A Graceful Holiday Series IX

The Gift of Music

"Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets."

1 Chronicles 13:8

Prayer for today:

Thank you for the gift of music.  Thank you for songs that bring comfort to my soul and takes me to places that nurtures my spirit.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen

Reflection Corner:

As I write this, I can hear ringing in my ears, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and the excitement of the holiday season brightens my day.  Throughout this time, whether you are in the grocery store or listening to your favorite radio station you hear the songs of the season. 

I believe that music is a source to our soul.  Whether it’s classical, spiritual, jazz, rhythm and blues, or country it speaks to us in different forums.  We have a plethora of holiday music to choose from to fill our season.

My Dad was a drummer and music was a very big part of our life growing up. When I was a child, while we were decorating music would always be in our background.  He loved to decorate and I was his little helper.  Our celebrations were centered around music where we would sing, dance and have a wonderful time together as a family and Dad was always in the center.  This Christsmas by the Whispers, takes me back to our apartment in Maryland and we would play this song many times on the record player.  When I hear it today, it warms my spirit and I feel the closeness with my Dad.  Although he is no longer on this earth, his presence through the gift of music, is everlasting. 

Activity Inspiration:

This activity is to create a special file with all of your holiday music favorites (old and new).  Play it in your car, at home, in your office and it will fill your days. 

Journal:

What songs in my childhood can warms my heart?

Who would these songs honor if you could tell the stories of how they impacted you in your past?

 What new songs will you add to your song list?

~ Missing My Dad ~

James Edward Daniel, Sr.

During the holiday season the experiences held by loved ones that have left this earth, can sometimes make us sad.  I miss my dad dearly because this was a time of year where he would turn it on.  He did all of the decorating with me by his side.  I miss his spirit, the love that he gave to me and just being my guy.  The best a girl could ask for.  I love him and miss him dearly and as I was searching through messages from the time of his death and this message from my dear friend Toni, really touched my heart and it explains my Dad in a poetic way.  As I walk through this holiday season, I pray that I will embrace his spirit and walk in Joy and Peace knowing that he lived a good life and his legacy lives in me.

"In the middle of the afternoon, I am struck by the adulatory notion of joy--the simple and easy joy expressed by the radiant soul of beauty of family--overflowing, breathing, dancing. With no uncertainty, he has not left but looks and guides all in his charge and under his watch towards the gifts of love, health and prosperity. Follow your dreams and he will be honored. For clearly this man possessed a destiny and each one of you continue to be part of it." Toni Orrill

A Graceful Holiday Series - VII

~ Celebration with Gratitude~

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at this birth.  Luke 1:14

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your precious son Jesus to this earth so that I may have eternal life.   I celebrate Jesus today and I am forever grateful for your unconditional love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Reflection Corner:

Happy Birthday, Jesus,
I'm so glad it's Christmas.
All the tinsel and lights and
The presents are nice
But the real gift is You.

Happy Birthday, Jesus,
I'm so glad it's Christmas.
All the carols and bells make
The holidays swell
And it's all about You.

Happy Birthday, Jesus; Jesus, I love You.

 My daughter Lauren sang that song when she was three during a Christmas program at her pre-school.  It is such a special song that touched my heart back then and still brings a bright flickering smile to my heart when I hear it.  I think this song was a great foundation for my three year old to let her know that Christmas is about the celebration of Jesus’ birth, so we go through the season preparing for his birthday. 

I often think about ways to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and I recently attended a birthday party that sparked a great idea for his celebration.  At the birthday party, the host gave each person a cupcake along with a candle.  The host came around and lit the candle.  We were giving the instructions to make a birthday wish for the guest of honor and then blow out the candle.   1,2,3 blow out the candles as everyone cheered for the birthday boy as he grinned ear to ear knowing that the room was full of birthday wishes especially for him.  I can imagine that Jesus would be sitting with a big smile on his face as we all gathered around him with hearts full of love rejoicing in his birth and thanking him for his love.  I’m excited about all of the possibilities to celebrate, in the activity inspiration, there is a cute idea with the cupcake inspiration I described above.  Thank you Lord for blessing us and loving us unconditionally!

Activity Inspiration:

“Cupcakes, Candles & Gratitude”

Beautiful cupcakes and a room full of love and gratitude sounds like the ultimate way to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  You can create some yummy cupcakes or special treats of your choice.  This is definitely a way for your kids to be involved in preparing special treats.

