These are a few of my favorite things: 2021 Edition
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.
So begins Julie Andrews singing the infamous song My Favorite Things from the 1965 musical, The Sound of Music.
No, these are definitely not my favorite things (kittens - no thanks), but in this post I share some of my favorite things from 2021. Two weeks ago I shared My Favorite Books I Read in 2021, but in this post I share some of my favorite things from 2021. There’s no rhyme nor reason to these, but they’re simply some of the resources, podcasts, gifts, and other favorite things that helped me grow, laugh, and make memories in 2021. I love getting to share things I like and would love to hear from you as well. I’ve been wanting to do a post like this for years! In no particular order:
My Favorite Podcasts:
I am a podcast guy—I’m (almost) embarrassed to share how many podcasts are in my feed. I don’t listen to all of the episodes in most of my favorite podcasts, but I’ll pick and choose episodes based on the guest or subject. Some of my favorites:
Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda—while I’m definitely not a young adult, I love the way JP, Kathy, and Nate address real questions young adults and college students ask. It helps me become a better pastor and helps me better love and lead my family.
The Lead (Wondery, The Athletic) - I definitely pick and choose which ones I listen to on this podcast, but I enjoy “the sports stories of the day,” especially when the stories revolve around college football and basketball.
Made For This with Jennie Allen - I love how Jennie does different “seasons” revolving around specific topics. Typically she presents a new conversation on Tuesday and then does an interview with someone on Thursday related to this topic.
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs - Annie lives it out! I love her honest interviews, her sense of humor, and the focus on fun. Her interviews are refreshing, engaging, and informative. We loved hosting Annie at Harris Creek earlier this year.
College Football Live by ESPN - In season, a must listen for me. Especially when Wake Forest has a great season like this year.
The Briefing by Albert Mohler - A daily listen for me (Monday-Friday). Mohler addresses hot topics in the news from a Christian perspective.
The Office Ladies - Pam & Angela from The Office (my favorite TV show) break down every episode of The Office with exclusive behind the scene stories, interviews, and background.
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - I admired much about Mars Hill and Mark Driscoll back in the day, so it’s fascinating to hear the rise and fall story of Mars Hill. Much can be learned for any pastor or even any follower of Christ in this sobering story.
Fierce Marriage and Fierce Parenting - I am big fans of my friends Ryan & Selena Frederick. I appreciate their approach to following Jesus and how that affects the ways they love each other and their kids.
Favorite Church/sermon podcasts: Harris Creek. Watermark Community Church, North Point Community Church, The Summit, The Village Church.
What are some of your favorite podcasts?
My Favorite Bible Study Tools/Resources:
In 2021 I read through the entire Bible chronologically. I relied on three main tools/resources to make it a great year:
NIV Journal Edition Bible - I use one of these for my personal study and use the margins to journal some thoughts that go along with each passage. I’ll also outline every book and use the margins to help capture the outline. Check out my post from a few years ago on journaling bibles—5 Unique Ways to Use a Journaling Bible.
The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh-Cobble. 2021 was a very rich year for me in the Word, largely because of the Bible Recap (TBR). TBR is a chronological, one-year read through of the Bible. In TBR, Tara Leigh invites readers along by providing a daily podcast that summarizes that day’s reading while also providing some personal application.
The Bible Project - I am so impressed and encouraged by the work of the the team from The Bible Project. Their videos, overviews of all 66 books of the Bibles, and the excellence with which they work continually impress me.
My Favorite Newsletters/Resources:
I’m grateful for bloggers, authors, ministries, and podcasters who release email updates. Two of my favorites that I look forward to reading:
The Pour Over - A free newsletter that keeps you informed on current events while focused on Christ. Comes out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week.
Reagan’s Roundup - A Christian perspective on personal productivity. A weekly newsletter with resources, articles, podcasts, videos, and much more.
My Favorite Gift (to give or receive):
Daly Goods - Simple, handcrafted, quality leather goods, from Waco, TX. My friend Joe makes custom journals, keychains, bookmarks, coasters, and more!
My Favorite Movies and TV Shows I Watched This Year:
Movies - The Help (3rd or 4th time), Home Alone (never gets old to me), Tag (Don’t judge me), and Spider Man: No Way Home.
TV Shows - The Great British Bake Off, The Office, Survivor, Falcon & Winter Soldier
Favorite Apps:
Verses scripture memory app, Dwell audio Bible, YouVersion Bible App, Igniter TV (all part of my daily morning routine).
My Favorite Trips I Took This Year:
#1 - Easy! 20th Anniversary Trip with Kristen to Hawaii!
#2 - Favorite Family Vacation - Pine Cove Woods Family Camp
Top 5 Artists on my Spotify Wrapped:
The Worship Initiative, Phil Wickham, Shane & Shane, Anthony Ramos (In The Heights soundtrack), Ellie Holcomb
My Family’s Favorites:
I asked my family for their favorite thing from 2021 as well:
Kristen (Age is but a number) - Needtobreathe - Into the Mystery Concert and new album
Duncan (17) - Baylor Men’s Basketball National Championship (and his acceptance into Baylor)
Drew (17) - Donda by Kanye West
Carson (15) - Making the Midway basketball team and getting his driver’s permit
Lincoln (13) - Spider Man: No Way Home
Biggest wins/memories in 2021:
Celebrating 20 years of marriage
Spring break college visits with the family
Starting the Harris Creek Marriage Class
Getting an offer for my second book with Baker Books (Details coming soon!).
Your Turn:
How about you? What are some of your favorite things from 2021? Share below!
It could be podcasts, movies, apps, new albums, memories? What are your favorite things from 2021?