His Handmaiden

Update for January, 2010

2010-01-24T20:12:00.001-08:00

Once again, I'm back on Blogger... I'm really not sure how many people read this. So I usually just post on Facebook.
The 23rd of this month marked a Year since the accident lauren and I were in... What a Great God we serve! And how happy I am to serve Him! Without His protection both lauren and I wouldn't be here. I would be dead with a tube from the car through my chest, and lauren would've been thrown through the windshield. Few people know just how close it was... Praise the Lord!
Currently I'm waiting on a momma who's 9 days overdue with her 2nd baby. She'll be delivering at St. Francis. I also have another momma due on the 7th, she's going to have a homebirth with one of the Midwives in the Richmond area! I'm so excited to finally attend a real homebirth! (all I've been doing so far is hospital births, and one unassisted.)
In December 2009 I began part 2 of the Midwifery Academics with Charis Childbirth after a 2 month break. My projected plan is to be finished with that within 8 months to a year. I've also started "Postpartum doula-ing". It's so much fun and I just love caring for sweet young babies while giving their mothers a chance to take a shower, eat, or even go out for awhile.
I'm still working with the 3 year old boy with Downs Syndrome. He is so sweet. I'm learning so much fron working with him. Going to speech and OT every friday, and organizing his learning activities. I also just recently took up massage, mostly prenatal, but some plain massage. I really enjoy it, and it'll help me with school. The Lord always provides, does He not?
I'm also teaching piano 2 days a week still. Currently I have 18 students that come here, and 2 I teach in Richmond. (20 total.)
That is my life in a nutshell. Of course there is the occasional social engagments that come my way. Or Doula/Midwifery workshops.

The Lord is still leading, "Day by day". It's a continual journey of faith and trust in the Almighty. But the Lord is showing Himself powerful, resourceful, and loving.
I owe all to Him!
God Bless!
~Kate

Ramblings of a Student Midwife...

2009-10-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

As usual, I take my time with posting.... I've just been so busy!
Recently I've attended 2 births, one at MCV/VCU and another at St. Francis. Both went well! I'm currently working 3 jobs, delivering babies, working as an attendant for a 3 year old with Downs Syndrome, and teaching piano. Plus I'm in School with Charis Childbirth. (www.charischildbirth.org)
I'm attending births as a Doula right now, until I'm able to get an apprenticeship with a Senior Midwife lined up.
As far as I know, I'll be in school for another 2-3 years. I hope to be a CPM by 25. (That's 5 years from now.)

Attending births as a Doula has been great! If you want to see my website about my doula services go here...www.heartofadoula.webs.com.
Thanks for reading! And God Bless!
~Kate

Free Doula Service-- Pregnant Moms Wanted!!!

2009-07-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Free Doula Service- Pregnant Moms Wanted! Hello!
I'm offering my services for a limited time to the community. However, I'm only taking 3 clients for this special offer. All I ask is that you pay travel expenses. E-mail me for more information.
Please viem my services page and about me page for my birth package information.

After the 3 free slots are filled, I will be taking an indefinite number of mom for only $200 (a $300 discount!).
I serve hospitals in Richmond- St.Francis, St.Mary's, MCV/VCU, and several more.

Call or email me...
804-363-7422
heartofadoula@gmail.com

Hurry, this will fill fast!

2009-05-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
It has been awhile. I thought I'd go ahead and update, or ramble, as the case may be. Things are all well here. Lauren's doing much better after the accident. I'm attending lots of births this month, and teaching some birth classes.
Today is a ball in Amelia lauren and I are going to. We are all praying it doesn't rain. I hung the laundry out on the line in Faith (or stupidity). Haha.

Right now I'm reading a book about "Praying the Names of God", it's been very good. There are so many names of God, that if you just pray them in faith- He becomes that to you! How neat is that?! Not that He isn't all those things already- but it just becomes real to you, and you begin operating in it.

I'm still doing Charis Childbirth, and hope to be a certified doula by the fall. I'll be teaching a birth class this fall, if anyone's interested. I hope to be moving to Roanoke to apprentice to a midwife up there at some point in the next year or so. That is my goal, anyway.
check out my website- and become member. That helps my business "get out".

www.heartofadoula.webs.com

On MAY 23rd we are holding another prayer watch here in Amelia, I hope some of you may be able to come. Call or e-mail me for more informaton. We will dance, pray,sing, and dance come more for the Lord, Yeshua!

