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The holidays are in full swing, I'm five days into my first-ever sabbatical, all the magic of December is on the horizon and I've been having a lot of conversations about expectations lately. Mainly, the expectations we put on ourselves. Specifically, the expectations I put on myself. This is a year-round, 365-day occurrence in my life, but I see it heightened during the holidays. Mounting pressure to be thoughtful, present, intentional, and if I’m honest — impressive.
In the last two weeks, a friend and a counselor both separately asked me if I would feel comfortable putting the expectations I have for myself on anyone else. Essentially, is what I am expecting of myself reasonable for anyone? To which the only answer I could offer was, no. No, I would certainly not subject anyone else to the expectations I have for myself. That would be unkind. And if it would be unkind to place those expectations on someone else, why do I think it’s okay to place those expectations on myself? Well, that is the question, friends. The question that I will continue to work through in counseling and continue to ponder on this sabbatical, but I share it here because I suspect that I am not the only one with an expectations issue.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the things you need to do over this Christmas season, I would encourage you to ask yourself, who told you that you need to do them? Who is expecting that of you? And is all that you are carrying, doing, and trying to get done a reasonable load for any one human being? I'll be over here, asking myself all the same questions. Likely, 25 times a day.
There is only One that can be in all places at once, only One knows all things, and only One that holds all things together. And that One is not me, and it is not you. As Advent approaches, let us fix our eyes on Christ and rest in who He is and who we are in light of Him, surrendering our desire to be perfect (or impressive or the best), knowing that we don’t have to be because HE IS.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20
Current Obsessions
The 2022 Mark The Moment | Reflection & Goal Setting Guide is HERE!
If you know me, you know that I love a new year! A new year is a natural invitation to look back and look ahead with intention. I love this process and after years of trial and error, this is the format that works best for me. I hope you find it helpful too!
No matter how you feel about 2021, I would encourage you not to skip the reflection piece... take some time to count the ways you saw God move, remember the ways you grew, stepped outside your comfort zone, or took a step of obedience. Celebrate the fruit from this year. Take stock of where you saw the glory of God in 2021 and spend time praising Him before moving ahead to dream about 2022. There may also be things to grieve this year, things that came to an end, other things that didn't come to fruition, or difficult circumstances beyond your control - don't be afraid to take those things to Lord as well. This is an opportunity to process what the last year looked like and talk to the Lord about how you want the year ahead to look different.
Once you spent time reflecting, it's time to set some goals. Goals shouldn't be about personal glory or personal achievement, instead is a goal is a plan to be intentional about our days so that we can be more like Christ and make much of God. 2022 is almost here, which is exciting, but the better truth is that we have a God who offers new mercy and new grace day after day. There is nothing magical about January 1st, but I pray this guide would be a helpful resource as you seek to honor and glorify the Lord in 2022!
Share your goals with a friend or invite them to do this with you! I’d love to cheer you on as your look back and look ahead, email me one of your goals or tag me if you post any pictures as you are working through the guide! I'd love to be your hype girl in 2022!
My friend, Randi, sent me this recipe and it's so good, perfect for these colder days! It would be perfect to sub chicken for your leftover thanksgiving turkey!
We watched this movie as a family last night and it was everything you want in a sports movie + the intricacies of an origin story. We loved it! You can watch it on HBOMax or in theaters.
If one of your goals in the new year is getting your financial life in order, this budgeting tool has been invaluable to me since January 2020. That's right, it took me nearly 30 years to figure out the budgeting thing (or should I say the sticking-to-a-budget thing) and it's been a game changer. I especially like YNAB's feature for saving towards future goals.
This is one of my favorite Advent reads, I read one chapter a day beginning December 1st and it takes you right to Christmas Day! Last year, I shared some other simple ways to celebrate Advent here.
Last but not least, here are few things I snagged this Black Friday — this bathing suit for Mexico (I bought it 2 days ago and now it's another 30% off) from J crew, this dress that has been on my wish list for a few months from ABLE, and I'm still thinking about this sweater from Madewell (since the sweater coat of my dreams is still too expensive even with the Black Friday discount and sold out in my size ).
Happy Friday. friends! I pray this note was a source of encouragement and maybe a little inspiration. If you love getting these emails, would you consider forwarding it to a friend? This newsletter has become my favorite creative outlet and I'd love to be able to share it with anyone you think might find it encouraging. I'd love to hear what you are loving or how you are using the goal guide, hit that reply button and let me know!
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