The Intentional Life

ad·vent   ( d v nt ) n. 1. The coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important         a. The liturgical period preceding Christmas, beginning in Western churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and in Eastern churches in mid-November, and observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence. b. Christianity The coming of Jesus at the Incarnation. c. Christianity The Second Coming. Advent.  I knew what it meant, just wanted to see how the dictionary defined it. As I would define it:   the anticipation of Jesus' arrival -  the arrival of the celebration of His birth, the arrival of His Grace as we seek Him in repentance, and the 'someday-arrival' of His Second Coming. Guess there is a whole lot of anticipation wrapped up in that definition. I mentioned at one point how Christmas feels different these last few years.  I thought it had to do with getting older, but now I am sure it has

For the first time in 12 years, I was with my family on Thanksgiving (we are usually with Paul's side of the family).  But, we were on duty.  So the only way to make it happen was for everyone to come out way (thank you!)  We missed my sis, her husband, and their two cute kiddos who couldn't make it. But we still filled the table, and had a beautiful, thankfilled, tiring day.  Our 22+ lb turkey, raised by Paul and the kids (but not butchered by us!)  They're pilgrim hats...really.  Just ask my mom.

The Lord Is My Shepherd A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters .   He restores my soul . He leads me in paths of righteousness      for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,      I will fear no evil, for you are with me ;       your rod and your staff,      they comfort me . You prepare a table before me      in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil ;      my cup overflows . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me      all the days of my life , and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. So much of this Psalm is speaking to me right now.  Right where I am at. There are so many things that I am thankful for.  And I know every single one comes down from the Father of the heavenly lights ( James 1:17 ).  But  scripture says it so much better.   And all of that typed up

Paul tells us in Corinthians that now we see through a glass darkly. So, maybe I will always have this skewed vision this side of heaven.  This struggle to see Jesus clearly. But lately it's leaving me floundering, stumbling. It's so easy to get our life's purpose out of focus.  It's so easy to think it's about us.  It's about my comforts.  My needs. Tuesday night I have the joy of hearing this live. rendcollective.com And maybe it was the atmosphere.  Maybe being surrounded by the music, experiencing it.  But it's like I was hearing the words for the first time....again. It was a great reminder for me, for when my vision focuses on something other than Christ. My vision should be Jesus only.  Because only HE satisfies.  My best thought throughout any day or night is Him.  He is my wisdom and my truth.  My battle-shield and sword for the fight.  My shelter and strong tower.  I don't need money or human acceptance, because God has my in

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This was a post from last Veteran's Day, but it is still my thoughts today.  __________________________________________________________ I don't know too many people personally that have gone to war for me. Although I do have some family members who have served in the armed forces. Cousins. Uncles. Grandpa. My dad. I think that is that one that strikes me the most.  Even though my dad didn't know me yet as he signed up to go fight a war. To leave family and security behind. To trade it for nightmarish reminders and medical affliction that still plague him today. I don't know all the reasons behind why he signed up.  But I believe he was wanting to see freedom for others who did not have it.  Freedom that he enjoyed here in America. He went, along with many, many others to fight a controversial war. I don't know many details.  As one could guess, my dad doesn't share too many of the stories of his time oversees in uniform.  But that'

I have been thankful for the fast friendship that Hannah has made this year already in Kindergarten. Almost from day 1 she has been coming home and talking about her friend Vivi.  She has talked about her daily and has even written numerous books in which "Hannah" and "Vivi" are the main character.  As more information has unfolded from Hannah, it sounded like Vivi came from a missionary family.  I wasn't sure if they were returning or going, and neither was Hannah. Well, tonight there was an event at school and I got to meet Vivi's mom.  She told us that their family is in the process of going and are hoping to leave....the week after Thanksgiving. A little bit of my heart ached right there for Hannah.  I know she is young, and there will be more friendships, but I was so glad to see Hannah make a friend. (I think I am projecting some of my feelings about my own past and the striving to make friendships, and how hard it was.  But this post isn'

I think that I may have to vote October as my most favorite month.  I think the fact that Fall is in full swing and it's absent of the holiday bustle (although it threatens to encroach more each year). The school routine has found it's rhythm. You can still go outside some days with just jeans and a T-shirt. The sky is a richer blue, the smell of burning leaves or bonfire on the breeze, bright sunshine and cool air.  Mmmmm, yep, my vote is October. Looking back through the pictures I took, October kept us hopping.  A weekend visiting family in Ohio, running our marathon/ half-marathon, celebrating Owen's 7th birthday, relishing a visit from my newest niece (oh, and my sis and nephew too), and wrapping the month up with a Harvest Party. Love you, October, see you next year.  Falling asleep on the couch.  I don't know why, but it's cute every time.  This girl cracks me up every day.  This time she was setting everyone up to "watch a movie