Millie Jo Talks

Hello

2011-04-27T23:01:00.002-06:00

Say Hello!

I'm starting up again with this blogging thing. I know it's been about a year, but my blog still exists, so as I return to the reflective life I may as well share here again.

How to begin? What about with a link to one of the coolest tv shows of all time. Here's Andy Griffith and the Darlings singing "Dooley"

Wings...

2010-06-26T20:46:00.002-06:00

Celebration. Dancing. Pictures. Guests. Cake. Joy.

After many days of preparation (so many people did so much work!) and a few days rejoicing with family and new family, my little sister is married. She is a wife now, and I have a brother. A real brother. Finally, a big brother.

[Boaz] said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant for you are a redeemer." ~ruth3:9

my change jar

2010-06-15T21:28:00.002-06:00

$17.83 in pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters
14 guitar picks
2 Canadian pennies
2 safety pins
1 paper clip
1 yellow 20 gauge shotgun shell
1 glass bead
1 button
1 set of keys
1 sliver of wood

Endurance

2010-06-07T15:20:00.004-06:00

I bet the frozen pizza industry really understands America's hunger for instant gratification. All the food chains should, actually. We want instant results, instant gratification, now rather than later, and dessert before dinner. Our desires rule our lives, or so it would seem.

And some actions do offer instant results--I'm hungry, so I'm motivated to make supper, which I eat and instantly my motive/desire is satisfied. But what about those goals that are more abstract? What about the realm of character and the spiritual? I understand the seed, the motive that starts an action. What I'm wondering is this:

What is it that keeps us going?

Where do we get endurance from? How do we remain steadfast? "The testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:3)

I would submit to you this: that the fuel for our endurance IS our faith. As it is tested, it is either proved true or consumed, which produces a faithfulness, an endurance, a steadfastness in our lives. In spite of opposition, we are able to keep going in the good work we have begun. Why? Because He is faithful to create in us that which can withstand the test. And over time, through many trials, we gain character. We begin to see that we are His heirs in more than title.

I think faith is kind of like hope: a looking forward to what we know we already posses. Like the son who has an inheritance but yet looks forward to receiving it. We begin an action in faith, we suffer testing which proves our faith to be true, and we end up where? With hope that doesn't disappoint us.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Ro5:3-6

At the right time. When we were still weak. Wow. Surely every ounce of our faith, our action, our hope is a gift. I want to enjoy every particle of it. I believe it is mine. Yet I have need of endurance.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Heb 10:35-36

Healing

2010-05-30T16:28:00.000-06:00

We have to stop closing our eyes...

2010-05-24T15:00:00.001-06:00

Tree

2010-05-22T09:20:00.004-06:00

Not alone; in peace

and freedom I sway my branches,

dance in the breeze,

worshiping in the rain.

A cool rain that soaks deep,

soaks gently, splashing off

my new growth, running down

last years branches, sinking under,

lower, further, into the hidden places.

Not alone; in stillness

I see the night come. See

the fading light offer stars that

come silently and move their

dream-like pictures across my sky.

A waxing moon slides past.

It keeps its secrets or maybe

whispers them to the stars,

or the angels. I don't mind.

They are humble, never jealous that

all day long the sun overpowers them.

They are faithful, never out of

formation, always on time.

Men trust their lives to the

stars, sailors to the night-sky-truth.

I trust mine to the sun's promise

of tomorrow.

Not alone; I soak in light,

in sunlight. My leaves stretch, grow

larger, and become deeper hues. I grow,

and no one sees me,

and no one hears me,

until I am strong enough to bear the

weight of a tree house,

or am filled with fruit.

Anonymity is fitting for me;

Rain, stars, and sun I contain.

Enough, and Relationship

2010-05-14T23:11:00.003-06:00

Ok, enough with marriage posts. Why? Because it's a heck of alot of fun being single!

[note to friends: NO I am not posting as a rebellion against all the weddings happening]

Being single. Ahh. The refreshing winds of freedom. I call it my time of being boss. No sanctifying influence of another person you have to live with day in and day out, that you have to love when they are being irritating. Our burdens come from other places.

Like loneliness. How do we deal with that? Do we look at couples being cute and pine away? I propose not. I mean, looking sounds nice, but not pining away. I say...pray.

Prayer. To me, prayer has been the sweetest gift found in my singleness. It succours the loneliness. It brings answers. It brings adventures and challenges and dares even. It is scary and exciting and risky and fun, but it's also safe, romantic, comfortable and secure.

Of course, this kind of prayer does not happen in one day. Or one week. It is a lifestyle, and it isn't as easy as that paragraph made it sound. But it isn't hard either. It's plain old good. The safety grows with our knowledge of God's faithfulness, the risk with our ability to hear his voice of direction.

I used to think that singleness was a trial. I would 'suffer' through all kinds of unfulfilled emotions. Then I got into this prayer thing. The emotions are still there. But the suffering has turned into a relationship.

And relationships are what I'm all about.

Inter-racial Marriage???

2010-04-25T15:48:00.004-06:00

"For God shows no partiality" Romans 2:11

Our God doesn't play favorites. The young do not receive more attention than the old; the foreigner gets equal access to worship as the native ("You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD" Numbers 15:15b); and all nations and heritages receive equally of His grace and attention. Even the Jews, his chosen people, do not receive more of His heart than us, but being grafted into the vine (Romans 11:11-12) He delights for us ALL to be with Him where He is and see his glory (John 17:24).

Race, I believe, is a social construct. Yes, God did divide people by creating separate tongues to prevent the world from being able to accomplish all the evil man was capable of. This brings up a strong point about division. It works powerfully against the momentum of any movement. It is what God himself used to hinder mankind in their unified evil purposes. It is also what the enemy uses not infrequently against the Church. But that is a side track. We are talking about race.

There are separation of languages. There are nations created through the bloodlines of family trees. But what exactly is race supposed to mean? What is color? And why are some of us so against the combining of these differences in "inter-racial" marriage? Do we not see that this sort of thought process is actually causing division?

I guess that's my point. That inter-racial and inter-cultural marriages, when they are carried out lovingly and successfully in the body of Christ, serve to promote unity. They perform a valuable function in the Body's witness to who Jesus is by revealing His love for all people and the fact that He is not partial to any special inside group. Jesus is not about uniformity (look at the diversity of creation!) but He does care about unity. Thank you, Joel, for pointing that out.

So a note to all my friends out there are or who may one day be in an inter-racial/cultural relationship: I support you. Kudos to being the body and showing the world that God does not show partiality!

dusk

2010-04-20T17:22:00.006-06:00

Dark skin radiating, sweet and pungent
the voice of a mellow sax
alone among the first blue stars.

He moves to the somber sound;
a slow dance, a lumbering gait;
his long lashes catching moisture

of his own tears, mixing with the
sky's as mist rolls against the
stars and nebulae;

rolling, swaying
to the ancient rumble of thunder
in his chest,

running down powerful arms,
taste of bronze night,
mighty as thunder, crying.

Motly thoughts

2010-04-05T22:32:00.002-06:00

I believe this is what I do when I am thoroughly sick of schoolwork. Blog.

So in lieu of sharing something powerful or passionate or inspiring I'm giving y'all a list.

1. In case you were wondering, the contraction "ain't" is perfectly useful for saying "have not," "will not," and three other contractions. Unfortunately overly bossy grammarians have denied it a place in formal writing. Ain't ain't a word is actually a lie: "Ain't" IS a word.

2. Shakespeare was overly interested in ambiguity and double meanings, along with syphilis and every kind of bawdy humor...somehow this has earned him unending fame.

3. In Spanish, the pronouns for direct and indirect objects come before the verb.

4. I am the only one who has enough of nothing to lose to get into a relationship on facebook just for April Fools Day.

5. I am no longer enrolled in summer classes.

6. Becca is going to be in Kentucky soon.

7. I love looking at the stars/heavens because this is the only physical representation of God's infinite nature I can begin to comprehend.

