He is not in the tomb…He is alive…He is risen!!

Hallelujah!! He is risen! He is risen, indeed!!

Have a most blessed and happy Easter!!

God bless you – Julie

                                  MARK 15:24-39 24And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”   Today we remember our Lord, Jesus and how He gave up His precious, blameless life for us so that we could have eternal life. Oh, how my heart is so full that our Lord cared and loved us so much that He suffered, yes suffered, and died for us. Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life.  Thank you, Lord, for giving your son.  My life is yours.
God bless you – Julie

My heart has been on the Lord a lot today…thinking about this Holy week and all that the Lord did leading up to His death and resurrection.  I was reading in John 12 and this part of the chapter really jumped out to me.

27. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29. The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30. Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33. He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35. So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him….  Jesus has come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, as prophesied, and the people are there waving their palm branches and crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”  They have heard that he raised Lazarus from the dead and they want to see Jesus and they want to see Lazarus.  In other words, they had heard all that Jesus had done and they were there to greet Him and they seem to recognize who Jesus is.  In verse 27, Jesus speaks to the Father about why He has come to this hour and the Lord says to Jesus audibly, for all to hear, “I have glorified (this hour) and I will glorify it again.” Some heard the Lord’s voice as thunder and some seem to have actually hear the actual words and say, “An angel has spoken to him.”  As I was reading this, I realized that this is how we are even now.  Some of us “hear” the Lord’s voice as thunder…just noise that makes no sense.  I can’t count the times I’ve heard people say, “I have tried to read the Bible but it’s too hard and makes no sense.”  The Bible is how the Lord speaks to us, but I don’t think we can understand Him unless we know Him.  There is no relationship that can be sustained unless we strive to know the other person so we can understand them.    What really struck me, though, was verse 37-”Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him….”  Jesus had healed the sick, made the lame walk, raised the dead(!) and still they did not believe in him.  I wonder how this is possible.  How could they see all these signs and wonders, hear what they think is an angel speaking to Jesus, and still not believe in Him?  My heart aches to know that He did so much and yet they believed so little.   Yet, we still do this today.  The Lord continues to work in our lives and but we still doubt him.  When our lives are going good, it’s easy to believe in God, but when we’re in pain, when our finances are non-existent, when we are or our loved ones are sick, when our marriages are falling apart, are we still believing Him?  For some of us, the answer is no.  We want a God that is more like Santa Claus then a real, living, loving God who allows things in our lives to grow us to be more like Him…to make us better and to glorify Him! We are here to do just that – Glorify our Lord, Jesus Christ – and lead others to Him so that they, too, will have eternal life.   Let us pray that we would grow closer to Him, that we would see all He has done for us and believe in him!! Get in your Bible every day, pray to the Lord and ask Him to grow you closer to Him. Only when we walk with the Lord is our life truly meaningful and joyful.     If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, please go HERE and see how you can accept Him into your life and start walking with Him.  Only through Jesus do we have eternal life and a life worth living while on earth.    God bless you – Julie  

Tomorrow I am getting knee shots and Thursday I’m getting a back shot.  Yep. Not only that, the needle is about as big as the one in the picture, too!!   My knees have been swelling up again, even during the night, so when I get up, it’s just horrible.  I know it’s time for the cortisone shots.  The back shot is much needed, too, and I’m more than ready for both of these procedures and so happy that there are these things available to give some relief!!

Today was a very productive day.  I was able to sit at my desk off and on today and finally get it cleared off! It’s been so long since I’ve done that and through the months, things have just been stacked on the desk.  It was such a wonderful thing to get done.  I also have this wood wine box that I had put junk in, but now it’s cleared out and has my notebooks and other things that I use all the time in it now.  It’s so nice to have this organized!! When I sit in my recliner sometimes I just look around me and see the messes and it grieves me.  To have these two things done, just gives me such a lift.

I’m in the process of writing out what my goals are, what I want to do, and my plan for getting there.  It’s a lot harder than it sounds, but I know that once I have it all done, it’s going to give me a clear mind and a road map for accomplishing my goals.  I didn’t do any writing today, but that’s okay because having the desk cleared and the box organized is just so good for me to free my mind.  I know tomorrow I’ll do a lot of writing because I’ll have to sit with ice packs on my knees for the day.

