Let's stop giving crap away!

I read the most amazing blog post on We Are THAT Family today. You can read it here. It was awesome for a number of reasons:
1. I literally just finished a conversation with my parents (they like to put me on speaker phone, which I hate, so the three of us can chat) about helping some charitable organizations to become sustainable and what that would look like. We talked about consuming less so we have more to give. I pointed out that for a mere $15/work day we could support another entire family in Ethiopia and that family would be able to afford things they never dream of, but that we Americans think are necessities. We talked about micro loans and helping widows buy animals so they can support their families. We even dared to dream a bit about what the future may look like if an organization could become sustainable and no longer rely on inconsistent monthly donations. Finally, we considered the practicality of all of this in our daily lives and what we need to do to make it happen - less talk, more do is what I like to say. What can we do today to make the future a little brighter for the orphans in Madagascar & Ethiopia? Those are just two of the places we've made connections. My Dad summed it up with this statement, "Crucify the flesh." And with that our 10 minute window was up and Mom had an incoming call.
2. In the above mentioned conversation, my Mom mentioned a place in Kenya, which she thought was called Mercy House, that she wanted to look into. I didn't think twice about it - we always have another organization or charity that we are looking into and dreaming of ways we can help. After the conversation abruptly ended, I clicked onto Facebook and saw that an old friend had posted an article title, "Dear World, let's stop giving our crap to the poor!" Well that intrigued me and I clicked. First sentence in I read "Mercy House" in Kenya. Wait a minute, I feel like I just heard that name. I didn't even have to go searching to know more about Mercy House, the info found me. Cool.
3. And now for the most important reason this article was awesome - it was TRUE! The article talked about rich, spoiled (I added that part) Americans sending their leftovers to the poor and thinking they did the world a favor. What is wrong with us? Seriously? Why do we think it's okay to give our rags to the very people Jesus told us to care for? Is that what we think Jesus would do if he were in our position? I think not. Why are we so connected to our stuff that we aren't willing to lay it aside for the sake of another? God help us. God help me. I don't want to be this person. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Please hear my heart. I'm not saying you have to give away designer fashion or high end whatever, I'm simply saying let's give our best, not our worst. Let's give generously. Let's live generously. Let's deny ourselves of our riches and give to the least of them. Let's wear the same pair of jeans until they wear thin so someone else can eat one meal today. Let's give whatever God asks of us in order to care for another. Most importantly, let's ask God what it is that He would have us give. We all have something to give. Ask Him and be obedient. God, help me to give generously, to live a generous lifestyle, to crucify my flesh so others can simply live.

And if you haven't already, go read the blog post that started this whole rant!

Uncommon - where it all began

A few years ago my Mom, a couple close friends & I had this burning desire to have a women's event that was different from the norm (shocking, I know). We had been through it all - the hype, the emotion, the "deeply spiritual" prayer conferences, the girls' weekend laugh it up types and everything in between. Some of those have their place and well, we felt like some were just weird (nothing like a little honesty), but none of them were what we felt God was asking us to do. So, we prayed and worked and prayed and dreamed. We wanted an event where women shared about their real world experiences and revelations in serving Christ, a place where women would learn what it meant to live for Jesus everyday in the little things and the big things. We wanted a safe, open, honest atmosphere that would lend itself to vulnerability so relationships could be built. Out of all that came Uncommon.

This is our third year hosting Uncommon and I'll venture to say it's the hardest. One of our dearest friends who started Uncommon with us has gone to be with Jesus. She was passionate about reaching women and showing them Jesus. She was instrumental in all the behind the scenes work that goes into putting on an event like this, but more importantly, her prayers were deep and heartfelt for those whom God would bring. Her death left us hollow, empty and in shock. Some days I still don't believe it's true. We didn't talk about what if she wasn't with us this year, I never imagined that could happen. I hear her voice when I sing her favorite songs and I see her eyes when something goes awry. I hear her gentle encouragement and strength in the midst of hard things. Through it all, I know I don't get to know why and I can only rest in knowing that God knew what would happen and His plan is bigger than mine. I know that my dear friend would have wanted us to seek God all the more. She would have wanted us to continue Uncommon with a greater fervor and diligence than ever before. It was of this event that she once said she knew without a doubt that she was really doing what God had for her. So, we press on. We remember her legacy and rejoice that one day we will see her in glory.

