31 Days of Hope - October 28

This was a hard day so I'm going to deviate a little on this post from what I've been doing. It's still going to be about HOPE because even in the hard things, there's HOPE.

I went to my pain management doctor today and the nurse practitioner I've been seeing since 2008 is no longer there. They just sprung it on me and to say I was shocked and sad is a huge understatement. Lisa has seen me through my three herniated discs and then the knee replacement when my artery got cut. She called me in the hospital I was flown to to check on me. She's the one that first realized I had an infection and sent me straight to the hospital. I thought of her as not only my NP, but my friend. I'm devastated that she's gone and evidently moving out of state. I would have liked to have hugged her neck and said goodbye. 

The new NP was nice, but he's a young man and time will tell how we relate. The unfortunate thing is I had to wait 45 minutes to see him, then we went over everything, which took time, and then he left the room to see another patient before coming back to finish with me. I was there over two hours, sitting in a chair with my legs down, and of course, they ballooned up. I came home and did my vasopneumatic machine right away, but it was not very helpful. I then decided to go in and lie down with my legs on pillows and hoped that would help, but the pain just got worse and worse and I was crying from the pain. I can take a lot of pain so for me to cry, it's bad. My sweet hubby came in and rubbed my legs which helped, but as I was lying there, it was 10:15pm and I was wishing that it wasn't so late so I could text someone to ask for prayer. Then it happened...a God thing!

My dear friend texted me to see how my doctor appointment went! I couldn't believe it! Such a blessing from God! I told her as much! I think I scared her, though, because she texted back but I was getting ready for bed and didn't get back to my phone for a few minutes. I'm sure she thought something horrible was going on! I won't do that again. The phone will go with me where I go! Anyway, she prayed for me, texted sweet words of comfort and Scripture. By the time we got done, I was feeling so much better! You have to understand how really special this is. My friend just had surgery and infections herself and here she was pouring herself onto me! I am in tears just thinking about this. It makes me think of this amazing song I love by Needtobreath called "Brother". It's about Jesus being our shelter, but to me it's also about those sisters in Christ that stand with us when we need them. There a line that says, "I can be the one you call, when you're low", and I think of this friend who pours the love of Jesus into me. I am so thankful for the gift of her friendship! I'm thankful that she gives me HOPE!

Here is the song I'm talking about. Please listen as I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do. Knowing God is always near is so amazing and gives me so much HOPE!

Blessings - Julie

31 Days of Hope - October 20

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for a difficult time.

Proverbs 17:17

Friends are so important - especially to us women. We need to share our hearts with each other and know we have a safe place to share. This is especially important when we're hurting. Our friends can give us HOPE and, if we have a friend that's especially close, that friend can be more like a sister. Our sisters are there for us in difficult times and stand by us in times of real trouble. They love us when we feel unlovable and make us feel okay when we are in a pit of heartache. 

It's important to be that kind of friend, too. I'm learning this more and more as I go through the heartaches of life. When we need that kind of a friend, we want to be that kind of a friend. I want to be that kind of friend. I am working on reaching out more to the women in my life. I'm an introvert by nature and it's not easy for me to reach out. I really want to reach out, but I'm not always sure how. The thing I'm realizing is it's just important to reach out. Reach out in kindness but just reach out!

Like myself, my friends need HOPE, too. They need to know that I care about them. It can be a simple as a text saying I care or as elaborate as making a meal for her family. The important thing is to let our friends know we care. We don't always know what our friends are going through. I found that out the hard way this week when a friend contacted me and I found out she has been going through a very hard situation. I felt so bad because I didn't know before but so glad she let me know now! I love this friend so much and I want to be a sister to her, too. I want to pray for her, be there for her and bring her the HOPE of Jesus. 

 

I have other friends that aren't going through things, but I'm working on keeping in touch with them, too. I have one friend that I'm emailing, another I'm texting, and another I call. It doesn't matter how we nurture our relationships, we just need to do it! Some friends are harder to get to know than others. Some of my friends are introverts, like me. I'm sure some of the people I know would say I'm hard to get to know and they would be right! It's not that I don't want them to know me, I'm just the way I am. I'm trying to be better about this, too, as it gives me HOPE to have these women in my life. 

 

 

I encourage you to nurture your friendships or make new friendships. It gives us so much HOPE to have women we can share with!

