Monday, October 28, 2013






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!
Dedra

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

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?

Dedra

Friday, October 18, 2013



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!!!

Dedra

Monday, October 14, 2013

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
Dedra

Saturday, October 12, 2013

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!
 
Dedra

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

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!

  
Dedra

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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.  


Dedra