Wishing you all a...

2015 in Review

Well, the year is coming to a close and I really haven't done much on this blog. I feel somewhat ashamed of that, but I must press forward.

2015 began on a sour note for me, personally. Spiritually, I have found that I am taking baby steps, STILL. When will I finally have total discipline to my walk with Christ? I ask for guidance, His plan for my life, on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes I feel like He's there, and others not so much. I know that I have made mistakes this year; who hasn't. I'd like to think I have learned from some of them anyway.

So here I sit with 2016 looming around the corner and the only thing I can say is I'm thankful! Yes, I am thankful for the life I have. I have come a long way over the past 12 months in my mental health. Oh, I still have up's and down's. But I am learning to handle them a little better, S.L.O.W.L.Y. I spent much of the first couple of months hiding from the world. I would go to my appointments, work, church, etc. But basically I didn't want to be bothered.

During this time, I kept asking for God to show me what He wants from me. I wasn't sure if I would ever be truly happy again. I wasn't even sure if He wanted me to be with anyone. After the way 2014 ended and 2015 began, I wasn't even sure if I wanted anyone either. So I stuck to my guns and kept my nose in the Good Book not really looking for answers. Simply reading. Reading things that X pointed out to me. Reading bits that went a little deeper into the week's message from church. Sometimes even just opening and reading whatever page appeared. Not really a reading plan, but a start.

That started to change as summer crept closer.

My job sent me to Denver, once again, for the final class I needed. It was great to be away for a few days. After my return, I turned around and went on vacation for almost 2 weeks!! I needed that getaway. While on this vacation, I visited family in Alabama and Michigan and then found myself going to the East Coast (Let's just say that sour note turned sweet again and while we have obstacles to jump over we are looking toward the future). I traveled through 17 states during an 11 day period. 3,328 miles of roadway, scenery, and adventure! I'll post pictures another time.

So what do I have to look forward to in 2016 you might ask? Well, I have God first and foremost. I have love. I have health. I have my jobs. I am planning to go back to Michigan in June to watch my niece graduate high school. I (we) am (are) also planning the biggest adventure of my life: relocating across country. More on that later.

My heart and soul seeks Jesus every single day.

Jesus is Born!

Getting back into the game, so to speak.

I am trying to get myself back into the world of blogging. It helps that a friend of mine is interested in starting her own blog and she's been asking questions. I am so happy to help her in her new adventure!

So, now for an update...

I have been going to a Discipleship study group at church for several weeks now. We are doing the Navigator 2:7 Series. I am really learning a lot; but not doing nearly enough reading. I know the discipline will come. I need to push myself to actually spend time in the Word. I don't understand why this aspect has been so difficult for me. Anyway, I am working on growing my discipline and relationship with God. It's important to me.

Christmas is just around the corner and then the New Year. I don't know what 2016 will bring for me. I can only pray that God blesses me and my BF and helps us to continue to grow in our relationship with Him and one another. It's been a long and difficult journey together. Enough about that.

As for my cross stitching, I haven't been able to do much. Once again, I have poor lighting in my house and my vision has been off (I think from spending too much time looking at a little screen, lol). I am hoping to remedy the lighting situation over the next couple of weeks by either re-arranging my room or getting a better lamp. I really want to get back into it and finish "Praying Hands". This is where I left off (and I may have shown this a few months back):

It seems like there is more done than this. I can't believe I haven't done anything on it in almost 2 years.

Do you know the story...

…of the brave little donkey?

“Once there lived a little donkey whose owner beat him daily. A gentle man named Joseph felt sorry for the donkey and paid a high price for him.
Joseph and his pregnant wife, Mary, were kind to the donkey, who felt happy again. Joseph told the donkey he needed his help for a very important journey to a town called Bethlehem.
The donkey proudly carried Mary and waited while Joseph tried to find lodging. Upset that there was no room, the little donkey brayed so loudly that the innkeeper sent them to a stable where the woman gave birth to her baby, Jesus, whom the donkey kept warm with his soft breath.
A brave little donkey carried Mary and her babe.
That night was born our Savior, in a manger now he lay.
God bless the little donkey and the journey that he made.”
*Taken from http://www.stjames-liberty.org/stjames2/2015-advent-calendar/legend-of-the-christmas-donkey/

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Here is the true story of the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20, NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.
⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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My prayer is that this post helps someone, anyone who reads, turn their life over to Jesus Christ. Christmas is not about the gifts that we receive, the shopping, the food…no, it is about the reason we are here and have eternal life: Jesus Christ!