 

Blessings - Julie

Sunday Thoughts

I was watching Beth Moore on Living Proof on my Roku. She spoke to my heart today, as she usually does. I have been having some difficult days lately. I've been having a stomach issue for months and it plagues me. Just when I think I'm over whatever it is, it comes back with a vengeance and I'm Im so sick again. I'm also dealing with severe knee pain in the knee that wasn't replaced and I'm hobbling around and my knee is grinding and popping. I did get a shot in my knee this past week, but it didn't give me any relief. I've been weepy and discouraged. So, when I saw the Beth Moore teaching called "God of All Comfort", I knew I had to tune in. One Scripture she shared was Lamentations 1:2

Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is none to    comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her

Now, I can't relate to the "all her lovers" part, but the part that says "bitterly she weeps; there is no one to comfort her, all her friends have betrayed her", I can relate to. That's why it's vital and I must understand that our comfort does not come from others. It can only come from God. This was the teaching that Beth was sharing. The light bulb went on! I have been focusing on how I don't hear from my church or most of my friends anymore, and I haven't for months and months. This has been shocking to me and I see now that I have been looking to them for something that only God is capable of doing. His mercies are new every morning.

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:23

 

I must look to God for my comfort when I am in pain. He understands what I am going through because Jesus, himself, endured pain and suffering and the betrayal of His friends. Remember Peter denyed he knew the Lord the night of His arrest? I always think about how Peter must have felt when Jesus looked him in the eyes after the third crow of the rooster. 

 

I'm sure I'll have other days where I am feeling discouraged and forgotten by church and family, as I am only human. I thank God, though, that He directed me to listen to this teaching and be reminded that I am comforted by Him. I am also thankful that God gave me such a wonderful family whose mercies are abundant and their love unending. Why is it that we humans have the tendency to focus on what we have lost and not what we have? I don't know but I do know I need to change my focus!

 

If you're feeling alone, abandoned, or betrayed, remember the Lord loves you with an everlasting love and He is your comfort. If you have the opportunity to watch this Beth Moore teaching, I encourage you to do so. It was so excellent and it will be a blessing to you!

 

Blessings - Julie

 

 

Look Up!

 As I have walked this road this year of health struggles and pain, I have come to realize that without God, there is no going forward. God gives hope where there is none. When I have no one on this earth to put my faith in, God is the One who is faithful. He holds my entire life in His hands and I can trust him and have faith in Him that He knows what He's doing when no one else does.

It's been a hard journey, not only for me, but for my family. In the blink of an eye, something can happen than can change the course of your life and you are helpless to do anything but go forward and pray each day that you will make it through.

Thankfully, I have had no new infections for which I am so very grateful. Unfortunately, the wounds are not healing properly and they are a concern to my doctor. He at first talked about another surgery at which time my heart dropped to my toes. I have had four surgeries this year and another one seems so daunting. I personally think the reason I'm not healing well is because my body is worn out but I digress. He brought another doctor in as well as his PA and they thought stem cells might work. So, now I wait to see if my insurance will approve this and, if they do, they will place stem cells in the wounds to give them a boost. Oh, how I pray that I'm allowed to get this procedure and that it works! If it doesn't then I will have to have another surgery.

I try to live as normally as I can. I plan out my days and, more times than not, I don't accomplish but a 10th or less of those plans. I'm still house bound so these are things I want to accomplish at home. I celebrate even the little accomplishments because they are huge for me. Putting a meal in the crock pot, dusting, or decorating are reasons to feel good. I was looking at it before as all the things I couldn't do, but that will bring me down lower than I can handle, so I focus on what I can do.

There are people that sustain me. My husband, who is my rock when I can't do anything but cry. He waits on me - not because I ask - but he does it out of love. Ice water, a grilled cheese sandwich, carrying my books from room to room, making sure the pillows are perfect under my legs when I get into bed; these are the things that remind me of how Jesus washed the Disciples feet. My youngest son who drives me two hours away to my doctor appointment despite being tired and in pain himself. My oldest son who comes over and takes on some of the household duties on his days off because I'm unable to. My sweet friend who writes me a Scripture and devotion every morning in a text so that I wake up to God's Word and a reminder that I am loved by her. My sister who emails me with encouragement and prayers, calls me to check on me, and prays continually for my healing; she has known me all my life and loves me in a way no one else can and she sustains me. These are the people who reach out to me, love me even on the hard days, and keep me moving forward. God has blessed me with a loving core group to get me through the hardness of this journey.

