Well, today was a VERY long day....but a really good day too. I worked 10 hours...which was long....but it was very good. I've really been getting to know the girls I work with, and I'm hoping that some good friendships will blossom there. None of them are Christians....which really excites me! I've gotten the chance to share about how the Lord is working in my life...and that Jesus is the reason that I am the way I am. A couple of people are especially impressed....my boss, and a girl named Tosha. Miss Anne (the boss) is just amazed at the fact that I never slack off at work. I guess I've never thought of slacking off as an option...yah know? I'm working for the Lord, not for men. I feel like I need to give my all to the restaurant while I'm working, instead of standing in the back smoking and drinking coffee (which is what many of the employees do). The other day I ran out of 'standard' jobs to do (it was a REALLY slow morning), so I decided to organize all the kitchen cabinets. My boss was amazed. She simply couldn't understand why I would do so much extra without expecting anything in return. I told her that I was working to honor the Lord by being a good employee to her, and she thought that was the coolest thing. Isn't that wonderful? Praise the Lord! I didn't do that in my own strength...it was all because of the Lord, and he is using my example to show my boss the kind of integrity that is found in those that love Christ. Tosha and I have had some good conversations too. She is the sweetest girl! She's 25 and has four kids....her first was born when she was 15....yet she still made it through high school and college...with three other kids that came during that time! Now, I don't agree AT ALL with her life choices...but I have to give her props for finishing school. Anyway, she's been trying to convince me that I should have kids (don't worry Dad, Mom....everyone else, I'm not about to take that advice). She thinks I'd be a great mom (which is a compliment, but I have a lot that I want to do before I even think about motherhood). It's funny how the girls at work view my life...they think I'm some anomaly that's too good to be true. Tosha said to me the other day, "girl, I wouldn't believe anyone else if they told me all that stuff...but something about you is different, you're for real." Can I get an amen??!?! At last! This is what Christianity is all about! Living a life that's SO dramatically different that people can't help but marvel. Please pray that I will continue to be a witness to Tosha, and Miss Anne, and everyone else. I would love to plant a seed for Jesus in their hearts! Maybe the Lord would even bless me with the opportunity to see them come to him....let's pray for that.
Thanks again for your prayers, phone calls, letters and loving support. You all are amazing.
-Julie
8/31/2007
8/30/2007
The enemy....
Sorry! I know, I know, I've messed up your daily routine....I didn't write yesterday...I apologize ;-)
So last night I went to church again!!! I LOVE church...I absolutely can't get enough of it. It's like every time I hear about a service (no matter where it is) I just can't resist. I've gone to church 3 days in a row now, and I'm sad because I haven't heard of a service for tonight! Maybe my roommates will be up to a little "creative worhsip".....
Yesterday I went back to the church that I went to the first Sunday I was here. At the time, I had said that the sermon was pretty confusing, and more like milk....not the solid food that I NEED. Well, I went back yesterday and LOVED it! The worship was incredible....it brought me to my knees....and the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear.
The pastor was preaching on the devil....yes, I just acknowledged him...he's real, he's powerful....and he hates us.
The basic idea of the sermon was this:
Satan doesn't care if you go to church...he doesn't care if you have christian friends...he doesn't care if you love Jesus....as long as you don't do any of those things with your whole heart. He wants us to be mediocre, because he knows he is stronger then a mediocre Christian. What he's afraid of, is when you and I, by the power of the Holy Spirit, become strong, secure, passionate Christians. When we start making a difference in the lives of others....that's when Satan starts to fear us. So what does he do when he sees us beginning to be effective? He tries to get us to be too busy for our prayer times, too tired for church, too stressed to smile at the people passing us on the street....he tries to make us focus on ANYTHING but Jesus.
The scriptures he talked about were SO helpful, I think I'll commit them to memory:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
This scripture is really powerful, because it puts Satan into perspective. Yes, he's powerful, yes, he's dangerous, yes, he's a roaring lion.....but we have Jesus! His promise is that after we have suffered for a little while, he WILL restore us...make us strong...firm and steadfast. Can I get an amen? So yes, what I'm struggling with is real, I'm in a real fight against a real power...but the Lord promises to restore me and make me even stronger because of it. Isn't that awesome?!?!
Here's the other one:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
I love this one because it's a step by step guide of what to do when Satan is attacking you. This is my little interpretation of that scripture:
#1 Submit. This HAS to be the first step, because if you try to fight Satan on your own, you'll be knocked flat...you have to submit the battle (and everything that caused it) to God.
