I was a part of the most incredible ministry experience today. Two of my friends asked if I would host with them a day titled "Selah" for four women. "Selah" basically means to "stop and listen," a hebraic concept. Four stations were set up all over their house, including: individual places to eat breakfast and lunch, a massage/spa/shower area, a station to be prayed over by my friend (Jenny) and myself, and an actual prayer room on the lake (you can see the small, one-room building where this is housed out the window of the picture). The purpose of the day was to create a space and environment that was full of peace and quietness, an environment in which the Lord could usher in His presence and speak His heart to these women. Each woman got to have about an hour at each station. We would quietly go to them at certain times and take them to the next station, with everything planned so that each woman never saw any of the others. It was an amazing day.
I found myself tearing up in the kitchen after the first woman arrived in the morning. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so tangible and my heart was awakened at the privilege of being a part of this experience. To hear how this time touched them was a joy and the fruit was evident. The last few years of my life have been quite self-focused, both because of circumstance and poor choices. I've known it for a long time and in the last few weeks, the Lord has nudged me out of this place. He is showing me that true abundance is found when we give. Financially, emotionally, physically, mentally - no matter what way it fleshes out, when we give out of our hearts, we actually find ourselves living fuller, richer, and more satisfied lives.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
Tonight, Grant is going to lower the mattress in the crib. :( Note the lamb mobile was completely knocked over to the side by Little Miss Curious during today's nap...
The living room looks like it spewed forth an array of brightly colored plastic toys and anything that rattles/shakes/lights up. The floor outlet you see behind the baby has days that are numbered and the grown-up decorations on that bottom shelf are likely to be replaced with baskets of toys in a day or two.
It seems as though Naomi is even laying claim on some of the living room furniture! She loves to sit in this chair, lean forward and bounce against the back of it.
It's such a joy to watch her develop and discover her world. And for that, we are more than happy to trade in the glass vases and candles for cabinet locks and baby gates.
Naomi is sitting up so well all by herself! (This was a purposeful lean, I believe...)
And rasperries!
