No room for HATE, or unkindness of any kind....Finding Kind

Bullying has been in the news like crazy, with a particularly sad story on the TODAY show, this morning where Ann Curry asked the parents of a boy who committed suicide, if they thought the "church" was responsible for this in any way because of their "views" (phraseology may have been different) Let me be clear, there is no room for any kind of hating in a Christ-followers heart. Kindness is a fruit of the spirit and one we are all striving for. Our last event, for Inspired31.org, was featuring FINDING KIND, a documentary and movement, to help bring awareness to bullying and unkindness: pointing all to being KIND. The last sentence in their documentary: We can't all be beautiful, we can't all be smart: BUT we can all be KIND.

Here are some beautiful pics, from our event. I will post more in a day or two!

Our "Anthropology" style decor. I might say it is hip, however if I were to say that my daughter might say it is immediately not hip-due to that comment. Myself and Deana, Danica and Diore Blaisdale made those cool stands with verses! More decorations next month, after more man-power...or girl-power!

Beautiful voices above of Teresa and Megan Rittenhouse.

Our Producer Pair, Marta and Tabitha Brown

Our Amazing Chapter from Santa Barbara (our 2nd official one) with Peggy and Christie and their darling daughters. We are so excited to have this new comraderie with our "Sisters"! They are an amazing bunch with fun ideas.

Two of our most sweet and beautiful Seniors-although they all are.....MacKenzie and Cassie.

A lovely mother daughter pair, enjoying the tea, Macy and Kristy Ens. Macy has baked cupcakes for us for the entire first year! Perfect example of that"Finding and Following God's gifting" that is our mission.

Molly and Lauren (and a darling attendee) the founders of Finding Kind, two beautiful young 20's who were bullied mercilessly in middle school, and when in Pepperdine decided to do something about the epidemic of "unkind". Amazing documentary that left not a dry eye in the crowd. Meaningful, impactful and in the theatres now, there is not a female on the planet who wouldn't benefit from seeing this movie, made by these amazing young girls: amazing role models for our teens. (Stories about girls and mom bullies and it's devestating impact)

Molly and Lauren with some darling girls at the event.

Our Steering Committee! (Well, those who stayed til the very end) Double long event with a tea AND a movie! What troopers!

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Preparing The Way

Preparing the way they should go, so when they are old they shall not depart from it...

Such an important task, preparing the way for our children (Can I say that since Hannah is almost 18?)...

This table was set entirely by Hannah, for her "Formal Dinner" as she calls it with her friends! (Yes, entirely their idea!!) I came out and saw this beautiful table and my heart was warm. It was beautifully done as a gesture for the friends she loves. (The beautiful crystal was for sparkling apple juice, of course)(You can double click on pics to make them bigger)

This is a bit longer today, but work with me :) What is the kindest thing you can remember someone doing for you? What is the meanest thing that has ever been done to you? (Tomorrow/Next Blog I will do 10 easy ideas to "be kind" to others that they will remember)

While preparing for our FINDING KIND documentary premiere at Inspired31.org on the 25th, it got me thinking about the 18 years of preparation I have given Hannah, and that you are giving your children (and grandchildren). It is the practical, spiritual, emotional and physical training. But perhaps it is the example we "are" with what we "do" that is what they will follow! (Scares me, too) Pondering that thought, is awesome for me, and humbling! (oh so humbling)

Do I always treat people the way Christ would? Really, if Jesus was here on earth, although He has rules and justice, etc...I imagine HIS kindness and love could almost be felt and seen, almost as if it were tangible. Do you know what I mean? The leper's, the prostitutes, the somewhat humanly-unlovable...that is who He loved! Quite an example.

