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[shmeelaj]

See How Precious

That feeling when you share something really incredible but no one else seems to get it!

Dirty Dancing, the original – lost on my kids! I mean why don’t they care that no one puts Baby in the corner!

90’s dance music – uninterested, not even a mini-head-bop.

A cup of tea coupled with chocolate digestives over hot chocolate, whipped cream and marshmallows any day.

And there is so much more……the changing seasons, laughing with family, peace and quiet, noticing, appreciation, kindness, quiet time with God.

I love those things but what I see as precious many others (particularly young people, I must say) see as boring or irrelevant.

What I have realised though is that people don’t need to understand why I love these things so much because genuine enthusiasm is contagious.

Children love to be part of their adults lives, often just being part of the moment is enough for them.

And that is the same for anyone who loves you, anyone who is part of your life – perhaps they don’t understand where you are coming from, maybe they don’t fully get it BUT they can still love the fact that you love it and that should be enough.

Don’t feel as though those things that are precious to you needs to be precious to everyone else. It is not your job to convince the whole world to love what you love.

But don’t feel as though you need to hide your excitement away from the whole world either. Just keep being you, share the inspiring stuff of life, let your preciousness be enough.

‘Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.’ (Philippians 4:8 The Message)

Tagged: precious, faith, kids, Jesus, love, enthusiasm, share

[shmeelaj]

See how precious

That feeling when you share something really incredible but no one else seems to get it!

Dirty Dancing, the original – lost on my kids! I mean why don’t they care that no one puts Baby in the corner!

90’s dance music – uninterested, not even a mini-head-bop.

A cup of tea coupled with chocolate digestives over hot chocolate, whipped cream and marshmallows any day.

And there is so much more……the changing seasons, laughing with family, peace and quiet, noticing, appreciation, kindness, quiet time with God.

I love those things but what I see as precious many others (particularly young people, I must say) see as boring or irrelevant.

What I have realised though is that people don’t need to understand why I love these things so much because genuine enthusiasm is contagious.

Children love to be part of their adults lives, often just being part of the moment is enough for them.

And that is the same for anyone who loves you, anyone who is part of your life – perhaps they don’t understand where you are coming from, maybe they don’t fully get it BUT they can still love the fact that you love it and that should be enough.

Don’t feel as though those things that are precious to you needs to be precious to everyone else. It is not your job to convince the whole world to love what you love.

But don’t feel as though you need to hide your excitement away from the whole world either. Just keep being you, share the inspiring stuff of life, let your preciousness be enough.

‘Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.’ (Philippians 4:8 The Message)

[shmeelaj]

Do you sometimes ask yourself why you bother? I want my children to be thoughtful, kind, strong, peace-loving adults. I want them to have healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthy spirits. I want them to love the life they live, not plod through their adult days lunging from one weekend to the next! Don’t we all dream those dreams for our children? Having rules and setting boundaries is good for people – young and old. If you think of a fence around a large field it is there to keep you within its safe confines. It is not there to frustrate you or hinder you or stifle you. It is there because there maybe danger on the other side of it. That is the reason for the rules. And on a good day I can remind myself of that. But some days, especially at the end of term, I just have to give it up and let it go. Because being a good parent is tiring, it does drain you, it is relentless. If you are in the same place as me then be encouraged by this fact: Digging a tunnel with a teaspoon may take a long time and it maybe be back-breaking work, you may not see any results for a long time and it can be soul destroying and utterly exhausting BUT with persistence and consistency it will, in the end, yield a tunnel. Rest assured, all your efforts will eventually be worth it. Keep on Digging! Read the full blog at https://RebelPathways.com/rebel-kids1 https://www.instagram.com/p/B2WuqVxH6KA/?igshid=y623kvp4d0oi

[shmeelaj]

Please don't shout at me - I know it is only September - but Christmas is just around the corner and I have to get these cards illustrated and @RebelPathways shop ready! I am loving illustrating this years cards way more than last years. Last year was watercolour, loads of editing, using all the basic tools and limited knowledge I had. This year I am quicker, I have some knowledge and experience under my belt and I am all digital! I can't wait to hear feedback on which you guys prefer. I best get them finished then!! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing #rebelpathways #christmasaroundthecorner #christmascards (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ROinXHAWe/?igshid=4lbz6mj8od26

[shmeelaj]

Do you know someone collecting exam results this week? If so, hopefully it will be the reward for years of hard work but for some those results bring disappointment. We would do well to remind our people that the 'hard work' part was the important part, that all that effort has not gone to waste, that some of the lessons learned can not be measured by any exam. Let your people know that they are valuable and precious and have more smarts than just book learning - whatever the results turn out to be. www.rebelpathways.com/shop #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing #bibleart #Jesus #rebelpathways #rebelfaith #rebelyouth (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1GPvpTHVfp/?igshid=w9m903eklm6a

[shmeelaj]

"Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound" In case you missed it - summer holiday break is here! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing #amazinggrace (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0l24-YnRX6/?igshid=16k2bhp6p1n6u

[shmeelaj]

Summer holidays - bring on all those adventures, time to explore the world and bond as a family. Time to live your real life now that the inconvenience of school is out the way for 6 whole weeks. Or, if you are like us, time to snuggle on the sofa, devices in hand, film on the box However you do your summer have a great one! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing #rebelpathways #shameelajones (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QIS20n1wh/?igshid=13l490l1qyjlq

[shmeelaj]

Summer holidays - bring on all those adventures, time to explore the world and bond as a family. Time to live your real life now that the inconvenience of school is out the way for 6 whole weeks. Or, if you are like us, time to snuggle on the sofa, devices in hand, film on the box However you do your summer have a great one! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing #rebelpathways #shameelajones (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QIPpSHcFv/?igshid=176loxmhm62kz

[shmeelaj]

We are so sad to say farewell to a lovely teacher from Anton Juniors today. She has been at the school for a whopping 29 years (apparently - but it doesn't seem possible), has taught all of my girls and she has been loved by each of them. I am particularly sad because she is one of the few adults that I am actually taller than 🤭 Bye Bye Mrs Berry 😰 We love you!!! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EEjeOnrUx/?igshid=18dhqjyy77rxi

[shmeelaj]

We are so sad to say farewell to a lovely teacher from Anton Juniors today. She has been at the school for a whopping 29 years (apparently - but it doesn't seem possible), has taught all of my girls and she has been loved by each of them. I am particularly sad because she is one of the few adults that I am actually taller than 🤭 Bye Bye Mrs Berry 😰 We love you!!! #illustrationart #illustration #illustrator #illustrations #childrensillustration #childrensbooks #bookillustration #kidsillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #art #artwork #instaart #instadaily #artists #paint #picture #drawing (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EEhG_Hji3/?igshid=1i1n4jnfg2svf

[shmeelaj]

If you want to say thankyou to kind-hearted, hard-working teacher for all their efforts with your child or children this year have a look at our range of 'Thankyou Teacher' cards. With inspiring quotes or a simple 'Thankyou' they can send just the right message. The full rang is viewable at Visit the shop page at www.rebelpathways.com #thankyouteacher #art #illustration (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz7sb7yHSu0/?igshid=m2zu4e6x8899

[shmeelaj]

If you want to say thankyou to kind-hearted, hard-working teacher for all their efforts with your child or children this year have a look at our range of 'Thankyou Teacher' cards. With inspiring quotes or a simple 'Thankyou' they can send just the right message. The full rang is viewable at Visit the shop page at www.rebelpathways.com #thankyouteacher #art #illustration (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz7sYZzn0kB/?igshid=1wodmpq8mrd2e

[shmeelaj]

We are yet to actually taste Percols Coffee on a Mission BUT they are a company trying to do the right thing and that in itself is worth many brownie points. Plastic free packaging 👏👏👏 As they say.....let's give it a try 😊 #percol #bionaorganic #biona #plasticfreeliving #fairtrade (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0LjvbnKkZ/?igshid=1a6qndx1ry7xf

[shmeelaj]

This Nutella alternative was very well received by the fussiest eater in our family. As it is palm oil free and supplied in a glass jar I am nearly 100% happy to recommend it to you (the lid is still plastic).....but it's nearly there 👍🏽 #plasticfreeliving #palmoilfree #rebelhealth #rebelpathways (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0LKbmnpl-/?igshid=h9zz6i4ycpxk

[shmeelaj]

We are so excited to show you our new range of notepads. These are A5 in size, printed on recycled beer mats and fully made from post-consumer upcycled materials. They cost £4.50 - a bargain for beautiful notepads that love the planet! Any Rebel image can be put on a notepad OR you can send us one of your own images 😊 www.rebelpathways.com #ecostationery #recycled #illustration #notebooks #rebelpathways (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzxIDqRn4ms/?igshid=1q0xgr4x0d7ku

[shmeelaj]

We are so excited to show you our new range of notepads. These are A5 in size, printed on recycled beer mats and fully made from post-consumer upcycled materials. They cost £4.50 - a bargain for beautiful notepads that love the planet! Any Rebel image can be put on a notepad OR you can send us one of your own images 😊 www.rebelpathways.com #ecostationery #recycled #illustration #notebooks #rebelpathways (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzxH9K4nQbS/?igshid=16mz1ligadg8p

[shmeelaj]

I don't know whether this should be called 'not ready for 7am' or 'I need to get some black-outs' It was inspired by all my girls, especially my youngest who, when told it's time to get up, will just scrunch her eyes tighter shut and shake her head. So this is the 'end of term, nearly at summer holidays' feeling in our house currently. How are you feeling at this time of year? #art #childrensbooks #illustration #bookillustration #rebelpathways (at Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzsgHMfH0tk/?igshid=kfiuzecq6m90