| Advent begins |
I just got back from shopping on Camrose's quaint mainstreet. I returned with three things. 2 advent devotionals and one purse size sketchbook. Advent begins tomorrow and I find it helpful to have a daily guide to focus my thoughts and prepare me for Christmas.
The two devotionals I bought are:
1. "Our Light and Our Salvation" Advent reflections from the works of Henri J. M. Nouwen
For each day there is a scripture, an excerpt from a work by Nouwen and a short prayer. This was what I picked up first - it helped that it was $1.19 and we are on a budget. I've never actually read any books by Nouwen - just quotes here and there and he comes highly recommended.
2. "A Journey Through Advent" A spiritual focus for personal or group use
This 31 day guide (for all of December) includes about three pages per day comprised of a passage to read (which is explained in the book), a "pause for thought" section, a "punch line" section (probably the key idea for the day) a prayer section - included a section on praying for others, and a reflection section. Okay, I admit it, the cover of this book caught my eye. It's got candles on the front and they looked peaceful. But what really sold me is that the devotions for each day were longer - but not too long - and challenged thought and encouraged reflection, as well as basing each day on a large chunk of scripture. This one is an actual book, compared to the other which is a pamphlet, so it cost $14.99.
But hooray I had part of a gift certificate remaining so I paid $8 in total.
There was a book there called something like, "Preparing my heart for Advent". It seemed to be geared towards women and included devotions for all of November and December - that is my kind of Advent book - for the past two years I have begun reading advent devotionals weeks before Advent officially began - because I need more than four weeks to prepare and regain perspective. The author of this book must've known where I'm coming from. Why didn't I buy this book - two reasons, November is pretty much over so I'd be missing that part of the journey and the cover, really it's true.
Any guesses as to when this book was published? I'd guess late eighties early nineties. Nope, this is a brand new book that just released this November. 2005. Had the author spoken to me I think I could've helped her with some graphic design ideas that could help her book appeal to a larger range of women,
That being said, next fall I will take another look at it, and if the insides are good I'll buy it regardless of the cover.
Catching up:
Lance's tour went well. Each of the shows had a different highlight - you can see some photos on my mom's and brother's blogs. Lance had a great time and looks forward to touring again maybe in the spring.
It was great having Steven and my Mom around. Mom was so helpful. I didn't do dishes for days! What a treat - and on top of that we had lots of good visiting too.
Immediately following Sunday night's Camrose show, we began teaching a course at school - 8:30am Monday morning. We, more than other times, truly felt the need for God's sustinance and inspiration. The course went very well -- it was on Relationships (family, friends, but mostly dating/courting) so the students were quite attentive. We praise God for bringing us through and for the work he did in students lives this week.
Last night Lance played at our local coffeeshop "Merchants". I thought he did a great job and he thought it went so badly that he wasn't even going to accept the money. Crazy how people's perception of the same event can differ so much. I really felt he did well. It was laid back, he did a lot of covers - Beatles, Jason Harwell, Ron Sexsmith and even the Flaming Lips. It was a great coffeeshop set. People enjoyed it.
This Sunday is CLBI Sunday at Solid Rock Church in Camrose. This means Lance is very involved and busy. We were planning to go on a getaway this weekend but this special Sunday got in the way. But...next weekend we are planning to go somewhere for TWO NIGHTS instead of one. I am excited. I think we really need a break.
Well, it's getting to be supper time and I should plan something.
Hope you are all well.
Aimee |
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| 7 Comments: |
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Glad the tour went well! Also nice to read more about advent. I'm doing a childrens version with the kids. (jesse tree I think it is called) I am very interested to see what book you would suggest that I might do next year on an adult level for myself. yes, the cover is very eighties.
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I need advent too. I loved hearing about the books you chose and about the one you didn't. I think they got a cheap stock photo - oh dear. Amazing how Lance and you had such different perceptions about last night. I think I would vote with you - even not being there. Still, something did not feel right to Lance. It's a mystery.
Love you,
Mom
Oh great, I got the short word verifecation wrong and now I have axfwdhnu - wowie.
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Nouwen is fantastic! I haven't heard of the advent one...maybe I will go and investigate!
P.S The Computer must knmow I won't get the short verification word right I got dwldttkz first off!
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I can't seem to get hold of that Nouwen book here. Grrr....
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aimee,
we sell that book at the store i work at, and i thought the exact same thing when i saw the cover! i too, looked at the publishing date and couldn't believe it. oh well. :)
-heidi
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Hey Aimee...
Can you email me your mailing address please? You can email it to sawyergirl777@hotmail.com
Thanks!!!
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Where are you Aimee? Another post would be nice...
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posted by Aimee at 
Glad the tour went well! Also nice to read more about advent. I'm doing a childrens version with the kids. (jesse tree I think it is called) I am very interested to see what book you would suggest that I might do next year on an adult level for myself. yes, the cover is very eighties.