Saturday, December 29, 2018

December 29

Here we are on the 5th day of Christmas! And.......I just finished my Christmas cards.  These aren't slated to be mailed -- these are for gifts to be shared tomorrow.

This batch has very little of "me" in them, mostly just using design elements from a paper pack included with a magazine I picked up at Barnes and Noble.  It was really nice though, I liked all of the paper and extra embellishments.  I have a lot left over so I will probably be using some of it next year. 

I need to come up with a good way to store paper.  Should check out pinterest.

So, here are the last cards of the season -- I need to make a couple of more but they are going to be Happy New Year cards since they will arrive closer to New Years.










I really enjoyed making the little interior envelopes to hold money.  I guess I am easily amused.

So, tomorrow will be our last Christmas celebration.  I think I am getting ready to wind it all up now.  I have had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed every minute of it but I think it is time to call it a day.

I am trying to finish the book I have been reading -- "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" but it is dragging on and on.  I am making a huge effort tonight to make more progress because I have quite the stack of books piling up to start in the new year.  I am staring with "Anne of Green Gables" and am looking forward to it.  I also have a book on the way -- "The Life and Death of Paul McCartney" which deals with the Paul McCartney death conspiracy of the late 60's.  I don't know why that has my interest NOW but it does.

So, my baking is done, all the rest of my packages wrapped, cookies baked and I am done for the day.  Off to read!


Friday, December 28, 2018

December 28 -- the fourth day of Christmas

Today is the fourth day of Christmas! I am finding that extending the Christmas season until Epiphany is a good thing.

In years past the decorations would have already been taken down and all evidence of the celebration would be gone.   This year I am taking it down as I put it up -- slowly -- a little at a time.  I am still enjoying the Christmas village so I don't mind it staying up until January. The room is going to look very different when it is gone.

Yesterday was a very good day.  The weather was beautiful so I was thrilled to get out and about with my daughter and granddaughter.  We had lunch at La Madeleine and did a bit of shopping at Target and Charming Charlie.  Then we took in a flick --  Mary Poppins Returns -- at Cinemark.  The day ended with hamburgers at Chapps. It was such a relaxed, slow day -- I loved it.

Today sees me with all four grandchildren for a while.  I hope they can entertain themselves because I am really gimpy this morning.  I have a lot of games and things so surely they can handle it for a little while.  I hope.

I am doing a bit of planning for the new year.  My routine has to change and I have already started making moves toward that.  I also need to get on a grocery shopping rotation, I used to always have a 'grocery' day but now, not so much.  That doesn't work for me.  I am a person who needs routine and since Hubs has retired, routine seems to be a thing of the past and, in short, it is making me cra-cra.

I have learned a lot during this season of Advent and now Christmas.  It is like I am looking at things with new eyes.  I guess you are never too old to learn new things.

So, I am off to work on my new routine.  I have some late Christmas stuff to take care of --


Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Boxing Day

Good morning! Happy Boxing Day!  I wasn't here yesterday because it was Christmas and I was pulling  loose ends together.

My daughter and her family came over last night for a casual meal and to open their gifts.  I don't usually "do" paper plates but I did last night.  Between her being under the weather from her procedure and my knees and ankles, nobody wanted to deal with dishes so....we didn't.

I am surprised that I didn't have the bah-humbugs once this season.  I changed things up, eliminated the things that caused me stress, stretched it all out so it wasn't so hectic and it worked well for me.

The weather was lovely, a bit overcast yesterday but it was warm.  Today we are supposed to have storms but that is ok too, we are all in and relaxing and safe so it can rain if it wants to.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas.  I am looking forward to making some changes in my everyday life this year. Not resolutions.  Resolutions are meant to be broken.  Like diets.  I am going to try to live a more meaning, thoughtful life in general.  I need to make some new routines to get the things done that I don't like to do and to make time for the things I do like to do without feeling guilty.  So, that will be a challenge but I think I can take it on.

I hope to finish my current  read before the end of the year.  I am disappointed  because I am not enjoying it but I am not so I just want to get it finished.
  
So, off to do some laundry.  Laundry is one of those things I need to get control of.  There are only two of us here.  Seriously.

Have a wonderful boxing day!