8. I miss my dead golden retriever, Sandy.

9. I am going to plant Chamomile early this spring, so maybe it will actually have time to bloom...TEA!!!

10. My brother is the best boy I've ever met.

I hope you enjoyed this snapshot of my mind tonight. On to more plodding forward. School ends in three weeks. FREEDOM!!!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yolk of slavery. ~Gal 5:1

this could be your little sister, daughter, neice, or friend

2010-01-31T19:31:00.001-07:00

IJM - Reality of Human Trafficking from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

Human Wrong

2010-01-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is a Human Wrong.

http://www.humanwrong.org/

Silver leaves

2010-01-06T23:03:00.003-07:00

Silver leaves, those feathers from the sky as
falling stars flutter gently to our feet.

Crinkles wrinkle my nose with delight when
cold clean breath touches bark, toe.

Forest scent and prairie night, foxes
red, foxes grey. A whisper to the crescent
moon, a cry,

a secret for the day. A mouse
wiggles in the grass; the feathers move.

We feel it soft beneath our feet begin and
our skin is crawling with the first light when

our hair stands on end, and tight our
hands--the wonder-- as if each ray

spoke answers to our pain and the
cold, cold grasp of thorns all up our clothes

into our skin could not hold back the
deep, deep red of some tropical fish.

Three Words.

2010-01-06T22:55:00.003-07:00

Go To Urbana. If you ever get the opportunity to attend an Urbana InterVarsity missions conference and are ready for major transformation, I assure you, it will be worth every penny and more you may spend getting there.

The way my King turned Lover encountered me at Urbana '09 missions conference changed my life forever. Jesus, I didn't know. Let me learn you more...keep blowing my preconcieved notions out of the water with the real YOU! Keep showing me the places I'm accepting a counterfeit image of you for the real live man you are. I want to know you for real. I'm amazed that you want to know me too. I'm amazed that you want to be with me.

Ay go ga ni ba gumo--Yesu ma konda cimundi. (you can see some of my friends in this video, as well as the countryside and faces of the people)

2009-11-13T13:57:00.002-07:00

Millet Curtain

2009-10-13T22:41:00.003-06:00

No one said he had AIDS.
He lay on the dirt
like a small child without a pillow.

We didn’t know how much he
could understand our greeting
from beneath his groaning nothing-blanket;
we did it for his mother’s grateful eyes.

Maybe he could hear us
from behind the millet curtain,
greeting the elderly lady who
fed him and maybe who
dressed him, sometimes.

Today he has remembered to put on underwear.
But even the long loose shirt cannot hide
every rib we count, his face
sunken to reveal the cheek bones,
jaw bones, white teeth, red eyes,
skin thin-stretched over bones and shrinking organs.

The woman says he is sick.

Heather With the Weather

2009-10-11T20:38:00.001-06:00

"I" in DISC

2009-10-11T13:21:00.003-06:00

OK guys....here's what the DISC assessment says I'm like. Who agrees/disagrees?

Aesthetic (good eye for nature and art)
Bubbly
Carefree, Changeable, Charismatic, Charming, Childlike, Compassionate, Compromising, Contagious, Conversationalist, Curious
Disorganized
Easily distracted, Easygoing, Emotional, Emotionally unstable, Enjoys life, Enthusiastic, Exaggerates, Expressive, Extroverted,
Friendly
Impractical, Impressionable, Impulsive, Influencing, Insecure (masked by apparent self-confidence), Insensitive, Inspiring,
Lively, Loves being in the limelight
Natural grace that is magnetic
Optimistic, Outgoing
People-centered, Persuasive, Popular, Positive
Responsive, Restless
Self-indulgent, Spontaneous, Superficial
Talkative, Tender, Too now focused
Undependable in meeting schedules/deadlines, Undisciplined
Warm, Weak-willed

you thought...

2009-09-27T19:34:00.003-06:00

Aha! You all thought I died. You thought that I would never write on this blog again. You thought that I had gone 100% technology free. You thought my fingers were in a finger accident and unable to type. Or that I'd gone back to school and have no time.

You were wrong, except for the school part. My fingers are well, but that I'm getting a callous from using a pencil so much. And my guitar callouses are fading away. So sad.

I am back in school, and it is where I am to be for awhile yet.

Tonight I watched the sunset from my window, over the Rocky Mountains. I know I often complain about the mountains obscuring the sunsets and making them wimpy. But not today. This was one of the most vibrant sunsets since I watched the huge red sun set over the Molli rice fields. It wasn't a plains sunset, but the orange sun made a cloudless sky pink and tangerine, my view only obstructed by a small pine that almost blocked out the city and gave me the sun. I was silent from the time it touched the mountaintop to the moment it was behind and invisible. I thought of you, Brandy. I though of you.

I hope you are all doing amazing and please, email me or write to me. I will give you my address if you ask for it! Much love, MillieJo/Malika
yeshuasisters20@gmail.com

I'm going away for a week or two

2009-07-10T17:55:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. I'm going away for a couple of weeks. I'll be in the mountains, enjoying God and ministering to Jr. High and High School kids at Camp Salvation.

I hope your summers are all going fine. I may share about camp when I get home if I feel like it. If you call me this weekend, I'll be able to talk on Saturday!

MillieJo

A Teaser for Jenna

2009-07-08T20:59:00.002-06:00

hanging with the monkey's

2009-06-28T15:26:00.002-06:00

I bet you guys are all wondering where I am. Well, I'm still alive, and here. I've been working alot, and also writing alot of letters. More and more I dislike technology and spend only a few moments on the internet.

So basically, I'm just hanging out. Nothing exciting, nothing amazing. But all good.

Because my Savior is still my friend and the sunsets have been amazing.
So has the sunshine, and the green outside. I'm thinking, maybe I'll start swimming for exercise. Because I'm always so hot and tired after mowing all day. Maybe some cool water would feel good. Maybe I will go for a walk now. Or maybe I'll read Esther. It's the greatest.

Oh, and Camp Salvation is coming up in a couple of weeks. I LOVE camp! It's like the highlight of my summer!

You guys should write to me. yeshuasisters20@gmail.com I want to hear from you!

Random Saturday

2009-06-20T10:00:00.003-06:00

Ready for some random facts? Yess??!!! OK!

I got a job. YEAH. And praise the Lord, He has granted me favor with my boss, as well as given me a job I just plain enjoy. I'm mowing all day long in the sunshine. My freckles came back.
My family went to a movie together last night. My WHOLE family! At least, all of us that live here at home. It was AwEsOmE. The movie was UP and it was a great one. You should go see it. It will make you cry. Well, if you cry as easily as I do it will.
I love sleeping in on Saturdays.
It is cloudy and a little rainy here today. I love that too.
I have a pair of Justin cowboy boots and a periwinkle Troxel helmet. Now if only I had a horse...
I love receiving and sending handwritten letters. my email is yeshuasisters20@gmail.com and if you email me I'll send you my address so we can write to each other!
My red roses are blooming.
I love peaches.

Entrusted With

2009-06-02T08:03:00.004-06:00

Hey there beautiful readers! I have a blog to share with you. I added it to my blog list, but this one is so encouraging that I think it deserves a post of it's own. It's called "Entrusted With" and it's this lady sharing her thoughts on real life gospel sharing! It's so encouraging to me because she means it, and she is a normal every day person in our own culture who has the courage to speak about Jesus--not a missionary far away. (although they encourage me too)!

Check out

http://entrustedwith.wordpress.com/

And read about what it looks like for Jenny to go and make Jesus-disciples. I'm praying that her faith will strengthen yours, and more of us will be sharing the truth that saved us with our neighbors who are dying!

My first rosebud is opening!

2009-05-30T15:12:00.002-06:00

How I love a do-nothing Saturday. I've been so cynical lately, annoyed with my self and with others, annoyed with the world and humanity, annoyed with failure, annoyed that I am not God. But there is something about a do-nothing Saturday that is healing, I think. Maybe some of the cynicism will wash away. Maybe Someone can change my attitude.