Proverbs

I haven’t finished Acts yet and I haven’t started with the Good Morning Girls readings in Proverbs. I am a bad, lazy Christian, lol.

I have been keeping up with “A.D. The Bible Continues” on NBC though. I think tonight is the final episode in the series, but not certain.

What have I been up to, you may wonder, since I have been neglecting my reading. Well, I was in Denver for a week for another class at NVTI, UC Denver. I had a good time, as I always do out there. Spent much of my free time wishing I didn’t have to leave there but alas my job was waiting. This coming week I am heading out again. This time to visit family and friends for a couple of weeks. It’s a long overdue, much needed vacation. Here are some pictures from my trip west.

Denver VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

When I returned to my office, my computer decided to rebel in a BIG way. I was without it for about a day over the course of 2 days. I can’t imagine what’s gonna happen in July when I come back from vacation, lol!

We’ve also been experiencing some incredible orange sunsets the past couple of nights.

Orange Skies VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Last night there was a partial rainbow in the mix. I love the tropics!

Well, I will get back into my reading. I NEED to get back into my reading and develop a HABIT of reading my Bible every single day.

The Abundant Life…

…not the redundant life.

In church this morning our Pastor made this statement based on the readings. We started a new series simply titled “Go!” As Christians, we are commanded to love one another. We are also commanded to “Go and make disciples” in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

Acts

I began reading the Book of Acts a couple of weeks ago mainly because of the show “A.D.: the Bible Continues” on NBC. I realized that this show is covering the Acts of the Apostles and wanted to felt the need to read it. I guess that would be the Spirit nudging me.

Anyway, last week our church held a workshop over a couple of evenings and the presenter kept bringing up the Book of Acts. I thought that was a pretty powerful sign as well.

Sunday, the pastor ended a series with Acts 2. Hmmmmm, another sign!

I promise I am getting somewhere!

Sooo, I am now in Chapter 3 and find myself wanting to re-read what I’ve read in order to continue on into the next chapter. After discussing my struggle with the cares pastor, I find her suggestion to be more helpful: just read it through like a story the first time then go back and read it more in depth.

What I can say with some certainty is that it is in chapter 2 where we find the founding of the church. It amazes me every single day how profound that is and how much of an influence Jesus has in my life. Now, in the workshop last week, there was a question posed (one that I ask myself often): Who am I? Have you ever wondered who you are? Who you are in Christ. It’s a difficult question to answer even now.

I know that I am:

• a daughter of God
• a child of God
• a woman
• a teacher
• a veteran
• a friend
• a sister
• a daughter

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. But to really know who I am in the eyes of God, who I am in Christ, that’s going to take more thought. In life group tonight we discussed this as well. I have even more perspective: Who I am in Christ goes to not just an encounter with Him but when my knowledge of him clicked on in my heart; knowledge not just in the head.

So, who am I?

Eternal Life

I have recently begun a study of Philippians. Now, I am only through Chapter 2 at this point, but I am learning a lot.

One of the things I have learned is something we Christians kind of already know, but do we really understand: God will keep us here until we have completed His work and only then will He bring us home.

Philippians 1:21-25 is what brought this home for me.

²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith… (NIV)

Now, I for one am anxiously awaiting the day I get to meet Jesus face-to-face and be reunited with my family.  But, I also know that God has plans for me and His plans for me have not yet finished. I look forward to learning more about His plans and how He plans to use me. Until then, I will continue to grow in my faith.

Crocus and Faith

I noticed something the other day as I was heading out to work. A little back story: John planted some crocus the weekend before he left. This was a little more than a month ago. Well, the other day I noticed something poking through the soil in the pots.

Crocus VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

While I miss him greatly and know that he may not be back (that is up to God), I am grateful for all he did for me while in my life. These crocus will serve as a reminder of renewal in my life and the love I hold for this man. No matter how hurt and angry I have been over the past few weeks, I know how I feel deep down. I only wish he could have believed the truth of my love for him. Either way, and despite all of the turmoil, I have forgiven him and pray for him to find peace in his life, wherever he may be.

Since he left, I have been meeting with one of my pastor’s on a weekly basis (well, missed 1 week but that’s ok). I am focusing myself on talking with God on a daily basis and working on my faith. I have always believed in Jesus and His sacrifice for my sins; since I was a little girl. I haven’t always walked the right path. This is what I am focused on learning: God’s path for my life.

