Another Game!!!

OK everybody! A prize goes to the person who can figure out who said this:

"Yes, it's embarrassing to be born again, but imagine how embarrassing it must have been to be born the first time. At least this time you get to wear clothes!"

I will post a clue in the next couple of days for those of you who need it.

Good luck!
(I haven't decided on a prize yet)

Just Sitting Here

Thank You for life:
Tiny heart that beats so fast.
Soul never-dying.

Thank You for children:
Innocence and potential.
Thank You for the precious green-eyed child
I held tonight.

Where they are hungry,
and naked:
Your body,
Let me be alive.

Where they are dying
a hopeless life:
Awake my spirit,
let me not sit in apathy.

To touch,
Sing.
Move.
Love.

Because,
"Love is a movement." (Switchfoot)
and it is not.--

Me
Just sitting here
Being selfish.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

And a Happy New Year to each of you.

May Jesus be the light of your Christmas .
MillieJo

Now, music!

Hey everyone, I've added a Project Playlist music player to my blogsite. Now you are able to listen to a few songs I like when you visit my page. Just go down to the bottom and click play. You are also able to click on a different song if you don't like the one that plays first. Enjoy!

milliejo

Praying and Waiting

Praying and waiting.

I hear missionaries do these two things a lot. I'm good with the praying. There always seems to be plenty to talk about with my King-Papa. But I am not very good at the waiting.

It seems like it's been ages since I applied for work with the IMB, and even longer since I felt the call of God and began to try my hand at obeying. Sometimes it is hard to know what to do while I wait. Sometimes it is difficult to keep a clear focus.

It is Christmas time already. Jesus is the reason for everything. I'm so glad he was born. I'm so glad that instead of loving us through some far-off spiritual means of salvation He showed us true Love by sharing in our human experience. He felt pain, beauty, art, grief, attraction, joy, affection, fatigue, sickness, friendship, frustration, misunderstanding, betrayal. Jesus knew exactly how to wait. "The things concerning me have an end."

milliejo

hold your horses

First of all, hold your horses. I rarely share any political views, so please bear with me and give me the respect I will give you: the respect of not taking politics personally.

That said, look at what the socialist bent has discovered: catechism! Ignorance of the truth these democrats know has lost many a believer's child. No wonder the devil desires the reigns of America's public schools!

http://littledemocrats.net/index.html

MillieJo

Yay, Snow!

Today, little things bring us happiness.

Snow and ice,
Hot tea and warm soup,
A new rug beside the fresh Christmas tree,
Christmas plans,
Puppet skits (mo and I are working on one),
Children's quips,
Soda pop and
MUSIC.

Home is good, because Jesus is hope.
Without Christmas there would be no hope, no purpose, no Africa for me.
Thank you my King!!

finger paints

I think I've finally found my art medium. I told my 4 year old brother that I'd paint with him, and a grand adventure ensued.

YAY GOD

YAY GOD!

My sister is feeling better. My sister is home.

Everyone, thank you for praying.
MillieJo

My Sister

Hey could you all please pray for my sister? She is in the hospital, and I hate to see her sick.

Thank you so much.
MillieJo

Something, Finally.

I've finally feel like I'm getting somewhere in this long missions project.

My passport has come.
My application is finished, and my references requested.
I've nearly picked out my jobs.
And I've taken my first round of vaccinations.

I know that God is still at work in the unseen things even when it seems like I am not getting anything done. I know He has been at work in my heart, changing it, preparing and renewing me.

But it sure is nice to see something happening.

YLCF/Fall

Young Ladies Christian Fellowship is one of my favorite places to go online. Wednesday's post was especially touching. It is about Autumn, change, and trusting our Heavenly Father with our brokenness. It is worth your time.

http://www.ylcf.org/

I'm working with my dad for a few days. Hopefully I'll be back to blogging with a little more thought soon.

MillieJo

at home and away

Very much at home, my heart is in Africa. If you have the time to read this article, you may know why.

Soon I will be there. So I treasure my home moments.

Amid the family bustle of Thanksgiving I have had very little time for blogging. Hopefully I will be back to my online journal soon.

milliejo

Painting with Leftovers

Look for some pics coming up! Cher and I are painting our upstairs bathroom with leftover paint. It is interesting, and fun.

Hopefully tonight we can get done!

milliejo

On the edge

Today all I have is a perspective on what some would call "on the edge" Christian living.

I guess the first issue to address is the fact that "liberal" and "conservative" are relative terms. What is liberal/conservative to the Southern Baptist denomination is different from what is liberal/conservative to say, the Anglicans.

And then there is the issue of legalism. Legalism in the narrow sense simply means following the rules strictly. (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/legalism) However in Christian circles, legalism has come to mean the attitude that focuses on pleasing God through perfect obedience and good works, instead of working to obey Him out of love and thankfulness for His already finished work of redemption. It encompasses everything from whole lives built around this attitude, to small choices built on it.

There is an opposite extreme to legalism. It is not using our liberty in Christ as a cloke for vice (1 Pet 2:15-16) as the legalistic would possibly suppose. It is using our liberty to serve our King out of love; a liberty that desires to please Him in every way, whether easy or hard, popular or rejected. It is loving like Christ loved, with a meekness that will follow the will of the Father to death cheerfully.

Sometimes a heart genuinely desiring to please God out of love is mistaken as being legalistic because his or her understanding or standards are not the same as another's. Sometimes the opposite happens and believer is mistakenly thought to be using his liberty as a cloke for vice. The center of the issue is Christ. Do we know Him?

Colossians 2 is a wonderful place to turn with questions about this.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses...Therefore let no one pass judgement on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

An interesting topic to investigate, and profitable, if it turns me to Christ, and to my insufficiency and His all-sufficiency.

Jesus, teach me more.

King-Papa

I was able to spend today with my close sister. It is always a blessing to be with her, especially when we get time to visit about life: about love. About God. God has provided for me in every way, giving me close relationship, friendship, love. He is so worthy!

But I couldn't face my life tomorrow
Without Your hope in my heart, I know.
I can't live a day without You.
Lord, there's no night and there's no morning
Without your loving arms to hold me
You're the heartbeat of all I do
...I can't live a day without You.
~Avalon

Jesus, it is so true. Why do I try to have good on my own? King-Papa! All I need is to come to you. I need so much. I need a redeemer. Thank you for giving your word of life to me.

Isaiah 54

Death

Today it isn't a pretty post. To share only the good feels dishonest.

I come from a small community, with around 800 people living in town. It's an agricultural area, though, so there are more residents than 800. Everyone knows everyone else, and sometimes your problem becomes his, and hers and theirs. It is a true community, where people may talk about you one day, but if you are ever in trouble, there they all are with help, casseroles, comfort.

And my town is dead. I mean spiritually. It is dry, hard like dry mud on a well trodden road. Jesus just doesn't seem to sink in. Worship in the churches feels so alone. God isn't very welcome.

And everyone wonders why we have problems. Pain. Bad Results.

Another young man was killed driving drunk early this morning. More than once a year, it seems, my community loses one or more young people to alcohol. Instantly, the boy's soul was in eternity. No more chances. Another mother and father lost their little child. Pain.

Jesus, You bore our death because You love us. Bring Your life, please, to someone in my town. Let nothing be in vain. Let not death's pain be for naught.

And thank You, thank You, thank You, that for Your Body, for the Church, for ME, Death has lost it's sting.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Deny himself

Ok, today all I have is a question. Have I denied myself today?

