Tag: livinghistory

faith, Gathered thoughts

Prayer

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

What amazing wisdom in these words spoken so many years ago. I am continually learning the power in prayer . So many things in our daily life that we have no control over like schedule changes, extra work handed to us, last minute school projects,attitudes of others,and the list goes on .
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What we can control is our reaction to those things.Prayer has been a comfort to me . Knowing that I am praying over how things will go , inviting God to go before me in situations,asking God to be with a loved one or friend who has not been kind, asking God to shut doors that are not His best and so many more .
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Praying has giving me a perspective to see the situation from different angles and to put on humility, compassion and empathy when I otherwise want to fix it or make it better in my own way and trust me that never seems to work out.. anyone else?
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When I pray I’m able to take what ever is coming or causing stress and lay it at the feet of God . That doesn’t mean it goes away but it does mean I lay it down and I don’t pick it back up. I trust God with whatever is next knowing I have given it to him and I am fully submitting to his will in the next steps.
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What are your thoughts on prayer? Share in comments below. I would love to hear!

Book, history, Review

The Librarian Spy ~Book Review

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If you want a great WW2 read that is inspired by actual events then this is a must read. I could not put it down! I fell in love with the characters and loved all the historical references. There were some really tough moments with the characters in this book that honestly I had never considered in all my years of WW2 study that could have potentially happened. So hard to imagine what each person had to do and choose during this war. The author did a terrific job at bringing each of these characters to life as well as bringing the story full circle . I would love to know if you read this and your thoughts so send me a message or comment ⬇️

California adventure, disney, Disneyland

Perfect Picture Stop on Route 66

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A beautiful morning at Flo’s V8 Cafe and a perfect spot to take pics 📸

Book, history, Review

Italian Ballerina ~ Book Review

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The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron gives a rare look into the Nazi occupation of Rome and the fake Syndrome K of WW2 . Based on actual historical events it leaves you wanting to go back in history to reread events you may have missed. She gives the reader a wonderful story of the beauty even in the war from the London ballet stage and the allies storming the beaches of Salerno to the one moment that forever changed a soldier and a little girls life and those that got swept into life changing moments alongside them . The book bridges the beauty in how God can use each of us in a mighty way and create family where there is none.
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As the story unfolds I couldn’t help but think of the holocaust museum in Washington DC and the moment where I stood in the hallway and countless photographs were hung of those who were missing or killed in the war. Families that stepped from this world to eternity . It made me wonder and think about how their pictures ended up there . I’m sure there is a story in all of it and this book reminded me of that . However, they did, I’m so thankful they did so that they could be remembered❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

American Girl Doll, homeschooling

Tea in Paris

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Grace Thomas Tea Party complete with macarons the girls made and ofcourse our passport to Paris and travel luggage for their dolls filled with strawberry pretzels.. yumm! Tea Party day is my fav❤️

American Girl Doll, california, Disneyland, family adventures, Review

American Girl Doll Store ~Los Angeles ~Review

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American girl just released their Disney Doll Collection and it was perfect timing with our trip to Disneyland. We knew we needed to plan a detour here to not only visit the flagship store but also to treat our little to some Disney Magic for her doll . She loved it all!

After checking out the whole store, she was able to narrow down her choices and pick a beautiful new Cinderella dress for her doll to wear for Disneyland ✨It was so much fun! Have you seen these sets? They are so beautiful and come with so many unique accessories. They are $55 each set and considering the quality and the accessories I feel like it’s a great deal . The dolls are $125 each but again such a great value for what you are getting!

Our little has been on her own agenda with wanting to visit all the @americangirlbrand stores when we travel and so Los Angeles ofcourse was on her list! The Los Angeles store is located in Westfield Century City and is absolutely beautiful! .The mall is in the heart of Los Angeles so grab coffee before driving there as traffic is almost always crazy. This past year we also visited the Nashville and Washington DC stores.


There are two floors ..the main floor is where the salon and shopping is . And the salon has ear piercing and hairstyles for both the girl and their doll. There is also pet pampering too!!

Check out our reel ⬇️

The second floor is the cafe where you can have brunch, lunch or our favorite Teatime❤️

Have you visited the American Girl Doll store in Los Angeles? What did you think? We would love to hear your thoughts on it so comment below ⬇️

faith, Gathered thoughts, history

Holy Wednesday

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Holy Week Wednesday .. did you know it’s also known as Spy Wednesday? It is a solemn day in the Christian liturgical calendar, as it marks the beginning of the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus, which is commemorated on Good Friday.

As I read the scriptures this am,I couldn’t help but think of the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Judas saw the miracles and had an encounter with Jesus like no other. We see the whole story as it played out in scripture but in those moments and the moments leading up what was Judas thinking? Was he wrestling within, did he almost run and confess it all to Jesus or was he always plotting ? And the while time Jesus knew.. he knew it all .. how it was going to happen,who would be the one to betray him and yet he still loved him❤️I can only imagine the heartbreak in knowing this and how Jesus felt as he washed Judas’ feet .

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present” (Luke 22:2-6).

“He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.””

Matthew 26:23-25 ESV

Holy Wednesday is often marked with a service of Tenebrae (Latin for ‘darkness’ or ‘shadows’).With the reading of psalms while candles on a candelabrum are gradually extinguished, creating the sense of growing darkness.This symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples.

Gathered thoughts, history

Women’s History Month

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Check out this Amazing display for Women’s History Month at a library branch📚. The dress is so detailed with women of all backgrounds ❤️As a history lover , I was surprised there were a few names I didn’t recognize . Let the research begin! I’m excited to research them and see how they played a part in history and learn something new.

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Well done to the librarian dressmaker that made history come alive in this beautiful display 👏🏻 We need more displays like this!

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Anyone on the dress you don’t recognize or that you were excited to see?

Check out the our reel below ⬇️

family adventures, Georgia, history, travel

Atlanta Historic Swan Mansion sets stage for Hunger Games movie set

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Any Hunger Games fans? Did you know that you could visit the actual mansion President Snow lives in ? The 13,000 sq ft Swan House was built in 1928 and is located in Atlanta Ga in the Buckhead neighborhood and it does not disappoint!
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This beautiful home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also the setting of President Snows house in the Hunger Games Franchise. The Capitol Ball was filmed here as well as scenes of President Snows office which took place in the green room . Oh and guess what! It’s full of history so honestly it’s a win win.

A little history ➡️ The Swan House was designed by architect Phillip Shutze for Edward and Emily Inman. It’s called the Swan House because of Emily’s love of the beautiful birds, and because there is a swan motif that runs throughout the home. Another cool tidbit is it still includes much of the Inman’s original furniture. The house was completed in December of 1928.
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While you’re visiting the Swan House, you can also check out another filming site of the Hunger Games: The Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The interior and elevators served as the tributes’ quarters in the film. The futuristic-looking hotel was designed in 1985 by John Portman.