So this is a good do-nothing day. I did nothing while I weeded the garden, and I did nothing while I checked on my herbs, just to see that they are looking healthy. I did nothing visiting Grandpa, too, and walking to the post office for the mail. Nothing while I hung freshly washed sheets and towels on the line, and nothing as I helped rescue a soaked cat from the swimming pool. I love doing nothing as the warm sun touches my skin, nothing as I caress the first of my red roses opening. Nothing as I ate ice cream, and drank limeade. Nothing at all.

I love a do-nothing Saturday. Maybe I will finish that amazing story I got partway through when I had to quit reading last night because I was so tired. It was about David, when Absolom tried to take the kingdom, and right before I stopped reading, there he was, climbing the Mount of Olives, barefoot and with his head covered, and weeping. Weeping and weeping, the King and the people with him. I should find out what happens to him. Hmm...I think it was in 1 Samuel...

And whoever reads this book outloud...

2009-05-21T23:40:00.000-06:00

My Water Bottle

2009-05-10T21:53:00.002-06:00

So you know that post awhile back that listed all the things I'd lost and then how I'd found them?

Yes, yes, my blog is lame and boring.

But I found my lost nalgene water bottle.

And I thought you all should know.

Rejoice with me.

1 1/4 inches???!!!

2009-05-08T11:03:00.003-06:00

My parents have a special wall in our kitchen. It's covered with names and dates, lines telling how tall we were and are, the story of our growing.

I was surprised today, by that wall. My dad was measuring my 5 year old brother. He grew about 1 1/2 inches since last September. So I asked him to measure me, knowing that I am done growing, and would be exactly as tall as the last mark, which was in January of '07.

I grew 1 1/4 inches! I couldn't believe that I would grow between my 23rd and 25th years. I hadn't grown taller in several years before that.

But maybe it is a symbol. I had a huge spiritual growth spurt during that time period. Maybe my King just wanted to give me a physical reminder that He cares about my growing.

Who knew I'd grow 1 1/4 inches taller while I was growing closer to my King! Thank you Jesus, for caring about all of my life :) I love You!

Hmm...summer's finally on it's way??

2009-05-06T15:40:00.004-06:00

Did you know that it is uniquely difficult to find worthwhile subject matter for this blog? Maybe I just don't find much of interest to share from my life these days. Or maybe I'm too busy living it to take the time to share it! For example, in the past two weeks I've lived:

One ninth birthday...complete with special breakfast, dinner, presents, and "cake." (it was brownies).

Two days of gardening...planting potted herbs in my particular spot, tilling and raking the larger vegetable garden, testing the soil, adding compost (mmm!) and beginning to plant the veggies.

One beautifully restful Sunday complete with Pride and Prejudice...the book.

Four days of preparing and enjoying the company of my sisters Cher and Rach, including another Birthday celebration and all that it entails.

Three days on the road searching for a prom dress.

One sister's first prom.

And today? Marissa and Sully have been wearing the goggles they got for her birthday and dunking their heads in a bucket of water (ya, my idea). Then they run to the swings saying "we did it, we did it," in a singsong voice, and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. Hey, they're having fun!

Hope you are also having some summer fun.
I dread the busy life I will have soon.

Ay Corey kang go Molli ra

2009-04-28T20:42:00.003-06:00

Ay bay kang boreykulu mana faham wone tirra. Amma, ay ga ba kang ay Afrique borey ga faham, zama ay gonda sanizey a se.

Zarma borey, da ay cele, AY GA BA NI!
Ay go ga ni faaji.
Ay ga Irikoy sabu ni se.

Fati Myma, Irikoy ma konda cimi ni se. Cimi, da cimibeeri, da baafuna. Irikoy ma konda arrawaso hanno kang bay Yesu ni se, da Irikoy ma ni konda nwari, da bani, da coro hanno, da coro kang bay Yesu. Fati Myma, ay go ga adduwa ni se, kang ni ma du gabi, ni ma ci borey boobo Yesu bong, ni ma du farha Yesu ra. Ay ga ba ni gumo!

Fati Bubacar Beeri, ay go ga ni faaji. Ay faaji ni suru, da ni care-bandayang da ay. Ay go ga adduwa ni se, kang ni ma faham Yesu baafuna ni se, kang ni ma du cimibeeri, kang ni ma du Yesu, da ni ma te Yesu sani. Ay go ga adduwa ni se, kang Irikoy ma konda ni se bani, da cimi, da Yesu baakasinay.

Bubacar, ay go ga adduwa ni se, mo. Irikoy ma konda ni se biya bani, da cimibeeri, da Irikoy sani, da gabi ga te Yesu saniboobo. Ni ma te Yesu sani, zama ni ma ti Molli Yesu Alfaga. Ay go ga Irikoy ba ga ni no gabi kang ni ma ci Molli boreykulu se Yesu sani, da Yesu cimi. Irikoy go ga ni ba gumo. Ni mana dirgan kang Yesu ga no jineykulu kang ni gonda moradu se. Mo, Irikoy ga ni no haykulu kang ni gonda biya moradu se. Ni ma miila bong Yesu sani zarakulu.

Sadi, Ay go ga ni faaji. Ay ga ba ga te cowyang da ni, da ay ga ba ga ti ni beeri. Waati kang ni maa Irikoy sani, ni ma maa hanno, da boori. Irikoy gonda cimi. Ni ma maa, ni ma te. Zama ay ga ba ni. Ay ga ba ga di ni beene ra! Irikoy ma konda cimibeeri ni se!

Irikoy, Ay Yesu, Ay Baba, fonda goy ni goy Molli ra. Ay go ga Ni sabu gumo zama ni baa ay Molli borey, da Molli boreykulu. Ni ma te borey se hannokulu. Iri ga ni beerundi zarakulu. Iri ga ni sabu, zama ni Iri zunubu teeri. Ni faham sanikulu, da Iri beerundi ni Iri biya ra, carebanda. Ka, ga te iri se. Zama Iri ti ni izey kayna. Yesu mayo ra, Amen.

I'm really still alive...

2009-04-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

:) he he:) sheepish grin...

The above sheepish grin is because I've not blogged in FOREVER. I haven't had anything interesting to say. I've had interesting things happen, but no interesting things to say.

I still don't have anything interesting to say, except that Spring is finally here and my heart loves Loves LOVES it!

Hopefully I'll have something interesting in the future. Until then, enjoy the amazing Spring weather!

"For He is our peace..." Eph 2:14

Abide in My Love

2009-04-12T15:55:00.004-06:00

Jesus said to her,
"Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him,
"Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her,
"Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic,
"Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her,
"Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
~from John 20 ESV

It is raining today. Not a fierce, driving rain, nor yet a steady soft rain. But it is raining a gentle drizzle that is just enough to get you significantly wet if you're in it for more than a few minutes, but not so much as to make it miserable to be out. The clouds make a grey light that lulls one to sleep. Indeed, it is a very sleepy day.

But it is not a very wintry day, and for that I am grateful. I'm so tired of winter. Spring is almost fully here, and I love it.

My Savior is alive.

I was reminded as I was walking in the beautiful weather, how intensely Jesus impacts my life. Actually it is His life that gives me life. I think of so many things I look to for pleasure, and how they always fail to satisfy unless I am walking in Jesus' love. Only then does anything have meaning for me, and then, everything does. "Abide in my love," He said. "If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love."

For example, I was helping mom get the garden ready a couple of days ago (we got nearly all of it tilled). Doing home things often reminds me that I desire my own home and family. But I want nothing without Jesus. I want singleness right now, because I have Jesus' life in my singleness. I would walk in His love in all times of life. Should I marry, it would be hell without Jesus' life in my marriage...in my very heart.

Maybe I am being confusing. What I mean to say is this: Jesus in me is my worth--not the approval of men, the discovery of pleasure, or being in control--, and living in Him is all life. Without Him I can do nothing. And I'm so glad He is alive...is giving me life!

"If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love."
Jesus, may I keep them!

