It’s Five Minute Friday (well almost). I’m writing this Thursday night. I just finished hanging out on Twitter with some of the most 
incredible people on the planet for #fmfparty. Tonight we talked about kids, our schools, a #fmfparty retreat, and chocolate. Chocolate is a must. I had to stop and make myself a cup of hot chocolate in the middle of it all.
Many of us take the one word prompt given and we free write for five minutes on that subject. We gather together to share our writing at Kate Motaung’s place. Come join us, either in writing or in reading. I believe you’ll be encouraged! The writing may not be perfect, but the encouragement is close to it!
This week’s word:
–STILL–
Go.
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks from today.
Christmas is six. Six weeks.
I love these holidays.
My favorite is Christmas, however. I love everything about it, celebrating the birth of our Savior.
But there’s been a few years recently I’ve ended up being sick on or near Christmas. Last year my side of our family’s Christmas had to be postponed because I was sick, and we were hosting it. I believe it’s because I try to do too much, and I wear myself out right before the wonderful holiday. That’s not what Christmas is supposed to be about, right?
This year, I’m looking ahead and plan to do things differently. Instead of hustling and bustling through the season, I’m choosing to be more still.
To be intentional about less running, and being still more often. Spending extended time with my Creator and my Savior. Reading His Word. Resting. Replenishing. Spending time in stillness with those I love.
Forgetting the commercialism and focusing on the true celebration of the season.
Why don’t you join me?
Our families won’t remember the perfectly wrapped gifts, or the perfectly clean home. They’re going to remember spending time with those they love, namely you and me. Those are the memories they’ll carry with them for years to come.
I’m reminded of one of my favorite scripture verses, Psalm 46:10:
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
I’ll be resting in this verse often.
Let’s be a little more still this season. Let’s exalt God and be thankful. Let’s celebrate the true meaning of this season.
Stop.
It’s good to be still. I pray you and I can do it often in the coming weeks! Happy Friday (or Thursday) friend!
Julie
Bravo!
THAT is the right attitude with which to approach the holidays.
I wish there were more like you.
Don’t give me too much credit, Andrew. It took me getting sick a few times to have this attitude. I guess God used those times to get my attention. Thanks for stopping in. May your day be blessed!
Amen! The resolve to prepare my heart for Christmas more than fussing with the other commercialized stuff. I will join you! Thanks for this beautiful reminder of the power of being still.
Ok, Karen. It’s you and me! I’m glad we’ll be preparing our hearts for Christmas in the most beautiful way. Now, if I can just stick with it through the next six weeks! Thanks for stopping in and for sharing. It’s always a gift to me to see you here. Hugs to you today!
What a wonderful reminder about what the season is really about. It’s so easy to get caught up in presents and menus and getting the house ready and we overlook the most basic thing…preparing ourselves for His light. Loved this post and your graphic is especially pretty.
Hi Vernette! How nice of you to stop by. Yes, preparing ourselves for His light. May we all focus on that more this year than all the other “stuff.” Thank you for your comments and encouragement. Blessings to you, new friend!
Hi Julie, from your new Iowa friend, Anne! 🙂 So glad to meet you on #fmfparty last night even if I jumped in right at the last minute. I love the direction you took your post today. This is a deep desire of mine, too. I can tend to run myself into an anxious frenzy around the holidays all because of unrealistic expectations (of trying to be a perfect 10 on everything) that I put on myself!! I am WITH YOU on this even though I will be moving to another house in Des Moines (from Ankeny) on December 2nd. Also, being “still” is one reason I didn’t do 31 days of blogging this year even tho I loved it the last two. I will be keeping your words in mind and maybe revisiting them in the weeks to come. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, Anne, I’m so glad we met last night, and hopefully we’ll meet in person some day soon! I completely understand where you are coming from… unrealistic expectations I put on myself too. You’d think I’d learn. It’s good to be still, and I’m glad we can encourage each other to do that this coming Christmas season. I’ll be praying for your move. Thanks for visiting and sharing!
Oh, how I want to be still this holiday season. But the first thing I thought when I saw your reminder for “six” weeks was sheer panic! 😉
I’m going to have to be very intentional about this, aren’t I? Thank you for the reminder of that verse above. I need to be resting in it, myself.
I panicked too, Jennifer. Yes, we’ll both have to be intentional about being still this season. I’ll need some encouragement and reminders! Glad we’re doing it together! Blessings!
I’m going to try very hard to join you in being STILL this season, Julie! It’s exactly what I need to do more of, too. By His grace…xoxo
Yes, by His grace, Meredith. Let’s do this together. May it be the most special season ever. Looking forward to encouraging each other in the coming weeks! Much love to you, dear friend!
Oh yes, the hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us. This is my favorite time of year, too. Such a great reminder not to run ourselves ragged and take intentional time to be still. Especially when this season often passes all too quickly.
It does pass too quickly, doesn’t it, Liz?! May we be intentional on slowing down and being still. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful weekend being still. 🙂
This is beautiful! I love the stillness that snow and reliving the meaning of Christmas each year brings. Your post made me even more excited! Visiting from FMF
Thanks, Liz! It’s wonderful to “meet” you. I’m excited too. Glad I’m not the only one! Thank you for stopping in today. Blessings, new friend!
We started this last year and it was amazing the difference it made in how we celebrated and how we are planning for this year. I love these holidays too and being more intentional in the true spirit and meaning make them that much more special. Beautiful post.
Hi Lisa! Thanks for sharing what you do to make Christmas more special. I’d love any additional details you’d care to share! Looking forward to a very special season. Blessings to you, friend!
I plan on cultivating stillness this holiday season as well. Hoping to get things done early so as to not feel so rushed. Have a blessed weekend.
I agree, Barbie. Getting things done ahead of time will help. Trying to keep my focus where it needs to be. Hope you’re having a great weekend, dear friend!
Love this idea – to find more stillness in this holiday season! I’m trying to get ahead and knock out some of the most stressful parts now in hopes that I won’t be overwhelmed during the season.
Yes, Kathryn! We may need to encourage each other this season to not be overwhelmed, but to be still and enjoy the stillness. I know I’ll need it! God bless you and your family, dear friend!