So I was/am really struggling to come up with an idea for a creative Christmas post and possibly my last post of 2020!! I guess I'll just random until those blog post forms into something.
This year has been wild, but still at the same time, isn't it crazy that despite the wildness of Covid-19, it's also made life so still and slow. As much as I've hated not being able to see anyone or do much this year, It's been a really good year spiritually and emotionally. God has taught me and shown me so much of who he is, and who I am in Him, and how to truly surrender and trust his ways. It has really been a journey this year.
Anyway, let's have a look at November, and then we'll go back and talk more about Christmas and how this year has gone.
Guy Fawks night was pretty normal for us because most years we stay near our house, playing with sparklers and watching everybody else's firework displays in the park.
At one point in November, I had my own little disco party in my bedroom because the others were out recording for church.
My younger sister had her 17th Birthday.
And then came December. To welcome the countdown of Jesus' Birth I painted my nails with a subtle Christmas design, and then just yesterday I painted them a bit more Christmassy.
For the first few days of December I've mostly cuddled cats, watched Cristmas movies, or done festive activities like looking for Christmas presents, painting Christmas cards or painting my nails Christmassy.
As a special gift to all us kids our Parents got all of us our first ever chocolate calenders. It really makes up for how boring this year has been. I've always wanted a chocolate calender and I got so excited when my parents surprised me with one.
Looks like we're all caught up. This Saturday we are putting our tree up and I am very excited. However it's going to be interesting trying to decorate the tree with the kittens around. December will probably consist of what I've already been doing, plus more family games and laughs. I honestly love the Christmas season, its always a great way to end the year. To end the year with the celebration and hop of the birth of Jesus Christ is so wonderful. Especially after this year. This year will be different, we won't be able to meet with much of our extended family this year, but we will hopefully have our Granny here for Christmas and Joel returns to us from Uni on the 13th.
You know, its kinda funny. I am constantly complaining about this year, but personally in my life, this year hasn't been terrible. Yes the whole pandemic thing stopped me from doing a lot of things this year like getting a job and going on a trip with my friends before they went off to Uni. I didn't even get to celebrate their birthdays with them, but despite all this, I have broken the habit of biting my nails, I have started to learn to drive, I have kept up my blog, I've applied for university, I've got kittens, I've joined the worship team in church and so much more, not to mention my relationship with Christ has never been better and I am actually building healthy habits like reading my bible (almost) every morning. There are so many things I'd wished I could have done this year, as I am sure this is the case for many, but think about all the good things you might have done this year. Have you reconnected with an old friend? Have you started to work out and enjoy it? Have you started to eat healthier? Have you reconnected with family? Have you learnt a a new hobby or more about a particular subject you enjoy? Have you had the time to binge one of your favourite TV shows (I know I have)? This year has not been all bad, I don't think the world has ever been more connected and together, fighting for things like the lives of our dearly loved black people and all the beautiful lives of the people on this earth that deserve better. I also believe that so many people have come to Christ through this pandemic. So many people have had more access to loads of different churches through the internet and Youtube and everything. I was reading a blog about some of the things The Bible App have achieved this year and there are over a million people that have downloaded the app and read all sorts of different devotionals on it. It's so amazing to see all that God has been doing in this year despite the crazy storm of the world.
I pray that whatever you have faced this year that you would not let it take hold of you. Let it go as we enter the hope of Christmas. You have made it through 2020, lets just focus on that. Keep hold of the stuff that's brought you joy this year. May this next year bring a lot more joy and peace, and love to you. May we all find freedom and rest in our lives this next year.
I truly do hope 2021 is better for the world. I know that its not going to be suddenly better from the 1st of January, but it will get better in time because God has never and will never stop working.
I think that's enough from me for 2020. I hope you all have a very merry, wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year. See you in 2021.
BeeBee
xxx