And he said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

What does it mean to "take up [my] cross"? What is my cross? Things that come to mind are suffering, meekness (which means being willing to be exactly where God wants you no matter the cost), obedience, hmm...

Of course, the next verses bring only more questions:

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"

Just something to chew on. Meditate on. Dwell on. Luke seems to have a lot of that. This came from chapter nine, starting at verse twenty-three.

MillieJo

direction

I know, it has been forever since I made a post.

I had a bacterial thingy--a nasty thingy-- that made my body and mind struggle for breath. Really. Even my lungs. But let us be praising God for antibiotics! He is so good. There are so many people in the world without access to these wonders, these drugs. We in America ought to be counting our blessings.

So suddenly it is November, and my thoughts are turning toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, toward holidays and home. It has been a long time since I spent my fall at home, not caught up in a whirlwind of school activity. The silence has been good for me.

Yet it has not always been silent. I must remember that even when my life slips away from beneath me in spite of all my planning, Jesus is still at the helm. I have plenty of work yet to do. My job is to do it faithfully, while remembering that Jesus is the one who truly does the work.

That is the danger of direction. So I am called to Africa. So what do I do with that calling? I can't ignore it--God is too big. I could try to accomplish it myself--I am too little. Only I can follow God, seek Him, love Him.

And really, I don't want to spend a minute of my life not basking in His love, His presence. Yet, shamefully, I seem to spend almost every minute in forgetfulness, in the spell of "busy," ignoring the joyful, bountiful, delight of Jesus Himself.

Forgive me Jesus-King.

Idea

Definition:

Here

MillieJo

Mountains

OK...

So I'm going to have to post pictures of my spinning in a week or two. Because I'm going elk hunting with my Daddy in my favorite little piece of the Rockies.

I am very excited about having a few days out where God seems so real and the world so vague.

The food is good too, believe it or not. My Dad is quite ingenious. We've had hot casseroles, hot soup, tasty sandwiches, cereal and milk (one of my favorite foods) and other yummies in the past. And let's not forget the hot drinks! Tea, tang, chocolate...MMMmmm! I'm sure it will be just as good this time!

Try not to miss me too much!

MillieJo

My Wheel

This is my spinning wheel. Just thought you would like a preview. More about that later...

MillieJo

Housework

It's fall cleaning time at my house, and I'm busy, busy with wet-vacuuming furniture.

It always feels good to make the house pretty.

We got a new computer that is much less of a hassle for pictures, so perhaps sometime next week I'll be able to post some pictures of my spinning stuff.

Happy Fall!
MillieJo

Crazy

My life seems like a crazy, delicious whirlwind of change directed by that still, small voice.

Please pray for me as I enter into a time of waiting mixed with action.

Please pray that I will listen to God.
And that He will guide my steps.
And that I will trust Him.

He is soo good, so worthy of my faith.

Praise you Jesus! For taking my debt, and my life, and giving me Yourself. I love you!

Stars

It's Fall, and the stars are changing. Maybe it is the earlier nightfall that has made the biggest difference in the way they look for me. Or maybe it is just their slowly changing positions.

Last night the clouds obstructed my view, but the night before that, they were big and bright in a dark, dark sky.

Scorpio is starting to set quickly in the evening, but it's red star is so red! And the big dipper is right side up--a big change from summertime. I've been particularly tickled with my ability to see the constellations just south of Cassiopeia. It is neat to see the huge constellation Pegasus.

There are still a lot of constellations that I don't know, but it is always fun to learn new ones. What are your favorite constellations? Are any of you star-freaks? Who's been stargazing since summer??

Can't wait for your comments! Have fun looking at those stars. You know, they are the same ones Abraham saw!

MillieJo

Some Things

Some things that make me feel free are:

Walking...alone in the evening

Watching the sun set

Knowing God loves me anyway

Thunderstorms

Remembering that it doesn't matter what anyone thinks, except my King-Papa

When the wind blows flower petals away

Knowing it is because of my utter incompetence that God is able to work in me

Being out of school

Not knowing the future, just trusting

Winning a game of rummy against my mom

The changing seasons

God's power and peace

Reading the gospels

Pretending

My sister who is seven and I were pretending.

She has 45 kids. And there is a very interesting twist. Her oldest child is 37 and I, her older sister, am only 31 (in the game of course. I'm not really that old!).

Suddenly she mentioned that she has 30 kids.

me: "What? Where did the other 15 go?"
her: "They just went out with baby Carrie --she's only three-- and I told them to be home for supper, but they are not."
me: "Why, aren't you worried??"
her: (suddenly realizing she should be worried, and assuming the proper facial expression) "Oh, yes I can't even sleep at night. And I have 45 bedrooms."
me: "have you called the cops?"
her: "Oh, yes. But they've looked everywhere and can't find them."
me: "Well what about your husband, is he looking for them?"
her: "I hadn't thought of that!"

I guess her kids were finally found in the grocery store.

Oh the wonderful world of pretend...even if one doesn't have a solid concept of numeric values.

YAY!!!

I got my passport today! I am SO excited. This means that I am more prepared to act when the way is revealed to me. I must admit, it is a great comfort to know that at least this one thing is accomplished.

It is beautiful: beautiful proof of my identity and US Citizenship. Even if it does bear the ugliest picture of me possible.

This is a good day.

Vision

Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart.
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night.
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word,
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord.
Thy my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only first in my heart.
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won.
May I reach heaven's joys, Oh bright heaven's sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall:
Still be my vision, O ruler of all!

Internet Down!!!

Ok guys. I'm sorry about the long delay between posts. Part of it is because of me. Part of it is not. Because, although I have been rather caught up in my God-happenings and my life, the internet has been down at my house. This is simply a good excuse for not doing what I wasn't going to do anyway.

Yet here I am. Posting again.

My news is sketchy. My life right now is one of balancing family and my personal (rather intense at the moment) walk with God. As I look deeper into what I believe He is calling me to, I find more and more problems and emotions that have to be dealt with.

Because leaving one's home to serve overseas is not a simple task. It is going to be an adventure, for sure: an exercise of faith. And I need your prayers.

I think that God is calling me to Africa. It is so sweet when I sense in my spirit His Voice. But there is also a challenge to my faith, because Africa is the last place in the world I would have chosen for myself.

Please pray for me. That I will stand firm and not succumb to sin. That I will be in prayer, close to my King, so I can hear Him. That I will trust, and that God will provide. And for my wisdom. Protection. Faith.

I guess right now my life is all about faith, about trusting. And what better person to be trusting in than our Savior?!!? For if I can rely on Him for my very-real, very-eternal destiny, surely He is able to provide for my physical needs.

And He will provide. His yolk is easy, and His burden it light.

Light.

Blank

Yes, it's my mind. That is blank.

Or perhaps it is overwhelmed. Like a computer that has so much to think about it locks up. Like an assembly line missing parts near the beginning. Like a restaurant short on cooks.

I feel like I've been recounting my hours, days, and weeks to so many different people and at so many different times that when it comes to blogging, I am drawing a blank.

Please forgive me. Perhaps I will have some stories soon.

Or maybe I will continue to be in the blogging doldrums.

I wish I could know the future sometimes.

Scripture

How does God talk to us?

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

Heb. 1:1-3

God calls Jesus the "Word" in the first chapter of John. I think it is so cool to see the relationship between Jesus as a person, and His revelation of Himself through the scriptures! I know that God's word will be there for me to show me wisdom and knowledge for everything I face. That's why I decided it's been far to long since I spent time memorizing the Bible.

