In the week of reflection, today I am taking a moment to review some of the most popular blog posts of the year here at My Living Canvas.  I always find it interesting to take a look at what people are most interested in reading about on my blog and I think the stats are a pretty accurate reflection of that. Ive posted the top 12 of 2009 below. Tomorrow I will post my own personal favorites of 2009 for your reading pleasure:-)

1. What’s Your Life Verse?
In April 2008 I visited Israel with Joel Rosenberg and The Joshua Fund. The trip was spectacular. While I was there, I spent a great deal of time reflecting on my faith. Mid-way through the trip, we all got an opportunity to buy jewelry engraved in Hebrew and we could pick what we wanted engraved on the jewelry. Some of my friends were having their “life verse” engraved on the jewelry. I liked the idea but hadn’t really picked a “life verse” for myself. So I spent some time thinking through possible life verses, which led to this blog post. I am glad that its the most popular blog post on My Living Canvas in 2009. In fact, this is not only the most popular post of 2009, its the most popular post of all time.

2. Thank You Adam Duritz
I have no idea why this post in the #2 most popular post on my blog. I think its because it has a cool photo of Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz. This is one of my favorite bands of all time. In fact, Ive been singing “Long December” all day today. In any event, I am happy a music post made it in the top 5.

3. Happy Chocolate Chip Day!
Did you know that May 15 is National Chocolate Chip Day? I do. And I HEART chocolate chip cookies. This blog lists my all star all time favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, courtesy of the Blue Willow Inn cooking bible.

4. Mike Sanders on “The Future”
This one just cracks me up. Michael Sanders is one of the graphic designers I work with. He is very talented and very funny. We love to talk pop culture and he always has great insights into the plot lines of shows like Lost and 24. A while back he wrote a post on his blog about the future: “If 1985 could talk to or check up on 2008 to see how the future was going how would the conversation go?” I find this hysterical. But not as hysterical as some of Michael’s other posts on his blog. Check out Thai-Ku and the Candy Corn phenomenon.

5. The Whole World’s About to Change…
This blog is simply the lyrics to the David Crowder Band’s “Surely We Can Change.” It makes me very happy this is one of the top posts because this song is about social justice and caring for the poor, two things I am passionate about and write about on My Living Canvas. I also linked certain words to other things that I think add some value to the experience of reading the lyrics. In any event, I encourage you to check out this song on Itunes and download it. Its just great.

6. “The secret to this job,” he said, “is personal relationships.“
A quote from one of my all-time favorite movies, Jerry McGuire, is the title of this blog that talks more about personal relationships than it does Jerry McGuire. Check it out. This is one of those I can’t believe I actually posted and am shocked it got this much attention. Its kind of rambly but I think there is some truth in there somewhere.

7. 9-11 through my eyes…
This is my personal remembrance/tribute to that horrific day in our nation’s history. I was working on the Hill at the time and the implications of what happened in DC that day shaped my life in a significant way.

8. Taking On Hell With a Water Gun…
Do you ever feel like you are taking on Hell with a water gun? Meaning you are ill equipped in some way to accomplish what you’re pursuing? Read this blog.

9. Book Review: The Hole in Our Gospel
This year I started blogging for Thomas Nelson publishing house. I love doing this, because I get awesome free books. This book by World Vision US President Rich Stearns is a MUST READ. I explain why in my post. As a side note, this was a particularly special read for me because I actually worked at World Vision for a little while between the Hill and the Church.

10. Book Review: “Fearless” by Max Lucado
Another book review, I give a brief overview of this book. This is another must read, given the uncertain times in which we live, that we can live without fear!

11. 17 Dresses, thank GOD one was White…
Always the bridesmaid never the bride? Think again people. After being in 15 weddings I married the man of my dreams and finally walked down the aisle on my very own white dress. Since then I have been in two other weddings bringing my total to 19 and yes I still have ALL the dresses!

12. FunTime Friday — “i love Jesus but i drink a little.”
This is still one of the funniest things I have ever heard in my life. Please please please listen to this old lady calling in to the Ellen Show. It will make your sides hurt its so funny!