2025 Mission Opportunity!

I'm breaking my several-year hiatus from blogging, to bring to you all the latest regarding the upcoming trip I am so excited to go on with my current employer Cavod Performing Arts. 

Guess who's Traveling again!   🌍 Kenya & South Africa, here I come! ✈️    About South Africa  •  About Kenya  •  About Cavod  •  Follow me at IG Let the preparations begin!    If you have continued reading on up until this point, I'll assume you are interested in my life, what I've been up to lately, and in learning more about this upcoming trip I've announced. So, for your interest and continued reading, I'll first start by expressing an endless abundance of gratitude to you for it!!!    A pertinent time for reflection as one year comes to a close and another begins, God has been gracious to me this past 2024 year season. For those of you who don't know, I've continued into my sixth season teaching for Cavod Performing Arts, I am responsible for around 70 students and love each one of them. I've gone into my fifth year co-directing Citylight Dance Theater (an outreach division of Cavod comprised of junior high and high school aged students who use their talents to share Jesus with people through dance presentations done throughout the community) And it all continues to be such a blessing, and source of joy in my life!  One of the best things about teaching at a Christian studio like Cavod, is being able to exercise my faith freely. This looks like starting my classes with prayer, sharing with my students the passion I have for artistic expression through movement and what that looks like to do it for the Lord's glory. It could also look like encouraging my students in their work and in their identities by sharing with them the love of Christ and biblical truths from God's word before, after, or EVEN in the middle of class- as the Spirit leads. And often, being able to connect with students and families on a deeper more personal level because of our like-mindedness in faith, is always special too. But I also love that it is a safe place where ANYONE is welcome to come, learn, and grow with us, in a warm nurturing environment. It's a "local mission field"  I am grateful the Lord has called me to in this season.  ... And as if that doesn't keep me busy enough, there is always the bookkeeping; I'm going on my second-year doing that work for William Penn Real Estate Associates. It is a great organization I can really get behind. I find the office work to be stimulating and surprisingly refreshing! In regards to "What's New!", the answer is not much! Perhaps a few new things I could mention are, a few more gray hairs, I've finally jumped on the "crock-pot-bandwagon" and have been enjoying this ingenious (new-to-me) way of cooking which seems to complement my busy lifestyle so well, I've switched churches this past year and will hit the one year mark of being a member of it this coming February, and most exciting, I've pledged to join Cavod Performing Arts on their annual missions trip this coming summer, a trip they've taken the past 3 years, but usually during the school year which was never agreeable with my schedule, UNTIL NOW! I jumped on the opportunity to join the team upon hearing the trip was scheduled for the Summer this time around! This will be my second time to South Africa and first time ever going to Kenya! I'll admit, I'm feeling a little "rusty" as it has been so long since my last trip overseas, but I am so expectant and excited to see how the Lord plans to use our team over there this summer. I am also so looking forward to bonding with the team and ministering alongside them, many of them co-workers I love but normally only ever see in passing throughout the year. THE TRIP,  We will be doing arts camps for underprivileged children and sharing the hope and love of Jesus though our classes, presentations, and though personal interaction, In Kenya from June 18th to the 28th then to Capetown, South Africa from June 28th to July 7th.  Victory Christian School is who we will be working with in Kenya, and with Cavod's friends at House of Praise Church in Capetown. House of Praise church is extremely grateful to have us return, and for us coming alongside them to assist in reaching their community for Jesus! It seems each time the Cavod team goes, God allows them the ability to build on from the times before! House of Praise's youth group has grown and amazing fruit from the camps has been seen…salvations, healings, and kids growing in their faith have been reported! I am so excited and honored to be able to participate in the work the Lord is doing there. I know it will be well worth the sacrifice to go this summer and to see first-hand all the lives and generations being changed for eternity! I know this trip will have lasting impact on my life as well! The total cost of the trip is $2,900 which includes airfare, travel, food, and accommodations. Would you prayerfully consider supporting me, with a monetary donation? Any amount is appreciated! It's an opportunity to partner with us in our efforts to obey Jesus' command in Mark 16:15, for His Kingdom and gospel to be presented to all people, from all walks of life, all around the globe. There are several methods you may choose from to submit a contribution; digitally through PayPal using the yellow button below, through Cavod's web page HERE, or by sending a check with THIS letter's tax-deductible request that can be dropped off or mailed to Cavod Performing Arts, 665 West Main St.  New Holland, PA  17557. Please email me at Misslilliano@yahoo.com if you have any questions OR if you would like me to send you a hard copy support letter with the tax-deductible request.  Prayers are also appreciated as well, and go a long way, SO thank you! A list of prayer points are down below if you keep reading...and I do intend to be posting updates on my social media platforms as they come in and documenting our adventures there! 😊   Thank you kindly for taking the time to read this update, and for any support you can give whether by donation or prayers, Blessings in Christ and Happy New Year!   Specific Prayer Requests: "About" links at the top of this page are a great resource to learn about how you can be praying for these countries on a broader sense. Our team member Lysion needs his Visa cleared in time in order to join us. Health and Safety Travel Logistics Financial Provision Open receptive hearts from the students Pray for Salvations! Thank you!

