Love Reigns: A Christmas Reflection

These past three weeks, as I held my grandchild in my arms, surrounded by my grand pets, I was reminded of what my mother, my father, and my Deity have always shown me: the most important thing in this journey we call life is love.

There is a sacred simplicity in cradling a child who melts into your chest with complete trust, and lying beside a grand dog who offers unconditional presence. In those moments, I understood why my father always said he was never a millionaire, but he had something greater, the love of family and friends. That, he believed, made him the richest man in the world.

This season of light, whatever your beliefs or whoever you worship, the story of Jesus reminds us that love is the true measure of a life. It surpasses worldly goods, titles, good health, ill health, and everything we cling to or worry about.

As I sat immersed in what so many lovingly call the best gig in life, grand parenting, I came to understand how deeply true this is. In those moments, nothing else mattered. I forgot about my cancer. I released my to do list. I let go of responsibilities. My only task was to love this tiny human, breathe in rhythm with him, and simply be.

My spiritual advisor reminded me that love is the force that exists beyond our bodies, our minds, and our egos. It is our spirit. It is what remains when fear fades and when the noise of the world softens. This love defies our worries, dissolves our angst, and steadies us in the unknown.

So this time of year, no matter your beliefs or traditions, I ask all of us to pause for a moment and choose love. Not gifts. Not status. Not being right. Not being better or doing more.

Choose love.

For in choosing love, we discover the true meaning of Christmas. A small baby in a manger taught the world the most profound and enduring lesson: love reigns.

My hope for each of you is simple. I hope you have someone to love, and someone who loves you. But the first and most essential love is the love you give yourself. When you embrace yourself, your scars, your cancer, your faults, your regrets, something miraculous happens. They lose their power. They fall away.

That is the power of love.

And that is the spirit of Christmas.

With love,

Betty Jean

🌿 Healthy Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins

There is something wonderful about receiving a gift that truly makes life easier. A friend of mine recently gifted me a used stand-alone mixer, and it has been a game-changer for someone like me who traditionally fares much better as a cook than a baker.

Yesterday, I tested it out by making a batch of chocolate chip cookies. They were uniform in shape, rose beautifully, and were absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, because of the ingredients, those cookies were for my son, a friend, and Ray. They were not something I could enjoy myself.

So today, I decided to make something nourishing, comforting, and healthy for me:

Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins.

These muffins sit right at the top of my all-time favourite list. I love the texture, the pop of blueberries, and the warm sweetness from the creamed corn. They are soft, hearty, and filled with ingredients that support energy, digestion, and taste.

Why These Muffins Are Good for You

These muffins are nourishing and align with my Mediterranean diet.

• Cornmeal and whole grain flour add fibre.

• Olive oil supports heart health and lowers inflammation.

• Blueberries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness.

• Cream-style corn adds moisture without excess sugar.

• Low sugar helps maintain steady energy and supports taste changes during treatment.

• Greek yogurt or applesauce adds protein.

Join me in making these delicious muffins to have on hand for the early mornings of this Christmas season.

Healthy Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins.docx

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Festive Sweet Potato Salad

This warm Sweet Potato Salad is a favourite of Ray’s and mine. It is one of those dishes that instantly warms you from the inside out on a cold winter day. With the sweetness of roasted potatoes, the gentle bite of red onion, and the festive colours of dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta, it feels just right for Christmas or a cozy family gathering.

Beyond being delicious, this salad’s ingredients support good health, especially during the winter months when our bodies crave warmth, nourishment, and comfort foods that still love us back.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to support immune health, skin, and vision. They are also high in fibre, which supports digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels, making them a great alternative to refined carbohydrates.

Red onions bring more than flavour. They provide antioxidants, including quercetin, which supports heart health and helps reduce inflammation. Roasting them softens their bite while enhancing their natural sweetness.

Dried cranberries add a pop of colour while containing antioxidants that support overall immunity. In moderation, they bring both flavour and festive cheer to the dish.

Spices like cumin and paprika do more than season the salad. Cumin supports digestion and gut health, while paprika adds warmth and contains compounds that help reduce inflammation.

Shopping List and Recipe

I’ve included a simple shopping list along with the full recipe below so you can easily prepare this salad for a Christmas table, potluck, or family meal. It pairs beautifully with chicken or soup, or stands confidently on its own as a warm vegetarian dish. Sweet Potato Salad.

May this recipe bring warmth, colour, and comfort to your table, just as it has to ours. 💚

Sweet Potato Salad.docx

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