Yesterday I encouraged us to think about how we begin our day and end our day. What do we fill our heart and mind with as we wake and what do we fill our mind and heart with as we prepare for sleep?
We all know that there is the temptation to begin and end with messages of fear that easily come to us through the news that is readily available on our phones. Well, I sure know I am tempted to wake up each morning asking what is happening now in the world?!
Yesterday I was also reminded that our God, who never sleeps created us to rest. So today, I give you my morning reading and a quote from Eugene Peterson.
Also, I am highlighting an online advent devotional you might enjoy. The scripture, art and prayers both comfort and challenge: 2016 Advent Devotion

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Eugene Peterson:
We go to sleep, and God begins his work. As we sleep he develops his covenant. We wake and are called to participate in God’s creative action. We respond in faith, in work. But always grace is previous. Grace is primary. We wake into a world we didn’t make, into a salvation we didn’t earn. Evening: God begins, without our help, his creative day. Morning: God calls us to enjoy and share and develop the work he initiated. Creation and covenant are sheer grace and there to greet us every morning.”

Renée