If you haven't read Jenna's post on her prayer sticks, go! It will be a gift to busy moms and all.the.busy.praying.people.everywhere! Reading her post, I realized that something that's been on my to-do list for awhile is to recreate a Beloved Blessings Jar. It's been sitting on my "to-do-then-blog-about" list for a few months at least. What? You don't have one of those?
If you are like me, there are days where you are feeling a little beaten down, perhaps as though there just aren't enough hours, there isn't enough energy, and you don't have what it takes to face another day of struggling through all.the.hours.of.the.day. When the Hubbers and I were dating, I made him a Blessings Jar for Valentine's Day (I think?) one year.
The basics are simple. I took a mason jar, prettied it up (in a masculine fashion for him, of course), and filled it with printed Scriptures and quotes to serve as a reminder of his belovedness, God's love for him, and encouragement in the journey. If he was having a rough day or moment, he could pull out a blessing and there would be something there to remind him of God's Truth about him and shoo away the devil's lies. I wonder if he still has it packed away in a box from the old apartment...
Life with small children can leave us with many days where we are weary and worn and questioning our sanity. Ok, life in general can do that, I admit it. My own weariness mainly comes from the babes. (Isn't crazy how some of your biggest blessings can also leave you exhausted and spent?) Perhaps it is time to break out another LARGE mason jar, warm up that printer and get crafty!
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| No, I have no idea exactly what this will look like. Yes, by the tree was the only clear surface in the house to lay everything out and get a clutter-free picture. Sad. Maybe I should clean before I craft... Maybe. |
Now this is where you can help me out! What are your favorite verses of Scripture and quotes that remind you of God's love for you, provide calm in the storm, light in the darkness, and encouragement when you feel like you are ready to throw in the towel? The more the merrier! A few of my favorites can be found here.
Leave me a note in the comments below with your faves, and I'll include it in a future post - be sure to leave your name and blog URL if you want me to credit it in the post (which I would LOVE to do). And like Fr. Solanus always reminded us, I give you thanks ahead of time.
Happy Advent and St. Nicholas Eve! (If you're looking for ideas for St. Nicholas Day, check out Sarah's post from yesterday...)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee (Isa.26:3, KJV, because I learned it as a song that way)
ReplyDeleteThe angel of the Lord encamps around them that fear Him, and delivereth them. (Ps. 34:7 - also learned as a song)
Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from my enemy; I will abide in Thy tent forever. I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. (Ps. 61:3-4, also KJV because I learned it as a song that way).
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high because he has known My name. He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and honor him; with a long life I will satisfy him. (Ps. 91:14-16, NAS, also learned as a song).
I hope you're having a blessed Advent!