Author Archives: kamillecscellick

Where I Have A Confession on My Hospitable Skills

going with a new banner as well

I have a confession to make.  You might think I’m great at extending hospitality by reading my words, or coming into my home.  But, honestly, I am a failure at it time & again.  God humbles me when reading the words of Jesus preparing a breakfast of bread & fish for his friends as I recall not making the most of the opportunity I was given just the day before.  

Here is Jesus with such intentionality & purpose on the shore, calling out to his friends to try the other side of the boat.  Tired & worn out, they follow the words of this stranger to realize it’s their Lord.  Hauling back the hefty net of fish they are welcomed to a well tended fire.  Yesterday in the sermon, the visual of the well tended fire struck me the most.  

How do you fill that Jesus Shaped Hole in your Heart?

It’s not uncommon to hear my oldest daughter say to me, “Thank you V for setting the table!,” which is her specifically telling you how you can give her affirmation.  I laugh to Ben and remark, “She has a black hole of affirmation and I don’t know if it can ever be filled.”   AndContinue reading “How do you fill that Jesus Shaped Hole in your Heart?”

Fresh Pineapple with Lime Zest & Raw Honey (Easter Recipes)

 

Food hasn’t tasted quite as good these past months, which is a bummer since I live by the mantra, “I live to eat!”  Truly, I love to eat.  I love food.  One of the reasons I love my gym is because I’m surrounded by my people (those that don’t shy away from eating).  But, what does a pregnant woman do when eating fluctuates, taste buds diminish and then Lent pops up?  

Take comfort that this too shall pass and hope by the time Spring arrives, the taste bud glory will return.  I’m beginning to see this, especially after slicing the fresh pineapple with my oldest hovering for a taste.  The girls complain that I put the lime zest, but I assure them that honey drizzled over it will make it come alive.  Our lunch consisted of Roasted Mustard Cauliflower, deviled eggs & this naturally sweet delight.  We agreed the pineapple won the gold.  

Loving Your Introvert: Thoughts from an Extroverted Mama

 

These girls of mine couldn’t be more different. As they bounce, climb & jump. Slide, bump & crash on the inflated air of plastic, with hair spun back like a weavers tapestry making conversation in their own unique way.

As I stood outside of that chain-linked wall, holding the tape recorder while looking into a sea of children, hoping for at least one friend. So she stands with her Baa Baa the lamb, enticing little girls her size into conversation. She’s like a veteran captain taming the waves with her confidence & know-how of people. Her stature exudes confidence that is brilliant. When confronted with the sea of strangers, she dives in deeper.

While her older sister imbues a cautious observation. One I know. To scan the scenery before plunging forth; yet, she differs by being content on her own. I, on the other hand, scan…observe, in order to make a move.

Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies with Orange Zest

Ben & I are entering into our first time counseling gig.  I humor myself calling it a gig.  We have the privilege of serving as a guiding couple to three non-married & non-engaged couples through our church’s pre-engagement course.  
It’s a 10 week class, where the couples answer lots of questions, fill out family history background & work through a lot the hidden dimensions of marriage.  They get to see whether this significant other is compatible for them to make the big step of engagement.  And I realize a “pre-engagement” class sounds rather odd compared to the widely known, “pre-marital.”  

The NEW Adam Restores

  

You do not desire a sacrifice or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

                                                              –Psalm 51:16 & 17

At the breakfast table, Tay has realized she enjoys scrambled eggs more than eggs with yolk, while V is ritualistic with her two eggs with yolk.  I sit with my triple shot Americano, splash of HWC and eggs.  I open up the yellow book.  We know it as the Jesus Storybook Bible. 

We finished reading from the beginning to the end in the Fall, and I recently picked it back up.  Just days before Ash Wednesday, we read of Eve believing the serpent’s lies and falling prey to facade of glory he would offer her.  The girls asking questions about the fruit, the snake, why they would have to leave the garden, and the sadness in God’s heart.