Outside my window: Snow covered hill with sun shining through. I have been enjoying watching the wildlife. Red squirrels jumping from tree to tree, and deer in the fields. The other night my son noticed a deer standing in our backyard by our picnic table.
Enjoying: Candy Cane Tea, Cocoa, Christmas lights, and Vanilla Bean Candles
Listening to: Advent at Ephesus: Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, I have Amazon Prime so I have been streaming it there. So beautiful and relaxing.
I am really liking jazz Christmas music. The Charlie Brown Christmas Album: Vince Guaraldi Trio lead me down this path.
Reading: True You By Michelle DeRusha http://michellederusha.com/trueyou/ I have an advance copy from Baker Publishing.
The Eternal Current by Aaron Niequest
Advent Misc.: I usually have a specific book I go through during Advent. This year I have all my old ones around and just read out of whatever is nearest at the moment. Main ones have been: Watch for the Light: Reading for Christmas and Advent from Plough Publishing, The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, and Christmastide: Prayers for Advent through Epiphany From The Divine Hours compiled by Phyllis Tickle
Pondering: Wonder- I heard two sermons the week before advent that talked about wonder, and then my husband mentioned it this past Sunday so I am spending some time thinking and searching wonder. Praying for a greater wonder and awe of God. He is definitely providing things to really be in awe about.
Also I have been reading daily Isaiah 61. I have always loved verses 1-3. I pray those will be my heart as I follow after Christ, but spending time in the rest of that chapter has been so encouraging to my soul. God is a generous God, and no matter how far off we have been He is willing to “trade up” (https://inkblotlife.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/trade-up/). Verse 7 has particularly jumped out at me, especially as I watch God restore people’s lives.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
Learning: Slowly learning how to let God order my time and days. I still find myself heading towards the stress, or trying to control, but then I set my mind above, and ask friends for prayer. God continues to whisper to my soul, “Wait for it…” and then does what only He can do, bring order to what appears to be chaos, multiply time, help my perspective to be His, and so much more.
Home: Decorated for Christmas. Trying to find a rhythm as I now work part time outside the home. Thankful for a son who is home and willing to pitch in.
Fitness and Mental Health: Need to figure out a rhythm with working out. I need it for my mental health. I leave the house early and get back when it is getting dark. I need to really give this area some thought. I am allowing myself to fully hibernate when I get home and I know I need to move. As for mental health I am making sure I am intentional with my time with God in the morning before I hit the ground running, lighting candles, playing music, writing have all been so good for me.
Giving Thanks: I am missing the beach and time with the whole family on vacation mode, but so thankful that it is the Christmas Season. It is helpful in helping me stay present. So thankful for praying friends. Having people willing to pray over me, and with me on things close to my heart is such a gift. My Hubby and I had a date night the other night, we went out to dinner and to a lecture. It was a blessing to step out of our everyday life and connect a bit more.
Planning Ahead: Trying to get a handle on Christmas Break and birthday celebrations. Counting the days until my college boy is home but figuring out life during that period is a bit challenging.
Inkblot Life 