All of your guests will have their own special cupcake with a candle.  If it’s a smaller group you can light one candle and pass it on and use this as a time to talk about the light and love of Christ and our love and commitment to him.

The host will let everyone know that once their candles are lit, everyone will have a quiet moment to be share what is on their heart and what they are thankful for.  At this time, everyone will blow out their candles and shout, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS, WE LOVE YOU!

Journal:

1. Will you celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25^th or another day during the advent season?
2. Who will you invite, that will grow and will be blessed by walking through this process to grasp the reason for the season?
3. What special ritual will you think of that will make your celebration unique that honors Jesus and shows gratitude?

Celebrations from the Soul features...

~Pantone 2014 - RADIANT ORCHID ~ 

My favorite creative thing to do when preparing for guests is  to make beautiful tablescapes.  So when the Pantone featured color for 2014 "Radiant Orchid" came out today, I immediately started envisioning beautiful tablescapes for the holiday season that featured this vibrant non-traditional holiday color.  I did a search on the web and I found this beautiful classic tablescape on (www.slimpaley.com) that featured the Pantone color of 2013 - "Emerald" within the luscious greenery anchoring the table and the pops of 2014 - "Radiant Orchid" in the flowers and other table accessories.  How beautiful, it's not to late to incorporate this in your 2013 Holiday decorating...enjoy!

Wishing you a day of grace!
xo

A Graceful Holiday Series VI 

~ Inspired by Your View ~

"You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."

(Nehemiah 9:6)

Prayer for today:

Dear Lord, let me breathe in the splendid beauty that you have enriched our lives with here on this earth.  From the beautiful skies, the bountiful mountains, to the everlasting seas, you are the creator of all things and I humbly thank you.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Reflection Corner:

Each season brings a new view and a new vision that often acts as a creative muse fleetingly inspiring hostesses while they embark on creating environments that inspire and show the bounty and beauty that each season possesses.

As we enter into December, we are moving towards our coldest time of the year, our views are often met with bare branches, icicles, snow drifts and clear crisp skies.  It’s something that brings peace and quiet to us as we enter this season that enables us to go inside physically and mentally to nest and renew our souls.  It’s always a gentle reminder that this space and place where we live has been graced with God’s beautiful paint brush so we can be inspired and our spirits renewed by the beauty the abounds us. ​

​As you move about your day I hope that you will take mental and heartfelt notes, and envelop the beauty and serenity that surrounds you during this soulful season. Entertaining and decorating for Christmas provides the opportunity to bring the beautiful elements that inspire us to life. We are able to share our hospitality and our Souls at the same time.  I hope you are Inspired by your view.

Activity Inspiration

Breathe in the beautiful world that surrounds you.   If you live in the country and the dark night that glistens with beautiful stars, or in the bustling city where the sounds of bells and honking horns become a symphony of Christmas music, be inspired.  Today is a special day that gives you the opportunity to embrace the elements of the earth that inspire you.  You can bring these elements into your home, whether it’s a beautiful holly tree, or a bright purple scarf, or the vibrant stars of the night that inspire you.  Bring these beautiful inspirations into your home and Christmas decorations.

Journal:

1.    Embrace the beauty of the season, as you go about your day, take a mental note of things that inspire you, please write them down?

2.     How can you incorporate this into your creative inspirations (i.e. holiday decorating, writing, cards, painting, etc.?

3.    What does the beauty of the season and outdoor, how does it speak to your soul?

4.    In what ways does it inspire you?  

Peace & Blessings!

Attentive to Your Guests

A Graceful Holiday - Blog Series V

BEING ATTENTIVE TO YOUR GUESTS

Prayer:

As we enter into the holiday season, keep our minds centered and focused on you Heavenly Father.  As each guest enter into our home, let us be mindful and attentive to their needs.  In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Scripture:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 38-41

The story of Mary and Martha really put things into perspective for me.  I often think of my sister Corlessia and how when she would come to visit at my mom’s and if there were other guests she would sit down and enjoy the guests, while me, my mom and sister Angela would be busy preparing for the guests.  I could definitely see the roles of Mary and Martha playing out in our household.  Jesus coming to visit us and Corlessia sitting at his feet batting her long lashes listening to Jesus.  We often joke about it, but she is doing what Jesus wants us to do when he visits.  Or as any guest would want from us is to be able to share, listen and pay special attention to what they are doing by not fussing around them but by taking the time to listen and be in the moment to sit and be attentive.