Monday, December 24, 2018

Monday, December 24

It is the 24th day of Advent -- it has been a very good one, too. We  went to church, the 4:30 children's service.  I love that service.  Then we went to my daughter's for our traditional tamale dinner.  She had a friend from work over and we had  a really good time.

I am tired, though, so I won't be staying up.  I have more cooking to do tomorrow  but not much.  Then there will be gifts. 

It doesn't feel like Christmas Eve, probably because it is warmer than usual, but I have had a wonderful Advent and look forward to the next twelve days of Christmas!

I will leave you with this --



Sunday, December 23, 2018

Saturday and Sunday, December 22 and 23

Today is the 23 day of Advent.  I wasn't here yesterday because I was in a great deal of pain and basically was angry and upset and I felt like it would just be a blog of grousing and complaining.ed

So, I didn't.  I also went to bed early.

Today was a bit better, I got a few things done, a couple of cards made and was quite lucky to have a helper in the form of Elf Bean.  She thought it hysterical that I made her put the bows on her own gifts.  Doesn't take much to amuse her.

We had the last advent dinner.  It was soup and sandwiches and ice cream for dessert.  It was quick and easy and I believe enjoyed by all.

I have had both knees wrapped and ankles braced all day.  I just took a second dose of aspirin and I think I am going to bed.  Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Friday, December 21

Friday, December 21, the 21st day of Advent.

It is getting closer.  The baby Jesus is going to show up in the creche soon. I can hardly wait.  I love my little nativity and I love the anticipation of the season.

Today was a long day.  I didn't sleep well because I was thinking of my daughter and her medical procedure today. It all went well and we are confident everything is fine.

 I was up early with Bean getting her ready for school -- I am  used to afternoon pick up -- early morning drop off not so much.  But, drop off we did and I came home for another cuppa and a quick catnap before I had to go back for the classroom party.

We gave goody bags to the class and there was a book exchange.  Bean was pleased with what she received -- she loves those Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.  There was pizza and cookies and grapes and Capri sun.

Then we came home.  By the time we got home Mommy was well done with her procedure and Daddy came to pick up the Bean and I just sat down -- just sat down.  Tomorrow is another day.

Here are some rather random and chaotic photos of the party.







And to all a goodnight!

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Thursday, December 20

Today is the 20th day of Advent--

Yikes!

That means it is 5 days until Christmas Day.

I read an article this morning about how it is going to take more than "put Christ back in Christmas" to get back to the real meaning of Christmas.

It talked  about how Christmas was banned in Early America.  It talked about the commercialization of the season.  It talked about how the modern day Santa came to be and how it is a big part of American culture now.

It was a sad article.  But, it was an eye opener.  I am really glad we "do" Advent in this house.

With that said, I am tired.  My daughter is having a medical "procedure" tomorrow and, while I am not worried, it is on my mind.  I also have the Bean for the night and I have to get her to school and then go back three hours later for her Christmas party.  

I made goody bags for her classmates but it seems a good number of them are either going to be gone for Christmas visits elsewhere or they are throwing up.

I have no words.

So, I have to deliver those and teacher gifts and make sure she doesn't eat any nut laced cookies.  Parties are just a little nerve wracking.  I will be glad when it is over.
.
What did I do today?  Laundry.  Hubs was under the weather so we didn't do anything but make a run to the bank.  I cooked dinner and made a couple of cards.  I am trying to get all my laundry caught up because I would like to start a new plan to keep things up and done. "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry".  Ah, yes.  We shall see.

So, I am off to hang up wet uniforms, wash my hair, put somebody to bed and probably collapse.  There is a reason God gives children to young women.

Goodnight.






Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Wednesday, December 19


It is the 19th day of Advent and....

it is trying hard to rain.

I have done nothing today but wash towels.

I did make a couple of cards --


I have learned a lot from making these cards this year.  I have learned a little patience.  I have learned some about planning and balance.  I have learned that glitter paper is evil.  I have also learned that they need to be mailed to the UK in August to arrive in December.

I have enjoyed making the cards and am
honing in  on my style which is pretty simple.  There are a lot of lovely things out there but I am just a simple person and it shows in my cards.

