The Joy of January – Part 1

Joy in New Beginnings

A new year marks a fresh start. A gift for those of us seeking to wipe the slate clean. Right?

It is a gift to take a breath and start all over again. This time, we can cultivate the wisdom we acquired from the past to forge new roads for the future. Perhaps even paving the way for personal growth and self-discovery.

As these roads take us in new directions, let’s not walk. Let’s dance! Let’s seize each day and open ourselves up to new opportunities. Each one being a potential source of joy and excitement.

When Opportunity Knocks

When the door knocks, let’s open it and welcome it with open arms. Whatever that or who that may be. Let’s embrace what life has to offer with joy and excitement.

Let’s find joy in each day. We can discover God’s compassion with each new day. We just need to look. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” These verses underscore God’s mercy and faithfulness, offering us a fresh start each day. Just as the dawn brings new light, so does God’s grace bring hope and joy.

In Isaiah 43:19, we find the promise of divine guidance and transformation: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This scripture reminds us that even when we feel lost or stuck, God can create new opportunities and provide clarity as we move forward.

As we journey through January, let us hold fast to these promises.

This January, let’s take a moment each day to recognize the opportunities for for joy that surround us. Grab a notebook or a journal and begin writing one joy each day.

Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts and fill us with hope and inspire us to dance!

#NewBeginnings #January #IandThouReflections #Joy

New Year…New Vision!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What is Your Vision for 2025?

Life is messy, and getting side-tracked can derail us from reaching the goals we set for ourselves.

How often do we say we will do something and then never follow through? Why does that happen?

Let me tell you a short story.

One of my Facebook friends posted a picture of the vision board she created last night with friends. How awesome is that?

It got me thinking about my own experience.

You might be skeptical—I was, too, when I made my first vision board a few years ago. Yet, when I look back at it now, I realize I’ve accomplished all but one goal, and that last one is in process.

CHALLENGE: Create Your Vision Board for 2025

I challenge you to take twenty minutes and list three goals you want to accomplish this year. Write them down.

Here’s where you can get creative. Use plain paper or splurge on a fancy frame. Write with a pen or cut-out pictures, colorful shapes, or magazine clippings. Think kindergarten—it doesn’t have to look professional. In fact, it needs to only be seen by you and anyone you want to share it with.

Then, here is the crucial step, put it somewhere where you can see it often. I had mine on a shelf and then moved it to a window sill where I could see it every day. (consciously or sub-consciously)

Remember, your vision board serves as a visual reminder of what you’re working toward.

So, what’s your vision for 2025? Let’s make it happen!

Where did I start? I started with “GLORIFY GOD.”

Vision Board

#HappyNewYear #VisionBoard #Reflections #Goals #IandThouReflections #ThePaisleyFrog #LifeJourney

Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & New Beginnings

In our previous two posts, we discussed how faith can help us see life through a different lens. We learned how faith can transform and turn us into new creations by providing the courage to move beyond our past. Then, we explored how we can find peace with ourselves and others by seeking reconnection and reconciliation. Today, we will explore divine intervention and new beginnings.

Divine Intervention and New Beginnings

Peace and reconciliation bring newness to our relationships with God, our families, and our communities. Divine intervention allows us to grow into this new creation, like cranberries and stevia, transforming lemonade into something fresh and different. The key is to be receptive and hear God’s calling. We must allow God to work within us as we feel a nudge to do something different.

How do you see divine intervention in your daily life?
What role does prayer play in your life?

Action

This week,
consider reaching out to someone you have lost touch with.

Prayer – Let us pray…

Divine Creator,
You are in and around me.
I surrender my life and all of my relationships to the Universe.
Fill me with love.
I trust You will direct my path and journey with me.
Help me to create something spectacular with lemons!
Amen

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Peace #DivineIntervention

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Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & Reconciliation

Last time we imagined we were a glass of lemonade. We tried envisioning what we could add to our lives (the lemonade) to make it new and different (cranberries). We learned that faith shapes us and can help us become a new creation.

The Power of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a natural consequence of personal transformation. We seek to heal past wounds and rebuild broken relationships as we grow in faith. However, reconciliation can be complicated. It takes two willing hearts.

John and Sally

Consider John, who has recently embraced his faith. In his journey of self-discovery, he feels compelled to reach out to his cousin Sally, whom he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade due to an old argument. John is ready to reconcile, but Sally may not be. John’s willingness to reach out is a powerful first step. He has done what he can and now can rest in the knowledge that he has made an effort, continuing to pray and hope for a future reconciliation.

Cranberry Lemonade: A Symbol of Newness

Just as adding cranberry juice to lemonade creates a new and refreshing drink, welcoming the Creator and others into our lives makes us new. Paul’s words echo this truth:

“The old has gone; the new is here!”

