I've missed you. If you haven't been following me on my Facebook page I recommend it because I've been trying to post. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/beautygoodtrue/
Just hit "Like"
I have some giveaways coming so you don't want to miss them.
Alright on to Advent. Advent means Coming. We prepare for His coming, both to celebrate His birth and to remember His second coming. Week 1 is a reflection on Hope. We are waiting for the fulfillment of our hope. Thanks be to God there is hope.
Friends I didn't grow up Catholic as many of you know, so coming up with ways our family can celebrate Advent and hold the Christmas celebration to the Christmas season has involved a lot of research. It's been a growing experience but we've got our special journey to Advent wreath out and our nativity sans wise men and baby Jesus and we have made the attempt. We haven't listened to Christmas music in our home or cars but haven't avoided places playing it out. We would be hermits if we did. We have enjoyed letting our hearts prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts and home. We've kept the TV off and really been good for our family to unplug and take a break. We have tried to light our wreath each night but I can be honest and tell you a few nights I've been so tired from work I didn't take the time. We have been praying and seeking and friends I started my paleo journey last Sunday.
Paleo?
Yes this girl is trying it out. I did a lot of research to see medically and scientifically is it worth it? I think it's a great thing to pick up in Advent as I deny myself. It hasn't been easy, friends I wasn't eating the best possible that I could prior to this but in our family it has been a gift. As the cookies start to come out all around us, I've been able to say no. It's made me more aware of how often I was choosing the easy thing which wasn't best, and how it really isn't as tough as I thought it was to eat well. We have had some of the yummiest food in the last week and I've made it. We haven't eaten out as much, which in turn saved us money. We haven't indulged but have practiced temperance. I won't be on paleo forever but I do think its helped me to find a lot of foods I like and choose the best choice. I have yet to have anything that isn't paleo approved and I hope to keep it that way through Advent. By God's grace I can do it. There is hope for me in His grace friends.
St. Teresa of Avila wrote in Interior Castles "This body has one fault, that the more people pamper it, the more its wants are made known. It is strange how much it likes to be indulged. How well it finds some good pretext to deceive the poor soul!" Remembering this helps me not to cheat. I know if I have one thing...I'll just want more and before I know it paleo will be dead. So I'm going to establish new habits. If I can do it you can too. Trust me it's not easy with my busy work schedule and long commute to work but I have hope that all my efforts will be worth it.
Friends I don't share my journey with Paleo and Advent to brag about what I'm doing. No, in all I hope to bring glory to Christ. I share to encourage you to think about what you can do big or small to offer to God during this time. We prepare for both the birth of Christ and His second coming in this advent season. This season has been lovely. It's really grown my heart. I'm currently reading Jesus of Nazareth by Benedict and friends if you haven't read it RUN, go get it. It is amazing. It's not just for Catholics my protestant friends will love it too. Check it out here http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nazareth-Baptism-Jordan-Transfiguration/dp/1586171984 (not an affiliate link just saved you a google search).
I hope this Advent season has touched your heart, and if not start today. Make an effort to prepare the way of the Lord in your heart this season. Let us cry "Come Emmanuel" before we sing Joy to the World. Let us ask why we celebrate and reflect on that before we just jump in.
The gospel reading from Friday Morning touched my heart so much.
Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “according to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
Friends in this season I ask that the Son of David open my eyes and heal me. I believe He can do this and I ask Him for healing physically, spiritually and mentally. I pray for this for you friends too. I ask that our loving Savior touch your eyes. He is our hope friends. His love for us is great and He always answers if you call on Him. I'm calling on Him for you. Share with me if I can be offering up for any specific prayer requests either through my Facebook page, comments or you can e-mail me at beautifulgoodtrue@gmail.com. Please keep my husband and I in your prayers as well.
May God bless you and keep you.
<3
No comments:
Post a Comment