Now I can start on my birthday stash considering I have January birthdays to acknowledge.  At any rate it is good fun and I enjoy doing it.

So, the rest of the day just involves dinner, more towels to wash and picking up "stuff" that has migrated all over the place. 

This part of Advent has been very uneventful.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Tuesda y, December 18

Today is the 18th day of Advent and....

I am pooped.

Had semi-sick baby all day.  She didn't do much, watched a couple of movies, read, worked on a project -- she was quiet and not hungry.  She complained about her stomach hurting a couple of times.  I am not sure if it is a bug or something else.  I am seriously thinking something else. 

I don't have much to add to the post today.  We went to the library.  I have lost my library card so I had to replace it.  It cost me $2.  I have no idea where I lost it.  I don't like not having a library card so I am glad to have a replacement.

I am going to bed early, I think.  I think I need a little extra sleep tonight.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Monday, December 17

It is the 17th day of Advent and......



my granddaughter just tossed her cookies all over the place.


Sigh.  Why did I think we were going to have a sick-free Christmas?

Silly Nona.

See you tomorrow!


Sunday, December 16, 2018

Sunday, December 16

Today is the 16th day of advent.  Today we lit the pink candle for gaudete Sunday -- the Sunday of joy.

Joy -- what makes you joyful?  My family makes me joyful.  Sunshine makes me joyful.  Good movies, good books, good health.  Church makes me joyful. Church music makes me joyful.

Tonight's meal was spaghetti and meatballs, salad and bread.  Ice cream was for dessert.  I have never enjoyed cooking and I think I have figured out why.  I always make things too complicated.  Lately I have been making simple meals and it has been going better.  I even made my own salad dressing tonight.  It was all good.

I finished wrapping gifts and I am working putting together Bean's gifts for her classmates -- just about done. 

It was a nice day -- it is warm and I am looking forward to running a few errands tomorrow. 


Watching "Love Actually" right now and getting sleepy so I will bid you a goodnight.

Saturday, December 15

Today is the 15th day of Advent.  I didn't really forget to post because I have an exciting post but.....I fell asleep.  So, here it is.

Today the Hubs and I went to lunch at a local barbecue place before grocery shopping and guess who we saw?

Santa and one of his elves!  They were right there getting barbecue just like everybody else! 

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera and I don't know if I would have felt comfortable snapping a pic and disturbing them although others did. 

And Santa was such a GENTLEMAN.  He actually took his hat off and laid it on the table during his meal.

And you know what else?  I am pretty sure this was the real deal.  Why?  Because I truly believe his beard was real.

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

His elf was super adorable -- a little lady elf with the cutest little pointy ears (they may have been on her hat) you ever did see. 

As I headed to the ladies room I smiled while passing by and I couldn't help myself -- I had to say something so --

I said "you just make people smile" and she smiled and it was a MOMENT!  So cool.

I need to learn to carry the camera with me.


Friday, December 14, 2018

Friday, December 14


On the 14th day of Advent -- there is a Girl Scout Christmas party.  Our troop grew from 7 to 17 this year so this was no quiet little affair.  It was big and noisy and messy and these girls are so much fun.  With that I will share the photos of the evening.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of the food which was abundant.

Our fearless leader -- pumped and ready for the shindig

The Bean Tree

Tasteful decor

Surprise gifts from our fearless leader

A quiet moment for two of our Brownies before the festivities begin

An unexpected, but welcome, guest

the gift table

The pottery projects from the trip to the pottery studio

A short meeting

bad lightening but more of the short meeting

lining up for food--and there was so much of it. 

chow line

Tuppy, our resident Elf, decided to show up for the event



Such a good group of little girls -- it is a privilege to be able to work with them 

And here is our fearless leader after the fact




 After the food and the gift exchange the girls had voted to decorate cookies and watch a movie.  They were all pretty droopy by 8:30 but I think it was a good time for all.




Thursday, December 13, 2018

Thursday, December 13

Today is the 13th day of Advent and I spent it helping get the Girl Scout Christmas party situated.  The party is tomorrow.

Our weather was supposed to be very dire and dismal today -- torrential rain, a chance of wintry mix and 50 mph winds.  We were instructed to take down all the Christmas decorations and batten down the hatches.

