Thinking of Christmas

How do we ready our homes and hearts for the people we love?

Love,

It’s been really windy and rainy here today. The water looked a little wild with all the white caps. I took a video from the loft for you while I was cleaning.

My mom has been staying with my brother the past few days to help with his kids, and she’ll be heading home tomorrow. She asked if I could clean the house while she’s away, just to make things a little easier for her when she gets back. So this afternoon, I put on some music and worked my way through the house — dusting, vacuuming, bathrooms, kitchen, the whole thing.

I also attempted to brush my mom’s cat and get a couple mats out of her fur. But she made it very clear she did not appreciate my efforts and scratched me. And that’s when I immediately remembered why I am more of a dog person.

When I was talking to my brother the other day, we ended up chatting about the app he and his wife have been developing. He let me try the TestFlight beta. It’s focused on starting your day with intention and it uses AI in a really thoughtful way. I actually think it’s a great idea with a lot of potential. He said they’re hoping to submit it to the App Store in a few weeks, which is pretty exciting.

I checked the PO Box today and found a package for my sister. When I told her, she made sure to tell me not to open it because it’s for Christmas. It made me smile because she’s always so on top of things. She’s definitely the organized one and loves to plan way ahead.

Everyone’s going to be here for Christmas this year, which I’m really looking forward to. Last year we did a holiday gathering at my brother’s place because my parents’ house was still under construction, so it’ll feel good to all be together here.

Christmas feels like it’s still a long way off, but I’m sure will be here before we know it. Thinking about it made me want to put on the Christmastime album by Michael W. Smith. It’s the most beautiful Christmas music and my favorite to listen to during that time. It’s just so beautiful and peaceful.

This evening during my quiet time, I ended up reading the Bible on my phone. I was using the NeuBible app, which in my opinion is the most beautifully designed Bible app. I love how simple it is and how it keeps the focus on the Word without a bunch of extra features. Some of the navigation is a little hidden at first, but once you get used to it, it’s actually super easy to move around in and feels really natural. I really like that about it.

I was led to read 2 Timothy tonight, and I found so much encouragement in it. There were so many parts that felt really relatable. It also includes one of my favorite verses, 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” During the really stressful times when I was working on retraining my thoughts, I used to dunk my face in a bowl of ice water while repeating that verse and inhaling essential oils. I know it sounds crazy, but it was actually really helpful for calming my nervous system.

The boys were at it again this evening, and at one point they were throwing an octopus back and forth. Later our youngest also reminded me about the domestic violence resource center here, and he was telling me that if anyone unexpectedly shows up at the door I should tell them to go to jail. He surprises me sometimes with how much he just knows. And I love how protective he is already.

I watched a video today on the idea of demonic compassion, and I thought she brought up some really insightful points. I can tell she carries a lot of wisdom.

I just recently got back on Instagram, and I really don’t spend much time on social media. But I’ve noticed these posts from Christian influencers showing up in my feed, which overall I think is wonderful and should be encouraged. I have though come across a few posts (from both men and women) about dating and finding a spouse that made me pause. I just really hope no one is using their platform in a way that stirs up confusion or false hope. The hearts of God’s children are precious, and we’re called to love one another with sincerity and honesty.

Related to that, I’ve genuinely felt that God asked me to share these notes and letters here for a specific purpose during this time. My intention was never to build a following or gain attention. And I’m trusting that the people who need them will come across them. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sensing that it’s time to transition into something new. So the plan is to wrap things up in the next month or so and focus on a new direction.

I’ve gotten the sense that my family thinks I might be reading too much into things. My dad even mentioned that he hopes I’m not catastrophizing. And I can see where they’re coming from. But with everything that’s happened, I’m a little more on guard these days. I just want to make sure things are covered and I’m not overlooking anything. So if anyone is claiming to be a member of my family, please stop and repent. They have been minding their own business and are not involved in this at all.

Before I end, I just want to remind you that God always finishes what He starts. God has not forgotten, and He has not left any of us alone in this. As 1 John 5:5 reminds us, “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Those who belong to Him are never defeated. We will overcome because He already has.

Please remember to rest. And know that I’m always praying for you.

With love, Jeanie

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6