I Tried...

I really did.

But something snapped tonight and I couldn't wait. I lit'rally couldn't stop my fingers from typing those little white keys on my Mac in the iTunes search tab - "Hotel Cafe".

Wait, what, you ask? Yes, yes I said Hotel Cafe.

Last winter Hotel Cafe, a small and amazing venue in Hollywood, released a Christmas album comprised of such great voices as Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat, Fiona Apple, and more. But, alas, I did not obtain said album until March of this last year and that was way too early to begin the Christmas music. I distracted myself well enough since then, yet this album was always in the back of my mind (and my iTunes) waiting to be played.

Tonight, it happened.

I came home. Lit some candles. Put on a pot of English Breakfast tea. Which is all fine. This has been done before and the temptation has been resisted, if yet begrudgingly. But not tonight. Tonight there were twinkle lights. They had to be hung up.

One can't very well have all of this Christmas feel and NOT have the music. I mean, it would've been wrong. How wrong? Well, more wrong than listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, I would think. And did think. Thought.

Because I did it. I listened to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. So sue me. Wow, haven't used that phrase in a while. Fitting.

Some Thinking

"As the days keep turning into nights, and even breathing feels alright..."

Philippians 4:12 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

We started a Bible study Thursday morns at beloved Kim's house, and we're going through Philippians.

I love Philippians. I love that in my Bible there is a note that says content can also mean self-sufficient. Of course, not a self that is independent of God. It's one that is fully dependent on Him; complete in that dependence and content in it. Needs nothing else. Self-sufficient.

It's really not that hard to know this contentment in Korea though. I would say God has given me more than plenty. I'm full. A deep fullness that almost hurts at how close and real it is.

1 Corinthians 13:12 - Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

I feel known here. So close and so real.