consider the lilies...

Look at the lilies and how they grow.  

They don't work or make their clothing, 

yet Solomon in all his glory 

was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, 

He will certainly care for you.  

 

Why do you have so little faith?  

Luke 12:27-29 NLT

 

 

In our barren rental-house yard two beautiful lily stalks appeared in the most unlikely, unnoticeable part of the side yard; next to peeling peach colored paint and some stray wires that look like they used to be attached to something.  Obviously, it got me thinking.  

 

Beautiful yet totally unaware of it's surroundings.  It didn't refuse to bloom because of it's hideous location.  It didn't demand to be replanted in a neighbors yard.  It just bloomed.  I think it bloomed just to remind me that if God cares enough to make flowers, He will certainly care for me.

“What is your name, little flower, for I never saw one like you before."

The tiny plant answered at once in a tone as golden as itself,
“Behold me! My name is Acceptance-with-Joy.”

“He has brought me here... I, too, will look up into His face and say,
‘Behold me! I am thy little handmaiden Acceptance-with-Joy.’”
--Hannah Hurnard, Hind's Feet in High Places  

::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: :::

My discovery of the lilies got me looking around for other signs of fruitfulness and beauty.  I found mangoes and loquats that hang into our yard from the neighbors.  The loquats are delicious and we are all eagerly awaiting the mangoes to be ready, looks like its gonna be a bumper crop!

I wanted to introduce the newest member of the Mills crew, but unfortunately Miss Nessly is no longer with us.  She went back into the ocean via the commode.  But for about a week, we did have a pet.  And it was fun.  We may try that again sometime.

make a simple advent calendar this year!

By simple I mean ridiculously easy, very cheap, and at least mostly natural materials.  Oh, and I have one hour to do it while my three year old helps.  Can I get an Amen?

You'll need:
1.  Small muslin bags.  You can order them online here.  Tip- order more than 25 because your toddler will want to help and you'll probably mess up at least one.
2.  1 inch number stencils and spouncers.  Unless you have awesome handwriting like Kaite, in which case you can just use a paint brush.
3.  Acrylic paint.  Before going out for the perfect Christmas Red, check your stash.  I used brown and silver because I love the way they look together and I had them on hand.  Warning- this does not wash out of clothes but it does wash off the face and hands.
4.  Some kind of string or twine or ribbon.  I always keep a roll of twine handy so that's what I used.
5.  Small suction cup hooks to hang the whole strand on a glass surface.  If you don't have enough glass, try those command removable sticky hooks.  No need to put a hole in the wall just for a Christmas decoration.

The process:
Just lay out your bags and get to stenciling.  I use cleaned out baby food plastic containers for the paint but you can use anything.

Once they are dry, string one side of the drawstring through and hang on any flat surface.

Done!  Now some candy canes and some scripture verses or any trinkets you want go inside and you have a gift-a-day advent calendar. 

Now go get your baby because naptime is over and your preschooler has paint on her hands and face and needs to use the potty.

Acacia made flowers from coffee filters white I painted.  After the paint is dry, poke a hole in the middle and stick a pipe cleaner in.  Instant centerpiece:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are some resources for more information on advent calendars, background and ideas.

worship

It's easy as a Christian to slip into default mode... that is, to pursue only whatever part of following Jesus that comes somewhat easily to you.  For some it may be studying or acts of service.  For me, it's application scripture and exhortation.  I like a verse that I can take and do something with.  Check it off my list, you know... and then feel good about.
 
"Cast your cares on the Lord."  Okay!
"Be patient; bear with one another in love."  Got it.
"Do not let the sun go down on your anger." I'll stay up, no problem.

I realize trying to do all of those things in my own strength is not just ridiculous and impossible; but it relies on my strength and personal goodness.  Which, let's face it, falls a little short.  Or a lot.

Once upon a time, my life's motto was Philippians 3:10, which oddly enough is one of the books full of exhortation! Verse 9 sets the stage by calling people like me out with, "not having any self-achieved righteousness that can be called my own..." Hello, Shannon?!?!

The Amplified version for Philippians 3:10 is this:
For my determined purpose is that I may know Him.  That I may progressively become more intimately acquainted with Him; perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly....

This is where I've been for about a week now.  Totally stuck on this verse.  And in worship.  Because to KNOW Him is to LOVE Him and that results in WORSHIP.  It all just goes together.   So, here are some of my current favorite songs that have helped me refocus on Jesus.  Who He is, what He's already done for me, and some raw unfiltered awe, too.

How He Loves by JohnMark McMillan
Revelation Song by Gateway Worship
You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham

THIS is the day the Lord has made?

I will rejoice?  And be glad in it?

I should be folding this pile of laundry and then going to bed.  Are those the same clothes in that pile that I've washed, folded, and put away a gajillion times?

I've been a bit grumpy lately.  The crying, the whining, the poopy diapers, the micro-naps, the laundry, the I-can't-get-to-anything-because-Jackson-keeps-sticking-his-hands-in-the-toilet, and the cleaning... oh the cleaning. 

I haven't been blogging much partly because of my grumpiness and partly because I got Acacia this new movie, The Letter Factory, by Leap Frog and I've been letting her watch it on what was once my computer.  It's worth it, though.  Great movie; I highly recommend it. She can tell you what every letter is and what sound it makes. 

I did manage to squeeze in some DESPERATE time with God the other evening and you know what... sometimes He's just waiting to give us the boost we need.  I'm trying to work my way through the Psalms and I just *happened* to come across this awesome verse when I needed to hear it the most:

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens. 

Psalm 68:19

I guess I just needed a little perspective, a gentle reminder of His love, an encouraging word, and maybe even a "check yourself, honey".  This IS the day that the Lord has made... I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!

