Daily Living
“Waiting” Is Not a Bad Word: For When there Is No Clear Direction
“The best thing to do when you don’t know what to do is the hardest thing ever: wait.” From the moment we awake, we are on the go. Even when we don’t know where we are going or what to do, we are moving … somewhere. We’ve developed the mentality that somewhere is better than…
Discover What Can Happen When We Make Space for the Spirit to Breathe
Not all that long ago I wrote about the need for spiritual whitespace. Actually, I wrote about that need in the context of a review of Bonnie Gray’s new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul To Rest. I began that post with this quote from Bonnie: “What would emerge from my life if I…
What It Really Takes To Be Brave (and free Scripture printables)
My boss knew with one look: something was wrong. As a teen I nearly always sported an upbeat attitude, so he noticed my dark mood immediately. I didn’t try to hide it, but openly admitted the problem I had. Sharing somehow made it all less painful. Jump forward a decade and even two and notice the difference. Sharing…
What To Do With Those Moments That Look Like Interruptions
My stomach tightened and teeth clenched. The words dared to leave my mouth, but I held them in. I refused to utter the words I have so often said in the past. Those words that destroy connection: “I have so much work to do.” This phrase has become my refrain over the years. “I’ll play with you even though I…
Asking for Understanding and Grace While Setting Priorities
Intentions may be good, but sometimes they become misguided. Afternoon threatened to become evening as I continued to drop berries into the bucket that hung around my neck. My self-imposed quota hung heavy as the goal—at least one full bucket. No fewer. Sweat dripped down my back. The zipped jacket warded off mosquitoes that liked the later…
One Thing You Must Make Room For in Your Life
I love it when God stirs up an unlikely bit of encouragement. Don’t you? And it’s always just at the right time. The day began rough. I woke up late and decided there was no time for Bible study (you know that’s trouble right away!). Work stretched endlessly. Distractions were evident with the kids home. Then worse,…
Three Things To Do When You’re in the Dumps for No Good Reason
There are days when my life is going well. Nothing is really off kilter. The kids are healthy. Only minor things are broken (like the clothes dryer). Yet I’m in the dumps. There is no reason for my doldrums. I should be grateful, and I am, but I don’t feel it. Anyone with me on this? …
Truth for When You Are Tempted To Hide from God
We can never be hidden from God, and that really is a good thing. Have you ever tried to hide from God? I have. Perhaps you did something you knew wasn’t right. Maybe you were exhausted and just wanted a break. You may have even had times, like Jonah, when you don’t want to do…
When You Feel Alone Remember, You Are Never Alone
As a teen, I often traipsed through the woods alone. The company of the woodland critters was enough. So I guess Rachel comes by her propensity to be with her critters (her stuffed critters, that is) naturally. Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Clifford, or one of several stuffed kitties (a favorite cat, in particular) never lie far from her reach.…
When You Are In a Place You Never Want To Be (In Weakness)
“There comes a time when it takes more faith to fall apart with Jesus than to stay strong enough to stop it from happening.” Bonnie Gray, Finding Spiritual Whitespace I’m writing this post from a place I never want to be, a place I especially never want others to see. This is a place of brokenness…
Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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