Advent

first Sunday of Advent
first candle lit
hope

61. the sound of Morley singing in church behind me
62. though frail and unable to stand without help, her joy as the choir sings pours into me
63. the way the sunlight spills into the santuary through the stained glass window
64. my Aunt's award for her important volunteer work; her tender care, her extra mile, her dedication, acknowledged and recognised.
65. Bible study, the encouragement of others
66. the company of friends
67. the ministry of care; the faith of friends
68. knitted mittens for my daughter
69. Helena's thoughtful card & story of Bluefeather
70. the gift of God's Word

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.'
Luke 3:4

the architecture of life

What gives our life it shape? Our families, our jobs, our hopes, our experiences, our accomplishments, our losses, our past?

I think about the people who uplift, support, encourage, cheer us on and hold us close. Some we see daily and others less frequently. And I think about those few, those rare & precious few, who care with such depth of tenderness, who take or rather make the time, to build relationship with us, those whose shoulders we stand upon. Kind people who have shared their insights with us, who have encouraged and gently pointed the way.

How grateful I am to be blessed with such people. Sharing the journey together, walking with Jesus by the grace of God alone.

And in this season of Advent, may we all take the time to reflect upon and give thanks for those people who have made a difference in our lives. Those who have stood by us shoulder to shoulder and helped carry our burdens.

May we make room in our hearts for Jesus, may His light burn brightly there as we wait and ponder and ready ourselves anew for His arrival, knowing our lives are defined and shaped by the hand of God, by His grace, His watchful eye, His extravagant love.

Thanks be to God.

grateful...

Inward preparation,
waiting with anticipation,
a light shining in the darkness...

51. the comfort of those who care
52. crocheting hats....well, trying anyway!
53. cream of sweet potato soup: pumpkin spiced, velvety & warm
54. books that inspire
55. knitting Lily little legwarmers
56. watching my daughter grow in her faith, seeing her minister to others
57. phone calls with my SIL as we both make dinner for our families
58. my daughter's tenderness
59. a stack of craft magazines to browse through
60. the coming season of reflection and wonder

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

crocheting goodness!

So I've been playing around with fibre....no surprise there, I'm an avid knitter, but I am new to crochet and having a wonderful time....



Yum!

Joy

It has been viewing week at my children's dance studio.....what a sheer delight!

approaching Advent

I'm thinking about the upcoming season of Advent.

I want to create space ~ heart space ~ to reflect upon this special time of year.

To be mindful, to chart and reflect, to ponder the incredible gift we've been offered.

In what ways might we mark this time of anticipation?

How can we involve our loved ones, celebrating together, focusing on the birth of Jesus and not the consumerism of our culture?

With intention and Grace.

an attitude of gratitude

Steadfast love
outpoured...

His tender care
administered...

41. reading with my daughter at bedtime
42. breakfast in bed ~ on a school morning!
43. oatmeal: hot, milky, with flaxseed & raisins.....yum!
44. my sister~in~law's invitation to the ballet....what an absolute treat!
45. finding the perfect gift for someone
46. a slice of the most moist, lemon coconut loaf. Oh how I need a great recipe for this!
47. winning a prize at a church raffle!
48. newly cleaned windows....how the light streams in
49. inspiring, thought provoking photography
50. my niece taking my daughter out for a birthday meal....how sweet, how thoughtful...


"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

'Tis the season....for Christmas Bazaars

In the spirit of my handmade pledge, I thought I'd share some of my crafty finds with you....

walking in gratitude....

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

31. the colours of fall

32. quiet bible reading alongside my husband

33. the gift of hospitality

34. pear: perfectly ripe, deliciously juicy

35. fellowship at our church bazaar

36. the glow and crackle of an open fire

37. the approach of Advent, how blessed we are....

38. the gift of family

39. my daughter, sharing her dance with me

40. warmth & generosity.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

prayerful

Here's my own prayer bowl courtesy of Girl in a Glass House, what a lovely idea.

In it, my daughter and I have written the names of those we love, those we hold in our hearts, those who touch our lives, we lift to our Father in prayer.

May each be blessed, may each know that the Lord is near.

"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Giving Thanks

quietly,

softly,

His love ministers.

May I have ears enough to hear and eyes enough to see....

21. my daughter singing with abandon in the shower

22. wee knitted Christmas pudding hat! Adorable

23. the smell of freshly baked, buttery, cookies...Mmmm

24. our little dog snoozing in a sliver of afternoon sunshine

25. dinner table devotions

26. pumpkin lasagna, the fruits of Fall

27. times of quiet...spiritual nourishment

28. Edelgard's thoughtfulness, her gentleness

29. my daughter's gift of chocolate

30. leaves that trail and dance behind cars

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30