The last day of December. The last day of 2020. Whoa. I’m going to fully enjoy the final hours of this historic year.:)
Highlights of the Month
- Reading!!!
- Christmas shopping as a family… or shopping with various fragments of family, climbing in and out of different vehicles and trying to hide certain things from certain people because, you know, Christmas secrets.
- Walks – alone or with crazy sisters
- Sneaking peeks and
too many picsof gorgeous sunrises - Chatting with friends
- Decorating my bullet journal
- Writing about a spunky new character in my fantasy novel
- Making crash potatoes
- Christmas cookie creation time
- Playing Balderdash with creative siblings
- A journal-reading session with my brother
What I’ve Been Reading
Devotedly: the Personal Letters and Love Story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot – Valerie Elliot Shepard
Okay, I am loving this one! I’ve always appreciated the story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot’s relationship, so it’s been amazing to read more about it in this book. Also, it is crammed full of journals and letters – something that makes my heart happy.:)
Shadow of the Almighty – Elisabeth Elliot
Best. Biography. Ever. The end.
June Bug – Chris Fabry
It’s been awhile since a book kept me turning page after page way too late into the night (or early morning) but this book is doing that to me. It’s written so well… but due to certain things mentioned/implied in the book, I don’t recommend it for younger readers.
The Prodigal’s Sister – John Piper
This twist on the parable of the prodigal son is beautiful, poetic, and delightful to read.
Journal Snippets
Oh, God, put Your love in my heart. For my family. For my friends. For those I don’t want to call friends. For Your body. For the down-trodden. For those with whom I disagree. For You.
Oh, Lord, may I ever hear Your words, forsake the counsel of my own heart, and turn my eyes from idols, looking only to You. I don’t want to be “profitable for nothing”. (Jeremiah 13)
When I make my goals, Lord, let them not be according to the dictates of my own evil heart [Jeremiah reference], but according to Your pure plan.
I feel battered but sure of God’s goodness and hold on my life. I hurt. I don’t understand… but I trust. And that is enough. God leads me on day by day, faithfully.
Remember… life is not about you.
The biggest thing I see standing in my way is… a disenchantment with the Lover of my soul. Soul, love Him! Desire Him! Stir yourself up to answer His call. Break up your fallow ground – seek and serve Him in the mundane. Though mists of uncertainty veil the way, do something. Stay in shape so that when God throws you into a crisis, you will be fit for the task. Don’t waste a moment.
And there it is… the last post of 2020. What will this coming year bring?
I want to thank you for sticking with me and reading what’s on my heart… I am so blessed to have such amazing support. I hope that this year is simply wonderful for you… that God would bless you through the trials, be your joy in the mundane, and draw you ever closer to Himself in the coming year and each year to come.
-Laurel
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Laurel Luehmann 