Week 4 Question:
How do you find peace during this worldly time of hustle and bustle, running around, long to do lists, family and friend parties, etc.? There is joy in the hustle and bustle and get togethers that we wouldn't want to miss, but it so easily can get overwhelming.
I have to say, this has probably been the most peaceful Christmas I can remember! I think this study has a lot to do with that. I have read and learned a lot of great ideas to keep the focus on others this year. It has made things so much more fun and less stressful.
Doing an advent for the kids and for Luke before December 1st really helped me to be organized this year! It has helped so much with keeping the stress level minimal.
We have chosen to give fewer gifts to our kids. We will be giving them each 3 gifts (just like Jesus got 3 gifts), one toy, one book, and I got a deal on a VeggieTales movie for each of them.
Our Christmas shopping is pretty much done!
We made our one out of town trip this past Saturday, so we are close to home the rest of the year!
I plan to start and finish all my wrapping this week. Then I can focus on enjoying family as we have many parties Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the week after Christmas.
Most importantly, keeping the focus on Jesus has kept my mind in a peaceful place. Teaching the kids about Him and hearing them talk about Jesus' birthday fills me with joy!
From the ebook:
"But Mary. Sweet, trusting Mary. The Bible says that she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." While her life couldn't get any more unpredictable, she chose to trust, be still, and fully experience the miracles that God was working all around her.
“And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'" Luke 1:47"
I also have a more personal question. There are some family traditions that are passed on that we love, but may not fit into what we as a young family want to continue. I don't know how to say that nicely. Great traditions, but maybe too much to continue in addition to the new traditions we are making. How do you, shall we say, "Go out with the old, in with the new"?
- Week 4 Monday
- Week 3 Question, Week 3 Monday, Week 3 Tuesday, Week 3 Wednesday, Week 3 Thursday, Week 3 Friday
- Week 1 Activities, Week 2 Question, Week 2 Monday, Week 2 Tuesday, Week 2 Wednesday, Week 2 Thursday, Week 2 Friday
- Introduction, Week 1 Monday, Week 1 Tuesday, Light Reflection, Week 1 Wednesday, Week 1 Thursday, Week 1 Friday
- Advent Study Invite, Advent Study Welcome
1 comment:
Well I am sad we won't be seeing each other at Grandpa Swilor's this year! I am inspired by how you're are making Christmas and your life so Christ centered. It's hard not to carry on certain family tradtions, and not offend people, but I think given time they will understand. And you are so sweet and I am sure you approach things in such a sweet way, they have to know that you are not doing anything to be mean or hurt them, just doing what you feel is right for your family.
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