welcome

 When I started writing these in 2011 I had no idea that I'd still be going strong in 2023!!  The Advent blog began as a way of me trying to keep myself focused on the run up to Christmas.  My kids were 6,8 and 10.  Life was full on busy.  I found it pretty hard to find time in my day to have a  'God moment'.  But writing the blog forced me to open my eyes every day to see ,and my ears every day to listen, and then to find half an hour to write down what I'd seen and heard.  You guys have become a faithful following over the years and for that I thank you.  If nobody was reading it would make it much harder to keep motivated.

This year I find myself in a very different place from when I started.

My boys are 18,21 and 22.  All are away from home. I 'retired ' from Jo Jingles when Karen sold the business earlier in the year.  And as I write I find myself in England, living with Mum who called for me to come on November 19th at 6 in the morning as she thought she was dying.  She is dying.  We are all dying.  Its just a matter of timing isnt it? 😊  I think  I need to explain whats going on just in case this year the blog is a bit different.

Mum is sleeping alot.  Probably 16 or 18 hours out of 24. Which means for vast chunks of time I have absolutely nothing to do.  This, in theory, should be great for blog writing as I have no excuse not to be listening and watching for God. However, those of you who have followed this for a while know that I tend to hear Him speak in the stuff of everyday.  The chance encounters, the conversations, the scenes and sights of nature and the busyness of life.  For the forseeable future I will be sat in a chair in Mums house.  I will be drinking coffee, doing jigsaws. feeding Mum miniscule amounts of food and watching endless Christmas movies.  Im already bored stupid and Ive not been here long.😊

Confession- over the past few months I have been writing blog posts in anticipation of this years blog. So I do have a few in the bag. 

As I am unexpectedly confined this year I suppose I should go full on Bible study and take the opportunity to have a deep dive into scripture. For the first time in decades I may actually have the chance to do that. Im not entirely sure I will have the mental energy........ but that's just bone idleness and excuses. I need to find and theme to go with and start studying. 

I will doubtless be writing some things about how Im getting on with Mum. Please dont worry about me or her. We are good. I'll definitely let you know if we are not as I know you will all pitch in to pray.

Blog proper starts tomorrow. First Sunday in Advent.  Enjoy

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