Pondering Puzzles, Psychology and Peanut Butter

my current afternoon hobby in progress

Today's writing prompts come from Joyce. Click here if you want to join in the fun.

1.  How would you define 'the good life'? 

Owning a lot of neat stuff, living in a perfect climate, friendships with really great people, and solid financial arrangements could define the good life, but I have found all of those advantages to be not enough. They can disappear for many reasons and with shocking suddenness in spite of my best efforts to hold onto them.

Jesus Christ is recorded in John 10:10 as saying, "I am come that you may have life, and that, more abundantly." He emphasized significance and purpose over material stuff. He promises us peace, and satisfying connection that is ours for all of eternity when we trust Him. 

The key to the good life is to rely on God, even when the harsh realities of life slam and break us. The Lord is working for our good. One day, for those who believe  Him, it will all make sense.

To sum it up, the "good life" is peace with God.

2.  What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? 

I feel certain that as a blogger, I am not alone in saying the camera on my iPhone is the most used app/feature. Can I eat a restaurant meal without taking a snapshot of it?!!! In the world of blog authors, it's nuthin' to be ashamed of! 🤭

Piesano's Pepperoni Rolls

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain. 

Because it is true that "every rose has its thorn," and nobody has "everything coming up roses" all the time, etc. my answer to this question is to "stop and smell the roses." With few exceptions, no matter what our troubles may be, there are always some roses to enjoy. I'm talking about gratitude here. 

Gary and me

I'm alive; I have a closet full of clothing to wear, the house where I live is much more than adequate, and the kitchen is well-stocked with plenty of food. My health is pretty good, and by the grace of God, I have a second marriage after becoming a widow.

ALL my sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and when I die, I'll be instantly whisked off to Heaven. The thorns in my life take a back seat to all of the "roses."

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, elderflower, lavender)? 

Floral-flavored/scented ice water is a pleasant luxury but not anything I crave. A slice of lemon in the water is nice.

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? 

The "hay and stubble" of life (which includes but is not limited to hair styles and home decor) ..... Just being honest here without revealing too many of my foibles!

In recent years, I've been more preoccupied with human psychology: why humans behave as we do and how I should be handling myself as a Christian woman. I want to validate people, encourage them, and try not to be a stumbling block.

my most recent escape from banality

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Here is a personal 'survival tip' that comes in handy for me. Sometimes I find myself in a situation where I should listen or feel obligated to listen to a speaker, or a TV program or such that is long and not all that interesting or personally challenging, a circumstance where my voice and rapt attention are not required. 

If this is happening in the privacy of my home (where I won't be a distraction or a discouragement to others), my colored pencils and I scribble designs and record random notes while my ears half-listen to whatever is going on. This is a huge help to keep me from exasperation.

I'm off to bake some peanut butter cookies. What are your plans?

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara