Over at the RevGalBlogPals Jan has been reading and says: Jennifer recommended this book, which I got because I always value Jennifer’s reading suggestions. The author of Life is a Verb, Patti Digh worked her book around these topics concerning life as a verb:

  • Say yes.
  • Be generous.
  • Speak up.
  • Love more.
  • Trust yourself.
  • Slow down.

As I read and pondered about living more intentionally, I also have wondered what this Friday Five should be. This book has been the jumping off point for this Friday.

1. What awakens you to the present moment?

  • Writing
  • Taking a walk
  • Slowing down and breathing
  • A great musical like Fiddler on the Roof, which we saw last night!
  • Live music

2. What are 5 things you see out your window right now?

  • Lake Michigan
  • Sailboats on the lake
  • Grant Park
  • The Ebony Jet Building
  • The Essex Hotel

3. Which verbs describe your experience of God?

  • Complicated
  • Calming
  • Frustrating
  • Focus
  • Messy
  • Love

4. From the book on p. 197:
Who were you when you were 13? Where did that kid go?

I was a shy nerd who had just been moved again. This time from Columbia, MO to Sayre, OK, which became my hometown. We wound up staying there, and I graduated high school and from the local community college (We finally settled down).  I was really excited when we bought our house there because I finally had a room of my own! My own space! No little sister always there. That kid is still around in some ways. I’m still a nerd, and I still like showing everyone up. I still like having my own space. I was the reverse of 13 when I bought my first house: 31. I was so excited to have a whole house to myself! Then I had to get a cat because I needed someone other than myself and the TV to talk to. 🙂 I’m still shy, but I can have a conversation. Along the way I did develop social skills. Which is a good thing. That kid grew up but parts of her are still around.

5. From the book on p. 88:
If your work were the answer to a question, what would the question be?

In the Bible are women really made in the image of God and can women be leaders, prophets, priests, pastors, and secular leaders? The resounding answer is YES!

Bonus idea for you here or on your own–from the book on p. 149:
“Go outside. Walk slowly forward. Open your hand and let something fall into it from the sky. It might be an idea, it might be an object. Name it. Set it aside. Walk forward. Open your hand and let something fall into it from the sky. Name it. Set it aside. Repeat. . . .”

Hopefully I’ll be doing this later, totally dependent on the weather. Big dark clouds are rolling in and it looks like one heck of a storm is on the way.