Sukkot! and other Mills happenings

Last Friday at sundown began my favorite Jewish holiday... Sukkot, which is sometimes referred to as the Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Ingathering. It's a little like our Thanksgiving but oh so much more!

Anyway, we built our sukkah (hut) this year for the first time. Well, we sort of built one... we used our carport and decorated it. We had an awesome time munching on homemade pizza (every Friday night is homemade pizza night at the Mills' house) and sharing what we are thankful for and marvelling at how God has provided for us. We got most of our information from the book "The Feasts of the Lord", if you're interested.

Here's some brief points of interest:
There is obviously the symbolism of God dwelling with us as the people would dwell in tents in and around Jerusalem for the week.

During Sukkot there is a water drawing ceremony (water poured onto the altar as a sacrifice) and a lighting ceremony (temple light up with torches). It was during those ceremonies that Jesus proclaimed that He Himself is "Living Water" and if anyone is thirsty they can come to Him. He also said that He is the "Light of the World".

Sukkot was often referred to as THE feast. The big one. Kind of like how we see Christmas. And you know what we do at Christmas, right? Spend ourselves into a frenzy of gift buying and decorating and all sorts of wild activity and indulge. Nothing new under the sun... this is the holiday when Jesus cleared the temple of all the vendors camped out in the courtyard that was meant for non-Jews to come and pray to God.
*********************************************

In other news, parts of the house are shaping up, thankfully. Here's the sort-of finished dining room/ multi-purpose family room.


My favorite parts are:

1. The grey walls, of course. And they way the grey and brown and white go together!!!

2. The awesome white metal pendant light fixture I scored at the ghetto thrift store for next to nothing.

3. The magnetic chalkboard with my huge calendar. Be warned, though. If you are planning on painting a chalkboard make sure the surface is smooth (yes, like a real chalkboard) or the chalk won't write very well. Imagine writing on a sidewalk versus writing on a real chalkboard.

4. Having space for all the leaves of our table.

5. Another major thrift score. That perfect fold tray wooden high chair that matches our dining chairs perfectly. It's great because Acacia can climb up and down easily but won't fall out if she's squirming. And, I can stick Jackson in it while I'm cooking and let him hang in the kitchen with me to make sure he doesn't stick his tongue in the outlet or try to get in the toilet... both of which I've seen him try.

******************************************
And finally... Jackson is making the cutest scrunched face smile these days.

but still so much left to do

We managed to get one coat of paint up in the Florida room and that's about where our house projects stopped. No, I take that back... Braj also hooked up our backyard with the coolest playhouse w/ swings... and I did some very minor gardening. It's just sooooo hard to get to anything else. My mind is flooded with all the "needs". Monday night after getting the kids down I scampered around the house cleaning up and folding the never ending pile of laundry while my mind was just reeling with a huge to-do list for this weekend.

1. second coat of paint
2. paint the ceiling, too (the creamy yellow is awful with our cool new grey)
3. install thrift store score barn pendant light fixture over dining table
4. ikea bookshelves on either side of daybed
5. curtains up in kids room and our room
6. mirror in the bathroom
7. at least a few things hung on the walls
etc., etc., etc.

I nearly drove myself mad! I laid back and this verse from Jeremiah came to me:

"They have forsaken Me – the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all."

Ahhhhhh! I have become enslaved to my perceived needs which continue to pile up and demand more from me. I think I'll trade that in for some Living Water today; and be refreshed instead.

I can deal with a creamy yellow ceiling a little while longer... but the curtains, now there's another story.

a dwelling curator

I woke up before the kids this morning and God greeted me with the most beautiful sunrise and refreshing ocean breeze. I sat on our front patio and sipped some decaf hazelnut latte and dove into Titus 2. I've been craving some wisdom/ direction as a stay-at-home mom of two little ones and I knew Titus would lend a hand. This is what I gleaned (in the order given from verses 3-5):

Verse 3 says, "teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live." The Greek word used here is hieroprepes. It is the only use in the entire Bible. This is the definition:

Appropriate for sacred persons, venerable, fitting for one involved in hallowed work. To conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for one who lives in the realm of the Divine, walking in the presence of God.

Does that blow your mind or what?! Being a mom is a sacred service to God.

We (young, stay-at-home moms) sometimes have to be reminded/ encouraged to:

1. Be sane. Sleep deprived and up to your ears in diapers with spit up all over your shirt can cause irrational behavior. God knew that.
2. Love our husbands and children. Not always as easy as one would think ;o)
3. Voluntarily place limits on our own freedom. Gulp. This has nothing to do with Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate, by the way. Ice cream helps me achieve goal #1.
4. Be pure (modest). This doesn't mean we have to dress frumpy. See #2.
5. My favorite. Be a dwelling curator. My Bible actually says "be busy at home" but I looked it up in Greek and a dwelling curator is a closer translation... with a Shannon spin.
6. Be kindhearted.
7. Adapt to our husbands. This is a very good way to act out #2.

Jesus the Spelunker

For many years I have prayed from Psalm 139 that God would not let me get away with anything. That He would go spelunking in my heart and shine His light on undiscovered bad attitudes or other hidden idols, like envy or discontentment. He always answers that prayer with a "Yes! Belay On!".

I figure if I continue to ask Him to search my heart (and really mean it), hopefully I won't discover some wild thing has been taking up residence in my heart and God has to do major surgery...spiritually. I have found it's much easier to change things if I keep a short account with God than if I pretend I'm a good church-going Christian and I don't have anything to be concerned about.

Worst possible scenario would be to get to heaven and have Jesus say, "Oh, yeah... um, Shannon, right? We had some good times in those early days, but then you wanted to do your own thing. Well, I'm glad you're here." Much better would be enter the gates of heaven wiped out and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Shannon, it is finished. Welcome into joy and rest."

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."