These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Here, in no particular order, are 11 assorted favorites from the year 2011.

11. Behold the Lamb of God - Advent Narrative by Russ Ramsey

Reading this book gave me new eyes with which to view the Incarnation and a renewed sense of awe this Advent Season. The book is divided into 25 readings, one for every day in December leading up to Christmas Day. I didn't have the book at the beginning of the month, but once I started reading on December 10th, it was hard to stop and pace myself. I read Chapter 25 at 1 AM on Christmas morning. The reader is taken on a journey through the Old Testament to see the need for Christ, to feel the hopes and fears of all the years. I highly recommend reading this book during Advent, or really any time of the year.


10. Stash Chai Green Tea

I am a lover of tea, though admittedly not an expert nor connoisseur. But I do enjoy a good cup of tea and have a cupboard full of different varieties. My former boss is also a tea enthusiast and, this fall, he gave me a bag of Stash Green Chai Tea to try out. It quickly became my new favorite! I prefer an unadorned cup of this tea over spiced cider, though the spices are reminiscent of cider. (Moreso than a black chai tea, I think.)

9. Barton Hollow

I discovered The Civil Wars about the time they released their album, thanks to Under the Radar. I listened to the album, on repeat, for quite some time after downloading it. This also coincided with moving into Cheery Hill, so I think it will always remind me of those first couple of months living on my own. My favorite songs are Poison and Wine, I've Got This Friend and Dance Me to the End of Love.

8. Handmade Books

When my favorite online bookseller and writer announced that she had made a beautiful edition of Kilmeny of the Orchard I immediately placed my order. Good thing, because before the day's end, she sold out! I can't imagine all of the time, effort and love that went into creating these books, but boy are they exquisite. Lanier had a dream and worked to see it to fruition, and that is inspiring!

7. Harry Potter

I finally read (almost!) all of the Harry Potter series and have seen all of the movies. I truly enjoyed the books and have come to appreciate J. K. Rowling with a little help from The Rabbit Room. I know the books are controversial and would never insist that someone read them; everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I, however, choose to see the good in the story of The Boy Who Lived. It is, afterall, not a story about witchcraft, but of love, redemption and sacrifice.

6. Fernando Ortega

Fernando came to my church in October for an intimate concert and wow, was it ever a treat! I didn't know much about him until the weeks leading up to the concert when I downloaded his newest album, Come Down O Love Divine. Not only is he a wonderful musician, but a wonderful storyteller as well! I enjoyed his stories as much as his music - that is, immensely.

5. The Curse - Josh Ritter

Ah! This song has been haunting me all year. Well, since The Rabbit Room published this article about Josh. What can I say that hasn't already been said? A song about a mummy is one of my favorites of the year... (I also love Another New World - so chilling!)

4. Foyle's War

I've already mentioned this gem about a detective in England during WWII. It's that, and so much more. It's a lesson in history. I read that it was heavily researched and most of what you see is historically accurate - and fascinating! I highly, highly recommend it. I got the first five sets for Christmas. Yay!

3. Starbucks Whole Milk Lattes

My "regular" drink of choice, most of the baristas know what I'm going to order before I open my mouth. Due to buying a house this year, I gave up on my daily latte, but I still make it in once or twice a week for a treat. The grande whole milk latte is perfect, no sugar added.

2. Love & War & The Sea In Between

What would I do without The Rabbit Room? They've introduced me to so many new artists, musicians, authors and movies. One of my favorite introductions this year was to Josh Garrels. (Imagine my surprise when I also discovered that he's a friend-of-a-friend! She's a childhood friend that I only keep in touch with via Facebook, but still...) Josh is giving away his current album for a whole year! The year is half over, so I implore you to go to his site and download it while you can. Here's one of my (many!) favorite songs from the album:

1. Reading God's Story: A Daily Chronological Bible 

While I just discovered this great project by George Guthrie, it is a favorite find of the year. So many years I've made the resolution to read through the Bible in its entirety. I've failed every time. This is my hope for 2012, but I am going to give myself a little grace - if I don't finish by this time next year, it's okay. (I have a lifetime.) What really excites me about this Bible is that it is in chronological order and there is a study guide that goes with it. I've been wanting to do an overview of the whole Biblical narrative and I think this will help. Lately I've been a bit concerned about the piecemeal approach to Bible study that seems all too common. I want to understand how all the books fit together, to know the general timeline and see the overarching themes. I know it's still December, but I've already started on the reading plan.