tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85306752310504457692024-02-06T20:19:12.482-08:00Enjoy The JourneyLife is a journey. You begin at birth and end the whole trail at death. It’s not all roses. It can be hard, tough, ugly, and exhausting. But we were created for more then just barely making it or waiting for the other shoe to drop kind of mentality. We were made to ENJOY life. Join me as we face life one day at a time…. Seeking Him, choosing Joy in our circumstances, and holding onto Hope.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-21345751489020862752011-12-06T07:26:00.001-08:002011-12-06T08:38:24.359-08:00Building That Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Build the wall that is in front of you.....<br />
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I was listening to this <b><a href="http://www.ibethel.org/podcast/2011/11/28/build-the-wall">podcast</a></b> through Bethel a few weeks ago and realized that my deep thinking, see it before its coming, passionate dreamer ways tend to get towards the forefront of my mind while I'm dealing with the daily life of our household.<br />
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Banning Liebscher, is the youth pastor at Bethel Church, in Redding, California. He was sharing how the Lord told him to build the wall that is in front of him, instead of constantly focusing on what lies ahead. He used the scriptures from Nehemiah to strengthen his message. Nehemiah instructed his troops, while rebuilding Jerusalem, to first build the wall in front of their houses.<br />
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Liebscher went on to share how important it was to do the job that was placed in front of us with excellence. He continued, by challenging those of us who struggle with the question of , "What if you are in a cubicle, doing a desk job, when you know your destiny includes missions work or preaching the gospel?"<br />
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When we moved to North Carolina, my heart was on fire for the Lord and for missions. I wanted to get out there and start loving on some people, helping them, sharing the gospel with them and participating in changing the world. That <b><u>is</u></b> part of my destiny.<br />
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When we heard God say now is not the time, but that we were to focus on our family and plant roots, I agreed with Him in theory and in obedience. My children had captured my heart and I want to see them into the kingdom. They are first on my "list" of what I am to do with my life.<br />
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However, there are many days that I am wiping noses and butts, teaching long division and how to read, washing dishes and laundry, where I wonder, "what in the world am I doing? And will we ever, ever do what God has put on my heart?"<br />
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Those are the days that I have to remind myself to focus and build the wall that is in front of me. Don't worry about the rest of the wall, how it is going to be built, when it is going to be built, what it will look like and if it will ever get completed. For me, I need to embrace right where I am at and find joy in it. For when I embrace my life, each day for what it is, then I tend be more passionate and better at my job.<br />
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Oh and by the way, focusing on building the wall in front of you, means not worrying about your neighbors wall and what they are doing with it. Whew.... that always gets me. Especially when many of my friends are all over the world doing missions work in the countries I want to be in.<br />
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Today add another brick to your wall in front of you. Whether that means selling another item on craigslist for your adoption fund, homeschooling your kiddos, feeding the poor in Peru, teaching 7 year olds in Holland, or working in a cubicle as an IT guy, do your job with integrity and joy today! Be proud of what you are accomplishing in His kingdom.<br />
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<br />Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-83791680974134545762011-11-28T08:49:00.001-08:002011-11-28T09:43:49.637-08:00Surviving the Toddler Years, the Third Time AroundThe Little General in our house brings daily laughter, as well as a heavy dose of "aaahh.... I'm gonna pull my hair out." He is 5 weeks away from turning 2 and I don't think there is enough coffee out there to help sustain me through those "trying two's." I'm always amazed at this stage of the toddler years how we as parents can be pushed to our maxed limits of exhaustion and yet still love our 2 year old more then life itself.<br />
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Since this is child number 3 in our house, I am somewhat more relaxed during certain temper tantrum episodes then I was with boy number 1. In fact, I find myself laughing a whole lot more over it all. In the spirit of laughter and joy over having a turbo toddler in my home, here is a list of what the Little General has been doing lately. Enjoy!<br />
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1. During a visit with the husbands extended family, whom we see about twice a year, Si felt the need to roll around under the table while we were eating dessert. I shared with the family, "I suppose this is the only time in life when you can get away with something like this and think it may be cute."<br />
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2. The Christmas tree.... large, full of childhood ornaments.... versus the almost two year old lacking every ounce of self control (because he IS only 2, right?). My response??? Lower all the unbreakables to the bottom of the tree and gently have at it.<br />
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3. It's time to get out of the car and walk to the door of the local Y, Simon has refused and is having his own personal sit in on the curb. "Quick, Elijah see if he will take YOUR hand instead of mine. Oh, looky he did! Great, now move quickly before he changes his mind!" Thank God for older brothers!<br />
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4. What? You want me to educate the kids, clean the house, make a homemade meal, and be showered somewhat daily? Ok baby... why not watch a third episode of Thomas the Train!<br />
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5. Food shopping with three kiddos, one of whom refuses to sit in the cart, calls for the big guns. "I'll give you a puppy if you sit in the seat? Or how about a granola bar? Never mind, let me open that bag of goldfish that we haven't bought yet."<br />
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For the record, I wouldn't trade being this little boys mama for anything in the world. I love him sooo stinkin much! But can I get an "amen" for nap time and bedtime??? I mean, thank you Jesus that toddlers need to sleep in the afternoon, I seriously think it was made for mama's to recharge even if it's only for an hour.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-17234059326076833092011-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-22T08:00:00.885-08:00Dusting Off the Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The purpose of these posts are to encourage others to think. When speaking of the "church" or the "corporate body of Christ" I am NOT referring to my church personally or any churches that i have been a part of.)</span><br />
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Clubs fail people. Programs fail people. They are both led by humans. There was only one perfect man who ever walked the earth, Jesus Christ. Which means we as humans will inevitably make mistakes. How we handle those mistakes determines a lot in who we are and even our expectations of others.<br />
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If we believe that the word of God is infallible, then we must conclude that our God will not fail us. So, in keeping with the discussion of club versus church, the previous sentence should lead us then to believe that cultivating a corporate time for the body of Christ to come together must always be Holy Spirit led. Correct?<br />
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A club mentality puts us in a position of following a set way of doing things, leaving little room for us to trust our God in leading us as a body of Christ. Man prefers a routine and a program, while the Holy Spirit prefers a genuine heart that is willing to move even when it feels a bit uncomfortable.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God wants to blow the dust off the church!</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Not only does He want to breathe beautiful and amazing life into our corporate times but He also wants to blow the cobwebs out of our minds personally!</span><br />
