The advent of Advent

The advent of Advent.  That’s what happened in my life this month.

I know, you’re thinking, “Emily, Advent is over--why are you blogging about it NOW?”

I’m talking about it now because this is the first time I’ve actually celebrated Advent… ever.  I am blogging about it now because I can look back on the last month in surprise.

Christmas has always been a happy time for me--at least a time when I wanted it to LOOK happy.  It’s quite a frenzy, trying to listen to all the music I want to hear, do the things I want to do, feel the feelings I want to feel.  And then on December 26th, I look back and wonder why I wasn’t as fulfilled as I should have been… wanted to be… and why I was left with a feeling of longing.  A feeling of "meh."

I decided to celebrate Advent because we were celebrating it as a church, not because I thought it could deal with those "meh" feelings.  I didn't know how to celebrate Advent, to be very honest with you.  Because of that, I ended up finding an Advent calendar template online and started filling it out on the first day of Advent in November.  You know those cardboard Advent calendars with the waxy chocolate inside?  You open up one door for every day and you’ve got a little treat inside!  This is the opposite of that.  Each day of Advent is blank… until you take some time out to pause and fill it in.

Every day I found a verse or a chapter in the Bible that talked about Jesus, or about the emotion surrounding the wait for Him prior to His advent into our lives.

Do you know what Advent and filling out that little calendar did for me?

It made me pause.  It made me reflect.  It gave me permission to feel everything I was trying to stuff down before.  My first entry was an entry of yearning, wanting more.  Why?  Because the world was waiting for its King and Savior.  And if the whole world felt yearning and waiting for more, I suppose it was OK for me to feel things like that, too.

Today is December 26th.  Yes, there were things I wanted to do this Christmas that I didn’t get done, and yes, I missed the traditions of Christmas past that I didn’t get to celebrate this year.  However…  I feel more fulfilled.  I’m not as nostalgic.  I’m ready to tackle 2015 head on, and meet some of the goals I talked about last week.

I’m grateful for Advent because I feel more like ME after Christmas.  And I’m looking forward to learning more new rhythms of Advent in 2015, as I wait for the ultimate advent of Jesus' return.

In Which I Thank Everyone Who Has Been Praying...

Every so often in life, someone will mention, "I've been praying for you."  It gives you a little lift in your spirit.  A gratefulness that someone cares enough to spend their time on YOU--not anything else... Just carrying you to the arms of Jesus.

For me, it happened a lot when my sister was sick.  People in church or at work would stop me and tell me that they were praying for my family.

Lately, however, I have been awed by the people who have given of their hearts and minds and time to lift me up in prayer.  I've had people approaching me with words from God, specific Scripture that came to mind while they were praying for me... a friend just mentioned last night that she found a little trinket for me and though she hasn't given it to me yet, she keeps it in sight so that she prays for me every time she sees it.  People who should be focused on their own issues or families or lives are giving me a gift that surpasses all material gifts...

You, my friends, are investing in my life in ways you may never know.  You are encouraging me.  You are propelling me forward.  You are believing in me when I may not believe in myself.

Pastor Peter talked about giving this weekend... about how we should all be generous givers--because as we aim to be more like God in action and heart and love, we become more generous givers.  You all are sharing the love of God in a way that makes me so grateful, I cannot even express it.  And no one is asking it of you.

Thank you for the Christmas blessing, friends.  For the surprise words and love.  Each one of you is cherished and appreciated.  You know who you are, even better than I know.  Much love to you.


(By the way...  I'm going through some changes here...  As I'm bumbling along in life, God is changing my heart--which is why my blog is changing a bit.  Don't worry... it's still me.)

A Simple Christmas

Christmas-time is here.

I have to admit--it's one of my favorite times of the year.  This year, however, is interesting in my house... I actually have the TIME to decorate, but I don't feel like doing it.  I've got my tree up with some lights and ornaments, stockings are hung, and a few Christmasy signs have replaced what normally hangs on my wall.  That's it, though... And that might STAY it.

