The Lily Letters

We’ve all said it, “I’m just soooo busy.” We say it when we are asked to do something we don’t feel we have time to do, we say it to our friends when work is keeping us late and we are missing yet another coffee date. We say it to our spouse when they ask if we can help with this “one” project… Sometimes it is truly legitimate, sometimes more of an excuse in disguise… but either way, the truth is always the same, we have time for something, just not for what we are too busy to do. Now, confession time… In 2015 I was truly the busiest I have ever been. My husband was job hunting and then took a job pastoring at a small church, I had two little ones, I worked my “real” job, volunteered with the sorority, did children’s ministry… and was failing at everything. Ok so maybe “failing” is bit of an exaggeration, but at the time, it's truly how I felt and even in hindsight, I was not doing anything incredibly well. Occasionally, I would have a week were one area was ok, but only at the...

One of the hardest things about being a Christian in an increasingly doubting world is being forced into defending our belief in God and in Jesus.  Every day there seems to be new scientific, philosophical, or historical evidence splashed across the headlines which provide proof of an absence of an all-knowing creator for doubting or nonbelievers.  But what if I told you that this is only the enemy at work?  What if I told you that the Bible has never been proven incorrect, ever?  What if I told you that scientific, philosophical, and historical evidence actually proves that Christianity has been the ONLY constant in this world since the beginning of time?  And what if I could give you the keys to prove all of this?  I can.  But you don’t need those keys...     On Sunday my pastor delivered just an incredible message on the Bible and how we, as Christians, can guarantee it is written by man, but the Words are His, and His alone (“In ...

I was invited to a "Anti-Resolution Post-New Year's Party," which I had to laugh at. Really, it was just a get-together of some friends, but the host accented the fact that there would be unhealthy food, you'll probably stay up too late and not want to exercise, and it will prevent you from finishing that book you avowed to finish. It's like this almost every year. I can only think of one year where I did make a lifestyle change (it was "drink more water"), but a new year always feels like a blank slate. But, what are we doing when we establish goals and fail at them? But, isn't that exactly what our spiritual walk is? We know that we will fail, but we stand up after falling down, over and over again. Because what we do know is that God's way--the "straight and narrow"--is one worth pursuing. If you have ever been in a platonic or romantic relationship (HINT: you have), then you know that even if you get in a fight, or someone ...

Tis the season of thankfulness and giving. This time of the year brings out the thankful side of everyone as we all gather around a dinner table and enjoy good food and good company. Why does it seem like this is the only time people express their thankfulness? Sure, Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what God has blessed and provided us with but should that stop just because Thanksgiving is over? "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God."  -2 Corinthians 9:11-12 When you are generous to God's people, you are expressing your thankfulness to God. While you are gathering around a table this year, think about all the ways you can be generous to all of God's people all year round! Yo...

"Nassarah." In Arabic, this means "Christian." To mark homes and businesses of known Christians, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) spray-paints the Arabic letter "N" as they threaten an ultimatum: convert to Islam or residents will pay the price. The Arabic letter "N" in red I cannot help but recall that there was a similar situation in Nazi Germany. Men, women, and children forced to wear yellow stars upon their clothes...tattoos with their serial numbers...off to an "uncertain" death. Or perhaps another one in the American South. Unfit outhouses deep in mud with the sign "Colored." It is true that history repeats itself. Christianity is the most persecuted religious group worldwide, likely because it is the largest. However, on average, 322 Christians are killed each month for their faith somewhere in the world. (Source: Open Doors USA) Beyond death, Christians globally face mutilation, rape, beatings, tor...

Happy Fall!! I love October and just the fall season in general. The weather becomes cooler, I get to bust out my scarves, and hot beverages abound. The other thing I love about fall…. All the tasty treats! I absolutely love to cook, and baking… ahhh… baking is my therapy! I thought since the kitchen is such a huge part of my life, I would share some of my favorite fall recipes with my SAO sisters, friends and family! First up, Crockpot Applesauce! I wish I could take full credit for this one, but I found it on www.skinnytaste.com (side note, if you haven’t already, you need to check her website out!!) Put this easy peasy recipe together and enjoy an amazing smelling kitchen that will rival your favorite fall candle! Crock Pot Applesauce 8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.) 1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 3 inch cinnamon stick 5 tsp light brown sugar (unpacked) - or agave P...

It's that magical time of the year again!  Here in Alabama we just had our first night below 70 degrees since who knows how long, and let me just tell you.... it was ah-mazing!  A breath of fresh air!  A relief, after our long and oppressive summer heat.   I'm told it will not last long, that we will be back up over 90 in the next few days.  But, man.  It was great while it lasted, and I can't wait for the days coming up.  The ones where each morning greets you with a cold, swift peck on the check.  I'll try to be patient.  I woke up on Saturday morning with my sweet baby girl, brewed some coffee (out of necessity more than anything else), and went on a walk with our dog, Oliver.  There was a light breeze, Cora and I were both clad in long sleeves and pants, and we just strolled around for a bit taking it all in.  This is the good stuff.  This must be what the Lord intended when he said, "There is nothing better for a ...