Author: iandthoureflections

Prepare Ye The Way

Advent is a preparation season
A season to prepare for the coming babe in a manger.

PREPARE

It is Christmas.
CHRISTMAS IS HERE.
TODAY.

It comes every year.
Whether we are prepared or not.

This year, let’s PREPARE.

PREPARE our hearts.
PREPARE our minds.
PREPARE our bodies.
PREPARE our homes.
PREPARE our spouses.
PREPARE our loved ones.

PREPARE to welcome THE CHRIST CHILD!

What Christmas has revealed to me this year,
is that we can’t ACCEPT the wonder and the awe of the holiness of God
UNTIL we PREPARE ourselves to meet the glorious king.

THEN, once we have PREPARED,
We will rest in God’s loving arms.
And WAIT.

We have a CHOICE.

We can be like the WISE women with the oil lamps or the foolish ones who are not prepared. (Matthew 25)

May the One who sent a babe into the world lead us back to love.

May the PEACE of CHRIST in CHRISTMAS bring you peace today and every day until the end of time.

If you need support from either a no contact or a low contact estrangement today, visit thepaisleyfrog.com for more information about the “8 stages” and you can read about the process of estrangement.

In the meantime, be with those who want you in their lives. And may the peace of Christmas get you through today.

WISHING YOU ALL A boatload OF JOY AND PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS.

#Christmas #Peace #Faith #Estrangement #Prepare #Holidays

Photo taken at St. Joseph’s, Lutz, Florida – 2025

The Gift of Calm

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #9: Stress Ball

Let’s offer calm this holiday season.
Let’s give a simple stress‑relief ball.

Something soft to hold, squeeze, and breathe with. A small reminder that calm is possible, even in the middle of wrapping gifts.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. — John 14:27

Calm is sacred. Sometimes we need to make time for it. Sometimes it comes when you are holding something soft, feeling it in your hand, and letting your breath slow down. A stress ball becomes more than a toy; it becomes a gentle practice.

A way to release tension.
A way to steady the mind.
A way to remember that God’s peace is never far from reach.

Calm invites us to remember:
We can pause before reacting.
We can breathe before speaking.
We can release what we’re holding.
We can return to peace, again and again.

Materials

  • Soft stress‑relief ball (foam, gel, or fabric)
  • Small bag, box, or pouch
  • Optional: calming scripture card, breath prayer, or short grounding exercise

Instructions

  1. Place the stress ball in a small pouch or box.
  2. Add a note: “This is a reminder to breathe deeply and let calm rise within you.”
  3. Seal with care and, if desired, decorate with ribbon or a simple tag.

Sample Notes

  • Squeeze, breathe, release.
  • Let this gift remind you to slow down.
  • Let go of stress and let God bring you peace.

Let this gift be a blessing. A gentle practice. A sacred whisper that says, “Peace is possible.”

Let’s Offer the Gift of Calm
to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Evie’s carry on packing: large squishy ball and monkey in a baggie” by Josh Puetz is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. 

#Calm #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Pause

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #8: A Spiritual Practice

Let’s bring stillness to this holiday season.
Let’s offer a moment of quiet with a simple candle—an invitation to pause, breathe, and notice the light of God’s presence.

Be still, and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

A pause is sacred. It is a moment to rest the mind and let God’s peace shower us with calm. Taking time to sit and be with God is the reason for the season. We often rush and hardly take notice.

Lighting a candle becomes more than a small act—it becomes a spiritual practice.

A way to slow down.
A way to breathe deeply.
A way to be grateful.
A way to remember that God is near, even in the busiest moments.

We have a choice. We can get caught up and go, go, go. Or, we can slow down and take a sacred pause.

For our mind. Our body. Our soul.

The soft glow of a candle reminds us that:

Stillness restores us.
Light guides us.
Quiet moments nourish the soul.
God’s presence shines and invites us to share His peace.

Chances are you may already have a new candle lying around your home. Or perhaps a tealight?

Materials

  • Small candle or tealight
  • Matches or a small lighter
  • Small tin, jar, or box
  • Optional: scripture card, breath prayer, or reflective prompt

Instructions

  1. Seal with care and, if desired, decorate with ribbon, twine, or a simple tag.
  2. Place the candle and matches in a small tin, jar, or box.
  3. Add a note: “This candle is an invitation to pause. Light it when you need a moment of peace.”

Sample Notes

May this light remind you to pause and breathe.
In the quiet glow, may you feel God’s nearness.
Let this flame be a gentle whisper of peace.

Let this gift be a blessing. A quiet moment. A sacred whisper that says, “Be still. All is well.”

Let’s Offer the Gift of Pause to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Gebet” by Kurt Stocker is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

#Pause #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Comfort

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #7: Tea Basket

Let’s bring comfort to this holiday season.
Let’s offer warmth with a simple tea kit—each item a reminder to pause. To slow down. To smell the fragrance. To appreciate the season.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.— Matthew 11:28

Comfort is sacred. It is God’s work in us and through us. A cup of herbal tea reminds us that comfort often begins in simple ways. Like putting the kettle on. Waiting to hear the kettle whistle.
Pouring the water into the cup.
Steeping the tea.
It’s a simple way to slow down. It provides time to pray or hear God tug on your heart. To appreciate the simple things in life. Like a hot cup of tea.