During the holidays, you may get visitors that come without an invitation.  They are not coming to throw you off, they are coming to surprise you with some holiday cheer.  My mom and I often surprise visit my Aunt Mutt, who is 93 years old.  Let me mention a 93 year old that is very active.  Each time we come her home is neat, she offers us a cool drink and a special treat to go along with it.  Last year, we went to visit her during Christmas and the next thing I know she had pulled together a nice meal that we were not expecting.  Now, Aunt Mutt is old school and this comes very naturally for her, she is definitely my inspiration.  I often think how I can be like my Aunt Mutt and how she shows such grace on each visit.  I believe it’s all in the preparation, keeping things simple and being a gracious host that is connected and engaged with your guests.  

Activity Inspiration – Be Attentive - The Right Preparation

In getting ready for guests, especially the unexpected ones here are some tips so you can be prepared without a lot of fuss:

1. Stock up your pantry and refrigerator on items that can quickly be pulled out in a pinch (i.e. crackers, cheese, olives, sweet pickles, etc.)  Without a lot of fuss.
2. During the holidays, a nice pound cake (home or store bought) is always a nice treat for guests that drop in.
3. For overnight guests, find out their favorite foods and if they have any allergies so you can better prepare for them.
4. Get a lot of good movies, popcorn and other treats so you can have pillow and blanket times.
5. Create an environment that gives them a sense of refuge to rest during this busy season.
6. Most important, sit and relax yourself so that you can be attentive and of good cheer.

Journal:

1. Shopping list for items that can be pulled out quickly in preparation of my guests.
2. Activities for guests?
3. What is the best place in your home to entertain guests, that gives a vibe of peace and comfort?  Do you have pillows, blankets in that area readily available for guests?

      Peace and blessings!

Civility Day at George Mason University

Civility Day at George Mason University Fall 2013 - Tour 110 (5P1) Class

Acknowledging Others - $1.98 Feeds A Person for Thanksgiving

I have the honor of teaching the Civility Class at George Mason University.  This class has been a blessing to me to be able to teach students on principals that are for the good of mankind.  We focus on principals such as being kind, acknowledging others, respecting one another, taking care of the environment, etc.  For their mid-term project each student must pick one of the Forni Rules from the book Choosing Civility and create an event for Civility Day based on the rules.  Following the presentations from each student, the class votes on the project that they want to do and then organize everything for Civility Day.  This year my students in one of my classes chose to collect money for Central Union Mission in Washington, DC ($1.98 Feeds a Person for Thanksgiving Program).  They created a Civility Day at the Prince William Campus and raised $260.00 to give back to the organization.  That donation will feed 131 people for Thanksgiving.  The enthusiasm of these young adults to serve and acknowledge others is amazing.  I am so proud of them and hope that they continue the spirit of giving and acknowledging others. 

A Graceful Holiday - Series IV

Fellowship Begins at Home

This is your day that the lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Prayer for today:

I pray that God’s light will fill your home with abundant peace, prosperity, gladness and most of all love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Reflection Corner:

We live in a world where there is homework, sports, class activities, etc. and the time spent with family is often overlooked because we are on the fast train that we can’t seem to jump off.  I know sometimes quiet time and refuge from this fast pace to fellowship with our family is the most rewarding activity that we can give to them.  My son, Govan is in college and my daughter, Lauren is in high school.  Time goes by fast, and before you know it they are leaving the nest.  I want my children to remember our times together, whether it was our pizza nights and slumber parties together in the basement, or times we spent at the breakfast table on weekends, these are memories that I will cherish forever and I know in my heart they will too. 

During my first book tour for Celebrations for the Soul, I did presentations on hospitality for your family.  I encouraged the participants to think out of the box when it came to creating a hospitable home environment for their family.  Many people came to me after the session, to say that they were blessed by the message.  One mother said that her family lives in such a fast pace with activities that they never get time to spend with their families after school because they all get in so late.  We brainstormed for a few moments and came up with the idea to have dessert time with her family, since they couldn’t seem to make the dinner time at the table together.  This was a lightbulb  moment for her and she walked away with hope.

Our families appreciate time spent together in fellowship, it is something they will carry on to their families.  God has gifted us with families, let’s embrace it and be the beacon of light to show them unconditional love and hospitality.

