The Journey of Love:

Finally, Celebrate Love

As you envision the serene scene of mint gently growing in the barn, its fresh scent mingling with the warm breath of the animals gathered around, reflect on the profound lesson of love that infuses this humble setting.

Jesus lies peacefully in the manger, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, and the watchful eyes of the animals, each heart beating in unison with the rhythm of love that permeates the air. 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us that love is the greatest of all virtues. In this moment, the barn becomes a sanctuary of love, a place where the simplicity of the scene is elevated by the depth of connection shared by all present.

Love is not just an emotion but a choice—an active decision to nurture, to support, and to uplift those around us. It is the thread that binds us together, creating a tapestry of compassion and understanding. Reflect on how love can guide your journey beyond this calendar. Like the mint that grows quietly yet steadfastly, consider how you can cultivate love in your daily life, allowing it to flourish in your interactions and relationships.

Love invites us to be patient and kind, to forgive and to cherish, to see beyond ourselves and to recognize the inherent worth in every individual. Like a gentle stream feeds its minty border, we must think and act selflessly in order to experience love, as the minty border holds the water’s edge, protecting it from erosion.

God’s love is the compass that directs us towards a life of fulfillment and joy, guiding us to create a world where truth and honesty prevail. As you carry this lesson with you, let the mint and the scene in the barn inspire you to embrace love as the enduring legacy of this journey.

May love be the guiding light that illuminates your path, offering warmth and hope as you continue to go forward, hand in hand with God. Embrace the transformative power of love, allowing it to shape your future with grace and purpose, as you celebrate the connections that make life truly meaningful.

Merry Christmas!

Minty Zest for Life

Sowing

Mint is best started by sowing seeds or planting cuttings directly outdoors after the last frost. Seeds should be about 1/4 inch deep, and a comfortable 60-70°F is optimal for growth.

Growing

Mint takes easily and spreads merrily without containment. It will spring up every year in its usual spots providing there’s at least a bit of full sun every day and the ground isn’t too dry.

Winter Work

Root clippings from outdoor plants on a window sill or under growing lights for fresh mint all winter.

Some years your garden will yield extraordinary amounts of mint. It can be hung and dried, which is easy and space-saving. Mint jelly is an undeniable annual favorite that takes quite a bit more time, energy, and shelving.

Yummy in the Tummy

Mint is the star of the culinary scene, adding a refreshing touch to teas, salads, desserts, cocktails, and candies ... candy canes are good example!

Superpowers

Peppermint oil is known for its ability to relieve indigestion and is a traditional remedy used to treat nausea, travel sickness, and flatulence, offering a natural solution to these common discomforts.

Mint provides significant respiratory benefits due to the menthol it contains. As a decongestant, menthol helps clear mucus and ease breathing when inhaled. Furthermore, mint contains the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound rosmarinic acid, which may help reduce allergy symptoms, providing relief during allergy season.

Mint is beneficial for oral health, primarily due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help fight bad breath and kill oral bacteria. It also aids in promoting overall oral hygiene by alleviating gum inflammation, making it a valuable addition to oral care routines.

The aroma of mint is known to enhance mental alertness, stimulating the mind and promoting clarity and alertness. Studies have also suggested that peppermint may improve cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue, making it a potential aid in boosting concentration and reducing fatigue.

Beyond its internal benefits, mint can soothe skin irritations thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can calm and soothe itchy skin, reduce acne, and relieve mosquito bites. Additionally, some research suggests that mint supplements may support physical performance by improving exercise stamina and power through the relaxation of smooth muscles and enhanced oxygenation.

There’s More!

In ancient Greece and Rome, mint was used in hospitality by scattering it on floors to welcome visitors and freshen the air. This tradition continues in the Middle East, where mint tea is offered to guests as a sign of welcome. In the realm of medicine, ancient Egyptians utilized mint for various abdominal issues and believed it could cure a range of illnesses, including snakebites and speech disorders. Mint also played a significant role in ancient Roman cuisine, where it was used to flavor food, wine, and even baths. Furthermore, in sympathetic magic, mint was associated with good fortune, attracting wealth and love, and was used to cover the smell of decay, sometimes being placed on the deceased.

Mint's scent was believed to have uplifting effects, stimulating appetite and reducing aggression, which led to its use in aromatherapy. In Greek mythology, the name "Mentha" is derived from a mythological figure, Minthe, a nymph who was transformed into the aromatic herb. Additionally, the term "green room" in theaters is thought to have originated from the practice of laying mint leaves on the floor backstage to combat unpleasant odors.

In modern times, mint remains a popular flavoring, with 45% of U.S. peppermint and spearmint oil being used in chewing gum. In aromatherapy and medicine, menthol, a compound found in peppermint, continues to be valued for its refreshing and pain-relieving properties.