Multitude Monday #421-440

As we go deeper into the season of Advent, there is so much to be grateful for:

421. a very cold wind whipping through the trees outside, while inside I am in bed safe and warm

422. the gift of seeing Christmas so much more deeply this year

423. the sound of excited children singing Christmas songs

424. slipper socks

425. my daughter's recovery from a horrible experience with ant bites

426. a new friend who took care of my daughter when she got all those ant bites!

427. an attic full of Christmas decorations, each one with a special memory attached

428. my two children - they worked so hard on a project together yesterday

429. Christmas lights - some of our neighbors really outdid themselves this year!

430. pre-lit Christmas trees

431. the sale of my parents' home - and their moving into a retirement community that will alleviate a lot of their worries

432. Christmas chimes

433. apple juice and cookies for my son from a friend

434. another chance to promote and receive free tickets to a musical - this time it is Beauty and the Beast!

435. A neighbor who had just enough vanilla extract for me to finish my cookies

436. greedy little fingers cleaning out the cookie bowl :-)

437. Pandora's Classical Christmas station

438. treadmills with televisions

439. Christmas carols played on the piano

440. the new found knowledge of the Jesse Tree -- thank you A Holy Experience!

Creating a Peaceful Advent

I love this Jim Shore cross that hangs on my wall during Advent. It was given to me by one of my sweet piano students. When I look at it I feel peaceful and I remember what this time of Advent should really be about. Each day I'm trying to be intentional about Advent, and the biggest thing that has helped me is having an "Advent Buddy".

My friend Lynn sends me emails about remaining peaceful during Advent, and we talk about how we're trying to combat the "busy"ness of the season. This afternoon I'm lighting a candle, taking a bath, and just relaxing for a little while. Yes, there is laundry to fold, cookies to bake, and lots of other things that are pulling on me. There is nothing more important, however, than reflecting upon the gift of Christ's birth. I'm hoping this peacefulness will spill over into our home and also into our schooling. In many ways it already has, and for that I am thankful.

What do YOU do to remain peaceful and intentional during Advent?
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