This will be night two in my new downtown home. The sounds of the train and traffic driving back lulled me to sleep last night. I’ve lived in downtown of cities before, I know the noises so they are sorta comforting but at the same time an adjustment. I’m slowly unpacking and cleaning up my new home and making my mark.

Tonight was a good small group with my girls. Seemed that they could grasp and walk away with, even a small piece of something. Working with Jr Highers, rarely do you see the fruits of your work in them. Its years later you see all your work and love shine through in the individuals they grow up to be. So when I get a tiny piece of knowing they understood something I’ve shared, it means a lot. First retreat this past weekend I think helped opened them up more. Even after almost 5 years in youth ministry, I still have so very much to learn.

November is coming to a end and the holidays are quickly approaching. I exchanged names for a Secret Santa with my church friends tonight to exchange gifts in two weeks. Tomorrow the work version sign-ups will start. I guess with setting up the holiday items up so early I just didn’t expect for the Christmas season to come this quickly. Plus the weather being in the 60s-70s just makes me all screwy in knowing what time of year it is. Though the empty trees do remind me of the season that has come and gone. I’m going to try this year to slow down and take part in Advents more than I have in the past. To soak in the knowledge of really what this season is really all about.