It’s been a few weeks, and I feel like I should have something beautiful and inspiring to say. But really, aren’t we all looking for beauty and inspiration within our own lives? Here’s what’s been going on in my life the past few weeks:

November 15 – Decorating for Advent

 

And then they sat in the Christmas tree box for three days:

November 19, Part 1: I went to work. Okay, I do this everyday, but it is part of the beauty and inspiration of my life. (Most of the time). This was my to-do list. It’s okay if it’s gobbledygook to you. All of it translates into: Helping ESL teachers and students. (At least, that’s the idea!)

November 19, Part 2: I went to see Twilight with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend. Great times with loved ones. Cheesy movie.  (Should I have expected anything else?) Nice twist ending though.

November 21 Part 1: Madeleine got to participate in the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos and the Tea Party at Church.

November 21 Part 2: Decorating Grampy and Nankee’s tree with cousins!

November 22: Thanksgiving at my Grandma’s house

 

November 23: Thanksgiving with Mimi

 

I’ve also had two pieces published online recently. You can read my piece at Circa Review here and my piece at Catapult Magazine here.

This week I also read this great post by Sarah Bessey on the pressure to be perfect at Christmastime.

Lastly, I’ve just finished reading A Million Miles in a  Thousand Years by Donald Miller and am currently reading The Mockingbird Parables by Matt Litton. Both books are about the power of story in our lives. You’ll see a post about them soon!

All in all, I continue to be amazed at the blessings that fill my life, especially considering how broken my family was about ten years ago. There are many sad stories, some that I’ve shared on this blog, and some that I haven’t. Yet everywhere I look, the sadness seems to have faded to the background, upended by joy.

What beauty or inspiration have you found in your life lately?