Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Honoring Past Generations in our Home Celebrations

Honoring Past Generations in Our Home Celebrations


In my first book, Celebrations from the Soul I emphasized to hosts the importance of honoring past generations.  What a wonderful gift it is to share with the guests that enter into your Sanctuary the beauty of the people that may no longer be on this earth, but their love and their spirits still make an impact on us daily.

When we used to visit my in-laws in Oklahoma City, my mother-in-law would often make us her famous beef brisket with all of the trimmings.  She would always serve it on her pink and green china.  I always knew this china was special to her, because she was a member of our beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority whose colors are pink and green.  Our love for our sorority was one of the bonds that brought us together.

So when her china was delivered to me this past week, I was inspired to go and style a table in her honor.  She was so many things to me.  She was my example to make a difference in my community.  After her retirement she started her own foundation, A+ Academics where she and other teachers in her community tutored young children and provided scholarships for college.  

She loved my husband Roger with all of her heart and he was her shining “one and only” son.   He loved her too, and after seeing the way he loved and treated her, I knew he would be extra special to me as his wife.  She has a strong legacy of service and love for her family that I want to extend to my children so it is important that I keep her spirit alive.

It’s funny, I knew that my mother-in-law liked to host gatherings in her home, but after packing up her items and going through old pictures, she was the Queen host.  They say you marry someone similar to your mother or father, and it looks like Roger found a wife that was gifted with the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality like his mom.  It’s funny how God works.

I hope as you invite people into your home, that you will share special people in your life by telling stories, sharing their recipes, using their tableware, etc.  It helps to keep their spirit alive.  Remember, legacies from the past are true gifts that help shape future generations.  Embrace them in your celebrations, honor your past and present and build the bridge to the future.

Here are some questions to reflect on:
Who was instrumental in your life and affected you in such a positive way that you want to share their story?
How can you honor that person while entertaining?
If you could look forward to future generations as they celebrate, what family ritual would give insight to your past to honor the generations before you that helped to mold you?
Be blessed and a blessing!
With love,
Dedra

Monday, January 5, 2015

My Soul is at Peace Walking Into the New Year

My Soul Is At Peace Walking Into the New Year




I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 

My year ended at the beach and I was blessed to look out at the wondrous waves that were coming in with a bountiful force; yet, they moved out with such peace and calm.  I was humbly and gratefully reminded of the past year and my continued growth in my Faith and Trust in God.    Through my valleys of 2014, as Maya Angelou always have said, and Still I Stand.  The beauty is that I do not stand alone, I am forever grateful to know that I Stand with the grace of God and this brings a peace within my soul that this world can not take away.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 

As I walk into 2015 I walk with CONFIDENCE  knowing that if I seek God in all that I do, all things are possible in my life and I am excited, humbled, focused and most of all at peace knowing that God is working on my behalf. 

I pray for this CONFIDENCE over your spirit.  I pray that you will seek God first in all that you do. Walk in total peace and victory in 2015!   To God be the Glory!

With love,

Dedra

Saturday, December 27, 2014

New Years Eve - Shining Your Light & Creating a Tablescape for New Year's Eve HD Video


Happy New Year!!!


Wow, we are coming to the end of 2014 already.  This year my faith has grown so much in what God has done in my life.  From my brothers near death experience and his healing, to the birthing of my new book A Breath of Grace, my new tv show Favored Living, God has shown up and shown out. I reminds me of my mentor Linda Higgison, when she said "Leap and the Net Shall Appear" ... when you take a step in walking towards what God has put on your heart, He will take Leaps and Bounds for you.  I give him all the Glory and Praise!

As you prepare for your New Year's Eve Celebrations, remember to shine God's light in all that you do.  I pray for each and everyone of you that you have grown through your trials and triumphs, and that you have blossomed because of them.  I pray for peace, goodwill and all that is good to come into your life as you move into 2015.  I'm so excited for what God is doing in my life for 2015 and yours as well!!! Dream big!!!

Be blessed!










With love,

Dedra

Monday, December 8, 2014

A Sweets & Treats Warm and friendly hosting tips for the holidays! HD 2








I have created a Sweets & Treats themed setting for that simple holiday celebration that is warm, inviting and comfortable for your guests.  Enjoy and God Bless!



With love,



Dedra

Monday, November 3, 2014

Thanksgiving & Gracious Hospitality with Dedra Faine

As we walk into the holiday season, I will be providing videos that will give ideas on great ways to host your guests this holiday season.  I am excited to present my first video - "Thanksgiving & Gracious Hospitality" hope you enjoy it.  I would love to hear what you are doing to encourage and inspire your guests this holiday season.  Enjoy and be blessed!








Love you all,

Dedra

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

30 Days of Grace with Celebrations from the Soul #GracingUP



Welcome to 30 Days of Grace, where we will be celebrating a few of the things we are thankful for and see value in this holiday season. Celebrate with us and post your own pictures using the hashtags #GracingUp and #30DaysofGrace.  

Join the movement that empowers you to empower others! 

Grace (v): do honor or credit to someone or something by one’s presence; elevate

What is #GracingUp? You.
Who is #GracingUp? 
You.
 

#GracingUp is the mother who serves as entertainer and hostess of her children’s birthday party.
#GracingUp is the bachelor who finds pride in hosting a  gathering of close friends for Sunday Football.
#GracingUp is the everyday philanthropist who serves their community simply for the joy of helping others, by serving those that you invite into your home and  touching those in your community, selflessly you reach others’  innermost being –their spirit.

#GracingUp moves through spirit. As you touch the spirits of others through servitude – your gifts transpire into the spirits of others.

Be a part of the #GracingUp movement to walk with a heart of love, servitude and kindness!

The #GracingUp App Coming in Spring 2015 allows all of #GracingUp to elevate one another through photo collages, short journals and videos on your daily, weekly, monthly or yearly acts of grace. Be a part of the movement of service. It seems we have become so connected, that we’re disconnected.


- Let’s start taking less #selfies and more 
#GracingUp

Dedra

Monday, October 27, 2014

Table setting layout from Celebrations from the Soul!



The holiday season is around the corner and before you know it you will be hosting people in your home.  During Thanksgiving, when we come together to give thanks to God for his grace and mercy in our lives throughout the year, often times, we are gathered together on this special day, around our tables.  With that said, you want to make your table extra special where everyone can walk away feeling inspired and encouraged.  Also, you want to set your table in a proper manner.  We have created a table setting layout from Celebrations from the Soul to help you in that process.  In my new book, A Breath of Grace, Embracing the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality there are a lot of tips that will help you in your table setting preparation.    (www.CelebrationsfromtheSoul.com).   

Through out the season we will be sharing videos, stories and examples that will hopefully inspire you in your gracious hosting.  Be blessed!

Love you all,


Dedra