Lisa Notes: Today in December ‘12

Today in December ‘12

I am hearing...God Is in the Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the free audiobook of the month (and Advent book) at ChristianAudio.com

I am wondering...what one word God would have me settle on for 2013

I am thinking...it may be simply (yet fully) “Jesus”

I am preparing...the next Bible memory challenge for January 2013 with these marvelous friends through Do Not Depart

I am thankful...Jenna is coming home Friday for a long Christmas break from Auburn

In the learning room...looking less and less like one as I continue to take away homeschooling books and fill in with my personal favorites instead

I am discovering...my girls and I have a few favorite schoolbooks we still want to keep for sentimental reasons

I am appreciating...that a little bit each day can really add up in finishing a project

I am studying...scriptures that would make good gifts to post in this series at Do Not Depart

I am resolving...to be nice in a return letter to a very elderly relative who can be, well,...I better not say (it wouldn’t be nice, right?)

I am wearing...raggedy clothes that don’t leave the house (you really don’t want to know)

I am writing...four personal stories to share for next week’s Live Second blog tour

I am going...to Books-a-Million tonight to meet with my Bible study friends

I am praying...for wise decisions to be made by a friend and for a friend

I am looking forward to...receiving this package of ornaments I ordered on Monday:

I am sending...(or will be soon) Christmas cards I found with one of my very favorite verses!
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8

I am creating...my annual list of favorite books I read this year

I am hoping...to finish the last four books on my Fall Reading List before fall is over

I am reading...these most excellent (!) books, Renovation of the Heart (Dallas Willard) and The Good and Beautiful God (James Bryan Smith)

I am pondering these words...

In the end, legalism is superstition....We are drawn to superstitious and legalistic behaviors because they provide a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic world. But God’s favor is not earned by what we do any more than good luck is found in a rabbit’s foot.
- JAMES BRYAN SMITH, The Good and Beautiful God

A picture to share...Jeff and I goofing around with Morgan in the strangely-popular elbows-out pose (do we look thinner that way?)

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What are you doing today?

the simple woman's daybook
...where every day is a blank page

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outsidemywindowinsidemyheart 38p · 649 weeks ago

Love the quote about legalism being superstitious and that people flock to that because it gives them a sense of control. Oh...I have been there and done that...and it is SO SO true! Grateful for having found the TRUTH in HIS GRACE! The ride is so much more enjoyable when HE is in control. Even the hard times are enjoyable because the fellowship with HIM is even sweeter then. Loved all the pictures...both the Christmas card one and the one with Jenna...Love you!

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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

That legalism/superstitious connect really stood out to me. I've never really considered it in that way before. But yes, I have been there, done that legalism thing, too. And probably still do in ways I'm not even aware of yet. God has to work slowly with me. :-) And GRACE--I'm still celebrating in it and hope I always will. Love you too Dianna!

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barbarah 65p · 649 weeks ago

Love those ornaments! They'd probably get lost on the big tree but would really stand out on a little one on an end table in the living room.
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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

Maybe they'd work best on a medium-sized tree. :-) I actually thought the ornaments looked too big on that little tree in the picture. I had to look at the physical dimensions they gave to get a feel for what size they'll actually be.

I've been trying to be more selective about which ornaments I use the past couple years; my tree was getting too crowded never getting rid of old ornaments yet adding a few new ones each year. That's where kids come in handy--"Throw that one away, Mom!" ha. Jenna really helps me let go of things.

My recent post Today in December ‘12

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lynnielou2 28p · 649 weeks ago

I am slowly getting my place ready for some Christmas decor.

After 2 years of not being able to get our Christmas cards, I almost have all the addresses ready to print labels and then get moving on this. I think my "grace period" with friends who have faithfully keep me in their mailings may be on the edge of expiring!

I will meet a friend for coffee later so I got out of my "raggy clothes" for the occasion!

I am luxuriating in the joy of reading Calvin Miller's Memoir. If I could, I'd not stop reading it until it is finished - thus getting none of the above goals met.

Joy to you, Lisa!
My recent post As We Journey Toward Bethlehem

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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

I've had the same feeling about Christmas cards, Lynn--I really haven't done many the past three years--will my grace period end this year if I don't reciprocate? I don't want the incoming cards to stop. :-)

I had to change clothes too for my group meeting tonight. But I kept on my bad clothes earlier today for Walmart. I don't think anyone noticed. ha.

Maybe tomorrow you can just read and read and read. One day soon I want to do that myself. We can throw away our to-do lists! Such fun.
My recent post Are you losing your peace?