This newness isn’t just a surface change—it’s a complete transformation of our spirits, connecting us to the Divine and one another. It’s about embracing a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and a new way of relating to others.

What practical steps can you take today to embrace the newness of realizing you are a faith-based person?

Start by reflecting on your beliefs and values and how they influence your actions. Then, consider how you can align your life more closely with these principles. This could involve regular prayer, attending religious services, or engaging in acts of kindness and compassion.

Finding Peace in Reconciliation

True peace comes when we accept relationships as they are, not as they were or as we wish they might be. In his message, Paul urges us to be reconciled to God. But before we can do this, we must make amends with those around us. Apologizing and seeking forgiveness allows us to find peace within ourselves and the world around us.

In the case of estrangement, I am not advocating writing a letter of amends. However, I am advocating that you write a letter or multiple letters for your eyes only and then place them in a memory box or burn them. Experts have mixed thoughts on this. Remember, both hearts need to be ready. Processing emotions is part of healing, even when reconciliation isn’t possible, yet.

Is there someone with whom you have had a falling out?
How might your own transformation inspire you to reach out and seek reconciliation?

Next time, we will conclude this series on Cranberry Lemonade as we explore the topic of faith and new beginnings, where we will explore divine intervention.

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Estrangement

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(This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post and often forget.
Thanks so much for your support!)

The Many Faces of Freedom

Artist Credit: Find Your Freedom by Archita Shah

Freedom is one of those words that is hard to describe. Its meaning is unique to each person.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes freedom as:

The condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc., whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.

Such as:
freedom of choice
freedom of speech
freedom of thought
freedom of information
freedom from (condition)

For me, freedom is having peace of mind. It is about feeling safe. And you can’t have freedom without respect.

Respect for property.
Respect for others.
Respect for yourself.

When I think about freedom, it’s not about politics or whether you believe in God. Freedom is the right to live in a society without fear. It also means going home to a place of safety.

So what exactly is freedom for you, and how does it apply to your life?

Imagine a world where kids can be kids. A world where parents love (storge) their children and family members love (philos) each other and feel safe. One where love (eros) does not enter the picture before the brain can mature.

Imagine a world where adults do not inflict their own pains and trauma on their children or younger siblings. Where children can speak openly and honestly without fear of condemnation from their parents, church, or themselves.

Imagine a world where college students can learn and focus on academics without feeling pressure to socialize. Or, if they choose to do so, not to worry about being forced into a situation they can’t get out of.

Feeling helpless is not freedom. Imagine a world where no means no.

Imagine living in a world where spouses speak to one another in kindness. One where respect for one another is essential. It does not stifle. Mutual love encourages freedom.

Freedom to explore.
Freedom to experience.
Freedom to be yourself.

Imagine a world where your partner builds you up instead of tearing you down.

That is what freedom looks like to me.

But let’s get real.

Life is life. Life is made up of imperfect people. People who have been caught in a vicious cycle. People who hurt each other and make mistakes.

How do we sympathize and try to understand their plight?
How do we stand up for ourselves and not harm others?
Do others need to pay for the harm they do to us?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does freedom mean to you?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.

Let’s start a conversation!

#Freedom, #NoMeansNo, #Respect, #Love, #PeaceofMind

June Weddings – Part 5: The Contemporary Wedding & Final Thoughts

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

What better month to reflect on the modern wedding ceremony than now?

In parts 1-4, we heard ancient whispers from Juno in our ear about ancient Roman wedding ceremonies. We could almost taste the spelt cake the bride and groom fed each other during the ceremony. Then, we heard the loud shout of the decree announcing Christianity as the Roman Empire’s official religion. Hence, faith shifted from inward to a more personal God.

Today, we contemplate wedding traditions through the lens of Juno.

Do you know a June bride?

It is an amazing time of the year to tie the knot. In New Jersey, June is typically a warm month, but not so hot to work up a sweat. The first wedding I attended in June was a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze. The second wedding I attended was one of the hottest days in June on record. Beads of sweat dripped down my neck all the way down my spine. It was THAT hot and humid.

The Unity Candle

Modern-day weddings may include a candle-lighting ceremony where there are three candles. One represents the bride, the other represents the groom, and the center candle represents God. The couple lights their candles and then lights the center candle together. This signifies two lives joining as one, with God as the head of the household, much like Juno.

The Timeless Influence of Juno

Over the past few posts, we have seen how contemporary wedding rituals and traditions date back to the ancient Roman Empire and some even further.From June wedding dates to wedding cakes, the modern-day marriage ceremony honors a tradition that dates back millennia. The symbolism of unity, prosperity, and divine blessing continues to be central to wedding ceremonies worldwide.