I do not forget you, my dear friends. So many of you email me to check on me, leave comments of encouragement and to tell me that you're praying for me. These are lifelines and I am so grateful. You are also the hands and feet of Jesus to me even though I have never met most of you in person.

The key is not to look down at what I can't do, what is left undone, but to focus on the accomplishments and to look up to the One who holds the whole situation - and me - in His mighty and loving hands.

God bless you - Julie

People Who Have Long-term Illness or Pain and How You Can Support Them

It's really hard having a long term illness. I think the hardest part for me is how forgotten I feel. People move on with their lives even when you can't. They get sick of dealing with the constant reminder that we have this new intruder into our lives. They want normalcy, and I can't blame them...I do, too! No one really wants to hear the latest detail of what you're going through but they don't realize that this is really all I have to talk about. It consumes my mind and my time. 

I'm home-bound so what I talk about is what I do at home, which isn't a lot, let me tell you! Some days, I feel so bad I sit and read or just watch old television shows and my British shows. This does not make for exciting conversation. Even on the days I crochet or work on my Bible study, there's only so much one can say about these things. 

There are a lot of people, like me, out there. There are many ways that will help us and many things that will destroy us emotionally. Our emotional feelings are really important because it affects our healing. When I'm hurt, I really see a difference in my pain levels and my healing. Fortunately, I only will have one or two bad days where I'm down, but there are others that get so sad, their depression will last longer.

I wanted to share some things that will help those of us who are ill, in pain, or recovering from a health issue.

• Pray for your friend and let her know you're praying for her. This is such a comfort to know that I'm being prayed for. I have friends who pray diligently for me, as well as family, and this blesses me so much!

• Try and stay in touch with someone who is going through a long term illness. When the illness first happens, we get a lot of attention, but as time goes on, there are less and less people who keep in touch. An email, a text message, a card, or a phone call can do a lot to lift our spirits and help us to remember we're not forgotten. I have a friend who diligently sends me text messages and, right now, she has been sending me a Scripture a day with my name inserted to make it personal. I wake up to these messages and they set my day on the right course.

• If you ask the sick person if you can come visit, please follow through and show up on the day designated! It takes a lot of effort on our part to get ready for company. Our families go to a lot of work to prepare for company, too, and when they don't show up, there's the guilt for the sick one of how much the family did for nothing. If you can't make the visit, please let the person know! I have had this happen several times and it's devastating to think that I didn't even warrant a phone call or a text from the person to let me know they weren't coming. This is very hurtful and, quite frankly, rude!

•  When our illness first happens, people offer to do things for us. Food arrives, help around the house, etc., is done. Now, I'm not saying this should be a consistent thing because we do get better and can do a lot of these things, but there are other days when a casserole or soup arriving would be a huge blessing! Having something the person can put in the freezer and just stick in the oven is a relief on those days when cooking seems overwhelming. Even a freezer meal from the big box stores would totally bless the sick person. 

• If there are specific sermons at church that you know would bless the person, get the CD for them or tell them where to check it out on line. If there's something special going on at church and you know that the sick person would love to have the handouts or the CD's, try and get these to them. It lets the person know you were thinking of them and it will encourage them and make them feel a part of the church when they aren't there.

• Don't get angry or upset if the sick person doesn't always answer the phone. I know I fall asleep at the drop of a hat and I have gotten in the habit of turning my phone off when I lie down so I can get some sleep. It's not that I don't want to talk, I'm just not going to sacrifice my rest to have my phone on. I do call back and, if I'm not feeling good enough to talk, I send a text or an email letting them know I'll call them back soon. 

•  When you talk to the sick person, don't go over all your illnesses and the gory details! Talk about things you would talk about with anyone. Keep things meaningful, yet light. Don't make fun of their illness or make what you think are funny remarks about their situation. This only hurts and make the person feel less valued. 

• Don't feel upset or hurt if the person isn't up for an in-person visit. It takes so much effort to prepare for a visit and some days we just don't have the energy to do it. Or, I'm feeling sicker on some days and can't have company. Also, if you do visit the sick person, don't stay for hours on end. Believe it or not, this can wear a person out quickly. Keep your visit to about 1/2 hour to an hour. This is a perfect time for visiting but not wearing the sick person out.