I'm OK with that.  This year feels less about the decorations and ornaments and more about pressing in to the presence of God.  I've prayed more this month than I've ever prayed in my life.  I've had fun opportunities to serve Jesus in very practical ways.  I've slowed down on LIFE a bit.

It's good.  It's really good.

The ornaments on my tree, for the most part, are ones that mean something to me.  I see gifts from family on there.  The little book about the Christmas teddy bear I used to read every year as a kid.  A gondolier whose arms and legs flap around when you pull the string; a gift from when my parents went to Italy.  Baby's First Christmas (that'd be mine!).  A red knitted/beaded ball my little sister made.  Gifts from other siblings.  And the light hits a ceramic Santa face at just the right angel, I could swear he's smiling at me.  That's one that I made for my grandma, the collector of all things Santa, before she passed away...  Six years and one week ago.  It's hard to believe it's been that long.

Simple is good this Christmas.  When I look at my tree, I feel LOVE.  And that's the reason we're celebrating, anyway... isn't it?  Because God so LOVED the world that He sent us Jesus?  Jesus' first Christmas wasn't decorated either.  His only fancy light was a bright star heralding His arrival.  His only soundtrack was what the angels declared to the shepherds.

So this year, as I'm celebrating a simple Christmas, filled with love (and laughter, and a bit of Les Miserables!)... I'm even more thankful for the very first, very best Christmas gift.  Let's all pause... and give thanks.

A Contest!!!

All right everyone... it's time to get your cameras or cell phones out... we're about to have a Christmas contest of our own - right here on this blog!!! This contest is what I'll call: Crazy Christmas Lights!

You know those houses that you drive by at this time of hear and just KNOW that Santa vomited up all those blinky lights set to music? You know the decorations that are up that make you look twice? You know those houses that you just have to stop and stare... because of the beauty of the lights? THOSE are what want! I'm embracing Christmas lights and decorations this year... Usually, Santa vomit makes ME want to vomit... this year?? BRING. IT. ON.

Your job -
- send me a picture of a house that you've seen (or that is your own!)
- if you're in my area and don't want to take a picture, send me the address and I'll try to swing by one night!

What are the specific categories? What will the winners get? Probably nothing... nothing except the joy of knowing you won. ;) But do it anyway--it's fun!!!!!


Want an example? Check out last year's winner!

1st Annual Worst Christmas Lights Contest

So the other night I was driving around my neighborhood and found a house that made me want to begin a new tradition... Thurston County's worst Christmas lights. I wish I could give you all the glory of this house... Parts of it move. It plays music. It twinkles and flashes and shimmers. Each individual part would make a nice decoration. Together? Santa, Mrs. Santa, and Elf vomit. (If this is your house, I'm sorry... but really? Wow...)

Here's the first shot (sorry they're not completely straight... to get the right setting on my camera, it had to be completely still. Apparently my car door is not parallel to the ground, lol.):

Take it in. Breathe in the wonderfulness. ;) A wee bit closer and you can really see the blow-ups not onlyin the yard, but also in the driveway, the TWO projections above the garage... the red "snow" on the roof above the fiery star. There are SO MANY Santas. Looking at it now, I wonder if there are 2 pink flamingos in the front - there was so much I just missed it all. Can you hear the music? "Up on the rooftop..."
Lest we forget the little bit of yard on THIS side... there are two carousel-like blow-ups over here. And more shimmering...
And, amid all the Santas and elves and Frostys... You can see Mary and Joseph hanging at the North Pole. NICE. THIS is what Christmas is all about folks.

Christmas Music

Today I listened to Christmas music for the first time this season. Now don't all start groaning at once... I love Christmas music and the way it completely refreshes my soul. There's one album in particular though... Its called Winterfall--and its my favorite. From the first three notes I'm hooked.. Transported to a world world where God and family are king and troubles fought by the sounds of laughter and joy. Hope rules this music; hope and peace... From the memories it evokes to the Savior it celebrates.

No, I know it's not Christmas yet. But... Will you rejoice with me? Just a little?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from my sisters and I! :)

And hear the words again, "FEAR NOT"

FYI - Will on drums, Caleb on guitar.