#2 Resist. This is so key! We have to resist, we can't just let ourselves be trampled on. We must stand and fight. Yes, it's hard and it hurts sometimes....but the Lord promises that Satan will flee.
#3 Draw near. This so, so, so important! If you spend all your time fighting, and no time being refreshed in the presence of the Lord, you'll get tired, and you'll lose the battle.
#4 Repent. You're going to make mistakes in this process...so be sure to confess those to the Lord. Also make sure to confess anything that's making it easier for Satan to have a foot hold in your life.
#5 Pain. Battle is hard, and painful...it's okay to have battle wounds.
#6 Humility. When you win...or even while you're still fighting, remember it is not you, but the Lord who has the victory. Don't allow yourself to be taken down by pride (a very clever and favorite tactic of the enemy). Humble yourself....and He will lift you up.
Praise Jesus! He has the victory yesterday, today and forever!
-Julie
So last night I went to church again!!! I LOVE church...I absolutely can't get enough of it. It's like every time I hear about a service (no matter where it is) I just can't resist. I've gone to church 3 days in a row now, and I'm sad because I haven't heard of a service for tonight! Maybe my roommates will be up to a little "creative worhsip".....
Yesterday I went back to the church that I went to the first Sunday I was here. At the time, I had said that the sermon was pretty confusing, and more like milk....not the solid food that I NEED. Well, I went back yesterday and LOVED it! The worship was incredible....it brought me to my knees....and the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear.
The pastor was preaching on the devil....yes, I just acknowledged him...he's real, he's powerful....and he hates us.
The basic idea of the sermon was this:
Satan doesn't care if you go to church...he doesn't care if you have christian friends...he doesn't care if you love Jesus....as long as you don't do any of those things with your whole heart. He wants us to be mediocre, because he knows he is stronger then a mediocre Christian. What he's afraid of, is when you and I, by the power of the Holy Spirit, become strong, secure, passionate Christians. When we start making a difference in the lives of others....that's when Satan starts to fear us. So what does he do when he sees us beginning to be effective? He tries to get us to be too busy for our prayer times, too tired for church, too stressed to smile at the people passing us on the street....he tries to make us focus on ANYTHING but Jesus.
The scriptures he talked about were SO helpful, I think I'll commit them to memory:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
This scripture is really powerful, because it puts Satan into perspective. Yes, he's powerful, yes, he's dangerous, yes, he's a roaring lion.....but we have Jesus! His promise is that after we have suffered for a little while, he WILL restore us...make us strong...firm and steadfast. Can I get an amen? So yes, what I'm struggling with is real, I'm in a real fight against a real power...but the Lord promises to restore me and make me even stronger because of it. Isn't that awesome?!?!
Here's the other one:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
I love this one because it's a step by step guide of what to do when Satan is attacking you. This is my little interpretation of that scripture:
#1 Submit. This HAS to be the first step, because if you try to fight Satan on your own, you'll be knocked flat...you have to submit the battle (and everything that caused it) to God.
#2 Resist. This is so key! We have to resist, we can't just let ourselves be trampled on. We must stand and fight. Yes, it's hard and it hurts sometimes....but the Lord promises that Satan will flee.
#3 Draw near. This so, so, so important! If you spend all your time fighting, and no time being refreshed in the presence of the Lord, you'll get tired, and you'll lose the battle.
#4 Repent. You're going to make mistakes in this process...so be sure to confess those to the Lord. Also make sure to confess anything that's making it easier for Satan to have a foot hold in your life.
#5 Pain. Battle is hard, and painful...it's okay to have battle wounds.
#6 Humility. When you win...or even while you're still fighting, remember it is not you, but the Lord who has the victory. Don't allow yourself to be taken down by pride (a very clever and favorite tactic of the enemy). Humble yourself....and He will lift you up.
Praise Jesus! He has the victory yesterday, today and forever!
-Julie
8/28/2007
Church....pt. 3
Well, I went to a new church on Sunday....and again last night. It's called "Christway" and the people there refer to it as a "spirit filled church." Anyway, a week ago, I drove past this church a few times on my way to different events...each time, I felt the Lord telling me to go in...each time I was to afraid to go in(do you see a theme? Wouldn't you think that I'd just DO IT the first time? Good grief...but I'm prepared now, next time the Spirit calls, I'm going to do what he says the FIRST time...or at least, that's what I want to do.) Anyway, so I went in about a week ago, asked about service times, chatted with the worship pastor, and decided to go back this week. So, I went back, and it was very interesting.
This church is not AT ALL what I would think of as "my style."
I like contemporary christian music and hymns--they sing 80s and 90s praise choruses.