Take time during this season to spend one-on-one with your family as you create traditions and embrace the beauty of this time.  

Activity Inspiration

Sweets & Treats (Fellowship Time)

Can you imagine, it’s 8pm and everyone is home, homework is done, bath time is behind you and everyone has their pajama’s on.  You call your family downstairs and they see a special table for them made by you filled with their special treats.  They all gather around with great excitement and as parents you share what this season means to you and how much you love your children.  You take the time to light candles that are on the table to let your children know that it signifies the light of Christ.  You then proceed to pray together and share and fellowship with the family that God has bestowed upon you over special treats. (i.e. a hot chocolate bar with special treats would be fun).   I don’t know about you, but this gets me a lot of brownie points with my family and at the end of the day, we are all blessed by it.  Whether you have children, or you may be single with roommates, this can be a special time sharing and fellowship with the ones that you love.  Remember hospitality begins at home.

Journal:

1.    What can you reveal from your heart during this special time together?

2.    What scripture, poem or message can you recite to engage conversation on the blessings of family, the season, God’s love, etc.?

3.    What special treats will you bring out (Please note you do not have to be Betty Crocker, the real meaning is the gathering together of your family)?

4.    How can you incorporate this time throughout the upcoming year?

Peace and blessings!

A Graceful Holiday Blog Series III

A Friend Retreat 

My refuge when I am weary is often spent with my girlfriends, we pray together, laugh, pray again and get through tough times together.  Have you ever shared a special time with your dear friends who are kindred spirits, where the busy world that encompasses your daily life -- stops for a moment? A time and space that is harmonious in nature and the energy source that flows is of God’s grace. A time where the comfort of your surroundings with cherished friends gives you the opportunity to rest your spirit and seek comfort in each other and a higher power in order to restore your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Over the years I have been fortunate to share special times with my dearest of friends, where we have gathered together with the expectation to relax and enjoy one another’s company and the outcomes are always gratifying and uplifting to say the least. In those spaces and places where we stepped into serenity, a place where many words are not spoken, but a lot is said through our fervent prayers. I believe these special times spent with friends are confirmations of God’s intention to provide angels on earth to help nurture our spirits as we walk in the bond of sisterhood. These special moments help us to rejuvenate ourselves so we can be at our best as we walk in our journey to fulfill all of the roles that we have been called to be as women.  Quite often during the holiday season, these roles are heightened.  Can I get an amen?  As we begin the holiday season, starting thinking about creating a Friendship Retreat to give a special treat to your friends so they can recharge themselves in the middle of the busy  season.

Activity Inspiration

How fun would it be in the middle of the holiday season, to be invited to a Friendship Retreat? During a friendship retreat, it is important to touch all of the five senses of hear, touch, smell, vision and taste.

First, you should send an invitation to your friends. In the invitation you want to outline not only the basic details of date, time and place but you want to tell the story of what the retreat will entail. 

The invitation needs to be visual in a sense that it shows calmness through colors, wording, etc. For this occasion, you can get an invitation that shows peace – a water stream, a sunset, or relaxing colors like olive or light blue. In addition, come up with a creative caption such as – “Joy, Peace, Love – The Real Holiday Spirit” or “Leave the Cares of the World Behind” to help engage your guests so that the excitement of having the opportunity to relax and spend time with friends starts as soon as they receive the invitation. With my friends we have so many obligations, so it takes a special invitation to get them moving so that everything can be in place so they literally can leave the cares of the world behind them.

Second, focus on creating the right ambiance in your home. You want to welcome your guests by creating a spa like atmosphere as soon as they arrive. Dim your lights and display on a table beautiful candles that will illuminate their pathway into your home. Adding a water fountain in that area will add another sensory effect. Also, display a unique container filled with comfortable slippers so your guests can put on as they start their journey to relaxation. In addition, appeal to their sense of hearing by softly playing a cd where you can hear old Christmas tunes by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole in the background, with the gentle sounds of nature such as a waterfall.

Third, center the retreat in an area of your home that is most comfortable for lounging. Typically that would be your great room. In that room, display low arrangements (so you can have full eye contact with everyone in the room). Some suggestions are bamboo plants, orchids, rocks, etc. Of course, candles, candles, candles should be the main light source of your room. This will create a nice glow throughout the space. In addition, have a wicker basket full of plush blankets that your guests can cuddle up to. Other than that, keep it very simple because you do not want to over stimulate your guest with too much activity in décor, you want to keep it calm and simple.