As we trace the evolution of these traditions from ancient Rome’s pagan practices to the early Christian era and contemporary society, we see a remarkable continuity. The sacredness of marriage, the involvement of close family and friends, and the desire for divine blessing are themes that resonate across time and cultures.

By understanding our wedding customs’ historical and cultural roots, we can appreciate their richness and depth. Juno’s influence on weddings is a testament to the timeless nature of human beliefs and practices, which continue to shape and enrich our lives today.

Tell us your wedding traditions. We’d love to hear them.

#June, #Juno, #Weddings, #Tradition, #Christianity, #AncientRome, #Love

June Weddings – Part 4: The Christianization of Roman Wedding Traditions

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

A time to connect the dots between Ancient Rome and our modern-day wedding ceremony.

In parts 1-2, we saw how the goddess Juno influenced weddings in Ancient Rome. Part 3 discussed the faith shift from multiple gods to a single triune God.

Here, we will hear the echos of Juno, which are still heard across wedding venues near and far.

Blending of Traditions

Christianity reinterpreted or replaced many of the ancient wedding traditions. Let’s look at a few.

Sanctification of Marriage

The early Christian Church viewed marriage as a sacred covenant. For new Christians, the sacred covenant transitioned from Juno to God. Wedding ceremonies included Christian prayers, blessings, and the presence of clergy.

June Weddings

In Part 1, we learned how the calendar month of June derived from Juno. Hence, it was a favorite month to marry. The Church continued this tradition and endorsed June weddings.

Wedding Attendants

The role of the “pronuba” paved the way for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Wedding attendants were and still are supportive figures for the bride and groom. Just like the ancient pronuba. This tradition is an example of how an ancient tradition was redefined. It morphed into the tradition of involving close friends and family in the ceremony.

*An elaborate gold and onyx Roman wedding ring from the 3rd century. (Argyor)*
*Image Source: ancientorigins dot net*

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings date back to the Egyptians, 3000 BC. Even then, rings symbolized eternal love and commitment, but not in the way they are today.

The Romans continued the tradition of the wedding ring. But the groom often gave the ring to the bride’s father, as it served as a sign of a bride purchase.

By the second century BC, the bride was given a gold ring to indicate the groom’s trust in her as his property. In ancient Rome, brides were given two rings. One was gold. The other iron. The gold ring was worn for social engagements, and the iron ring was worn at home.

Bridal Veil

The bride’s veil, however, had a deeper, darker meaning. It was designed to ward off evil spirits. Today, the modern-day bride can choose to wear one or none. The veil came to be a covering to prevent the groom from seeing the bride until the exchange of vows.

The Wedding Cake

Over the years, the spelt cake eaten during the wedding ceremony gradually became one of the highlights of the modern-day wedding reception. Namely, the wedding cake. Most brides and grooms feed each other a piece of cake in front of family and friends. Did you know this tradition started in Ancient Rome?

Part 5 will wrap up this series. We will discover more themes linking ancient customs to contemporary weddings.

#Marriage, #June, #Juno, #Weddings, #Tradition, #Christianity, #AncientRome

June Weddings – Part 3: Transformation to Christianity

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

And a time to think about love. The love of friends. The love of God.

In Part 1, we explored Juno, the goddess of marriage, and her central role in wedding ceremonies. Part 2 peeked at ancient wedding traditions. During the ceremony, we learned the significance of the bride and groom eating spelt cake. And, of course, the significant role of “Pronubas” in keeping tradition.

Part 3 will discuss the shift of faith in the Roman Empire and its effect on Juno and other gods.

From Multiple Visible Gods to One Invisible Triune God

Christianity swept through the Roman Empire. It became the official religion in 380 AD. This transformation reshaped beliefs and practices.

The Spread of Christianity (Map 300-600 AD)
Image Source: orthodoxchristianity.net

Imagine the upheaval, the confusion, and the uncertainty. An entire religious and spiritual system was being upended and replaced by a new faith. Ancient Rome, a pluralistic region, converted to Christianity seemingly overnight. From worshipping many gods and goddesses to the belief in one invisible triune God.

Hardworking citizens who had crafted small household gods were now rendered obsolete. Picture the uproar, the disbelief, and the resistance of business owners. The society they once knew was shifting its core beliefs right before their eyes. The worshipping of statues became a mere admiration and, in some cases, a symbol of power.

An Omniscient God

Faith took a new form.

Time and space limited existence.

But not God.

God, now unseen and untouched, defied the constraints of time and space.

