Welcome to Makanani Moments
Hello! I’m Riz, the creator behind Makanani Moments. I started this blog in 2020, just before the pandemic began, hoping to create a space to share my thoughts, experiences, and faith. The name Makanani comes from a memorable trip to Hawaii, where a local called me “Makanani.” Curious, I asked what it meant and learned that it translates to "beautiful eyes" or "eyes that see beauty." This simple yet profound interaction inspired me to look deeper at the meaning. I didn’t just want to have beautiful eyes; as a Christian, I wanted to see and experience the world through a lens of beauty, faith, and God’s promises.
As I’ve navigated life, especially after becoming a mother, I’ve found a deep desire to incorporate my faith into my daily life and to share that with others. Makanani Moments is my way of embracing this journey—encouraging myself and others to look for beauty in the everyday, while fostering a deeper sense of purpose and intention in how we live and see the world.
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My Journey
I grew up in a small, rural town in Nebraska, where I was blessed with opportunities to travel and explore different cultures with my family. These experiences ignited my love for the world and all its diverse beauty. In a time when the world can sometimes feel full of negativity and hostility, I wanted to focus on seeing and experiencing God’s creation through a lens of grace and beauty.
I now live in Kansas City with my husband, our two daughters, and our French bulldog, François. I’m passionate about exploring the world, growing in faith, and embracing the little moments that make life beautiful.
Though I’ve often felt like I’ve fallen short of being the “perfect” Christian, I’ve realized that it’s not about perfection. It’s about trusting in God’s grace, accepting that I will always fall short, and embracing the journey of growth. That’s what this blog is about starting where you are and working towards becoming the person you’re meant to be. Let’s experience the world together through beautiful eyes!
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - NIV 2 Corinthians 4:18
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Why Makanani Moments?
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Life is full of moments worth celebrating, and it’s important to cultivate a mindset that recognizes God’s beauty in the everyday. Makanani Moments isn’t just about my personal journey; it’s about building a community where we can learn, grow, and inspire one another to see the world differently. I hope this space encourages you to find joy in your own experiences and to view the world through a lens of faith and beauty.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I’m so excited to share my insights, stories, and reflections with you. Let’s celebrate the moments that make life truly beautiful.