Tuesday, December 10, 2013

.let every heart prepare him room.


...working on that universal december-balance question

of truly making the most of this month

without hitting that point where it becomes exhausting and defeats the point.


i feel pretty happy with it so far.


i don't feel like i'm doing too much,

but i am trying to have intentional activities 

that make me (and hopefully others) feel happy,

help me love God and remember His coming,

and are fun and festive and Christmasy.


...in the last week...

i made and mailed some Advent love.
thinking about advent was so good for my heart,
i felt all christmas-package-proud of myself for getting to the post office,

and it also filled a Christmas-crafting need (hello, clothespins and twine! why yes i do love pinterest.)





...snowflake-making-to-christmas-songs afternoon with some beloved friends...



what snowflake doesn't look better with some chocolate on it. fo realz.



(can you get enough of this face? i can't. his, not mine.)

 the three year old made it! jk. it was kim.


...enjoying weather that feels like Christmas!!!...






...so much town fun...


like the annual kids' craft sale at the library!

(and please note the hug happening behind them. it made me happy that i got that on camera.
um, i'm not creepy.)



...one of my favorite Newberg nights of the whole year...



with some of my most favorite people (any time of the year)




...advent readings this year: mostly meditating on Christmas carols (seriously), but also enjoying some selections from this again...






...a long wonderful saturday date by a fire...





...actually going into the city like we live near it or something to see the lights...





...an evening of gingerbread house making!...






 ...and starting to decorate my little home. hoping to get the tree up tomorrow!






.hoping for much of that last one, to you and yours.

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.