Willow Tree Tea-December

Rising from the ashes of what one was.

Every day is a gift. Every day is another chance to walk the path He has placed before us. If we carry even a mustard seed of faith, we can move mountains.

A seed so small… yet it grows roots that run deep—roots that cannot be uprooted. Faith like that becomes a tree: strong, steady, and full. A tree able to bear weight, offer shade, give shelter, and protect all who come near it.

And faith that strong doesn’t just steady us.
It becomes strong enough to steady someone else when they falter.
Strong enough to extend love where it isn’t earned.
Strong enough to “love thy enemy,” even when our pride rises up.
Strong enough to pray for those who wound us.

This is the kind of faith that moves mountains… and softens hearts.

As we close out the year, take a moment to look honestly into your mirror. Not to dwell, and not to stay there—just long enough to reflect, pray, and offer praise.

Then stop looking back.

Look toward the path ahead.
Grow into your faith. Strengthen it. Share it.
Let it become shelter and comfort for those who need it—especially those who stumble, struggle, or stand on the opposite side of your hurt.

Above all else… listen.
He speaks to all of us.
Learn to recognize the love of God.

December Reflection

December marks the completion of another trip around the sun. It invites us to take one final glance in the rearview mirror—not to live there, but to visit. Reflection has purpose; it gives clarity we didn’t have before.

Take a moment for an honest look back.
Think of all the things that didn’t make sense at the time but became clear later—revealing exactly what they were meant to be.

Take a moment to pray.
Take a moment to praise.

Do we spend enough time with praise?
Do we say thank You enough?

Do we receive blessings as expectations…
or do we recognize them as gifts—
not earned, not deserved, but given out of love?

Think of the doors that closed this year, even the painful ones.
Do we pray for understanding and give thanks for them?
Do we pray the next one opens to something better?
Do we get lost in anger or self-pity…
or do we rejoice because we know what’s coming will be better than what was?

And in all this reflecting—
do we extend grace?
Do we offer support to those who failed us?
Do we love those who are difficult to love?
Do we remember that our faith is not only for ourselves, but for those who cross our path?

Looking in the rearview…
What did we manifest?
Did we create our own defeat?
Or did we rise—like a phoenix—stronger, clearer, and ready for what comes next?

Let this December be a moment of gratitude, a breath of peace, and a soft landing before a new year begins.
May we finish this chapter with faith, and step into the next with confidence in the One who writes our story.

Did You Know? — ABUS & Dense Breasts

Did you know that nearly 1 in 2 women have dense breast tissue? Dense tissue is common and completely normal—but it can make breast cancer harder to see on a mammogram. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram… and so does cancer. That means early cancers can be hidden in plain sight. That’s where Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) makes a difference. ABUS scans the entire breast—every layer, every zone—in three imaging planes. It allows a dedicated breast radiologist to see what a mammogram alone may miss, especially in dense tissue. ABUS is safe, painless, radiation-free, and gives women clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. If you have dense breasts, a family history, or simply want extra reassurance, ABUS is an incredible tool for early detection. Your health is worth the clarity. Schedule your ABUS scan at Gulf Islands Medical Imaging.