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Preparation for the Future... Second Sunday in Advent Laurie Pace



  ©+Laurie Pace       Graphics One Design 2016

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“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” ― Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place

We are only four days into December and I feel like I am behind and I have not even started.  For many trying to feel fulfilled turns into personal need or even greed...the constant need to feel satisfied.   For some unexplainable reason, we begin to think 'enough simply becomes not enough'.   Living in the United States there seems to be excess pushed with every ad on television and across social media.  We are bombarded by things that lure us into the belief that we need them.

This is a time before Christmas to be in quiet preparation, not hurried chaos. I love some of the things shared on FB where people are giving to others in need or charities in place of buying gifts for family or even for themselves.  For some reason this year, I have not felt the need to run out and shop like a crazy grandmother/mother/daughter trying to figure out what everyone wants or needs. It seems like every year I am trying to go a bit further and get a bit more.  But not this year. This year I told Terry specifically what would be a treasured small gift for my stocking and he bought it last month.  He told me two weeks ago what he wanted for his stocking and I bought it for him. So we both know, but the fun was knowing it is a treasured gift.  There will be no other gifts between us, but this small treasured 'want'.  The grandkids are getting toys, which personally I think are overrated, but we took a list and daughter Stacey helped and we bought a limited amount per grand.  As far as the 'kids'... adult children that is, we gave up the gift fiasco years ago and if anything we do the white elephant exchange.  

The pressure is off. No more six to eight rolls of Christmas Paper... massive amounts of scotch tape, ribbon and gift tags. It is so simple now.  Why did we not do this a long time ago?  

So while searching for verses to tag to this second Sunday in Advent, I did come across a phenomenal ART story tidbit to tie into this week of Preparation. Stop by tomorrow and I will share the story and the source link.  It all ties into preparation and the things that stand in the way. This second week in Advent is your time to get right with the world, your family, friends and even strangers.  Get right with God in preparation for what is ahead.

Isaiah 7:10-17   New International Version (NIV)

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”   But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right,  for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.  The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

Laurie


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Laurie Pace
A Texas Artist 


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© Graphics One Design 2015

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