~from John 15

Pampered Recipe

2009-04-07T21:23:00.003-06:00

Recipe for a good Pampering

First, clean the tub and fill with warm to hot water.
Second, turn on the tea kettle. When hot, pour the water into a small teapot. Add one chamomile tea bag.
Third, go find your favorite CDs and a player.
Fourth, search for that bath salt or oil given to you last Christmas.
Fifth, find some clean PJs and a towel. Put them in the bathroom.
Sixth, grab your journal.
Seventh, turn on the hot water in the tub because it's cold by now. Add the salt.
Eighth, bring in your tea, music, and journal.
Ninth, light a candle and take the phone off the hook.
Tenth, climb in and reap the rewards of your hard labor (searching, heating, gathering).

Be pampered.

Spring

2009-04-02T19:32:00.003-06:00

As anyone who has spoken with me knows, I am ready for spring to come in full. We have had some very nice weather here and there in March, but we have also had snow, and snow is in the forecast for this weekend.

Today it was very much like spring. It warmed my cabin-fever-ish heart.

I dug in the garden! Yep, and helped Rissa and Sully make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar. We walked to the park with Jack, our cockerspaniel, and we felt the warmth of the sun on our shoulders.

I hope that real spring--the almost summer spring-- comes soon. Until then, I will thank God for the spring that comes and goes.

Believe in the LORD your God

2009-03-27T22:34:00.003-06:00

"Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,

'Give thanks to the LORD,
for his steadfast love endures forever.'

And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."

2 Chronicles 20: 18-22

Tea Update!

2009-03-25T17:17:00.003-06:00

I said I'd share my impressions on the teas, and here I am! This is what I bought, the package description, and my own personal impressions.

China Keemun. The burgundy of teas from the Anhui province in China. Full bodied with a light, toasty taste. I tried this tea first, and to my chagrin, although not to my surprise, I didn't like the "toasty taste." Other than that it had a pleasant, I thought light, flavor. Maybe the toastiness grows on you, I don't know. My friend thought it reminded her of smoked salmon. Yech.

Kopili Assam. Bold but very drinkable, this unique Assam is bursting with rich, round flavor. In a class by itself, this tea is very appealing. I liked this tea. It was...dark. In a way it was almost bitter, but it made me think of a heavy tea that would be awesome with chocolate. I'll definitely be drinking this one! Probably in the morning, as a strong wake up.

Kenilworth Ceylon Estate. From on of the most famous tea gardens in Sri Lanka. Long attractive leaves equisite flavor subtle body. Excellent afternoon tea. I really, really liked this tea. It wasn't as dark as the Assam, had no aftertaste like the Keemun, and was almost sweet, with a kinda flowery flavor. I'll drink this one up too!

Black Needle Yunnan. This classic tea has large, wiry, open twisted buds of gloriously tippy tea. It's delicious and full-bodied, with a classic, clean and brisk Yunnan character. I haven't tried this tea yet.

Black Pearl. Tiny pearls of hand-rolled black tea produce a brew with a pleasing aroma and a delicate sweetness. Start with 5-6 pearls per cup. From the Yunnan province in China. I haven't tried this tea yet either, but I'm guessing it will be similar to the Black Needle Yunnan because they come from the same province. I look forward to finding how I like them!

I hope you've enjoyed this taste test with me! If anyone wants to try one of these in person come on over and we'll have a pot of tea together and chat. Tea is the best kind of social drinking! :)

C.S. Lewis on Tea

2009-03-21T10:09:00.001-06:00

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me - C.S. Lewis

Camellia sinensis

2009-03-20T20:10:00.004-06:00

You'll never guess what I ordered last night.
That's right, TEA.

Loose tea from Stash. Black tea, Assam, and tea from China.

To find some of the wildest, fanciest possibilities in tea drinking pleasure, visit my link at the right to the Stash Tea Company in Oregon.

I am so excited to discover the new flavors now in route to my house.
Updates on the kinds and impressions to come!

It's All About Perspective!

2009-03-19T12:49:00.004-06:00

OK so I'm weird. I know it. But aren't these cool pictures involving perspective? Especially the hand...my middle finger isn't really that big, honest! (ps. who am I being with the big icicle? comment if you know :) We had a great time with that big icicle. It was everything...even a light-saber. It was almost as tall as my brother!

beautiful alone

2009-03-17T20:43:00.004-06:00

sometimes, you wonder where
you thought you were
when you looked into
the flames you fanned into being
and in the silence
your failure becomes real

sometimes, you wonder who
you wish you were
you tried to be
who you want to be
and are, or aren't
when you realized you were alone
by that fire

sometimes you forget
what you want
and you release your
desire
or maybe not your desire,
but rather your lust, that
grasping desire that wants for self

sometimes you feel the warmth
when the cold breeze begins
to cut into your skin
you turn to the flame with new eyes

sometimes you turn your back
to the fire and
look up at the stars

you see a shooting star
and the red flame of Betelgeuse
in the shoulder of Orion
like a bleeding wound on that great warrior.

you realize,
not for the first time,
you are small.

and you are beautiful,
alone.

Moon Prayer

2009-03-13T09:13:00.005-06:00

Why do I forget

the wind is tossing

forget you are here
the moon glows tonight very clearly: you can see the face in it, and the clouds are orange beside it, cotton candy orange
for some reason
the sunset is like a painting, with living colors behind the silhouettes, colors always changing, so vibrant
I look at my life
depressed, as if you left me
behind.
the silence embraces me with clean passion
as if my plans are what I need
and they don't matter to you
the passion is sinking into me, as stars come, now faintly, now brighter against the deep blue of the sky
but then I
let go
the night wind is getting colder and clouds begin to creep in from the south
I confess my sins
the clouds are making shadows in front of the moon, a beauty so subtle, so wild
And looking around me
I hear the hoot of an owl, the smallest noises piercing the silence, life
I let you love me.

In Honor Of A Lost Charger Found

2009-03-06T09:16:00.008-07:00

Yep. Today I'm sharing photos. Unfortunately I don't have photos of some of the things I want to share the most, like the sunrises for instance, or for some of the things that happened between the time the charger was lost and found, but hopefully after next week I will have some sunrise pictures, at least. For now, here are a few so we can celebrate. Praise the Lord I found my camera battery charger!

This is the captivating book that I couldn't put down for a week. Unfortunately it is not the last book in the series, which means I have to WAIT for the rest of the story!

THIS is how I feel after a day of working outside when I've forgotten to take benadrill the night before!

This is the dirt moustash I always get. (and a normal I-didn't-forget-the-benadrill face!)

This is the amazing mp3 player that made the days go so fast and my work go so well....until that fateful day...day before yesterday to be exact....when it DIED.

Anyone interested in attending a funeral?

lost things found

2009-02-26T12:31:00.002-07:00

So the reason I am free to write this post is that the wind came up alot and I am not able to work outside. Instead, I'm writing scholarship applications today, and, as you can see, blogging. But I wanted to share a small thing with you. A little thing that means alot to me, because it reminds me how intricate God's dealings with us are!

I lost:
mp3 player last July
my camera battery charger
my capo yesterday
my left leather glove worth 12 bucks
my cap
my brush

(the last three out in a field which is like a black hole---you lose it, it's gone!)

I found:
my camera battery charger (after 3 weeks)
my cap
my brush
and my left leather glove (after 3 days)

Isn't God sweet to show me such mercy?! It seems like I always ask Him to help me find stuff and He does! Not that He's my maid, but I love knowing He's interested in every part of my life, even the fact that I'm frustrated with losing things. Not that I'm annoyed with not having them, but I do get annoyed with my losing them!

He knows where the mp3 player and capo are too. Now I wonder...

Tired

2009-02-24T20:09:00.002-07:00

OK everyone, just so you all don't feel left out, here's my update.

I've been working.
And I am tired.

So I am going to go to bed, and share life stuff with you later...after the work is done...

Is work ever done?