Imagine a circle without a beginning or an end. Then, think of God. Try to visualize God as an all-encompassing circle. God is the beginning and the end. And everywhere in between. Not only the creator of the universe but a divine being who lives within each of us. This new God couldn’t be seen or touched. Yet, some were touched by God and were never the same.

It must have been mind-boggling for ancient Rome to undergo such a transition.

In the next post, we will look at the Christianization of Roman Wedding Traditions. Join us in Part 4 as we unravel the threads connecting Juno to the vows we still exchange in today’s modern world.

#June, #Juno, #Weddings, #Traditions, #Roman Empire, #Christianity

June Weddings – Part 2: Ancient Traditions

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

And perhaps a magical time for a bride and groom to pledge their love to one another amongst family and friends.

In Part 1, we talked about June, which dates back to the Roman Empire and how Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, inspired its popularity among couples wanting to tie the knot.

In this post, we will dig deeper into the role Juno played in the traditional ancient wedding.

Ancient Wedding Traditions

Image Credit: Public Domain – A Roman Wedding Procession by Edwine Howland Blashfield

Roman weddings, like those of the affluent of our day, were elaborate ceremonies with religious rituals. They centered around worshipping Juno, the goddess of marriage. The bride and groom did so in order to receive a blessing from Juno for their marriage. This included sacrifices, prayers, and customs thought to cement the couple’s future and to bring happiness and prosperity.

Let’s look at specific examples.

Choosing the Wedding Date

June was the most popular month for Roman weddings. And Juno had a lot to do with that. Even so, brides and grooms could consider other months as well. But they were always based on lunar cycles.

The Confarreatio Ceremony

The most sacred Roman wedding was called the “confarreatio.” A significant part of this ritual involved the couple sharing a spelt cake (panis farreus). The cake symbolized unity and abundance. It was a solemn pledge to Juno and to each other.

Nuptial Rites and Sacrifices

Before the wedding ceremony, the couple offered cakes, wine, and incense to Juno while the Priests recited prayers. These practices further emphasized Juno’s central role in the wedding ceremony. These offerings were believed to purify and bless the union.

The Bridal Procession

After the ceremony, a procession would lead the bride to her new home, where nuts and coins lined the path. These symbolized fertility and prosperity. As the procession made its way through town, they stopped at shrines and offered prayers to Juno. Further confirming Juno’s protection over the marriage.

The Pronuba

Like the modern-day maid or matron of honor, the “pronuba” was a married woman. The pronuba assisted the bride before, during, and after the wedding ceremony. As a representative of Juno’s, she embodied the ideals of marital fidelity and longevity. Her role was to guide the bride through the wedding rituals. It was no wonder that the pronuba ensured tradition was followed.

Legacy of Time

There is no doubt that the goddess Juno played a pivotal role in ancient wedding ceremonies. It underscored the profound cultural significance and importance of marriage in Roman society. Such customs highlighted how entwined Juno was in the institution of marriage.

Part 3 will explore the transformation from Juno’s central role in the wedding ceremony to the sacred vows before the God of Christianity.

#Love #June #Juno #Weddings #Traditions

June Weddings – Part 1: The Origin

Ah! June!

It is a lovely month, don’t you think?

And a favorite time to get married – at least, in 2015.

Fast-forward to 2023, and June falls to number three, according to a recent post on Brides.com. For the curious-minded, October was number one, followed by September.

*Credit: Illustration of the Roman goddess Juno by Samantha C. George*

Juno? Who was Juno?

June is also the month named for Juno, one the Romans most popular goddesses.

Over the next few blog posts, we will learn how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding. But first, we start with how “June” became the sixth month of the calendar we still use today.

The Month of June

So, how did “June” become the sixth month of our calendar?

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the god of marriage and childbirth. She was the wife of Jupiter, the king of the gods.

June, the sixth month of the Julian calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. It was on this date that June’s 29 days changed to 30 days, as per timeanddate.com.

Juno: The Goddess of Marriage

In Roman mythology, Juno was the queen of the gods and the protector of women and marriage. Her Greek counterpart was Hera.

Juno oversaw all aspects of women’s lives, from birth to marriage and family. As the goddess of marriage, Juno blessed and protected couples. So, those seeking her blessing did so to gain favor amongst the gods so that their marriages would have a higher probability of working out.

The popularity of June weddings dates back to ancient Rome. Marrying in June was believed to honor Juno. Which is why couples leaned toward June. After all, they thought that Juno brought harmony and prosperity to the marriage.

Legacy of Time

June weddings are a testament to the legacy of these ancient beliefs. Even though many modern-day couples choose to marry in June, they may not realize they’re following a tradition that dates back millennia.

In Part 2 of this series, we will continue to explore how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding.

#June #Juno #Weddings #Traditions