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Every time I visit the ocean, I sit on the beach and inhale deeply. Salty clean ocean air permeates my mind, my heart, my body and cleans me. I feel refreshed, alive, and ready to take on whatever is before me next. Many times during my days as a stay at home mama, I find myself wishing for a breath or two of the sea breeze! This is what God wants to do individually to the body of Christ.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God wants to clean out the cobwebs, refreshing the body of Christ!</span></b><br />
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This is so exciting to me! There is a true sense of genuine joy and faithfulness from our Father when we trust Him and allow Him to be totally in charge. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, right? As long as we allow that Spirit, you betcha!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-14279641449341133162011-11-18T13:05:00.001-08:002011-11-18T13:27:15.516-08:00Boy ChroniclesI love my boys! All three of them have the most hilarious and interesting personalities. Since we are in the season of thankfulness, here are a few of my most favorite things about my boys!<br />
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1. We went to the symphony today at the Forum in Harrisburg. Zman's first thing was to find Orion on the ceiling. EJ's courageous little heart answered two of the conductors question. There were hundreds of kiddos there! My mama's heart was filled with thankfulness for the opportunity to spend an hour listening to a live orchestra with all of my boys!<br />
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2. The Little General (aka Si) is very much into Curious George right now. He is captivated by the books and the show itself. I find it kind of fitting, as he is practically a monkey himself.<br />
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3. We returned to traditionally homeschooling this year, after our year of cyber school. I LOVE homeschooling my boys, even though I am racing after a turbo toddler. Zman has finally taken off with reading and I have to hold back tears every time he reads a book to me! What an honor it is to be my kiddos teacher!<br />
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4. EJ is preparing his heart to fill out his application for his first missions trip for next summer. I've been given the beautiful opportunity to be one of the leaders on this trip. Watching my first born's anticipation as he begins praying and dreaming about his first out of country trip is so overwhelming to my heart!<br />
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5. It's been 3 years since the last time we hosted Thanksgiving. This year we get to have all sorts of family over to our home. The two older boys are so full of excitement as they love to host as much as we do. It pleases my heart to see that it isn't just me who desires to have a home full of people sharing a meal together!<br />
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6. Zman is my little nature lover. He and EJ were out at the local Doll*r Gener*l, when he found another bow and arrow for a whole $2.00! And so he is currently running around the back yard attempting to target anything he can.<br />
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7. Boy #3 in our house has a few nicknames.... The Little General, Turbo Toddler, Patten, and Si Si. He is quite a demanding almost 2 year old. The best part of my day with Sire's is when he asks for me to "wok, mama, wok," also known as "rock me mama, rock me." Nothing compares to rocking away my youngest as he falls asleep in my arms.<br />
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I am eternally grateful for the little army God has placed around me. Who knew I'd be a mama of 3 little men!Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-53066445509503461632011-11-17T10:52:00.001-08:002011-11-17T11:23:06.137-08:00Club Vs. Church<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(*Beware... this post is not a fluff post. It is not meant to offend anyone and is does <u>not</u> reflect any particular church, including the one I attend or the ones I've attended in the past. This purely is something I'm am "working on" in my own thought process! Enjoy!!)</span></div>
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If you know me personally, you may know that I have been "chewing on" a topic for a long, long time. <em>Is the American church, just a glorified club? And if so, what is it that God really wants for the church?</em> I heard Kris Vallaton speak one time and he said you could go around to the different churches and cross out the word church and add club instead. He was so right! <br />
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A club has members, with perks. It has programs and fundraisers. Some clubs bring in special speakers that challenge its members to do something exciting.<br />
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How is that different from church?<br />
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I'm about to offend some of you so get ready...<br />
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I'm tired of clubs and churches. I am so ready for the authentic body of Christ to stand up, start living in true Acts community and learn to walk a real life of love. When and only when, that really happens we will actually see the spirit of God breakthrough corporately. Not only that, but we as a community of believers will become healthy and will be able to lovingly help others into a secure and loving place of faith in Christ.<br />
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An authentic body of Christ, chooses to walk in healing, forgiveness, and vulnerability. Those who desire all that they are to follow Jesus, will put aside their own selfish ways and thoughts and will want to have a teachable heart. And when, we as a body of Christ, live healed, forgiven, vulnerable, and teachable, then we will realize that we need our God and each other. Which means, we become more communal.<br />
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Aaaahhhh!!!<br />
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I'm sorry, but this is what burns on my heart. We were not meant to walk a Christian faith out by ourselves, in our own little families, attending our club once or twice a week. And because we as a community of believers tend to walk this way, we've placed a hand over the mouth of God and have prevented Him from blowing a fresh spring like wind into our churches. <br />
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So instead of just reading this and walking away from your computer, answer me in truth. Do you attend a club or a church? What does a true biblical church look like? How do we, the American Church, transtion into that?<br />
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I seriously want to hear your thoughts! As always, be kind!Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-34814993081384227882011-11-09T11:25:00.000-08:002011-11-09T11:25:47.395-08:00Just an Opinion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You could shake a finger at me for how little I keep up with the news. I scan CNN a couple times a week, barely ever actually sit down and watch a news program, and I confess, I read a newspaper about 3 times in a month.<br />
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With all that said, I don't think you could possibly live in the state of Pennsylvania without knowing of the secret horrors that were unveiled regarding Penn State this week. Shock and sorrow are just two words that come to mind right now.<br />
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I've been reading an allegorical story to my kids about a kingdom, a hero, a princess, and a King. In the story, the princess makes a very unwise decision and chooses to go against a kingdom rule. Because of her choice, a consequence occurred that affected <u>everyone</u> that lived in that Kingdom, much like what is going on at Penn State. One man has done horrid things and a web of others who have made wrong choices in how to deal with those awful acts have affected an entire school, football team, and community.<br />
