A Healing Hope

This first song led by Kirk Franklin left me overwhelmed with emotion and heart-strengthened at the same time. The first link as an example in motion of how they will know us by our love. May God heal and restore the Haitian people with hope. What reminders refresh your hope during times like these?

Haiti | Christian Music - Gospel Music Channel

One Question

Questions. Big or small. Thought-provoking or simple. This intriguing question really made me take pause this morning and ask myself how I would answer. With there being no right or wrong answer. Just a question you might be interested to ponder...

Fifty People, One Question: New Orleans from Benjamin Reece on Vimeo.

If you could have one wish come true by the end of today, what would your wish be? No limits...just go for it!

Another Year, Another Milestone

Every year around this time, on this day I contemplate the last year. Today is my birthday and I get more reflective than usual trying to remember where I was the year before. This special day was spent from morning to night with the attention of loved ones wrapped up in cards, fondue, and presents.

I cannot forget to mention that yesterday my sister took me for a day full of sweet surprises in the city by the bay. First up, we headed to the infamous Mama's on Washington Square. If you have never been, I highly recommend this quaint (only around 11 tables) but oh sooh cute breakfast nook that has been given such high accolades by Rachel Ray etc. We had to wait in line for about an hour, BUT totally worth it when I got the hot chocolate with piled on whipped cream and chocolate pastry followed by chocolate-cinnamon french toast (or we sensing a theme? ;) Afterward, we hiked the steepest of hills to work off our breakfast and ended up at a top secret "workout" spot. Location possibly disclosed if you ask...

After this "workout" my sister and I continued on for another strenous climb across the city. Word the wise, don't map out walking directions because they seriously lie and the "easy" route that is suggested is far from. After walking to our final secret spot, we came to Azalea's where my sweet hermana scheduled a mani/pedi (such a girly phrase) complimented by the coconut scent of the tropics...blue nails included. It was a relaxing end to such an exciting day and I'll remember how much loving time my sis put behind orchestrating it. Thanks Monie!

Ok...cut to my actual birthday.

Starbucks and crossword puzzles. Chocolate doughnuts with white sprinkles. Do we ever outgrow sprinkles? Vanilla Bean and blueberry scones, yep a birthday breakfast of champions. My ma took the day off to spend with my spoiled self and after such morning treats, we headed to go see Leap Year. Yes, I am a huge fan of chick flicks and not ashamed of it in the least. Sometimes, life is so full of the seriousness that a girl needs some corny, fairytale love story to snap her back into what it's like to dream again. At least this girl does and I loved every cheesy second of it.

Following our trip to Ireland, we headed to Skates on the Bay. I had never been and because I'm a nut for originality I have to try something/somewhere new on my b-day. Since it always rains on this day, today was no different. We drove into the Berkeley Marina area and saw around six crazy-butt windsurfers! I couldn't take my eyes off them. We walked into Skates and sat a table with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Berkeley Pier and water for miles. Even though it was a stormy day, there was still this sense of tranquility.

My ma and I narrowed it down to crab and artichoke dip. Scrumptious. Such a fun and accurate word for this delectable appetizer. Next up, I went Brazilian for the next hour while I sipped a Caipirinha drink.

The night ended with mom's famous philly cheesesteak sandwich by request. It was then topped off with chocolate fondue dipped with pound cake, strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and more. This was all celebrated with friends and family and nobody was more in glee than my grandmother who went back for not three or four servings, but more around five to seven...go grams! :) This day was awesome and it ended with an ever-addicting episode of the bachelor. Thank you to all my loved ones that make each year more blessed and more cherished as time goes on. Gracias por todos!!!

Don't Have to Face It On Your Own

Far too often, one can hide themselves for fear of total exposure. Fear of being exposed for being so imperfect it hurts. Yet, the key to healing lies not in continued guilt, but rather connection with a Savior that accepted us with full knowledge of our past and future scars. This song has most recently compelled me to remember the freedom I have in Christ.

What is it you have been trying far too long to face solo?