I like authoritative, yet soft spoken pastors--their pastor preaches the truth...and he is LOUD about it.
I like "normal" prayer--they have people speaking in tongues and being slain in the spirit at both services I went to.
I like having people my age at church--they have mostly older people, and young couples with small children.
Common sense says no...I shouldn't even consider this church...but yet I'm drawn to it. The Holy Spirit it undeniably there. The presence of the Lord is all that these people desire. The hearts of these saints are SO precious, and pure...it's obvious just by watching. I can raise my hands, jump around, dance....and there is without a doubt someone else doing something EVEN MORE expressive. It's amazing. I honestly don't know if this is "the one" for me, but it is an awesome place of worship. I'm probably going to keep looking, but I'm not scratching this one of the list....I don't even know why I like it, but I'm drawn to it, like a moth to a flame.
This church is not AT ALL what I would think of as "my style."
I like contemporary christian music and hymns--they sing 80s and 90s praise choruses.
I like authoritative, yet soft spoken pastors--their pastor preaches the truth...and he is LOUD about it.
I like "normal" prayer--they have people speaking in tongues and being slain in the spirit at both services I went to.
I like having people my age at church--they have mostly older people, and young couples with small children.
Common sense says no...I shouldn't even consider this church...but yet I'm drawn to it. The Holy Spirit it undeniably there. The presence of the Lord is all that these people desire. The hearts of these saints are SO precious, and pure...it's obvious just by watching. I can raise my hands, jump around, dance....and there is without a doubt someone else doing something EVEN MORE expressive. It's amazing. I honestly don't know if this is "the one" for me, but it is an awesome place of worship. I'm probably going to keep looking, but I'm not scratching this one of the list....I don't even know why I like it, but I'm drawn to it, like a moth to a flame.
8/27/2007
How can I keep from singing??
Have you guys heard the song, "How can I keep from singing" by Chris Tomlin? Well, if you haven't....listen to it...if you have, you'll know what I'm talking about.
Today was a tough day. There were problems at work (a girl quit, and so I'm taking on the rest of her shifts plus mine for the rest of the week....almost 50 hours of work....) and problems with a roommate....and my body is EXHAUSTED! Not to mention, I really want dance to start up...I'm stressed about getting into shape. So anyway, I came back a bit disillusioned and tired (and yes, grouchy) from work today...and probably would have stayed that way, had it not been for some wisdom from the Lord via my friend Jeremy (for those that don't know, to put it the way my mom says it, he's the guy I'm "seeing").
So one piece of advice that I thought about today...take it as it is. I was just thinking about how PERFECT life has been for you lately (maybe not perfect, but you get the idea). Like everything from how close God is, to how things are working out, it's just rolling smooth right now. First, treasure it. Enjoy the closeness of God. Second, fight for it. If your rhythm of life is similar to mine, in a couple of days the excited-ness of being close to God fades away, and with it the time spent with God. You can't control how you feel, but you can control how devoted you are to God. So what I'm saying is essentially this, you're really at a mountaintop right now...don't fall.
Good point, don't you think? Reality is beginning to settle in...I'm realizing how hard life is going to be....but at the same time, I have to fight to draw closer to the Lord. I can't let life, business, worries and doubt shut out the voice of my Savior, Jesus. I may not feel like praising him, but I don't have a choice, he deserves my praise and devotion no matter how I feel.
So Jesus...how can I keep from singing your praise?? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love! How can I keep from shouting your name? I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing!
Again, thanks for all the prayers, support and love! It's so wonderful to know that everything I do is being prayed over by so many precious saints, both near and far. I love you guys!
-J (My official nickname here at B. Mag)
Today was a tough day. There were problems at work (a girl quit, and so I'm taking on the rest of her shifts plus mine for the rest of the week....almost 50 hours of work....) and problems with a roommate....and my body is EXHAUSTED! Not to mention, I really want dance to start up...I'm stressed about getting into shape. So anyway, I came back a bit disillusioned and tired (and yes, grouchy) from work today...and probably would have stayed that way, had it not been for some wisdom from the Lord via my friend Jeremy (for those that don't know, to put it the way my mom says it, he's the guy I'm "seeing").
So one piece of advice that I thought about today...take it as it is. I was just thinking about how PERFECT life has been for you lately (maybe not perfect, but you get the idea). Like everything from how close God is, to how things are working out, it's just rolling smooth right now. First, treasure it. Enjoy the closeness of God. Second, fight for it. If your rhythm of life is similar to mine, in a couple of days the excited-ness of being close to God fades away, and with it the time spent with God. You can't control how you feel, but you can control how devoted you are to God. So what I'm saying is essentially this, you're really at a mountaintop right now...don't fall.
