If you’ve faced a disappointment or two this week, know a disappointment is simply His appointment for something better. And if that regret or sorrow staring at you is disappointment in yourself, know that God does not shake his head at you or believe you’re barely tolerable. He gathers you close, assuring you His love leaps over and past your mistakes. And may you know that while this world spins dizzy with devastation, the news of Advent won’t be halted: Jesus is coming. And His ways win all-ways.
Enjoy your weekends, dear friends.
Some fresh-air links for you:
Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog Shop to your heart’s content and not feel guilty for doing so! A real favorite for my family and me.
The Hard Truth About Real Love by Shannan Martin. Because she writes so beautifully of things that rumble around inside me, like this: “It’s December now, and my doubts haven’t wrung themselves out. My part in the scheme of Emmanuel still feels paltry sometimes, like a day-old tease. He came to be with us and hoped we’d follow him into this withness that cuts to the heart of things.” Really poignant post.
Celebrating St. Nicholas, the Real Santa Claus: My children may be two teens and a tween, but each kiddo *still* receives one gift from St. Nick. We’ve always found that inviting this tradition to our December enhances it and doesn’t take a single thing away from celebrating the Birthday Boy.
This post by Tsh was published a couple years ago, and I re-read it this week. Inside, she offers a history lesson on the life of the real Santa Claus–St. Nicholas–and some easy ways you can celebrate this man who generously gave in the name of Christ.
When You Need to Lower Your Expectations this Christmas by yours truly for (in)courage. I’ve been known to burden Christmas with all kinds of magical expectations, and this my reminder to keep Christmas blessedly simple. After all, it’s about a baby born in a humble manger, when Hope for the hopeless lit up the world. If all I do is help ensure my family remembers this, then we have all the magic we need.
7 (Free!) Christmas Gifts No One Will Want to Return by yours truly again. Anyone would be thrilled to get one of these gifts that cost nothing but mean everything.
Kristen,
No big disappointments this week, but do have disappointments/regrets over past mistakes & work issues. Wondering if I made wise decisions. Praise God He doesn’t give up on us or think we’ve totally blown it. He still loves us and rejoices over us with singing!
Blessings 🙂