Well, here goes my first attempt at being computer savvy. I have a feeling if I mess it up too bad my sweet friend, Tracie, will fix it. :O) “Blogging” is a new word in my vocabulary now. I have to admit that I am just a tad bit excited about it though. I always get excited about God’s imagination, and I have a feeling that He is going to do something really cool with this!

My family consists of a loving husband and 4 kids and for the last 17 years I have been a stay~at~home mom. This is the obvious about me. I need to tell you, however, who I really am beyond the obvious. I am a woman who has failed many times personally, relationally, and spiritually but I am also a woman who has seen my precious Lord tenderly heal my broken heart. I can tell you that my marriage almost ended 8 years ago, although you definitely would never have known it unless I specifically told you. You see, I was raised in church, I lived by the rules, I loved God, and nothing truly bad should happen if I did those things. Right? I was not about to let anyone see the pain and fear behind my meticulously crafted mask. That is until I realized that the One who could already see past that mask was really the only One I had. There is something quite humbling to know that the Creator of this universe takes the time to meet with and to “fully know me” as often as I will allow Him. It was during this time that I realized that playing Christian and being Christ-like were two very different things. It was then that I realized it was time for me to wake up and take my walk with Christ very seriously, because if I didn’t who would? Who would fight for my marriage if not I? Who would teach my children to fall desperately in love with Him if not me? Who would let this world know that there is a wonderful thing called “living” instead of just existing? The mask is easy, but being real is hard. Existing is easy, living life in Him is hard. But which do you think is priceless? Which do believe is worth every moment?

I had a wonderful thing happen this last weekend. I got to meet women who were as desperate for Jesus to reveal His love for them as I am. I had the great honor of speaking at a conference in Clifton, TN at First Baptist. The only thing I could say about this weekend is that God was absolutely there and He showed Himself to be enough! He was enough to get past some thick walls. He was enough to get beyond limited expectations (especially on my part). He was even enough to cause the tears to fall and hearts to hope one more time. Praise Him that He absolutely can be enough.

Ladies from Clifton, thank you for being so gracious and loving to me even though you didn’t know me. I feel as if God has gifted me with a “big ole” family of sisters. Know that you are blessed to have a Godly woman like Julie to love and lead you, girls! I will be praying that you allow God to keep that flame burning that He so obviously started this weekend. Remember, He is your portion and He is enough!