O God of Elizabeth and Mary,
you visited your servants with news of the world's redemption
in the coming of the Savior.
Make our hearts leap with joy,
and fill our mouths with songs of praise,
that we may announce glad tidings of peace,
and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.
Hope in the Waiting (borrowed from our church bulletin)
Hope is a GIFT that God grows and cultivates in us, especially during this Advent season that emphasizes waiting in times of darkness. Even in situations of suffering and evil, we can ask for an increase in and grow in the virtue of hope.
“Prepare the way of the Lord!” John the Baptist declares in our Sunday reading. To prepare the way is to internally take stock of what we’re trying to keep in the dark away from the transforming power of Christ.
Have hope in the God who wants abundant life for you and wants you running in true freedom, for our God is faithful.
"God had no need to become man; man was already made through Him. It was we who needed God to become man and dwell among us." St. Hilary of Poitiers
Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you. It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today. Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go to the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustration of some difficult relationships. Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.
I realize that I haven't added anything since September!!
It's been a busy fall with 3 births and lots of things happening. Our bathroom remodel is nearly done, phew! We've had visits from family and friends, and squeezed in our last boat ride in October. The water goes down considerably as the TVA has a fall schedule to do that yearly. So, the boat is put away until April.
Our septic tank work is finally done, after a number of missteps along the way. The State inspector for Roane County was glad to get our property off his list for sure! (He had to come back 3 times)
We lost Uncle Jerry in November and there are many memories of him over the years. Here are a few pictures. His funeral service will be next week and I'm sure there will be lots of stories we'll share.
We are off tomorrow to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to drop off our youngest to her freshman year at college. We'll officially be empty nesters. 😄
Marian is almost packed, will be up tonight I'm sure getting it all ready.
Gabriel arrives back in the States today from his 2 week trip in Europe. I'm sure we'll hear all about it when he's home.
Anna has begun her massage therapy school and loves it so far. She also took a part time job at a burger joint to make some extra cash while in school. They love her friendly demeanor and she loves the custard shakes.