Well, I'd better go, I've got things to do- and more laundry to hang.
~Kate

Not Alone.

2009-02-03T10:55:00.001-08:00

You're Not Alone

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and now I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
saying

You're not alone
for I am here
let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
saying

You're not alone
for I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest night
Your darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life

Please do this for Lauren

2009-01-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all.
I am going to(with you alls help) make a scrapbook for lauren to give to her when she gets home. (either wed, or thurs).
It'll be of all the things you've said, and well wishes, get well soons, etc. I'll make it as colorful as possible.
If you would like to contribute please send either a card, or e-mail, picture whatever, to me. Or just bring it over. Whatever.

katydid89@gmail.com

or

21400 Perkinson Rd
Jetersville, VA 23083

It can be anything, letter, paragraph, etc. I'll either print it off or cut it out and put it in the scrapbook. Make sure to sign your name.
THE MORE THE MERRIER>>>> PASS IT ON>>>>>

POST IT SO OTHERS CAN SEE IT
If they don't have a blog, send it to them!!

thank you so much,
~Kate

Please Take action. This will affect my midwifery practice in the future. Thank you!!

2009-01-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

ACTION ALERT: Anti-Midwifery Bills in the Virginia House of Delegates HB 2163 and HB 2167

Please take action now to stop two bills introduced into the House to limit the practice of Certified Professional Midwives. These bills have been introduced by Delegate Matthew Lohr- Harrisonburg.

URGENT: Please send him an email TODAY telling him that you would like him to pull these bills from the docket and to work to help increase access to midwives, rather than restrict it. You can also call his office: (804) 698-1026.
NEXT: Contact your legislators and tell them that you oppose HB 2163 and HB 2167. You can visit the VA Birth PAC to find out who your legislators are and register to receive updates on this important issue.
STILL MORE: Contact everyone you know who lives in the Harrisonburg area. Ask them to contact Del Lohr TODAY to express their concerns about these bills. He filed these bills for a single constituent, he needs to hear from 50 who oppose them.
STAY TUNED: We will be sending updates through all available channels. If you are not registered with the VA BirthPAC…please do so NOW! We need all of our voices united!!!!!!

More info about these bills:
HB 2163, is a bill to amend § 54.1-2957.9 (the CPM statute).
What is wrong with it:
The proposed legislation would add an amendment requiring midwives to give informed disclosure to their clients about the risks associated with home deliveries and with some specific pregnancy conditions. This legislation is redundant to the existing statute that already requires that licensed midwives in Virginia hold the designation of Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and practice according to the standards of the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives.
· CPMs are required by their certification to give a written informed disclosure regarding their experience, training, and the risks and benefits of home birth to every client at the beginning of care.
· The NARM Job Analysis (cited in the VA statute) specifies the principles of informed consent and the conditions that may require additional education and informed decision making. The conditions cited in HB 2163 are included in this list.
· The NACPM standards of practice (also cited in the VA statute) refer to informed consent and requirements for education and information of CPM clients.
· The Virginia Licensed Midwife regulations already require that informed consent be obtained before any invasive procedure is performed.
Our biggest concern is that by opening the CPM statute, we will be vulnerable to other amendments that will not be redundant.

HB 2167 is a bill to require the Board of Medicine and the Department of Medical Assistance Services to review regulations and policies to ensure that no reimbursement is made to certified professional midwives providing services in high-risk situations, including high-risk home deliveries.
What is wrong with it:
· This legislation is discriminatory to low-income women. Any woman who qualifies for Medicaid is designated “high-risk” based on her socio-economic status. Midwifery care, by way of its hallmarks of increased education, support, and respect, has been proven to benefit women who are at risk for pregnancy complications. Evidenced-Based Care does not support restricting access to home birth to women based on perceived risk. This is a bill intended to discourage VBAC, thereby mandating surgical deliveries to women with prior c-sections in some Virginia communities.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. We have accomplished so much together, let’s not let anyone take away what we fought so hard to obtain!

Brynne Potter, CPM
Commonwealth Midwives Alliance

New Years Eve Prayer Watch

2008-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Bring in the New Year with Rejoicing and Prayer!

The McKinney Family is hosting a Prayer watch New Years Eve.
December 31st at Love Covenant Fellowship of Amelia, VA.