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Amber · 649 weeks ago

These are my fav posts!! Love love love the ornaments. The Christmas card is super cute & I love that it has a verse on it. I didn't have a huge selection at Costco. And... Don't knock the hand on hip pose!! It does make me look thinner! Ha!

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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

The ornaments have shipped so hopefully I'll get them in the next couple days. I'm excited to see what they look like. I first heard them talked about on a podcast of Family Life Today about having more Christ-centered Christmas decorations. Reminded me of our conversation the other night. I keep seeing pics of you finding ways to do that yourself! Love it.

Maybe there is something to the hand on hip pose. Ha. I laugh about it, but maybe I should keep it up. :-)
My recent post Are you losing your peace?

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fsamons 60p · 649 weeks ago

Elbows out? I never knew! It seems to work for you guys, I'll give it a go! It could be that you're all just thinner than me...

I'm wrapping up work and taking my wife out to dinner tonight. I really haven't thought into next year much... I don't want to rush into anything...
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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

Be careful not to overexert yourself there on the planning, Floyd. ;-) There is actually a lot to be said for taking one day at a time (seems like Jesus himself said a few words or two about that...).
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Cathy · 649 weeks ago

You are really busy. :) I loved the ornaments you ordered and your pretty picture. The song you liked, I heard on the radio, as I was waking up. :) Thanks for your sweet visit. Blessings ~
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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

After I heard it on your blog, I bookmarked "All Is Well" on my computer so I could listen to it over and over. Love it. :-)
My recent post Are you losing your peace?

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Pamela · 649 weeks ago

Lisa, I loved reading this and catching another peek into who you are. I like you! I love the adornment and wanted to order them for a giveaway--the price kept me from it. I love reading after Bonhoeffer and will check out the one you are reading. I just received his life story and am looking forward to all 624 pages.
My recent post Sharing the Shelter #8 and Giveaway

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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

I agree that the ornaments were a little pricey so I hope they'll last for a long time. Other than a tube of wrapping paper, it's all I've bought for Christmas so far though. ha. (I need to start real shopping soon!)

If you're talking about Bonhoeffer's book by Eric Metaxas, I hope you love it as much as I did. He is quite the inspiration to follow Jesus no matter the cost.
Have a great weekend, Pamela!
My recent post Are you losing your peace?

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Julie · 649 weeks ago

Lisa...everytime I visit your blog I am moved...in some measure. I appreciate you. Today I thanked God for using you to reach out and use your words and your heart to impact or influence others. Even if it's only sharing what you are doing on a particular day. :-) Thank you. I want you to know something. Your mama's advice post....about the list of things she wanted others to remember... Her 10 things are printed out and pinned to my Inspiration "Pin" board in front of my face. Inspiring...Influencing...Reminding...They compel me to pray thru them on days...and so I do. And I did today. Her words are affecting even me...a sis out in Iowa. I wanted you to know that. ((hugs)) to you and hope your ornaments arrive and you get great delight decorating with them. xoxoxo
My recent post Random ~ Bucket Lists....An Artist....Dreams and Goals

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Lisa notes 103p · 649 weeks ago

Wow, Julie. You really made my day with this. I copied what you said about Mama's advice and emailed it to my brother and two sisters so they could share in the blessing too. (Maybe they won't cry like I did! ha). I know you know the pain of missing a mom, so I appreciate it all the more that you remember mine, even though you never met her. She would have loved to walk through your house--she loved pretty things and lots of holiday decorations.

Thanks for always being such an encouraging sister to me. May the Lord bless you back with all the blessings you give to others. Love you Julie!!!
My recent post Are you losing your peace?

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Stephani Cochran · 648 weeks ago

Hi Lisa! It's been awhile. I'm trying to ease back into this blogging thing! I liked what you said about a little bit each day adding up. I need to remember that this year. I have so many goals for this year and even for the next few months. My schedule is still overwhelmed with work, parents, etc. and I am a procrastinator to boot! I usually take an all or nothing attitude, but nothing isn't an option anymore. Little by little . . . .

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Lisa notes 103p · 648 weeks ago

Stephani! Glad to know you're still out there. :-) I can only imagine how busy your life must be. I think about you and your dad and your mom...words never seem to convey what I feel but I continue to admire you and lift you up in prayer as you tend to everybody's needs and love them in every way you can.

Little by little...that's how I get most anything done. ha. I think I've developed ADD as I've aged; can't seem to stick to any one task for very long, so I just stitch bits of time here and there until I finally get something accomplished. I hope you will find time here and there to blog and catch us up on your life but I understand it's not top priority. Praying you have a blessed Christmas.