Good point, don't you think? Reality is beginning to settle in...I'm realizing how hard life is going to be....but at the same time, I have to fight to draw closer to the Lord. I can't let life, business, worries and doubt shut out the voice of my Savior, Jesus. I may not feel like praising him, but I don't have a choice, he deserves my praise and devotion no matter how I feel.
So Jesus...how can I keep from singing your praise?? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love! How can I keep from shouting your name? I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing!
Again, thanks for all the prayers, support and love! It's so wonderful to know that everything I do is being prayed over by so many precious saints, both near and far. I love you guys!
-J (My official nickname here at B. Mag)
8/26/2007
Christianiese
Guess what? I realized the other day that I am fluent in English, know a bit of Spanish....and have a complete mastery of Christianiese....or so I thought. What's that? Well, it's the language that most people who have been around church for a while speak. We use funny words like "repent" and "holy"....we use phrases that make no sense to anyone but us like, "I feel the presence of the Lord" and "I'm taking a step of faith."
Well, I may have had a complete mastery of mid-western Christianiese...but the southern dialect is totally different!
Today in Church I was completely confused when they said to look in your "fleaier" for today's "scripta readin'."
It was also strange to be refered to as "sister Julianna"....but also kind of nice. It made me feel very welcomed and loved (although, after being hugged by several well meaning ladies with a lot of perfume...I felt a bit ill).
The church I went to today was very pentecostal. I was a little nervous at first, but it was actually a very good service.
The worship was very good, not my favorite style of worship, but heartfelt...and I was blessed by it. The sermon was intense, but made sense and made me think. The people were friendly, and were of a wide variety of ages, races and genders. They had a prayer of healing in the middle of the service, and a man spoke in tongues (it was a blessing...he sounded like he was speaking either Hebrew or Aramaic). The pastor was not afraid to speak healing, but he also made it clear that the healing was from the Lord, not from himself.
Out of my list, this church met #1, #2, #4, #5 and #7...my interest is peaked, I think I'm going to go back again tomorrow (they have a special service with a man that has the gift of prophecy...I'll admit, I'm a bit scared/skeptical, but I don't want to limit the Spirit's work in my life because of my personal bias.)
We'll see how it goes! I'm sure I'll write about it on Tuesday.
Thank you all for your prayers, I can really feel the affects of them on both my mind and body. I really, really appreciate you all!
In Christ,
Julianna
Well, I may have had a complete mastery of mid-western Christianiese...but the southern dialect is totally different!
Today in Church I was completely confused when they said to look in your "fleaier" for today's "scripta readin'."
It was also strange to be refered to as "sister Julianna"....but also kind of nice. It made me feel very welcomed and loved (although, after being hugged by several well meaning ladies with a lot of perfume...I felt a bit ill).
The church I went to today was very pentecostal. I was a little nervous at first, but it was actually a very good service.
The worship was very good, not my favorite style of worship, but heartfelt...and I was blessed by it. The sermon was intense, but made sense and made me think. The people were friendly, and were of a wide variety of ages, races and genders. They had a prayer of healing in the middle of the service, and a man spoke in tongues (it was a blessing...he sounded like he was speaking either Hebrew or Aramaic). The pastor was not afraid to speak healing, but he also made it clear that the healing was from the Lord, not from himself.
Out of my list, this church met #1, #2, #4, #5 and #7...my interest is peaked, I think I'm going to go back again tomorrow (they have a special service with a man that has the gift of prophecy...I'll admit, I'm a bit scared/skeptical, but I don't want to limit the Spirit's work in my life because of my personal bias.)
We'll see how it goes! I'm sure I'll write about it on Tuesday.
Thank you all for your prayers, I can really feel the affects of them on both my mind and body. I really, really appreciate you all!
In Christ,
Julianna
8/25/2007
Amy Carmichael
Well, some of you know about my fascination with this amazing woman of God, but for those of you that don't, here's a little background.
"Amy Beatrice (a.k.a. Wilson) Carmichael (December 16, 1867–January 18, 1951) was a Protestant Christian missionary in India, who opened an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for fifty-five years without furlough and authored many books about the missionary work there." -Wikipedia
That is a VERY short paragraph that doesn't nearly do justice to the amazing life that Amy lead, however, I'll leave it at that for the sake of time.
Anyway, because of how Amy Carmichael lived, she has always been one of my biggest heroes and role models. This summer, I read a book written by her entitled, "If".
