Grateful Heart and Helping Hands

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...

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...