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Yesterday I was praying over my youngest boy. I love this child, as he is quite a little busy baby and refuses to be contained! I was praying many things, but suddenly the word: integrity gripped me. I began speaking that word over all three of my boys, my husband, and myself. I was praying that we would walk with integrity, that all that we do would be done in truth and with love.<br />
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I have no words for the man who did the ultimate crime in the Penn State case right now. But for all the others that had an idea of what might have been going on, I'm appalled. One choice to look the other way, one measly attempt at sharing information did not just hurt precious children, but so many others.<br />
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We have more power in our hands then we recognize. When we choose to not walk in truth, we are risking not only ourselves but a whole kingdom of other people.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-72933190948740987532011-11-05T07:23:00.000-07:002011-11-05T07:23:22.994-07:00Well, Now Hand me a Paint Brush, Will Ya?!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Writing this week has reopened that right brained, creative thinker, artistic side of me again. Whew.... now, I want to drop all responsibilities, send the kiddos off to grandmas for like 3 days, and whip out paints and canvases and worship music and good coffee...<br />
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Or maybe get my sewing machine out and finally sew a skirt that I've had on my mind for, like, forevah.<br />
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Of course, after I wrote my Just Peachy post, then I started looking at my walls and imagining a cool gray color with my white curtains and my white framed pictures. A slight bit of hope rose up inside of me. Perhaps we can approach our landlords with the idea of painting???<br />
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This morning, I was out power walking and I saw the mist rising off of the creek. I watched a doe sprint behind someones house and a ground hog take cover as I whisked by. It was so cold out, I was afraid my legs were going to turn into popsicles. No worries though, they are well insulated.<br />
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Still, between a few entries on my old blog, a trip to the food store BY MYSELF, and a cold hard walk this morning, my brain and body are feeling alive today. I have a little extra joy and hope.<br />
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Not to mention that my house is full of life, with my own family and another sweet young couple and their baby girl. I can't help it, I love lovin on others. It's who I was created to be.<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend, y'all. And thanks for the many comments, emails, and general encouragement on my return to the blog world. You made this girl feel loved!<br />
<br />Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-79846333961896260672011-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:00:09.079-07:00Just Peachy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well we did it again. We moved.<br />
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I'm beginning to become a professional at packing and unpacking. My kids are beginning to become professionals at looking at houses and deciding which room is theirs. For Pete's sake I'm certain that my brother in law should consider becoming a professional mover as a side job for the amount of times he has helped move just me!<br />
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We've been in our newest abode for a month now. I'm in love with its insulation. For real. I think the last time I lived in a house that was fully insulated was when I was a teen. I'm really not joking. I could make a poem up about it all. Sweet insulation, how I love thee.... but that would be dumb.<br />
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Anyways...<br />
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So the older kiddos are playing outside right now, while the Little General is taking a mid afternoon siesta. Which might I add, is the sanest part of my day, nap time that is. And I've been running around the house doing dishes and laundry and sweeping crumbs up off the floors.<br />
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The next best part of my house is that it has no carpeting throughout the entire place! Oh do I ever love sweet already done, beautiful, real, hardwood floors. It makes sweeping so easy and cleaning too. I love them. We have a few rugs down but the main part of my house has gorgeous blonde hardwood floors. Shall I write you a poem about how much I adore them too?<br />
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As I was sweeping the few measly crumbs (yea right!) off of the dining room floor, the bare walls caught my eyes. And the feeling of dread came over me again. Of all the houses that I have ever lived in, this is the first house that has caught me off guard on how to actually decorate it. Other then a wall hanging in my living room, I still have not put one picture or painting or piece of artwork up in most of the rooms of my house.<br />
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I'm not sure what exactly is paralyzing me over it right now. Except that most of our walls are a bit on the peach side. So 1980's. And since we don't own this baby I can't exactly paint them.<br />
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I've been thinking about really crazy, outlandish sized canvases that I could purchase, with our limitless money, to paint on. Or gorgeous New York kinda fabrics that I could somehow swag on the walls. Major wall peelies... eww.<br />
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Anything... to get rid of the peach.<br />
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I'm sure that if I actually hung pictures up on the wall that the peach would begin to melt away and not be so prominent. But then I'd have to commit. I had a whole wall of white frames with family pics in them at our other house. But white frames with peach background makes me want to add the 1980's goose with the light blue bow around its neck. Anyone else remember that fad?<br />
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Which brings me right back to where we started. Stuck.<br />
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Maybe if I just don't look up it won't bother me....<br />
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<br />Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-21248983463153186992011-11-02T20:15:00.000-07:002011-11-02T20:15:24.169-07:00The Different Squares of a Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A long, long time ago I saw this woman who's life was vastly different then mine. She whittled everything down to what she could control, her body, her friendships, her family, what she read, what she did, even how she cleaned her house. It was all in this tight little box of how to handle life. The jobs that she did, she did well with much research, thought process, and care. No details were left undone with the few things that she had in her life. Methodical and straight to the point, her life was very black and white.<br />
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Today, I look at my life and see it as a bright, colorful, warm quilt. The kind you sit under on a cold winters day, reading a good book, and drinking a hot mocha. Yum. That is how I look at my life. This comforter has tons of different squares on it, with patterns and stripes, and pretty flowers. Each square represents a different moment or occasion of which I have experienced. It does not match. In fact, if you looked closely at the quilt, you'd probably might even think its ugly.<br />
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I've been struggling with feelings of being judged for choices we've made, the kind of life we've chosen to live. Some of it may be in my head, but in truth I've been told and outright asked and even straight up verbally judged on choices we've made. Who would want to write or share after that? Seriously?!!!<br />
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In time, I have worked through those things and come to some neat conclusions. I used to wish, that I had it all together in some nice neat step by step format or that I could be methodical and calculated. It looks good on the outside, I suppose. Yet for me, it's not.<br />
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My quilt is full of color because my life is. Of course, there are patches on that quilt that aren't the prettiest representing perhaps an unwise decision or two. But most of my quilt is full of the most amazing and beautiful moments in my life;<br />