Fourth, plan a simple menu that is refreshing and light that can be prepared ahead of time with little work the day of your retreat. During the holidays we are often bombarded with calorie heavy foods; make this day light with special treats. Remember, this retreat is for your well-being so consider hiring a caterer and a server to help on that day. This will ensure that your guests will have time to enjoy your company and you will have time to enjoy and relax.  

Fifth, bring in a masseuse, and manicurist and a facial person…this will leave your guests filling alive, pretty and leaping back into the holiday season with gratitude and joy!

Journal - A Graceful Holiday - Series III:

1.    Who will you invite to your retreat?

2.    Out of your circle of friends, what would they want as special treats (i.e. masseuse, guest speaker, etc.)?

3.    What is your idea of an ultimate friends retreat?

4.     What will it take to bring this retreat to life?

I was going through photos and found this great picture that is so vibrant with the colors of Fall.   Yesterday, my friend Lisa and I were on a road trip together and we took the scenic route home.  We were riding and consciously taking in the beauty of the changing foliage.  It was a peaceful drive home breathing in God's beauty that he has bestowed upon us.  It was a quick reminder that seasons change and that we have to learn to embrace each moment that is given to us and along our journey we are blessed when we enjoy our view!

A Graceful Holiday - Blog Series II                           
                           ~ Grace ~

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2Corinthians 12:9

Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, you said that when two or more Christians pray in your name that you would be in the midst of us.  Today, I pray that your day be led with an open heart to be receptive to your surroundings so that God may shine his light through you.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Reflection Corner:

It’s the little acts of kindness that goes a long way.  I taught a Civility class at George Mason University and one of the assignments for my students was to be focused, open and receptive to their surroundings by showing grace and kindness throughout the day to strangers.  I gave this assignment and I anxiously waited for the responses, but the first person to speak was me, I couldn’t help myself.  My day was blessed ten-fold because I actively engaged in the assignment myself.  That whole day I was on alert on how I can lift someone (focusing on strangers) through my actions.  It was a blessing to know when I have a grace filled heart, God will allow me to be used in a lot of different ways.  On that particular day, I didn’t have to donate thousands of dollars, all I had to do was smile graciously and say hello to strangers, slow down in the car and allow people in front of me, be patient while waiting in lines, hold the door for a group of students, help a new mom to her car with groceries and the list goes on.  Walking in that spirit makes a great day. 

During the holiday season, peoples nerves are on high alert, they tend to be more anxious and their patience level is at an all time low.  You can be the beacon of light by showing grace to your fellow man.  Today, focus on being compassionate by doing the little things to make a difference.  Trust me, the end result will be a huge blessing in your life.

 Activity Inspiration:

Scripture Calling Card

A calling card is sometimes used as a form of introducing oneself to a stranger.   By creating a scripture card you are revealing the word and your heart to a stranger or to someone that you love.  My friend, Angie gave me a card that over the years I have gone back to for inspiration.  What a beautiful gift to give to another human being.  You can create scripture calling card that has your favorite “scripture”  that you can pass out throughout the day to people you meet along the way while you are showing your acts of kindness, is a great way to show God’s light and love on this earth.

You can make this as creative as you like.  If you do calligraphy you can do them by hand, if you are graphically inclined you can do them on the computer, and if you are crafty you can add embellishments, whatever the case whether you make 10 or 50, someone will be blessed.  Make it work for you.

Journal:

In creating your cards, what scripture speaks to you that you would like to share with others?

What acts of kindness and grace did you bestow on others today?

How did it make you feel to bless others?

The perks of living in Virginia is the beautiful fall weather.  This is a picture from a photo shoot last year during the fall season.  It was a beautiful picture perfect day.  This embodies what I love to do, sit outside and enjoy my view of the beauty and bounty of this season.  I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed weekend.  Remember to enjoy your view!!!

A Graceful Holiday - Blog I
“Season of Peace”

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

                                                                                        Ecclesiastes 3:1

Prayer for Today:

I pray that you will quiet your spirit to feel God’s loving presence throughout your day.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Reflection Corner:

Over the years, the holiday season was a time that was all hustle and bustle and at times the peace was not there for me.  I was in the spirit of keeping up with schedules to plan parties, decorate the house, coordinate school functions, etc. it was often overwhelming, especially as a young mother. 