I hope this helps. I think so many times we don't understand how very isolated the sick person or the person who is house-bound feels. It really is like the parade is passing us by and we would join in if we could. It's hard to see others going on with their lives and we can't. Being isolated from our friends and church is very difficult but these are a few things you can do to make it easier to bear.

Blessings - Julie

Sunday Thoughts

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  - Psalm 91:4

That gorgeous picture was made for me by my friend, Molly. She gave it to me as an encouragement not knowing that this is one of my most favorite Scriptures of encouragement and comfort. Isn't it adorable? I love it and was so blessed that she would give me something so beautiful.

We had a quiet, yet lovely, 4th of July. I felt good enough to throw some ribs in the oven and made a pan of baked beans. I had help - thankfully - otherwise I can't do it all. I'm having to still be very careful about how much time I spend on my leg. At nightfall, we sat on our porch and watched the fireworks. They were so gorgeous this year! Lots of special ones like hearts, smiley faces, and flowers.

Isn't that amazing? We have watched the fireworks from our home since they started doing them in our town, 19 years ago. It's so nice to not have to go out into the crowds but to stay home, in our jammies if we want, and watch. My son put together a patriotic playlist that he played as we watched. It was wonderful.

My wounds are getting better! I have a home health care nurse that is really good at wound vacs and she even came on Saturday - her day off! - to change it. She's very protective of her patients and takes her time and does the wound care properly. I am so thankful to have a nurse that knows what she's doing. I had two nurses before her that didn't understand how to do the wound vac and it was a disaster! If you don't do it right, you can cause damage and take steps backwards in the healing process. One of my wounds on my knee is actually healed! Praise God!

I had kind of a down day last week when I realized that I couldn't sit at my table and paint without my leg swelling up like a balloon. I reached out on facebook to see if anyone had any ideas of how I could paint from my recliner. It was so sweet how many wonderful ideas and concerned friends I have. I was feeling so down, just having my friends understand, was a comfort. My son decided to take matters into his own hands and is going to build me a table that can be swiveled in front of me to work on and then swiveled out of the way when I need to get up. I have an amazing son who really cares and understands that I need to have a creative outlet while I'm recuperating.

I did do some cross stitch this week on my big project. It doesn't look like it, but I worked on it for hours. There are so many floss colors and so many changes that it takes a long time to just put in a few stitches. I'm really enjoying it, though, and here's a picture of what it looks like now.

I've done a bit of back-stitching, too, and plan on getting it done as I go along. That's my least favorite thing to do and so I thought it would be easier to do it in small sections as I go. It also really helps to define things and gives me a clear idea of what it's going to look like. I'm so excited about this piece and am hoping to have it done in time for Christmas. It's just huge and has lots of colors so it's going to take longer than usual.

I'm also working on a small project that is really cute. I like having something small that I can finish quicker so I have some finished projects, too.  I'll share a picture of that when I get more stitches in and you can tell what it's going to look like. Right now, I just have the background color in so it's not real inspiring.

Praying your Sunday is full of quiet time with the Lord and contemplation over all His blessings in your life.

Blessings - Julie

Preparing for Surgery

I am feeling a bit over-whelmed right now. I'm trying to get ready for my up-coming surgery and figuring out what I'll need to take. Part of my concern is that I was supposed to get my packet from the doctor last week and I've yet to receive it. I will be going by the office on Monday to pick it up. I know I have some prep work I have to do on my knees and I'm a bit concerned that we're down to the last week and I have no idea what I need to do yet.

I'm writing a list of what I think I'll need. I'm planning that I will be gone for 2 weeks and, if not, it will just be a pleasant surprise. I'm much better if I prepare for a longer time away than to find out I will be even longer away than I thought. I'm very blessed by the fact that the hospital and rehab hospital are no more than 15 minutes from my home so, if I do need something, it won't be a huge deal for someone to go home and get it. This is a huge blessing!

I have been working on something to take with me and I'll share pictures with you in the next few days. I'm trying to make sure I have things that will encourage me there. I'm getting my iPod ready with songs that will comfort me. These include all the Fernando Ortega music, 10,000 Reasons, as well as my favorite jazz music by Diana Krall and my favorite standards by Jo Stafford. Music is such a powerful thing for me and I know that having my favorites will just help me so much. 