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Weekend Whatevers | Fall's Around the Corner!

Hi everyone! School has started, the weather is getting cooler- sorta, and Starbucks is now officially serving their pumpkin spice lattes! I think I am allowed to get a little excited for fall now. It is sad to see summer go, but the new season brings some much-needed refreshment. I am striving to focus especially on embracing the peace, grace, and hope that God has for me this season. I've started a new 90-day devotional I am quickly falling in love with, and also started a new Instagram account to help distinguish the start of this new season and to serve sort of as milestones for it. Continue reading on to my "Weekend Whatevers" listed below for more details on these things and to discover what all else I have been up to!  This week's [WW] addition is a fun one including lots of good pictures!

Therefore,  since we have been justified through faith, we a have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame,  because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-4

 

Just drove by this hot air balloon looking like it's about to land,
on my early morning commute and wanted to share!
#livinginlancaster

1. Thee amazing Connie, my boss at Cavod Performing Arts blessed each of us instructors with a copy of THIS beautifully designed 90-Day devotional by Cleere Cherry. Though I originally underestimated it- not really a fan of small, pithy, daily devotionals by unknown authors I've never heard of before, I am falling in love with this devotional, and feel like it is speaking straight to my soul! Connie if you're out there reading this, "Thank you"!

2. The devotional prompted me to look into Cleere Cherry. Who knew she was so cool!?

3. People! I am pulling out my paints! The Lord has been doing something in me, stirring up and reawakening my love for colors, crafts, and creating through the means of materials I haven't used in a long while; watercolor, paper crafts, calligraphy, and collaging! It still might be a while before I get back into the sewing...the burnout from that is very real, but I do hope to get back into it sooner than later. I have even pulled out some of my adult coloring books for the evenings my brain is at lower capacity. I'm just getting started so I hope you'll stick around for when I am able to start getting some photos up of some of the things I have been working on! For now, I wanted to share with you two Instagram accounts that I have really been inspired by and that have helped to facilitate my falling back in love with watercolor again! If you like watercolor too, check out mamathingcrafts, and madelinekerrii.

4. I have been reading books like crazy lately! I think it is my newest outlet! This new hobby is what led me to create my latest Instagram account Dailylilreads, in hopes of documenting my journey reading literature, the Word of God, and hopefully also creating a bit of a community around it. Would you please check out the account and maybe even give it a follow if it is your thing? I'm really excited about it!


5. 

Okay, so speaking of crafting. It has been a long time since I have taken my hand to ceramic painting. I wouldn't say it was ever my favorite thing to do. I used to be a part of a ceramic painting club through 4H when I was young, but I'm not really sure why. Perhaps I enjoyed it more when I was younger, but at this point, I've definitely mostly grown out of the love for it - I suppose because I have simply found my crafting niche elsewhere, but recently I made a visit to The Pottery Works in downtown Lancaster with some friends, and even though it is not my forte, I totally enjoyed the experience. Give it a go if you are in downtown Lancaster! You don't have to be a Picasso in order to still have a good time! "The Pottery Works" is way better than the one found in Park City Mall. It is worth the trip and there is a parking garage conveniently placed right across the street from it so finding parking may even be easier than finding a lot at the mall on a busy day!