I don’t know what He holds for my future, but I do know He is allowing the crocus to grow. A sign of His promises to us.

A New Project

I spent part of Saturday with a friend of mine down in Ellenton and Palmetto. We visited Emerson Point Preserve and the Gamble Mansion & Plantation. Here are some pictures:

Emerson Point Preserve & Gamble Mansion VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

You’ll notice in the pictures a stitched piece. I am not sure how old it is, but it’s been preserved nicely.  

Also, while at Gamble Mansion I noticed an interesting item. So, now on my Projects list is “The Gamble Mansion”.

Not the best picture, but you get a general idea.

Not much else to say right now.

 

 

In a separate post, I will leave you with a song that is just amazing!

Sweet Holy Spirit - Newworldson

A Stitching Update

I can’t believe that I haven’t picked up a single project in at least 6 months now! Not that I haven’t wanted to work on anything because I have. I just had a lot of stuff going on in my life and couldn’t seem to find the time to work on any of my WIPs. Not to mention that a lot of my stash is safely packed away in the closet in the spare room. That’s a project that I will have to get to and soon!
But I digress…
Here are some pictures of my WIPs (that I have every intention on making a dent in over the remainder of this year):

As you can see, a couple of them are nearly complete. Hopefully I will be able to get back into these soon!

Oh, and please share my blog with your blogging friends. I would greatly appreciate it! :)

God’s Timing

God’s timing is perfect. There are reasons He makes us wait. He is trying to prepare us for all He has in store for us.

God’s Timing VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Ok, so I am impatient in many ways. I am learning to find myself again after what can only be described as the best and not quite worst 5 months of my life. I had love, or so I thought, from a great guy. At first he treated me well. Took care of our home. Prepared meals for me; including my lunches for work. No, he didn’t have a job outside the home. That was our arrangement since he needed to acclimate to the weather and I made enough to support us. I am not saying he couldn’t get a job if he wanted one. He just didn’t seem to want one; until that one offer came along. I won’t go into details.

I really love this man and thought he was the one God intended for me. I was wrong! I do believe God brought him into my life for a reason. Quite possibly to help me get out of the rut I was in since my dad passed away in 2012. I just know that my feelings are genuine and it’s been a difficult couple of weeks since he left but God does have a plan for me and my life. He has someone chosen just for me. His plan was formed before I even existed. I just have to wait on His timing!

I found this image while looking for others on God’s Timing and thought it perfect to end this post:

(Too bad we can’t use this on Facebook!)

Windows Live Writer

I am finally back to using this application. It’s been almost 2 years since I last used Live Writer and only took me a few days to figure out why I couldn’t get logged in.

Anyway, this will be a short post. I don’t have much to say right now.

Have a great weekend!

New Laptop

I just want to start by saying I hate Windows 8 and have a strong dislike for Microsoft Office 365 right now.

I am back in the world of Windows OS. I am excited to get back to using Windows Live Writer for my blogging. I have missed that application so much. Right now, however, I am using the Blogger platform to write this post as I can't get my log-in correct (even after changing my password) on Live Writer to connect it to this blog. Grrr!

Additionally, I keep thinking about all of the things I need to do around the house so that I can get back into my stitching. I have missed doing that as well. Unfortunately, the ex BF (recent development) packed away all of my hoops somewhere. This means I have to go through boxes in the front bedroom to find them. Oh well! Weekend project!!

So, as you may have figured out, I have gone through a break-up recently. No, I am not looking for sympathy or "I'm sorry" from anyone. Just stating facts. His loss! He chose to leave. As for me, I went to my deep dark place last week. My faith in God is what has pulled me through and kept me strong enough. With that, I will leave you with a verse that kept coming to mind (as well as Facebook and opening up to the page it is on in my Bible):

Healing Is In Your Hands

Last week I dealt with some major heartbreak. This week I am healing thanks to God!

It's gonna be a long road though. I can only keep my eyes focused on God.

Anger Danger

I recently read on a bank's sign the following sentiment:

"Anger is just one letter short of danger."

There is so much truth in this. Anger is "a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire" according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/anger. We all get angry at times. But what does the Bible say about anger? Well, I did a little digging and came up with some verses about anger that I want to share.

I especially like the one in Ephesians and try to live by that; not going to bed angry. You see, anger is not just a sin. It's unhealthy. But it IS a SIN!