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the birth of each of my children<br />
a small group of people who loved us when we were unlovable<br />
birthday clubs<br />
best friends whom I've literally peed my pants in front of<br />
moving trucks from one state to another<br />
11 different girls living with us<br />
missionaries sharing a long weekend with us<br />
Mexico and Ecuador<br />
blind eyes that have been healed<br />
deaf ears opened<br />
Hispanic and low income children learning about Jesus<br />
celebrating Sinter Claus<br />
watching beautiful brides say "I do" to their husbands<br />
homeschooling my boys while chasing a toddler<br />
renovating houses<br />
dancing with my husband to our song at least once a year<br />
and so much more...<br />
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Perhaps, I don't have all the answers or a carefully constructed path with clear direction. But what I do have is a heart full of love and a head full of sweet memories of what I have experienced in life. My quilt is going to continue to grow and grow. The colors will be wild and not even somewhat related or planned out because that just happens to be who I've become. I'm smart enough to know, that there will be a few more dark patches on there, as when you choose to live a life that isn't perfectly planned, you're bound to make a mistake or two.<br />
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I wouldn't trade this life for anything. I like my quilt just the way it is, colorful, wild, whimsical, and not perfect.<br />
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<br />Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-27826253514147802102011-11-01T12:57:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:57:49.377-07:00Testing the Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/ZGdDgs" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" ida="true" src="http://mrg.bz/ZGdDgs" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I haven't written in a long, long time. I'll be honest, I haven't even been sure if I wanted to come back. I've gotten to a place where I am trying to balance what I share and what people think or expect of me. So, since facebook was easy and relatively controlled, I decided to just keep it simple. <br />
<br />
One liners, a few statements, and comments on other peoples statuses are all I've offered. I came so close to even shutting down my facebook page and saying good bye to it all. Some days I still think I'm going to do that. <br />
<br />
But then... then I think about the true friends that I have all over the world and that facebook has been the most helpful in keeping in touch with them. I can't pull the plug... it's the way I talk to my dear friend in Holland, spy on one of my sweet friends in Washington state, learn of babies on the way, catch up with prayer warriors in Indiana, and chuckle over closer friends and their parenting wars.<br />
<br />
So then, I thought perhaps I should end my blogging account. I haven't written in over 6 months and in some ways I've been too tired and exhausted, in other ways (here's my vulnerable self again) I've been scared. True to life's journey, I've experienced some serious struggles in this past year. That's my clue to shut down and stay quiet.<br />
<br />
But then... then something in the pit of my stomach, the aching in my heart, head, and fingers, would tell me "don't do it." Don't shut everything down, don't quit writing forever.<br />
<br />
Recently I've had several different people comment about whether I was going to ever get back on the horse and blog again. Inside my heart did two things .... ache and hurt ... all at once. I ache to write. I'm scared to put myself out there. <br />
<br />
Yet, having people ask was a clue from the Lord. Maybe I do need to pick up my proverbial pen again. <br />
<br />
So, I'm in a place of "discussing" with the Lord the point of blogging for me. We are also "conversing" on my fear of judgement and some hurts I've picked up in the last year. I'm at a Y in the road. Should I blog again or should I find a new medium to write in? What's His heart on it all? <br />
<br />
I'm testing the waters with blogging again. No expectations for anything, anyone, or even fully myself. Just gonna stick my feet in and see if this is where I belong.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-72044238168397081322011-05-08T12:07:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:07:27.980-07:00MamaWhen my first baby was born, I had decided in my heart I wanted to be a mama. Not a mommy or a mom, but a mama. Somewhere in my mind, I can tell the difference. <br />
<br />
Mama has a special place with her children. <br />
<br />
Mommy was too young. Mom was too old. But mama was forever.<br />
<br />
My children call me all sorts of "mom" names, but down deep I'm still and always will be mama.<br />
<br />
It's been a rather long and interesting week being mama. Fevers, strange infections, a trip to the ER, lots of cuddles, interesting coversations and sleepless nights all for my little ones. I wouldn't give this job up for anything. Next to salvation and marrying my husband, my children are the best gifts God has ever given me. <br />
<br />
Last night my husband and I were standing around with my in laws, my brother in law, and his wife, talking and laughing about the many things my three boys have said and done recently. Little pranks, wrong things said at inappropriate times, and straight out childish ways that have put us into hysterics. <br />
<br />
In a world, in which children are looked at as a burden, I have found that my children are more then just a blessing to me. They have given me life and purpose. They have taught me more about the love from our Heavenly Father then any Sunday sermon. My children have opened my eyes and my heart to a love that I could never put into words.<br />
<br />
What an opportunity to be called... Mama.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com3Pennsylvania, USA39.934875792709995 -78.20526688749998838.536739292709996 -81.120463387499981 41.333012292709995 -75.2900703875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-33943263948169594592011-05-01T18:28:00.000-07:002011-05-01T18:28:04.344-07:00I Cried So Hard that....the guy sitting next to me in church asked me if I was okay. Then he told me it would be alright and gave me the christian brother/sister side hug.<br />
<br />
I have to laugh at myself, because I really was a blubbering mess and now that I look back at it, I think it is hysterical that some random guy that I've never seen before probably was wondering what in the world was wrong with me.<br />
<br />
I was crying because of the missions video that was played during service today. It reduced me to a puddle, a large, bright red, blubbering puddle of tears.<br />
<br />
BUT....<br />
<br />
It's still in me. No matter what, I can't deny that my heart is to travel to different nations loving people, sharing Jesus with them, and helping those in need. It is who I am and though the dream is not fulfilled, it will be someday.<br />
<br />
When I hear messages like the one preached today, I get mad inside. Well, truthfully I get mad with God. I feel like the little kid waiting to be picked for the team. I keep raising my hand, jumping up and down and yelling, "Here I am! What about me! I want to go! I do, I do. Here I am!! Pick me! Pick me!"<br />
<br />
Then I sit in a service like todays and I feel like God has skipped over me and picked someone else. <br />
<br />
I left the service hurt again. Like the kid who didn't get picked for the team. <br />
<br />
Until we went to our friends house, where I laughed and talked good deep God stuff and realized that timing is everything. His timing is everything. <br />
<br />
So, I didn't get overlooked. <br />
<br />
I'm not forgotten.<br />
<br />
My heart is still on FIRE for Him. I still desire to see the lost ~ saved, the broken ~ healed, the hungry ~ fed.<br />
<br />
There is much to be done, right where I am at. I must continue to keep my perspective of where He HAS put me. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I am rocked to the core, tears pour out of me like someone turned the faucet on high. Yet I realize that I am alive inside. My hearts desires have not died. I have not lost sight of His desire for me. I am not ignoring Him or turning away from His commands, rather I am listening and waiting for when He finally picks me.<br />
<br />