Over time I realized that I am my best self when I am centered and at a pace that is soothing to my spirit.  Trying to do it all when you lose yourself in the schedule of the holiday is a disservice to your soul, it definitely trickles out to the one’s you love most and it is not what the season is about.

Taking the time to stop and quiet yourself to listen to God with an open heart is truly a blessing.  It brings joy, peace and love into your being.  It definitely puts things into perspective, and gives you the guidance necessary to walk in the journey of this season in peace. 

A special gift that you can give to yourself as you enter the season, is to create what I call the “Soul Celebration Space.”  This is your space to have your quiet moments with yourself and God, to pray, meditate or whatever your heart desires, it’s up to you.  This space will be your reminder to take solace throughout this busy time of the year.  To open your heart for guidance so that you can walk through the holiday that is known for peace, joy and love…and say boldly, bring it on ~ I’m ready!

Activity Inspiration:

Personal “Soul Celebration” Space

Imagine a space that when you enter, you instantly take a deep breath and release all that does not move you in a positive space.  This beautiful soul space is your way of honoring God and yourself.  It will give you the opportunity to have some alone time with your creator.  This time is essential to our well-being, especially when we are embarking on a busy season.  Have a space whether it is indoors or outdoors that feels good to your spirit  There are no right and wrongs, because what pampers your soul is an individual blessing.   My quiet space is sitting on a bench in my neighborhood overlooking the lake.  Whether it is cloudy outside or a sunny day, I go there and instantly I am quieted by the presence of God.  

Journal:

1. Where will you create your soul celebration space?
2. What time will you make each day to go to your space?
3. What specialty items will you bring to this space that will infuse the light of God to bring peace to your space?

PLEASE MAKE COMMENTS AND SHARE YOUR SOUL CELEBRATION LOOKS/FEEL LIKE!  XOXO

The Christmas holiday has always been such a special time for me and I wanted to share ways on how to journey through the holiday season with a Christ centered focus of grace and hospitality.   Over the next few weeks as we walk into the holiday season, A Graceful Holiday is a holiday blog series created to be an inspirational guide that provides a journal filled with scripture, reflections and activities that will be a great resource on how to prepare and walk through the season in a centered, purposeful and blessed manner.   As you prepare your heart, home and community for the holiday season, make it a time of peace, joy and love.  Isn't that what it’s all about?  Then let’s journey together.  I’m praying for a holiday filled with all that God would have for you.  Keep it centered and focused on him and I promise you, it will be well worth it!  

Peace and blessings!

 

Table Etiquette - Caring & Awareness of Others!

This week in my Civility Class at George Mason I'm teaching table etiquette. As I was preparing for my lecture, I found this great layout for informal and formal tables that I believe will be especially helpful as we are entering the holiday season.  As a young girl, my chore was to set the table for our family meals.  I didn't know at the time that I would be teaching it later on in my life.  It's funny how life prepares you even through your chores!  

One interesting topic on table etiquette and how it relates to civility is the "Salt and Pepper" shaker and the rule that they always travel together.  When someone asks for you to pass the salt you always pass the pepper as well. Dr. Forni, writes in his book Choosing Civility that this meditation on good manners and their ethical underpinnings both expands and gives focus to the awareness of the needs of others. 


We can learn so much from the simple things - even a salt and pepper shaker. I love the focus on the caring and awareness of others. That is what Celebrations from the Soul is about!

P.S.  Check out the book Choosing Civility, by Dr. Forni (great read)!  Have a wonderful day!

  

Stepping Up My Welcome

I love searching for all of the beautiful natural details that make up the essence of the Fall Season.  Visiting my favorite local farms and garden centers finding pumpkins, ghords, corn and mums, is something that I look forward to each year. Creating a welcoming environment for my family and our guests by decorating my front steps with the bounty of the Fall Season, is good for the soul.  

Excited to be blogging!

Welcome to my blog!  I'm excited to share my heart and passion "Celebrations from the Soul."  Over the last six years, I have been blessed to tell the story of hospitality.  This blog will focus on the heart, home and community and beautiful ways that we can share God's grace and light here on this earth.  I love to make things pretty and I can't wait to show you my special spaces that I create, or beautiful treasures that I find along the way.  I hope I will inspire you and I look forward to sharing!  Peace and blessings!