I memorized scriptures through AWANAs and Bible Drill as a kid, but I need to be hiding God's word in my heart Now.

My Mom used a topical system she liked when she was in college. I decided to use the same system, because the topics help you keep the verses somewhere in your mind that you can get to them when you need them. You can use the same system if you want. It is found at this website, and you are able to buy verse cards from the Navigators as well. Check it out!

http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/Topical%20Memory%20System

Enjoy!

Millie Jo

Accross the Globe

I attended a tent meeting last night at a church in Colby, KS. Worship was awesome. The Body of Christ was present. And a young gentleman spoke on sharing our wealth with needy believers in Chile.

Joel Selby and I attended college together. That was a long time ago. Now I am pursuing avenues of service overseas, and Joel is raising money to rebuild a church building in Chile. He visited the country and the church this summer, spending 6 mo. in Chile and becoming acquainted with the needs of a thriving church body. Now he is doing what he can to assist them, as another part of the Body of Christ.

If you would like to read more about his work or find out how you can be a part of it, just follow the link to the website project here: http://castrochurchproject.info/


And for everyone, especially those of us who aren't as able to provide in cash, let us be in prayer. Our brothers and sisters in Christ extend far beyond the walls of our own church building or the city limits of our town. Let's remember them, and be a part of God's work in their lives through our intercession and thanksgiving. There are so many reasons to praise our King!

Listen Online!!

Hey, my mom just told me something useful.

You can hear Revive our Hearts online at 10:30 mountain time by going to the KGCR website here and clicking the appropriate listen online button. It's red and in the upper left hand side of the page.

Enjoy!

Millie Jo

Revival

Nancy on Revive our Hearts is doing a study called Seeking Him in the coming weeks. It is about revival, complete with a prayer meeting every Saturday. It is going to be an awesome study. My mom did it using the video and workbooks with a small ladies group last year I think, and I know it meant a lot to her.

We hear Revive our Hearts on KGCR, at 107.7 FM in our area. Maybe you can find a local radio station that carries it. It is a great 15 minute program.

I'm going to get out my old book and go through it more thoroughly. I was in college at the time I got it (when Mom was doing the study) and didn't have the time to study well. I'm excited about having a chance to study it again, hopefully more thoroughly this time.

You can get a book by going to the Revive our Hearts website, here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MO!!

The youngest of us four birth-girls, my sister Mo, turns 17 today. I love the young woman she is becoming. God's work is beautiful in your life, Mo! I can't wait to see the wonderful things He has in store for you in the coming months and years. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Mo,
Happy Birthday to you!

...and many more...kick that stinkin' tv out the door...(get it mo?)...

Love,

Millie

We Are Strangers and Pilgrims

Today I want to share some lyrics with you from an album Cher just bought, and I like a lot. I knew Switchfoot because they are on my favorite radio (Q102.7 KBIQ---they are on the net as well). These lyrics meant something this morning. "I don't belong here!" We get something so beautiful when we let ourselves go.

Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown

It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone
Unknown and hurt
It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do
In a world full of bitter pain
And bitter doubts
I was trying so hard to fit in
Fit in, until I found out

I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I will carry a cross and a song
Where I don't belong
I don't belong

It was a beautiful letdown
When You found me here
Yeah, for once in a rare blue moon
I see everything clear
I'll be a beautiful letdown
That's what I'll forever be
And though it may cost my soul
I'll sing for free
We're still chasing our tails
In the rising sun
In our dark water planet still spinning
In a direction no one wins
No one's won.

See, I don't belong here (I don't belong)
Well, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I will carry a cross
With a song where I don't belong
I don't belong
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
No, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I'm gonna set side
And set sail
For the kingdom come, kingdom come
Your kingdom come

...we are a beautiful letdown
Painfully uncool
The church of the dropouts
The losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools
What a beautiful letdown
Are we salt in the wound
Hey, let us sing one true tune

I don't belong here (I don't belong)...

The Scoop

Hello my peoples! I hope you had a wonderful week. Things are settling down for me and I am ready to share with you God's work in my life.

I've had some large changes in my plans in the last week and a half. It is so wonderful!

I quit school.

Yes, and I feel the will of God drawing me into missions overseas.

And I am so excited!

It was an intense weekend. I felt the presence of God in an indescribable way. It was one of those times where you know God has touched your spirit and you are changed, one of those times that you look to in memory for encouragement when life becomes a true exercise of faith and it is not so easy to see him. For truly, I saw God (though I didn't see Him); felt His pleasure (though not with human senses or emotions); and knew God's mind for me, however limited my knowledge. It was worth a million human delights. A google of them.

So now I am home for a period of time: I am in a stage of preparation. I am spending time in the Word, with my family, and pursuing avenues for missions work. I am getting a passport and looking for the right organization. I am waiting on God and praising Him. It may be awhile before anything measurable happens toward realizing my (God's!) dreams. That's OK.

I am so thankful for my family, my home, and a chance to live here once more.

And I am also very thankful for my Jesus, My King, and the precious ways He deals with me. For His laughter and His spontaneity, His love.

Jesus, YOU SO FLY!

Processing

Hey everyone...I know many of you may be wondering "What in the world is going on with Millie!?!?" Well, hmm...

I am processing a lot of things right now. So this post is just to inform you all that it may be awhile before I make another coherent post. Please be patient with me. Aside from all the amazing God-happenings and aside from the fact that my mind is overwhelmed (in a really good way, but still, overwhelmed) with much to think about, I contracted a virus from my 3 year old brother, and physically I feel awful.

So thank you for your patience, and I hope to have the story for you sometime!

Millie Jo

Amazing Things

I know it's late. Or maybe early. I can't sleep.

Because GOD'S SO AWESOME!!! ...that's why.

He's been doing amazing things in my life this weekend. I'm crazy for Him! I'm simply nuts. Hey I know you all are dying to hear what He's been doing...and yeah, I'll tell you. But not tonight. I need a bit of time. I need some space for action. When some things are done, I will certainly share. Until then, I leave you with a song that has been running through my head, my crazy praising head tonight. It's by Mercy Me, and it's called "Here With Me."


I long for your embrace
Every single day
To meet you in this place
And see you face to face

Will you show me?
Reveal yourself to me
Because of your mercy
I fall down on my knees

And I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as your own
To know you and be known

You are holy
And I fall down on my knees

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

I surrender to your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place

I can feel your presence here with me...

All The Way

All the way my Savior leads me
Oh the fullness of His love
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above
When my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus lead me all the way.

Turnaround

Is is amazing how Jesus can turn a day around! A little Tylenol and tobyMac doesn't hurt any, either. :)



This is me NOW!



You got me feeling so fly
There ain't a day that goes by
A supernatural high
Oh my goodness - people
I can't deny
You got me feeling so fly


Uh oh, here we go again
Talk about that thing that so genuine
Uh huh, gonna make it known
So a freak like me get his cover blown
Can't help but glorify my Adonai
Gotta testify
Uh oh, here we go again
Talk about His love so genuine...


So fly when it's You and I
And the way we hangin' in the mornin' time
So dope I can barely cope
When you make my joy go and overflow
Can't help but glorify
My Adonai
Gotta testify!

....You got me feelin' so fly
(like I'm kissin' the sky)
(and it can't be denied)
You got me feelin' so fly...

The Big Picture

I must not be seeing the big picture, because right now this doesn’t make any sense. I know this is God’s place for me. Right now, I am to be here.