One day, I'll be jumping up and down, with my hand raised way up high. I'll be doing my dance and shouting, "Pick me God, I wanna go. Pick me!" And He'll look at me and know that the next assignment was created for someone just like me. I'll be that perfect fit, the one whom He has molded and carved, for that specific time. And He'll choose.........<br />
<br />
MeSelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-26927974331710692522011-04-28T10:23:00.000-07:002011-04-28T10:23:29.718-07:00What Am I Doing???I was walking with my husband recently. I was talking. He was listening. He's good at doing that. <br />
<br />
I told him that I realized something about myself lately. I have vision! I have ideas! I am bursting with so much inside. <br />
<br />
Yet, I just don't know what to do with it. Or for that matter, when I have the time to do anything!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/Gr6YHe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://mrg.bz/Gr6YHe" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A doctor told me recently, that I should consider sending my kiddos to school and phase out homeschooling. His opinion had much to do with my body and it's issues. I saved all my tears for when I got out of the office and onto the phone with my husband.<br />
<br />
"No, I'm not quitting," I told him, "I'm not giving up what I know is right for my children."<br />
<br />
And so, I find myself at a constant place of inside turmoil. Knowing that I have been out of<a href="http://tcc-campbellcrew.blogspot.com/2011/04/balance-between-extremes.html#comments"> <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">balance</span></strong></a> (love how this writer thinks, then again, I know her in real life and I love picking her brain whenever I can) for quite sometime. Enough so, that my body is protesting. Despising the fact, that I can't be just normal. <br />
<br />
I know that I am more then just mom. <br />
<br />
I read about a friend who just turned in his book to his editors. He's a couple years older then me, living out on the missions field with his family. <br />
<br />
Jealousy rose up inside of me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/vc7b1l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" j8="true" src="http://mrg.bz/vc7b1l" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mostly, because I know I am destined to do something life altering, world changing, full of love and truth. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know raising these babies of mine should be enough. Most days it is. I'd sacrifice my life and all my desires to see them become Jesus lovin men with integrity. In my heart, I know that if that is the only thing that I have accomplished in my lifetime, I will have served my Lord well. I am aware of all of this. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Yet my heart still explodes with desires. And I realize, that I need to figure out what my balance really is.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-39169152343687266952011-04-19T12:23:00.000-07:002011-04-19T12:23:25.166-07:00Contact Sports<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt1swBRC_e4nE4gWqdVmzft1FXLDQDOp_FXmKCxZ91iCkIAH52YJUZMV_yrmh4KX2fRgl3zb0x706U7IDljH7PRgRbX6-LAQoQgxBMXMR741Ps1WnXW6J1EgwTtnb-Oc0GFbf7Li9Jwaf/s1600/_DSC0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt1swBRC_e4nE4gWqdVmzft1FXLDQDOp_FXmKCxZ91iCkIAH52YJUZMV_yrmh4KX2fRgl3zb0x706U7IDljH7PRgRbX6-LAQoQgxBMXMR741Ps1WnXW6J1EgwTtnb-Oc0GFbf7Li9Jwaf/s320/_DSC0166.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let these baby blues deceive you, this child o mine is quite the little wrastler. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Recently, I've taken on a new sport. Skip the whole couch to 5k, or p90x, or zumba, I've got a 15 month old who thinks diaper changing should be a contact sport! The "Little General," as we jokingly call him, is pulling out all the stops these days with temper tantrums, screaming, and more when it comes to a change of pants!<br />
<br />
My dear friend in NC, whom is pregnant with her 6th baby right now, tried to warn me that the third child is what makes or breaks you in the kid department. I shleffed her off when she would tell her warnings, thinking that baby #3 was going to be 5 years younger then his brother, I could handle this one. Plus, I had this mom thing down, right??? <br />
<br />
Okay, I admit it. I'll say it outloud and I'll write it for the world to hear.<br />
<br />
<strong>I. Was. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
Yeppers, I was wrong. Totally wrong. Just when you think you have the mom thing down, God throws a little monkey into the whole business and makes you realize that you always need daily grace in parenting. <br />
<br />
The Little General, he can throw the charm on. Of course, he bats his baby blues, snuggles into my arms and plays bashful if you talk with him. But the minute I let him loose, he runs waving his hands up in the air like a chimp and yells loudly. If I pick him up, he screams ~ blood. curdling. makes your ears ring. screaming.<br />
<br />
Non of my children ever screamed like this.<br />
<br />
Please God, let non of my next children scream like this.<br />
<br />
Of course, for as confident as I come off in parenting and what ever else you may think, when this babe is screaming and running around in say, a moms meeting at church during the guest speakers message, my mind plays tricks on me with the thoughts of others. <br />
<br />
<em>"Get that child under control..."</em><br />
<em>"Isn't that her third kid?"</em><br />
<em>"Do you think she knows what she is doing?"</em><br />
<em>"You are kidding me, she says she wants more?"</em><br />
<br />
I choose to giggle to myself and keep a reminder of the fact that this too shall end. Even if I did strap him down to a chair or placed a leash on him, he'd still scream. In the meantime, I'm considering an investment in ear plugs and wishing for a little more success in the weightloss department as I tackle down my Little General!Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-77436143420137792152011-04-17T10:10:00.000-07:002011-04-17T10:10:09.497-07:00Just A Little Bit Farther<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/c42W8P" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://mrg.bz/c42W8P" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/38958">Pic Courtesy of Morguefile.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I don't tend to write when I am feeling overwhelmed, irritable, exhausted, and physically hurting. It's not that I choose to hide real life from you but more that I just don't think someone wants to read about all that. It's depressing. It's boring. It's not fun.<br />
<br />
I just turned a little <a href="http://www.aplacefortheheart.org/MusicPlayer.html">Jonathan David Helser</a> on. It made me want to take one of my walls and use it as a canvas, just to pour out my prayers through a paint brush. Helser tends to do that to me. <br />
<br />
Instead, I decided to write, which is another creative love of mine.<br />
<br />
However, a certain little 15 month old has woken from his nap and the rest of the crew will be walking in the door in a few moments. <br />
<br />
I feel selfish, because I really, really, really want to take a long weekend away by myself or with a few girls. I want to take my journal, my paints, my computer, and music like Helser's with me. I want to inhale fresh air, shake off the daily duldrums of motherhood, and I want to be refreshed. <br />
<br />
For as much as I love being a mama and being married to my main man, there are days that I feel like I don't like them very much. Lately, there have been several days like that. Which makes me feel worse. Since I really, really do love them more then words can say.<br />
<br />
So, I've realized that is more me, not them. I just need to dig deeper, spend a little more time in the Word, jack up more authentic worship music, and love on my family like nobody's business. And once it stops all this torential raining, I think I need to get out and do some hiking.<br />
<br />
Well, there you go. Just a plain ol post about a grumpy mama. How's that for reading???Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-13302953485281754042011-04-13T12:46:00.000-07:002011-04-13T12:46:21.652-07:00I'll be Back... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIAeTfbO-i_3YRNvCQa2BnUNgSMyXdwzwyGwJz_q-6s2mxZwJ6ZxNRbNFavH5LieAuZcwPloBVzvueGWD5qArSLJM0hWAoibVsk_L0aLh8KlhhY6AHw50MM2C2QiSmkpJyJXzQ507-eiU/s1600/_DSC0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIAeTfbO-i_3YRNvCQa2BnUNgSMyXdwzwyGwJz_q-6s2mxZwJ6ZxNRbNFavH5LieAuZcwPloBVzvueGWD5qArSLJM0hWAoibVsk_L0aLh8KlhhY6AHw50MM2C2QiSmkpJyJXzQ507-eiU/s320/_DSC0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Jen Theo!!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have things to say, things to write, great things on my heart....<br />
