Every good and perfect gift comes from above

"The Treasure Hunt Club"

 

 

 

Going treasure hunting with my dear friend Kimberly Jo is like waking up on Christmas day where you are giddy on the inside because of the excitement that the day will bring.   Kim is from Virginia and over the 30 plus years that we have known each other we have always enjoyed our rides in the country side of Virginia where we enjoy the beauty that this state has to offer.  Last year Kim, my daughter Lauren and I started what we call the “Treasure Club.”  We decided that we would get up on Saturday mornings and pick our destination in Virginia and go to flea markets, country stores, estate sales, yard sales, etc. and find special treasures.

This past fall, we had a fun day searching estate sells and flea markets in Richmond, VA.  I started the day out declaring that I was looking for hosting treasures for my table.  Along the way we found some great vintage juice glasses that reminded me of the glasses that my Grandmother Daniel used when I was a young girl.  At the end of our day we made our final stop.  My eyes quickly went to a clear container as we pulled up and I saw beautiful red and white china gleaming through.  Then we realized that the lady was closing up shop.  Kim, Lauren and I rushed got out of the car and asked the lady about the beautiful china.  She stated that she wanted to sell the china to a family that would appreciate it as much as she did.  Well, I told her that I was that person and she sold it to me at a great bargain.  This past Thanksgiving I used that beautiful china for my dinner table and it felt extra special because I knew it was one of our "Treasure Club" finds. 

The days spent with Kim and Lauren treasure hunting for my hosting delights warms my soul.  It reminds me of when I look for treasures from the word of God.  What I  know for sure is the word of God is my greatest treasure.  It makes my cup runneth over. It shines brightly like rubies and diamonds when I need that ray of hope.  It comforts my spirit like a warm blanket on a winters night when I seek refuge.  What I know for sure is that God’s word and love is my greatest treasure and it fills my heart more than anything here on this earth.

Peace and blessings,



As I sit in my office I am at peace as I hear the winter winds take flight outside of my window.  Winter is here, she is making a grand entrance in my area with temperatures going down to 8 degrees and I embrace her.   Winter is a soul renewal time for me.  My schedule keeps me pretty busy although I am a home body at heart.  The cold days of winter makes me hunker down and gives me the opportunity to nest and quiet my spirit and I am so thankful for this time.  As you go about your day and you hear the harsh words that people make of winter, ignore them and see it as the light that it is and enjoy this special season and the blessings that it brings.   

Love and blessings,

Dedra

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014
~ CELEBRATIONS FROM THE SOUL ~

Happy 2014!!!  God is so good and I am so excited to share my heart and spirit as I continue on this journey to inspire all of my readers with ways to show graceful discipleship through hospitality.  As I continue my faith walk, I pray that all that I do is for the glory of God!  This is our season and I humbly thank you for your support and I pray that you are blessed by our messages and that you have a purposeful and love inspired year!

God bless you and yours,

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?