I found this verse while searching the others and thought it a fitting way to end this post:

In our anger, we can oftentimes find ourselves in the midst of a dangerous situation. I encourage you that if you have issues with anger, please turn it over to our Heavenly Father. We can do all things through Him who gives us strength.

Love is patient...

Have you ever read this verse and wondered what does this mean? The more I read and study the Bible, the more questions I have. Especially as I find myself lacking patience waiting on the Lord to show me His will for my life. I was told that one way to study is to break down each verse. Chew on the adjectives, if you will. Like the word "patient" describing "love". What I have found is interesting in and of itself.

I first looked up the terms for the different forms of "love" as found in the Bible. There is "agape" which is the very nature of God - an action, "phileo" or having affection for (not to be confused with "eros"), and "storge" which is familial love & affection. Understanding that this verse is speaking more to the action of love, I moved on to understand the word "patient".

This is what I found. Patient, or hupomone (hoop-om-o-nay) in Greek, is being willing to wait. Another term used in the Bible is "long-suffering" or patient endurance; patiently bearing difficulties or wrongs. I also looked at some of the synonyms: forbearing and tolerant. Forbearing is to be tolerant or patient in spite of provocation and tolerant is marked by forbearance or endurance.

I find myself feeding into provocation thereby being unforbearing and impatient.

A trait I need to work on with the grace and strength of God.

Why do I write about this topic? Well, not just to inform you, my readers, but to help me put some perspective on storms happening in my life right now. I won't bore you with details. Just know that when one begins to grow their relationship with the Lord, the devil comes out in full force. And he sure has with me.

The Great Commission

Throughout the New Testament, we are given lots of commands from Jesus. One of them is "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13: 34, NIV). Another command is for us to go and make disciples as referenced above in the image. 

What does this mean to "go and make disciples"? It means that we, as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, are to go out into the world and spread His good news! We are not to just merely go to our family and friends; our immediate circle. No, we are to go up to strangers when we see them in need and share the gospel. 

Jesus had 12 disciples - in his inner circle - however, He virtually has millions of disciples in today's world. 

Let me put it to you another way:

A disciple is not just a follower of Jesus Christ. A disciple is also a student of Jesus Christ and his teachings. 

Does that make more sense? I sure hope so...

I may delve into this at a later date, after further study and reflection. Other topics I am hoping to share with you in the near future include keeping the Sabbath and what the actual Sabbath day is; end times / prophecy; and some of the Proverbs.

Communion

Do you take communion in church? Growing up, I always equated this with the Catholic church. I remember going to mass with my aunt, uncle and cousins one Sunday as a kid and going up for communion. One of my cousins got really upset because I was not a practicing Catholic nor was I confirmed. The priest didn't seem to mind though. And I think my aunt and uncle secretly hoped I would become Catholic.

Anyway, today was Communion in church. I am always perplexed about receiving the communion. Even when I repent my sins and ask forgiveness I still sometimes feel I shouldn't receive it. Today was one of those days for me, but I repented and took communion.

The Lord gave us very valuable tools in his teachings. I feel this one is probably one of the most valuable after Love God and Love your neighbor. It reminds us of his sacrifice for us.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a difficult concept to grasp for many people. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, online, to forgive means:

: to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)

: to stop feeling anger about (something) : to forgive someone for (something wrong)

: to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed)

I recently was reading in Matthew and came across a verse the spoke to me; 18:26

"At this the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'" (NIV)

To explain a little, when a family  member is in need and I am able to help, I will help them. One of my family members needed said help. This family member is going through some pretty rough times and while the debt was owed I tried to be patient. When I read this verse, the first thing the servant said is exactly what the family member said. I read on:

I felt a tugging at my heart and knew what I had to do. I had to release the debt. So I did.

I am not saying this to be a braggart or anything like that. I simply want to use my life as an example of how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in ways we can't even imagine. I was seeking answers to something I didn't even know I was seeking.

I have found, through the years, that it is easy for me to say "I forgive you" but my heart really wasn't in the spirit of forgiveness. I have held on to a lot of hurts and the forgiveness really didn't happen. If you find yourself harboring old hurts, release them. Lay them at the cross. When it comes to the day of judgment, what will God ask you about forgiveness?

Ba'con!

I love waking up to the smell of ba'con in the morning, don't you? Why the apostrophe you might ask. Well, if you're familiar with "That 70s Show", the character Eric Foreman teased his father after Red's heart attack and he could no longer have certain foods. Ba'con was one of them. And that's how Eric would say the word in this phrase: "Mmm, ba'con!"

