Inspiring or tiring??

For those of you who don't know how this Salsa Mama gig started, let me give you a little background.

Back in 2009, my friend Ann was fighting a valiant fight against breast cancer. Oh, how much I learned from her, including countless lessons of love and acceptance and keeping priorities straight. Ann's faith was awe-inspiring in many ways, but two messages remain with me on a daily basis:

1) Only do that which inspires you, not tires you.
2) Keep it simple.

The picture below is of Ann and our dear friend, Linda. For many years, they worked hard planning the Kaw Valley Relay for Life's Survivor Dinner together. I worked on the Relay committee for several years too, and what a BLESSING it was to soak up all the love from so many hard working, dedicated, and loving members of this community who genuinely wanted to CELEBRATE, REMEMBER, and FIGHT BACK against cancer.

Salsa Mama grew from this Relay for Life endeavor. Ann helped me with the logo and was very supportive, recognizing the potential for it to touch people's lives. One year she went crazy and made me two personalized Salsa Mama aprons, a tee-shirt and tee shirts for my boys. I think she had more confidence in it than I did! Having this encouragement, I decided to give it a go beyond the Relay world----to continue making salsa (a very simple task) and continuing the charitable aspect (which inspires me, not tires!). 

Each time Salsa Mama's "sale" changes, it is prayer that leads me to the next charity. Over the years, there have been a variety of individuals and groups who have tugged at my heart in that special way that I recognize now as the nudge of the Holy Spirit. In keeping with Ann's spirit, let me share with you that the recipient of the next sale will be Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Trust me when I say that it's very hard for me to keep this message simple...I don't really "do" simple. I do complicated! (Ask my husband, he'll tell ya!) A huge part of me wants to go on and on about the way my faith has developed and grown in the nurturing Sacred Heart parish community, but I will honor Ann by keeping this message simple. I am inspired by SO many people, families, causes...too many to count! But simply speaking, it is heaviest on my heart to support my parish at this time. 

I wish you a beautiful, blessed, happy and joyful Advent season and I invite you to reflect on where your inspiration and simplicity lead you. 

Thank you for your continued support over the years!!!