{Wednesday Hodgepodge // Finding Comfort, Counting Blessings}

 It’s Wednesday which means it’s time for the weekly Hodgepodge link-up! This week’s Hodgepodge questions really got me thinking about the ups and downs of daily life… where my energy comes from, what drains it, the simple treasures I enjoy, and even the comfort foods that feel like home. There’s a mix of lighthearted fun and some deeper reflection too, especially as we pause to remember 9/11. And of course, no week would be complete without a little hockey talk. When answering these questions, I tend to go with the first thing that pops into my head. So let’s dive in and see where this week’s Hodgepodge takes us…

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away?

Oh energy! I feel like I never really have much of it… I’ve always been that way… more of a sleepy, low-energy person by nature. But I do find myself buzzing with excitement and energy when it’s something I truly love… like thrifting, watching Mason play hockey, running out the door to catch the sunset, or going on a date night with Nathan. Those things stir up joy and joy always seems to bring a little extra pep in my step. I’ve also noticed that when I start my day with some kind of movement… even just a quick morning walk… it makes such a difference. My body feels better, my mind feels clearer, and the day flows more smoothly.

What takes my energy away? This came up in a conversation recently and it’s still fresh on my mind… negative people completely drain me. When every single word out of someone’s mouth is negative or dramatic, I can feel my own energy just evaporate. It’s like carrying an invisible weight around. I’ve learned that for my own peace, I sometimes have to step back and put some distance there… otherwise it takes too much of a toll.

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear?

Weekly! lol. Thrifting is my jam and I try to make a little stop at least once a week if my schedule allows. Some weeks are just too busy, but when I do get the chance, I always make my way to the clothing racks first. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt… you never know what gems you might find tucked away. I just finished washing a recent batch of thrift finds and I had actually forgotten about some of the fall pieces I snagged. Pulling them out of the dryer made me so excited for cooler weather… sweaters, boots, and all the cozy layers.

As far as accessories go, I always wear my wedding ring & band and my mother’s ring from James Avery. Those are my constants and they mean the most to me. Everything else changes depending on the outfit or the mood I’m in that day… but those two rings are a part of me.

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for?

Freedom in Christ! That’s the very first thing that comes to mind… and honestly, is there anything better? It’s the greatest gift I could never earn and don’t deserve, yet Jesus freely gave it to me through His sacrifice on the cross. Because of Him, I don’t have to carry the weight of sin or shame… I can walk in the light of His grace and know that I am fully forgiven and deeply loved.

This kind of freedom isn’t like anything the world offers...it’s not temporary or dependent on circumstances. It’s eternal and secure. It means I can rest, even when life feels heavy… I can find peace, even when the world feels chaotic… and I can have hope, even when I can’t see the whole picture. His freedom allows me to live with joy and purpose, knowing my identity is in Him alone.

Every time I pause to really think about it, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Freedom in Christ changes everything...how I see myself, how I love others, and how I walk through each day. It’s truly the sweetest and most precious gift.

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner… which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food?

Definitely supper. I don’t eat breakfast and I rarely eat anything for lunch. If I do, it’s something super light. My migraine preventative medication (that I take at night) suppresses my appetite until late afternoon… so by the time I start to feel hungry, it’s almost time for supper anyway. We’ve gotten into the habit of eating supper around 5:00 pm, which I know sounds early… but with hockey in our evenings, it works best for us. If we wait until after hockey, it’s way too late and nobody feels good going to bed on such a heavy stomach.

As for comfort food… I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but it has to be Hamburger Helper. I know, I know… it’s simple and probably not the healthiest choice, but it’s nostalgic for me and it just feels like comfort in a bowl. We’ve started making it at home again and every time I do, it brings me right back to cozy evenings growing up.

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges?

Days like this always cause me to pause and reflect. I spend time in prayer for all those who were directly affected and for our country as a whole. It’s sobering to think about the weight of that day and the ripple effects it left behind. It reminds me how fragile life can be… and how important it is to never take a single day for granted.

When I think about historical events like 9/11, it always puts my own personal challenges into perspective. So often I can get caught up in the “problems” of the day, but when I stop to remember what others have endured, it makes my struggles feel smaller. It makes me want to live more intentionally… love harder… and keep my eyes fixed on what truly matters.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have jury duty today, and believe it or not, this is the very first time I’ve ever received a summons. To be honest, I can’t say I’m exactly looking forward to it. Sitting in a courthouse all day with no idea what case you might be assigned to doesn’t sound particularly fun. But I also know it’s part of our civic duty, and who knows...maybe it will end up being more interesting than I expect. Have you ever served on a jury? 

Linking up with Joyce