Grateful Heart and Helping Hands

Grateful Heart and Helping Hands: Forward Motion : "Here it is, midafternoon and New Years' Eve. The guys are watching World Junior Hockey and I am making finger foods. Chicken Satay, Sausage ..."

Here it is, midafternoon and New Years' Eve. The guys are watching World Junior Hockey and I am making finger foods. Chicken Satay, Sausage Rolls, Spicy Tortilla Rolls, Dips and Chips. I have phoned around to a few friends. Some may come by, or not- and I am good with that! I do love to feed people, but this year, for this night, we are just taking stock of all this last year had for us and the hopes we have for this next year. If we have friends come by to share that with, even better! This year has had some pretty difficult moments. On this night, one year ago, I was 9 days post-surgery. I was tired and in a bit of pain. Not bad, just a bit. I had no dates yet on therapies to come, but knew I had them to look forward to. Decisions needed to be made on where, how,why and for what purpose. Keeping an open mind, but prayerfully considering everything placed in front of me, I wandered boldly on. I wanted to take charge of as much as I could, to still feel in control in the areas I c...

Music in the background, all is quiet in the house. I have taken apart my desk to tidy and organize it- but got distracted by the computer calling me, beckoning from it's lonely corner. I have a great cup of coffee and have scrolled through happenings with friends. So, here I sit, ready for my new post. My mind has been filled with doula things- practice, business, marketing and making sure it is kept close to the heart. I want to be professional, but not to the point of losing the purpose of doing what I do! There is a balance to be found. This way of thinking spills over into other areas of my life. When I read any of the midwifery writings, they all speak of keeping 'open', meaning to allow the physical needs mingle with the emotional and spiritual aspects of birth. This is so appropriate to relationships. Last night, I spent a marathon of time on the phone with my brother with the pastoral heart. He has a similar yet so different perspective on family and relationships...

All is quiet, the whir of the computer and hum of the fridge roar over the sound of quietly bubbling soup. The guys went skiing and swimming, out to dinner and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader- what a day! I have had the privilege of filling my day with whatever I so chose- and it ended up being filled with my favourite subject, motherhood! This morning started with leavings- the guys off to the hill, then the Babygirl going home. A little later, it was time for tea with a young friend defining her priorities and passions- and so far, she is looking into birth! We had a lovely talk over a cuppa. Later on, I picked up some oil so I can massage when I do home visits with women who are pregnant. I read it somewhere in a midwifery text- and think it will be my new practice! Off to visit my next client to discuss her cares and concerns, her thoughts and wishes for her next labour and delivery. I love this!! I get to attend that most sacred of family events, birth- to help people shape their w...

Sunshine, super-cold, sledding, skiing, snowmen, sugar, sipping Monday! The house is quiet and all tidied up from the fun we have been having together. The 12 year old is out playing, the Lover is out looking for peace and a quiet and maybe a good hair cut and the daughters are enjoying lunch out with a friend. Spending time on the phone with my far-away friend this morning, sipping Gingerbread coffee and talking about yummy recipes has put me into a delicious mood. We will have missionaries over for dinner tonight to share Ham and Scalloped Potatoes with maple glazed Winter Vegetables. Would you like me to start sharing recipes on this site? Let me know! Gratitude overflows- Canadian back bacon to celebrate the holidays The 3 Wise men's journey and our response Watching and waiting Snowplay Gingerbread syrup for morning coffee Long distance phone plans The mountain view, so spectacular and inspiring German choral music, sent with love Stollen to share Daughters around...

Today we went to find ourselves a Boxing Day crowd. We love visiting with people- it's what makes the holiday extra special! So, out we went to Bear Claw Lodge, where we had a lovely snow filled afternoon with friends who feel like family. Always great to connect with folks, to share love and laughter, traditions and food! My man skied and sledded along with the 12 year old- and there was skating and pond hockey, snowmobiling and of course, a potluck of delicious food! What do you do on Boxing Day? Some years we have hosted our own open house, others, just a day like today. And do you have a favourite turkey leftover recipe to share?? I am thinking of making turkey quesadilla tomorrow- I will let you know how that turns out. Crowds. All a part of Christmas time. Crowded homes, crowded stores- crowded churches?

Dawning. The morning whispers the breath of a new day, with the promise of vivid colours in the cold. Excitement builds, giggles and whispers heard in the halls as the young and not so young reach for stockings laid out with care. Sweet communion in the bedroom as all pile onto the big bed to open stockings, enjoying one another's thoughtfulness, thinking of the day to come. The 12 year old makes a wonderful waffle breakfast and we share summer's peaches and blackberries, whipped cream and of course, maple syrup. Coffee with gingerbread syrup is today's treat. Phone calls of merriment, best wishes sent over the miles and smiles for each one here. The candlelight service is one of the sweet moments of the year, where we have the story that does not grow old read once again. We share with rambunctious children, elderly who have trouble getting out regularly and many who have faith but not a regular time of fellowship. Candlelight and Silent Night sung by a choir, piano and o...

