It's That Time of Year

It's the very beginning of November and already stores and websites are trying to draw us into thinking of Christmas shopping. I love the Advent season and of course Christmas as well. But seeing so much sparkly, obnoxious commercialism already does NOT give me the "warm fuzzies" about Christmas.

It almost makes me have a panicked feeling inside. Not because I feel behind in my advent and Christmas prep. But because I want to plan now for a simple, faith and family filled holiday season that focuses on the birth of our Lord, serving others, and simple quality family times. I want to get a solid plan in place NOW to make sure we don't fall into the traps of the season that no one in this family enjoys. Too much rushing, too much spending and not enough focus on what's really important.

It might seem like a no brainer for some....just do and spend less. But if I dont plan specifics, I do slip into the rut.

If anyone knows of any good ebooks on the subject, or a podcast, please share. I can always use some help in this area.  TIA!

The Most Important Thing

15 years ago, on this day, All Saints Day, we watched as my older brother lost his battle with leukemia.  It was the most horrible experience of my life.

 I am Catholic and believe without a doubt that he went to a better place.  No more suffering for him as he enjoys eternity in the arms of our Lord.

 But for the rest of us it was awful.  We've gone on with life, of course, and lived more fully each day as we healed.  You are never truly over that type of loss, but you can't just stop living.  His mission was over here on earth.

 Ours is not, so we have to continue to love and serve each other and God every day until we are called home.  There is a quote I came across that seems fitting, both with the loss of my brother and with why minimalism has become important to me.

“We aren't the things we collect, acquire, read. We are, for as long as we're here, only love.”
― Gabrielle Zevin, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

I miss Jack terribly.  Some days, unexpectantly, it hits me hard.  All that we miss out on by not having him physically here any longer.  It physically hurts to picture him in my mind, my memories of his smile, his laugh, his voice.

Today, on this anniversary of his death, there is expected sadness in the air.  It can't be helped.

But I will try to focus on his life and how well he lived it!

And on love.

Love I still have for my big brother, and always will.  And love for all those still on the journey with me.

When it comes right down to it, that's all that really matters.

Love.