Email?

 If you received an email containing four old posts, it wasn’t me. Maybe a God thing… wierd. But they are still good posts!

Julie 

I'm working on it

 

Many enjoy a good mystery/crime drama in book form or on the TV. They like trying to puzzle out the "whodunit" before the end. They become so engrossed in the details. What's happening now and how it relates to what has already happened. Involved. What fun sharing your guesses. Pooling your ideas together. Much like working on a jigsaw puzzle, who doesn't squeal with delight when fitting a piece in its exact spot? Making that connection.

God calls us on to walk together, and work together - without knowing the end result right away. God reveals clues  - step by step clues. God wants us engrossed and involved in His work in and around us. Watching. Trying. Sharing. Working on it all, piece by piece. 

Now if everything came together in one fell swoop, there would be only one blessing to celebrate in the end. But by doing it in bits and pieces, and enjoying each and every little victory (squeal with delight), we gain blessing upon blessing... we get to enjoy God's goodness over and over again!

Are you in a rush to accomplish something, or finish something? Ready to arrive at the final product? So you can taste that final victory? Think again. Don't miss the blessings all along the way. Relish. Relish it all!

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor... (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Under Construction

 

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The new catalog layout is underway! Easy to read and place orders. Soon. Old favorites and new designs will be forthcoming! Can't wait!

Entertaining

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts...", declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

This bible verse can bring some comfort when a trusting believer lacks understanding of what's going on in their life. God is huge and does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So, yes, His thoughts and ways are far greater. And we know God to be all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful too. God is certainly perfect in thought, word, and deed.

Yet, even though I've committed my life to Christ, some of my thoughts are not so Christlike. Some pretty ugly, mean thoughts seem to suddenly appear inside my head. Could it be - those kinds of thoughts are from the father of all lies, deceptions, and distraction? 

These mean, ugly thoughts are NOT mine. I agree with God in saying:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

Do not invite these kinds of thoughts to dinner. Do not let them spend the night. 

The temptation he is offering in our thoughts is not a sin. Choosing to act upon them is. I can choose not to yield. I can call out to Jesus and He has promised to supply proper words and actions. These are "Get behind me, Satan!" moments. I will say it again and again:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

So, what kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Spending time with? Know that Jesus will supply whatever you need.

Background Noise?

 

© 2008 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I know many people who leave the TV on even though they aren't actively watching it. They like the company or the sound of "someone" in the house instead of feeling alone. And occasionally, something said on the TV catches their attention and they "tune in".

I like to listen to Christian music on the radio while driving. I'm not actively listening to it all the time either. But I do like the company! As well as paying attention to the road, my mind wanders and I'm thinking about other things. But when there are pauses in my thoughts, I do catch a phrase or a chorus that speaks to me. And it usually lifts my spirit or comforts me. Encourages me. You see, wherever you go, whatever you do - God's Word is playing in the background. As believers, as followers, it is in our hearts and minds. At any time, you can tune in and hear from God.

You are never alone. You do have a constant Companion.

"Someone" IS always with you.

God is always available. Tune in. A verse or a song will start playing in your head. Grab onto it. Believe it is sent by God to you.

And may your background noise become background blessings.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.'" (1 Samuel 3:9)

Good gifts!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been celebrating my birthday all week long. And with every single birthday wish I received, every text, call, message, and even real hold-in-your-hand card (my passion) - I took a moment to relish the goodness of my relationship with that person. Honestly, it's been one good gift on top of another!

Gift: something given willingly; freely. Gifts communicate how we feel about another person. A good gift builds the connection you have with someone. It also means the giver values the recipient.  With a good gift, the giver really knows you, right? They "get" you. Don't you just love finding that perfect gift? Aren't you just giddy with anticipation waiting to give that gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17) Every. Think about that for a moment... (pause here)

So, when I read that passage from Scripture, I can know that God loves me. I can know that God knows me, He "gets" me. And I can know that God is a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giddy with excitement, just like I would be with a perfect gift.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Ephesians 3:20)

God loves to give. Abundantly. I hope you can see this in your own life.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)

What mom taught me about Jesus' miracles

 

I don't know how she stretched one dollar into ten. I don't know how she turned scraps of meat into a hearty meal. How she kept eight kids in clothes and shoes. Or how she found time to crochet wedding afghans and baby blankets beyond number. And something for every single grandchild under the Christmas tree. Making a way where there seems to be no way...

But I also see her on the ground planting petunias. Waltzing behind the ironing board to Ray Price. And pans of yeasty cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.

Despite any challenges, she also knew how to find joy in the life she was given.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied... (Matthew 14:18-20)

I want to be like my mom. Because she was so much like Jesus.

What can God do?

 

Watch for it. My dried-up, given-up spirit has been replenished. I am on the road to serving our Lord again in my Julie way. New blog posts on the greatness of God coming soon. Brand new card designs and helps with writing messages in them on their way too. 

God is about to do something new...