Berries and Balance

Tips for thriving this Christmas

Dear friend,

Summer brings with it many benefits. I enjoy the change of season with the produce to grow, pick and eat – especially the raspberries and boysenberries. The changes in the garden bring me real satisfaction. It is also a time of many events, especially with children. Most of the time I enjoy the activities but there is a lot we pack into this time with break ups, finishing school, preparing for Christmas and going on holiday. When I’m feeling out of balance I can feel stressed and ‘take the jumps’ looking forward to a more restful time. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist once talked with me about how people with bipolar can be affected by family demands and pressures. I think those of us affected by a major mental health challenge can appreciate the achievement of keeping well amidst the demands of life. I was talking with a friend recently about ‘mother guilt’ and we exchanged stories. I was comforted to hear someone else’s experiences. Sometimes I look back on a day or years and have a moment of false guilt for what I think I should have done better for our kids. And then I am often reminded that I have enjoyed this year, mostly thriving. When I think back to how unwell I was when they were small – I take a holy pause and am grateful for God’s provision and faithfulness.

If you are having challenges, I pray that you know God’s comfort and peace right now. Getting though a day or even an hour can be real work when you are struggling. Others may not understand this but Jesus does. You can ask Him to help you. The Father’s mercies and compassions are new every day into the new year and beyond. Consider asking Jesus to make himself known to you this Christmas. Many Christmas carols tell the story of the hope found in Jesus. You could read or listen to something of the Christmas story in the book of Luke in the Bible online.

Here are some of my thoughts for navigating through this summer season:

1. If you aren’t coping and need rest, consider postponing an event or crossing off something on the ‘to do list’ that isn’t essential. At this time I am saying to myself, “it would be nice to have this done but does this really need to happen this week? Can it wait until another time?”.
2. Ask for support if you need it amidst this Christmas and holiday season. It could look like updating support people by text and call. Knowing someone is thinking of you and praying can mean a lot.
3. Maintain a habit that helps keep you in balance. You may need to grab a moment to make it happen. Enlist support where you can. This may allow you time to go for a walk, nap, read or do whatever keeps you in balance. I find combining walking and prayer go well together. The ‘Lectio 365‘ app is a great way to do this in the morning or in bed at night.
4. Take time to focus and be mindful about the things you like about this season. These days can be precious times with family and friends. For us in Aotearoa it’s also summer to be enjoyed.
5. Too much sugar isn’t good for my mood or body. It’s pretty hard at this time of year. I do eat too many treats but one thing I am making a point of doing is drinking less sugary refreshments when it’s not an occasion. Which leads me to…

Lazy Berry Tea

Over the past weeks I’ve been making a favourite iced berry tea in my large teapot, steeping it till cold and putting the whole pot in the fridge to chill for hours. You could use any berry tea but I particularly like Chanui’s Summer Berry tea. I’m drinking it as I write this! My teenage boys enjoy it at home or in a flask to take out on a hot day.

Chanui’s Summer Berry tea can be found on New World’s online shopping. You can buy a box for $4 directly from the Chanui website. They are a Christchurch company. I use 2 tea bags in the bottom of the teapot with the strainer placed in next, then boiling water. This seems to improve the taste. My teapot holds 500ml of tea costing only 20 cents a glass! The tea contains stevia as a natural sugar free sweetener.

I hope this post has encouraged you in some way. I’ll leave you with my favourite Christmas verses from a prophesy given about Jesus from Scripture.

“Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace”.

John 1:78-79 NLT

This light has broken upon us. May you know the hope and light of Jesus both now and into the New Year.

Arohanui,

Bronnie Tressler

1. 

   Nice Jean! 😊

2. 

   Yes, I’m asking Him for this ! Jean

3. 

   Hi Sarah, thank you for reaching out with your message. 😊 Yes Anne really was a treasure! God bless you.

4. 

   Thank you for your thoughtful message Karen. God painting people into our lives, is a neat way of thinking about…

5. 

   Kia Ora Jean. Thank you for sharing in your message. It sounds like a big transition you have made coming…