Advent ~ A Blessed Opportunity

Advent is the chance to review our lives and change our ways to make sure that there is nothing that can interfere with our relationship with our Savior. As we decorate our homes we can also decorate our souls with the knowledge of the Reason for the season and we can make sure that His presence in our lives is not rejected. We can make sure to live our lives in happy anticipation of His arrival everyday.

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. ~ Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

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

~ Translated from Latin by
John Mason Neale
1851

Reminding Myself To Be Thankful For The Simple Things In Life

This Thanksgiving I am reminded of the most simple things in life that really are such special Blessings. And along with that I am trying to simplify my life.
I've worked in a classroom of Kindergarten children a few years back, and the joy they found in tackling the simplest of tasks, or the excitement that was generated from the simple things found out in the schoolyard (a rock, a puddle, bugs, etc.) was so contagious, and now I see that same joy and excitement in my grandchildren as they discover this wonderful world God made.
And the blind faith these children have in God and in those they love is always inspiring.
I'm trying to capture that spirit of simple joy and blind faith.

And Jesus called a little child to Him, and set him in the midst of them.
And said, "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." ~ Matthew 18:2-3

I love the simple prayers of children and one of my most favorites is one my children were taught in their early years at school and that they recited before eating:

God Is Great
God Is Good
Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.

And one I've been saying lately to Jayden each morning as he leaves for school is:

May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from another.

(I can't credit the authors because I haven't been able to find them in my search. If anyone knows I'd appreciate you leaving the name in your comment!)

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

Saddened, Confused, Burdened

Whenever I hear of these senseless, violent acts of hatred I feel very much saddened, confused, and burdened.
My mind, my heart, and my prayers are with the victims of Fort Hood, Texas and their families.
There have been too many senseless, violent acts of hatred in this world. And I've had enough of senseless violent acts of hatred to last me a lifetime. Unfortunately, I doubt I've witnessed my last.
It's an unsafe world we live in, and it makes me sad for our children and our grandchildren.


In Peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. ~ Psalm 4:8


"God Incarnate is the end of fear; and the heart that realizes that He is in the midst, that takes heed to the assurance of His Loving Presence, will be quiet in the midst of alarm." ~ F.B. Meyer