And I know He is with me. He promises never to leave me.


But it’s tough: today, yesterday. Perhaps not tomorrow? My mind is overwhelmed these hours and my body aches. So much I am required to do does not make sense to me. So much of my class work seems purposeless and dry. I keep going, doing my present best, doing the next thing. Tears flow, but so do praises.


Because I’m still the new person He has made me. And He speaks to me sweetly of the vastness of His love. And I know He never leaves me. Even when it doesn’t make sense. School is not forever. Please, Jesus, I want to go home. Keep me.

One Last Weekend

It seemed last week like my relaxing summer had come to a sudden stop and the pressures of responsibility were landing on my mind with a heavy weight.

It’s amazing how God takes care of me. It’s just like Him to do it. He gave me one of the best weekends of the summer just when I needed it. This weekend calmed my nerves.

Cher came to see me! We had a delightful time. We hung out, talked, and had a beautiful hike in the San Isabel National Forest. It was an interesting drive to find the trail (we weren't exactly lost), but the hike itself was pure pleasure. Aside from mosquitoes, and who cares about them?

So today I start school. It looks to be an exciting and different semester. I can feel God at work in my life and I know He is working in the lives of others as well. I can’t wait to see what happens! I can't wait to see His work and His power. And I can’t wait to meet the friends He is going to put in my life!

When I fear, He reminds me I am safe because of His amazing strength.

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. [or, shall put him to flight]
Is 59:19

Leaving

The time has come. The time is now.
It might not be perfect, but I do care how.
I really don't want to go with a boom.
I don't really want to leave this room.

I don't want a zike bike or a zumble-zay.
I want to stay home forever and a day!

But...

you know,

"I said GO and GO I meant!!"
"The time had come, so Marvin went."

And really, I love school. I love learning, and seeing new things, and being "out there." I know this semester is going to be so very different from last, and that makes me unafraid. I'm ready to go!

I've been thinking about my blog. At the beginning of the summer I had intended to only blog until school started again. But I didn't know how much I was going to enjoy it! So now I'm thinkin'...maybe I'll try to keep up by posting on the weekends. Because I don't want to just leave you all in the dark!

Anywayz, today I'm packing the last little bit of stuff and heading out. I think Cher's gonna come up for the weekend. Maybe we'll do a little hiking before I'm stuck inside again. I hope!

Wishing you all the greatest,

Millie Jo

Single

I'm single and
it's sweet.
Because You are sweet.
What could be better?

I know
when I am not alone
You will still be sweet.

But I joy
because today
we have each other completely.

For I am single
and you are God.

All Hours of the Night

Anyone who knows me much could probably tell you I'm not exactly a night person. OK, so I stay up late sometimes, but only when I feel like it, and when I want to go to bed not much will stop me.

Yeah. So can you imagine me working on my room 'till midnight or one and not getting to bed 'till one or two? I've been doing that! I've been organizing and de-junking, and rearranging furniture. I've been throwing bags and bags of stuff away (Ok maybe that's exaggerating a little). And I've been listening to tobyMac, trying to keep my energy up for just a few more objects...

I can't wait till I'm finished with this project. I'm losing my sense of time. My internal clock. My comfortable schedule. Buuuut.... I'm gaining a lot, too.

My room is getting so nice. And my stuff is mostly either packed or ready to pack...and...
moving in a few days is going to be so much easier.

Today I have a 3 hour mowing job. If it weren't for the heat, I would joy in the solitude of mowing. Instead, I try to drink water and drink water and not get heatstroke. Probably I'll be up in the cool of night working and waiting for the heat of the day to wear off so I can sleep.

I think I'm going to move to Alaska.

Going Back

Everyone is feeling it. "Summer" is ending. Of course Summer still goes on, but for practical purposes, our summers are almost over. Many of my friends start school this week. I start next week.

So I am working on organizing my stuff. Cleaning, de-junking, throwing stuff out and packing what I need to keep: these are all things I have meant to do all summer, but find myself doing now at almost-the-last-minute.

It is refreshing, really, to bet getting back into things, to see my work rapidly approaching. I am excited about this coming semester. Because things are going to be so very different.

Last semester was hard. I tried to put a good face on it, to make the best of what I had, but in all honesty, I think last semester was the hardest semester so far.

I have changed so much this summer! I am not the same person I was last semester...not at all. Jesus has made me a new person. I'm new almost as if I was just new born, even though I have been in His family a long time. I think some people would call this a revival. I don't know what it is. I just know that the rest of my life is going to be different!

I'm putting Jesus, and knowing Him, and satisfying my need for Him above my commitments to school (and anything else!!). And I know my life is not about myself, but the sweet, satisfying joy of knowing my Creator.

I am so happy. Have I ever been this happy?! I think I can only be happier as I get closer to my Savior.

I can't wait to worship in eternity.

Till then I guess I'd better go pack.

Millie Jo

Summer Fruit (and veggies!)

Yay! I love summer fruit.

Watermelon.
Cantaloupe.
Peaches.
Plums.

And veggies!

Yellow Squash.
Zucchini.
Green beans.
Beets.

Some of it must be eaten immediately. But others will save.

Today Mom and I are canning green beans from our garden. I love it, but...there's just one draw back. I have but a week left before school, and hang it all, I'm going to miss harvest! My most favorite part of summer comes right at the end, when my family has the chance to put up everything from sweet corn to peach, cherry, or sand-hill-plum jam.

I think I love putting up food because I have fond memories of doing it with my sweet Grandma. But there are more reasons than that to love it! There is the pleasure of working together; the good company and good conversation; the sense of accomplishment. Something is satisfied inside when a batch of cinnamon pickles comes out of the caner, lids popping as they cool. Something says, ahh inside. It's the same ahh one feels when one comes in from hard work in the snow to the smell of stew and fresh bread. C-A-N-N-I-N-G (and f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g) spell Home.

Go Between

mom: Hi Rissa
rissa: Dad wants to know if you will come sit by him while we watch the movie
mom: Tell him I'll come sit by him if he'll hold my hand
rissa: Dad says he'll hold your hand if you sit by him
mom: Ask him if he is going to eat all my ice cream
rissa: Dad says he will help you with your ice cream
mom: Ok tell him I'm coming!!
rissa: Dad, she's coming!

So, I'm gonna go play rummy w/Cher.

My home is awesome!

no confidence

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. ~Phil. 3:3

Look what I found! Isn't this a beautiful description of the body of Christ? My ESV says "the real circumcision," which I like, because it is saying that we are what the circumcision was meant to be in the first place. The real circumcision worship (God), rejoice (in, and may I say because of, Jesus), and remember what to (and not to) put their confidence in. How cool is that!

Jesus is so sweet. It's strange how slowly I turn to him. When I do, I remember again how delightful He is. This summer I have remembered. I am a new person.

I don't want to go back.

Let me only worship, rejoice, and put no confidence in the flesh.

I know He will never let me down.

Meteor shower

Yay! Everyone!

Late Sunday night and early Monday morning we will be able to see a meteor shower.

You can read about it here.

Have fun watching the skies! I love it. Scorpio has been particularly beautiful the past few weeks, with the whole thing visible.

Happy watching.

Millie Jo

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday my Mommy
Happy Birthday to you!

I love you so much Mom. You have given goodness into my life through your obedience to God. Thank you for loving me (no matter what I've done!), for directing me, for never fearing to reprimand me and point me gently back into the fellowship of the Spirit of God. You are my hero, and I praise God for your life!

