 2 years to complete it. I'm not a great note taker but there are many small notations in my bible. I do read my devotion every morning..Jesus Calling and then read all the verses for that day. Its amazing how right on it can be for that particular day. This is probably my 9th year for using Jesus Calling, and it seems different every time.
    Sue

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    1. I’ve always gone to Bible teaching churches but the larger churches use the overheads and it’s not that I totally object but people are people - we get complacent. My new church is smaller - we have one service and no overhead except for the words to the songs. We’re in Philippians and we too, will take a couple of years to go through it.

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  9. I grew up taking my Bible to church on Sundays/Wednesdays. We rely on the screen at church in worship EVEN though we supply pew Bibles, too.

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    1. I notice those bibles every Sunday but I do have to say most people at my newer smaller church do bring their bibles.
      I feel naked without my Bible on Sundays. 😲

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  10. Great answer to Question 1.

    I like art as long as it is edible. A pizza or a cake can be art. Chocolate too!

    God bless.

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    1. I wholeheartedly agree with you! Cake is art - have you ever seen those cake decorators? Art you can eat!
      God bless, Victor

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  11. The Catholic church incorporates three Bible readings into each Sunday Mass, and two on the weekdays. They are the same for each day, no matter where you go in the world. People follow along in the missal or occasionally on their phones.

    With that being said, I am guilty of not picking up the Bible outside of church settings. Thank you for the reminder to change that.

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    1. We’ve all done it. During the lockdowns I got complacent and lazy. The last church we were at before leaving this year was too big and they had the verses on the projector and I didn’t care for the church and just didn’t bring my Bible. Maybe it was rebellion, I don’t know but deep down I didn’t feel good about it. I’m so glad I listened to my heart and we made the decision to leave for a smaller, Bible loving church that has reunited my passion.

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  12. I never thought about it this way, but you are so right about the bible! I have many translations, but tend to use Bible Gateway on my computer. And you are also right about advice. People will usually do what they want anyway, and often just want affirmation of that. YES, giving advice usually does not end well!

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    1. In our office we have many bibles, Jewish Torah and many commentaries, the oral law etc that my husband has used throughout the years. Our own little library.
      I seem to get into trouble when I have given advice. So I keep my mouth shut.

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  13. I like your answer to question one, though I admit that I rarely bring my Bible to church. I am guilty of relying on the tech people to project verses on the screen. However, when I do my daily Bible reading at home, I read from a physical Bible! Have a great day!

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    1. I don’t have anything really against the Bible display on the projector other than we do get lazy and complacent. At least I did. I love that you’re still reading and studying from your Bible! There’s so much within those pages - I wish more people could understand that! God bless, Maria

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  14. So much truth in what you say about the Bible. That is why I am so thankful for our church. It is still a Bible believing church and we use our Bibles all through the service.
    My Bible gets read every day and by the end of the year I've read it through.

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    1. That’s good Karen. I just wish others would actually pick one up and sit down and start reading. There’s so much there!

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  15. You are so right about the Bible being under appreciated. Sad but true, many Christians don't spend the time in God's Word that they could or should. I am including myself too - I do read and engage with Scripture every day and love it, but I also often choose far less productive ways to spend my time as well. Hope you're having a great week!

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    1. The pandemic and lockdowns I got a little depressed and instead of being in the Word, I got obsessed with the world around me. A change in churches and service is what has given me a revival within my soul. Sometimes we have to change things up.

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  16. I still like 'real' books including my Bible. I have one that's somewhat heavy and my girls make fun of me for lugging it to and from as I could easily get a smaller one to carry. This one is mine though and I like the format, the helpful notes, and sometimes make notations myself. Enjoy your day!

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    1. I have one of those heavy bibles too! My Bible like yours, has years of notes and highlighted verses, a few torn pages, coffee stains - a well read Bible that has become my friend! My “go- to-book”for everything. Thanks Janice for stopping by. I appreciate it. 🥰

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  17. I have a few Bibles that I use depending on what and who I am with. They are all full of underlining or highlighting.

    God bless.

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    1. Those are the best kind. My husband had his mom’s old Bible and it’s marked up, underlined. Definitely been loved!

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  18. I think it's wise not to give too much advice. Everyone's situation is different, and when one does, people feel it goes along with judging their decisions sometimes. Although, I'll never stop giving advice to my kids. It's too important not to. They will either listen, or they won't.....but it's in the back of their minds and they know this mama only wants the best for them. That being said, I sent you an e-mail. Hope you got it. And also, this is a great reminder to read the Bible. I gave mine to a loved ones years ago, but the readings at Mass are always contents from the Bible.

    ~Sheri

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    1. I replied to your email.
      That’s sweet how you still lovingly give your kids advice and you’re right - they’ll either listen or won’t.
      We have several shelves of bibles - and Bible study tools; commentaries, concordances. I really enjoy them.

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  19. Hi Debby, I really enjoyed reading your post, especially about the Bible and I agree with you. I have several Bibles that I have purchased over the past 35 years. I grew up reading the KJV. The first Bible I read through was a NKJV. I have read the Bible through 4 times, and it is my goal for 2025 to start it again, chronologically. I do have apps and use them on occasion to look up a scripture, but I like to study and read from a real Bible. Our church does not have pews or Bibles, though the pastor always tells us to read and they do offer Bibles to those who ask for one or have given their life to the Lord. I have both of my grandmother's Bibles. I have all my grand journaling Bibles Christmas 2020. I have 3 journaling Bibles and plan to get another one for 2025.

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    1. I’m going to have to look into the Bible journaling.
      I have a Bible app on my phone that is convenient and keeps my mind engaged - for me better than playing a game. It’s nice to inherit our ancestors Bibles showing a continuous lineage of faith.

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  20. No plant-based foods - oh my:) Some of my favorites...and we can still be friends!:) I am so grateful to have my own personal copy of the Bible. To be able to not only read it but carry it anywhere. I know many around the world do not have that blessing. Great reminder...because I know it can be too easy to take that privilege for granted. I appreciated your thoughts/words shared.

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    1. Hahaha, no hard feelings! I used to cook vegan for a family with three children when I was a nanny. I really wanted to like it all - While I love vegetables, and legumes, I couldn’t stomach all the vegan cheeses, vegan meat substitutes, tofu - nope not for me. One has to develop a taste for all of that and I never did.

      Americans do take it for granted all that went into, bringing Bibles into our lives. I always think of those who gave their lives while translating the Bible and what it took to bring them into a hungry nation for the word of God.

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