The Advent Journey has begun...

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Dec 2 - 24, 2018

Advent is a penitential season observed in many Christian churches. It is a time of expectation and preparation for the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming [click]. "Advent" is from the Latin word meaning "coming". 

The "penitential" aspect means it is a time to intentionally reconcile ourselves and our actions to God and His desires for us individually and collectively. Reconcile here should be taken as not perfectly meeting God's desires, but taking purposeful steps to gain ground [hooah!] for Jesus in our lives.

The liturgical color for the season is purple, which in Mediterranean cultures symbolizes royalty [it being the most difficult, expensive color to make in ancient times, it was reserved for kings and other big shots]. We may therefore use the color as a reminder that Christ is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. 

So, how are things going with this little 'ol hobby?

Well, I found stapled to an old church bulletin a list of goals last year [came upon me during the service so I scribbled them down immediately]. 

And it is looking pretty good:

1. Get camera tripod for better pics [done, using]
2. Sell off Urban War and most 28mm sci-fi [done!]
3. Put WSS items on blog [done, and sold!]
4. Same with Odyssey Slipways Star Wars fleet [done, still available [click!] 
5. Sell off an historical period project [some progress]
6. Paint items for Space Hulk game - pending]
7. Post and sell Thunder Mountain Arthurian fig project [pending]

Overall, not bad - 4.5 out of 7 done, but it's only a 64% which is a "D" in most scholastic endeavors. However, "D=degree" is not really the mentality we are trying to cultivate here!

The Pink and final white sheet are the more recent list of goals and lists, and things are going well, but there's more progress to do especially in the area of painting itself, which has not been a particularly fruitful endeavor for me. I've spent most of my time researching and writing rule sets, some for me and some to support the interests of others and b/c it is always an interesting challenge.

I've recently posted my goal to do a blog post or two weekly, and I think that helps with actually getting things done. I hope and pray that this season there is spiritual progress with this hobby and that there is something to learn and share with others in it!

A blessed and sober Advent to you all! 

Remember, Christmas is not until December 25th, so hold off on your "Merry Christmas" wishes until that season, which extends for 12 days from Christmas Day to Epiphany!