Another day of thanksgiving

Sunday morning, I was excited to think of sharing that I was grateful my #30daysofthanksgiving ended on the first day of Advent. 

I was going to reflect on the days I was grateful even though I didn’t take a picture or post on social media.

Instead, at the end of a very good day, I was feeling more overwhelmed than grateful. 

About 11 pm, after trying to figure out my #30day pic & which Advent lesson plan to use, I paused to pray. I prayed to be still & be real. To feel. I lifted up concerns. 

And the clearest answer I received was to let it go. Quit striving to tie up loose ends of November or figure out what to do next. Let it go. Don’t fret about posting on social. Let it go. 

So, I took a deep breath & let it go. This wasn’t my idea, my will or my way. It was an act of faith. 

I woke up today aware of the need to continue to pray & trust God & act in faith — even when (especially when!) that means letting go of … 

I pray for willingness & ability.   

My hope & trust is in God. 

#ichoosejoy 

#hope  

#love

#peace

Advent begins in darkness …

(Light a candle of hope.)

The excerpt below that I posted on Facebook from an YouVersion Bible app reading plan is another step in helping me slow down & listen for God as I transition from the month of thanksgiving into Advent & preparing my heart for Christmas.  I am grateful.

Advent begins in darkness. 

The world is groaning. We long for peace, righteousness & justice. We acknowledge the horrible reality of sin in the world. We stand in need of a Savior.

It’s easy for us to think of Advent as simply a memorialization of Jesus’ birth … 

Rather, Advent historically was a preparation for the second coming of Christ.

…

Advent isn’t just our countdown to Christmas; it is our standing firm in darkness, waiting for the glorious transformation of our world thru the power of the Holy Spirit.

The theme of Advent is not Here comes Jesus to be born, it's: the world is in darkness, & the Judge is coming. 

In this way, Advent looks beyond all history & into eternity, when Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living & the dead.

Where do I long for God’s justice in the world? (End of war, evil, suffering, hunger.)

What do I hope for? (Peace, love, hope, joy) 

#ichoosejoy 

#hope  

#love

#peace