My Little Happys Today: Soap And Video Of Ebey Trails By Joe Hendricks

Merry Christmas Soap by Servivorgirl

It was a thrill to make some delightful soaps for our church during December. I am preparing for a future wherein making soap is a regular part of my day. Soap making is so fun, it takes me away from day to day worries. My little earthly escape to supplement my journey with God.  The creative process allows me to listen to God, in a way.  I am not distracted by chatter and can focus on bringing out the goodness in my heart.  I love sharing this with others.  

My Servivorgirl brand is developing now, organically.  The members of the parish who took my bars were all very pleased.  I did not sell them, I just made them as part of a special celebration to honor the Solemnity of the Holy Family.  It also rewarded me because I had an opportunity to practice this craft and learn more about mixing oils, fragrance and micas.

My ultimate goal is to create special soaps for those who are suffering, to lift a spirit and give a smile.     Please be patient as I work on my platform and hopefully I will be able to sell some of these little gems in the future. 

And now for a quick getaway from my friend Joe Hendricks.  He is a true friend and delight, faithful to the Lord and the environment.  He had lost his wife to breast cancer several years ago and spends his time hiking in the Pacific Northwest.  His friendly and exciting YouTube channel provides another kind of escape, taking a beautiful look into the remote treasures of Washington State.

Please pay a visit to my friend Joe.  You will not be disappointed.  

I pray you are well today, my readers.  Keep smiling and keep your faith!

God Bless you.

Servivorgirl

Mary's Moon

As I was walkng along the path, the moonlight made day what was to be night.  Having just escaped a  treacherous interrogation in the auditorium I was refreshed from the crisp cold air of that predawn hour.

After a night of defending all of what I believed to be true from relentless badgering it was such a relief to find what might have been the first glances of heaven.  I was cold, my coat was left behind.  I was practically running when off to my right I saw them, the Sisters of Christ, all in awe of something up above.  Each one was praying and smiling, layimg their palms out front and upwards toward the bright light. The details of their faces were lost in the brilliant rays from the moon.  The crisp cold air became warm, releasing me from my shaking and chills.

I stopped and turned around, looking up towards the stars I saw this enormous full moon.  It was necessary to block some of the glare with my palm as my eyes were hurting trying to focus on what I was seeing.  As I began to understand what it was my knees began to shake and a wave of exitation came over me like never before.

In the center of this most glorious and brilliant lunar presence was our Blessed Mother holding our Lord Jesus, and she was rocking this sweet baby back and forth in her loving arms.  

I can still see this vision so clearly, right this moment.  The sweet Sisters, lovingly looking up at the moon.  The path, the dark background and then sweet Mary's Moon. She is so beautiful and exquisite, soothing and adoring.  She just cradles our Lord and rocks him gently back and forth. She wants for us to love Him as she loves Him. That was the message in my dream.  

I guess the visit to the museum yesterday really had an impact on my dream last night.  (I will not go into the details of the interrogation but it is safe to say that my nightmare was extinguished by love and joy.)

Here is a sample from the Seattle Art Museum.  It was very tiring to go, I have to admit, but so well worth it.  When we are sick we need to find activities that give us peace and hope. Find something that grabs you by the heart.  

Peace and Blessings

"Virgin and Child"

Egg tempera and gold on wood

Master of San Torpe'

Italian, active ca. 1290-ca. 1320

Samuel H. Kress Collection, 61.152

Seattle Art Museum

Professor John Krystal of Yale on PTSD....fascinating video

Anyone can get PTSD.  This documentary focuses on the actual brain tissue, explaining how each part relates to the other and the parts of the brain effected by PTSD.  Individuals also have a unique PTSD profile because of genetics.

It gives us hope though to see this kind of detailed research.

At the end of the video he explains that PTSD can come and go "like arthritis" which in my mind makes this problem much more difficult to manage.  Really how does one live well when at any time anything could trigger them and they may not even be aware of it?  How sad. A rollercoaster ride for all.

I hope you can set aside time to watch this.  It is highly educational, especially if you enjoy learning how parts of the brain function. Hopefully this will provide insight to pave a way for progress in your life or the life of a loved one.

Someone I love suffers from PTSD. I know at the heart of the matter this person is not intending to cause problems, but he does. I think to say that this person can only get help when they are ready is not helping him and yet he cannot be forced to get help.  He is losing the support of the people he loves and who love him and support is essential to recovery.  It is very frustrating because neither he nor his family deserve any of this. It is tragic in every way.  We all are doing our best in our own way but to be honest, it is not really getting better. I pray every day for him.

Maybe he will see this and work with someone to get more than just talk therapy. God Bless him.

This video brilliantly showcases that there is a strong "organic" component seen in MRI scans where changes in the brain have occured.  So that being said I must try to be objective and understand that some of the behaviors are not intended to be annoying or troublesome or even harmful.  But there is control somewhere and if PTSD comes and goes, how does the patient really manage it?  How does the family cope?

This video provides great insight.  There are no simple answers.

Peace and Blessings

Facing Our Immortality In The Light Of Christmas by Sr. Anne Marie Walsh

How can w be transformed?  Sr. Anne Marie Walsh's revelations from her cancer experience and the true rooted meaning of Christmas.  Be inspired.

http://missionaryinthemodernworld.blogspot.com/2015/12/facing-our-immortality-in-light-of.html?m=1

Merry Christmas

Giving The Worry To Him And Merry Christmas

We have lost many wonderful women from ovarian cancer this year and several of them I knew quite well.  As we prepare for the coming of Christ and the coming of the New Year, let us pause to pray for those who lit up our hearts and that are now living in eternity.

Keep your faith and keep your hope, in people and in God.  Many strides were made this year in ovarian cancer testing and treatment.  We know not what is around the corner and it is possible that what lies ahead brings longer lives with fewer side effects.

If this time of year is difficult for you, either from the loss of a dear friend or loved one, know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of many throughout the world.  You are not alone.

I feel joyful for the first time in many years this Christmas.  It is sincerely a real struggle at times with mom being gone but overall the memories are getting more positive and I am excited to see her when my time comes.  

I look at her photo every day, tap on a kiss and say "I love you mom".  This morning I was putting on purple socks and I could hear her giggling.   

Spending some time handcrafting soaps is my "go to" happy place for the holidays. Many of the soaps will be given away at our parish breakfast this coming Sunday. The rest will be donated to shelters in the Seattle area.

So far I have spent time with friends to see Christmas lights in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, attended a church Christmas concert, spent a fantastic afternoon with a gentlemen friend for a Christmas dinner,  and attended a presentation of "The Nutcracker". I look at my lit tree every morning and evening, say my prayers and think about my family far away.  

Look for the little joys and listen for the Holy Spirit for He will guide you if you allow it.  I have to do this, I don't just say this.  For example, my CA125 went up a little and this is probably because I had a break from Avastin due to an unexpected surgery.  I was worried for a few minutes then I went silent, prayed and asked God to continue to guide me in what direction He sees fit.  I have to stay centered with the Lord, it keeps me steady and happy.  I give that worry to Him.

I pray to Our Holy Mother of God that your heart awakens joyfully for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus this Christmas.  Let Him be your refuge and give you His Love.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Denise