I had a wonderful coffee date with a dear friend last week. I hadn't seen her for awhile so that was so fun. I'm also going to make sure I get together with another dear friend this upcoming week before my surgery. It's just a good thing to make time for these little fun times in the midst of all the craziness of preparing for this surgery. It's good to laugh and share.

I hope your Sunday is blessed!

Julie

Sleep Apnea Woes & Old Friend

Hello, dear friends! What a week I've had! I got my c-pap machine last week with great anticipation. Unfortunately, the mask has not been working out for me and I've had some really rough nights! Rougher than the nights without the machine. Not good. I did go back and see them about the mask on Friday and she thought a larger size would work, but it was worse - lots of air leaking into my eyes - and so I'm back to the small size. However, I have to strap it on so tight to stop the leaks, that I wake up with the bones in my face hurting and huge red marks on my cheeks. Yesterday, I was just beside myself with despair; I know I had put so much hope in this machine. Today, though, I'm feeling more hopeful and I know that I will get the right mask and conquer this issue. Thankfully, they are more than willing to help me get whatever mask will work for me. That's such a relief!

I did have a wonderful thing happen this week! When I got out of my car at the medical supply to get my mask, I heard someone call my name. I looked over and saw an old friend that I haven't seen for probably 14 years! It was so weird because I had been thinking about her recently and wondering how she is. We used to paint together and did some craft shows together. She is so much fun and I always enjoyed her so much. I'm not sure how we lost touch but I'm so glad to have run into her. We exchanged phone numbers and I'm going to get together with her as soon as I'm feeling a bit better. What a blessing to run into her again!

I really haven't done much this week. I haven't picked up a needle or a crochet hook at all, which is very unusual. I also didn't get to my studio, either, just because of the plain exhaustion I'm in. I did a lot of reading and read the most wonderful book - which I will review on the 5th. I've also been playing my game with son, which is fun. He doesn't have a lot of time to play anymore, so when he's able to, I treasure that time with him all the more.

I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for coming by to read my blog! I treasure each and every one of you! God bless you!

Many blessings - Julie

A Special Surprise!

I won a cross-stitch pattern from my dear friend, Vickie, a couple of weeks back and I received it in the mail last week. Here's a picture of the pattern

Isn't it lovely? As soon as I'm done with my current project, I will work on this one. I will also be having a giveaway for this pattern (it's a traveling pattern, of sorts) when I am finished with it. 

Vickie being so sweet, tucked in some extra special goodies in the package. Not only that, the envelope itself was extra special! Remember this?

Isn't that just adorable? Vickie drew this on the outside of the envelope! Isn't she talented? She and I have a great love for poodles so I was so excited when I saw that envelope - knowing it was from her! I will be keeping this special drawing - yes, I will!

Here's what else was in the package

Isn't that so sweet? I love the pink! Here's some close-ups of what she sent...

Look at that adorable pink package with the pink poodle! The little bag is filled with gorgeous sequins!

I had to take a picture of that cute, little, pink poodle!

 
 Here's what was inside the little package...

Aren't these gorgeous? They are counting pins for my stitching. Vickie makes these and I love them! I will treasure them forever! She is so talented! 

My card she sent was so precious and I was so touched by her sweet words inside. Isn't it wonderful how we can make friends across the country or across the world that we wouldn't know if not for our blogs? I found Vickie because she cross stitches and then when I read her blog, she had poodles everywhere! I knew this was my kind of friend! Not only that, but she loves the Lord and, unfortunately, she lives with daily pain - just like me. It has been a privilege to pray for her and a comfort for me knowing she is also praying for me. God is so good to bring us together!

Thank you, so much, Vickie! I'm am so incredibly blessed by your sweet gift and your precious friendship! 

God bless you - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - Link Up!

Tuesday is our time to stop for the week and count our blessings. I love this day as it really does help me to keep focused on my blessings and the holiness and goodness of God! Life can be difficult, but it's made so much better and easier when we stop and thank Him!

116. I'm so thankful for the blessing of spending time with my friend, Carol. She was in my Bible study this year and we just instantly clicked! We have made the effort to stay in touch and I'm so glad! We chatted and prayed together and it was just a blessed time.