And now, my friends, I invite you to join us for Uncommon 2014 as together we pursue a deeper understanding of what it means to give your life away. Come, bring friends and build relationships with other women who are seeking a life that would bless our Father's heart.

Set the world on FIRE

This song, Set the World on Fire, by Brit Nicole has been rolling around in my head for a while now. I'm not especially fond of the repetitive melody, but the words are powerful. "I want to set the world on fire until it's burning bright for you. It's everything that I desire. Can I be the one you use?"

Believe it or not, there are days when I feel like life is passing me by. I think to myself, "I want to do something great in this life, but I'm too busy changing diapers, potty training and trying to keep something clean. When will my time come?"

Sometimes I have to step back and realize that setting the world on fire is done one day at a time, one life at a time, one moment at a time. It could be that love that I show my children that will actually change the world. It could be that God is building something in me and preparing me for the future as I am challenged by one more mess. It could be that God already knows exactly where I am and what He wants me to do. It could be that I need to learn to be content and trust God. I'm guessing the latter is exactly true.

Finding contentment in the mundane tasks of life isn't easy, but I believe that if we can learn to be content in whatever situation we are in we will be a greater influence to those around us and then God can really use us. As the Word says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

Teach me Lord.

Just another day in the life

Oh baby, it's been a looooonnnggg week! We've had one sick little man here. Liam caught a nasty cough and the poor boy has been coughing until he throws up! (Gross, sorry about that) Finally, last night he only woke up 11:00pm to cough and then slept for the rest of the night. You know what that means? I SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! For the first time in forever, literally like 9 months, I got to sleep all night. Hallelujah.

Waking up rested is a beautiful thing, but I'm still like a trapped rat since we've been trying not to share our germs with anyone else. I'm a little sick of staring at these walls. I don't want to clean even though I should (story of my life) and I don't really want to do any other work either. I actually would like to make an escape and leave all my mini's behind for a few hours.... just wait until Bill gets home. Ha!

In other news, our little Norah had an awesome visit with her therapist today. At  just over 7 months she is working on her army/combat crawl. She's totally rocking it! I was so proud of her as I watched the therapist work with her and be amazed by all she could do. Even though Norah had a rough start, she's developing beautifully. It's so awesome to see how God can turn what the devil meant for harm into something beautiful. Norah is just that - pure beauty.

This is the glamorous life of a stay at home mom, people. I'm livin' it up big time!

Lyrics

Music is a big part of who I am. It doesn't matter what kind of day I had, what is really going on in my life (you know, the stuff no one else knows about), how upset or angry I am, how exhausted I feel or anything else, when I walk into church and sit at the keyboard to worship everything else falls by the wayside. It's like I'm completely at ease and can just rest in that place.

Music is such an amazing gift God has given us. It has the power to change our moods and take us to a totally different place. I feel like there are theme songs for many different periods in my life - songs that take me right back to a specific time period. Most of the songs I love are worship songs and well, I can't lie - I'm a Hillsong LOVER! I've been with Darlene Zschech since my early days. I'm pretty sure I was the only 14 year old listening to "Shout to the Lord 2000" while traveling across the country in a bus for a high school competition.

In recent months, Darlene's new album Revealing Jesus has been a favorite. During our daughter, Norah's days in the NICU I would blast that album as I drove back and forth to be with her. Songs like In Jesus' Name and Victor's Crown got me through. Lately, this song, Jesus at the Center, has captured my attention. The lyrics are beautiful (posted below the link).

