Keeping the Sabbath #6

Yes, I know that it is not the Sabbath.  I blame my lateness on the holidays, lack of internet access, and pure undefiled Christmas laziness.  But, I was thinking about preparing for the Sabbath throughout the week, so here are my Sabbath thoughts for yesterday-

 Happy Octave Day of the Nativity and Happy Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God!  (oh...and happy new year!)

1. A Song
Sorry, but I had to...

 How can you not love this?

2. A Verse

"The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message  that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." ~Luke 2:16-19

 

3.A Quote

"There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity." 

~Washington Irving

4.An Image

5.A Blessing

I got to spend a ton of time with family and friends over the past two weeks.  It is such a blessing to have more opportunities to be present in each others' lives. 

6.An Intention

I'm praying for all of the families of the kids I work with in my job.  The family is so important.  The kids spend a very small fraction of their time actually in our programs, and we desire for that time to have an impact.  However, I am starting to understand more and more that our time spent in prayer for their families is more fruitful than all of the programs and resources that we can provide combined.  I encourage you to be praying for the families of the people in your life.  Join me in praying for leadership, charity, faith, strength, and growth.

7. A Challenge

Must. Get. Back. To. Work.  Must seek routine and structure.  Must annihilate to-do-list.  Must complete without loosing sanity or vision of what is important.  I love the holidays, but I sure don't love the aftermath.