Lauren Sparks

The Sparks Notes

  • Home
  • About
  • Favorites
  • Policies
  • Contact

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2020

January 8, 2021 by Lauren 19 Comments

We have rounded another year.  I say “another” as if it retains any semblance to the others.  It doesn’t.  But I have lived (somewhat), written, felt and survived to do it all again.  I am so very thankful that the challenges of 2020 pushed me closer and closer to my Heavenly Father, but now I would like them to end (said in jest – sort of).

 

I want to thank you, bloggy friend, for taking the time to follow my writing and for any amount of time sacrificed to read these words.  It means more to me than you could possibly know.  And each and every comment left was like a present for me to open.  While I know now more than ever that I have no idea what topics the future will provide for this website, I still plan a little, holding it loosely.  Proverbs 19:21 says, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV  I desire deeply for God’s purpose to be fulfilled here.  

 

So I looked back for research at what posts you all enjoyed most from last year.  This information helps me hone in on what is helpful and meaningful to you.  So I present to you (in case you missed any of these or would like to revisit) the top 10 most viewed posts from my site in 2020.  And thank you again being such an important community for me. (Also, take a gander at my list of the top posts of 2019 here.)

 

10.  The Good Thing V. the God Thing  February 7, 2020

Mark 1:40-45 tells the story of a man Jesus cured of leprosy only to command him to keep his miraculous healing to himself.  Common sense seems to say that Jesus’ ministry would only be enhanced by the sharing of this good news.  But God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so we must seek His guidance in all things and not forge ahead using only our own feeble wisdom.

 

9.  God is Good…but Life is Still Hard  March 6, 2020

Certain situations and events from the year past drove me to study Job.  Good ol’ Job who lost his wealth, his family and finally his own health.  Although he lamented (this can be so healthy), Job never lost his faith in God.  In the midst of his heartache – before any earthly blessing was restored to him – Job exclaimed, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”  (19:25)  When all else slips away, we can cling to that.

 

8.  I Love…  February 14, 2020

This Valentine’s Day post only touched on romantic love.  It’s more about the many things and people I love and am thankful for in this life.  Even though I wrote this pre-Covid 19, reading the list again encouraged me.  So many of my treasures I still enjoy in the midst of it.  I hope it encourages you too.

 

7.  Better Late than Never – My Thoughts on Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Others  June 5, 2020

As the death of several black Americans set our world on fire last summer, I struggled with whether or not my voice in matters of systemic racism and injustice mattered.  But I finally had to speak – with people that I know and with my computer keys.  I forced myself to examine my privilege and any biases and prejudices with which I view the world.  I don’t pretend to be “woke” to the things I’ve been blind to, but I am determined to keep working on it.  All life has value.  Genesis 1:27 says God created mankind in His own image.  The Bible lists no exceptions to this.  Black lives matter.

 

6.  The Pursuit  May 8, 2020

Using a different translation of Psalm 23:6 gave me a deepened perspective on God’s vast love for us. He created us, He loves us, and He wants us.  In this world that is still so full of uncertainty, I find great comfort in this.  In Him.

 

5.  Farewell to February  February 28, 2020

This was the only month end review to make the list.  Reading again about all my social activities pre-virus almost brought a tear to my eye.  May it be again soon, Lord.

 

4.  Today I Cannot…a Coronavirus Lament  May 15, 2020

The title of this one explains itself pretty well.  It took me a couple of months of lock down to reach this boiling point, but many of these things still grieve me (although some days my will to endure stays stronger than the moment in time I penned this).  Maybe you can relate to some of my things.  And maybe you just need to read the verse at the end for comfort and hope.

 

3.  A Conversation on Race, Part 1  June 19, 2020

Two fellow bloggers of color, Yvonne Chase and Calvonia Radford agreed to an interview on the issues of racial injustice that news journalists and the everyman with a cell phone brought to the forefront of our consciousness.  I will warn those of you that look like me that it’s not easy to read.  But I pray you will be prompted to examine your own heart against the feelings and facts they share. We still have a long way to go in the arena of race relations in America.  You might just find a good start here.  And don’t miss the links to their websites. Read Part II of this conversation as well.  “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”  – Angela Davis

 

2.  These are a Few of My Favorite Things (100 to Be Exact)  November 6, 2020

“If I am losing it beyond the normal parameters of losing it, I write out or say 100 things I am grateful for.”  – Jami Amerine.  She calls this a gratitude blitz and I tried my hand at it a couple of months ago.  That this list landed in the #2 spot tells me a lot about our need for positivity right now.  Hopefully something you read here will touch you, encourage you, entertain you or motivate you to make your own list.  And maybe we will decide – at least for a moment – that things really aren’t that bad.

 

1.   Dear Teenage Daughter, You Aren’t Entitled  February 21, 2020

I suspect from this #1 post that some of you deal with the challenges of an entitled generation.  I promise you that this letter, written two days before my teen’s  birthday has a happy ending.  And she gave me her permission and approval.  Part rant, part lesson and confession from me – it is all heart.  And I could not love her more.

 

This concludes a year in the life of this blogger.  A year I honestly hope we never see the likes of again.  But important lessons for me – and maybe you – reside here.  I hope you are informed or encouraged, and I pray God is glorified here.  I thank you, again, for being my reader friends and hope this relationship continues into the new year.  Also, happy birthday to the best Papa in the world (and Elvis).

