28 Comments
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Paula's avatar

Thanks for sharing the book bag with Sweet Tea & Friends this month. I've been searching for a new Advent companion to read and reflect on this year.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I'd love to hear what you end up using, Paula. There's so many wonderful options out there.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

Every day is Christmas,

that's how it seems to me,

and thus just may be because

I left up the tree

that I set up Christmas Eve

last year (or the year before?),

and through this I do believe

that our house has a welcome door

open to the happy spirit

of ongoing celebration,

and if you come by you will hear it

and receive an education

on why rednecks do have more fun

than just about, well, anyone.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh I'd love to hear Barb's take on a year-round tree, Andrew! The girl's a saint.

BTW, after we hauled our fake tree out of the box last year, it was in such bad shape that we looked at each other, nodded in agreement, took it down, and threw it out. Tim wants a real one this year. So be it.

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Jean Wise's avatar

Sounds like a great book. Thank for for introducing us to her writing

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Jean, it's been a pleasure.

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Michele Morin's avatar

Already this place is becoming a hub of cross pollination! Thanks for sharing your friend!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Girl, you DO have a way with words!

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veronica lee's avatar

It sounds like an amazing book, Linda.

I always look forward to the Advent season.

Hugs and blessings

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yep, it's coming galloping right toward us. I can hardly believe that this year is quickly coming to an end ...

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Marilyn Davidson's avatar

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Advent with us, Angela! Your excitement comes through! I really enjoyed how you describe what a Bible study can be like, it makes me anticipate it more. Seeing it through God's eyes and how He wants us to be eager for what He's ready to share with us puts a whole other spin on it. Great insight!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

For sure. Her zeal for life and faith always infuses me with some kind of energy when we're together. You guys would enjoy comparing notes and sharing experiences.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

The book sounds intriguing; Angela sounds delightful! Love her personal subtitle for the Bible: The Book of Truth and Wonder. I think God smiles at that!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yep, she is lovely, Nancy. She radiates the lovingkindness of Jesus and has a marvelous energy about her that's contagious. I hope she keeps on writing, too.

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Trudy's avatar

I love your deep questions and Angela's responses, Linda. It sounds like a great book. I already have Advent reading plans, but thank you for sharing it. Love and blessings to you!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Trudy, yes, there are so many good Advent companions out there. I'm glad you're ready to roll with yours! It's hard to believe we're even talking about this. Where did 2023 go?

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Cheri's avatar

Thank you Angela and Linda. The Christmas season can be such a crazy busy time, unless we choose to make it different and hope for a way different outcome. I do look forward to reading Angela’s Advent devotional starting on December 1st, with a whole different set of eyes, and plan to have a joyous Christmas with family and friends.

Blessings ~ Cheri

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Angela Burtis's avatar

Cheri! Thank you for trusting me with this special season. I will be praying for you!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Cheri, I love how you use the word 'choose.' It's so easy to get swept up in all the crazy if we haven't spent some time discerning what God is inviting us to and how we're going to navigate that path. So glad Angela's book fits the bill for you.

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Pam Richardson's avatar

It sounds like a wonderful book, Linda. Thanks for sharing and it sounds like a must have for me to add to my bookshelves!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I think you'll really appreciate it, Pam.

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

Thinking about Christmas season every day of the year...that help keep us in a joyful mindset! I'd read last Christmas about Christmas starting on Christmas days and lasting 12 days after. I believe the 12 Days of Christmas carol references the 12 days after, not the days leading up to it. It's a great fact to dive deeper into! Congratulations on your Advent book!

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Angela Burtis's avatar

Hi Lynn! Looks like you’ve heard the same as I have. I hope you and I both get into the rhythm of observing the 12 days after Christmas!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

The whole idea of observing Christmastide, that season that follows the 25th, is a soothing way to enter the new year. Kind of like a peaceful cadence, a renewed hope, a gentle pause instead of racing like maniacs into goal setting, turning over new leaves, or making resolutions that go nowhere fast.

I like it!

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Martha Jane Orlando's avatar

This book sounds like an absolute must have, Linda. I've always loved the season of Advent and this book is sure to make it more special.

Blessings!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yeah. Wonder in the Waiting really grabbed me (for lots of reasons) and I'm so happy to share it with you all.

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Bill Grandi's avatar

Sounds like one I will pick up for another year. Am already reading one that is helping me focus on Christmas. (Greg Laurie's new one called "Heaven's Breaking Light." I need to not overload myself with Christmas devotionals so that they take up my "Encounter Time" instead of reading the Word.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Hey Bill. Thanks for the reminder to keep the Word front and center of all our reading. I've often found myself reaching for another volume first. I like the concept of 'Encounter Time' ... a purposeful plan, not just another thing on the to-do list.

Thanks for kicking off our conversation. Jesus first. Always.

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