IT'S' MONDAY MORNING... the skies are bright with sunshine.... all is calm, all is still.... (well, all is still except for the Baroque Christmas CD playing in the other room).
Smells of homemade chicken-vegetable soup simmering in the kitchen now wafts past my nose as I sit here, while a vision of
Wee lists for the week are also swirling around in my mind as I get into my day. Notice I said 'wee' lists? Like so many who have indicated in their own blogs, this Miss too is taking joy in slowing the pace and making things simpler and less frantic as we prepare for this most special of seasons.
Yes, we're baking, but only small batches of a few family favourites. Yes, we're shopping, but we're reminded of the Divine feather-thought that floated through my mind a few weeks ago which promised He would make it a toil-less, joyful experience for me because He would take it on Himself to direct my steps so that the right gifts would present themselves when I least expected it. (And it has been so.)
Earlier as I was sipping my morning cup of coffee, I finished the final pages of Shepherds Abiding (Jan Karon), favourite I love to read each year. So much of it makes me remember my own childhood memories of Christmas, so much of it makes me start to feel the awe and wonder all over again of this celebration of the birth of the One who is called Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.
Here are a few of my favourite bits from the book:
"He felt a happy contentment flowing up in him as a spring from a hidden source." (That's exactly what happened to me as described in my previous post when I came home late one evening last week.)
(An excerpt of a song Christmas carollers in the book were singing): "Life up your heads, ye mighty gates; Behold, the King of glory waits: The King of kings is drawing near: The Savior of the world is here!....Fling wide the portals of your heart; Make it a temple, set apart...""When someone loves you, the way they say our name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth..... PS. He calls His sheep by name, and our names are safe in His mouth." (Isn't that precious.. for us personally and for those we call by their names?)"Indeed, it seemed to be the wont of most people in a distracted and frantic world to blast through an experience without savoring it or, later, reflecting upon it."
As for me, I'm with Father Tim on that last quote, when he made the decision that he would not 'blast through' the experience as he worked away at the seeming impossible project of bringing new life to a 'derelick nativity scene' for Cynthia. Time for savoring and reflection.
On that note... I'm off. Wishing you gifts of the heart that bring true Joy today!
Bloggerly hugs,
Must really get that book down from my shelf. I have, at least, located it and that is a start. I love the not blasting through. Time to ponder, time to savor, time to remember why He came in the first place. Happy shopping, Brenda! (May the Lord lead.)
ReplyDeleteI love it when you send us your bits of life at your home.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the quotes, I'm feeling rather sentimental.
Thank you so much for the sweet comment on my blog! I love Jan Karon....so great minds think alike!
ReplyDeleteI''m with you, time to slow down...savor the season!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Jan Karon's books but have never read this one. I NEED to add it to my library thanks to you. ;o)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear others are trying to slow down, especially during this time of year. We really do need to stop and savour the moment and the day.
I have heard about this book before! I think it will go on the list! What a lovely day you are having! Keep it joyous and light!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Dear Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYou've given me a new book to put on my long wish list! :) Thank you for sharing a little of life; slowing down is just the thing this year, isn't it?
Love,
Marqueta
Hi Brenda, Jan Karon is a wonderful author. Years ago I read an article about her in Victoria magazine. It showed a picture of her small, pink, rose covered cottage in North Carolina. I have never forgot how simple and beautiful it was and how content she seemed to be. She seems like a beautiful person inside and out and it shows in her writing. I think when it comes to writing, a person can not fake it. What is in their heart, what they love and feel is what comes down on paper. So many writers today think they have to be hip or edgy to make there work sell. I think ladies likes Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg show us just the opposite, that there are a lot of people out there who are hungry to hear about goodness and virtue. I hope you have a beautiful day ahead! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteI have read and re read those boks so often, and always find something new!
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely ideas again. I love the feather thought from the Father. How wonderful that He saw to it that this would be a peaceful season for you.
ReplyDeleteI love the quote about not rushing through things and not savoring them. I love to savor the memories. I ponder over and over again the wonder of family and of love that comes from it. And I ponder the little whispers that the Father sends my way.
nice post! thanks for sharing friend...happy holidays...
ReplyDeleteThis post is just what I needed tonight. Jan Karon and you both blessed my heart with your words. I do want to savor every minute of this beautiful season.
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