My Father is greater than all...kickin' down the cobblestones/looking for fun and...love heals your heart

2009-02-23T07:28:00.004-07:00

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all ; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." ~John 10:27-30

"When you think your life is shattered/And there's no way to be fixed again/Love heals your heart//at the time you least expected/You're alive like you have never been/Love heals your heart..." ~ThirdDay

"Slow down, you move too fast/you've got to make the morning last..." ~Simon and Garfunkle, 'Feelin' Groovy'

I'm working out under the beautiful blue sky today. I love it. And in this not-too-warm weather it reminds me how much I love wool! I should spin again, knit again. Soon. Anyway, these are some quotes that sort of describe my life lately....hope you enjoy them. Maybe soon I will be able to write more about the things in my heart. Maybe I will find time(so sparse!), and words. Till then, happy last few days in February!

P.S. I finished reading the book, Brisingr, and it left me frustrated, because the story isn't finished and now no other book satisfies. Any suggestions out there for a riveting story I could read?

My Very Favorite Rhett&Link Song Ever (It's hillarious!) (At least, I'M laughing!!)

2009-02-16T22:47:00.001-07:00

Dancing

2009-02-12T10:23:00.004-07:00

Let me, let me, dance before You
In the beauty You bestow
I may not be earthly pretty
But before your Face I glow

Let me show my heart with motion
Let my body join my soul
Let my spirit sing emotion
Let my glory in You grow

So I will dance, yes,
I will fly
I will sway and weave and swing and glorify

I will run, beneath Your
Beautiful night sky
I will dance, I will fly.

Jesus, you have all emotion
You have all strength, all might
You are keeper of all beauty
Everything my heart delights

All to your sweet love releasing
All my body, all my life
I am jumping off that mountain
Into the waterfall of Christ

And I will dance,
I will fly
I will swirl and spin and sing and glorify

I will run
Beneath Your beautiful free sky
I will dance; I will fly

Creme De La Creme

2009-02-11T16:20:00.002-07:00

Worth Dying For

2009-02-10T21:51:00.004-07:00

What is the meaning of loneliness?

What does it mean to be lonely? To feel acutely the need to be known, perhaps. But what is the meaning of loneliness? Is there a bigger meaning than just the feeling?

Maybe it's the fact that we are never alone. Our choices never affect only our own lives, our lives never affect only our own soul. We are a part of one another--of every other life on this earth--whether we choose it or not.

I wonder what Jesus thought about loneliness. How he understood it; how he felt it. He was always in intimate contact with the Father.

Except for those hours on the cross. There he experienced probably the most acute loneliness anyone ever could. To be rejected by men, deserted by His friends, and then: His Father turned away. But He endured for joy.

And the joy that was set before Him was me. You. Us. Every human being that ever lived under this sun, under the toil of life on this earth.

Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross...

So we could know the ultimate solution to our loneliness, a friend Who never leaves and is able to reach inside and understand, even commune with, the most intimate parts of our souls.

That's a love worth acceptance.
An offer that just can't be turned down.
That's a God worth dying for.

Jesus, please give me your courage.

So what do YOU think?

2009-02-01T18:32:00.003-07:00

I've heard and read varying opinions on the book "The Shack." I want to know what you all think! Have you read it? If so, did you find it doctrinally unsound, sound, inspirational, outrageous....what was your reaction and what is your opinion?

I haven't read it yet, and would dearly love to hear your thoughts.

Awaiting comments,
MillieJo

Say Something

2009-01-27T23:10:00.002-07:00

I guess there are probably people...maybe one person...out there waiting for me to say something.
Here it is: SOMETHING.
Just kidding.
But seriously.

I think I may go back to school, and finish that English degree I dropped like a hot potatoe.
Thursday I'm visiting a Christian College.
I hope I like it.

Ok, this post is LAME.
The next one won't be the SAME.

Are there rocks AHEAD?
If there are, we'll all be DEAD.

...anybody want a PEANUT???

Cardboard Testimonies from West Africa

2009-01-24T10:15:00.002-07:00

I know some of these people!!! Kinda long, I know, but worth watching.

Brayma

2009-01-22T19:54:00.003-07:00

Brayma. What will become of you? You are so handsome, so much like your father. He is seeking, searching, he is beginning to follow. You are young, sweet, spoiled. You know the Arabic words of the call to prayer by heart. You know what it means to be a Muslim.

Will you see the desire for God in your father? Will you learn truth from him? What will you choose to believe?

Brayma? Are you well? Have you been injured while you work? Do you have malaria? If you get sick, who will take you to the doctor? You are too old to go for free. I hope your father is willing to spend his money on you. Brayma, make sure that you watch out for your little brothers and sisters. Don't ever hit girls, but protect them. And Brayma, remember that Yesu loves you. He always will. You can always go to Him. He has the answers. He knows how it feels to hurt. He's worth trusting, even more than your dad. And I know that you have a faithful man for your father. Don't forget to say thank you to him. Listen to what he says to you.

I don't know if you know it, but I love you. I'm not sure I knew I love you before, in time to tell you. But I do. I'm over here in America, loving you. But someone loves you more: Yesu.

Brayma, Irikoy ma konda cimi ni se. Cimi, da cimibeeri, da bani, da bina kani.
Irikoy ma konda baafuna da fonda hanno ni se. Nda Brayma, ni ma maa Yesu waati kang a ci haykulu ni se. Ni maa. Zama Yesu go ga ni ba gumo, oho, baa soho.

healing plains

2009-01-15T17:21:00.005-07:00

I just wanted to share a snapshot of the healing plains I experienced for a couple days a few weeks ago. I know what some of you will be thinking....just don't. What is barren for one is beauty for another, for ME. If only I could have seen this countryside before human beings were here. It must have been a taste of heaven. The silence, the sky....

I'd forgotten...

2009-01-15T15:15:00.002-07:00

So...
I
d
a
n
c
e
d
the
t
a
n
g
o
the
o
t
h
e
r
day.

it was only for 2 seconds and without music and I don't even know the tango.

But I remembered something:
I LOVE DANCING!

hm.
I guess that's all I have to say, just now. I mean, there's so much more to say, like, about my visit to see my little sister and all the things I got to do there....like about getting re-acquainted with some of the most important people in my life and about the ideas I have for my future...but for now, all I have to say is this.

I'd forgotten how much I love to dance.
May I dance again soon!

letting go and cement

2009-01-06T22:30:00.003-07:00

Probably you all wonder where I've been...lost in real life, not blogging at all. Well, all four of you :) I've been here...but I've been a little wounded at heart and not quite up to blogging. Besides being busy.

I don't know what wounded me, but I know what is healing my heart. God has been treating me with the tenderness of a physician who is also my father. Maybe that's what I like about Jesus so much. He is to me every sort of man I can need. He is my Father and my Brother and my King and even my Husband...all in a spiritual sense of course, but really, aren't we spiritual beings first? Where does all this grasping for physical things, for earthly things come from? Why do I want to cling to something that isn't Jesus?

Pretty much I've stopped grasping for anything. At least, that's what I'd like to think, what I want for my life. In some ways I think I'm learning to let go, in others, I still cling to those things I think will save me, forgetting that Jesus is the One Who was faithful to me when I doubted His essence. But I don't want to live clinging to the things that keep me in bondage: the money, this friendship, this potential friendship, a car, even America and "safety." I want to let go. And just trust that when I fall either Jesus will catch me and hold me in His arms or else I will discover in the end that hitting the cement was really the good thing, as crazy as that sounds. And anyway, isn't that meekness? Not grasping for anything, but accepting God's providence and will, whether it hurts or is not painful, whether it is slow plodding or you see progress, whether you abound or suffer need?

The problem is, when you do fall on the cement, it hurts like the dickens.
Maybe trusting enough to believe in goodness through the pain is what faith really means.
I don't know.
Please don't say I've done amazing things.
Please don't say I'm humble.
Please don't ask me not to cry.

Because I will cry. But I will also accept every single balm and sweet tender mercy He sends my way. I will receive joyfully the sunsets and the wind; these prairie heavens.

