Celebrating Community:

Behind today’s door is community

In a field filled with the soothing scent of lavender, an Angel appears to announce the joyous news of Jesus’s birth. The atmosphere is charged with wonder and unity, as those gathered share in this significant revelation. This scene beautifully embodies the essence of community—a value held dear by the Stoics and emphasized in Hebrews 10:24-25, which urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

The lavender, with its calming essence, represents the harmony and collective strength found within a nurturing community. Much like the Angel, whose message unites people, reflect on how your actions can inspire and uplift those around you. It could be as simple as taking on someone else’s chores occasionally, lending a hand in small ways, offering a listening ear, or volunteering in your neighborhood.

Community thrives on a shared purpose, where each person’s contribution creates a dynamic flow of production, commerce, social interaction, and worship. Seize the chance to make a positive impact on these vital expressions of love.

Love Lavender

Cold Stratification

Lavender seeds require a frosty nudge to unlock the sprouting sequence. To achieve this, lay the seeds on a damp paper towel or coffee filter, then inside a sealed plastic bag or container. Let them chill in the refrigerator for two to four weeks. 

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Use well-draining soil and gently press the seeds onto the surface, as they need sunlight to start growing. Place the seed trays in a sunny spot or under grow lights to encourage growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, ensuring the seeds receive plenty of light to develop.

Growing

Patience, dear gardener! Lavender takes its sweet time to grow. Once the seedlings have a few leaves, gently move them to their own little pots. After the threat of frost has passed, slowly introduce these young plants to the great outdoors to harden them off. Settle them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and watch them grow strong and healthy. Lavender needs room to stretch, requiring about 12-18 inches between each plant. They thrive in full sun, even when the soil conditions aren't perfect.

Winter Care

These hardy perennials appreciate a cozy mulch blanket or a snug pot indoors.

Lavender can grace your garden year after year in the right climate. After their bloom, give them a trim and protect them with mulch to weather the winter.

Delicious Twist

Picture lemonade with a lavender twist, or cookies and syrups with a dash of purple magic, in seasoning, sugar or honey, and teas.

Looking Good

Inside or out, lavender is pretty fancy.

So Crafty

Lavender adds a lovely touch to gift wrapping, and there are numerous crafts with lavender, such as sachets for closets, drawers, and suitcases, lavender-infused candles, lavender wands (fresh stems wrapped in ribbon), soap and bath salts ...

Superpowers

Lavender boasts a variety of medicinal properties, including anti-anxiety, sedative, mood-enhancing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects. These qualities may assist with issues such as stress, insomnia, depression, headaches, and digestive problems like bloating and nausea. Additionally, lavender possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can promote skin health and aid in wound healing. It can be utilized in several forms, such as essential oil for aromatherapy or topical use, or enjoyed as a soothing tea.

DAD WAS HERE  👨🏻⚖️  Nothing has more “calming scents” than lavender ☝🏻 

There’s More!

Beyond its religious and ceremonial uses, lavender, a component of spikenard, was highly valued for its fragrance and found widespread use in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps, especially by the Romans. Its aromatic properties were not only appreciated for personal adornment but also for maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. Lavender was considered a symbol of high status and opulence, reflecting the luxury and value attributed to spikenard oil. The plant's association with themes of love, serenity, and spiritual peace further enhanced its appeal across different cultures and societies.

In biblical accounts, such as the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is noted for anointing Jesus's feet with spikenard ointment. Additionally, the Gospel of Mark recounts a similar event where a woman pours pure nard perfume on Jesus's head, highlighting the oil's esteemed status and spiritual significance. The Song of Solomon, a biblical love poem, also mentions the plant twice, symbolizing beauty and aromatic delights.