Are any of you as addicted to “Deadliest Catch” as I am? My goodness, I didn’t even know this show existed three weeks ago and now I know that Tuesday is my TV night.  I also am enjoying “Addicted to Food”, which is also on Tuesday night.  I can so relate to what these people are thinking and feeling and it’s eye opening.  I would love to be able to go to Shades of Hope, but I doubt that could happen for me now that I have these crazy physical problems. I’m so glad they have the show, though, because it really is helpful for people like me that have this problem.  I first saw Tennie, the therapist and head of Shades of Hope, when she was on “Ruby”, another favorite show of mine. I saw so many things when she talked about things on there, but now it’s more in-depth and really helps me to see some of my issues.  I really believe that because Tennie had this problem herself, she is more attuned at getting to the heart of the matter of this addiction, but more than this, she has compassion because she has been there and knows what it’s like.

I have been crocheting more again and am in the process of making this

This isn’t the greatest picture, but I’m sure you can get the idea.  It’s a doily and it will have more roses and leaves around the outside.  I love lacy things like this and it’s been pure fun working on it.  It’s done with size 10 crochet thread and a number 7 crochet hook.  It’s just a blessing to be able to do this and I think of my sweet Grandma every time I pick up a hook.

I had better get to sleep…I have to get up early for my doctor’s appointment.

Sunday Morning in Sleepy Hollow

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:12-16

I have read this Scripture many times before and heard teachings on it numerous times and it never fails to comfort and put me on awe of the amazing and wonderful God that I serve.  His Word is like a two edged sword, but don’t fail to notice that it pierces our very soul, spirit, joints and marrow.  The word pierce can be rather frightening, and I’ve heard it preached this way, and even interpreted it that way many times, however, when I meditate on it, I realize that the Lord’s Word penetrates every cell, joint, marrow and our Spirit. It is like a balm!! Yes, the Lord’s Word has precepts that we must follow, but that, too, is a balm for it shows us the way we should go.  I don’t know about you, but personally, I need direction.  I’ve lived long enough on this earth to know that going my own way, is usually not the right way.  


Don’t you love that the Scripture then tells us we have a high priest (Jesus) who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because, he too, was tempted here on earth.  He knows and understands what we’re going through.  However, he remained sinless so that He could take on our sins as the sacrificial lamb and we could have redemption through Jesus.  


The Lord then goes on to tell us that because we are redeemed through Christ Jesus, we can approach the throne of God with confidence.  Not only that, He will receive grace and mercy in our time of need.  Praise the Lord!! I have been comforted time and time again with the knowledge that God understands my weaknesses and sympathizes – plus he gives me mercy and grace.  


The closer I draw to the Lord, the more I can lean on Him.  I do have peace regardless of my present situation of painful days and nights.  I’ve been down this road before with the Lord and I know as sure as I’m sitting here that He is with me and He is using my situation for His glory and MY good.  When I was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, I didn’t fall apart because I had been seeking the Lord and had made Him my very center.  He saw me through that situation and my relationship with the Lord became deep and fulfilling.  I have deep love for my Lord and I know that He has deep love for me.  


Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior?  He is the only thing that will make your life worth while, the only true rock you can stand on, the only anchor you have when the waves of this world are hitting you with full force.  If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart, please go HERE and you will be lead through the steps you can take to be in a relationship with the only, true Lord.  


If you do this, won’t you please email me and let me know?  I would love to know and pray for you!  You can find my email link on the sidebar.


God bless you – Julie

God bless you – Julie

The Ribbon Girl is having a wonderful giveaway in honor of the up-coming Royal Wedding.  Lots of fun things to enhance your stamping, scrapbooking, or crafting projects.  Just click on the picture and it will take you to Ribbon Girl where you can enter the giveaway!

I spent the day writing….Oh, yes, I did!! Can I just say here for the record, that despite what people may think, writing is exhausting work.  I am NOT complaining, though.  I LOVED every minute of it and am so thrilled to finally be working toward my dream and my calling from God.  I didn’t get as much writing done as I thought I would – it does take longer than I thought – but I’m just going to keep working on it until I have it finished.

I’m actually working on something that I plan to be an ebook for the homeschooling parent.  It’s something I’ve been thinking about for awhile and I think it will be helpful.  I’ve had my notes on this for two years and I’m so glad I kept everything as you never know which notes will be helpful and which will not.

