Practically Preparing

Thunder in the desert!
   "Prepare for God's arrival!
Make the road straight and smooth,
   a highway fit for our God.
Fill in the valleys,
   level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
   clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
   and everyone will see it.
   Yes. Just as God has said.

Isiah 40:3, The Message

The last two days have been partly spent gathering up all our boxed Christmas decorations, and gathering my wits for the upcoming celebrations. Preparing. I'm finding what is where. I'm washing Christmas linens. I'm pulling cards out of storage from last year's sale. I'm checking for any supplies that are needed. I'm picturing what is to come. I'm hoping. Then I'm boxing everything back up into storage. I'm waiting.

On Christmas eve, we will pull out these boxes and put up all of our decorations--tree, lights, candles, mugs, EVERYTHING. Last year, since the little man was so little, he woke up the next morning to a decorated house. This year, he will help us. I can't wait. 

There is such a peace of mind knowing that when the time comes, I'm prepared to celebrate. The desire is huge. Even preparing takes time, clarity, and simplifying. It makes me hungry for that feast!

Practically Speaking: Colorful reminders

We have a new tradition this year for Thanksgiving. Like old-fashioned paper Christmas chains, our Thanksgiving chains are draped in seasonal colors cut from old scrap book paper. Writing a word, or very simple idea, we are listing people, things, ideas, or experiences for which we are thankful. This has been an ongoing journey for several days, and has made a special remembrance chain of how God has provided perfectly for us. This is a satisfying keepsake that we will add to for years to come, and perhaps use the idea again in coming holidays.

Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.  

--The Message, Deuteronomy 11:18