117. It was a week filled with exhaustion and not a lot done. However, I did get my cross stitch scissor holder stitched. Here's a picture of it ...

The row of large cross stitches in the middle will actually be at the bottom and the row of flowers is the back of the scissor holder. The basket of flowers the front. I hope I'm making sense. In any case, it was a blessing to finish the stitching and now I just need to do the finish and I'll be done. I love the colors and I know I'll love the project when it's done.

118. I also did a wee bit of crocheting. I have decided to make a granny square afghan. I haven't made granny squares since they were popular in the early 70's and I'm enjoying these a lot. I'm going to make a blanket for my bed, actually. Here's some pictures of my done squares...

Such fun and bright colors! I got this yarn at a yard sale and it's just so soft and easy to work with. I have enough to make a really nice sized blanket. What a blessing to be able to sit and do this work and make something for my home. 

119.  I was blessed with being able to get into the doctor that will be doing my sleep study. I called on Friday and they made an appointment for Monday! I will be having a sleep study as he thinks I have severe sleep apnea. The soonest they could get me in, though, was August 20th! It was still a blessing to finally be, hopefully, getting to the bottom of this horrible exhaustion and other symptoms I'm having. It was eye opening and I'm so blessed to have a primary care doctor that really cares about me and got me going in the right direction.

120. Monday afternoon, I was blessed by getting to have coffee with my dear friend, Jodi. I haven't seen her in person for months and I just can't tell you how wonderful it was to sit and chat with her! We were there for 4 hours and could have talked more if it wasn't getting late and we both needed to get home and fix dinner. lol Good friends are such a blessing and I was doubly blessed this week by getting to meet with two of my dear friends!

Now it's your turn! Have you counted your blessing? Link up and share what's been happening in your world this week! Please grab my button on the sidebar and share on your blog, too. Thanks so much!

Blessings - Julie

Only God

This has been a very tough week emotionally. I can't go into any detail because I want to protect the privacy of those involved, but let's just say it's been a week of worry, heartache, and sadness because I see a friend hurting and all I can do is pray. This situation has been going on for years but it's gotten worse as of late and my heart just hurts for her. I want to fix it, I want to tell her what to do, I want to intervene, but I can't. Only God. Only God can intervene. Only God can do a miracle. Only God.

I've been dealing with several situations where you have to ask for God's wisdom. His Strength. His comfort. It's draining and exhausting but He has been good to guide me and to give me patience. I am learning to stop before speaking or writing. I'm learning to pray before I say anything of great consequence because I can't say anything of great consequence. Only God can give me anything to say of great consequence and if I don't take the time to listen to Him, I'm only going to say something dumb. I'm also learning not to let what others say to me affect me to my core. The Lord is doing a work in me and I'm thankful because I can't be there for others if I'm not continually changing for the better. More of Him! That's what I long for.

He truly is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

God bless you - Julie

Busy week!!

 I want to update you about Sammy first. He's doing good so far. My hubby took him to the Vet on Monday and she found another few wounds that we missed. She gave him a booster Rabies shot, antibiotics, and pain pills and that helped him a lot. The only thing we have to worry about is Rabies. Since we don't know what attacked him, there's that concern. Yes, he has his shots, but I guess that's not a total guarantee. They said we would see symptoms within 10 days. Please pray that he will be fine and thank you so much for your prayers you've said. I so appreciate the sweet comments, too!

This has been such a super busy week, but thankfully, I have energy to spare and I'm on a roll!! I started off the week in the "big city" where I went to the doctor.  Good news there - I don't have cancer. Yay! I didn't think I would, but there's just something about the doctor actually saying you don't that makes you let out a sigh of relief. My calcium is dangerously low and she wants to get that figured out, but I like her and, so far, I'm pleased with how she's handling my thyroid issues.

After that, I met up with my cousin for lunch at "Streets of New York". We have one here, but the one there was so cute! It was much smaller than ours, but we really enjoyed the food and the service was exceptional. I don't get to see my cousin a lot, even though she only lives about 2 hours away, so this was a real treat! Here's a picture of us in front of the restaurant.

She is a children's pastor and she is such a godly woman! She said so many things that just blessed me so much. It motivated me to really do what the Lord has called me to do as I know that He will bless it! She is funny, smart and I just love that girl!!