6pm to 1:00am

This will be a time of prayer and praise on behalf of our country, our families, and ourselves. Feel free to bring friends and family.
We would, however, like to know a general idea of who's coming. So please RSVP if you can.

katydid89@gmail.com

Here is a link for directions.
http://maps.google.com/maps?li=d&hl=en&f=d&daddr=17897+W+Pridesville+Rd,+Amelia+Court+Hse,+VA+23002+(Love+Covenant+Fellowship)&geocode=CU9V9THmdDNYFb1SOgIdR91Z-w&dq=Love+covenant+fellowship+,amelia+VA&cid=4698415695085827543&ei=yqdOSf2ZA4jWNcbM3IEN&ie=UTF8&ll=37.376654,-77.996664&spn=0.007707,0.013561&z=16

The address of the Church:
17897 W Pridesville Rd, Amelia Court Hse, VA 23002

Hope to see you there!

~Kate McKinney~

Mexico and other musings.

2008-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you enough about mexico in the next few seconds I have to write a blog post, then skeedadle to get ready for a friends birthday party. But I will try.

On the flight down to Brownsville, TX I was feeling rather insecure. Slightly tired, and wanting to go home. During that time I thought to myself: "Kate- this always happens. You are miserable going down- because you had to go. And you are miserable coming going home, because you had to leave. Agh"

And I was right.

In the space of 7 days I realized what a spoiled rotten life I live. And not to step on toes- but all of my friends as well.
These people living in Matamoros, Mexico live on virtually nothing. Their houses were patched huts made with sheets, boxes, bits of metal and wood. They had no nice clothes. And hardly any food. Every day their job was to travel up onto this huge mound of trash that they lived near. That was burning day and night. And dig thru it to find anything of value that they could sell- or eat.
Many children in that area have downs syndrome and other like diseases due to the amount of chemicals in the air and water.
Yet their joy. Their strength. Their generousity.
Their love for Jesus was so simple. Yet more complex than any Catholic church could make it.

While we were down there we did 2 communitly outreaches. Both for Children in the area. We entertained them, shared the gospel, and fed them Hot Dogs. (Much to mom's chagrin).
The eyes of some of the children still haunt me.

I have to go now, I'll try to post pictures later.

2008-10-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Alli (http://sheworkswithherhands.typepad.com/blog/) to write six random facts about myself!

The rules are:

-Link to the person who tagged you.
-Post the rules on your blog.
-Write Six Random Things about yourself.
-Tag six-or-so other people at the bottom of the post.
-Leave comments on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged!
-Let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.

Here are my 6 random things:

1- I attended my first birth last week, and loved it!!

2- I hate it when people "scratch" fabric. Makes me shiivverr

3- I like cold salads (like pasta or noodles) hot, and I like hot things cold. (Like beans, pizza, or enchiladas.)

4- When I'm nervous my hands get cold.

5-I'm really shy, but try to cover it by being outgoing. It's hard sometimes.

6-I LOVE starbursts, and those caramel candies with creme in the middle. MMMM- good!

There we go!

I now tag--

Anna
Meredith H.
Abby H.
Kendra (will she do it?)

His Glorious Blessings

2008-10-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Doesn't God always provide? Isn't He amazing? Yesterday was a glorious day. I met a new family, and found we had so much in common. It was Charis that brought us together (the doula course I'm doing). I attended 2 prenatals, God worked it out that I could attend both on the same day.
Today I taught piano, did laundry, and otherwise cleaned and prepared for the rest of the week.
Mom and Lauren are at Daughters of Destiny camp in NC. And won't be back until this saturday. So I've just been hanging out, visiting friends, and making myself useful where I can.

I've been praying recently about this upcoming election. It gives me the utmost peace to know that God is in control, He knows where all this is leading. He knows what will happen, and He loves us enough to take care of us. No matter who sits in the White House. I am claiming His perfect peace in this matter.

It says in the bible that " This Hope we have- as an anchor for the soul, a Hope that is both sure and steadfast." (Hebrews 6:19) I love this verse because it talks of hope, and lets you define what that hope is. It can be applied to Jesus Christ, our Faith in God, and a number of other things.
Why then be downcast?
Hope in God!!

Blessings to you all as you continue in your Journey toward Christ, the ultimate prize and goal.

Shalom,
~Kate

My Theory.... on music

2008-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Music.
At the momeny music is my source of income, way to vent or be happy, and show my love to Christ.
I also have a theory.
Let's see if I can get this out right.
Everything has a sound right, a note. Therefor, my life is made up of notes, of sounds.