May I be permitted to love the Prairies till the day I die.

God's Word...Every Day. Period.

2009-01-05T20:54:00.003-07:00

Jesus,

I have ignored your Word.
I know it is my life, because You are my life.
I want to be faithful to remember You, to soak You up in Your Word.
Please forgive me for ignoring it.
I am coming.

Millie

Friends, I have a challenge for all of us. First, listen to Revive our Hearts for Monday, Jan 5th. here. I accept the challenge to spend time with God every day for a month. Will you join me?

I love the little ones

2009-01-02T22:19:00.003-07:00

Rukea I miss your smiling, silly face! May many Jesus people share truth with you and love you.

Interesting...

2008-12-29T22:00:00.001-07:00

Assessment

2008-11-28T07:35:00.004-07:00

Assessment.

Heart: beating
now faintly
pulse surges,
fades;

Grace defies
death-fear:
half-closed eyes.

Breath: there
now shallow,
another deep
gasp.

Life-truth: inhale
mouth, dry;
heat, pale.

Quickly, bind!
pressure stays:
weak blood
life-blood.

Lay my body
in a bath;
the water from
Your side.

Wash my wounds;
bind them.
Your life-blood
for mine.

Fill my lungs
with air,
with You.
Only You I breathe.

My heart cannot
beat alone.
It's You I need.

Lay for the Little Girls

2008-10-15T07:27:00.003-06:00

You three
around your work
innocently
you follow

the example of
your mother
and women's work
is not toil for you.

It is your play
as you laugh,
and tease;
as you pound,
and sift,

your hearts light,
too young for
the weary sorrow
that your mothers bear.

What will your eyes see
as the years come,
your soft hands hardened
when play becomes work?

Will you be the first,
or a second wife,
and will your smile
abide, or die
with your first
or second child,
oppressed by the tears
you are forbidden to cry?

And what of your sweet,
child-clean souls,
knowing now only
a god you must appease,
a god far away
full of wrath
unable to keep
evil spirits at bay?

bye!

2008-08-06T03:06:00.003-06:00

Bye everyone! I think I'll leave the States now. I'm not sure how much I'll get to update this but you never know....maybe I will have a little bit of time on the internet.

So...if not, I'll see you in December. Maybe I'll have a tan. On my face only. (evil laughter) (after all, it is three a.m.)

My Family

2008-08-01T12:58:00.004-06:00

Family; baptism; "Only Alive" by Jars of Clay; being identified with His death and resurrection; being in the same family as those who are tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus; saying yes to Him no matter what! Whew! I'm tired now. :)

Leaving AGAIN!

2008-07-12T11:45:00.002-06:00

Howdy Y'all! Sooo...after a delicious experience in Guatemala at Camp Guamiski, I'm going back to camp! Except this time, it's right here in my home state, CO. I'm going to Camp Salvation in the Rockies for two weeks to be a counselor and love on some kids with Jesus' love!

Even though I had a wonderful time in Guatemala, Camp Salvation is my favorite camp ever. God has used it in my life in significant ways in the past, and through it I've made some very valued friends! I'm looking forward to seeing what God is doing this year there--what He's changed and what He's kept the same--what He's creating.

Every year we are a new person, "like the rings on a tree--some years you grow more than others." (Mom) I can't wait to see how God is using all the new people this year to make up his Camp Salvation body!

See y'all in a couple weeks!

PS that y'all is something I got from my Guatemala teammates from the South. :) Wouldn't take it from anyone else, but they were awesome!

WOW

2008-07-06T22:29:00.002-06:00

Wow. I know I have "failed" in keeping you all updated about my experiences. It's just that Guatemala was so overwhelmingly....um, so overwhelmingly, overwhelming. I don't have enough words to say what words can't say. So I got overwhelmed and said nothing:)

YA.

It was AMAZING and AWESOME but those are words that don't describe it--they just say that I liked it and it was overwhelming, in a good way.

Which is pretty much all I'm going to say here. The people on my email list get a much bigger letter...and anyone who wants to be on my list need only leave me a comment with their email. If you don't want it published, just let me know. I screen all the comments before they're published, so I can get the address and not show it to the world.

That said, I'm looking forward to Camp Salvation soooo much! I'll be leaving this coming Saturday, and I'm so pumped! I feel like God has healed and filled me and I'm excited about getting to share some of Him with others who need Him just like I do!

Truly God is good to those who have a clean heart. Funny, He's the one who makes it clean.

Guatemala!

2008-06-12T23:15:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone! I'll be in Guatemala working at Camp Guamiski 'till the 22nd! Hope you are all well and keep a lookout after I get back cause I know I'll have tons of pictures/stories/praises to share!

Until All Know Him!

MillieJo

Camp Guamiski, Friday!

2008-06-11T22:36:00.002-06:00

Sooo...

I am packing for Guatemala.

We will be there nine days. We'll stay in the city the first night, and then go on up to camp in the mountains, have our leadership meetings, and WHOOOO!!!! Camp starts Monday!

I can't wait. My first flight. WOW.

And then there are the kids. Half of them are homeschooled (like I was--not always easy, but good), all of them are living in a culture that doesn't even speak their native language. From the city to the jungles of the Peten, they are faced with real peril on a daily basis. They are heroes. I am praying God will give us wisdom and the ability to minister to them. I am praying He will do a mighty work in their hearts this week. I am praying for some very special worship. I am praying the rain will quit!

After camp (which I can tell is going to be AWESOME) we'll have a fun shopping day and eat at a nice restaurant before we head home next Sunday!

Why is God so good to me?

perspective

2008-06-08T16:26:00.003-06:00

Sometimes in this town I feel like Lightening McQueen felt when he first encountered Radiator Springs. Well, maybe not completely like that, because I've always lived here, but perhaps a little...isolated.

It's funny, though, how much your attitude matters. If you open your eyes, there is so much beauty and peace to be found in the boonies.

Like today. I went out, riding my bike but walking too, just to get away and pray. The sky is so blue here, the clouds are clear and defined, the air clean. The town is practically deserted, and as I rode down the middle of the silent streets it occurred to me that I could never do that in the city. As I swung on my favorite park swing, I realized that only here, in my town, could I have this sort of solitude in public.

And then at the other park, I found a wonder. A tiny life, a killdeer, fluttered at my feet. It's wings were so intricate, it's claws perfectly formed and sharp, it's beak characteristically curved. I couldn't get pictures of the first one, but it's "nest" mate held still for me, even letting me pick it up and spread it's wing for a photo. Killdeer are interesting birds, making their nests on the ground. I just happened to stumble upon one. They are so well camouflaged that I probably couldn't find it again.

Being isolated isn't so bad.

And I'm not so isolated. Tonight we are going to see a movie in a town about 35 min. away.
Girl fun!

FIXED

2008-06-06T00:25:00.002-06:00

Here you go guys! I think I got everything fixed. This is the video again, so you won't have to look so hard for it :)

milliejo

"Let It All Out" --relevant Relient K lyrics.

2008-06-05T22:52:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to share some lyrics today. These are from Relient K's album MM'MM, and all the rights to them belong to Relient K! Mm'mm! Is an album worth buying, with songs such as "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" and "High of 75." Full of humor and seasoned with grief, the upbeat music is full of joy and perspective. Enjoy the lyrics to "Let It All Out":)

Let it all out (get it all out)
Rip it out, remove it
Don't be alarmed, when the wound begins to bleed

'Cause we're so scared to find out (what this life's all about)
So scared we're gonna lose it
And knowing all along
That's exactly what we need

And today I'll trust you with the confidence
of a man who's never known defeat
But tomorrow, upon hearing what I did
I will stare at you in disbelief

Oh inconsistent me, crying out for consistency

And you said "I know that this will hurt
but if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse.
If the burden seems too much to bear,
remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there.