Hoping to have you for years and years to come,

Your loving daughter,

Millie

One Last Day

Of fair work, that is. This morning I will walk in the parade with the Cheyenne County Republicans. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Do I want to associate myself with the Republican party publicly?? Its almost like a baptism and I don't think I like it. But I'm doing it anyway...I said I would...and I get to throw candy.

Then I will eat and let entries go from my department.

Finally, I will be finished. To the gym!!! (I told Alli that I was afraid my one tiny muscle was going to leave me this week, because the fair booted "gym" out of my schedule. She just laughed)

It's less than two weeks till I go back to school. Yikes. What is the semester going to be like?

Today, I just enjoy today.

Keke

Yay! My Keke's home!

And we are going to the Ranch Rodeo.

So goodnight. Mine is.

Fair Week

The Cheyenne County Fair is this week. For some people that means nothing, but for a 4-H family like us, those two words mean a lot.

A lot of work, that is. Some of it is rewarding. My work is to volunteer as the superintendent of the open fancy work dept. It is a job my grandmother did for years and years. Now that she is gone, somehow the work just fell to Cherokee and I. I think the best part of it all is having time to knit while I wait for people to bring entries in.

Mom's work is bigger. As our 4-H club leader, she has to organize and direct almost everything...or so it seems at times.

So...I'm off to clean tables and rot like that. Hopefully it will rain and bring us some relief from the tormenting heat.

Love Him Better

I get so frustrated with myself. Because I am stupid, that's why!

I do what I long to hate.

I long follow my Savior's desires. Every time I see Him again, I want to hate what He hates, and love what He loves.

But then my mind tricks me, because I forget to look to Him. I forget to adjust my thinking. I let the world seep in, or I just get lazy and start to act on my own, in my own strength. Then I fall. And then I hurt, because sin hurts, always. So why do I do it?

Why???

It's this flesh. Someday I'll be free of this flesh. For now, I have the pleasure of looking to Jesus to help me out of all my fleshly predicaments. He forgives me, heals me; He shows me the way.

And I know what to do next. It's all I need to know.

And I love Him.

His name is Jesus, Jesus
Sad hearts weep no more.
He has healed the broken hearted,
Opened wide the prison doors,
He is able to deliver ever more.

Quick Week

For the three people who read this blog: it was a quick week! I'd wanted to make a post sooner, but wow. My week went fast. And I'm afraid that the rest of my time at home is going to be much the same. There are many things to do before I head back to school in a couple of weeks!

Still, I am refreshed because of God this summer. Mom and I were talking about this last night. We were hoping it would be a special summer, but we didn't know how special! The work of God in our lives has been indescribable. I feel empowered and beautiful, ready to work in His kingdom with Joy until the time I will get to worship forever in eternity.

So what made this week go by so quickly?

1. A cookout at my Grandpas...
2. A mowing job...thank you God for money!!
3. A sunburn...
4. A new knitting project...lovely fingerless gloves for a friend
5. Kit Carson County Fair...fun, and I got to see old friends and share
6. Cherokee...lots of good conversations and cruises in her sweet car with sweet speakers
7. Dad...lovely talks about the Bible and life
8. Mom...a walk every night with my best buddy

And of course there is the garden and my work to do...

I'll try to make another post or two before I head off to school. They might be few and far between after that. Maybe at Christmas...

For Freedom

For freedom Chirst has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yolk of slavery. --Gal 5:1

I will run in the ways of your commandments for you set my heart free! --Ps 119:32

The LORD sets the prisoners free; --Ps 146:7c

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood...be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen--Rev 1:5b-6a

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. --Ps 119:37

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth wiill set you free."--Jn 8:31-32

Camp Salvation Again

Oh My. What a week I had.

Worship was like never before. I was free, finally free. Somehow God removed all those barriers that come steal my joy and let me forget myself and fall into Christ in praise. Every day it was different, and every day it was delightful.

Fellowship was amazing. I found new friends, friends who know how to live to please the Father. Friends who know how to love, and are experienced enough to know wisdom. Friends who are walking with the King also, and like to talk about Him and to hear about His faithfulness.

And I found encouragement through observing the faith of others. As I watched the speakers and counselors invest in the lives of the campers asking questions and visiting with genuine interest, I saw the beauty of Jesus' love in a new way.

But most of all, I saw the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of campers, bringing new souls into the everlasting kingdom. Such rejoicing! Has my spirit ever been so content, so delighted, so inspired?

I have been so refreshed and renewed by the Spirit of God that I feel like a completely new person. I feel I am ready to conquer the world.

Going back to school no longer seems like the burden of doom looming in the future. It's an opportunity now. More people need Jesus.

I am strong again.

1 Cor 10:12

Camp Salvation

It will be awhile before I write again, for I am off to Camp Salvation. Today I am packing and heading to the gym one last time, and tomorrow Cher, Mo and I will be driving 5 hours to the mountains and Camp. It should be fun, and hopefully God will work.

Have a great week here in the heat! I hope you can drink some cool things. You don't have to be jealous of me or anything: I'll only be spending outdoor God-time in the cool mountain air, horseback riding, and boating at Monument Lake. That's all.

Millie Jo

With Him: my everything

Jesus.
His face.
His nail-scarred hands and feet. The proofs of love, real love, love which empowered action.
Love for me.
Compassion on my helplessness.
Mercy. God not giving me the punishment I deserve.
Grace. God giving me delights I don't deserve.
Justice. Someone taking punishment.
Redemption. The whole picture.

Just to be with you, I would do anything
There's no price I would not pay, no
Just to be with you, I would give everything
Yes, I gave my life away.

And I know that you don't understand
The fullness of my love
And how I died on the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
How much that I give you
And I promise,
I would do it all again
Just to be with you...

Third Day, Love Song.

My Home Is Beautiful

My family is awesome. We joke around together. We join in, leaving no one out. We laugh our heads off. Last night we went for a walk together, all eight of us.

It is almost like old times. Like when the four of us big girls were all still at home, when we were finishing high school and being together. Only this is more full, more complete. We have Marissa and Sully now, and they bring us constant amusement and joy. And Mom and Dad are still the same, precious, wise parents as of old, but now we have conversations that are deeper, maybe, more meaningful, more grown-up.

My Mom and Dad are so much fun. They know how to laugh and be silly, to make the best of hard things, to show me the right way when I'm confused.

I am so very happy that I came home this summer. This summer, our family has been complete. I hate to leave it. I hate to leave my mother with all the kitchen work. I hate to leave the garden before the harvest is finished. But I guess that's growing up. We can't be home forever. We wouldn't want it.

And I do want to keep going to school, to follow my dreams, to follow God's dreams for me. My life is beautiful.

Perhaps because my home is beautiful.

Personal Pool Service

My sisters have their personal pool service. It is hundreds and hundreds of degrees out there, so Marissa and Sully and Rachel are in the wading pool. Eating.

Yes, my sisters have their own personal pool service. A waitress brought them drinks, two courses (macaroni and fruit), a towel to dry their hands, and even desert. She talked with an accent. Finnish, I think. We set the exercise trampoline in the pool for a table.

Summer is so much fun!

Volleyball

My family is so much fun.

Yesterday I made bread for a neighbor who lost her sister. And then I made rolls for us. And then we all worked together to make pizza for supper. So you can imagine that I was ready to get out of the kitchen.

