Blogging by Julie

Oregon is burning down. At one time there were five fires. I believe we might be down to four. But as of today, over a million acres have burned or are burning and over 40 thousand people have been evacuated.

Puttin' Up is in my blood. As a child, I knew an exhausting night was coming when my folks went to pick up boxes of peaches and cherries. I remember being so tired that I felt physically ill as I peeled and processed until the wee hours of the night,...

God's given me hints throughout life that he hears my prayers and blesses me more when I am following fully what He wants of me. This makes perfect sense. But what I didn't realize until a few weeks ago is that my prayers for others might also be affected when...

Waiting is a gift. At times it doesn’t feel like a gift. It feels like a much like we are pinned down or behind a fence at the zoo. But as we wait, things are happening behind the scenes. They will be revealed in God’s time, in His manner, with...

I've even been a bit judgemental. I've seen panhandlers step away from their "post" and pull out a cell phone. I've seen those not begging who have cell phones. I've wondered "What the heck? Are they not really homeless? They have money for a phone!"

As you know, many of us struggle with anxiety. In fact, it is the number one disorder affecting 40 million adults in the United States (or so they say...ever wonder how they come up with that?). We also know that in young people, with the addition of a ton of...

Last night I had the privilege of speaking to 200 people on behalf of The Family Justice Center-Washington County We were there for the annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser and I was terrified. I have just recently started speaking about my story of abuse and it doesn't seem to get...

I've watched one car go over an embankment and two flip upside down. Twice I had to turn around and go home. A couple times, I had to spend the night in Portland. God kept me safe...and kept me guessing.

Life is starting anew. We've lived near Chicago now for four years and none of us have been thrilled about it (especially the weather). With the idea that we would seek to live back in the Northwest someday, we continued forward because we were called here-for a bit. But a...

Well, although the weather isn't really cooperating today (making it a great writing day!), I can hardly believe that I have only ten days left at my beach. Along with some great rest, relaxation, hikes, berry picking and quality time with my kids/parents and extended family-it is good to see some...