What? Why? How? (One Hundred Days of Grace)

What?

One hundred consecutive days 

(my journey begins March 1) 

of noticing...

something

one thing

each day

---------------------------------------------

Why?

We let so many moments of grace slip past by 

failing to see the beauty in our everyday lives

So...

---------------------------------------------

How?

Stop.

Notice.

Appreciate.

and when you see grace...

take it in!

---------------------------------------------

There's no wrong way to

start your journey...

(follow mine)

You may choose to document it with a photo

journal the moment, or share with someone else

One Hundred Days of Grace

March 1- June 8

Release a Praise (Inspired by the Water Lantern Festival)

You've been holding it in long enough...

holding back

for fear

that others

will not

cannot

accept

the fullness of

what you have to bring

the fullness of 

who you are

but 

He gently invites

(all that is you)

to freely 

unleash

release

prayers

praise

purpose

without

care

------------------------------------------

Water Lantern Festival

www.waterlanternfestival.com

an evening spent...

hand-decorating lanterns, 

meeting and connecting w/ strangers, 

hearing their stories, 

and sharing the common experience of releasing it all

Unleashing...

Releasing...

my praise

my song

my soul

What will you release?

(original post 10/12/2018)

A Lesson From the Un-named People in the Bible

We've...

read about them

heard their stories 

but do not even know their names

the woman with the Alabaster box

the widow of Nain

the woman with the issue of blood

and entire sermons have been built around them

their lives

their stories

the woman with the Alabaster box

(defined by what she gave)

the widow of Nain

(defined by what she lost)

the woman with the issue of blood

(defined by what was wrong)

and there were some men too...

the Good Samaritan

(defined by what he did)

the man with palsy

(defined by what he did not do)

the man by the pool at Bethesda

(defined by what he could not do)

and the messages in their stories are real

important

relevant

and as I read them

it becomes even clearer 

that...

WHAT you are 

is very different from

WHO you are

the woman at the well

(defined by her placement)

the woman caught in adultery

(defined by her act)

the Shunammite woman 

(defined by her heritage)

 it seems Jesus never dwelled

on people's "what"

(perhaps wanting us to focus more on who He is)

it's really all about who He is

Holy

Sovereign

God

King of Kings

Redeemer

Healer

Savior

Friend

"Call His Name Jesus..."

Matthew 1:19

because then 

what you call me

what they call you

how they

view

define

your "what"

your "who"

won't even matter

He simply calls you 

His.

(original post 5/1/2016)

Vacation Rewind... Big Bear 2008

The moments were incredible

The memories, incomparable

causing us to marvel at the way

He holds both heart and hand 

(through every season)

So let's...

give it up

clap it up

warm it up

(pun intended)

for another

vacation rewind!

-------------------------------------

The Dobson Family

"The Adults"

Photo Credit: Philicia Scott

Big Bear, CA

Christmas 2008

Here's what happened...

I promised the kids I would take them to the snow,
then found out that hubby had to work

(the day after Christmas)

and since I did NOT feel comfortable
driving the kids up the mountain alone

we hopped in the van
with the Dobson Family...

(and our other friends)

 

The Richard Family
"Le Chateau de Richard"

so grateful for the tag along!

It may be cold outside, but
our hearts are warm with...

Family, Friends, and Fellowship

these are the memories that inspire us to
Thank God for All That and a Bag of Chips

(find more Family Adventures here)

Why The Size of Your Platform Doesn't Matter

I wrote a song once

recorded it

sang it

online

(and was later asked)

about the size

of my platform

Because... really?

how many of "us" are

holding up

holding back

holding in

our "good stuff"

in order to save it for 

a larger audience 

a larger platform

a larger stage

forgetting (and/or failing to believe or comprehend) that

"tomorrow is really not promised"

and that the beautiful 

truth of the matter

is that 

God is listening.

He hears

and there is absolutely... 

no bigger stage

than His audience of One

(originally posted 10/20/2018)

The Bag You Choose to Carry

She brought me three new handbags, and said...

"Please toss your other one away now"

and

I laughed

out loud

because she was right

the bag I carried was

rough

ragged

worn

(and very symbolic of)

how my life 

was feeling at the time

and I realized that...

we all carry some type

of

bag

bags

baggage

(because we all have)

stuff that we carry with us

as we traverse through life

(and sometimes)

it appears as if we're

just looking for a

functional

practical

stylish

way to

package

handle

hold

everything 

until we reach

our destination

the place

where we 

can finally 

set down all of our bags

Let's unpack our bags

Your'e Invited to a Gratitude and Grace Space

The invitation is sent

The table is set

so come on in

take a seat

and

prepare your heart

for

conversation

connection

conversion

because you're invited to...

Encouragement. Conversation. Song.

One Hundred Days of Grace

March 1- June 8

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Exploring Art and Culture (Native American Heritage)

Our exploration of art and culture
has provided the amazing opportunity

to... 

learn about

celebrate

share

our similarities

our differences

our cultures

and November gives us pause
to acknowledge how it all began...

