Staying Fresh in Your Holiday Lane

 

                                                             

                                                                              

                                                Image by Eileen Seefluth

The fresh and cooler air in November, a sign of the new season.

The holidays are soon approaching, and people are swiping their plastic faster than they are adjusting to

the time changes!

It can be a challenging time for people whether regarding finances, family

 issues, or estrangements, 

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not always Jingle Bells for everyone, especially for those who 

 face obstacles such as domestic abuse.

This is a REAL matter. And I want to say, you matter!

Domestic abuse comes in all unusual sizes, races, economic backgrounds, it has no cap.

It lurks behind every corner regardless of who you are or where you have come from, does not matter.

What does matter is recognizing WHERE you are, WHO you are, and the PLACE you are going. For

 example, whatever state you reside in, you know that is where you live. I am in Oklahoma, where the

 weather is out-of-this world annoying but the people are wildly friendly and amazingly generous.

I am not originally from Oklahoma, but I have been here for over 30 years. It is my home.

Now, who I am is a whole different story. Everyone has their special stories all unique to them, and

the black, red, and white colors of Christmas jingle in numerous ways through every heart across the

 nation. It a is incredibly special time of year, for everyone.

If you were to sit down and eat a pie, you could look at the different sections, and you may wonder

which parts have more coconut custard or apple pie filling, but the truth is, they are even cause

that's the way the baker measured and baked them.

As we look across our nation, equating people to pie, those who have been affected by domestic 

abuse either by a past boyfriend or former spouse, maybe even by a sibling or parent, the heart 

is at a different posture than another because of the trauma and wounds and hurts of another. That's

harder than a flat tire on a snowy day! Are you following me?

Nobody likes to take calendar years to make it all better. It does take time though.

During the last quarter of the year, you don't have to get all choked up from the fine bakery items,

festivities, and certain songs that remind you of a particular time. Instead, give the moment 

that has been harmful to you, give it to God and trade in for His peace, healing, and restoration.

I would encourage you also to cleanse yourself with a cleansing prayer, do this about 5-10 x a day. Yes,

it is a lot, but a lot is needed and required.

It is comparable to a dirty bathroom, you know when it needs deep cleaning. This

is the same so-to-speak.

I encourage you to study Romans, especially the 8th chapter and read it out loud so you can hear the

 words spoken. This area of scriptures empowers you with adjustments and transformation.

Your adjustment(s), say like your jeans' size, may take a few times to change. It may not be over-

night process, but you can belief in what God's Word that "speaks is alive and full of power; it is

 sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the

 immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very

 thoughts and purposes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

Sharing this encouragement with you as we prepare for the holidays season is exciting because

it not only puts a pep in your step, not for all the candy, but from the Word of God. Sure, sugar does

a great job! The Word of God is so much more powerful and doesn't fade out like a peppermint

stick or a few pieces of chocolate.

As you immerse yourself in these scriptures, the light of God will illuminate your inner being, and

you surely want His illumination shining out the darkness from all the wounds you have endured.

Nobody deserves to be bullied, called derogatory names, or any kind of mistreatment. As you power

wash yourself off with God's powerful words, you transform day-by-day.

Within this time frame of preparing for the holidays, your eggnog and brownies are sure to taste 

better! God takes all the dross and chaff you give Him and replaces it with peace and healing, and

total restoration.

So, as you move forward in new thoughts and beliefs that are from God's Word, you begin to see

a change (your walk, talk, thinking, seeing, and sensing). It takes your will to scrub the rust

 and detangle any of the cobwebs from the past. 

 You know what stuff needs to be unraveled, but He knows even better.

#encouragement

#listentothewordoutloud

Women Empowerment Solutions, Inc.

Empowering Women against Domestic Abuse

Love to hear from those who are interested in a Bible Study on Facebook. If you are, let us get a count.

Blessings to all.

  

                                                      Image by Eileen Seefluth

A Real Look

Oh, the beauty is all around

From the trees, they do astound.

Berries, leaves, colors,

Thinking of sisters and brothers,

Love and hope,

 Not through a telescope,

Through your heart,

That's a great start.

Nature is free, so is love,

It also fits as a glove.

Love is free, give it with glee,

Receive it willingly,

Forgiveness is also love,

Let's go of pain,

Washes away any stain.

Love hurts, love heals,

Love comes in meals,

Love comes in fishing reels,

Love shows up in high heels,

Love makes you smile,

Love lasts a long while.

Press on beauty,

As the colors you see,

Vibrant and full of life,

A message for all alive.

© 2025 Eileen Seefluth