After supper Mom, Rissa, Sully, Sandy and I went for a walk. Sandy is still frisky as ever in her old age. I thought things were going to be easier with her after I gave her a bath the other day, because she stood for a bath better than ever before. And that day she did well heeling, too. But not last night! She's back to her "I'm in charge" dog attitude, and she pulled so much that I hooked her up to the stroller so Mom wouldn't have to push it.

And because of Mo we played Volleyball. It didn't last very long, but it was fun while it lasted! Soon we had to rescue the kittens from unwanted attention. They had been held by neighborhood kids all day, and we wanted them to get a rest. There are four, and they are so soft, cute and cuddly! One is completely black, one is black with white markings, one is white with black markings (and very fluffy!), and one is a delicious grey stripey with huge eyes.

And Rach brought a toad home, too. We were sitting on the porch when she showed up, drying off the black kitty because Andrew "accidentally" dropped it in the kiddy swimming pool. Cats are cute when they are soaking wet and miserable, but Sully loves interesting little hopping animals more.

It's a good life. Mom's garden is glorious. We are already needing to can green beans. Perhaps we can do that this afternoon. This morning we must all attend a funeral.

Millie Jo

God Keeps His Secrets

I was thinking last night. Thinking hard. I was asking God why, and I was thanking Him for not telling me everything.

Would I have wanted to know, as the years were passing by, that my beloved Grandma would die of cancer within six months of her diagnosis? I don't think I would. My time with her was unsullied by those thoughts.

God is wise in what he allows us to know and what he does not. There was once a time in my life when I struggled with believing God: that he was worth trusting, that he had my good in mind. Back in those years my biggest wish was to be married. I couldn't figure out why God didn't just fulfill that desire. Now I see so many reasons! Now I am thankful for so many blessings I would not have if I had got my wish when I was eighteen. I don't pretend to know God's purposes, but I see how not knowing through some of those times helped me learn to trust His plan.

I once spent a few months with a man who spurred me on to righteousness and purity. I doubt that he knew about this effect. He was seeking God's way, not his own advancement. Even though it was a long time ago, I still remember how I felt around him. He made me feel like a princess. He made me want to be righteous. Chaste. Clean. Pure. Set apart. Holy. He reminded me that God's way is perfect. Being around him made me want to seek God more. But God only allowed me to be near him for a short time. I couldn't understand. I didn't want to be parted. I still don't know why God did this, but I am very happy He did. I am happy because God used this man to help shape who I am. He drew me closer to my Heavenly Father, further into God's glory and pleasures.

But it isn't just in my past that God has been faithful to provide for me. I see the hand of God all over my life just this last semester. Moving to a new school can be challenging. God protected me through a bad housing situation, and used it to guide me into the good place I am now living. I live with a wonderful Christian lady who took me in as rather a rescue job (I was suddenly without housing because of the situation at my first place). But her rescue job has turned into a wonderful friendship and a means of help for both of us. Turns out she was in need of cash, and I was in need of a safe place to stay. Now my safety reaches beyond the physical into the spiritual. God's protection extends soo far.

And it extended even farther than this. God has protected me by keeping me when I was close to falling, by paving the way before my feet, by guarding my path even when I was in disobedience. I have no fears for my future, because in addition to knowing that God is good and cares for me, I have seen it for myself.

I am glad that God keeps His secrets.

What I Dig About Jesus

Is this a game? I was tagged by Kathy at Sumballo. So here I go.

What do I dig about Jesus?

His love for me. I am continually awed by Jesus' love for me. I'm filthy, trashy, and I choose to do what he hates: sin. But because of Who He Is Jesus loved me so much He died in my place. And on top of that, He actually wants a relationship with me! Now there's a Person worth praising.

His focus on action. I've been reading the gospel of Mark. I love how it shows what Jesus did, not just what He said. He didn't just talk the talk, He walked the walk. He proved His love.

The reality of His affection. Jesus' affection for me is more than dis-interested action. He felt everything I feel, was truly human...was attracted to girls (yet lived in purity), was hungry, was sad, cried. His love for me is feeling as well.

His Kingship. I love the comfort of having a Savior Who is the King. Nothing can hurt me because the most powerful Person of all eternity is standing for me. Who could not love such a One? Our love becomes worship, to last all eternity. And worship is the most meaningful thing in my life.

So there you have it. I love so many things about Jesus...this is certainly not a complete list, and in no particular order.

I can't wait to see His face. To worship without the hindrance of sin and of flesh. To be whole.

Family Camp Again

One week in the mountains. Three horseback rides. (Real horseback rides, ones where I could practice my skills on real frisky horses!) Two families full of new friends. Other new friends not part of the families. One amazing sunset. Two campfires: one rained out. Uncounted cups of steaming hot tea. Uncounted stories about bears, campers, and practical jokes. Gullible actually written on the ceiling. Days filled with labor and fun. Painting, shoveling, cleaning, raking. Riding, talking, eating, playing. Glad to come home, sorry to leave.

Five-Hour drive three ways. A wedding in Loveland. A sunburn.

And finally: home, Daddy, and rest. Just a couple of weeks and I'm heading back for Senior Camp. I'm excited.

Family Camp

My family and I are leaving town for a week. We are going to Camp Salvation somewhere 4 1/2 hours away to help them prepare the grounds for kid's camps. We are excited. It is going to be a time of service and also of fun. And Cher even gets to come!

So I hope you all have a wonderful week. I'll be working, spending time with my family, and hopefully riding horses and boating on the lake. I love the mountains. In moderation...which this will be. And to top it all off, I get to bring my guitar. A campfire, perhaps??

Talk to you all in a week or more. I'll be smelling Off and taking Claratin.

Millie Jo

Praises in Heaven

I've been busy. I love my blog, but I love my family more, and I had a migraine. It was freaky. My face got numb. Have you ever had your face get numb?! Well, if you have you know how freaky it is. So....that's why I've been ignoring you all! But here I am, I'm back...

And I want to talk about one of my beloved musicians. Rich Mullins.

Rich Mullins published quite a few albums before he died. I love them all, but I am especially fond of "Never Picture Perfect" and "the Jesus Record" which he didn't get to finish before he died. But the songs are still there, their meaning rich as Rich himself. But my ultimate favorite is his album that links songs about America with the order of the liturgy. "A Liturgy, A Legacy, and A Ragamuffin Band." You should buy it.

I love Rich Mullin's music. It is full of scriptural references, full of feeling and heart, and it has a fresh, an experienced, way of looking at Christ. It is true music, because it comes from a redeemed heart.

I love Rich Mullin's music because it is real music, by a real musician. Rich wrote more than the lyrics. He wrote more than the melody. Rich was a real musician, who played so many different folk instruments I don't think I can remember all of them. But his music has a solid foundation in the classics, and this makes it shine. He even uses my favorite Bach fugue in his song Sing Your Praise To The Lord.

I guess I'm just talking about him because I'm so sad that he is dead. Out of all the concerts I might go to, I would most want to see Rich Mullins. But he is in heaven. When I get there we will be praising together, for all eternity. Come, won't you join us? Keith Green is there too! And Luther, and Horatio Spafford, and Jim Elliott...

OK, so I give in

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
z y x w v u t s r q p o l k j h f d c b a m g i n e

Clue

Obviously, I've made my puzzle too hard. I'll give you a clue. I've already given you the keyword to the cypher.

Have fun! I'll be talking with my buddy Manda. Today is Rachel's graduation, so we get to see them all. I'm excited. I have missed her since school has been out.

God be with you.