Another thing I am beginning to love first thing in the morning is speaking with the Lord. It's a habit I once had and am getting back into. It seems whenever something bad happens in my life I backslide. The last time I backslid BIG time. I read a verse in the Bible (Parable of the Four Soils) recently that speaks to this:

The seed falling on rocky ground

refers to someone who hears

the word and at once receives it

with joy.

But since they have no root,

they last only a short time. 

When trouble or persecution comes

because of the word,

they quickly fall away.

~ Matthew 13:20-21

You see, I have a tendency to walk with the Lord and when bad times come, I fall away, just like the seed falling on rocky ground. That's because my faith gets shaken and I try to do it on my own instead of giving it to the Lord. Here's a better illustration:

Now, I am on the path to being the seed that falls on good soil and learning to give all of my troubles to the Lord. Only he can deal with them and bring me through any trial I may face.

What kind of a heart do you have?

So much weighs on my mind

As I continue my journey, I find more and more things begin to weigh on my mind. Signs that the devil is at play in my mind. I read The Screwtape Letters not too long ago on my Kindle. If you're not familiar with this title, C.S. Lewis is the author. Yes, the same Lewis as of the Chronicles of Narnia. It's a confusing and albeit truthful book about how the devil plays with our minds to sway us against the one he calls "the Enemy". This so-called "Enemy" is God. Hence the confusion to any believer not ready to see God called an enemy.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the book overall and purchased a paper copy so that I may read it again; which I have already begun. This time around I am taking my time reading it so that I can absorb the message. I am making notes in margins and highlighting sentences that stand out to me. It's the only way I can really read and understand - a nasty habit picked up in college.

In addition, I am working through the book of Revelation and plan to read Chapter 2 tonight. In preparation, I have been watching Rabbi Jonathan Cahn on YouTube speak about God's judgment against America. He is the author of The Harbinger. In one of the videos I watched he speaks about this being the days of Elijah and Ezekiel. Well, I will leave you with one of my favorite songs:

YouTube and other rumblings

I have been spending more time on YouTube lately listening to and watching different faith-based programs. It was suggested that I check out Chuck Missler - anything and everything - as he is very well-versed on prophecy and end-time stuff. Hopefully it will help me understand Revelation as I attempt to read through it for the 4th time. It is probably the most difficult book in the entire Bible.

One thing that has been weighing heavy on me lately is that I wish I had spent more time studying the Bible growing up. Maybe I wouldn't feel so silly when bf and I speak about the Bible/Scripture and other things Christian. I love our conversations but he has so much more time invested and so much of the Book memorized that I sometimes feel stupid. I am not a new Believer by any means, but I am still in my "infancy" of learning.

I remember a couple of years ago planning to read the entire Bible and grow my relationship with God. That didn't work out so well. I fear I lack the discipline and need someone to hold me accountable. BF is very good at that and I appreciate his prodding even if it doesn't seem like it at times. I also have a mentor at church; one of the pastors took it upon herself to mentor me. Well, that hasn't been going too well either. The lack of discipline again.

As I close this post for the evening, I ask the Lord to:

Give me ears to hear

Eyes to see

and a Heart to understand.

~ Matthew 13:15

Year of Acceleration?

As I drove to church this morning (and a couple other times when in this area), I passed by an Assembly of God church. Their marquee has this on it: "2015 Year of Acceleration". I am not sure what this means and may do some research on it. What I can say is that if we are indeed living in the end times, as I suspect we are, then maybe this is the year things begin to accelerate towards His Coming!?

We began a new series in church this morning called "A re-Purposed Life" and I am looking forward to learning more as it goes along. Here are the 3 key things I took away from it:

Retro Creation (Genesis 1:27)

Retro Relationship (Romans 8:15)

Retroactive Forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)

My biggest goal this year is to draw ever closer to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I have a lot to learn about myself and my faith.

A New Year and A New Blog

I spent the latter part of 2014 away from my other blog (julies-creations.blogspot.com). I just couldn't find the inspiration to continue on with that blog hence this new blog.

My name is Julie and I have several interests including reading, writing, photography, cross stitch, and most importantly MY FAITH. My hope for this blog is to share with you a snippet of my daily life in Christ. I am on a spiritual journey trying to figure out who I am in Christ Jesus. Many of us have these questions:

• Who am I?
• What is Your will for my life?

Well, I am hoping to find the answer to these questions and others along the way through reading the Word and prayer. 

Welcome to my blog! I am Just Julie