Third Sunday of Advent

For the third week of Advent, we’re making our way to the story of Samuel’s anointing of David as the next king. For Sunday, we’ll read this story from the Jesus Storybook Bible, because Sally Lloyd Jones makes it easy for children understand that David wasn’t the logical choice. Still, God revealed through Samuel that David had what God’s people needed.

In keeping with our theme of gifts, we’ll go around the table, saying what gifts we see in each member of our family. I’m sure it will require extra support for the youngest, but she’ll have three models before her turn comes. We’ll write these down and frame them as reminders of the gifts God has equipped us with. The kids like glue, so we’ll take a little time to decorate the frames, too.

Ready, Set, GOALS!

New Year’s Resolutions get a bad rap because of our tendency to give up or forget about them by February. Still, I find something hopeful in the chance to try again, to imagine how you’d like to be and what you’d like to do in the next year.

More often than not, I set goals and make plans that are all about how I’M going to accomplish something. All by myself. Because I don’t need anyone else. But here’s an idea I’ve been testing lately. 

By now, most of us are familiar with a basic goal-ing template.

1.    Write down your goal.

2.    Break it into smaller steps.

3.    Set a date for when you’d like to accomplish each step.

If you’re feeling brave, there’s one more thing to do. 

Next to each goal or even each step, write down who your partner(s) will be.

For me, it’s no small thing. I don’t like asking for help or acknowledging that I can’t do everything alone. Stating my needs doesn’t come naturally. Vulnerability makes me sweaty. 

I’m doing it anyway.

Partners can take many forms. For example, I’ve set a goal to complete a draft of a historical novel in 2020. I’ll need many partners for that single goal. 

• my husband-protecting my writing time 

• my critique group-motivation and feedback

• the Women Writing the West organization-resources for research and standards

Asking for their help doesn’t take away from what I’ll accomplish. It won’t diminish my satisfaction. 

It will keep me humble and increase the likelihood that I’ll meet my goals.

Do you have big goals for 2020? Who will be your partners?

Second Sunday of Advent

During the second week of Advent, we’ll continue to focus on the gifts or grace that God provides, even (especially?) in the midst of trials. We’ve spent the week leading up to the  Isrealites’ slavery, the Passover, and Exodus. We’ll focus on their time in the dessert and how God provided manna when they were sure they’d starve. 

Our church building is located near an intersection that is frequented by people in need. The elementary-aged Bible class maintains a “Little Pantry.” It’s similar to a Free Little Library, but with nonperishable food instead of books. As a family, we’ll review the list of items needed to keep the pantry stocked and head to the store. We’ll deliver the items and say a prayer for all those who might be wandering, both physically and spiritually. 

New Year's Retreat

It’s no secret that I live in a family of nerds. Our library cards are treasured possessions, we go to conferences for fun, and we get excited about going to bed early. On the list of nerd things my husband and I do is to take a New Year’s Retreat. You may be imagining us at a spa or romantic get-away, but that wouldn’t be nerdy enough.

It’s more of a progressive café tour that includes a LOT of lists.

We spend the day going from one local coffee shop to another reflecting on the past year: what we loved, what we didn’t, what we’re proud of and what we’re not. We look at the goals we set last year and how they turned out. Then we turn our attention to the upcoming year. We set new goals, then mark our calendars to reflect those goals.

 It’s one of my favorite days of the year. My husband and lists are two things that make me feel secure in a world full of unpredictability.

Shout out to my in-laws who stay with the kids on that day!

How will you mark the end of a year (and decade!) and the beginning of a new one?

First Sunday of Advent

For the first Sunday of Advent, I’ll have new pajamas* for my kids to unwrap. I’ll use this to kick off the theme of “gifts” and to make a connection to the Bible story. 

We’ll read the story of creation and of Adam and Eve and the fruit, but our primary focus will be on what happens afterward. We all know from Sunday school about their exile from the garden, but for so long, I missed the part where God clothes them. God is just, andhe is merciful. 

We’ll consider again how warm and comfy their new pajamas are, and then consider the people we pass on the street who may be cold. We’ll spend the rest of our time preparing packs to give away to people experiencing homelessness during the winter.  

*Bonus hack: Around this time of year, many schools have “pajama day.” Last year’s warm-and-appropriate-enough-to-wear-in-public-pajamas tend to be too small, so this is a great way to get prepared.