The Good Soil

Today I’m thinking about all the women in my life and especially my own mother, who have had a role in nourishing and protecting my own true humanity. I am who am today because of their love and care. To every woman who welcomed me to their table and nourished my body with good food and my soul with even better conversation. To the women in my life who have been a shelter in times of sorrow, a source of wisdom when I struggled to find my way and a place where I could celebra...te even the smallest of victories. To those who saw more for me then I saw for myself and developed in me great expectations for what could be. To all these women I am eternally grateful. I pray that I can be this type of woman and mother to my children and to all who sit at my own table. Tag the women in your life who have played a role in your development today.

A few days ago I had just plopped myself on the couch after getting everyone settled for quiet time and nap time. I relished in the moment of silence. And then... Mom!!! Come quick! I ran upstairs anxious to see what I would find when I got there. I opened the door to my son’s room, and there was my 3 year old standing up in his bed pointing out the window.... There’s birds mom! It worked! It worked! I looked out and there were three birds at our bird feeder. One a bright yellow. I forgot all about nap time, grabbed the baby who had woke up from all the commotion and told everyone to come downstairs to get a better look. We all marvelled out the back sliding door to look at the birds and study them so we could figure out what kind they were. It had been a month since we got the feeder and we had yet to see a bird. At last they came! Later in the day I reflected on my own reaction to the event. It surprised me actually. I have been notoriously scared of birds most of my life. Even the smallest little chickadee typically sends me in a fit. Over the last year though my kids have been fascinated with birds, and hungry for knowledge about them too. I indulged them and allowing the bird feeder was a big attempt to overcome my fear and you know what, I think it’s working. The joy my children have for the beauty in these creatures has rubbed off on me, and my fears are slowly being healed. I am genuinely excited to see birds in our yard now, and just as curious to figure out what kind they are. I’m so thankful to my children for opening my eyes to the beauty and wonder of the part of creation and ultimately pointing my back to the beauty and wonder of the one who created it all. Note: We think the yellow bird was a Yellow Warbler. I did not take this photo. My brother in law, @fauteux_photography did, who also had a big part in fostering a love for bird watching in the kids. Thank you also to @doug.crowe for giving us the bird feeder

A few days ago I had just plopped myself on the couch after getting everyone settled for quiet time and nap time. I relished in the moment of silence. And then... Mom!!! Come quick! I ran upstairs anxious to see what I would find when I got there. I opened the door to my son’s room, and there was my 3 year old standing up in his bed pointing out the window.... There’s birds mom! It worked! It worked! I looked out and there were three birds at our bird feeder. One a bright yellow. I forgot all about nap time, grabbed the baby who had woke up from all the commotion and told everyone to come downstairs to get a better look. We all marvelled out the back sliding door to look at the birds and study them so we could figure out what kind they were. It had been a month since we got the feeder and we had yet to see a bird. At last they came! Later in the day I reflected on my own reaction to the event. It surprised me actually. I have been notoriously scared of birds most of my life. Even the smallest little chickadee typically sends me in a fit. Over the last year though my kids have been fascinated with birds, and hungry for knowledge about them too. I indulged them and allowing the bird feeder was a big attempt to overcome my fear and you know what, I think it’s working. The joy my children have for the beauty in these creatures has rubbed off on me, and my fears are slowly being healed. I am genuinely excited to see birds in our yard now, and just as curious to figure out what kind they are. I’m so thankful to my children for opening my eyes to the beauty and wonder of the part of creation and ultimately pointing my back to the beauty and wonder of the one who created it all. Note: We think the yellow bird was a Yellow Warbler. I did not take this photo. My brother in law, @fauteux_photography did, who also had a big part in fostering a love for bird watching in the kids. Thank you also to @doug.crowe for giving us the bird feeder

When was the last time you saw the sunrise? A few years ago, I encountered someone who was going through some very intense personal issues, and I tried to help, and after the situation, it affected me so much. I started to push away from my boyfriend (now husband), roommates, and I couldn't stay in the city.... I needed rest. I went home. I was so disoriented... but the darkness is always temporary. Check out today's reflection: https://www.thegoodsoil.ca/blog/easter-friday-reflection

It's been exactly a week since we celebrated the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday. So much happened in the three days that followed. We remembered Jesus' arrest, the road to calvary, his death on the cross, his burial, and then his resurrection. It's a lot! This past year has been packed full too. It's amazing to think back on all that has happened in our world lately. I've sometimes found it hard to see the hope in the world. But it is there. Today I share really vulnerably about my miscarriage two years ago, about the grief and somehow also the great hope it brought. Maybe you can relate, experiencing grief and hope, loss and love. Give it a read and share it with others who may need a little hope. www.thegoodsoil.ca/blog/easter-thursday-reflection

Easter Wednesday! The Easter season is full of gifts, and the greatest we have is the Eucharist! The Road to Emmaus is such an interesting story! I always think, how could those two men not have realized it is Jesus? But at the same time, I am lead to ponder all the times I haven't seen Jesus when he is walking beside me. ... Jesus gives us the great gift of his body, just like he did to those two men, even if we don't always see. Now, depending on where you are in the world, because of COVID-19, you might not have received communion in over a few weeks, or perhaps a year, and this is so difficult and painful. Click the link below to read the whole blog post. https://www.thegoodsoil.ca/blog/easter-wednesday-reflection

Have you ever asked yourself, "Where was God in this?" I for sure have. Today's Easter reflection is about finding God in the situations where we feel he's abandoned us. https://www.thegoodsoil.ca/b/hctutmw6wykvfoe6h8mu4yxbwp05qe