November 23, 2008 - Advent Thoughts |
I always sip my morning tea in this room. The chairs are comfy here, and it's a good place to pray.
Today, as the rising sun filtered through the newly leafless trees, I admired the early light
as it played across our family's liturgical calendar. Advent begins next Sunday, and I find myself filled
with fresh joy and longing for the holy season of preparation. The rich traditions that Advent brings to our family life grow more important to me each year. And this year, for many personal reasons, I feel a particular deep and child-like wonder. I feel a sense of connection and peace in my life that is beyond my poor ability to describe it. Instead, I'll offer you a short list of little treasures that are inspiring me this season.
I pray that these might increase your joy, too.
This lovely sermon by our own dear Rector. It's a heartfelt reminder of the real motivation behind any small service that Christians do for others-- to see the face of Christ in that person. This is especially true as it applies to our spouses. There was not a dry eye in the church yesterday as Fr. Timothy's voice choked with emotion when he spoke about his own wife and his great love of serving her.
Operation Christmas Child-- The children and I delighted in wrapping our boxes with bright paper and prayers for the little ones who will open them.
Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan-- The soundtrack of our busy days-- every single track is breathtakingly gorgeous. I especially love her version of "River" by Joni Mitchell.
The Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas by Bill McKibben
I'm looking forward to sharing a potluck supper and discussing this book with a group of friends next week.
And, as "Black Friday" approaches...
Perhaps the problem is that we don't know what the meaning of
this holiday, of Jesus' pushing into the world, is.
If we did, we wouldn't have to worry about consumerism;
if we knew what the Incarnation meant, we'd be so preoccupied with awe
that we wouldn't notice all the shopping.
Lauren F. Winner, Girl Meets God
Joyfully Yours,
Ann
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| * Would You Like To Comment? |
November 25, 2008 - I love that liturgical calendar! |
| Posted by Anonymous |
That is truly lovely! Did you make it yourself (I'm guessing)?
I am not registered on this site, so I come up as Anonymous, but my name is Lucille :-)
isjalu0826.AT.yahoo.DOT.com |
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November 26, 2008 - Dear Lucille, |
| Posted by mozart |
My husband made the calendar out of wood. I remember him tracing a cardboard pizza circle to get the overall size just right. He painted it with acrylic paints, and after it was dry, he added the divisions to mark each Sunday with a black Sharpie pen. Finally the whole calendar got a coat of acrylic sealer. The pointer rotates clockwise on a simple nut and bolt attached to the back. He carved that pointer from a wooden ruler-- quite the resourceful guy, that one! :-)
xoxo Ann |
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December 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by Anonymous |
'River' is also my favourite on that cd that is our Christmas choice as well (along with Bruce Cockburn's Christmas album).
Have a lovely Christmas,
Kristie |
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These are the reflections and plans of a family trying to live simply, with gratitude and God's fresh graces every day. + + You are warmly welcomed to our Episcopal homeschool. + + +
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All original photography and text by Ann L. Collins, copyright 2005-2009. Feel free to link to this site. For any other use please request permission by email. Thank you.
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