God doesn’t send us anxiety or loneliness. He meets us in those moments and guides us toward peace.

A cup of tea becomes more than a drink—it becomes a reminder that we matter. Take time to rest and recharge. And when you feel energized, give that same gift to someone else.

Comfort whispers:

We all need rest.
We matter, no matter what others think.
We can find peace in the fragrant beverage.
We can be refreshed.

Materials

  • Herbal tea bags (chamomile, peppermint, lavender for calming aroma)
  • Honey stick or sugar packet
  • Small mug or teacup
  • Napkin or tissue
  • Small pouch, box, or basket
  • Optional: scripture card, candle, cinnamon stick, or dried herbs for fragrance

Instructions:

  1. Gather a few tea items and place them neatly in a pouch, box, or basket.
  2. Add a note: “This kit is a reminder to pause and rest. May God’s peace warm your soul.” (See more below)
  3. Seal with care and, if desired, decorate with ribbon, dried flowers, cinnamon stick, or a sprig of lavender for aroma.

Sample Notes

  • May this tea’s aroma remind you of God’s calming presence.
  • Pause, sip, and breathe—God is near.
  • Comfort is sacred. Rest is holy. Enjoy your cup of tea.

Let this gift be a blessing. A sacred whisper that says, “All is well with your soul.”

Let’s Offer the Gift of Comfort
to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Spot Of Tea Gift Set” by
Kristin Roach is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

#Comfort #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Healing

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts that Nourish

Gift Idea #6: First Aid Kit

Let’s bring healing to this holiday season.
Let’s offer care with a simple first aid kit—each item a reminder that God tends to our wounds and calls us to love one another.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
— Psalm 147:3

Healing is sacred. It is God’s work in us and through us. A bandage and ointment—remind us that restoration often begins in simple ways. Like saying a prayer that we are not alone. Or to whisper in someone’s ear that God is nearby.

God doesn’t cause us pain. He walks with us through the pain and guides us to the other side.

Healing reminds us all that:

God is the Great Healer.
We are called to care for one another.
It all begins with compassion.

Materials

  • Bandages or adhesive strips in all sizes
  • Antiseptic wipes or ointment
  • Tissues or gauze
  • A water bottle
  • A pouch, tin, or box
  • Optional: tweezers, card with scripture or prayer

Instructions

  • Gather a few basic first aid items.
  • Place them neatly in a pouch, tin, or box.
  • Add a note: “This kit is a reminder that healing begins with care. May God’s love restore you.”
  • Seal with care and, if desired, decorate with ribbon or stickers.

Sample Notes

  • May these items remind you of God’s healing touch.
  • Healing begins with compassion.
  • You are cared for, held, and restored.
  • God is the Divine Healer.

Let this gift be a blessing.
A healing balm.
A sacred whisper that says, “You are being healed.”

Let’s Offer the Gift of Healing
to Ourselves & to Others.

First Aid Kit
Image Credit: “First Aid Kit”
by dlg_images is licensed under CC BY 2.0.




#Healing #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Growth

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #5: Seeds of Growth

Let’s plant growth this holiday season with seeds.
Let’s offer nourishment and fruit, vegetables, or herbs—each one a reminder that God brings increase in due time.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… though it is the smallest, it grows into the largest of garden plants.
— Matthew 13:31–32

Growth is sacred. It is daily, steady, and often unseen until it blossoms. Growth reminds us that God is at work. Even if it starts tiny. The Spirit whispers, keep going. Keep growing. God will tend to it and bring forth fruit.

Growth reminds us all that:

Nourishment comes from God.
Small seeds can lead to abundance.
We are becoming what we created to be.

Materials

  • Small packet of food seeds (beans, herbs, grains)
  • Small envelope, pouch, or planter
  • Pen or marker
  • Optional: ribbon, sticker, or recipe card

Instructions

  1. Place the seed packet in the envelope, pouch, or planter.
  2. Add a note: “Plant these seeds as a reminder that growth is ongoing even if we can’t see it. Watch as nature unfolds the harvest.”
  3. Seal with care and, if desired, decorate.

Sample Notes

  • “Growth starts small but ends in nourishing the body and soul.
  • “Plant, tend, and trust: God does the rest.”
  • “These seeds remind us that growth is a gift of patience.”

Let this gift be a blessing.
A nourishment.
A sacred whisper that says, “You are becoming.”

Let’s Offer the Gift of Growth
to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Food Baskets at ‘We Garden in Capitol Park’ Event in Sacramento”
by ProComKelly is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

#Growth #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Strength

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #4: Stone Garden

Let’s gather stones to serve as an anchor this holiday season.
An anchor of strength.
An anchor of resilience.

Let’s offer comfort, encouragement, and sacred presence one stone at a time as we create a visual and tactile reminder of God’s promises.

These stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.
— Joshua 4:7

Stones are sacred. They remind us of the earth’s foundation—the foundation of our relationships and the cornerstone of our homes. They anchor us and whisper that God is our rock and redeemer.

Here’s how we can create a stone garden that will last for years to come. It will be a constant reminder of the strength the recipient has within themselves.

Materials:

  • Smooth stones (garden, river, or craft store)
  • Permanent marker or paint pen
  • Small tray, bowl, or cloth pouch
  • Optional: moss, sand, or dried flowers for presentation, container, dirt, card, or note

Instructions:

  1. Wash and dry the stones.
  2. Write a short scripture, word, or phrase on each. Examples:
    • Peace – John 14:27
    • Trust – Proverbs 3:5
    • Be Still – Psalm 46:10
    • Hope – Isaiah 40:31
  3. Place them in a pouch, basket, dish, or planter.
  4. Add a note or card,

Let this gift be a blessing. A foundation. A sacred whisper that says, “You are held.”

Card Example:

“May these stones anchor you in strength and grace. May they remind you—you are beloved, held, and never alone.”

This gift is more than a decoration. It’s a garden of truth and stability—a sacred invitation to lean on God and to hold scripture close.

Let’s Offer the Gift of Strength
to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Mini stone Garden” by rumpleteaser is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

#Strength #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Hope

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #3: Wildflower Seeds in Envelope

Let’s plant hope this holiday season.
Hope for more sacred time.
Hope for new beginnings.

Let’s offer hope with flower seeds, each one a whisper of new things to come, faith in nature, and how we can all bloom and become more beautiful.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1

Hope is sacred. It carries us when the way ahead feels uncertain. It reminds us that even in winter, spring is coming. Hope anchors us. It encourages us to take baby steps. Each day.

Hope is a promise. A promise of God’s enduring love.

Hope reminds us all that:
Beauty can rise from deep, dark places.
God’s promises are alive, even when we can’t see them.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. We need to keep going until we see the sliver of light through the cracks.

Materials:

  • Small packet of flower seeds (wildflowers, sunflowers, lavender)
  • Small envelope or pouch
  • Pen or marker
  • Optional: ribbon, sticker, or pressed flower

Instructions:

  1. Place the seed packet in the envelope or pouch.
  2. Add a note: “Plant these seeds as a reminder that hope grows in dark places. Watch for beauty to unfold right before your eyes.” (See more samples below)
  3. Seal with care and, if desired, decorate.

Sample Notes

  • “Hope is planted in faith, watered with prayer, and blooms in God’s time.”
  • “These seeds carry the promise of beauty yet to come—just as hope carries us forward.”
  • “Plant, wait, and trust: hope is alive.”

Let this gift be a blessing. A promise. A sacred whisper that says, “Hope is here.”

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
— Psalm 126:5

Let’s Offer the Gift of Hope
to Ourselves & to Others.

Image Credit: “Wildflower Mix Bloom from Seed Packet” by Faybba is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

#Hope #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #GiftsOfHope #PresenceInThePresents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays

The Gift of Prayer

The Season of Gift-Giving: Gifts That Nourish

Gift Idea #2: A Prayer Scroll

What better gift to give than a prayer?

Let’s bless someone with a prayer.
Let’s pray for one another.
Let’s lift someone up in prayer.
Let’s offer a handwritten prayer on a scroll – a whisper of kindness, faith in humanity, and a sacred belonging.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’— Isaiah 30:21

Prayers are sacred. They anchor us in grace. They speak to the soul. And a prayer scroll carries a certain reverence.
It invites unrolling.
Slowly.
With care.

Prayers remind us all that:

We are loved.
We belong.
We are not alone.

Materials:

  • Strip of parchment, kraft paper, or cardstock (approx. 3–4 inches wide, 8–12 inches long)
  • Pen or printed prayer
  • Ribbon, twine, or wax seal
  • Optional: pressed flower, small charm, or sprig of rosemary/lavender

Instructions:

  1. Write or print a short prayer (see example below).
  2. Roll the paper gently into a scroll.
  3. Tie with ribbon or twine.
  4. Add a tag: “A prayer for you. Unroll when you need peace.”

Sample Prayer

Creator God,

Bless (name of person) as they walk through this season. Help them to feel your presence.
Be their rest.
Be their guide.
Be their comfort.
Be their hope.
You are with them.
You are for them.
Let (name of person) know they are enough.
And their presence is Your gift to the world.

Amen.

Let this gift be a blessing.
A balm.
A sacred whisper that says, “You are loved.”

This gift is more than paper. It soothes the soul and breathes life back into us. A sacred whisper for the road ahead.

Let’s Offer the Gift of Prayer
to Ourselves & to Others

Image Credit: “scrolls” by Hc_07 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. 

#Prayer #GiftsThatNourish #Faith #SacredGifts #GiftsThatMatter #Gifts OfHope #PresenceInThePrsents #MeaningfulGifts #SoulGifts #Holidays