Millie Jo

Enigma (yes, there is a prize to the one who can send me the right answer)

Nja lzn cvv lv gzirkt jd tryyjac, yab nja kvmvd cvv lv kvg!

Scales (not fish!)

While I was at the CHEC conference last week, I picked up a book about scales for guitar. It looked simple enough: a long narrow book with lots of graphics and a few words meant to teach guitar scales to someone who knows nothing. Like me.

Every since I picked up the guitar a few years ago, I've been fascinated with the way stringed instruments work. By putting pressure on a string at a given fret (a place along the fretboard behind the string), the player makes that string more or less shorter--changing the string's length just enough to change the string's pitch to the note wanted. Since there are so many different strings with so many different pitch starting places, and there are so many different places to press on those strings and make them different pitches, the combinations seem endless. Mind-boggling. Crazy. Unreal. They were too much for a new player to grasp mentally. After a couple of years piddling they are still a lot.

But I think this book I bought is going to help me. Already I have started to grasp how a person can handle so much potential music. I'm getting some tools into my mind and fingers witch should allow me to take this plethora of possibilities and chose the right notes to make music.

It is going to take practice. It is going to take many small moments and small bites of knowledge. But I'm excited! I'm expanding my mind. The more I know, the more I can enjoy music. And the more I enjoy it, the more I have to share with others!

Being able to share with others is the true joy in music.

The Garden Grew

The lettuce grew since we left on Wed. And so did the carrots, and the beets, and (gasp!) the baby kittens and bunnies. Everything is bigger.

Funny that we don't notice things growing 'till we are away for awhile. Last week we measured Riss and Sully. They grew 3-4 inches each, just since January! I wish I could still grow taller.

And my roses are blooming. Big, beautiful, blushing blossoms fill the bush. Maybe I will try to make rose beads again. I did once. But if not, I want to give them away. Before they blow away.

It is blowing today. We expect this in Eastern Colorado.

It's time for a nice Sunday dinner. Enjoy your day! I'll be with my family.

Millie Jo

Giving Something Back

Today I was up early. I was serving as a hostess for CHEC conference workshops. This means that I was responsible for taking care of a workshop room, making sure attendees follow fire code, and assisting and introducing the speaker.

I've never volunteered for CHEC before. After all the years of receiving the ministry of CHEC, it was nice to be able to give something back.

Maybe you are wondering what CHEC is. It stands for Christian Home Educators of Colorado and is an organization that ministers to home educators and Christian parents in general. Every year they put on a conference. Every year people are blessed through CHEC and CHEC's people.

Tonight, after a long day, we all went out to eat. This is an adventure for my family. It is an adventure for any family with a three year old boy! It was fun. Now we get to sleep. Long awaited delightful sleep.

To the Real Men

Hey. This post is to all the real men out there. You know who you are. You stand.

This post is to say thank you. Thank you for doing what is right. Thank you for standing.

All of us princesses who know we aren't flys appreciate you. Hold on. We are waiting.

And if my One Man should be listening, I want you to know it. I am waiting. I know I am not a fly, and you are not a frog. Be in Jesus, my Beloved. We shall meet in Him. You have my heart. I will not turn aside among the flocks of your companions. I promise.

What's A Girl To Do (When boys won't be men)?

Ok, so we all know it. Boys are annoying. Well, at least boys who should be men by now.

There's a Superchic[k] song I like that says "All princes start as frogs/and all gentlemen as dogs/Just wait 'till it's plain to see/ What we're growing up to be." It goes on to say that some frogs will just stay frogs and never grow up to be princes, so you'd better wait 'till you know for sure before you kiss them because "What if your prince comes riding in/while you're kissin' a frog/ What's he gonna think then?//Just look into his eyes/Are you a princess or a fly??"

Not all boys become men. That's when they can be hard to deal with. When they don't grow up. So what is the solution to dealing with these boy-men? I've thought of a few suggestions.

1. Ignore him. This one comes in handy when you have a sudden urge to slap him or yell.

2. Remember you are a princess, i.e., retain your polite manners. Think of what will benefit him. Be polite even when he doesn't deserve it (which, since he is a boy-man, may be all the time!)

3. Pray for him. God can take anything and make something beautiful.

4. Stand strong on your personal boundaries. Don't let a boy-man convince you that your conscience is over-doing it, and don't let him be in control of your relationship with him, however surface or in-depth it may be. You owe it to God and to yourself to do this.

5. Let go and let God. Don't try to take over the project of making him a "real man." You can't accomplish that, and you'll just waste time God intended for something better. Believe me.

6. Pray for the real men in your life, and let them know you appreciate them.

Sunday Spirit

I have a great church in Colby. Colby Wesleyan.
I have a great church in Pueblo.
And I have a church here, too.

I love church. But when you think about it, it's really the spirit of worship that makes church mean so much. It is praising God together with other believers. It is the attitude that makes it all happen. So even when I can't get to church because of sickness, duties, or something else, I can still worship God and enjoy His presence.

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne
Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own

Awake my soul and sing
For Him who died for thee
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity!

Tea

1. Tea is never taboo
2. There are at least four types of tea: black, green, oolong, and white.
3. The tea most Americans know is black tea
4. Black tea has been completely fermented
5. Green tea has not been fermented at all
6. Oolong tea has been partially fermented
7. I don't know about white tea! (except that it is very expensive and very good)
8. Black tea can taste bitter if it is brewed too long
9. I think an inferior green tea tastes like grass and smells like old tobacco
10. My favorite brand of tea is Stash. It's expensive, but worth it!
11. I like black tea hot in the morning, iced in the afternoon.
12. I like green tea with honey and/or lemon, and when I like a lighter drink
13. Celestial Seasonings may be good, but it isn't tea!
14. A well made pot of tea is akin to a superior dark chocolate: delicious and satisfying

Everyone who knows me well knows I love tea. I love it in the evening, morning, and during the day. I love different kinds and with different people. It goes especially well with chocolate and rummy.

Do you like tea? Who do you drink tea with? What is your favorite time/place for tea? I'm interested! Leave me comments.

Millie Jo

Renew Me

"...put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Eph 4:22-24

"...we faint not;but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day," 2 Cor. 4: 16

Today my thoughts are said better by Avalon. For anyone who hasn't heard this song: it is worth buying the CD, Avalon Creed. Renew Me is the last song, but I think it should be the first. All I can say about it is AMEN.

Millie Jo


Avalon - Renew Me Lyrics

Why am I such a dusty window
For your light to shine through?
Why am I just a tiny star
In a sky already blue?
Why do I offer everything
With my heart closed like a fist?
I want to love You better than this

Why do I live like I'm in chains
When You have set me free?
And why do I have to break Your heart
Before I fall to my knees?
I know it's time to pray for change
Give all I have to give
I want to love You better than this

So renew me
Remake me
Undo me
Unbreak me
Come into the empty spaces
Of my broken places
And consume me
Complete me
Pursue me
Redeem me
Let Your Holy Spirit living through me
Renew me

I need Your power to renew me, Lord, yeah
I need to know You're moving through me, Lord

I need You as my refuge
My first and last resort
Be the river always running
Through my deepest thoughts
Keep me in Your arms
'Cause even when I drift
I want to love You better than this

So renew me
Remake me
Undo me
Unbreak me
Come into the empty spaces
Of my broken places
And consume me
Complete me
Pursue me
Redeem me
Let Your Holy Spirit living through me
Renew me

My life bending to Your will
Seeking You until I'm more and more like You

No Picture

I didn't take a picture. It hurt, I look like a bald monkey, and I'm never doing it again. Maybe I'll post later after my headache goes away.

