In Memory of Mary Basil "Aunt Mutt"

This post is in memory of my lovely Great-Aunt Mary Basil who we all affectionately called "Aunt Mutt". Her life and legacy was a true testament to this beautiful scripture As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10  She transitioned at the ripe age of "94" and each day she used her gift of sharing God's grace and love that was a true blessing to all that she encountered. Aunt Mutt was the epitome of a hospitable disciple and will always be a shining example for my life.

With love,

Back to School - Fall 2014!

Back to School Party Ideas

Summer vacation is winding down fast and before we know it our children will be off to school.  I don’t know about you, but this summer went by really fast.  My two children both will be juniors this fall (one in college and one in high school).  It is bittersweet because I know that in a couple of years, we are going to be empty nesters and quite frankly the feeling is kind of scary, my babies will be grown up and will fly out of this nest that we have created for them.  However, at the same time it is exciting because of what God has for them so I am filled with hope.

I often think of when we moved to New Orleans when my daughter was in Pre-K and my son was in the third grade.  They both attended Metairie Park Country Day School.  The first day of school was exciting and scary for all of us because we were new to the school and city and did not know anyone.  I remember when we walked into the school, my dear friend Karen Cooper greeted us with excitement and invited us to go to lunch with her family.  What a way to start the school year, because after that we met many new friends, Andrea Fagan, Toni Orrill and Heather Rittenburg who all opened their hearts and homes to our family.   All of these families have become our lifetime friends.  That was the beginning of the love and hospitality we received upon our arrival to the great city of New Orleans.

Over the years, I started hosting “Back to School Parties” along with the other mothers at our school.  This often alleviated the first day anxiety of having to reconnect with old and new friends.  It was always a blessing to see their excitement while coming together as a community.  I have found great examples to give you ideas on how to throw together a “Back to School Party” for your children.  Remember to invite new members of your community, it will mean the world to them.

I pray that your children will have a blessed year, filled with love, adventure, new friends and wonderful teachers that will inspire them.  I pray for a hedge of protection over them and that they will have a year full of God’s love and light, In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Blessings,

The Welcoming Table

Developing practices within your home where you have rituals that honor and bring the light of Christ provides a platform that establishes a home that thrives with love.  When I was growing up, my parents strongly believed that children should have routines.  They established routines for us even when we were young adults, where we came together and sat at the table for dinner every night and breakfast on weekends.  My parents thought it was very important for us to commune, pray, eat and share our thoughts and daily activities.  I think one of the biggest impacts for me was the act of bringing us all to the table it allowed us to lay a foundation in our lives that encouraged prayer and family time.  This is something that my family cherished over the years and it has now extended into our next generation.   By bringing us to the table together, we learned how to pray and give thanksgiving to God, we learned good table manners, we shared family history and skills that we can take out into the world.  Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Psalm 128:3  The simple acts and lessons at the table, are phenomenal blessings that we can extend to our family, roommates and our guests.  Summer time is the perfect time to gather around our tables to pray, commune and share the love of Christ.  Have a wonderful summer and be blessed!

Much love,    

Virginia Living TV Entertaining Angels Host Angela Knight Interviews Dedra Faine, Celebrations from the Soul on The Gift of Hospitality

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As I walk on this journey to teach the gift of hospitality I am humbled by the people that God is putting in my path.  I am grateful to Virginia Living TV to come out to my home to do the interview.  Each day my prayer is to glorify God as I go about my day.  As my mom always said, I am not where I want to be but thank God I'm not where I use to be.  Please pray for me as I continue this journey to teach the Gift of Hospitality and I pray that you will be blessed by the message.    
Peace and blessings, 

Let Me Be Present and Aware of the Needs of Others...

There is SUNSHINE in my SOUL ...