6. I have been living a "hop, skip, and a jump away" from Lancaster City for 3 years now and am ashamed to say that I still really haven't given it a decent exploration session, but lately I have been really getting out; seeing the sights and doing the things! Maybe this is the year I become better acquainted with our city. This past Friday was my grandma's birthday and to treat her we took her to "El Rincón Ponceño", a wonderful Puerto Rican restaurant on the corner of Queen and Walnut! The food was pretty good. Not sure it could live up to my grandma's own cooking but it was pretty close. What impressed me most were the charming personalities of the cooks who also doubled as waitresses and the friendly and efficient customer service they offered. They put a smile on my grandma's face so we tipped them well and were happy enough!




7. Sickman's Mill might be my new favorite summer spot. Too bad I discovered just how fun tubing there is on their last week of offering it until next summer. Oh well. If it is a long winter at least I will have tubing to look forward to! Thanks to my friend Marisa for convincing me to go!

8. I have been SO into Classical music lately! I always seem to get in this mood as it just seems right with the ushering in of Fall. I just feel like classical music goes so well with the transition from this particular season to the next. All the sounds of the instruments and musical notes just seem to mimic and correspond so well to the sight of the beautiful autumn leaves falling, graceful birds migrating, and soft flecks of sunshine gleaming through the tree branches. I find appreciation for most all composers, but some of my favorites are Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, and the contemporary, Max Richter. 

9. In a previous "Weekend Whatever" post, I mentioned about trying a new hair product, Loreal Ever Pure Bond Strengthening shampoo and conditioner for my curly hair. Now I am going to give you an update and share my experience and opinion on it. My friend who recommended it to me swore by it, claiming a noticeable difference of it taming her frizzys and strengthening her hair follicles (even though it is recommended for color-treated hair which none of ours are)! 
On the onset of using it on my hair, I first noticed the smell. Not a bad smell, but generally just very fragrant, but an interesting scent, like none other I can compare it to! Nither the shampoo or conditioner generated much sudsiness when lathered in, which I did not like, and actually kind of thought it left my hair feeling tangled and dry under water, neither was I a fan of what my curly hair looked like once it was dry. I mean, it wasn't any worse than it normally is, but for the price of the shampoo and conditioner I would have expected better results, also especially with how much my friend was talking it up. 
BUT, I will say, on my follow up wash, days later, my hair folicles surprisingly did feel much more silky, less tangled, and stronger, under water. I was so surprised. Not sure what to think of that. I really should give this product a second chance. BUT let me just wrap this up by sharing a product that I MYSELF recommend, and personally testify without a doubt, it to be a wonder-working, sure-to-please product you'll love. I know my curly hair does! Given to me by another friend (Thanks again Marisa 😄), THIS Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque has successfully been able to nourish my hair wonderfully, giving shape and definition to my every curl! I feel my previously abused and damaged hair has rediscovered and embraced it's natural curl pattern again all thanks to this magical hair masque! It's been making me feel so happy and beautiful! Give it a try and let me know what you think! I've seen it in Walmart and Target. 
 10. I finally can say I've been to Philadelphia. I still experienced only the tip of the iceberg and really need to make a trip back there to experience the rest, but my friend and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to visit one of her favorite spots, Chinatown. I got to experience Dim Sum (like Chinese brunch!), and we also visited the Drexel University Campus. It was a good time!

Ocean-Harbor, Amazing Dim Sum Restuarant- 1023 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Thanks for following along with my adventure!I hope you had a fantastic Labor Day Weekend!Until next time,Blessings in Christ!

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• Weekend Whatever- Colorado Style
• Weekend Whatever- Quarantine Edition
• Weekend Whatever- 2021 New Year Post

Weekend Whatever's - Colorado Springs Style!

Hey Friends! I hope you all are enjoying your last couple weeks of summer! I just wanted to drop a few pictures and links here to fill you all in on what I have been up to this past week! I spent my whole last week in Colorado Springs, Colorado visiting and catching up with a dear old friend of mine (a Fellow Ballet Magnificat Alumni)! I have been to Colorado before, in my past days touring with Ballet Magnificat, but it sure was wonderful to visit the state for leisure, without a preplanned agenda or any obligations, not to mention how wonderful it was reuniting with my friend again after so many years! 
I spent most of my time catching up, relaxing with, and learning from my friend about what she has been up to, and what her new life of marriage and parenting has been like. It was such an enriching trip! 