Native American Heritage Month

"Certain things may catch your eye, but

pursue only those that capture the heart"

-Native Proverb

Follow the link to find more

books and resources

Children's books and hands-on activities

will engage even your youngest learners

The Gathering Drum

The leader sounds the gathering drum

strong and steady

to 

summons the tribe

lead the ritual preparation

and initiate storytelling for oral tradition

"Throw me to the wolves and

I will return leading the pack"

-Native Proverb

(find more Art and Culture here)

Exploring Art and Culture w/ Family Movie Night

Exploring "Art and Culture" is amazing
as we learn so much together!

click here

(to start from the beginning)
-------------------------------

Our theater experiences are limited, but there is

absolutely nothing stopping us from enjoying 

the films we love with

the people we love 

while in 

the comfort of our own... 

homes

cars

backyards

Gather your loved ones, pull out the blankets, and prepare

for an "in-home" family movie experience everyone can enjoy

COCO

   

Children cannot sit through an entire movie?

No worries...

 hit the drive-in!

Paramount Drive-in Theatres

www.paramountdrivein.com/

Back at home set up an interactive display with

snacks and developmentally appropriate activities

"We may have our differences, but

nothing's more important than family"

(re) introduce...

"Day of the Dead" 

a traditional Mexican holiday 

as a time to celebrate family

-honor loved ones who have passed

-introduce young children to family history and heritage

-remember those who matter most to us

the underlying message is love, grace 

(restoration), and perseverance

-----------------------------

Movie Sleepover

Gather your blankets and pillows

build a fort, and cozy up to watch

Inside Out

as characters 

Anger, Fear, Joy, Sadness, Disgust

show how each play an important part

in our growth and development

laugh...

cry...

talk about it...

this movie has so many layers (and is perfect) 

for starting a conversation about feelings

"Take her to the moon for me Joy"

(same part gets me every time!)

----------------------------

and finally...

Who says "family movie night"

has to be at night?

Consider...

"Brunch and a Movie"

instead!

w/

The Little Prince

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.

What is essential is invisible to the eye."

-The Little Prince

Take time to play

pay attention

open your eyes 

(and see)

exactly who/what 

matters most to you

Our Top Three Favorite Latin-Inspired Pastries

Craving something sweet?

There is sure to be something delicious

waiting for you right here in Southern, CA

so...

in culmination of Latino Heritage month 

we're sharing our "Top Three Latin inspired"

snacks,

drinks,

AND 

pastries!

--------------------------------

Up first...

My life literally changed with 

the introduction of one item

Pastel de Guayaba

(Guava and Cheese Strudel)

from Porto's Bakery and Cafe

read Rosa Porto's

story here

then

call ahead

to order a dozen

(or two)

for 

in-car pickup

or 

to bake at home

Guava jam w/ sweetened cream cheese

They are so good that hardest part will be

trying not to eat them all in one setting!

Churros

If you've been to any county fair,

you've tried one of these

fried

rolled

tossed

lightly in cinnamon and sugar

What more is there to say?

Pan Dulce

You can find these just about anywhere,

but please note that NOT all sweet bread

is created equally

So if you're looking for ...

soft

fluffy

understated tones

of sweetness

choose wisely

mini choncas

(3 for $1)

from

La Favorita Bakery

are a good introduction

for even your youngest 

not too rich

not too sweet

and baked fresh

every day of the week!

(find more Family Adventures here)

"Teenager Approved Mexican Drinks"... to Make at Home!

Living in Southern California 

awards us rich cultural diversity

neighbors
coworkers
friends 

(who've become family)
 

we are blessed

to learn and grow 

from one another

history

heritage

home

honoring

the music, food, traditions

(of those closest to us)

so in culmination of Hispanic Heritage month 

we're sharing our "Top Three Latin inspired"

snacks

drinks,

AND

pastries!

 Starting with... 

"Teenager Approved Mexican Drinks"

(you can make at home today!)

--------------------------------

The Gardner Family

"The Family w/ Teens"

Horchata

I was initially introduced by a coworker

who made a huge vat for one of my events

light...

cool...

refreshing...

and my group

LOVED it!

But if you don't have...

a close, personal friend who can

prepare this iconic "rice drink"

check out

Ben Mims'

(www.latimes.com/recipe)

assorted list of recipes

you can try at home

(click the links)

for the...

Traditional Variation

canela, almonds, vanilla extract

or the...

Morelos Variation

 white rice, piloncillo, and sea salt

or the...

Oaxacan Variation

w/ cantaloupe, pecans, 

and prickly pear syrup

(and once you start sampling)

you'll want to try other flavors

flowery options

fruity options

you have now entered

the world of

Agua Fresca

It sounds simple

Agua

Fresca

Water

Fresh

but the versatility of flavors

will have you coming back

again...

and again...

and again...

Want to make at home?

Simply gather your ingredients...

add water, blend, and enjoy!

(Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, Chia)

Champuraddo

I had never heard of this warm, 

chocolaty drink until last year

*pronounced*

(chomp-pure-rado)

a uniquely thick, rich, textured beverage designed

to "stick to you" just in time for the cooler season

To make at home...

What is your favorite Mexican inspired beverage?

(find more Family Adventures here)