Spring 2014

¹¹ For, lo, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone; ¹² the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land; Solomon 2:11-12

Spring time is the awakening of our spirit after a long winter's nap.  It is bright sunny mornings when birds are chirping and you rise with wonder and excitement for what this glorious season will bring.  I often think of spring time when I was a young girl at my Grandmother Marlow’s home.  I think of the beautiful trees outside of our bedroom window where the sweet chirps of the birds filled the air.  I think of awakening to the sunshine gleaming through our window kissing our faces after a night of slumber.  I love how this season embodies the rebirth of Jesus Christ.  The love and hope that it brings is wonderful for our souls. 

This past winter has been long and steady.  Throughout the many snow storms that we have encountered, I constantly reminded myself that this was God’s way of allowing us to nest and take the time to get ourselves centered and focused on him.  I think of my cousins from Pennsylvania and how they use to sing “Get your Heart Right with God,” and how that always stuck with me.  I am happy to say that this cold winter allowed me to sit and be quiet to listen and convene with my Heavenly Father.  My soul has been restored, my heart is in the right place and I am now entering into this new season walking fully in God's grace and love.  I am eternally grateful for this winter and am equally thankful for the hope that this new season of spring brings.  For this is our time to blossom and share what God has planted in our hearts.  Just like he does it for the beautiful flowers and trees, he will do it for you and me. 

Be blessed ~ Love,

If we all follow this simple and profound rule, the world would be a better place!
Love,

Celebrations from the Soul

Happy Mardi Gras 2014!!!

Family, friends, community, traditions, love and life!  That is what Mardi Gras means to me!  During our wonderful years of living in New Orleans we were graced with the best hospitality in the world.  Here's to my many friends who opened your homes, shared your traditions and gave us lots of love!  Have a wonderful Mardi Gras!  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

xo

Kindness is Contagious! 

Celebrations from the Soul...2014 xo

Remedies on conquering shyness in social and public speaking settings!

Growing up I was extremely shy.  I had four older brothers and sisters and as the youngest of five I didn’t have to talk because they did all of the talking for me.  Quite frankly, over the years I got really comfortable with it.  As I grew into my early adulthood I found that I was often put in situations where I didn’t have a choice but to come out of my comfort zone.

Social settings were my least favorite.  You know when you are in a crowded room and everyone is talking and you feel like the lone soldier.  Well that was me, and I didn’t quite know how to leap past my inability to just do the small talk that most people do at parties.  What I did was keep my circles small and put myself in spaces and places where I felt socially comfortable. 

Well, as God would have it, he wanted me to be hospitable and open to new people so he moved us down to New Orleans.  New Orleans is a social town and they are very close in their circles but are willing to let you in, if you open your heart to them.  I remember before I left Virginia to move to New Orleans, I asked my oldest sister Angela how I can be sociable when I walk into a new environment.  Just a quick note, Angela is verbally and socially gifted.  She can literally walk into any room and make everyone feel as if they have known her for years and vice versa, she is always the belle of the ball.  She gave me the best advice and said, “Dedra, when you go to a party always act as if you are the hostess.”  Think about it if you are the hostess you will go up to people, talk to them and get to know them.  This was the best advice and when I went to New Orleans, I took heed to her advice and  I made some life time friends, attended the best parties and yes, in my mind I was the hostess. (smile)  It was a great experience. 

Over the years, God started calling me to speak in larger arenas where being shy and talking to people had to be a thing of the past.  I remember one time my mentor, Linda Higgison invited me to speak at an Event Solutions conference attended by event leaders in our industry.  It was my first time speaking in a public arena.  I was so nervous the night before that I was sick to my stomach.   I went to my bible to seek comfort.  Well, you know how God gives you what you need when you need it, I immediately came to the scripture where Moses was speaking to God about not feeling comfortable in speaking to Pharoah.  Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.  I am slow of speech and tongue.  The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?  Who makes him deaf or mute?  Who gives him sight or makes him blind?  Is it not I, the Lord?  Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.  Exodus 4:10-12

That one scripture was life changing and whenever I am feeling overwhelmed in speaking in public I go straight to that scripture and I walk boldly in it knowing that I am a child of God and he has prepared my way and will help and teach me what to say.   Wow, that still comforts my heart when I read it.

I have found over the years, when I speak from my heart all goes well.  The next time you go to speak, or are in a situation where you don’t feel comfortable and are nervous, pray to God and ask for him to speak through you, let it go and enjoy the moment that he has prepared for you!

Love and blessings,

Take time to do what makes your Soul Happy!