Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7



Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Random Observations and a Few Deep Thoughts





Time to catch up with you on what's been going on in my house.

Injuring one's back three days before Christmas sets one's priorities very straight. I'm recovering slowly, but have slowed down considerably in these post Christmas days. Fortunately I got done what I wanted to get done before Christmas, but was forced to sit often enough to really enjoy the season. It's sad, though, that a physical injury was necessary for that to happen. As I begin to feel a little better each day it certainly puts into perspective those days all year (fortunately the vast majority) when I feel perfectly fine. As I have in the past three years (and thus far not successfully so), I resolve this next year to be kinder to my body.




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Fourteen is the perfect age for a boy to get a drum set. Yes, we now possess a drum set. And a very happy 14-year-old boy. Lessons to begin after Christmas.





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Eight years old is the perfect age for a girl to receive a camera...if you want pictures of everyone's nostrils.



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Faith is a necessity at Christmas. Not that you need me to tell you that.



Some new ornaments on the tree:




 


 Also necessary for Christmas are adult sons who are still silly enough to sing and dance in Santa hats.



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I know that it's not just me that is prompted by all that Christmas brings to turn toward thoughts (and actions when possible) of organization and decluttering. I am not certain, for myself, if it is the mess that is brought by packages and family gatherings, or the money spent on Christmas that that causes me to think of a life lived with less stuff (though I must say I think we spent less on Christmas this year than any year in recent history).

Maybe it is thoughts of the Christ Child, coming into our world to two parents who it is said had  nothing but a donkey and the clothes on their backs (though the three gifts from the kings certainly helped set up shop in Egypt). After Christmas each year, I ache for simple, almost monastic surroundings. I want to get rid of all the clutter (not that which just arrived, but all of it -- every knick knack, every item which breaks the clean top of every surface). I want to live poorly. Odd, isn't it? Though we are not by any stretch rich, I feel so rich this time of year that I yearn for poverty. Contrary, aren't I?

For the next month or so I intend to attempt to live just that life -- eating simply, keeping my days as uncomplicated and quiet as possible (I'm not certain where drum lessons will fit into the latter), not spending money on any unnecessary "things," even using words sparingly -- no unnecessary chatter. All these things I feel called to do, though I have no idea why. I'm certain that God will make it apparent in time.

If you notice an absence here, just know that I am accomplishing my goal. And know that time not spent here is likely spent in prayer or quiet listening  -- there's just no way to go wrong there.

Enjoy your Christmas season and New Year celebrations,  dear friends.



8 comments:

  1. Sigh. QUIET is something I wish I could have, but probably won't, with a 5 year old and a two year old. But that's okay. Simplicity we work on every day. Hope you are well soon!

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  2. Quiet is a good thing indeed. Prayers that the silence you create in your home and heart will be fruitful!

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  3. Bless you, Barb...and may God continue to heal your body, so that you may do the soul work He desires of us all!

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  4. Hmmm, I have no words to add. Isn't that funny? I hope your back is better soon and you find the silence and simplicity refreshing.

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  5. Elisa,
    I remember the day, and still having an eight year old, I understand how difficult it is to achieve silence. It is o.k., however, to ask for quiet. Children can learn to to hush -- I have a real chatterbox here to prove it. ;-)

    Thank you, Barb. I'll probably have to wait for next week to really work at any true silence, but I can wait.

    Thank, Kimberly.

    No words? No words, my friend, Sara? Well you would fit right in with my plan for silence!

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  6. Prayers for healing for your back, Barbara. And although I will miss you, I do indeed hope you accomplish your goal of silence and simplicity.
    Much love to you, dear lady, and peace for 2011.

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  7. Prayers for your back! I'm thanking God you have kept your wonderful sense of humour!
    Wishing you the very best of His blessings . . . so you can experience, not just reach, His quiet.
    Love and hugs and Aloha,
    Sarah

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  8. I will keep you in my prayers for a healed back. I, too, know the pain of back problems.

    I will also pray for your journey in the next month. I will silently join you.

    Please pray for my husband as he is departing again.

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I appreciate your comments -- sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!