<br />
and very little time<br />
<br />
So, I'm sticking to my priorities of chasing this little guy, schooling the two older boys, doing dishes, and mounds o laundry, searching for a better job for the hubs, hopefully answering the multitude of emails, grumpily taking care of bills, and so much more.<br />
<br />
As soon as time allows it, I'll be writing er up!<br />
<br />
Miss you!Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-48362978140963186762011-04-07T18:34:00.000-07:002011-04-07T18:34:26.061-07:00Lemonade and Silver Linings <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVpcM38uUocqc-NLJO3XTlaELgZ5re7urlHqAhKAbo312g71p18pq9XOEpMC5gfqKB8aVwztNZ4VQo6QeBrLhhh5HWejFGqZg_edBEIl_bAMZgynY2lzWp0HaVkntm8bRa3GkIXU2kcV7/s1600/_DSC0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVpcM38uUocqc-NLJO3XTlaELgZ5re7urlHqAhKAbo312g71p18pq9XOEpMC5gfqKB8aVwztNZ4VQo6QeBrLhhh5HWejFGqZg_edBEIl_bAMZgynY2lzWp0HaVkntm8bRa3GkIXU2kcV7/s320/_DSC0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic compliments of Jen Theo<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="http://thecampbellcorner.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">TCC</span></strong></a> commented <a href="http://...and%20this%20is%20real%20life.%20we%20take%20the%20great%20with%20the%20not-so-much-fun./"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">on my grouchy post yesterday</span></strong></a>, <em>"...and this is real life. We take the great with the not-so-much-fun.<br />
<br />
It's a gift to be able to make lemonade out of lemons but it's also important sometimes to find a place of solitude wherein you can sip that lemonade at a soft, quiet pace...and maybe even have a chat with a friend."</em><br />
<br />
I read the comment and sighed, "yep, she understands it." Oh and what I wouldn't give for a quiet retreat in the mountains sipping lemonade or coffee or anything, with a friend like her. She gets what I am saying, and so do all of you.<br />
<br />
This is part of enjoying the journey of life, admitting when you are having a cruddy day. To be honest, I don't care for the often said lines, such as<br />
<br />
<em>making lemons out of lemonade</em><br />
<em>find the silver lining</em><br />
<em>a Pollyanna outlook</em><br />
<br />
Mostly because I think about the fact that I want authentic true joy in the journey of life. I don't want to be what the rest of the world is just trying to conjure up. And TCC, I know you know what I mean here!<br />
<br />
The point of enjoying the journey is recognizing that you really do have bad days, bad moments, bad thoughts, bad actions. C'mon we all do. It's what we do with all of those bad boys, that makes or breaks our eternal outlook on life.<br />
<br />
Last week, one of our pastors spoke about being purified. He explained the process of purifying gold, the dross, the fire, the skimming off of junk, and going back into the fire. I've heard many messages on being purified. I started realizing a long time ago, that this is life, we will go through the fire often. As I listened to the main a new revelation began to evolve the purity of who we really are is revealed at <em><strong>the end</strong></em>, when we are standing before God. Do I smell a goal, here? <br />
<br />
Yesterday I felt irritable and was secretly wishing for a vacation from my kids. This morning I woke up feeling physically miserable and wishing for a vacation from my body. But my spirit?? It's been waking up regularly to this feeling of excitement and wonder. I want to stand before God pure and beautiful. I want Him to shine a light on me and not still see a ton of junk stained inside of me.<br />
<br />
Being real, with myself, with my friends, and especially with my God gives me the ability to enjoy life. Dealing with hurts, difficulties, walking through fire, is just as important as declaring the exciting parts of life too.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-89400815117298363752011-04-06T18:18:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:18:33.446-07:00Interrupting my Spring Cheer for a Case of the Grumps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/by2JQW" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" r6="true" src="http://mrg.bz/by2JQW" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
My husband came home tonight, dressed in his uniform, and plopped down on the couch next to me. He unloaded his eventful day, discussing the details of various conversations and strange phone calls he received. My oldest interrupted for a quick question and I barked an answer at him and told him to go back to bed. Ewww..... I'm so overdone with my "job" right now. I turned to the hubs and said, "imagine if you went to your job and never left it. Imagine if everywhere you went your co workers went with you."<br />
<br />
He laughed at me and responded, "so you feeling a little exhausted with the kiddos, eh?"<br />
<br />
YES!! Yes, I am. <br />
<br />
I always beat myself up when I feel this way. I don't want to miss a minute of each of their quick childhoods that are before me. Yet, somedays I am beyond exhausted. <br />
<br />
Today, I was trying to feed the "Little General" while dishing out lunch to the other two. EJ's chair was almost on top of mine and I was trying to squeeze between them to get to Si. My oldest just sat firmly in his chair not even seeing what I was trying to do, his eyes focused on the food. I moved him and the chair a bit and he STILL didn't seem to see that I was trying to get somewhere. Finally, I irritably asked him to move, while thinking "when is he actually going to grow some common sense???"<br />
<br />
Later on, I had to referee between the two older boys while shopping at T*rget and W*gmans. I finally got real low and angrily spoke into one of my childrens faces. It wasn't pretty. I imagined what the rest of the shoppers were thinking about me and the kiddos, at that point.<br />
<br />
I love my children beyond words. I love being a stay at home mama, a homeschooling mama, a mama of 3 boys, just plain mama. I don't want to give it up, ever.... <br />
<br />
But sometimes I dream about a little bed and breakfast out in the woods, with aidorondack chairs, my bible, good coffee, my journal, nice warm weather, and some time ALL to myself.<br />
<br />
Now off to fold some laundry, put away some dishes, clean up the toys and books......etc, etc, etc.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-92185468674485133362011-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:00:01.839-07:00Meals Around the Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/MmUkYK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://mrg.bz/MmUkYK" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
One thing my mom tells me all the time, is that she misses having people sit around her table for a meal. As a teen I remember my mom telling us to invite our friends over for dinner. She would cook something up and my brother, myself, and a few chosen friends would indulge in dinner and dessert and discuss various topics.<br />
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My brother loved throwing some sort of little bomb out there. I swear, at that age he got his kicks off of saying something that would get someones dander up. Within minutes of his contribution a full blown heated discussion would ensue. My bro would quietly be sitting in the corner watching and laughing.<br />
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Sitting around the table is one of my most favorite things to do, with or without food. I love conversing with others about life, being challenged, or challenging someone else's thought process. I love digging a bit deeper to see what is behind the initial facade we all walk around with. I love listening to someone's heart. I love to laugh deeply.<br />
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Tables are for <br />
