The Super Late Prayer Buddy Reveal!

As a committed blog lurker over the past few years, you run into all sorts of fun blog stuff (I'm sure there is a real word, but I have no idea what it is.) I have yet to really participate, but one jumped out at me...Advent Prayer Buddies. With a brother deployed to a crazy part of the world doing a dangerous job, I'll take all the prayers and I good thoughts he can get! Thanks to TCIE and Mrs. Henderson for putting this whole crazy thing together.

My post is a little late because I have been traveling between family members for the last ten days with a few more days of travel to go. Lesson learned: Write blog posts early and set them 

I was assigned to pray for Celeste and her intentions which I included in my evening prayers around my Advent wreath. It was really fun to read a new blog and a big challenge to not comment! Seriously, I think I only want to comment when I can't! I also loved sending a fun little present which arrived on Christmas Eve but was not opened until Christmas Day. How perfect!?!

Also, thank you to Laura for your extra prayers during Advent, and I am sorry that I slacked on my blog posting during the second half of December!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

It's Beginning to Look a Like Christmas...

In My Apartment! I know, I know...Advent is not over. I do celebrate Advent, but I also decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. I travel for Christmas every year so it is my chance to enjoy the lights in my home. I am not the most talented at decorating the home. For example, there is not one item hung on my walls. Christmas is the exception as I have accumulated quite a few items between my purchases, gifts, and items inherited from my mom. It looks pretty good!

And, now for the tour...

On my coffee table, I placed a candle holder that I already owned with these glass ornaments. The coffee table is actually the trunk my Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Ring used when he immigrated from Sweden.

My two stockings and a snowman...I'm still not clear on why I own two stockings. The story never quite made sense.

I love my Nativity! There is a really long crazy story about how I ended up with this Nativity which I'll save for another day. The two giants in the photo with me...my brothers. Yes, I am a shorty!

The peace item was from a white elephant exchange! Does anyone else remember the ceramic trees with lights? Scored big getting this one. I hope my brothers actually forget about it.

Just love this simple little Nativity. It is hung on the interior side of my front door.  

Please ignore the plastic hook!

My mom's friend made the glass block gift, and I cobbled together the other items. Biggest coup...the amazing table for only $30! I found it while visiting friends in Milton NC. I did not expect to find it so a friend, Mrs. Farmer's Wife, fronted me the cash. I had been searching for months for a new table in my entrance area.

Two of my mom's nutcrackers...we divided them up between my dad and siblings. I have my mom's Spode collection, and the little crystal candelabra is from my great grandmother.

The very full tree!

With a signed copy of The Polar Express with jingle bells underneath!

Yes, even decor in the bathroom! I can't believe I have turned into a person with a mini-tree and holiday towels in the bathroom!

Advent!

It's Advent, and I love it!  I think it has to do with the shorter days, candles, the ideas of waiting and watching, light in the darkness, holiday lights.

It think it goes back to this place....

The Chapel of the Resurrection at my undergrad which is gorgeous inside and out, but especially at night.

It is so peaceful at with the low lights like little stars. If you look closely you can
see the candles in the walls at Advent-Christmas Vespers.



Gorgeous view of the chancel with the Christus Rex during a Christmas concert.

On to my advent...

My first attempt at an Advent wreath. Last year, I just had the candles in Styrofoam. How sad! 

I straightened the candles after this picture and definitely plan to paint the Styrofoam.

I love lighting my advent wreath during dinner each night. With the lights low and the Christmas tree and other decorations lit, it is easy to remember the true meaning of the season and to reflect on the year past year. I read a little advent reflection which has been on target each day this week. I feel so refreshed after taking a little bit of quiet time to pray and think and relax before the crazy weeks of travel and events.