Please pray that I can follow through!

Please pray that I can follow through! I’ve spent the past week trying to figure out what I can do differently this Advent. I know how important preparation is to the success of one’s Advent journey. Of course, there’s the Jesse tree, which I do every year, the Advent wreath and Rejoice, my spiritual reading of choice for the season – all powerful stuff. Personally, I like change – so I’ve decided to commit to writing a daily reflection based on each day’s Gospel reading.

I can foresee how difficult this is going to be given my schedule and commitments but I firmly believe that by putting it “out there” (or here I should say) I will have no choice but to follow through on just one more commitment. It’s the accountability factor I often talk about. So wish me luck. No, better yet, pray for me and stay tuned!

But before I go, I have some last minute Advent suggestions for you:

RC Spirituality: Finding God in Unexpected Places (daily emailed reflection video, check it out here and subscribe)

World Community for Christian Contemplation – WCCM – subscribe for Advent reflections among other things

–Rejoice – Advent Meditations with Joseph (published by Ascension Press) – click here to order your copy asap. Last year I did the Advent Meditations with Mary – it did not require too much time but that didn’t make it any less powerful. This series helps get you thinking outside the box and pondering the humility and simplicity of the Holy Family.

–Parish activities – step outside your comfort zone, step away from the hustle and bustle and give yourself some time to recharge. Participate in some of the activities your parish offers for the season, I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

–Charity – Commit to at least one charitable act: purchase a toy for a child in need, donate food to a local food pantry, visit a shut in who may be lonely and craving community.

Enjoy and God bless you this Advent season and always!