The 100 Things I'd Rather Hold Than My Phone

2017 is about clarity for me.

It's about getting the messes and the noise out of the way so I can focus on Him-- so I can hear His voice, follow His will, answer His call.

I can't do that when my phone's in my hand, when my thumbs are busy scrolling through newsfeeds, when my eyes are glued to the glowing screen.

I recently saw Erin share about an article she read called "100 Things I’d Rather Hold in My Hands Than My Phone in 2017" from Colleen Mitchell, and it was a beautiful, powerful, challenging way of thinking about how I want to live this year.

Then, I saw Aliza share her own version of the list, and it struck me as meaningful and powerful and necessary all over again.

So, I decided to dream up my own.

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Here are 100 things I would rather hold than my iPhone:

1. My study Bible
2. A handmade mug of coffee
3. A bouquet of wildflowers from the farmer's market
4. My dog's leash
5. A camera
6. Lots and lots of books
7. My Moleskine journal
8. Paintbrushes
9. Wooden spoons in the kitchen
10. A guitar as I learn to play
11. The tiny hands of the kiddos I babysit
12. Puzzle pieces
13. My favorite markers for handlettering
14. Freshly fallen autumn leaves
15. Fistfuls of dirt in the garden
16. Board game pieces
17. A glass of fresh pressed juice
18. A collection of poetry
19. My PowerSheets
20. Tacos
21. Free weights
22. My yoga mat and strap
23. A big glass of red wine
24. Big bunches of kale
25. Apples I've picked from the orchard trees
26. Tiny new babies
27. A wiggly puppy
28. My journaling Bible
29. Decorations for parties hosted at my home
30. Big mugs of soy chai lattes
31. Snail mail
32. Blades of grass
33. Handfuls of water from the James River
34. Pages of my sketchbooks
35. The hands of my family in prayer around the dinner table
36. My steering wheel as I drive off on adventures
37. Packets of wildflower seeds
38. My 5k and 10k race bibs
39. The cracker and cup of juice at the communion table
40. A brand new ink pen
41. The handle of the coffeepot
42. My hair as I learn new braids
43. Flowers picked from the side of the road in spring
44. A kayak paddle
45. A really good gluten-free vegan pizza slice
46. Airplane boarding passes
47. A bowl of fruit sorbet
48. The keys of my piano
49. Bags of clothes to donate
50. Chatbooks full of my Instagrams 
51. Classic books found at my used bookstore
52. My tiny essential oil bottles
53. Dishes in a soapy sink
54. A moscow mule in a copper mug
55. Oven mitts
56. Big bowls of pasta
57. The keys of my laptop as I share blog posts
58. My own clasped hands in prayer
59. Stickers and paint and washi tape for my journaling Bible
60. Wrapped presents to give
61. An umbrella on rainy days
62. Ticket stubs from concerts
63. A 3D pen with the boys I babysit
64. Magazines full of vegan recipes
65. Cards in the mail from my grandma on holidays
66. Measuring spoons and cups
67. The map to a new art museum
68. A bottle of black nail polish
69. Big, cozy blankets on the couch
70. The stakes that will keep our tent up while camping
71. The handlebars of a bike
72. A walking stick on a long mountainous hike
73. An infuser of looseleaf tea
74. Food truck meals at street festivals
75. Tall glasses of chilled cider
76. Index cards I've doodled on
77. Fresh citrus fruits I'm juicing
78. Devotional books
79. Logs to add to the bonfire
80. Homemade popsicles on sunny days
81. Bowling balls at the alley with friends
82. Cotton candy at the baseball diamond
83. My suitcase and weekend bag
84. Crates of fresh blackberries
85. The straps of my hammock as I hang it from two trees
86. The door open for people behind me
87. Mason jars of ice water
88. My hands open in worship
89. Bunches of eucalyptus
90. Chipotle
91. Candles and pretty matchboxes
92. Stacks of freshly folded laundry
93. Mimosas in champagne flutes
94. Bowls of popcorn
95. The laces of my sneakers
96. My letter board as I spell out new encouraging words
97. The jar of coins and bills saved up
98. Chopsticks at my favorite Thai restaurant
99. A grocery list
100. Pages of answered prayers and ones I'm still bringing before Him

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