"And I'll let it be known (at times I have shown)
Signs of all my weakness
But somewhere in me, there is strength

And you promised me (that you believe)
in time I will defeat this
'Cause somewhere in me, there is strength

And today I'll trust you with the confidence
of a man who's never known defeat
And I'll try my best to just forget
That that man isn't me

And you said "I know that this will hurt
but if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse.
If the burden seems too much to bear,
remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there.

And you said "I know that this will hurt (I know this will hurt)
but if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse. (things will get much worse)
When the burden seems too much to bear, (seems too much to bear)
remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there.

"Reach out to me
Make my heart brand new
Every beat will be for you, for you
And I know you know
You touched my life
When you touched my heavy heart
and made it light

~Relient K, "Let It All Out"

on the radio/kingdom singleness

2008-06-04T15:57:00.004-06:00

I heard something on the radio today that resonated with me. I don't know who said it, but here it is!

"As a Christian single, you should be running toward Christ with all that you have. Then, if you look around you and see someone running beside you, take a second look."

I like that "dating philosophy." I like it a lot.

Excitement, and what I did.

2008-06-03T22:42:00.004-06:00

Excitement.
It's like momentum.
It is building up, more.
And More, and MORE and MORE, and MORE!

It is knowing that I'm heading off, away from my home, family and all I know, into the great thrill of following God's call.

I know it will be crazy. Amazing, I'm sure, to see God's faithfulness in new ways. Testing, I'm positive, of my faith. I'll grow. Teach. Give, and receive of God every day. Experience fellowship in a way I could never in the States. Experience need in the same way. Experience fear, and learn more to rely on the King. My King-Papa.

Most of all I will be following God's calling on my life, and that in itself is surely satisfying.

But I bet you are all wondering what has actually been happening in my life, not what I'm feeling. Well today I:

restrung a 12 string guitar, breaking only one new string, and (surprise!) it wasn't the high G!
helped my mom put up our swamp cooler (it's getting warm out!)
talked with my neighbor Betty for about an hour. It was awesome. We haven't got to do that in a long time.
took a bike ride, and looked at the stars.
Watched the stars come out!
Worked on stuff for Camp Guamiski
Called my guitar insurance people again.
Took my little sis and bro to the park, endangering our skin (the sun was hot!)
Went to prayer meeting
and FINALLY posted on my blog!

Whew! I know I did more stuff than that! I just can't remember it all. :) I'm getting so old my memory is going away. He he. Goodnight all.

The Zerma Video

2008-05-31T22:11:00.006-06:00

A video about the people group I will be serving in just a couple of months! Time goes by so quickly. It is only a couple of weeks until I go to Guatemala, and then my summer is going to fly by!

I have much to be thankful for tonight. People who love my church, me, in Jesus. Is there a greater blessing in life aside from Christ Himself? Tonight, I don't think so.

wish list

2008-05-25T09:31:00.002-06:00

In light of recent events/conversations, I'd like to share a few of my desires publicly. In the event I am seriously disabled/dying, these are just a few of my wishes.

if I'm alive, please keep me alive as long as possible
please assume I can hear you talk and speak to me
read me scripture, the gospels, psalms, prophets
pray over and with me out loud, both for me and with me for people I love and care for
please don't drug me to the point I can't think, even if I'm in pain
but please do keep me out of pain as much as possible
please wet my lips
please bring my family/friends to see me as much as possible

OK, I know this really, really isn't a complete list, but it is a few things. For the record.

hum de ho, here we go

2008-05-19T22:55:00.003-06:00

Time is flying, so fast.

It is summer again. Today was hot. I am sweaty.

And the time of waiting for Africa is drawing to a close.

What have I been doing? Not blogging, obviously! Since my last post I have: gotten five shots, bought a mosquito net tent (which is back ordered till July, wherever I find it!), received the devotional/club info in preparation for Camp Guamiski, Guatemala, oooOOOOoohhh so many things.

Tomorrow I am getting a yellow fever shot. Yikes.

Soo...Rock climbing

2008-05-02T22:33:00.002-06:00

I've been an absent blogger...again!

But I have been a very present enjoy-er. My sis has been home for her birthday, and I we've been doing fun things together.

We visited friends in a town closer to the Rockies.
We rode in a convertible.
We ate Japanese.
We went to an awesome church where almost the whole praise team had tattoos and earrings! ---although Jesus is what made it good...
We had a birthday dinner at Chile's.
And we went rock climbing for the first time EVER!

It was so scary and so much fun that tomorrow we are traveling to the town I went to school at last semester to pick up Amanda and go again.

Maybe someday I will live in a town where I can belong to a climbing club.
For now, I'll live in the now, and love it.

2008-05-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

allergies

2008-04-23T11:20:00.002-06:00

Itchy, watery eyes. Sneezing, constant sneezing. A sinus headache. And a runny nose to top it all off.

I guess allergy season is here. Something on the wind makes it clear. And runny.

I wonder, will I experience this sort of thing in sub-Saharan Africa? What will the plants be like? Will they be things I am allergic to? Will the dust fill up my sinuses and inflict?

Whether it is easy or hard, I'm going! And I can't wait to leave.

this list could never be complete...

2008-04-20T16:50:00.002-06:00

Wow. Millie and Blogging haven't been getting along well.

So today is list day. Lists not of things I need to do, nor yet of things I've done, but lists of the more important: things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:

sunshine!
rain
wind
stars!
the moon (it is full tonight)
handwritten letters
telephone chats with old friends or new ones
the color yellow
creativity
Jesus, and His death and overflowing grace
A Father who will always be there to wrap me in His arms
courage, and strength from the Holy Spirit when mine fails utterly
quilts
books
music!
guitar, piano, voice...MUSIC!
a team working together
good food
tea
the ocean (even though I've never seen it)
the mountains
a cool breeze on a hot day
a warm breeze on a cold day
growing things
campfires
sleep
and the list goes on...

Input Day

2008-04-18T14:49:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting on my trampock as I write this, feeling the sunshine on my back and listening to "Every Time I Breathe." Ah. I love spring.

Mostly, though, I love this life with Jesus. In every season of my life He has filled me with blessings, even though some of them are easier to see than others. Why do I ever have a bad attitude when the Almighty God of the Universe loves me and wants to give me every good thing?! Why don't I trust Him better?

One of the things I am most thankful for right now is the sunshine. And the smell of plum blossoms. And my amazing parents.

I love my parents. They bless my life every day with more wisdom, and help, and just love. I sometimes feel at a loss to honor them well. Does anyone have any ideas? How have you honored your parents, and what are some ideas you have heard about?

I guess today is input day! Please, share with me.

millieJo

Rhett and Link at the Grammy's '07

2008-04-09T20:58:00.002-06:00

We had the opportunity of seeing Third Day in concert not long ago. They are my mom's favorite artists, and I enjoyed the concert alot! Their songs are uplifting and I came away from the concert wondering, what did Jesus' face look like? Anyway, our favorite funny guys, Rhett and Link, met Third Day at the Grammy's '07. You can see them in this funny video.

I fixed it!!!!

2008-04-06T23:50:00.004-06:00

Could this be the answer? It isn't perfectly cosmetic, but I think my solution works. Check out the new center of my finally finished trampock!

The center. I took the whole thing off of the frame to tie the center knots. I needed Mo (alot!) when I was putting it back on! It was tight, but not as tight as I wanted it to be. :) Oh well, I'm not taking it out again!

Ah, so relaxing. Now if I only had a pillow.

my project looks like a spider's web! Where's Spiderman to enjoy it with us?

The braid of all the extra strings that I didn't have the heart (yet) to cut.

Ooooh that sun was bright!

This is the view looking up. Has there ever been a better napping place?!?

a picture is worth a thousand words

2008-04-02T19:07:00.005-06:00

Today I would like to share some pictures with you! Unless otherwise noted, all the pictures I post are taken by my aspiring photographer sister, Mo.

This is me working on my tramp-ock, a hammock sort of invention I made on our old trampoline frame.

Aren't apricot blossoms beautiful! God is COOL!

