Julie’s Journal

It’s my youngest son’s Senior year.  He’s going to be doing some practice SAT tests and, in fact, will do his first practice test today.  It’s amazing how nervous he is about this, even though it’s a practice test.  I’m really glad we will be doing this and preparing him for the real thing.  He’s taking it very seriously and I’m so proud of his attitude and diligence regarding his school work.

Going to visit my mother-in-law today.  I have a bunch of western books that I’ve picked up for her.  She loves Westerns and I love finding them for her.  Busy day ahead!

It’s been a very horrible two days for me. I got a call yesterday morning that my Aunt passed away. It was and is such a shock that I can’t even comprehend it yet. I was close to my Aunt and she was such an encourager to me. She understood me (when many didn’t) and always saw the good in me. I am going to miss her.

God bless you ~ Julie

Here’s some pictures from the concert my son did on Saturday with the “Old Time Fiddler’s Society”, along with his teacher and another of his students.  Cody cracked us up because he said all the way to the concert, “I’m going to throw up.”  He didn’t, thank goodness, but he still looks like a deer stuck in the headlights in this picture!

Cody received a scholarship from the “Old Time Fiddlers” and that has been such a blessing.  He’s learning more about the fiddle after playing the violin for about a year and a half.  He’s been playing the mandolin for years, now, and it’s his favorite.  This was quite a large group that played on Saturday.  I couldn’t get everyone in the picture, but you get the idea.

The little girl standing next to my son is only 10 years old, but plays like a pro!  She is also a scholarship recipient.

Here’s a picture of my son with his teacher playing a duet they put together, “Nobody knows you when you’re down”.    Take a good look at that guitar Doug is playing.  Amazing!

Here’s Cody during one of his solo’s.  He’s looking a lot more relaxed.

Here’s Cody and Doug playing an old favorite, “Whiskey Before Breakfast”.  Don’t you just love those Bluegrass song titles?  (By the way, we do not recommend this.  LOL)

And finally, here’s the two guys - student and teacher - friend and friend - after the concert looking very happy with themselves.  One of them actually looks relieved that it’s over, too!

I actually did video tape the concert and am thinking of putting one of the songs on YouTube if I can figure out how.  If I do, I’ll let you know so you can go and see it!

God bless you ~ Julie

May you remember the tremendous gift that our Lord, Jesus Christ gave to us.  His life for our sins.  Then the glorious resurrection!!  He has risen!  He has risen indeed!!

                                                        God bless you ~ Julie

God has been speaking to my heart to pray. Really pray. I have always tried to be a pray-er, but not with the depth that I feel God calling me to do. I am learning to pray God’s Word when I pray. Oh, what a difference this makes in my prayer life!! I had been introduced to praying God’s Word by the book by the same name by Beth Moore. Her little devotional book “Praying God’s Word Day by Day” brings this home to me even more. It will truly change your prayer life and your entire life when you pray for others and praying God’s Word!

How often do you really stop - really stop - and consider God’s wonders? If you’re like me, you don’t do it often enough. I know my first thought when I read this scripture is to think of nature. Truly, the beauty of nature is one of God’s wonders. The beautiful sky - especially here in Arizona - the trees and my favorite, the birds. Not long ago,my oldest son rearranged my chair in the family room so I could look out the window and then my youngest son put up a bird feeder that feeds both small and large birds right outside our window. He then moved the large birdbath that was just out of site of the window, right smack in front of it! Wow! What a tremendous sight I see each day. Birds of every shape and size, coming to feed and drink. I have seen new species that I’ve been able to add to my bird book where I write down what birds I’ve seen. We actually have a woodpecker here now and that has been thrilling. Since I don’t live where there are a lot of trees, I was shocked to see him, but I’ve made sure to buy him special treats so he will return.

When I really stop and consider God’s wonders, I must focus on my children. What miracles they truly are! I look at my oldest son and see my Father’s hands and feet. I see my Father’s husky and manly build in my son, too. I see my mouth and nose. In my youngest son, I see my husband and my Father’s and Grandmother’s nose. Isn’t this miraculous? God passes down these features to our children from their ancestors and we are able to see our parents and grandparents in them. My children have blessed my life more than you can imagine. They have given me an unconditional love and, more than that, they have given Jesus an unconditional love.

God’s wonders do not stop at the fact that my children resemble my family physically. They have continued on a belief in the Lord, Jesus Christ, that my husband and I began when they were quite small. My husband’s and my familys believe there is a God, but they don’t believe IN God. They don’t live their life for Him and nothing in their lives have changed. My children have chosen to follow God and their lives are so much richer and more fulfilling than ours ever were at their age. My heart swells at this.

I’m so thankful for homeschooling because it has allowed us to instill in our children the Word of God. They have been able to hide it in their heart (Psalms 119:11) and make it a part of their daily learning. They have heard the call of the Lord and answered Him. Is there anything more wonderous than the Lord calling us to be His own? Isn’t this really the most wonderous thing of all? The Lord, in all his perfection and glory, calls us to be His own because of His deep love for us. Praise the Lord!

God bless you ~ Julie

Today is the last day of 2007.  It has been another eventful year and so much to be thankful for.  I’m so thankful for my hubby’s successful open heart surgery.  He is still recovering, but has come so far and is improving every day.  Thank you, dear Lord, for your grace and healing for my dear husband.

Have a happy and blessed New Year!!