After that, I went to the Calvary Chapel bookstore that I love so much. I didn't get much there (finances being very tight these days) but I did find a beautiful Christmas mug that was 40% off. I'm rather picky about coffee mugs so when I very rarely find one that "speaks to me". This one is gorgeous and I love the shape and size of it. My son, who went with me, got a Christmas CD for 40% off.

Speaking of my son - we realized that this was the very first time that he and I had gone out of town together!! We had such a great time and it made for such a great memory for us both.

After that, we went to my best friends house for dinner and talking. I haven't seen her forever as they moved near the big city about 2 years ago and it has just never worked for us to get together. Her son is my son's best friends, so it was so fun for us to go see them. She made a lovely dinner and then she and I headed off to Starbucks to chat while the guys played board games with his little brothers and sisters. It was so wonderful to spend time with her again and we've determined that we're not going to let that much time pass before we get together again. We're thinking we might meet halfway next time and see each other for lunch. We left there about 9:30 pm and it was SO cold!! It was 23 degrees there and by the time we got home, it was 14 degrees!!! It was such a lovely day, though!

Tuesday, was my Bible study and it was the first one after the holiday break. It was such a blessing to see everyone again and get into the Word with them. Each of those ladies blesses me so much I can't even express it here. Love them!

Wednesday, I had paperwork to do, etc., etc.  Today I had my knee shots and then had a couple of errands to do. One of which was to get a crochet hook for a gift I'm making. The one I have was evidently used by someone for a tool or something and when I went to use it, it had a niche out of it and it kept snagging the yarn. These hooks are so nice because I can crochet for hours without my hand getting fatigued.

I went to Hobby Lobby first, but they have their own brand of these type of hooks, however, I didn't like the head on them. I only crochet with Susan Bates hooks because I like the shape of the hook and the smooth way they work with the yarn. I got mine at JoAnn's Crafts. While I was there, they had the Christmas stuff at 90% off and so I got some Christmas wrapping paper for 39 cents! We used up most of ours this year and we were down to one roll, so this was nice to get for next year. I also got some cute Gingerbread napkins for 39 cents a pack and 3 metal trays to use at my Bible studies for 59 cents. They will make great snack trays!

I came home and made BLT's for dinner and a pan of brownies for my son to take to the Fire Department when he works there tomorrow. I'm really tired tonight and my knees are super sore, but it's okay. It's been such a lovely week!!

God bless you - Julie

Wonderful Phone Call!

This morning I was so blessed to get a phone call from one of my favorite people! I had given her my number because I had read on Facebook that she was in horrible pain and you know how my heart grieves when I hear about someone in pain.

I had just gotten up and could hear my phone buzzing - I had it on vibrate - but I couldn't find it!! So frustrating! By the time I did find it, I looked and it said it was a phone call from Canada! I knew that it was Angie! 

I called her back, then she called me back because it would have cost me a small fortune to call her and talk for any length of time. It was her idea and I'm so grateful that she told me to let her do that. I did try to put her number on my plan but, of course, her being in Canada, it wouldn't let me. :( In any case, we talked for about 45 minutes and, while I was supposed to be encouraging her, she ended up encouraging me because that's how Angie is!! The light shines through her so brightly - even through the phone!

We prayed for each other and discussed how the Lord was using us through the pain. How He knew that we were able and would use it for His glory. What an encouragement and a blessing to spend that time talking to her.

Thank you, Angie, for calling me! You encouraged me so much and you and your family are in my prayers always!! Hopefully, we can talk again!!

God bless you - Julie

The Beauty of Friendship

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Tonight I received a phone call from one of my friends from church.  She has been so faithful to call me and check in with me throughout this whole ordeal with my back.  She is a precious Sister in Christ and such a precious friend.  When I first met her, I knew we would become good friends.  The light of Christ just shines from her and she has been the hands and feet of Jesus for me in many ways since we met. She always, always makes me feel so much better when she calls because she does something that is such a blessing.  She prays for me.  I'm so thankful for her prayers and it's so amazing because every time she has called, I have really needed to hear a Word from the Lord and have needed a listening ear. She always provides both.  God bless you, Mona, for your sweet Spirit, your listening ear, your precious prayers and your timely phone calls.  Most of all, thank you for never forgetting about me.

