A hard copy thesaurus my mom gave me in high school, began a lifelong hunt for the right word. English was always my worst subject, so I was game to find ways to gain an edge. And the habit to convey my thoughts in my words continued into my nutrition career. The years of listening to families tell their stories, when counseling them at their nutrition appointment, softened my clinical approach. From the expert to a more practical, come-alongside coach, and it reflected in my writing. Even in my chart notes. I still work late to get down on paper, what the family’s food experience was. What were their barriers to eating well? What motivated them? What were their nutrition goals and how were we going to get there? These extra documented words brought me right back to their situation at their next appointment. And they felt heard. Sometimes for the first time.

Along the way, a ‘coincidence’ radio ad for the Write Canada conference sparked my interest. And after hearing an up-and-coming writer speak, I tentatively started my own blog. Relying more on perfection for reassurance and not daring to allow comments on posts, out of fear.

And then we moved. Across the country. To the East Coast of Canada, and my childhood home in Nova Scotia. Literally, to the home I grew up in. Surprising to outsiders looking in, it was hard. We were stripped of all things comfortably familiar, and we all wrestled in different ways. Writing passions became a pipe dream of fond memories. Photos were taken with whimsical thoughts of just the right words to accompany them.  I realized later, God still had writing plans. But He intentionally used this pause, for His purpose of drawing me close and ridding me of the things in the way of communicating authentic, vulnerable words.

A decade later, the gentle lead began again with a repeated push to attend Write Canada, online this time. A spark of excitement flared as I got a taste of writing culture. But old insecurities found me hesitating. God spoke to me directly and awoke the yearning to serve women with writing. The hunt for the right words was renewed; now saturated in a million words store-housed for 10 years.

I almost suffocated in an abundantly changed author industry. But obedience to the leading, fueled perseverance and launching this blog. With a narrowed focus this time: to inspire women who are new Christians, to find their confidence as wives and mothers, in their Savior by providing practical nourishment for our body and soul.

My passion to help you find peace at your table is backed by more than 20 years of experience as a Dietitian. I have coached countless families and groups to eat well in a realistic way. I have taught basic cooking skills classes knowing confidence in the kitchen leads to confidence elsewhere. And I have trained students and shared with colleagues a compassionate approach to counseling. To meet a person right where they are and help them there. Rather than present the ultimate way of eating and expect them to make the leap. Some extra training in picky eating allows me to help you find the first step out of the chaos. And bridge a way to what our intention has been all along: feed our families well.

I grew up knowing God. But I didn’t really know the significance of my dorm-room surrender to a God who saw me in my darkest moments and met me right where I was. My mom had given me a different book this time. The Bible. And it was in The Word, that brought me to the end of myself. And ignited an ember of hope, that would only grow. An obvious leading brought me to a Jesus-loving Church a couple of years later, and I realized the love I had received. There, my husband awaited, and I sensed the calling to help women. In the midst, 3 boys brought me down to earth and showed me how to not value anything breakable.

But the confidence I felt in my nutrition career came from experience and I could not translate that to my Christian ministry roles. Enter the Holy Spirit, and His transformation in us, to teach us to use His power, and not our own. As I began relying on Him more when leading Bible Studies, teaching at women’s retreats, and leading women’s ministry teams, my confidence was found – in Christ in me and working through me.

With words ready to escape and be known, I am venturing to bring hope to women who are new to their faith and trying to do it all just right; by pointing them to the right Word I found. To an everlasting and holy God, the unfathomable love of Jesus, and the undeniable power of the Holy Spirit. With practical nutrition along the way, to bring Peace to your table.

Come take a seat at my table where there is always room for one more.

Jane