Welcome to the eighth day of Advent. How is your inner candle on this Something More Sundays Week 2? Burning brightly I hope.
Something More Sundays Week 2
Today I have a REALLY good story for you.
There was once a time when I was hungry.
The Fashionista was a wee babe. My main mode of transportation was a bicycle. I was married to an airman at the time and he was often away in places like Korea and such.
There was another woman whose husband was in the same squadron as mine. She also had a baby girl.
Many times we would call one another, all alone, and say:
“Ok, I have just one baby food jar of peas, what do you have?”
“Great! I have just one baby food jar of oatmeal….chicken…apples….squash…. I’ll be right over.”
We would set the babies side by side and share what we had to make sure our girls received a variety of foods for nutrition. For ourselves, we would share a single tuna sandwich or a box of mac and cheese. We made it through that lonely time because we had each other.
Eventually, we both went on to live in other places and thankfully lead other, better lives.
She settled in Dallas.
Last Sunday I saw her for the first time in over 10 years. Tears threatened to spill over when I caught the first glimpse of her before she saw me.
We picked up right where we had left off.
For me having three months of REALLY hard… it was SO nice for a morning of VERY easy.
The sad thing is that she had asked to see me three times prior to this meeting. I kept putting it off. I was too busy.
Guess what? I’m even busier right now.
But I was reminded that people are more important.
Allan Law
This week, an amazing man is inspiring me.
God bless you Allan Law!
Having recently experienced the Minneapolis chill I truly applaud him. He also got me thinking.
Have you heard about blessing bags?
In essence, you pack some daily essentials into a bag. Ziplocks are best as they stay sealed and if it rains the contents will not get wet. You can find socks and mittens at the $1 store. I had saved all of the small travel soap from when we stayed at the hotel for 6 weeks. I aim for healthy snacks such as fresh fruit like apples and bananas as the homeless don’t often get it. A sweet treat, toothbrush, and perhaps a small paperback are perfect too.
Pinterest is filled with great ideas.
Something Beyond The Hurry
A dear friend and longtime reader, Lorrie, of Fabric Paper Thread grows lovely Christmas Paperwhite Narcissus flowers. She wrote a beautiful post on Advent and eloquently stated:
“Advent is for those who long for something beyond the hurry.”
Yes, my friend. May we all slow down and take in the true reason for the season.
(All are welcome to send me links to their happiness, joy, and beauty. Stories and images will be shared here.)
The second candle, known as the candle of preparation, to be lit this evening (and the rest of the week) represents PEACE.
It’s not too…… late to light your candle.
Laura
“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” – John 9:5
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.” ~ Luke 3:4-6
What a wonderful story. My grandmother keeps in touch (by letter) with a woman who was her and my grandfather's neighbor in the sixties in New Mexico. Now, the neighbor lives in Alabama, and my grandmother lives here in NC. About three years ago, the neighbor flew out here to see her and meet her family. A truly lovely lady. Some friendships span the miles and the years, don't they?
Dear Laura, what a heartwarming story about your renewed friendship.
I am hearing about people all over America who have been Secret Santas and out and about Santas giving to the needy and it makes me so proud. It is so hands on! Your baggie idea is great! One hint is that apples would last longer than bananas unless eaten right away.
xoxo
All the Best
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Oh what a fabulous story and so thrilled you got to connect with your friend. Sharing life with a special person is one of the Lord's greatest blessings. I have loved sharing life with you, such a special friend.
Allen Law… what a man, what a heart!!!
Love, that's what it is all about.
Thank you for sharing Allen's story.
Thank you for sharing your story!
This is so beautiful, Laura. Reading the story about you and your friend, immediately brought to mind my dear friend Shelly – while our husbands weren't in the military, they both worked evenings, and when our children were babies, we used to get together in a similar way, sharing our leftovers from our noontime meals (because that's when we had dinner then), talking and praying together. I bawled when she moved away from our town, however, we have kept in touch over the years and she recently surprised me by being at my 50th Birthday Party.
Thanks also for using my photo. I'm so glad you inspired me to do the Sunday evening advent candle – that's the time that I take just for me and God to sit together and reflect. Back in the day when I did the advent candles, Sarah was little, and I was always stressing out to make it a perfect family time of lighting the candles and praying, which never felt heartfelt then, because well – I was rushed. I'm not rushed this season – people sometimes scoff at the fact that I get everything done early but the reason is so that I don't have to be rushed during the month of December. There is a secret in that. ; )
Love, Linda
Beautiful post, Laura. I'm glad you have a friend like Shelly. It's fun to see my photo on your blog.
Sweet girl, you bless me EVERY time I visit your blog! This post REALLY hits home today. I am going home and slam shut all of the things that are not done! We don't need them and the stress is not making anything better! All we need are kids, food and warmth! Thank you so much for letting me see this!
Blessings to you and yours,
J