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!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
A Graceful Holiday - Blog Series II
~ Grace ~
~ 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?
Friday, October 18, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
A Graceful Holiday - Blog I
“Season of Peace”
“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:
- Where will you create your soul celebration space?
- What time will you make each day to go to your space?
- 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
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!
Peace and blessings!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Table Etiquette - Caring & Awareness of Others!
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!
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.
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