...more random pictures (playing catch-up)...

 Momma (Grandma) Joan and I @ HOC 6/2/11

 I am one blessed girl! Got some HOC to take on vaca!

 Some wives find loose change or an occational dollar bill left in the washer from their husband's pants - I find casings. And I wouldn't have it any other way!!

 My silly girl

 Learning to swing all by her big-girl self!

 My handsome son on the swings

 He drives my crazy sometimes, but I'd die for one of his smiles!

 Tilly on the swing!

 Mom and I at the Yankees@A's game 5/30

 Before Yankees@A's game on 5/30

 Yes, I am one proud Mommy!!!!

 We mom-sandwhiched her between some Yankee fans!

 Mother's Day gift to mom: A's tickets! (Too see the Yankees, ofcourse! 5/30)

 I LOVE MY FAMILY!!

 I dont remember the date I took this - but I love it.

 Justice and Joe feeding the Lorikeets at Mickey Grove Zoo in May

 Justice feedig the lorikeets at Mickey Grove Zoo in May

 Kayden on the slide

more Kayden on the slide!

 Justice worshiping in the sanctuary... God is so good!!

 Justice on our last-day-of-School lunch date. See the snail fallig on Daddy's head because he was in a meeting and missed lunch? Precious!!

 Kayden's artwork from the same lunch date.

I just really like this picture.... God is amazing!!

...oops...forgot it!...

This picture was my blog's background for many months, until today when I changed it. It was taken in November 2010 - I don't know why I never included it in any of my previous posts. (Maybe because I used it as background). So, here is one of my favorite pictures. Our praying hands.

...Oregon Vacation 2011...

Some of the pictures are out of order, but here is a glimpse of the fun in Oregon, on vacation!

Here is Kayden after we got home: completely exhausted!

...Can You Feel It?...

Can you feel the rays of the sun, as it sets, penetrate your soul?

Every time I stand in awe of the Creator, I silently wonder how people can deny the existence of Him? In a universe that screams of His glory, I am glad that I sing along.

To God, alone, be the glory...

(this picture was taken by Julie in Winchester Bay, Oregon on our annual trek. June, 2011)

...Feeling the Slip...

Hello, dark cloud. I've seen you before.

I thought that I banished you with post-partum blues YEARS ago. Why have you returned to hunt me?

I'm fine. No, really... I am FINE.

I am. Only my life seems to be falling apart.

But other than that...

STOP IT  the voice inside my head screams. What am I going down this road again? Why do I entertain the thoughts and doubts that keep my from embracing the liberating Truth that I AM FREE?

I'm back in that place where I don't want to get out of bed in the morning, I don't want to put on makeup and get dressed. I want to wallow in the weight-gain and breakouts that are plaguing me. But why?!

Lord! Abba, Father! Master! Teacher! I cry out to You when I have no words. I cry out to you though my Spirit seems dry. I know You are Good. I know You are Just. I KNOW YOU ARE FAITHFUL. I just can't bring myself to walk in that knowledge. I shrink away from Your wholeness and instead of embracing the Sword to vanquish the enemy's schemes, I seem to be running for them with empty arms. With tears.

I have not turned my back on You, God. I am still here, obedient. I just can't seem to get my body to move in Your direction. I am stuck in this idle place where I hear You but do not see. I know You are close but I do not feel You.

Help me to live in Your Grace.

Child, I know. You need not explain to me that which is beyond your words. I know.

Be still and know Me.

When you slow yourself down, and spend a few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours with Me and only Me, do you not feel refreshed? I cannot shower you with peace if you will not receive it. You have to take the steps to hear from Me. I will not shout if you will not be humble. You have to want Me, dear one, for Me to pour out my grace on you.

If darkness looms in your mind, you have got to call on Me.

You have to have Faith in Me. Even as small as a hint, a glimmer, a mustard seed.

Do you remember the first time you heard My voice? The first time I spoke to your heart and shared My love for you, with you? Can you take yourself back to that time? Was it dark?

The despair that you clung to, I rescued you from. I promised that I would never take you back to that place, so why do you take yourself there?

I am still with you. Always with you. Never will I leave you, there isn't a place that you can go to be apart from Me.

So do not run to the dark, run to Me. Immerse yourself in My Light.

Julie, I am enough. I AM....

...and I love you.

... To: you...

God Provides.

Period.

I'm not talking about finding a stash of hidden money, or inheriting billions.

I mean true provision.

Peace for restlessness, Love for hurts, and Comfort for fears.

He is the Way.

He has so perfectly orchestrated people in our lives, that touch us deeply, and reflect His personality.

I can honestly say that there are those special people in my life that 'get' me and love me.

I am blessed beyond measure, and I certanly have what I do not deserve - all the glory to God!

So, to whom this post is directed - know that I love you. And I thank God daily for you. I am blessed to have you to turn to when I need guidance, a shoulder, and unconditional love.

You - each of you - are a jewel in my crown.