+ 1 - 0 | § ¶Christmas Eve
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Thank you, God, for the amazing gift of your son.
+ 1 - 1 | § ¶Advent: Day 11
Today was one of those days where it seemed like everything that could go wrong went wrong. Things at work that should have taken 10 minutes took 20 minutes or longer. It almost became laughable by the end of the day as yet another problem arose! My patience was tested considerably and I admit that most of the day it failed miserably. Huge sighs escaped me. I muttered and grumbled under my breath (and in an audible voice a few times) and I actually threw my pen at one point! Not my finest moments.
But as I left work and drove home in the non-blizzard (YAY!) I reflected on the things that annoyed me and caused me trouble today. So meaningless in the larger scheme of things. I had to nearly physically shake myself and re-adjust my perspective and attitude. There are so many things to be thankful for. I am incredibly blessed. Totally spoiled, even.
I've been inspired by numerous people in my life lately and one of the common themes is the wholehearted desire to follow God wherever He leads and share His love with everyone they meet. I want to let go of the things that easily hold me back from showing and sharing that love to those around me. So I commit to keeping gratitude in my heart during this extra busy time. Looking at life through eyes that see things through God's eyes and with His eternal perspective rather than my limited view. And when I fail, making the choice to pick myself up and keep moving forward rather than wallowing and sinking deeper. I'll be needing some prayer :)
+ 1 - 0 | § ¶Advent: Day 10
So, I just read the verse that was in my advent calendar for today...it made me pause. It's a lot to think about, when you REALLY think about it.
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "Since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age. For nothing is impossible with God."
Ok, that's all amazing in it's own way, but this is the part that stopped me in my tracks:
"I am the LORD's servant," Mary answered. (Luke 1:34-38)
Wow.
+ 2 - 0 | § ¶Advent: Day 8
"You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flocks like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
- Isaiah 40:9-11
+ 2 - 0 | § ¶Advent: Day 7
Today I woke up early and made it out to the stores before most of the shoppers woke up! That was a more pleasant way to handle my Christmas shopping, especially in the wake of all the snow! I was pretty successful and found just about everything that I knew I wanted to buy. I still have some shopping left, but first I have to decide what to get a few more people. I know that Christmas is not all about the presents, but there is something so great is picking out something that I know the recipient will LOVE! Giving is a portion of Christmas- Jesus was God's ultimate gift to us after all. So, I am embracing the giving attitude and enjoying buying some fun gifts for my loved ones!
+ 1 - 1 | § ¶Advent: Day 6
Today we had the first major snow storm of the season. Actually, it's really the first snow we've seen at all! Within a few hours, mostly during the night, a LOT of snow accumulated and so most of the area schools were closed. Work, however, remains open so I battled the hill on my street (and lost...had to back down it and go the other way!), met PJ (my carpool buddy) at the Meijer and we made it in safe and sound! By the time I got home at the end of the day the snow had stopped, but the plow had come. So, I shoveled and shoveled and shoveled. I really am not a fan of my driveway right now! But, my car is now safely in the garage and I'm in my cozy house for the night...I'm thankful I had nowhere to be tonight!
+ 2 - 1 | § ¶Advent: Day 5
It's snowing! I'm not really that excited for all that comes along with it, but I have to admit that it is really pretty :)
+ 1 - 1 | § ¶Advent: Day 4
Today was one of those non-stop, go go go from early morning until night kind of days. I'm thankful for a few quiet moments before bedtime to realize how much I am blessed, despite the busy-ness. And, most of all, I loved spending time with the giggling, funny, adorable junior girls in my life group tonight! I haven't laughed so much in way too long!