So far I have seen about 20 drops of rain, the wind blew about 15 minutes and there is no snow in sight. 

That is ok with me.

I haven't done any holiday baking yet but am giving some thought to those Welsh cookies.  I sort of miss those days of baking for the kids but nobody wants to eat all of that sort of stuff anymore so I just don't do much of it.  We will see, I might get around to it.

So, today was a nice, quiet day.  Thinking about all these little girls we are going to be partying with tomorrow -- they are sweet things and I will post some photos.  It should be a good time.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Wednesday, December 12

Today is the 12th day of Advent.  It is supposed to be a nice day that will usher in a cold front bringing us a lot of wind, apparently, and the chance for snow.

They are treating the roads.  That is a good thing because we have lots of roads here and they are all dangerous even when it is dry.  I am praying the weather folks are incorrect.

I am using a little book called "Jesus Calls" for my devotions right now.  I learned of this book after seeing daily screenshots of it on facebook, posted by a friend of a cousin.  They are very relatable devotions and I enjoy reading them.  I have the book on my kindle but I am thinking of buying the physical book -- and there are several more in the collection.

Today's devotion works into this week of faith.  "This is why you must live by faith, not by sight, trusting in My mysterious, majestic Presence."  "We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7.  The message today starts "I am taking care of you."  How warm and comforting is that? When I read that I felt as if I was being wrapped in a big, minky blanket.  It goes on to say "Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in my loving Presence.  Every detail of your life is under My control.  Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good, to those who love me and are called according to My design and purpose."  Wow.

If you can acquire one of these books, either a physical book or an electronic book, it is a great start to the day.

Because I have changed my approach to Christmas this year I have a lot more time to enjoy some of the programming.  Last night I watched the Darci Lynn special.  Remember she was the little puppeteer from America's Got Talent.  She is only about 13 years old but she has a voice that, in my opinion, rivals other young singers like Brenda Lee.  The show was enjoyable and I loved hearing her sing "Mary Did You Know".

I can't find a clip of her so I will just include this --


 




Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Tuesday, December 11

Today is the 11th day of Advent and I will say it has been a challenging one.

I had a dental appointment for a minor procedure -- took 10 minutes.  But, I woke up with a sore throat.   After a couple of cups of warm tea it went away but I don't really have time to get sick.

I  my read my devotion and decided to get ready for my 10 a.m. appointment.  For some reason I decided to check the appointment time and I was a couple of hours too early.  That is when things started getting strange.

We went to the dentist and to lunch at our favorite restaurant.  Then we stopped by our other house to pick up our mail and we stopped at the cemetery to leave flowers on my parents grave.  We got home just in time to pick up the Bean.

It was then that I realized I had gone through the whole day thinking it was Wednesday.  Don't you hate it when that happens?

I wish I hadn't realized it because it threw me completely off.

And then there is the threat of snow.  In keeping with our theme of Faith this week -- I have faith that our weather man is wrong-- he usually is.  No snow -- please, no snow.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Monday, December 10






Today is the 10th day of Advent.  It is flying by which makes me sad because I am really having a good Advent.

What makes this Advent any different that any other?  I believe attitude.  Things are different for me this year and I am not sure why but my priorities are changing and I am taking a good, long look at my habits and seeing where some changes need to be made and I am making a plan to change them.  I am not looking long term, though, I am looking one day at a time.

The first thing that I have changed this year is shopping.  I decided that my gift giving would not require me to enter a mall, buy wrapping paper or find the scotch tape.  That decision has made me infinitely happy.

My husband and I do something a little different for each other and we have done this for a couple of years.  I buy what I want and he buys what he wants -- with a limit, of course -- and then we open each others gifts.  Silly?  Yep.  But it is fun and we usually buy online so we don't wrap, we just stick a bow on the shipping box.

I have multiple health "issues" -- they sort of all build on each other -- it is like skipping a rock across water and the ripple effect that occurs.   None of these issues are life threatening yet but could be when I get old.  Hahahahaha -- she laughs maniacally.

So, I was reviewing how I spend my time.  The majority of the time I am sitting with my computer on my lap.  I complain I have no time for exercise or devotions.  I am my own worst enemy.  So, I decided to make a mental list of the things I want to do that I feel like I don't have time for and this is what I did.