Garden of The Gods, Colorado Springs CO

We had beautiful weather every day and it wasn't hard to fall in love with the beautiful big blue sky and magnificent mountain ranges in the backdrop wherever we went! Like a good tourist I took many pictures! Continue reading below to see a few of them, and read the handful of "Weekend-Whatevers", random facts and discoveries I made during my time in Colorado Springs, Colorado!

The mountainous skyline and Pikes Peak in the background

Striking a pose in front of the red rocks at Garden of The Gods

The "Kissing Camels"

"Balance Rock"

Nature sighting at Garden of the Gods

Monument Lake

Quality Friendship

  1. Visiting The Gardens of the Gods in Colorado Springs, was quite the experience, such a different landscape than what I'm used to here on the east coast!
2. I'll continue my Weekend Whatevers today bragging on my friend who provided me with amazing meals all week! Even her simple over-easy eggs we'd have at least once every day were delicious! I was told the "secret" ingredient was McCormick Culinary Mesquite Barbecue Seasoning!
3. Along with the BBQ seasoning, my friend also convinced me to add iron supplements to my grocery list after explaining to her my experience lately with lack of energy, informing me of their power in increasing red blood cells, producing muscle cells, and helping with overall body function and regulation.
4. Also THIS, Loreal Ever Pure Bond Strengthening shampoo and conditioner for my curly hair. My friend is very convincing. 
5. During my week in Colorado, I picked up this book from my friends' bookshelf, "Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts" and was able to start and finish it all in that one week. UM, THIS BOOK WAS LIFE CHANGING, bringing clarity to my fogged-up brain as of late, and providing me with a godly perspective on how healthy marital relationships are established, ones that are cut out for the long run. This book was such a helpful, but also EASY read, and I HIGHLY recommend it to any and everybody looking for love no matter what gender or stage of life they are in! Get it! Read it! Do it! One of the things I most appreciated about this book most was how it affirmed me in the good ways I subconsciously went about doing things in my previous relationship, which was so encouraging, but then also, I found myself wishing I had read this book before having entered into that previous dating relationship, as I felt I would have been better able to articulate myself and feelings in conversation about certain things if that would have been the case.
6. With love on the brain I have been getting an itch to re-read this beautiful and epic love story again. "A Severe Mercy" is one of my most favorite books I have ever read.
7. On our way to Colorado Springs from the Denver airport, we stopped at IKEA. It was a first-time experience for me. And it was AMAZING. From the Swedish meatballs to all the showrooms; I thought for a hot second that I was in heaven.

8. Though this music band has no longer been touring as of 2021, my friend introduced me to the band Rivers and Robots which I have absolutely fallen in love with, especially the song "Shepherd Of My Soul".
9. And just one other song I have recently discovered that has been ministering to my soul lately.
10. Lastly, along the theme of relationships and wisdom, check out this podcast I was introduced to during my trip, Boundless. It's based out of Colorado Springs, CO! I have really been enjoying it.

______________________________________________ That's a wrap friends! Thanks for stopping by!

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“Balance” is for the Birds...

Hello Friends! I'm back! Please excuse the dust and cobwebs that have accumulated here while I've been gone. I have truly dropped the ball with posting regularly for you all, and while I have really been desiring to just hop on here and post something, I have just been SO busy! I can't tell you how many times I've "written" this blog post in my brain, but simply wasn't able to find the time to sit down in front of a computer and get it published. And now, so much has happened since we last met together, I don't even know where to start with sharing it all. 

... I never imagined that this new season of life would be as busy as it is, but I guess that is my fault. My transition from Mississippi to Pennsylvania- from a life of touring and performing professionally as a ballet dancer with Ballet Magnificat, to now doing life as a ballet teacher, has been going rather smoothly. But where I was expecting for my workload to be lightened this season, I am now realizing it isn't going to happen, at least not until the school year that I'm locked into is over. Upon arriving in Lancaster PA this past August, I hit the ground running with my various teaching jobs, which luckily, were opportunities lined up for me prior to me even moving. Within only weeks of being back in Lancaster, I was able to land myself into this affordable and adorable little loft apartment of mine, which I still need to share pictures of with you!

