Fillyloo Follies: Faith, Folly, and Fillyloo (Issue #1 12/16/2019)
Faith, Folly, and Fillyloo
Hello, friends! Thank you for spending time with me. I know what you are thinking. “Shannon, what in the world is fillyloo?!” For me, it is the sound of joy! In the time we spend together, dear heart, we will talk about all things involving faith, folly, and fillyloo. Scroll on down and let’s get to know each other!
FAITH
In my studies recently, I have been wrestling with one idea -- trust. Trusting everything is going to be okay. Trusting I don’t have to do it all on my own. Trusting God really does have my best interests at heart. And on and on and on. What the heck is this whole trust thing supposed to look like? And how is it connected to hope? Is hope really something positive? Or does it just break your heart in the end? I grew up with the saying ‘hope for the best but prepare for the worst’ ringing in my ears. Murphy’s law - if it can go wrong, it will - was referenced on a daily basis. From that perspective, trust can’t flourish. It involves always having a back-up plan. It feels heavy and joyless. I don’t want to live in that space. I have to reflect and choose. So what did I decide? Those negative connotations do not serve me or reflect my heart. My way out is through -- through practice, through study, through surrender, through joy, through worship, and through trust. It is in the glittery darkness of the unknown. And thus, begins a new adventure…
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
So what about you, friend? Do you wrestle with trust? I would love to hear your thoughts.
FOLLY
Do you ever ask yourself, “Why did I say yes?” I sure do. In this day and age, busyness and over-scheduling are bandied about as badges of success. Apparently, to have a full and rich life you must also be exhausted and devoid of true joy. This is where folly thrives. The truth is less is more and the way up is down. In a very recent bout of burnout, my two spiritual running buddies BOTH reminded me of a book we had read — The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst. Oh, I totally agreed with every word in that book at the time. I found it to be wise and insightful. But did I put it into PRACTICE? Nope. Well, I take that back. I did for a little bit. The thing is sometimes our crazy is comfortable even though it is making us miserable. That is why having at least one person in your life willing to lovingly call you out on your yuck is so important. If you have not read The Best Yes, I highly recommend it. Now that I am actually doing what Lysa suggests, life doesn’t seem so crazy. Don’t get me wrong, I still need a lot more practice. My mouth will still say yes sometimes before my brain can get a word in edgewise. The miracle is often in the mess. My miracle is a bit more balance every single day.
FILLYLOO
Have you heard the good news?????
Mrs. Tinkertales (aka me) is sharing a story with kids of all ages once a month at 10:30 am at the Loxley Public Library (1050 Loxley Ave Loxley, AL 36551). This event is FREE! Follow Mrs. Tinkertales on Facebook to stay up to date on changes and other upcoming storytime events!