Advent – Red Tent Living

Bone-Deep Weary

By: redtentwomen December 11, 2018December 10, 2018

Day to Day, FaithAdvent, Listening, Nicole Clifton, quiet before God, Rest, Still Small Voice, Weary5 Comments

“Rest doesn’t improve restlessness because you’re not tired, you’re weary.” – Jody McPhearson It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and I’m back to the grind at work. I just had 6 days off from work and…I’m uneasy. Exhausted. Simultaneously bored and overwhelmed and my motivation is waning. There’s less room in my chest for my lungs…

Home

By: redtentwomen December 7, 2018February 5, 2019

Faith, Monthly Themes, The HomeAdvent, Contemplative Prayer, Counseling, Faith, Home, Mothering, Rachel Blackston, Rest1 Comment

A Voxer notification appeared from my friend Mike: Hi Rachel, I’ve been thinking about you and wondering what you would think of spending a half a day or a whole day on a silent retreat away from social media and family and friends. We would be happy to help with your kids to make this…

Weary and Thrilled

By: redtentwomen December 4, 2018December 3, 2018

Day to Day, FaithAdvent, Christmas, Danielle Castillejo, Hope, Marriage Struggles8 Comments

The angels broke into the atmosphere, announcing good news that seemed too late. But, they broke in anyway….

Returning

By: redtentwomen January 24, 2018January 21, 2018

Day to Day, Intentional LivingAdvent, Attitude Change, life changes, Loss, Madeline Bialecki, processing grief, Returning Home3 Comments

My life took an abrupt turn on July 8, 2011, when my friend Jim had a seizure and was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. After surgery, he moved into my home, and I cared for him until he died nine months later.

Christmas Courage

By: redtentwomen December 20, 2017December 20, 2017

Day to Day, relationshipsAdvent, Building Friendship, Christmas and holiday season, Holiday Budgeting, Holiday Busyness, Katy Johnson12 Comments

Out the window, tiny flakes hang suspended in the air before rushing to the earth with a strong gust of wind. I watch the process repeat over and over again, my heartbeat getting caught up in the swirling rhythm outside.

Waiting For Him In The Thin Places

By: redtentwomen December 26, 2016January 3, 2017

Day to DayA Face to Reframe, Advent, Anticipation, Beth Bruno, God with us, Ill, Parenting, Sex Trafficking, Sickness4 Comments

Once a year my body succumbs to illness. I shouldn’t complain; I have a strong immune system. I am grateful. But the timing is always off.

Like A Candle In The Window

By: redtentwomen December 22, 2016January 3, 2017

Intentional LivingAdvent, Christmas, desire, Emma Casey, Hope, longing, Recovery from Abuse, Restoration6 Comments

When a person experiences trauma, parts of the heart feel ripped loose, shattered, and blotted out.

More.

If I were asked to pick a single image that captures my heart concerning Christmas, I would pick a scene from one of my earliest holidays—you know, something that really set the tone for how I’ve held Christmas throughout my life.

Can of Worms

By: redtentwomen December 16, 2016December 15, 2016

Day to DayAdvent, Church, Dallas Willard, feminism, Libby Kurz, raising daughters, The Election11 Comments

It started the Monday after the election. My oldest daughter, Tessa, and I were lying in her bed, talking and listening to music before she went to sleep.

Light and Life to All He Brings

By: redtentwomen December 12, 2016December 11, 2016

Day to Day, The HomeAddiction, Advent, Christmas tree, Hope, Jennifer Stamness, Kindness, Recovery, trauma14 Comments

Christmastime is my favorite. The music, decorations, ugly sweater parties, cookies and candy canes – all of it ignites child-like excitement within me.