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<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ eating </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ schooling </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ art projects</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ finding out hard and sad news</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ laughing with others</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ watching children grow in front of your eyes</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ random moments of goofiness</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ Inquisitions of the heart</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ tears and hurtful conversations </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ where a tough but meaningful, "I'm sorry" is said</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ people from other nations sit and share</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ tea and coffee drinking</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ perching laptops </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ life decisions made</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ childhood memories formed</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ families meet at</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ prayers are murmured</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ friends are treated at</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #38761d;">~ morning bibles place at</span></em><br />
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A home should have a weathered and stained table in every kitchen. Because the heart of who we are, always ends up at the table.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-53693028740921987402011-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T08:00:00.729-07:00Daffodils, Crocuses, and SunshineI love every season of the year. When we moved back to PA, I seriously was looking forward to a long and snowy winter. I was dreaming of hot cocoa, kids sledding, warm cookies in the oven, snuggling up with my little boys and so much more. Winter came, it was fun, and I'm glad it's over. When fall hits, I'll be looking forward to it all over again. I'll dream about soups to make, candles to light, blankets to crawl under, and the kiddos in feet pajamas. <br />
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SPRING... sweet spring has arrived. I am thankful for sunshine, budding flowers, longer evenings, hiking, and sending the boys out to play! Most of all, when spring hits I begin to clean. Not just in the house but in my heart. I inhale deeply as I walk, I bask in the sun for a few moments, I make the kids do school work outside, and I dream again!<br />
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I dream about the projects we are going to work on, the people we are going to love on, the day trips or mini vacations we are going to embark on. I think spring should have a nickname of HOPE. For me, when spring hits, hope returns in my heart with a vengeance. I become reminded of why we are here, what our purpose is, what our dreams are, who we are and so much more. <br />
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Am I the only one who feels this way? I can't imagine I am? What happens to you when spring arrives?Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-64025598702196981872011-04-04T05:30:00.000-07:002011-04-04T05:30:34.808-07:00Happy Birthday to my Mother In Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTsbFdrSpjX1oFa8g5txCMvWqUJVfp_a7-ZC9l0QclUuijvDA-ZOshCVVjmV2Kug3NB4WGD-GmE8LoAZ7Kj67SqDtCKdqP9u5J__ULPXs6C8KB1-8d3uacshMWQ0azE2hV6OC4bD8VOa1/s1600/beckylux.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTsbFdrSpjX1oFa8g5txCMvWqUJVfp_a7-ZC9l0QclUuijvDA-ZOshCVVjmV2Kug3NB4WGD-GmE8LoAZ7Kj67SqDtCKdqP9u5J__ULPXs6C8KB1-8d3uacshMWQ0azE2hV6OC4bD8VOa1/s320/beckylux.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy 60th birthday to my mother in law!<br />
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She doesn't know it, but I really love her. We've had our own go arounds over the years. But in the end it has made us stronger.<br />
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My MIL loves children. I watch her as she gets down on the floor with Si and plays with him for hours. I always think, "man I wish I was like that." She goofs off with my kids, helping them to remain the ages they should be! Of course, as Grandma, she spoils them rotten! Every kid deserves a little spoiling.<br />
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She always cooks comfort foods. She was the one who taught me how to cook, during one of our living together stints!<br />
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She married a wonderful, wonderful man. Who is wise and knows how to put anything back together, and I do mean, anything.<br />
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She is opinionated, strong willed, and dedicated to her family. <br />
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She's the grandmother to my kiddos, the mama to my husband, and my one and <u>only</u> mother in law. On this day, I pray that God will bless her with many more years, reveal Himself to her in a way only she would ever be able to grasp, and (this one is just a teeny tiny bit selfish...) I pray that He gives her more grandchildren!!!<br />
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Happy Birthday Becky!!!<br />
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(and yes, she and I share the same name!)Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-85712556342932112422011-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:00:05.250-07:00A Few of My Favorite ThingsIs it just me or does your "favorites" list in life change? Mine does. Little Z changes his favorite color almost weekly. Right now it's yellow. Last week it was gray. For the record, my favorite color is green and I've been steadily hanging onto that one for quite sometime now!<br />
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Sometimes I like to reflect on a few of those things in life that bring a smile to my face. So here goes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Greek salads .... yum, yum, and yum</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salsa</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Andrew Peterson's song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gs3fg_WsEg"><span style="color: #274e13;">Dancing in the Minefields</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">when my husband rubs my head</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">watching for different birds outside</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">not having my house located next to a road</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">trusted friends and deep conversations</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">devising plans for homeschooling next year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday date night with my husband watching Survivor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mocha lattes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">having someone brush my hair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://njoythejourney.blogspot.com/2011/03/diesel-russian-spy-cat.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">watching Si yell at our cat</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SPRING</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">allowing myself to dream and to pursue those dreams</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">writing.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">turning up some worship music and whipping out my paints</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hiking at <a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/littlebuffalo.aspx"><span style="color: #274e13;">Little Buffalo State Park</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">sitting on the porch at my in laws house, drinking coffee</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://njoythejourney.blogspot.com/2011/02/respite.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">staying over at my in laws house</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">treasure hunting with my kids</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">amazing conversations with my 8 year old</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">watching friendships grow for my boys</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">snuggling up with Z man ~ he's a super snuggler</div><br />
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I'm not just asking this for kicks... I like to know things. What are you favorite things these days?Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-74082429950189522262011-03-31T10:52:00.000-07:002011-03-31T11:00:14.517-07:00Totally Random<a href="http://njoythejourney.blogspot.com/2011/03/diesel-russian-spy-cat.html"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Diesel</strong></span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>, caught his 3rd mouse. I'm quite proud of him.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Apparently, I still do not like mice. </strong></span><br />