I absolutely LOVE my jobs at Silver Spring Dance Conservatory and the Cavod Academy of the Arts. I teach five days a week in the evenings and alternate every other day at each school. I have fallen in love with ALL of my students and can only hope they feel the same way about me! On top of all the teaching I do in the evenings, I have acquired a morning job too, to help ends meet, a prayer request answered from a previous blog post. Thank you to all those of you that joined me in prayer over the matter! I am proud to share, in the mornings I am the front desk receptionist for the Inn at Kitchen Kettle Village and cross-train in housekeeping, a most ideal morning job offering the exact hours I was praying for and conveniently located not far from where I live! And working there is SO FUN! I am so pleased with things! Life is good, and God truly has supplied all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19)

If you are local or just passing through, Kitchen Kettle Village is a must-stop tourist attraction, self described as "showcasing all that Lancaster County has to offer — homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, good food with unexpected touches and charming one-of-a-kind overnight lodging in a picturesque countryside. Also famous for our unique shopping experience, featuring 40 distinct merchants offering everything from locally-made art, pottery and PA Dutch quilts to name-brand favorites like Brighton, PANDORA Jewelry, UGG and Minnetonka moccasins. Spend the day and/or night. With plenty of things to do in the Village and around PA Dutch County, Kitchen Kettle make it easy to plan a great trip to Lancaster, PA."

One prayer request that has not yet been met is my desire to find balance- balance in my working vs. resting, pouring out vs. making time for being filled... but as of late I've been starting to believe that this is a prayer request not meant to be met. After listening to this sermon by Church of the City New York, I've been convinced that the idea of balance in life is simply an unattainable social construct, and that seeking after balance in our day is NOT as crucial as just seeking the Lord and what his will is for our day, and then following through. BUT, maybe it would be helpful for you to know what I was defining balance as. To me, a perfectly balanced life would be perfectly predictable, consistent, manageable, controlled days where work is complimented perfectly by an equivalent amount of rest. I've come to realize that just isn't realistic. That is just not how life works. And when I think about it, it certainly would not be an accurate description of the life of Jesus, which is the life we all model our own after, isn't it? 

My problem is that I am a workaholic, and changing locations from one state to another is not going to change that. Balance is not the answer either. I can and should be more strategic with how I spend my time and more intentional with scheduling margins and periods of rest into my days and weeks (I could prepare a whole spiel on what I'm learning about why rest is so important but that is a topic for another day), but ultimately, I'm learning that, going about my day, I simply need to be more yielding to the Holy Spirit, and then whatever the state-of-being is that I am seeking, will come. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 ~ Matthew 11:28-30

Give the sermon a listen! I would love to know what you think about this? Feel free to let us know in the comment section down below because I know fellow readers and I would love to know your thoughts! Let's start discussion! 

With that being said, Anywho anyhow, 😏 I have no regrets making the move! I surprisingly don't miss dancing professionally much at all. Teaching ballet keeps me enough in the realm of physical activity, music, and creating, it helps with the transition. Not to mention, after more than an exhausting decade of striving to be good enough in dance (so worth it but...), I am ready to pass the baton. No longer a "missionary/starving artist", I have never been more financially independent and not rich but stable, in all my life, not that money is everything, but I am enjoying it- this blessing from the Lord. I have also been attending Crossway Church of Millersville which I am excited to become a member of. I enjoy their scripture based teaching, and hospitable welcoming atmosphere. 

Looking back on this past semester, I know I have lots to thank the Lord for. I have so much room for growth as a ballet teacher but I know that will come with time. I am really looking forward to the opportunities coming up next semester, such as choreographing and master class teaching which I know will only help with the growing process. Though this Occupied Optimist has kept rather busy these past couple of months with my other jobs, my sewing business has managed to stay afloat! Despite the busy schedule, I feel like I have a better handle on things now. I hope to give a bit more attention to Lilly's Creations again, and blogging! I have so many good recipes I've been wanting to share with you since I have more time to cook now as well as fun stories, and things God has been teaching me that I want to share with you so stay tuned! 

  

If you're new to my blog welcome!!! And if you're not, well then welcome back!!! Thank you for stopping by my blog today and sticking around to  reach the end of this post! Let me know down below what you enjoyed about it and what you would like to hear more about! Things are just getting  restarted/revamped around here! Make sure to stick around. The fun has just begun!
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