Advent

Yup, that time of year has arrived...the precurser to winter...fall. OK, so it has been here for a few weeks, but the weather was nice so I ignored it! Today, the wind is whipping around and my walnut tree is naked(which means more raking on my behalf). The stores are showing off their latest Christmas junk that they eagerly want us to buy. I want to use this next few weeks to think about Advent.

I am inspired by the Advent Conspiracy. Thanks to a couple of friends on Facebook, I was able to connect to their web page: www.adventconspiracy.org. There I discovered a movement that totally fits in with my desire to waste less money and help others more. It is worth looking into! Their ministry is to reconnect relationally at Christmas...spend less time in stores, spend less money, make gifts, spend time together. And then....here is the kicker...give the money you save to help the less fortunate! What a concept....well at least for the gimme, gimme folks out there.

My attempt to curb gifts this year has already begun. I have been making Emma make a Christmas list. She will only be getting two gifts off that list, or only one if it is more costly. She doesn't need more stuff, and she is old enough to learn that other people in the world are hurting and need basic things such a water and food. She can be a part of the solution by giving up toys!

I hope anyone reading this blog checks out the Advent Conspiracy website and becomes inspired as well.

God Bless