This is a repost from a few years ago--and of course it is not the first Sunday of Advent but I did enjoy going back and reading about the "decorating" and what happened--it really put my day in perspective--smile!
Today is the first Sunday of Advent--a time to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, to dwell upon His richness versus our poverty, his righteousness against the backdrop of our sin, his wholeness in comparison to our fractured hearts-- His peace surrounding our fretting.
My prayer for you and me during this holiday season is that we would remain stress free, that decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, and buying would just be a casual by-product of an otherwise "meaningful, take time to stop and rest and enjoy your family more than ever" kind of holiday.
I have always been kinda "over the top" as far as wanting each room decorated--nothing fancy or expensive--just wanted to do it for the kids and grandkids--and that is okay--unless I get my focus on that more than spending time with the people I love, especially Jesus.
This year I am going to take it slow and easy. If a room gets decorated--fine--if it doesn't fine--last year I worked for weeks getting the house ready for my family--Even painted a big canvas that said, "I'll be home for Christmas--you can plan on me"
Well, guess what--we had a huge snowstorm--our power was out for several days and our family never came "home" for Christmas--we celebrated at my brother's house and they never saw all the work I had done in those weeks before Christmas.
That has placed somewhat of a different light on all the time I spend decorating. I will do what comes naturally and easy this year BUT with God's help, my goal is to spend more time with my Savior--more time anticipating the joyous celebration of His coming.
I wish you Peace--
© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
My prayer for you and me during this holiday season is that we would remain stress free, that decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, and buying would just be a casual by-product of an otherwise "meaningful, take time to stop and rest and enjoy your family more than ever" kind of holiday.
I have always been kinda "over the top" as far as wanting each room decorated--nothing fancy or expensive--just wanted to do it for the kids and grandkids--and that is okay--unless I get my focus on that more than spending time with the people I love, especially Jesus.
This year I am going to take it slow and easy. If a room gets decorated--fine--if it doesn't fine--last year I worked for weeks getting the house ready for my family--Even painted a big canvas that said, "I'll be home for Christmas--you can plan on me"
Well, guess what--we had a huge snowstorm--our power was out for several days and our family never came "home" for Christmas--we celebrated at my brother's house and they never saw all the work I had done in those weeks before Christmas.
That has placed somewhat of a different light on all the time I spend decorating. I will do what comes naturally and easy this year BUT with God's help, my goal is to spend more time with my Savior--more time anticipating the joyous celebration of His coming.
I wish you Peace--
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© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