I let my computer battery die.

??? you say?  Well,when I get up I make a cup of tea and then plug the dead computer.  It takes a while for it to recharge so I take that time to read my devotional and start my day in prayer.

The devotional I am using is called "Jesus Calling".  It is a collection of dated, daily devotional readings.  I need to do more but this is a start.

The next issue is exercise.  My knees are bad which is in turn making my ankles bad.  I need to exercise.  I have a little peddler that I sit in a chair and "ride" so I after I got up this morning and read my devotion I limped upstairs to ride the "bike".  I am not even thinking about tomorrow, I accomplished it today and that was the goal.  Living one day at a time -- I understand it is a good thing to do.

I am reading a book by a favorite author, Jennifer Chiaverini, titled "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker".  I am not enjoying it.  It is a lot of military history and I am finding that boring.  I won't give up on the book, it will be the last of my challenge for the year, I think.  I might manage to squeeze in another offering in the Made In Savannah series -- the new book #11 but they are easy reads.  I am also reading a book recommended by my granddaughter.  It is part of the I Survived series and is titled "I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967".  Yes, it is for ages 9-12 but I don't mind telling you it is well written and more than a little scary.  Not something I would have picked up at age 8.

A few months ago I tried "keto" with my daughter and managed to eliminate sweets from my diet.  I have a huge sugar craving -- maybe not a true addiction -- but a definite preference.  I decided to introduce a few cookies back into my day and bam! will power gone and the sugar taking control again.  I need to work on that so starting today I am fighting the urge to grab a handful of Hershey kisses as I walk by the kitchen.  Again, one day at a time.  See if I can get through today.  I bet I can!

Ok, my allotted computer time is up, my second cuppa is gone and now I am off to the kitchen to deal with dinner early.  That is another bear I need to wrestle -- food prep.  Let's see what I can come up with today!

Have a wonderful day!



Sunday, December 09, 2018

Sunday, December 9

Today was the second Sunday in Advent.  It was a good day, the sun came out and everybody felt pretty good.

Here are a couple of pics of our Advent set up.

our wreath and our devotional book

closer picture of the book

building our creche -- I think we are a little out of order
For our devotion we use the Advent series of the Little Gospels.  It is part of three collections of devotions used by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  It is just a lovely little series.

Today's candle represented faith.  We talked about Mary and the Angel coming to visit to announce that she was going to have a baby.  We sort of decided that Mary must have had the most faith of anybody in the world -- I mean, think about it -- you wake up and there is an angel in your room -- one you can see -- and talk to and you are told you are going to have a baby that is going to be the most important person ever --- and you are 14 years old, well,  she must have had faith beyond measure.

It was a good day.




Saturday, December 08, 2018

Saturday, December 8

Today is the 8th day of Advent.  It was a rainy cold day here in the Fort.  I ventured out for a little while but after about an hour I was ready to get home.

I got a little bit accomplished -- planned my dinner for tomorrow, wrapped some packages, went grocery shopping and watched some John Lennon videos on YouTube.

It is hard to believe it has been 38 years since he was killed.  He was just a year older than my daughter is right now and three  years younger than my son.  Time is so strange. 

Today was my cousin's burial.  I didn't go but I was there in spirit.  It is sad and what a gloomy day for the event. 

Tomorrow is the second Sunday in Advent.  I love lighting those candles. 

It is time to call it a day.  Have a good night and I will see you tomorrow.

Friday, December 07, 2018

Friday, December 7

It's the 7th day of Advent and what did the day hold?

One sick kid with a very runny nose

One dishwasher full of broken glass

One painful wrist -- am I having a stroke? No time for that

And a dismal, dreary, rainy, icky day.

Have a wonderful evening! I am having tea and a Christmas movie -- and some aspirin.


Thursday, December 06, 2018

Thursday, December 6 -- The Feast of St. Nicholas











Saint Nicholas of Myra[a] (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343),[3][4][b] also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of the ancient Greek city of Myra in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire.[7] He is revered by many Christians as a saint.[8] Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker.[c] Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") through Sinterklaas.

