Author: iandthoureflections

Welcoming Joy, Again

Affirmation

Yesterday we welcomed joy. Today, we choose to notice it, remember it, and hold on to it.

Reflection

Joy often arrives in small, unexpected ways — and sometimes in the tiniest of places.

January invites us to do something new.
To experience joy in new ways.
Then, it calls us to hold on to that joy.
To carry it forward.

So, I asked my husband to take me on a date to the NC Museum of Art to see the Book of Esther exhibit. And so we went.

Then, the unexpected happened.

Joy.

In the tiniest of places.

There, tucked against the back wall, stood a glass case. Two small “metal objects” that seemed to be the “lock” for a prayer book, each intricately designed. And then a tiny cover (that once covered a prayer book) to the right. Perhaps made of pearl or stone. It had a pinkish hue. Mind you, these dated back to the 1600s. So, that fact alone left me in awe.

The cover looked no bigger than two inches by three inches. The carving alone captured my attention. I couldn’t make out the whole story, but it clearly held one. I was disappointed afterwards that I hadn’t taken a picture of it. But here is where the joy comes into play. I have the memory of that prayer book cover. And I can still feel the joy.

Today, we hold on to that kind of joy — the kind that whispers, “I’m here. Don’t rush past me. Stop. Take a peek. Maybe you’ll enjoy what you see.”

Prayer

God, help us notice the joy that we tuck into our pockets. A museum stub. A tissue with tears of joy. A few coins left from the change of a cup of coffee shared with a loved one. Teach us to treasure these pockets of joy. Amen.

Photo Credit: Personal Photo taken at the NC Museum of Art

#Joy #Prayer #Affirmation #NewBeginnings #Welcome #2026 #Faith #Seasons #Reflections

Welcoming Joy

Affirmation

We will see joy in the tiniest of places. We will welcome it in all its forms — simple, sparkly, or profoundly touching the soul.

Reflection

Joy doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it whispers-
in nature,
at work,
in our homes.

January invites us to notice the joy tucked into everyday moments-
a walk in the park,
sharing a cup of coffee with a colleague,
holding hands with a partner,
a kind word from a child,
or a nap in the middle of the day.

Welcoming joy means making space to receive it. No expectations. Just pure delight.

Prayer

God, Open our hearts to joy that heals and restores. Help us notice the small gifts You scatter throughout our days. A smile from a stranger. A door held open. A wave hello. As we prepare to receive these gifts, help us to give ours more abundantly. Amen

Image Source: Unknown

#Joy #Welcome #NewYear #2026 #Affirmation #Prayer #Faith #Seasons #Reflections

Welcoming The Clarity

Affirmation

We welcome clarity that brings peace, direction, and calm to our spirit. We welcome the calm. We tell anxiety “To go away.”

Reflection

Clarity typically evolves slowly. Sometimes we don’t even notice when it has arrived.

We find it little by little.
In a pause.
In a feeling.
Or through someone’s words, looks, or actions.

Something inside of us “feels right.” Like an absolute.

January gives us permission–
to slow down,
to listen,
to find clarity,
to welcome clarity.

And to trust God to reveal what we need to know,
and when.

That is truly a gift.

Prayer

God, clear the fog that often lingers in our minds. Help us see what matters most. Let us release what doesn’t. Let Your wisdom guide us through the new year with gentleness and grace.

Image Source: http://www.intothedeepblog.net

#Clarity #Welcome #NewYear #2026 #Affirmation #Prayer #Faith #Seasons #Reflections

Welcoming the Light

Affirmation

We welcome the light that finds us, especially when we’re in the darkness. We will walk toward the light and embrace it.

Reflection

The morning light slips through the open space of the curtain. It slowly brightens the room, casting a soft glow as if to say, “Good morning, loved one – time to get up.”

January invites us to notice the light–
the light that enters through the windowsill,
the light that shines on our desk,
the light that guides us down the road.

Let the light bring us warmth and gentle encouragement.
Let the light bring us new insight.
New perspectives.

Welcoming the light is less about the brightness and more about what the light points to.

Let the light point us to hope.

Prayer

God, let Your light touch the places in us that feel dim or weary. Help us notice the gentle ways You brighten our path. Teach us to welcome every sliver of light as a reminder that You are near. Amen

Photo Credit: Unknown Origin

#Light #Welcome #NewYear #2026 #Affirmation #Prayer #Faith #Seasons #Reflections

Welcoming The New Year

Let’s welcome 2026 as a new beginning!

Affirmation

We will be optimistic about the future. We welcome the new year with open arms and an open heart.

Reflection

January doesn’t ask us to reinvent ourselves.
It simply invites us to open the door a little wider —
to possibility,
to clarity,
to grace.

Welcoming encourages softness. It’s the quiet “yes” we whisper to God as we step into a new season.

Prayer

God, help us welcome what is good, what is needed, and what is true. Let our hearts open to the gifts You place before us. Help us to be grateful for what we have. Teach usto greet this year with trust. Trusting that you walk with us each and every day. Amen

Image Credit: iStock photo 2011

#Welcome #NewYear #2026 #Affirmation #Prayer #Faith #Seasons

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