2021 Advent Day 11

Hey friends!

We are still a day behind, todays is the 12th, but I am writing the 11th.

For the 11th, Eliza and I slept in because she had another hard night going to sleep. Kaitlyn woke up early and went to the zoo, because that was another thing she really wanted to do. While Kaitlyn was at the zoo Matt, Eliza and I were cleaning up the apartment to get ready to leave and head to Hattiesburg for the rest of the month. Once Kaitlyn got back, Eliza was napping so we actually ended up making fried Oreos and Snickers.

By the time Eliza woke up, we were done and we decided to take Kaitlyn to Ikea! Ikea was another place that she really wanted to go to while in Atlanta. We spent a few hours in Ikea, and then just decided to drive around Downtown Atlanta a little bit and show her some things that she hadn't seen before. We drove her by Martin Luther King Jr's birth house, Krog Street Tunnel, Ponce City Market, Centennial Park, the Mercedes-Benz stadium, the State Farm arena, and Truist Park! We did not get out at any of the places, but we drove her by them to just see them!

Today's advent calendar said "Matt's Plan" which all got messed up, honestly.. His plan was originally to go to some farm for Christmas lights, a hay ride, a petting zoo/nativity scene, and a few other things. Then, he realized that we did not have the money to be able to go.. so then his plan was to bake the Chocolate Crinkle cookies from the other day.. By the time he finally figured out what to do, it was already late, and Eliza was going to sleep. We also had to pack because we were leaving on the 12th to go back to Hattiesburg for almost a month and neither of us had packed anything at all..

The Bible advent for today was a devotional, Luke 1:38, and 1 Peter 1:7. The picture quote for today said, "We may want to be refined, but are we willing to say 'yes' to God and walk through the fire?" The devotional talks about how easy Mary made it look to say yes and just follow what the angel of God told her. She immediately surrendered to her role in God's plan. Nothing looked positive in the situation, she was engaged, but pregnant.. she was going to have a difficult time being pregnant, giving birth, and even raising Jesus. The only assurance she received was God's word, but it was enough for her.

Through the trials that we face, our faith is revealed. It takes genuine faith to go through trials without breaking. "God frequently asks us for our trust through difficult, uncomfortable, and seemingly impossible circumstances." It's easy for us to question His ways and be weary, but how often do we just jump up and say "yes"? Can we trust God like Mary did, and just say yes to Him?

What challenging task has God given you that you haven't said, "yes" to but you need to? Think about it, and reflect on it. Know and remember that God has an outcome greater than we could ever imagine. He has plans for us that are bigger than we can think of.

"'I am the Lord's slave,' said Mary. 'May it be done to me according to your word.' Then the angel left her" - Luke 1:38

"so that the genuineness of your faith -- more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire -- may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1:7

"Father, I trust that Your will is perfect. I pray You will place Your desires on my heart, aligning my dreams with Yours. Thank You for the example You've given me in Mary. Please give me the wisdom, courage, and faith I need to say 'yes' to Your plan for my life." - Prayer