One of the quotes that stood out to me is as follows:
"If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient or unkind word, then I know nothing of Calvary's love. For a cup full of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how sharply it is jolted."
Isn't that fascinating? I mean, how many of us have spoken with impatience or anger at someone who hurts us, interrupts us, or annoys us? I know I have. But look at what Amy is saying....we should be SO full of the love of Christ, that no matter what happens to anger/annoy us, all that should spill over is that love. What an amazing goal to set for oneself! To be so full of Christ that there is no possibility of anything else spilling over....
Jesus, that is my heart's desire...to be so full of you that there is room for nothing else. Please Lord, let everything else fall away...so that you are the only thing that remains.
-Julie
"Amy Beatrice (a.k.a. Wilson) Carmichael (December 16, 1867–January 18, 1951) was a Protestant Christian missionary in India, who opened an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for fifty-five years without furlough and authored many books about the missionary work there." -Wikipedia
That is a VERY short paragraph that doesn't nearly do justice to the amazing life that Amy lead, however, I'll leave it at that for the sake of time.
Anyway, because of how Amy Carmichael lived, she has always been one of my biggest heroes and role models. This summer, I read a book written by her entitled, "If".
One of the quotes that stood out to me is as follows:
"If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient or unkind word, then I know nothing of Calvary's love. For a cup full of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how sharply it is jolted."
Isn't that fascinating? I mean, how many of us have spoken with impatience or anger at someone who hurts us, interrupts us, or annoys us? I know I have. But look at what Amy is saying....we should be SO full of the love of Christ, that no matter what happens to anger/annoy us, all that should spill over is that love. What an amazing goal to set for oneself! To be so full of Christ that there is no possibility of anything else spilling over....
Jesus, that is my heart's desire...to be so full of you that there is room for nothing else. Please Lord, let everything else fall away...so that you are the only thing that remains.
-Julie
8/24/2007
The Dream Life...
I'm so tired. This is hard. This is not the dream life. This is even harder then I thought it was going to be....and guess what? I haven't even started full time dance yet!
The Lord is good though, and he has given me every reason to trust him. Just today, one of the company members received a new car from the Lord. It was so amazing. Yesterday in devotions we prayed that she would get a new car (her old one broke down)...and today, a new one was waiting for her in the parking lot. A while back a similar thing happened to one of the other company members...she also received a thousand dollars after lifting up that request to the Lord. Now, I'm not saying that God is a vending machine, and that he just gives us whatever we want. However, when we have a real need, the Lord is not going to leave us empty handed. He is our father! He is our Savior! He loves us so much. He owns the entire world...and I think that he can't handle my little needs? Argh. My own lack of faith is just plain annoying sometimes....and as I start to doubt my savior, he always comes back with more proof of his love and faithfulness.
Thank you Jesus for your amazing, powerful, precious love. Thank you that you have everything under control...even when I'm tired...and grumpy...and in need of sleep.
It is a safe thing to trust Him who is faithful to fulfill the desires of your heart.
-Amy Carmichael
-Julie
P.S I really covet your prayers. This year is going to be, without a doubt, the most difficult thing I have ever done. Honestly, I'm scared to death. The only thing that keeps me from wanting to turn and run, is the knowledge that this is God's will for me right now....and there's no safer place to be then in the center of God's will.
The Lord is good though, and he has given me every reason to trust him. Just today, one of the company members received a new car from the Lord. It was so amazing. Yesterday in devotions we prayed that she would get a new car (her old one broke down)...and today, a new one was waiting for her in the parking lot. A while back a similar thing happened to one of the other company members...she also received a thousand dollars after lifting up that request to the Lord. Now, I'm not saying that God is a vending machine, and that he just gives us whatever we want. However, when we have a real need, the Lord is not going to leave us empty handed. He is our father! He is our Savior! He loves us so much. He owns the entire world...and I think that he can't handle my little needs? Argh. My own lack of faith is just plain annoying sometimes....and as I start to doubt my savior, he always comes back with more proof of his love and faithfulness.
Thank you Jesus for your amazing, powerful, precious love. Thank you that you have everything under control...even when I'm tired...and grumpy...and in need of sleep.
It is a safe thing to trust Him who is faithful to fulfill the desires of your heart.
-Amy Carmichael
-Julie
P.S I really covet your prayers. This year is going to be, without a doubt, the most difficult thing I have ever done. Honestly, I'm scared to death. The only thing that keeps me from wanting to turn and run, is the knowledge that this is God's will for me right now....and there's no safer place to be then in the center of God's will.
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