I did not have any tooth pain today! I am so thankful as that would have made it difficult to write.  My back pain level was much better today, too, only really aggravating me when I sat in one chair for too long while writing.  I did have to take a pain pill at that point, but it did help and I was able to continue writing after awhile. I’m praising God for this as just a couple days ago I was in so much pain I was on the phone to the doctor’s office trying to get some help.  I know I’ll probably have more horrible days, but I’m so thankful for the days that are better!

Sweet, little Holly is always by my side, sometimes grabbing at my hand with her paw when she thinks I’ve been at the computer too long.  She is so adorable and fills my days with such love and comfort! She is such a blessing!

My son talked with his best friend today and his friend is getting married! How is it possible that he is old enough to be married?  I remember him in 2nd grade with my son and it seems like just yesterday.  He has asked my son to be his best man so it’s all very exciting.

When I look at the above picture, which was taken about a year and a half ago, it doesn’t even look like my son (who’s on the left).  He has lost so much weight even since that picture was taken!

and another of him with our poodle nibbling on his arm….she’s such a hoot!

I think I’m going to do a bit more writing before heading off to bed (or recliner, in my case, LOL) tonight, so will sign off.

Today I did something that I absolutely dread…I went to the dentist! I’ve been having an issue with one of my front teeth (or number 7, as my dentist informed me today! lol) He also discovered an issue with number 6, so there was a lot of work to be done.  The tooth has been sensitive to touch and looked like it was getting a little dark on the sides and I immediately thought, “CAVITY!” and there was a small one, but the biggest issue was something I hadn’t thought of.  He asked if I had some trauma to the tooth (regular speak: did I bump it or hit it) and at first I couldn’t think of anything, but then I remembered:  I’ve been grinding my teeth again.  I used to grind my teeth when I was young because I was so nervous all the time.  As I got older, that subsided.  However, with the pain in my back (and other worries), I’ve noticed I’ve been grinding my teeth again and quite severely.  My dentist said, “Awww…well that’s it then”.  So he numbed me (first he numbs the gums with bubblegum tasting stuff) with two shots (eeek!) and then proceeded to grind, and drill, and buff, and suction, and all those other horrible sounding things that drive me up the wall.  He ground my teeth a bit to change my bite as he also thinks that is contributing to the problem.  Then he filled the little cavity and sent me on my merry way…drooling all the way.

I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be able to handle the dentist chair, but I took a Tylenol before the procedure and was able to handle everything.  It probably helped that I’m so stressed and uptight the whole time, my body is on high alert and I’m not thinking about much of anything but the grinding, the buffing, the drilling, the suctions…well, you get the idea.  I do take my IPod and try and listen to music, but to drown out all those noises, I would have to rupture my eardrums, or worse yet, not be able to hear my dentist ask me all those questions while my mouth is full of instruments and his hands.  Why do dentists do that?  I mean, do they really think we can answer them coherently?  In any case, I survived and am glad that the issue wasn’t more serious than it was.

Afterward, I treated myself to a sugar-free, lowfat, iced latte from McD’s. I had change in my purse and decided I deserved a special something after my ordeal! Mind you, I had to push the straw to one side of my mouth and all the way to the back so I wouldn’t dribble, but it all worked out and I enjoyed my special drink.

I then drove out to the next town over to pick up some medical charts.  This woman has been calling me since December and has gotten quite irate that I haven’t been out to pick them up.  My pleas of pain have not moved her much and she called today to tell me that either I pick them up by tomorrow, or they go back to storage with all the other thousands she has.  Could I send my husband or son, I ask? Nope. She needs to see me and my picture I.D.  I felt okay and went ahead and went on out there.  I was so amazed by all the places closed down.  It’s a sad commentary on our times and it was very sad to see.

After all this, I came home and collapsed.  Thankfully, my sons decided to make dinner and I was able to relax and slowly feel my mouth come to life and antagonize me with pain.  Just what I need…more pain. 

Tomorrow, I plan on working on my latest writing project.  I actually am working on two projects and it’s nice to go from one to the other.  I’m hoping my teeth will feel better and that I won’t be thinking about that as well as my back.  I’m planning on throwing something in the crock-pot, so I won’t have to worry about a big ordeal for dinner, either.

 Have a wonderful day tomorrow!

God bless you – Julie