This Christmas break we've embraced the opportunity to stop, and rest and catch up. Some things that I do for relaxation like rainy dog walks in the woods (a great chance to pray and sing out loud as there's no one else there!) mightn't be relaxing for you, but I have also sat through whole films, caught up with the TV I'd recorded and even played the odd board game!
It's been good (not always easy!) to deliberately slow down the pace of life, as we take a breath and anticipate the new year. I've enjoyed spending more time in our home and together with our family. That's not to say there's been nothing to do - more people in the house for more of the time, plus rainy days and two big dogs means the house gets really messy!
I particularly take my hat off to those of you who have been hosting relatives, and those who have young families - busy busy busy, with not much chance to stop and relax.
If you do find a moment, and you're hungry for some really good stuff to feed on, then Ann Voskamp's blog has a wonderful entry on grace as we contemplate a new year, and there are also links to other great articles here - I love reading these, they are food for the soul.
A really stimulating place to visit is TED, or what about listening to the Kerith podcasts?
You might also like to check out the special offers on Beth Moore's kindle books on Amazon - I downloaded 4 free books today, and two books that cost 77p each! This wonderful verse came from the January 1st reading of her book "Praying God's word day by day"
"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life" Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Last but not least,we managed the impossible - to get a Christmas day photograph that everyone was happy with,
so, Happy New Year from our family (spot the "new boy" Sam?)
