I know, it’s been awhile. It’s not that I haven’t thought about you— I have, I promise! I’ve been itching to get back in the saddle and get some words on the page. AND I’VE MISSED YOU! God has been so gracious and so faithful in allowing me all sorts of new projects and ideas and I’m finding it difficult to discern how to steward them all well. So, for now, I’m allowing myself pockets of each. This newsletter will be very consistent through the end of the year and then we will see where God leads.
Right now, the big project is launching my Advent Guide, Volume II! You guys, I am so thrilled with this. And honestly, I’m so excited to actually use it. I loved last year’s Family Guide but it was a little complicated. #classiccourtney This year, God has taught me so much on the simplicity of His ways, His character, His sturdiness, His story… and I wanted to sit in that during Advent this year.
It started with the thought of the straw in the manger, the muslin wrap, the frankincense essential oil, and the leather strap of the donkey’s halter. Four simple items that were part of the birth of Jesus. Four simple items that represent Comfort, Closeness, Celebration, and Calibration. Four simple items that remind us that Jesus came in the simplest of terms and if we’re not careful, we can lose sight of that with all the sparkle of holiday magic.
That’s why I love Advent. It’s a word that just means “coming.” In the traditional church calendar, it occurs during the four weeks prior to Christmas Day, often celebrated by lighting a candle on Sunday. It’s anticipation, wonder, and whimsy— looking forward to the gift of Christ.
I know it’s a little early, but on this November 1, I’m so excited to invite you to #jointhestory…
This guide is for anyone, in any stage. It's meant to be a helpful resource for an intentionally simple Christmas focused on the intentionally simple ways of Christ. It has the look and feel of a beautiful coffee table magazine. It's meant to be simple to use, easy to follow, and gorgeous to look at.
It's a 48 page magazine, full color, glossy cover, 70# white paper guide for the four weeks of Advent. Each week features a short devotional, a hot drink recommendation, a reading of Luke 2, and a suggested activity that also doubles as Christmas gifts.
This magazine version will be perfect to keep handy. It makes a great gift and can be used year over year. It will make a lovely companion for the holiday season!
Also available is the PDF version for phone or iPad use or to print at home!
2022
November 4-5: Auburn Berean Church, Auburn, NE (our last of 2022 and our 22nd Legacy Retreat!)
2023
January 28: Church Ladies Retreat, Grand Island, NE .
(*Church Ladies is our new option for 2023 & beyond; a deep dive into what it looks like to be a woman in the church according to God’s Word; 1 day, 3 sessions; email dianemathis85@gmail.com to book)
February 25: Church Ladies, Chadron, NE
March 4: Church Ladies, Broken Bow, NE
March 25: Church Ladies, Mitchell, NE
April 14-15: Legacy Retreat, Alma, NE
April 28-29: Legacy Retreat, Ashland, NE
May 6: Church Ladies, Imperial, NE
June 3: Church Ladies, Gandy, NE
September 16: Church Ladies, Marysville, KS
September 29-30: Legacy Retreat, Valentine, NE
October 21: Church Ladies, Plattsmouth, NE (at Mahoney State Park)
November 4: Church Ladies, Ogallala, NE
November 10-11: Legacy Retreat, Burwell, NE