curate and celebrate

AWAKEN AND RENEW

I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 NLT

Sunset glow during a late afternoon stroll

TWEAK AND NOURISH

DEHYDRATED FRUITS: PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYA For weeks now, my husband and I have been all about using the food dehydrator. We've tried it with mangoes, apples, papaya, pineapple, and peaches. We're still figuring out how to get the perfect texture and taste. My husband likes to sprinkle some Tajin on them, but I enjoy them plain.

Dehydrating Papaya

Pineapple and Papaya

Pineapple Roll ups with Tajin

Plain and Tajin-sprinkled Papaya

CREATE AND EVOLVE

BUCKET BAG: A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR A FIVE-YEAR OLD. My neighbor, Karter, just turned 5 a few weeks back. I got inspired to make him a bucket bag with a cool print after watching him ride his bike around the neighborhood. I also packed the bag with a monster jam truck, which was the theme of his birthday party. The bucket bag is perfect for him to carry his small toys from the house to the backyard or wherever he wants to play.

Karter's Bucket Bag for Monster Jam Trucks

REFOCUS AND DELIGHT

A CALL TO AWARENESS AND ACTION: THE PEACE WITHIN US. In John 14:27, Jesus assured His disciples: I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. As He prepared them for what was to come, He emphasized the peace found in Him. John 16:33 declares: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. I draw strength from these scriptures when facing loss and pain, understanding that Earth is not my final destination and that suffering is part of the journey. Paul instructs us on embracing Christ's peace in Colossians 3:15: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. What a powerful reminder to remain thankful!

I once wondered about experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding until I truly felt it. As Paul articulates in Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus. Friends have shared their experiences of this peace amidst grief, sorrow, loss, broken relationships, and more. For me, it was during a moment of betrayal that threatened my 30-year marriage. It was then I realized that with prayer, pain and peace can coexist, and Jesus protected my heart and mind from despair. In addition to the peace of God described in Philippians, Paul also speaks of peace with God in Romans 5:1: Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Finally, I dedicate these lyrics to those with heavy hearts and sleepless nights. The song from Isaiah 26:3-4 proclaims: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. In Psalms 4:8, David sings: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. May these words bring you the comfort needed to soothe your weary soul.