December 11th ~ Family Advent Calendar 2025

December 11th ~ Family Advent Calendar 2025

 

The Gift of Forgiveness: Today, explore forgiveness. 

As you picture the warm, inviting atmosphere of the bakery, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the earthy scent of coriander by the sack, consider the profound lesson of forgiveness unfolding within this cozy space. In this bakery, every loaf of bread tells a story of transformation—raw ingredients combined and baked into something nourishing and new.

Forgiveness, much like baking, is an act of creation and renewal. It involves letting go of past grievances and allowing healing and peace to rise in their place. As the stoics described anger as weight, Colossians 3:13 sharpens the point, urging us to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Reflect on how forgiveness can free you in your own life. Imagine each grudge or hurt as a lump of heavy, sticky dough. By choosing to forgive, you knead these burdens with compassion and transform them by the warmth of your heart into something lighter, allowing you to move forward with grace. Just as the baker turns simple ingredients into sustenance, forgiveness can turn pain into peace, offering a fresh start and a more open heart.

Consider what forgiveness might look like for you. It could be a gentle release of past hurts, a conversation to mend a broken relationship, or a quiet moment of letting go. In choosing to forgive, you create space for love and understanding to flourish, much like the coriander thriving in its pot, adding flavor and vitality to the world around it.

Let the lesson of forgiveness guide you today, as the bakery reminds us that letting go is not just an act of mercy towards others, but a gift to ourselves. By embracing forgiveness, we free our hearts to experience the fullness of life, nurturing connections and fostering a sense of peace that enriches our journey.

Two Herbs in One: Coriander & Cilantro

Sowing

Sow seeds directly in the garden following the last frost. Place seeds ¼ inch deep in loose soil, spaced 6 inches apart.

Growing

Coriander thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. Water it regularly to maintain moisture. This herb flourishes best in comfortable temperatures ranging from 60-70°F.

Winter Work

Coriander is sensitive to cold temperatures. To protect it from frost, cover it with a cloche or keep it warm during winter by relocating it to a sunny windowsill or using grow lights to keep it thriving.

DAD WAS HERE  🤽🏽  We gotta taco 'bout coriander and cilantro 🌮 

Delicious Dishes

This versatile plant offers edible leaves and seeds, making it a favorite in many culinary dishes. Coriander brings a burst of flavor to salsas, curries, salads, and guacamole.

middle school kids smelling Coriander

Superpowers

This amazing herb is not just about taste—it's also a health enhancer! It helps reduce inflammation, supports digestion, and promotes glowing skin. Known for aiding digestion, coriander can help lower blood sugar levels and possesses antibacterial properties.

There's More!

Coriander, valued by ancient Egyptians as the “spice of happiness,” was found in Ramses II's tomb due to its believed aphrodisiac properties. Used by Greeks and Romans for flavoring and medicine, the term koris means “stink bug,” reflecting its strong aroma. The Old Testament mentions coriander as a food source, and Exodus describes “manna” as resembling its seeds. Additionally, coriander was used in traditional remedies for digestion and mentioned in medieval texts for assisting childbirth.

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