Creating a Peaceful Advent

I love this Jim Shore cross that hangs on my wall during Advent. It was given to me by one of my sweet piano students. When I look at it I feel peaceful and I remember what this time of Advent should really be about. Each day I'm trying to be intentional about Advent, and the biggest thing that has helped me is having an "Advent Buddy".

My friend Lynn sends me emails about remaining peaceful during Advent, and we talk about how we're trying to combat the "busy"ness of the season. This afternoon I'm lighting a candle, taking a bath, and just relaxing for a little while. Yes, there is laundry to fold, cookies to bake, and lots of other things that are pulling on me. There is nothing more important, however, than reflecting upon the gift of Christ's birth. I'm hoping this peacefulness will spill over into our home and also into our schooling. In many ways it already has, and for that I am thankful.

What do YOU do to remain peaceful and intentional during Advent?
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Another Advent Resource - with one of my former professors!

At the Southeastern Homeschool Conference last year I went to a seminar given by Professor Carol Reynolds. After listening to her for several minutes, it dawned on me that she had been one of my music history professors at Southern Methodist University (where I did my undergraduate degree).

I look back fondly on my time at SMU (in the Meadows School of the Arts) because I got such a broad, liberal arts education. I was exposed to so much BEAUTY and I have no doubt this helped spark an interest in homeschooling many years after I graduated.

Professor Carol and I spoke after her lecture and she was so encouraging and complimentary. She also sent me a free preview disc of her latest endeavor. After retiring from being a professor, she started doing work in the private sector, and now works with Silver Age Music and has a complete Fine Arts curriculum for homeschoolers. Her lecture at the conference was funny, timely, and so encouraging to me. It was all about why college professors LOVE homeschooled students.

I was excited to see that Professor Carol is doing an Advent series on The Homeschool Channel. It started Sunday, so it's not too late to join in. She has a video, and also a blog each day which will help families celebrate Advent through the fine arts. Very cool. It's a short post each day with lots of good links and ideas for your family. I hope you get a chance to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!
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