Wonder. Watching a two year old light up, counting angels and cookies. Seeing the delight in an adult child's eyes when the favourite meal is prepared. Anticipating the joy on faces of family when presents are given and shared, when breakfast is made together, when turkey is ready. Hearing voices of family that is away, long phone calls, cards exchanged and letters read. I have noticed that some of my posts are starting with just a word- and I may just keep this up! It helps me to focus on what to write! Wonder is a lovely feeling, right up there with anticipation. I feel awe when I think of Mary, pregnant and single, traveling on a donkey so far from home, to give birth alone (we assume) in a stable. Giving birth is a sacred time, when women receive the gift of motherhood and join with all women of all time in a sisterhood like no other. But did she have her mother there to support her? A chosen midwife? A best friend? A doula? Or was her husband her only support in a time when t...

Anticipation- the word, the feeling, the emotion. It is one of my favourite things! I love the build up, the way we all work toward one common goal. I wonder if this advent I have properly anticipated or shared my anticipation of the celebration of Christ's birth with my children, my grandchild, my circle of family and friends? Right now, I am anticipating Meaghan to get home from Prince Rupert. I am anticipating sharing all the goodies from my fridge- there is fudge, cheese ball, mushroom caps, Irish Cream. In my cupboard are shortbread, peanut brittle, spritz cookies, dark chocolate with peppermint, white chocolate with cranberries and lots of Dill Party Mix!! With makings of soups, lots of crackers and chips, I sure know we won't starve!! Most of all, I anticipate more time with the boys, sharing the Jesse Tree story of Advent, sitting by the wreath and talking about the anticipation Mary and Joseph shared as they waited for the birth of their son- the Son of God!!

Wednesday- only two more sleeps until Christmas. I have baked and mixed, heated and poured, eaten and sampled. Tonight, friends will come over and we will- what else??-eat!! I love to feed people!! Last night we had company, too. I would love to feed extra people every day! Though I guess at some point it might get costly! But "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf where there is hatred." (Proverbs) Tonight we had heated up Shepherd's Pie and it was delicious. And delicious is one of Blake's new words!! He shakes his head from side to side and says- sesishus! It is too cute! The tree is starting to fill up- we all have decided to try to simplify, but I guess you multiply when there are 7 or 8 or 10 contributing!! The 12 year old spent a bit of time wrapping today and did I. My lovely baby boy came over for his nap time today and I worked on his gift while he slept. I am 'upcycling' some Carhartts and a mink cape to become a bun...

Traditions. What to keep, what to continue, what to delete. Tonight, over a wonderful dinner with a friend, we discussed family. Family near and far. Christmas this year will be quiet around here without our older children- yet, we have watched with excitement as our grandson listens and answers questions while we walk through the weeks of advent with the wreath and a story. This story- One Wintry Night, by Ruth Bell Graham_ has been read numerous times in our home as our kids have grown up. The illustrations are exquisite and the story is similar to following the Jesse Tree tradition. The 12 year old asks for more to be read every day- and I love that he is not too old, nor the 2 year old too young to enjoy the magic of an excellent story! We also had goodies tonight. Today I made Dilly Party Mix, dark chocolate with candy cane, white chocolate with cranberries and 2 trays of peanut brittle. Tomorrow, probably homemade Irish Cream! We enjoyed cookies sent to us from Comox on our tray...

Sitting here at a borrowed computer, I think about my lonely laptop, suffering from a virus. As  momma, I am the one who nurses those viruses that enter my home, give hot tea and comfort to those who need it. I have learned to make a mean chicken soup- which is both good for the body and the spirit. But this virus is insidious, one I seem to be helpless to do anything about. It has me thinking about influences, ones I seem helpless against. When my kids were little, we did what we could to keep them protected and safe, both physically and spiritually. We taught them well, surrounded them with friends and family who loved Jesus the very same way we did. We lived so wide open! When God led us into full time ministry, we had not yet completed our family- and what a ride that has been! I think back on times when we had no money, but open hearts, ready to give from what we still did have. Our cupboards were never empty, our home was always warm. Our friends were welcome at all times. S...

Friday, not quite halfway through December- and I am already feeling quite exhausted! Trying to keep it simple seems to be tougher to do with more people. I remember when the kids were homeschooling, trying to keep it simple was easier because we were all on the same page. Now I find myself trying to be sensitive to everyone's wishes while keeping my own balance and somehow, not quite accomplishing anything too terribly well! But I do look forward to: music! family! time relaxing together! home without plans! creating more memories a two year old's birthday! Anyone want to share memories, traditions, baked goods recipes,things of that sort? In that attitude of gratitude, I want to share with you that this year, we have made a concerted effort to follow more of the advent tradition. Our 12 year old is enjoying the story time and candles along with the treats. The two year old is taking pleasure in the candles! This second week, the candle is PEACE. At our church each wee...

I have wanted to blog for some time. In this last year, I had that opportunity given to me through an illness! Who knew I would be 'kick-started' in such a way! But, one year later, I realize I have become a bit addicted to it! I do like to write- and I follow some blogs too! So, here is the first attempt :) My choice of name? Well, I have been impressed in this last while that gratitude is the word I need to build deep within my soul. I practice this as an attitude by keeping a gratitude journal, to be updated at least weekly. The Helping Hands part comes from my passion for new life- primarily that of women who are pregnant! I am a doula and childbirth educator. In the future, I would like to create a Christian prenatal class or write a book on how well we are designed to do this very womanly thing. My husband has encouraged me in this work, this calling. For now, I will keep this first post fairly short and wait for comments to see where it leads me.