 

And now for this week’s featured post!

 

In keeping with the theme of my post for this week, I chose Heather Hart’s Top Candid Posts of 2020 on candidlychristian.com.  I would love nothing better than for you to hop over and see some well-loved posts from one of my teammates at Grace and Truth (after you read mine of course).  😉

Grace and Truth_Rules

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).Grace Truth_ButtonGrace and Truth_Meet Hosts

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Sharing is caring! If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe!

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Sayonara to September…and Grace and Truth Link Up

September 25, 2020 by Lauren 30 Comments

I can’t believe we are about to wrap up another month.  It passed quickly…you know, for as slow as 2020 continues to be.

 

I want to start by thanking those of you who prayed for my husband’s job search.  Chuck landed internally with his company right before Labor Day in a Human Resources role.  He is officially called the “People Operations Lead” and I have believed for years that this position suits him perfectly.  Encouraging, listening and developing others  comes naturally for him; and I can’t wait to see how God uses him to bless others.

 

Since yall are obviously so good at prayer, let me add something else to your list.  The dry needling and physical therapy I told you about here only worsened the discomfort in my heels, so I am seeing a new doc and trying a new treatment or two.  Allie is continuing PT for her ankle to improve range of motion since her break and surgeries.

 

We entered a “new normal” as our girls went back to in-person learning.  First, our family paid a visit to my parents and PawPaw (who I wrote about here last week) over Labor Day weekend.  School is definitely different with masks and social distancing and procedures for contact tracing.  The youngest is tackling three Advanced Placement classes so the challenges take many forms.  We give thanks for it all, though.  Most of the time.  But we thank our teachers and administrators all of the time.  Their tireless work make this kooky year possible.

 

Access-Life, a Christian organization bridging the gap for individuals and families living with disabilities, brought their expo to Lake Grapevine on the 12th.  We enjoyed boating, kayaking, arts and crafts and a food truck on a beautiful morning.  So thankful for the opportunity to share some fun in the sun with Shelby.

 

In the middle of the month we went down to the Texas Hill Country to see my husband’s family and “bee” (that was the theme) present for my niece’s 1st birthday party.  We enjoyed visiting and drinking in the cuteness.

 

In more stationary pursuits (stolen shamelessly from the Popcast), I read Where Does a Mother Go to Resign? by Barbara Johnson.  Written in 1979, the text is a little dated, but still full of wisdom on parenting when things turn sour.  I think she even convinced me to maintain my maternal post.  I listened to an enlightening episode of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast (#314) featuring Rachel Gilson.  I watched the movie Greyhound with Tom Hanks on Apple Plus, The Kissing Booth 2 (I know it’s a teen movie but there are so few romantic comedies now) with my daughter and my sister on her Netflix, and started the series The Durrells in Corfu on Amazon Prime.  I recommend all – except maybe The Kissing Booth.  

 

Speaking of romantic comedies, the hubs and I ventured out to an actual theater for a movie date.  Twice.  Haven’t done that since Covid lockdown, but we felt completely safe.  The first show, The Personal History of David Copperfield, gave the classic story a fresh multi-ethnic twist.  The Hamilton influence is all over it, and I love.  Chuck, not so much.  We both gave thumbs up to The Broken Hearts Gallery, which offered a unique premise and funny script.  And there were never more than four other people in the theater with us.  That’s what I call social distancing!

 

Last, and maybe least, I turn another year older today.  As does my twin.  Happy birthday, sis!  I’ll sign off by saying, “I love you, I thank you, and I pray October treats you well!”

 

And now for this week’s featured post!

 

Who Would I Be…Without Jesus? left me worshipping my Savior this week.  It’s a question I’ve never even thought about, and one – thanks to His lavish grace – that I will never have to find the answer to.  Visit Maryleigh at bluecottonmemory.com to find her conclusions.  And here’s a button for your blog, Maryleigh.

 

 

Grace and Truth_Rules

 

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

 

Grace Truth_Button

 

Grace and Truth_Meet Hosts

 

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sharing is caring! If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe!  Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Next Page »

listen to lauren’s interview on the Make it Count podcast!

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About Me

I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
Read More

Subscribe for Updates

Enter your information below to receive the latest updates from the blog!

Recent Posts

  • Princess Consuela Banana Hammock…and Grace and Truth Link Up
  • Praying God’s Word Wednesday #1
  • How to Pray Scripture Over Others
  • Marching Out of This Month…and Grace and Truth Link Up
  • Follow the Directions…and Grace and Truth Link Up

Find Devotionals By Me in These Books and Click on Image for Order Information!

A 25-Week Bible Study with Topics from Abide to Zeal
A 26 week journey to a better prayer life.
30 devotionals for faith that moves mountains

For Sharing

Lauren Sparks

Click below to get a free trial of my favorite technology monitoring platform

Need More Than Just Monitoring? Find Filters and Accountability Here

Search This Site

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Lauren Sparks | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.

Stop!  Don't Miss Out!

I have a brand new e-book.  This was Not On My Bingo Card:  Essays on Cancer and Related Surprises is available to you FREE by simply subscribing to my blog!  

Invalid email address
I promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!