🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄 As we celebrate today, let us remember that the greatest gift has already been given. Not wrapped in ribbons or placed under a tree, but laid humbly in a manger in Bethlehem. The birth of Jesus changed everything—God stepping into humanity, bringing hope, peace, love, and salvation to the world. In the stillness of that holy night, heaven met earth, and grace was born. May our hearts be filled with awe and gratitude as we reflect on His birth and the promise it carries for us all. 📖 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11 📖 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21 Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, filled with peace, joy, and the presence of Emmanuel—God with us. ❤️✨

🌧️ Now Is the Season of SAD — Here’s How to Protect Your Light ☀️ Have you noticed your mood dipping as the days get shorter? You might be feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a form of depression that usually shows up in late fall and winter when sunlight is scarce. When sunlight decreases, it can disrupt our body’s natural rhythms, lower serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical), and increase melatonin (which makes us feel sleepy). The result? We feel tired, unmotivated, moody, or disconnected. But the good news is: there are natural, effective ways to protect your mind and spirit this season. 🌿 ✨ 7 Natural Ways to Prevent SAD: 1️⃣ Get as much natural light as possible — open blinds, step outside, or sit by a sunny window each morning. 2️⃣ Move your body daily — even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood. 3️⃣ Keep a steady sleep routine — go to bed and wake up at the same times each day. 4️⃣ Eat nourishing foods — focus on whole foods, not quick comfort carbs. 5️⃣ Stay connected — don’t isolate; make plans with friends, join a small group, or attend church events. 6️⃣ Brighten your home — use daylight bulbs or a light therapy lamp in the morning. 7️⃣ Feed your spirit — pray, read Scripture, journal gratitude, and let this be a season of reflection, not withdrawal. Even in the darker months, light is still available — both around us and within us. 💛 Remember: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5 Let’s choose light together this season. 🌤️ #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #MentalHealthAwareness #FaithAndWellness #ChooseLight #FallReflections

https://marthablomstrom.wixsite.com/bewellwithmartha/post/finding-strength-in-the-sting-homesteading-heartbreak-and-god-s-greater-plan

"I grew up in church… but I didn’t meet Jesus until later." I was a pastor’s daughter. I knew the rules. I knew the Bible verses. I knew how to “be good.” But I didn’t know how to be real with God. This devotional is for anyone who feels stuck in religion but hungry for relationship. 📖 Matthew 23:37 — “How often I have longed to gather your children together… as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” Jesus isn’t asking you to put on a show. He’s asking you to come close. https://a.co/d/gsVESBL

Why Your Testimony Matters More Than Tradition: For years, I struggled with the difference between religion and relationship. I thought being close to God meant doing all the "right things", going to church, checking spiritual boxes, avoiding the “bad” stuff, and saying the right words. Which I was really bad at. But even with all that... I still felt empty. Disconnected. Like I was performing instead of truly connecting with God. The pressure from "Christians" was insurmountable. It wasn’t until I got honest with Him, really honest, that everything began to shift. I started talking to Him like a friend, not a distant authority figure. I stopped trying to be “perfect” and started being real. And in that space, I discovered the beauty of a genuine relationship with God. And you know what helped the most? Owning and sharing my testimony. Not the polished version. The real one. The messy one. The one where I didn’t have it all figured out. The ugly, dirty truth. Your testimony isn’t about having a clean record, it’s about showing the power of God’s grace in your real life. People may argue theology, but they can’t argue with what you’ve lived. Yes, traditions can be meaningful, but they should never replace intimacy with Jesus. He didn’t die for religion. He died for relationship. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the motions of faith, just know: I’ve been there. And God is ready to meet you right where you are. No masks, no performances. Just you. 📖 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” —Revelation 3:20 (NIV) Let your story speak. Someone needs to hear it. ❤️ -Martha

We’re not called to audit someone else’s salvation. Let’s lead with grace, not judgment. 📖 “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.” – Romans 14:4 (NIV)

I just want to take a moment to talk about the goodness of God. Even in the waiting, even when we can’t see the full picture, He is faithful. His timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. There are things I’ve prayed for and believed for that are finally coming to pass—not because of anything I’ve done, but because God is who He says He is. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” — Numbers 23:19 If you’re in a season of waiting, keep trusting. Keep standing. God always keeps His word.

Curious if anyone else is receiving the Pour Over newsletter? I hesitated signing up because I get a lot of junk mail in my inbox. But this is a great unbiased breakdown of the headlines today. I highly recommend checking it out. https://www.web.thepourover.org/subscribe?ref=sxeLzxXS3R

Dear God, Put your hand over our nation. Guide our leaders in ways that are pleasing to you. Bring peace to your people and let the hurt andangry experience your love like they never have before. Amen

Matthew 7:15-20 NLT [15] “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. [16] You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. [18] A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. [19] So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. [20] Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Treating your body better is not just about enhancing your physical well-being but also about honoring the spiritual principles laid out in the Bible. By viewing your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, embracing stewardship, glorifying God through your actions, practicing self-discipline, and respecting the gift of life, you align yourself with biblical teachings that promote a holistic and reverent approach to health. Let these reasons inspire you to make choices that reflect the care and respect your body deserves.

John 11:35 Then Jesus wept. I choose this scripture as my favorite because it tells a story of Jesus's humanity. In his short time on earth he really did experience all things human nature and this scripture reminds me of that fact when I am doubting.

I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Martha and I am a Certified Mental Wellness Coach. You will see me post a lot of tips and tricks to feeling more energetic, less stressed, and overall healthier. I believe that when you put God 1st, practice eating to feed your microbiome, rest as needed, and add movement imto your daily routines; you can go from feeling ok to feeling amazing in a short time.