One Thousand (or more) Gifts
A Reminder For When You Feel Small
Never live as less than who you are: A child of God made in His image. One of our kittens went missing a while ago. One night, Rachel and I went searching for it. Every few minutes we called its name, to no avail. In a 2,000-acre park, we had no idea where to look for our…
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.…
11 Reasons I Can’t Quit Teaching Vacation Bible School
In stretching beyond what’s comfortable we grow. Perhaps I should have taken a break from teaching Vacation Bible School this year. It would have been justified. But despite a schedule that made my head spin, I couldn’t say no. Every year, our VBS runs during the mornings for five days the first week of June. I always…
The Truth about Pain and Redemption from My Daughter’s Parched Lips
We often shy away from what’s ultimately best for us because the process to get there hurts too much. But when we power through the pain, we discover healing and growth. Before Rachel turned a year old, she underwent surgery to have the cleft of her soft palate repaired. The recent confirmation that she had significant developmental delays only…
Strategies for Finding Peace When Swimsuit Season Approaches [Grace in the Mess of Body Image]
Spring is such a lovely season, but it harbors a time of insecurity for many. During this time of year, the inevitable campaign to “look good” grows strong. The extra pounds and flabby abs were easier to hide under the multiple layers worn in winter. Spandex and “cinching up the belt” no longer suffice with shorts and…
3 Proven Steps To Follow When Failure Looms Large [Grace Overcomes]
If you’ve read much of anything I’ve written, you know I fail regularly in living a righteous life. I try to modify my behavior: be less critical, speak softer, exercise regularly, be in the Word more, and be gracious and merciful, loving and kind, and I fall short … every single time! And from comments…
How To Hold On When the Little Messes Grow Too Big [Despair]
Yesterday, motherhood was celebrated. Fabulous tributes given to amazing mothers. It felt good. It felt right. But today … today is back to the reality of our days. And sometimes that reality seems like one not worth celebrating. Sneaking a peak into my world, you’d see not a supermom, but a harried mom. Not an organized, well-put-together Proverbs 31…
Three Steps To Take When Nothing Makes Sense
What do we do with a child who can’t speak and will never live independently? What do we do with those babies we lost before our lips ever touched their velvety soft heads? What do we do with a horribly abusive childhood: parents who acted like enemies, neighbors who stole innocence, bullies who ridiculed and berated? What…
What Really Matters (the Struggle)
My eyes shot to my inbox yet again. Still nothing. No one responding to my words of encouragement. Thoughts of worthlessness invaded my mind: Who am I kidding, thinking I can do this thing called writing. Couching it in devotional terms or Godly speak doesn’t make it any more likely. You’re not cut out for it. Just…
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.
Search the Blog
Categories
Maintain Godly Focus!
Are you struggling to maintain godly focus in the mess of each day's living? Do you too easily find yourself worrying about circumstances instead of trusting in God's promises? If you answered yes, why not download my ebook. It's filled with 25 power verses with space for personal reflection to help you maintain godly focus, no matter what situations arise.
(Privacy policy: Don't worry, your information is safe you can unsubscribe at any time.)
New Book, Just Released!