Still, Rach was awesome.

Millie Jo

Corn-Rows and Popcorn

My family is all at home!

Last night the four of us girls spent a couple of hours bumming around in my little sister's "new" car. That thing has a sweet set of speakers in it! It was nice to be together. We have so much fun with one another! Even work is fun with my sisters.

Tonight Rach is going to put corn-rows in my hair. It should be interesting. We are going to make popcorn and watch a movie while she does it. She says it will take a very long time. Maybe I'll take a picture. It could be the only time I ever do this.

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful summer weather! It is almost swimming time...

And it is far past time for me to do dishes! I'll be washing my heart out now.

Millie Jo

A Moment of Silence For Zach Splitter

A moment of silence for Zach:























Our prayers are with you, Splitter family.

Priorities

Someone clever once said that if you don't take control of your money, someone else will. I suspect that goes for time as well. And how can I take control of my time if I never consider my priorities?

Yesterday I did some adjusting in my mind. I decided that if I accomplish three things this summer I will be satisfied with myself. I want to

1. spend time with God, including scripture memorization---important! (this was originally lower on my list, but got bumped up)

2. spend time with my family

3. get physical exercise

Now comes the challenge of performing. It is easy to say what my priorities should be. I will find out what they really are when I watch my actions.

Richest Man on Earth/The Unknown.

Paul Overstreet wrote some lyrics I find to be too true:

"...all the money in the world won't hold you when you fall

We've got a roof over our head,
And the kids have all been fed,
And the woman I love most lies close beside me in my bed.
Lord give me the eyes to see exactly what it's worth
And I will be the richest man on earth."


Isn't this what home is all about? My experiences at home are some of the best I can desire for myself. Having my own home, husband and children is one of my dearest dreams. God's gifts are a delight.

But there sometimes comes a moment when we face the unknown. Filled with the goodness and overflowing with the blessings of God, we suddenly find ourselves in a situation of great need and fear. There are times when "all the money in the world won't hold you when you fall."

It is then that God Himself must fulfill our longings. All to often, I believe, we get caught up in the delights of God's gifts and forget to delight in God Himself. If we praise Him for His gifts, we are on the right track. If we take his blessings greedily we are not.

God is enough.

His blessings are an expression of His heart toward us. He cares about us, and chooses, in His own timing and way, to give the blessings He sees fit. He may give a different thing to each, yet He gives lovingly to all. To quote Facing the Giants: "He just throws in the state championship because He can."

Our God is BIG. He can handle the toughest parts of life. He can handle death, pain, tears, shattered hearts, sin.

He conquered it all. It is finished.

Puppies

While I was still in school, my golden retriever Sandy had seven puppies. I was floored. I thought Sandy was too old for that.

Now they are the cutest six-week-old puppies you could dream of. Huge, rolly-polly guys who are mostly black and long haired. We've been giving them away for about a week and a half, and we have only two left.

My little sister wants you all to know that I did none of the work. And she's right. She did it. I'm a bum when it comes to animals. Except horses, and I don't own any of those. I'll do work for horses because horses are the only animals that give you something back. Except cattle. But they are only good after they are dead. But that's off subject. Puppies.

So... if you want a puppy, you'd better hurry! Only two are left and at the rate they're going...

"Fun" Can Kill You

I saw Pirates 3 tonight.

First impression:

---Mind-Bogglingly twisty plot

---Alluring creation of characters

---Music that would put tension into a bowl of sherbet and pleasure into buying gas

All rather ruined by a bad taste left in my mouth. I think that bad taste is there because this was one of the most dark, gory and dirty movies I've watched. The repeated sexual innuendo certainly did not advance my mental purity, and the attitude of serious sin (as opposed to casual sin) caused me to fear.

Sin does not taste good to me. When it's sin,"fun" can kill you.

Homeade Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookies

When I am away it is so easy to forget the meaning of home. At school I am so caught up in myself. I must finish this assignment, I must be here, I need this, I’m going to do that.

But home is about community. It is about being together, loving others, sharing everything, giving of one’s time, effort, and sympathy.

Home is where I belong. It is a safe haven from the things that would steal my peace and satisfaction. It is a refuge from selfishness, that nasty creature which destroys true joy.

Yesterday we played charades as a family. We laughed till we hurt. Mom even had tears running down her cheeks. Of course Sullivan had no clue what was going on, but he joined in just the same.

Yesterday was like a holiday. I played monopoly with Cher, Ray and Mo for awhile…Ray and Mo quit, and I slaughtered Cher. I won monopoly for the first time in ages! I was actually impressed with myself.

Cher and I played piano duets, too. Then I made homemade ice cream.

And last night, I sat up with my parents and Cher, talking. We talked about lots of things: American history, writing, having children, what a chain reference is, being alone. I went to bed feeling more myself than I ever do at school.

And today I made chocolate chip cookies and zucchini bread. Now Cher wants me to sing with her. I answer yes with all of my heart.

It is good to have a home.

Failure

Sometimes no matter how hard I try, I cannot win. Sometimes I can only fail. What a surprise. I am human. Do I fail? Boy do I ever.

I can't win. I don't make the grade. I'm not good enough.

But it is when I realize that I am not good enough that I look to my Heavenly Father. When I am a failure, He shows Himself strong and proves to everyone watching that the good in me is His, not mine.

I am so dense that I forget this quickly, and God allows me to fail again so that I will remember where my true strength lies. But I thank Him for reminding me. I want to be less that He may be more. For in reality, I am nothing.

Because of this, I praise Him for failure. Yes, my failure. My frequent, absolute, undeniable, right-there-in-red-ink failure.

I identify with Paul:

"So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.

But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. "

2 Cor 12:7-10

And I am thankful for the promise that God will keep me together:

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8

I'm not sorry I fail.

Projects

What is it, this continual flow of ideas, this constant urge to be making something? In school, I pour this inner drive to create into my journal. I record happenings, details, feelings, and thoughts. Somehow, my life itself seems to be a fulfillment of the urge to make. When I am too busy to knit, my journal satiates that desire.

But I am not in school now. I am home. And my needles are calling me.

What to make first? I am in the middle of a sweater for Amanda. One boring sleeve to finish and another bor-r-ring sleeve to do from the beginning. Do I try to finish it before I begin something new? Or do I follow my imaginations for the next thing?

And what to knit next? I've been leaning towards two things. Gloves, which I have never made a complete attempt at before: probably knitted out of some of my old stash of spinning...and OH. A huge project. A sweater for myself (when was the last time I made something for me?) which I would design. I find a thrill in the uncharted waters, and designing has become an interest I am eager to pursue. I would love to make this sweater out of something I spun as well, but I don't have the raw materials, and before I can get started I need to work the planning details out anyway.

Or do I reach for a hook and thread? It would take so little time to crochet some lace. Or to tat it...

Oh the options and the delights of deciding. Deciding is half the fun.

We Begin

Welcome!

I'm Millie Jo, and this is my brand-new blog. I am very excited about it. I love my life as well as my opinions, and now I am able to share both with the world! I'm an English major, and there is something you need to know. I am not perfect with English! But I love it. So bear with me, and come along for the ride! Soon I hope to explore some of the topics close to home for me: life in a small town, summer in a big family, knitting, reading, cooking and various other interesting things.

Keep checking back! An exciting summer is ahead of us.