for you on my birthday.

This giveaway is now CLOSED and the winner has been notified.

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Today is my 36th birthday.

We celebrated yesterday with a day that involved someone else being responsible for all of the meals. For the whole day. We did a few other sweet things, including consuming the most delicious birthday cupcakes from my friends at Pink Magnolia Bakery. (Local friends! You want to use them)

What I would like most for this year is to breathe deep and wrap myself up in the slow of determination. I want to do the things that only I can do. Not so that I can chase after perfection but so that I can be fully present. I’ll fudge and flub my way through, I know. There’s grace for that. But. My hope is that I will walk out of this year having been less distracted and more invested. And maybe take some risks along the way.

Last Saturday I saw someone toting home a fresh Christmas tree and I could feel it starting up, that feeling of being behind, behind, behind. It really is the most wonderful time of the year and if I’m not careful I’ll spend it rushing and running and being stretched too thin. Distracted.

And I thought about you. And how maybe you can feel that way, too? I wondered? Would you like to take some steps to redirect? To slow down? To really celebrate the coming King?

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So. I bought this advent calendar for you. And I would like to give it to one of you.

Our family used the Naptime Diaries advent calendar last year. I like to use a combination of daily scripture reading, activities and traditions. You can read all about that here.

This year? This year, Jessi is including a corresponding devotional with each calendar. Which means most of the work is already done for you.

Would you like to receive this calendar?

It’s simple. Leave a comment-ONE COMMENT-here and share one word that you would like to see characterize the Advent and Christmas season in your home.

This giveaway closes at 6:30 am on Wednesday, November 21st.

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51 thoughts on “for you on my birthday.”

  22. Sarah Parks says:

    Jesus. As my children are beinning to underatand more about the holidays, I want them to know it is all because of Jesus.

    Happy birthday!

    Reply
  28. Maureen says:

    Awake. Awake to the blessings heaped on each day. Awake to the people that fill my home. Awake to the laughter. Awake to the news of the His coming. Awake to…so much. And to you, Happy Birthday, with a beautiful year ahead.

    Reply
  33. Katherine says:

    My word is Expectant. Too often, I don’t believe God really will answer my long suffering prayers (like those prayers for our unsaved family, to help me control my anger, etc).

    Ellen, I was particularly struck by your phrase, “less distracted and more invested”. This has deep application for me right now. Thank you!

    Reply
  39. alliemacdesigns says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday:) Loved seeing you this morning. I am always just so blessed by you. Maybe it is because I see Jesus in you, and it is Life giving.

    My word is: Life.

    John 10:10. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

    He was born. He lived. He died. He arose. And He is Alive. Life. He wants us to have LIFE! Precious. Precious. Precious.

    Love you sweet friend,
    Allie Mac

    Reply
  47. Karen says:

    Anticipation. I want us as a family to turn our focus more to Jesus, waiting with anticipation and ready hearts for His return.

    Reply

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