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<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Diesel finds it a reward to bring the half dead thing to me, at night, <em>in our bedroom</em>.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I just spray painted a few picture frames ..... in my kitchen.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Don't tell Cory.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Once I realized that the kids might be getting h*gh from the fumes, I opened a window.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>It's 36 degrees out right now.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>We are supposed to get 2-4 inches of snow tonight.</strong></span><br />
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<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I'm hoping it's a hilarious April Fool's joke from the forecasters.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I wanted to spray paint a couple more frames.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>So I took them into the family room instead.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Remember the family room doesn't have a ceiling or a real floor.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I shut the door and am hoping that any more mice that are out and about will die from the fumes.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>We have a dear friend whom we met at FIRE, flying in tomorrow night.</strong></span><br />
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<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>She'll be staying with us for 4 nights.</strong></span><br />
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<strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I have a prayer request....</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Please, God don't let Diesel bring another mouse upstairs while she is here.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>I really want more friends to visit and stay.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>And as another one of my favorite people would put it....</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>That is all.</strong></span>Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-47209593991744891582011-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:002011-03-30T08:00:14.361-07:00More on Hospitality<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/WbxDn8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://mrg.bz/WbxDn8" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">pic courtesy of morguefile.com</span><br />
<a href="http://mrg.bz/WbxDn8"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://mrg.bz/WbxDn8</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you haven't figured it out by now, I like a little discussion on hospitality. It's an art that many people are really missing out on. So every once in awhile you get the joy of reading my ramblings on hospitality.<br />
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I have a new friend, whom I feel as though I've known forever but in truth we are just met each other last fall. She homeschools, so do I. She loves Jesus, so do I. She has a passion for the nations, duh, so do I. Her kids love my kids. My kids love hers. We're a match. She's even renovating her house. We all know that my house is a zinger of a renovation.<br />
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Now, for all my big talk on "who cares what your house looks like, it's all about the heart" stuff, I'm going to reveal to you what was going on in my mind before she came. Immediately, the normal insecurities began rearing their ugly heads a few days before her arrival. Um, the so called family room doesn't have a ceiling. The one bathroom that we are working on has mini holes and walls to be painted. The other bathroom is so scary that we never open the door to it. The dining room, does not have a ceiling or a floor. No joke! My bedroom has mismatched everything in it, including lamp shades. The steps outside to our house is a maze, with a possible fall on your face trip over things if you aren't careful. Our outside lawn has plenty of leftovers from the previous owners. The confession here: Only my closest friends have been over so far. <br />
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But, since I believe wholeheartedly in breaking bread together, I didn't want to miss the opportunity of loving on others because my house isn't perfect. So, I took a deep breath and invited her over, hoping that she could look past the imperfections and see the vision we have for the house. Of course, we had a great time together, making fresh mango salsa, discussing in depth homeschooling matters, drinking coffee and watching our children play. It was refreshing and fun and totally worth it.<br />
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My point is this, even those of us who are so called, "born with the gift of hospitality" get worried and insecure over the house, the food, the conversation, and just about anything else. Nobody has it all together. I'm telling you, we all have our own issues, worries, and things that could hold us back from loving someone else. It's worth it, to push past those moments and be vulnerable enough to have people into your home. They will be blessed. You will be blessed.Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530675231050445769.post-86575402044842817532011-03-29T08:00:00.000-07:002011-03-29T08:00:08.846-07:00Dreaming <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrg.bz/Q2hs9z" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://mrg.bz/Q2hs9z" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">pic courtesy of morguefile.com</span><br />
<a href="http://mrg.bz/Q2hs9z"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://mrg.bz/Q2hs9z</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Do you daydream? Window shop? <br />
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I had a girl who lived with me once. She talked about how she could daydream. I never, ever could get the concept down. For the life of me, I never could understand how someone could be doing dishes and be fictionalizing some sort of life. However, I'm thinking she probably has some really creative writing up her sleeve. Something that I am far from. Please, please do not ask me to write a creative book or come up with a bedtime story for the kiddos. I'm pretty sure that it is physically impossible for me to do such things.<br />
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Window shopping? Ugh... Hate. It. With. A. Passion. Do not send me out, tell me that I don't have a dime and have me stare at clothing, house goods, or whatever. What a waste of time... for me, that is.<br />
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What I can do, what I love to do, what I can't stop doing... is dreaming real life, I'm gonna do it, kind of dreams. Some may type cast people who dream as visionaries. I never saw myself as one. Still not quite sure if I am. But who cares...<br />
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I have some dreams peeps!<br />
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Like my reno house? It's gonna be a house where people from all over can come to be restored and rejuvenated, to be loved and ministered to.<br />
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My family? It's gonna have at least 5 kids in it... hopefully with different skin colors and genes!<br />
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Our finances? Is going to be at a place where we can freely and joyfully give at any moment!<br />
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Missions? I'm still gonna live in another country at some point, preferrably somewhere in the South American region. And I'm going to finally build and help others into healthy relationships with Christ!<br />
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Writing? Someday, I think I may write a book. Who knows what about, but I've got a desire, a dream of doing so.<br />
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These are just the tip of the iceberg. The dreams go deeper and are more defined. They include raising godly children into on fire adults! Taking dominion over our land and watching lives being restored. Affecting lives in deep and beautiful ways... <br />
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I have dreams, friends. Sometimes, I am reminded of them. My heart aches, my mind thinks I am crazy, and my heart holds out on to HOPE, that the dreams I have are actually all His. They will come to fruition! They will happen!Selmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09063426822952572403noreply@blogger.com1