Jesus at the center of it all

Jesus at the center of it all

From beginning to the end

It will always be, it's always been you, Jesus

Jesus, nothing else matters

Nothing in this world will do

Jesus you're the center

Everything revolves around you

Jesus, you (at the center of it all)

Jesus at the center of my life

Jesus at the center of my life

From beginning to the end

It will always be, it's always been you, Jesus

Jesus, nothing else matters

Nothing in this world will do

Jesus you're the center

Everything revolves around you

Jesus, you

From my heart to the heavens

Jesus be the center

It's all about you

Yes, it's all about you (repeat)

Jesus be the center of your church

Jesus be the center of your church

And every knee will bow

And every tongue shall confess you, Jesus

Jesus (repeat)

Is it even possible?

Today, I was in my typical mommy mode when my sister stopped by as she does most days to say hello to the kids and see what treats linger in the pantry. She walked into a total war-torn, disastrous, toy covered living room, complete with a big box I had yet to open and everyone in their pj's (it was only 10:00am, haha).  This very familiar scene doesn't faze her in the least; she steps past all the mess and says, "Who wants a treat?!" as she scoops up one of the little ones.

As we make our way into the kitchen and the boys go wild telling Favorite (yes, my sister has the kids trained to call her Favorite - they don't even know her actual name) which treat they'd like and how many, I follow behind trying to clean up a few of the toys left behind and clear the path. The kids enjoy their treat and Favorite searches the fridge for something more substantial. Finally, she looks up at me and says, "Why do you even bother cleaning up after them all the time? They just make more mess. Just leave it!" "You are right," I say, "I've been thinking all I do is chase the kids around most of the day trying to clean up and get them to clean up after themselves. It's a lost cause."

As afternoon went on I did manage to clean up the living room, vacuum and sweep the floor, along with a couple other minor things. Side note: when I told Liam to help me clean the living room he asked who was coming over! I thought to myself, "Does anyone with three little kids actually have a clean house? Is it even possible? Am I striving in vain? How could anyone really keep it all clean for more than a few hours?"

Here's the thing - no one is perfect. Why do we try to pretend to be? Why do we think that our homes have to be in tip top shape if we are ever going to have anyone over? Why do I panic when people randomly drop by? Why do I think they will think less of me if they know my house is a mess? WHY DO I CARE? Well, that opens a whole new can of worms.

We care because we want people to perceive us a certain why. We want them to think we are someone that either we are not or that we aspire to be. The truth is that other people are probably well aware that we aren't perfect and they've chosen to like us anyway! No one likes someone who is actually perfect because they don't exist! And if you think they do, I'm telling you, it's only an act.

Instead of striving for perfection, let's be real. Let's talk about how hard it is to keep up with housework and 3 little kids. Let's talk about how we'd rather do 100 other things besides clean the house (hello, that's me!). And let's show some grace and love when we see each other's flaws because we all have them! A little honesty and grace go a long way.

Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to post a picture of our daily chaos, but today is not that day. Good night!

Welcome

This blog has been a long time coming. Most who will read this post know me personally and know that I have another blog already Sela Designs, but I wanted a place to write about real, everyday life. I want to be able to share the joys, hard times, lessons learned, recipes, humanitarian efforts and everything else that goes along with this crazy life of mine. This is my place.

A little history - I'm 28 years old. I have been married to my husband, Bill, for nearly 8(!) years. We have 3 beautiful babies - Liam, Henry & Norah. I am a God lovin' woman, a worship leader and a jewelry creator (in my spare time). We love our family and spending time together.

Oh, I almost forgot; I'm also a stay at home mom. Let me tell you, this is the hardest job I've ever had and it comes with many challenges and joy. I'm guessing there will be many posts here about that.

We are seriously passionate about James 1:27 "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world."  I want to live with an eternal perspective and take God at His Word. If I say that I believe God is who He says He is, which I do, then I can't live for this world: I have to live like I'm heaven bound. The only thing I can take to heaven with me are people. My prayer is that God would show me how to be His hands and feet to the world around me so I can show His love and live like Jesus did.

Those are some pretty big words. I can't tell you I know exactly how to live this out, but I want to learn. I hope you'll join me in this journey and we can "spur each other on to love and good works."