 
So, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

In the parochial schools here it is a very common practice for the children, on December 6, to put a shoe in hallway and sometime during the day the shoe is filled with goodies. 

This is what it looked like today.



 And then, at home, there was this







What a great way to enjoy that candy cane that was left in the shoe.



 
  

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Wednesday, December 5

Today was a quiet, unproductive day.

It was my son's birthday so we kept Granddaughter #3 so he and my daughter in law could have the afternoon out.

Then we picked up the Bean, had some dinner and I am now bushed. 

I have to say I am having a wonderful Advent -- having done the shopping and decorating early, I am able to just enjoy the lights on the houses, the music in the stores and the television program.  Unfortunately, I am also enjoying a little too much candy as well. 

I took a break from making Christmas cards and made my son a birthday car and here it is--





Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Tuesday, December 4

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

This is one of my favorite hymns during Advent.  It is a bit haunting and a bit sad.  The emotions of Advent sort of run the gamut -- there is excitement in the anticipation of the birth of the baby Jesus and there is sadness knowing that Lent is just a few months away.  Of course, we all know the ending is a happy one but there is joy and sorrow all along the way.  

The quiet time of Advent gives us time to reflect on the season, what is to come and what it all means to us.  It is a bit overwhelming, in a way.

But, Advent doesn't have to be all quiet and thoughtful.  There can be fun times as well.  And a bit of silliness.  

Here is a good example of that silliness.

ok, a little dark but there IS an antler there

Randolph the red nosed Subaru

 my own reincar housed in my reincar stable !
I had promised the Bean a couple of years ago that I would transform our car into some seasonal creature -- if I could find the pieces.  Well, much to my husband's chagrin, I found the pieces so here we are.  We are a big hit in the school pick up line!


Monday, December 03, 2018

Monday, December 3

The weather is turning colder this week.  It is beginning to feel more winter-like.  The weather reporter even said something that sounded vaguely like "snow" but doubtful for us.

We had our first Advent Sunday supper last night and all was well.  Bean read the scripture and I was so proud of her, she only hesitated on two words.  She wasn't a fan of the candle though, for the first time she seemed leery of the fire.  I tried to find LED candles but somehow that doesn't seem right and all the reviews on the ones on the internet were not good.

We opened the advent calendar that Mary sent and enjoyed that and she opened the little advent calendar with drawers filled with candy.

It was a good evening except for one thing.

I got word yesterday afternoon that my younger cousin passed away the night before.  It wasn't unexpected and considering her plight, it was probably a blessing but it was still hard to get my head around it.  I hadn't seen her or spoken to her in years -- we drifted apart as so often happens after kids grow up and move on with their lives.  However, I still feel a loss.

Penny, me and Diana

RIP Penny Gail -- you will be missed.

Sunday, December 02, 2018

First Sunday in Advent -- December 2





Today is the first Sunday in Advent.  We have a tradition in this house that there is the lighting of the candle(s), followed by a simple meal and reading of Bible scripture.

We also start opening our advent calendar that my friend Mary sends us.  She is so special and so thoughtful -- I just love that she does this every year.

All the decor is done, the shopping is finished, the meal is planned, the scripture set out.  I am excited.






The first candle is purple -- it is the candle of Hope to remind us that Jesus is coming.

The scripture we will read is Romans 15: 12-13.

The church will be beautifully decked out this morning and the message will be clear.  The message of hope. 

I just love advent.

Saturday, December 01, 2018

Advent

Advent -- The arrival of a notable person, thing or event.

For Christians today is the beginning of the Advent season -- the 24 days before Christmas.  It is a quiet time, a time of hopeful anticipation.

When a person says "advent" the mental picture that comes to my mind is a night scene, a big, dark sky with lots of stars, a shepherd with his sheep -- it is quiet but there is a feeling in the air that "something" is going to happen.

I love the quiet reflection of the time, I love the feeling of growing anticipation and I love the feeling of gratitude that comes with knowing how blessed I am all because of that little baby in that hay.

Advent -- lighting the candles, building the creche, being thoughtful about how the birth of a little baby has such enormous impact on the whole world.

I love everything about it.


Update

 Ok, so we visited our cardiologist yesterday to get the lay of the land for the Hubs.  Seems there is an issue with one of the grafts from ...