Do this for me.
A. Knock on the wall near you. Deep, maybe resonating, higher if it's wood. Depends on your house.
B. Snap your fingers. High(er) sound.
C. Talk. Say a sentence. " My name is ___". Notes right? Every word had a particular note.
D. Listen all around you. I think even silence has a note. (It's silent here).

See what I mean?
Now let's take this deeper:
Your life, then, is a symphony of sounds. What sounds make up your life? What will your symphony be at the end of the Day? Of your life? Will they be good sounds? Lovely sounds? Angry sounds? Confused noise?

Another step deeper.
What will the sounds of your spiritual life be? Will they Glorify God? Or yourself?

At the End of your Life will you have a glorious praise to God? To offer Him?
Or a clash of noise?

Did that make sense?

I know who I'm not voting for.

2008-09-16T09:35:00.001-07:00

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate." -Psalm 127:3-5

I saw this picture on Alli's blog. And was absolutely appauled. How could anyone say such an evil, heartless, horrible thing? Babies are a gift from the Lord.

I'm not voting for Obama. Say what you will. But it's not happening.

Lessons learned- and being learned.

2008-09-11T13:19:00.001-07:00

I'm in South Carolina at the beautiful Hilton Head Island. Well, not exactly beautiful right now. It's raining. Perhaps it's castoff from Ike or something like that. Not that I mind, I'm a bit burned anyway.

I've been keeping myself busy lately. What with studying for the midwifery course, teaching 20 some piano students, and some other things, it's been fun. I don't like stagnating.

Recently I've been learning about friends. You have good friends, great friends, best friends, frriends that aren't friends, friends that are too sensitive for life, friends that think you copy them on purpose (when nothing could be farther from your mind), friends that keep secrets-and some that don't,flattering friends, unloving friends, honest friends, friends that are fair weather friends, sensationalist friends, weird friends, and long lost friends, facebook friends.... and the list goes on.

Now- with every friend I make- (and I have lots) I have to recognize what kind of friend they are, and treat them accordingly.

Here are some favorite quotes about friends.

True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable.
Dave Tyson Gentry

“A friend is someone who, upon seeing another friend in immense pain, would rather be the one experiencing the pain than to have to watch their friend suffer.”

"A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure." Ecc. 6:14

I've had some friend trouble over the years, I'm in some now as a matter of fact. I hate it, and I think she hates it too. And we're trying to work it out.

I'd appreciate your prayers. It's not a hugs matter- not exactly what someone would call 'trouble', but something happened, one of our feelings was hurt, and life still has to go on. In spite of things.

May we all be as good of friends as others are to of us. No- better. Much better.

~Kate

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An Aching Heart.

2008-08-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

There's a line in song that seems appropriate.
"God is Great. But sometimes life ain't good."

How true this is.

I have a wondeful friend- who will remain nameless- who really isn't feeling good. I've known her for 2 years, and watched her go downhill. Whenever I see her there's this look in her eyes that goes straight to my heart. And I come home every week with a heart so heavy, and my mind full of "why her?". She's the type who won't say she's hurting unless you ask her. And won't ask for help, because she seems to be afraid to inconvenience anyone. This frustrates me because I want to help- I want to support- I want to love. But can't. Because there seems to be a wall. My spiritual gifts are mercy and service. And my love language is encourager and service.
So maybe you can see why my heart is so heavy right now.
What else is the body of Christ for but to be a blessing?
Perhaps I'm just frusterated.
Now don't get me wrong, I love the woman dearly. Very dearly. But it makes my heart ache to watch her suffer in silence.

Thanks for letting me vent.

~Kate

Here goes.

2008-08-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

I enjoy writing, really I do.... although I like to do letters better. And things here are so crazy I can barely get them done! Let alone post in a blog. However. I've decided to give it a try. I have several friends that are faithful bloggers, so I thought I'd try to join the ranks.
Today is piano day. I have 5 students today, and had 6 yesterday. I actually have 20 students, not 11, but so many are out of town on the last hurrah before school that it seemed like a very light week this week.

Here is my thought for this week...

“The great danger facing all of us...is that some day
we may wake up and find that we have been busy with husks and trappings of life and have really missed life itself. That is what one prays one’s friends may be spared—satisfaction with a life that…has in it no tingle or thrill
that comes from a friendship with the Father.”Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) Sermons

That's that!

~Kate