It is with a sad heart that I say hello to you today. There was a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California today, and it reminded me of the shortness of life. I have been quiet on this blog lately because of a few things colliding with each other. I was sick for over a month, family came, the holidays arrived, and I’m doing an online course. I’m sure you can relate to the busyness of this season. Then something comes along that reminds us how short and unexpected life can be. My prayers go out to the victims and their families of the San Bernardino shooting, as well as the first responders and everyone helping to bring healing to the community.
Every month I look back at the things I learned, loved, and lived through. I also look forward to the next month. This is my look back at November and what I anticipate for in December. I know, I’m writing this a couple of days late! Here’s why.
Learned
I learned to let go. Rather, I was forced to let go. When our plates are too full, something has to give whether we like it or not. In November, it was NaNoWriMo for me. I had a horrible sore throat for about 3 weeks, then a cold for about 2 weeks. I’m also in an online course that I’m diverting more of my time to. There was family visiting and Thanksgiving came around. We wrapped up Operation Christmas Child at church and decorated our tree in our city’s Christmas display. Oh, and I started an online store.
I should have taken my own advice to slow down and savor the season! Instead, I couldn’t keep up so I didn’t write much on the blog or in NaNoWriMo.
Loved
I shared with you a free Advent experience for families, and I hope you checked it out. I loved how well made it was. It is also very easy to follow.
My family’s not big on turkey, so for Thanksgiving we had ham. I made ham bone soup that I adore.
Remember coloring books for adults? They’re everywhere and they used to be quite expensive for coloring books. Well I found some for $5 each in Target’s Dollar Spot, and it’s the cheapest I’ve seen so far.
Lived Through
I want to say that I just lived through November. Tough month! But this happened. We sent 200 boxes to Operation Christmas Child! Everyone pulled through when we thought we weren’t going to meet that goal. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped out.
And this happened. Our tree in our city’s downtown Christmas display. Every ornament is made from recycled water bottles. This humble material represents the humble birth of Jesus Christ. The red represents Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for our sins, the reason He came. The gold represents His glorious return that we wait for. The snowflakes represents God’s plans for us. As every snowflake is unique, God has a unique plan for every one of His children.
And I started my online store, Homemade Homebody. I sell handmade knit products. I only have scarves and hats at this time, but I’m adding slowly. I make all of it myself and I only have two hands, but I’ve always wanted to do this and now I am. I also have a Buy One Give One program. Check out my store if you get the chance!
Looking Forward
It’s December! I’m looking forward to Christmas, my favorite holiday. I’ve been listening to Christmas music since last month, but I haven’t decked the halls yet. My Christmas shopping is done, though, thanks to Cyber Monday. Did you score any great deals?
Also, family is visiting from the Philippines and we’re taking them to Disneyland. I’m going to DisneyBound, of course!
Like I wrote in October, I’m looking forward to learning new things that I’m not yet ready to discuss. I am learning a lot, and I hope to share it with you soon.
