I don’t recall ever being quite so intentional about Advent.
One of the books I read in November, When Less Becomes More, came at just the right time for me. I was feeling overwhelmed, bogged down by news and social media, and just weary in general.
I took a long, hard look at my schedule, commitments, and where I spent my time - and I decided to make some changes.
As a homeschooling mother, I owe my son the BEST of me - not the LAST of me. I only have 3.5 years left with him and I don’t want to spend the time frivolously.
We’re a week into December, and I am not using my personal Facebook. I have cut back on texting. I am saying NO to new commitments, and I have given up a few larger commitments that we taking up too much headspace.
It all feels good - and it is leaving room for more JOY and PEACE in my life.
This week’s recommendations are things/resources that have helped me in this Advent journey, or things I am investing my time in. I hope they can help you, too!
The Paper Bag Christmas
This read-aloud is a gem. We read two chapters each morning, and both my son and I are enjoying it. I have a feeling I might need the tissue - but it’s also very funny, too. I recommend this for middle and high schoolers.
Behold the Lamb of God
I love not only this song, but the entire album with the same name. Andrew Peterson’s music is a gift. As we are studying Messiah in-depth in SQUILT LIVE! right now, it’s interesting to listen to contemporary music with the same message - just 300 years after!
Professor Carol’s Advent Series
I receive this in my email each morning and I always learn something - something I can pass along to my family as we are in the midst of Advent. Professor Carol is a wealth of information!
A Favorite Card Game
In an effort to cut back on the media and spend more time together, we have broken out games and cards. One game that my kids just taught me is SPEED. Have you ever played? Simply strewing games and cards around our family room and keeping the television OFF and devices put away has contributed to A LOT of peacefulness!
A Favorite Hymn
Last Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, we sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel in church. This hymn just speaks to my soul. I came home and pulled out my hymnal and committed to play these Advent hymns this month.
When I wrote SQUILT Christmas Carols, I included this hymn. There are nine other studies of popular carols in the Christmas Carol bundle - and of course, I think your children should know them all!
That’s it for this week — short, sweet, and simple.
I pray you are having a peaceful Advent in your homeschool - making time for what is important and leaving plenty of room to prepare your hearts for for the birth of the Christ Child!