hello, i'm lily!
I'm so happy you're here!
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I'm a young mom of two small kiddos, wife of four years to an amazing man, a reader, writer, photographer, and private Lightroom editor! I was 8 years old the first time I got my hands on a camera and I've never been able to put one down since. I got my first "real" DSLR camera at 15 after years of toting around a clunky pixelated one that literally shuddered when it turned on and off. I started my first blog at 16 and have created (and abandoned) multiple blogs since then. I have always loved to create and share words and images, but no matter how many times I give up on my projects, something always brings me back.
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Here you'll find a myriad of content from journal entries I've shared, books I'd recommend, recipes we enjoy, photos I love, and more. You can expect to hear from me on topics like theology, church history, womanhood, homemaking,
DIY, and more! I am most passionate about women's wellness, spiritual growth, and art. Decaf coffee, going for walks and visiting the library with my kids, eating ice cream, and cheering for my husband when he competes are some of the things that I love most!
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I truly believe that your theology (your belief, or lacktherof, in God) is the most important thing about you, because it effects every part of you- what you say, do, think, how you show up in the world. So, let's connect over it! I'd love if you sent me an email or an Instagram DM to introduce yourself!
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And if you'd like to know how "No Longer I" got it's name, you can read about it here.
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In Christ,
Lily
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Statement of Faith
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
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- The Nicene Creed, 381 AD
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The Nicene Creed is "a Christian statement of faith that is the only ecumenical creed because it is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major Protestant churches." (Britannica)
This is very important to me, as a huge part of my heart is seeing unity fostered in the global church.
I felt it was necessary to include a statement of faith since I will be openly sharing about topics of faith and don't want it to be unclear where I stand on major issues.
I believe that "All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom. 10:13)
This is the simple gospel, the bedrock of salvation.
All additional teaching is for our benefit, but at the core of Christian life, salvation is a free, unmerited gift that is given. "if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
My goal is to help other's "return to their first love." (Revelation 2:4)
To see the "joy of salvation" restored to all! (Psalm 51:12)
To preserve the message of the simple gospel - Jesus!
Regardless of whether you hold to a Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox, Protestant or other doctrine, I believe there is room for interpretation within the canon of scripture and a seat for all of who call upon Jesus at His table. I believe that studying the tiers of doctrine is extremely fruitful in fellowshipping with different streams of believers.
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I hold to a Christian sexual ethic that upholds God's design for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:4) I believe in the sanctity of all life that begins at conception and should be honored and protected from womb to tomb. (Psalm 139) I believe that God created us in His image and likeness, male and female, and designed us to procreate in the covenant of marriage. (Genesis 1:28, 5:2) I believe that marriage is a gift designed by God to reflect the husbandry of Christ to His bride, we the Church. (Ephesians 5:25-27) I believe that church is for fellowship, sacraments, worship and prayer. (Acts 2) I believe there is forgiveness for sins for all who confess before the Lord, no exceptions.(John 1:12) The scandalous gift of salvation is available to all. I believe we are called to go into all the world, preach this good news, and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20) I believe "all the world" includes your home, your neighbors, and city. It doesn't mean you have to travel to a foreign nation.
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Whatever beliefs you hold, you're welcome here. We can have fruitful discussions without the use of slander, deceit, or gossip. These will not be tolerated. Let our words be "like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (Proverbs 16:24) Since we are "sheep in the midst of wolves, so let us be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16) as we reason & grow together. If you have questions, ask! If you are uncertain, pursue clarity. If you disagree, do so respectfully. These are my promises to you.
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And for those curious, I am currently a member of a small, local, non-denominational bible church that's part of the Southeast Church Alliance. I have a deep love for the Catholic Church, an upbringing that had me in both pentecostal and baptist traditions, familiarity with the Jewish roots movement, and training as a Protestant missionary with YWAM. I am comfortable and experienced in a variety of church environments and have a desire to see unity fostered across the global church. In a world obsessed with labels, I have to admit that I do not fit into any denominational boxes. When asked, I simply identify as a Christian- a follower of Jesus.