Blessings - Julie

Ladies Christmas Brunch

I went to my Ladies Christmas Brunch on the 4th of December and it was wonderful.  I was so blessed because my dear friend co-hosted a table with me so I could be a hostess.  I really wanted to host a table this year - in fact, my name was the first on the list, but then I hurt my back and wasn't sure I could host.  My friend said, "Of course, you can host!", so I did! LOL  My son was really sweet and helped me take all my things the day before the brunch and set up my table.  Here's how it looked after I got it all decorated.

 Aren't the plates, napkins and cups beautiful?  We were provided these paper goods and seeing all the tables all set up was just beautiful.  Each lady brought her own nativity set and decorated it in her own beautiful way.  Here's a close-up of my nativity set.  My oldest son bought this for me for Christmas several years ago.

 I absolutely adore this set - not just because my son gave it to me, but because it's so beautiful and really focuses on the baby Jesus and what Christmas is all about.  It looked really beautiful on my table.  See the red candle up on the left?  I got those at Hobby Lobby and then used a gold pen and wrote, "Glory to God in the highest".  My table was simple, but I liked it.  :)

This was the theme of our brunch.  "Be still and know that I am God."  Psalms 46:10  Our speaker focused on how important it is to take the time to be still and spend time with the Lord.  It was a wonderful message. 

Before the brunch, my hubby took pictures of me and my friends.  This first one, I'm not really happy with.  My friend looks beautiful, but I'm not sure what's going on with me.  I have my face up and I'm looking down my nose! *sigh* (Don't look at that!)  This is my friend that co-hosted our table.  I've known her for about 12 years.  I met her at a Bible study and it was so wonderful to reconnect with her at our church.

Then my husband took another pic of me and my other friend.  I met her last summer through one of the Bible studies that our church had.  It's so wonderful to meet new friends - especially when they love Jesus!

I did have a lot of pain about half way through the brunch, but just about when I thought I would have to get up and go out to the lobby, our worship Pastor came up to the stage and we stood and worshiped the Lord! God has perfect timing.  This next picture is of our Women's Ministry leader.  She's a wonderful leader and I've actually known her for many years. 

Our Christmas brunch was so wonderful.  I'm so glad that my friend made it possible for me to hostess.  Yes, I was in a lot of pain after I got home and it took me about two days to recover, but it was totally, totally worth it!! There is nothing like being together with other Christian sisters and worshiping our Lord! 

Here's a picture of me in front of the beautiful tree in our church lobby.  A wonderful memento of a wonderful day!

God bless you - Julie

A Gift Worth Treasuring

Here is a picture of my poor, little teapot looking very naked and all the tea inside is getting cooler by the moment.  It's a very pretty little teapot, don't get me wrong, but . . .

Look at this - isn't this just so much better?

Isn't this just gorgeous?  I was overwhelmed when I received a package in the mail one day and opened it to find this beautiful teapot cozy. It's absolutely beautiful  and my dear friend, Eva, and the staff of the church office, sent it to me.  I was and am still overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of this beautiful gift.

Here is a picture of my teapot and my teacup sitting ready for a sweet time of sipping tea.

I love tea and I usually always have a cup of hot tea before bed.  Of course, I always have tea while I'm watching all my British shows.  The just seem to go together.  My tea always gets cold way too fast, but now, with my beautiful teapot cozy, my tea will stay nice and hot for a long time.  This is such a beautiful gift and I will treasure it forever.

God bless you - Julie

Holding onto God

Isn't it wonderful to know that where the Lord leads you, He never takes his hand from you? In fact, His hand holds us! That is so awesome! We need never feel alone or dejected because He is with us.

I've had a rather sad day. Nothing horrible - just feeling unimportant to a friend and hurt regarding her insensitive attitude. She's normally not like that, so I know it's probably due to the stresses in her own life. I'm trying really hard not to take it personally and honestly, without God, I would be doing just that. He makes me see things from her perspective and allows me to have forgiveness and understanding. His hand holds me and keeps me upright; thinking and feeling compassion for my sister in Christ. It doesn't mean my feelings aren't hurt, but through the Lord, I can forgive and love her, regardless.

Isn't that what it's really all about? As the beautiful song says, "They will know we are Christians by our love." I hope others see that I am a Christian.