Nurturing Self and Others

Hello there! As we find ourselves in the swift currents of February, it’s a good moment to pause, take a breath, and genuinely ask ourselves, “How are you doing?” This month is often associated with expressions of love, and in the spirit of “Give Love to Get Love,” it serves as a timely reminder to not only extend kindness to others but also to conduct a thoughtful mental health check-up for ourselves.

February, with its Valentine’s Day celebrations, is traditionally dedicated to love, affection, and connection. While expressing love to our friends, family, and partners is undoubtedly important, let’s not forget the significance of self-love and self-care. In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook our own well-being. This month encourages us to prioritize our mental health and emotional balance.

Taking a moment to reflect on your mental well-being doesn’t necessarily mean dwelling on challenges or stressors; it can also involve acknowledging your achievements, expressing gratitude, and embracing moments of joy. Cultivating self-awareness allows us to better understand our emotions and respond to them in healthy ways.

Consider incorporating simple yet effective practices into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. These activities can contribute significantly to your mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a positive mindset.

In addition to focusing on self-care, February offers an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, can have a profound impact on our relationships and our own sense of well-being. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues, not just to express love but also to genuinely inquire about their

well-being. Sometimes, a thoughtful conversation can be a powerful form of support.

Remember that mental health is a continuous journey, and checking in on yourself doesn’t have to be reserved for a specific month. However, the symbolism of February can serve as a gentle nudge to prioritize your emotional well-being and strengthen the connections that contribute to a fulfilling life.

As we navigate the rapid pace of the year, let’s make an intentional effort to give love, receive love, and nurture our mental health. May this month be a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, taking care of ourselves and each other is a meaningful and valuable pursuit.

God Bless You!

Joni

Baby Jesus and Moving (Just Bobbin and Weaving My Head)

Well, I finally found my book on Anne, Jesus’ grandmother.  I was sure I packed it in one of the office boxes, but I could not find the book.  Must have been bobbin and weaving my head in the wrong direction, because my husband looked into the box and pulled the book right out.  Isn’t it always that way.

Last night I began reading the book on Anne again.  In this section she talked about how the people must have felt when they held baby Jesus.  We parents know exactly what new baby love feels like.  It comes with a multitude of emotions triggered by smells, sounds, and snuggles.

The author described a feeling of greatness and love that was overwhelming to the point of  dropping them to their knees. Because I have been blessed to have been in the presence of Jesus, I have my mere human description.  I wrote the next paragraph in an earlier blog post called, “The Sweet Fragrance of Love.”

The shirt smelled fragrant, but not overpowering; warm, gentle, pleasing, and full of love.  The next breath I breathed deeply into my lungs.  My body was filled with the warmth and love of the fragrance. I was so happy, with a happiness that comes from another dimension.  And I knew it was Jesus!

Yes, I know what it feels like to be in Jesus’ presence, but to have held Him as a baby…my mind cannot fathom the immense feelings that would pulsate through my body.  Love, greatness, peace, joy and words our English language does not contain would be some of the descriptions. And the fragrance…a baby is soft, and powdery but this would be a scent designed by the angels, which would fill your body, mind, and soul. A scent never known to man, only made for our Savior.

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, we are told, “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are saved and those who are perishing.”

Now I am overwhelmed! Jesus made my own aroma so good that I smell like Christ to God.  And you and everyone else too, even those who are not saved.  Love?  No, we do not have a human word to describe this kind of emotion.

Jesus’ time as a baby is gone and we don’t have the opportunity to hold Him.  But Jesus takes every moment we give Him to hold us!  Don’t have a little time for Jesus today?

God Bless You!

God Bless America!