So, upon deeply thinking (praying and preparing) for FINDING KIND, I have been studying the issues that prompted the darling 20-something founders Molly and Lauren to travel the country making this documentary movie: Middle School and Bullying. But that is so distracting a title because Bullying conjurs up kids hiding in the bushes, punches, black eyes etc.. But you know what? According to Focus on the Family's ( & documentary) it is most common in the form of "Verbal/Social Bullying", name calling, verbal abuse and intentional exclusion, according to monthly newsletter topic: "bullying".

So if we are training our children, as they should go...

We need to deliberately BE inclusive. Our kids "know" if there is someone we don't include. Shall we BE the difference for our kids?

In the amazing movie THE HELP, Hillie, was the "bully". You know what was amazing, though? My friend Joy pointed out: she manipulated those around her without words. Most of the time it was the pressure to follow her "mean" ways, that led to the unkind, horrifying treatment of all those around her. I figured out (with the help of my mother in law) that Miss. Celia was the blonde in high heels who took a pie to the door of the "ladies". She stood at the door with the kind gesture(pie), and kept knocking, hearing the whispering, and seeing the women hide.......My heart just ached for her. I have been that girl. My children have been that girl. Perhaps you have been that girl?

I (on behalf of Inspired31.org's Steering Team, and FINDING KIND) cordially invite you to join us on September 25 for Tea and the documentary .

If you life far away (That's no excuse!!) plan an outing with your friends, bring some girls. I am confidant it might just change your life. No matter what your age. Yes, that means you!

You can register on our site: Inspired31.org

Beautiful Ways to Display Handmade Art

These are a few of my favorite things: sweet words from friends & family, handmade art AND using them in beautiful ways to decorate the home with meaning!

Firstly, this is my moms idea! (As you know I steal many good ideas from her!) She uses beautiful french ribbon with a gorgeous ornament for the season at the top, with cards dangling from the ribbon. You can affix them with simple paperclips or clothespins! At Christmas time her displays are gorgeous with red, green and plaid ribbons and a big Santa or such. This display was around Valentines Day last year. She usually affixes it b/n the shelves in her bookcases in her office, but it was easier to see if I hung it on a blank wall.

This is a gorgeous way to keep all of those encouraging thoughts in a place where you will often THINK ON THESE THINGS (Phil 4:8)

Of course, we would all agree handmade gifts are amongst the best, if not THE best gifts! My son made this me when he was 7(ish), although I did have to shlep him to the pottery place, and do some coaxing! I cherish it. I keep it out during times I want to encourage him or be reminded of his talent. It looks gorgeous on an iron stand, which makes it even look elegant!

My friend, Susan, made this beautiful watercolor for me after I got to tell her what my most favorite subject would be... Yes, I said a chair....and I looove it and all the time she took to make it for me. It will always be hanging in my house.

Perhaps one of my favorite gifts of all-time is one my dear friend Sharyl painted for me of my first home, which was in Puerto de Santa Maria, Andalusia-Spain, where my daughter was born. She and my wonderful hubbie colaborated and she painted this charming and very sentimental oil/acrylic of the home where my daughter was born! I am telling you this is one of my absolute treasures. I have it framed and on a beautiful easle that sits in my entry or in my dining room.

Lastly, another plate done by my kids and me for my dads birthday!

One thing will always secure heaven for us: the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives. We will never know how much good just a simple smile can do. We tell people how kind, forgiving, and understanding God is, but are we the living proof? Can they really see this kindness, this forgiveness, this understanding alive in us? Mother Teresa, No Greater Love, p. 45

Inspiring Design Ideas

I just love this new design e-mag and thought I'd share it with you! (There are a few surprises to come, so keep your eyes on the next few issues!) It is a wonderful design mag, with all kinds of inspirational features about organization etc... The gal who is the editor is wonderfully kind and creative, and well....inspiring...read why she started it!

It comes into your ebox, free! Once you subscribe!

Click onto this gorgeous page of

Flowers & Design!

Funny, I just noticed its bi-line is "inspired" and ...on the cover...follow your passion!

This is my gift to you today!

Enjoy!