A Ritual

I had barefoot summers as a kid. I remember one time, my Mimi saw the bottom of my feet. She had me sit on the bathroom counter, and soak in the sink. 

I think of that time tonight - and many nights before - with my feet soaking.

This ritual didn't start as a kid...because after I soaked my toes in my Mimi's sink, my shoes still stayed inside. (Pretty sure my feet flattened and widened nicely because of those summers!)

A year ago, one if my spiritual mamas said "don't forget to soak your delicates tonight!"

I remember giving her a questioning look!

She giggled at my response and explained:

Delicates = Feet.

And every day since then, most of our parting words have been "don't forget to soak your delicates tonight!"

It's a sacred moment.

.....ahhh. Feet truly deserve to be called delicates, and to be treasured at the end of each and everyday.

After soaping, subbing, and scrubbing....I dry my dels, and lotion up!

When I focus on my feet, I see other parts of me that are equally as precious. Tonight, I reach for my toes, I find my legs. I have great legs. I know because my momma told me so. And she knows great legs - she has a great pair! I have my mama's genes!

Usually, this pampering leads to shaving, brushing teeth, flossing, face washing, toner-izing, nail shaping, nail painting, etc.

I listen to any music I please. I feel girly - maybe a little womanly. I hardly think, I only say sweet words.

      Like I said, a sacred moment.

here we are

{Drum roll please}

TADAA!!! Yipeeee!!

This is my 50th post!

Whew, what an adventure this has been! In all honesty, I wasn't sure, I'd make it this far, hahaha!! Oh but here I am :) For the sake of being real with you, I must explain my woes and yays that I have had with this blog...

I started totally unaware of the blogging culture, and unaware of my own writing style. I stuck my toes in, and tested it out. Blogging has become a great classroom for me. 

I've battled with doubtful questions like: "what if someone sees right through my wrong perspective and grammar?" "What if no one takes what I offer?" and "What if someone doesn't fancy my style?"

At the same time, I've written and learned a lot. My writing has unlocked treasures that had been stored in my heart.

In this process, I have progressed. My posts reflect my dreams, ideas, firm beliefs, vague wanderings...and a few that make even me wonder: "do I agree with that sentence?"....and that's okay, I've had fun with it all!!

Backing up a bit....my writing didn't start with this blog, it started in journals. MANY journals. 

In school, a few teachers told me to pursue writing further. So, I took some extra extra classes, payed close attention to English teachers and admired other writer's styles.

Eventually, I noticed my hand would often write: "we, us, our". My own thoughts moved towards speaking as a member of a gathering. My pen went beyond my own entertainment...and craved to speak up.

I also wanted to share my writings in a form that didn't necessarily require correct grammar, spelling or accuracy.

In 2011, I wrote a poem (pasted below) about taking what was in my heart and walking it out daily; living in the fullness of Lilly with God, people, and myself. I originally wrote it to God, but I read it now, and can hear myself speaking to other relationships. I move my heart to my feet in every area of my life. 

When my physical feet are on the move, the rest of me follows. And when my Heart is moved, my feet follow.

My feet and heart united, and I started blogging.

How do you think I am doing so far?

(Heart To Feet,

By Lilly Files)

Pour Your truth into my heart.

Your love remains and will not dart.

Tightly grip may hand.

Teach me all You demand.

Shame is replaced with a life brand new.

Put thoughts in my mind that are true.

Only a bold faith can allow me to grow.

So stretch me to things I may not know.

Fill me up with grace

For the whole human race.

Stir up my soul,

Like soup in a bowl.

Hold my face up to your face;

Keep my walk to a steady pace

Set the rhythm of my steps to a steady beat,

And I'll move my heart to my feet.

Feb-arch-pril-ay-une....(February-June)

Ha! MY, MY! I've only waited a few months to type up a post! Oops!


1. Aha! I remembered: recipie for black bean burritos :) There are a few variations...and I haven't tried Daiya cheese...but that might be fun to experiment with!
http://ohsheglows.com/2011/10/24/black-bean-and-butternut-squash-burritos/

2. February was Love Month. Each day we wrote five ways we experienced love. The things we focus on really do make a difference! It's like a window in your house - you either pass by it, or tilt your eyes towards it and look at the view.

3. March was....quick!

4. April....even quicker!

5. May held my birthday, end of school, and flying back to Maine!!

6. June started my Summer!!! We've had beautiful heat...and beautiful rainy days!


I believe I have broke my record of "Books Read In A Year" -- some were read over last summer, others from this summer, most are from school, but I did manage to add a few to go along with the assigned reading....I hope I record them all ;)

* The Many Are One, Francis Frangipane
* When Heaven Invades Earth, Bill Johnson
* Hosting The Presence, Bill Johnson
* The Supernatural Ways Of Royalty, Kris Vallotton

* Experiencing Father's Embrace, Jack Frost

* 30 Days To Understanding The Bible, Max Anders

* Moral Revolution - The Naked Truth About Sexuality, Kris Vallotton & Jason Vallotton

* Spirit Wars, Kris Vallotton

* Grasping God's Word, Duvall Hays
* A Practical Guide To Evangelism - Supernaturally, Chris Overstreet
* Culture Of Honor, Danny Silk
* The Happy Intercessor, Beni Johnson
* God's Generals, Roberts Liardon
* Powerful And Free, Danny Silk
* God Loves Ugly, Christa Black
* Getting Naked Later, Kate Hurley
* The Power of Habit
*Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit, by Sean Hepburrn Ferrer
* The Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring

* And a couple of teaching books I found at Goodwill

....Please know, I've also had the biggest social life ever, and have grown with many dear friends....(I haven't worked much, up until this summer) you really can have it all ;)

Decembuary

The month of December was a nice conclusion to 2012...with the exception of having a cold for Christmas...all in all, it was a fine month! Went on a ropes course, learned how to properly use a pool stick! To add to my learnings: I successfully blew up a balloon (I don't think I've ever blown one up before - I wasn't really into balloons as a kid! No idea why, because it's kinda fun to figure out the right method of blowing one up!)

This January - gosh is it really the end of January already! Yikes! I can't keep track of time! Well, this month seems to have been pretty steady.

Highlights:

* Watched Napoleon Dynamite for the first time EVER....actually laughed! I've been avoiding the movie because I heard it wasn't my humor...and I heard right. But since I watched it in this particular season, I'm willing to watch it again....next year maybe!

* Another first: Get Smart - a movie that also brought some great laughs with friends!

* Went to the movie theater to watch The Promise Land. Different humor, but interesting message.

* Had a second cold...but knocked it out in five days. Carrot/apple juice is the best treatment!

* Officially caught onto Downton Abbey.

* Frogs or toads have surrounded our house!!! Crazy social reptiles. Totally random....but they're enjoying themselves and causing a commotion!

* Went hiking with some fine company on a fine day - saw a bit of snow [GASP!]

* Butternut Squash Burritos....which will be in my next post :) :)

* Been running at the last five minuets of my walks....pretty excited!!

And that's the nutshell basically!