|
|
|
|
Happy December, everyone! For most of us, this year has slowed down tremendously, but I still can't believe it is December already. As we transition from pumpkins and fall foliage to twinkling lights and manger scenes, may we not neglect the practice of gratitude in every season.
|
The time leading up to Christmas is often referred to as Advent. The word advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, which means "coming" or "arrival". Just as a child waits with eager anticipation for Christmas morning, so we, as believers, approach the birth of Jesus with joyful remembrance. Our salvation is a result of Jesus coming to earth to become our substitutionary lamb. It also points to the time when Christ will return again and the eager hope we live with until that day.
|
|
With the help of my daughter's art, I have created some advent Scripture cards. You can download them here. I hope you will use them to be intentional about worshipping God this holiday season through remembering the importance of Jesus' birth. Remembering leads to gratitude for the gift of salvation offered to each one of us. Let us not forget that even in 2020 this alone is cause for rejoicing. Merry Christmas to each one of you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In case you missed it, here are some links to my latest posts:
|
|
|
|
If you missed any previous newsletters and want to check them out, you can go to the member archive and view past issues. The archive also holds the Psalm 119 study and Hebrews 10 lesson. If you find anything here that you think would encourage someone else, please consider sharing and inviting them to subscribe. If you read an article on the blog you want to share, just click the social media icons on the right hand corner! This is a great way to support me and hopefully help others!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My favorite things this month:
|
|
|
|
- Our friend's daughter wrote a children's book to raise money for Manna Worldwide. I have four free copies. If you have a child in your life and want to teach them about giving, let me know and I will send a copy to the first 4 who ask.
- Tiny Christmas trees! I recreated this Pinterest pin and love my little tree farm. :)
- Three-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes! This is a special treat at holiday meals because the amount of cheese and cream that makes this so rich and creamy is definitely meant for moderation. :) My grandpa Stearns loved this dish, and I miss making it for him and grandma, but I think of them every time I enjoy it!
- Being able to participate in communion in a Covid-safe way at church to begin this advent season of remembering why Christ came and what he did on our behalf!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber Spotlight!
|
|
|
|
Shelley Metzger is the owner of TinyStitchesJewelry where she creates handmade jewelry for every occasion. Her Etsy shop features pierced and clip-on earrings as well as a wide variety of colors in each style.
|
|
Thank you, Shelley, for being a subscriber and supporter of my blog/writing! Go check out her store!
|
|
|
|
***If you would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming issue, send me a short bio and picture to share through e-mail. I would love to connect you to our community of readers!
|
|
|
|
Best Monthly Read:
|
|
|
|
|
Niki writes about how to not only survive through the hardships of life, but to thrive. She writes with humor and authenticity as someone who has experienced many deep losses and a personal cancer diagnosis. One of the phrases that stood out to me was that "life doesn't have to be pain-free to be full". She talks about how hard seasons don't have to be isolated from joy, peace, trust, and even laughter. God is the same through it all. Good stuff!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Links to Good Things Worth Sharing:
|
|
|
A final note of encouragement:
|
|
We are facing the end of the year and the beginning of the holiday season, and with that, there are many reasons for celebration and gratitude as well as concern and sorrow. This season can remind us of those we have lost, cause nostalgic sadness, seasonal depression, financial stress, and continued isolation. But I believe we can experience both joy and sorrow as humans and new creations. Christ makes this possible; to be renewed with joy in the midst of sorrow through praise, worship, and gratitude to God.
|
|
If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf.
|
|
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