Us enjoying the trampock

Me working on the center. See how it looks like a spider web?
Look at the color stripes! Now that center, not so cool. It has been very hard to decide how to do the middle, and I still am not happy with it. I think I'll take it out when I figure how to make it tight, yet lasting. Back view.
From beneath
And above

I hope you enjoyed my sister's pictures! If only it were going to be this nice out tomorrow...

I wrote a song...

2008-04-01T14:47:00.003-06:00

Just thought I'd share the lyrics of a song I wrote recently. It is dedicated to my neighbor's young granddaughter, who wanted to eat the delicious looking candy that was actually droppings from our bunny.

Bunny poop is like candy.
Bunny poop is like candy!

It's got
an amazing crunch
So brown
munch, munch, munch!

Bunny poop is like candy!
Bunny poop is like candy.

Ok, I know it's not the kind of song you expected, but you should hear it played. You almost want to go get a plate and fork.

Strength found in friendships

2008-03-27T20:28:00.004-06:00

Wow!

Wow. What a lovely week I've been having. I got to go visit a friend at her farm in almost-Nebraska. We had a delicious time visiting about everything from the pond we walked around to what life is like living in Africa. She has been to Uganda, and I am getting ready to go to West Africa, so we did talk about that alot. She even made me an African meal, complete with posho, and we ate it with our hands! The fellowship was the best part. There is nothing like sweet conversation while swinging on a homemade swing set!

But that was only the beginning. I got to see another good friend just a couple days after I got home. My little sister had to go to the orthodontist, and a friend I've known since I was 5 lives in the same town as her dentist, so YAY! we got to stay the night with her and her family! We even made time to ride horses in the morning before going into town. If making new friends is delightful, so is hanging out with an old one. Old friends rarely misunderstand you, and you know they will continue to love you, no matter what you do or have done. Even if they aren't coming from the same place as you, they know where you come from, and love you because of it! The best part of this visit, I think, was watching the sun rise in the cool morning air, while we walked to the edge of the pasture, visiting. If you all haven't figured it out yet: I love visiting!

God's blessings are always timed just right. Now I can dig into some of the work that is set before me with the strength found in friendships. God is so good to me!

Sometimes I Write Poetry (lame as it may be)

2008-03-16T19:05:00.003-06:00

Misery
By MillieJo

Today
I feel
Like hiding in a hole
In the ground
Like a
Badger.

Then if
I saw a
Person, I'd come out
And bite
Him.

And
I would go
Back into my hole a
Very miserable
Animal.

Reminder

2008-03-16T00:54:00.002-06:00

I know I've posted about this before, but I just wanted to remind you all that my friend Joel is still in the process of raising funds for the Castro Church Project. Please continue to pray for him and our brothers and sisters in Christ that he is seeking to help! You can find alot more info at:

http://www.castrochurchproject.info

Please share!

MillieJo

"Bob's your uncle."

2008-03-14T16:22:00.003-06:00

Hello to all my friends out there in blog-land! I know it has been quite a long time since I posted something significant. Things have been happening, yes, but my desire to chronicle them has left something to be desired. When I am full of many thoughts and plans change quickly I don't blog as much.

In blogs, one's life is an open book, for the whole world to see. The good, bad and ugly all could read this if they wanted. This is another reason I haven't been blogging. In some ways, my life has been private of late.

I have a lot to think about. Soon I am leaving the country. I am going to Guatemala in June for nine days to help out at a camp. It is going to be wonderful.

And then in August I am going to Africa.

I am very excited about Africa! And I have much to read and do. I have a feeling spring will bring acceleration and I'll be out of the country before you can say "Bob's your uncle."

So I ask for your prayers.

You're Here

2008-03-09T01:52:00.001-07:00

Every step I take
You’re here.
The breath of God,
You make my life good.

Yesterday, you were there:
My peace,
My good tomorrow.

My life began
The day I met You,
And it will never end:
I believe You.

When I tremble
Love, You surround me.
Courage and Strength:
Mercy unending.

Take me away!
Lonely, I’m longing.
Forever honeymoon:
I believe you.

But if I stay
My heart is with You,
Consumed with grace
I will step again.

You are here.

Someone Turned Down the Thermostat

2008-03-02T16:16:00.003-07:00

When I look outside it feels like today should be Christmas, not March! The wind is blowing, and the snow is drifting, sifting down and around and over, under and up. If there were more snow, it would be a blizzard. I am glad it is not.

I suppose it is really not that cold outside. It is probably only cold enough to keep the snow from melting. But yesterday was summer, and the contrast makes it very cold indeed.

Yesterday Rissa, Sully, Mo and I "took our wheels" to the courthouse and the big parking lot behind the city hall. That is what we do in the summer. Wearing shorts and tees, we enjoy the two single places in our town that a good "city" side-walk can be found. Yesterday I rollerbladed, Sully rode his bike, and Rissa used Mo's scooter. We had much fun, and got sweaty, too.

Today, someone turned down the thermostat. And I had almost convinced myself it was time to plant our garden.

Expelled

2008-02-21T23:03:00.004-07:00

Hey ever-body! Check this trailer out. It is for a movie called "Expelled." It is about free speech, the social forces against God and creationism that are prevailing today, and the way people are defending Darwinism. Their defense seems almost to border on Nazi thinking. You know, the, lets-burn-books-we-disagree-with kind of thinking. I'm not sure if or when we will be able to see the movie, but doesn't it look intriguing?

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playground.php

Hope you all enjoy it!

MillieJo

Young Ladies Christian Fellowship: Seasons of Singleness - Part Two

2008-02-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, I discovered a very true, encouraging article on singleness and waiting. Anyone who is interested in living for Jesus can find something relevant here:

Young Ladies Christian Fellowship: Seasons of Singleness - Part Two

I hope you all enjoy it! Now I'm going outside!!!

Don't Forget About the Music

2008-02-19T13:54:00.003-07:00

Hello to my (four) readers! As I come into a season of what may be more frequent posting, I wanted to remind all of you that you can enjoy music while you visit my site. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will find a whole playlist of some of my favorite songs. I hope you enjoy them!

It is a beautiful sunny day outside, a refreshing 50 degrees. We are getting seed catalogues in the mail. I'm going to fix the tires on my bike, and my cabin fever is begining to subside. I know "it's gonig to be a bright, bright sunshiney day"!

Thank you God for spring!

Liberty and Law

2008-02-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Gal3:3

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Gal 5:13

Privacy (a valentine's poem)

2008-02-15T23:03:00.004-07:00

To Die is Gain

2008-02-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:19-21

These verses have been especially meaningful in my life of late. I wanted to share them with you. I love how Paul hints at the inner workings of the spiritual life, how the prayer of others is linked to his salvation (from what? his circumstances?) and also to the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and his hope, because he hopes in belief. Does he want personal comfort? Does he desire a reputation? Admiration? NO. Only that "Christ shall be magnified," by life or death. Only Christ, and "to die is gain."

MillieJo

Perfect is Boring by Rich Mullins

2008-02-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Perfect is Boring

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Many of you know that Rich Mullins is one of my personal heros of the faith. Today I am sharing with you a small clip of him speaking about faith.

I realize that I have been sporadic at best when it comes to posting on this blog. I can't promise that this will change, but I still hope to share some things with you that interest me, and continue to write as the impulse suits me.

I hope you enjoy the words of Rich Mullins. If you are interested in hearing some of his songs I believe I have some on my player at the bottom of the page. Just scroll down through the songs and you should find a couple at least.

Be Still My Soul

2008-02-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

in the silence

2008-01-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling in the dark this month.

Maybe it was the "hibernation" weather.
Maybe it was the lack of contact with the IMB
Maybe it was the uncertainty, cabin fever, the cold, the ice.
Maybe it was my attitude.

But God is at work, even in the silence. Even when it feels like He is silent.

God is with me.
I believe it.

And He proves it. With His strength, His gifts.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Ro11:29 ESV

I have received some very good gifts this week. I was blessed by a sweet visit with my friends Krissy and Joy, and YAY! I was accepted to work for the International Missions Board.

Now for assignments.....