Finding Joy

For the past ten days I have been M.I.A. from this site.  I apologize for the absence. I have been busy preparing for Christmas guests, and needed to focus on that task. This past weekend my best friend, her husband, and their three children, two of them my godchildren came to visit.  It was a wonderful low-key visit, well was low-key as it can be to have five children ages 4-10 and four adults in a 1,200 square foot house.  I am so glad we are friends, and have stayed friends for the past 33 years.  She is the perfect foil to me, a sunny optimist, and I love her for it.   

My sister is also coming on Friday, and I am really looking forward to her visit too.  She is taking the red eye in from the West Coast, so will be here in the morning of the 23rd and staying for a week.  She has never met our oldest daughter, Bumblebee, before so this will be a very special trip indeed. Both of my girls are very excited to see their aunt.

My little ones, especially my six year old, is bursting at the seams with excitement over the entire Christmas presents over the tree gig.  We have been trying to focus on Jesus' birthday, using our special Advent calendar, which chronicles the journey Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  The spirit of Christmas can be difficult to find in the bustle and commercialism of the season.  However, they both have done a much better job than me.

 But most importantly, I have been trying to prepare myself for the coming of Christ.  Frankly, my sense of hope, peace, and joy have been lacking.  I felt I needed to step away from this blog, and ponder what God is calling me to do.  I have felt many feelings recently that I am not proud of, selfish, prideful and negative feelings.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to talk to a priest about it, and he offered some very practical advice on finding joy.

Jesus First.

Is my relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit growing?

Am I spending quiet time with Jesus EVERY day?

Am I grateful for the gifts I have been given in my life?

Am prayerfully reading Scripture?

Others Second.

Am I letting my pride get in the way of my relationship with others?

Am I joyfully living out the vocation God has given me?

After God, am I placing my family first on my list of priorities?

Me Third.

Am I sleeping enough?

Am I eating healthy?

Am I exercising?

 I am glad to be back.

Comments

[Bozena O'Neill]

Great advices, Mary!Enjoy your Christmas with family.
Merry Christmas to all!

[Sharon O]

Oh I am glad to see you back again was hoping nothing bad happened. Enjoy your holiday company and have a wonderful 'merry christmas'.

[kyooty]

Oh man! exercising? Do I have to??? :P
Merry Christmas season to you and yours. I'm totally overwhelmed but getting there one small item at a time. I've been enjoying my baking too much though. haha

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Lets not talk about the Christmas cookies. Fortunately, they are now out of my house.

Peace be with you,

Mary
Join me @ A Simple Twist of Faith

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thank you Sharon, you are so kind to me.

Peace be with you,

Mary
Join me @ A Simple Twist of Faith

[Stephanie]

We had a wonderful visit with you guys! Thanks so much! I am so happy that we live close now so we can see each other more often. We have a house full now. Give my best to your sister for me and hugs to your hubby and the girls. We love you! Merry Christmas!!

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

I love you too, Steph. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Peace be with you,

Mary
Join me @ A Simple Twist of Faith