Julie Gillies - Words to Soothe, Refresh and Strengthen Your Soul

Holy Duct Tape

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It was only a few flippant words.

But somehow those words not only hurt, they jerked me from pleasant to full-throttle irritated in about 20 seconds. You’d better believe I was about an eye-blink away from a full-throttle comeback.

And that’s when God’s word restrained me. Like a strip of holy duct tape slapped across my mouth, the truth of God’s word prevented me from saying something that would have opened a floodgate of harsh retorts.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed. (Psalm 141:3)

So instead of reacting with anger and saying exactly what I felt, I grew quiet. I gazed out the window. And I silently prayed. God, you know how hard this is right now. I am choosing to be quiet, even though I really want to screech some choice words. But for Your glory, I am choosing not to engage in what could become a very ugly moment.

That’s the power of Holy Spirit intervention.

We can choose to engage in a snarky come-back (and believe me, I’ve chosen poorly on many occasions) or we can allow the word of God to dwell in us richly (see Colossians 3:16) and produce fruit like self-control in the middle of what could have been a very ugly moment.

That’s the beauty of God’s word.

And that, sweet friends, is the benefit of holy duct tape.

I said, I will heed and guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth as with a bridle while the wicked are before me. (Psalm 39:1)

Dangerous Ground

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

We've all done it: compared ourselves to others. Whether we compare our bodies, our families, our jobs, our callings, or where we are on the journey, the temptation can be so subtle we barely recognize it. But it's dangerous ground we would be wise to avoid.

I'm going to focus in on comparing ourselves to others who are called to write and/or speak, but I believe these apply more broadly to life in general, as well.

Comparing ourselves to others does a lot of things--none of them good:

It creates pressure - When I read certain writers whose flowing, beautiful words evoke deep passion, sometimes I'm tempted to try to emulate their style. But the pressure to be someone else makes me miserable and in the end I always fail. We don't need the pressure of trying to be something and someone we're not. When we're true to ourselves, there is no pressure.

It leads to frustration - Nothing squelches our creativity and God's specific anointing on our lives like comparison, and that is frustrating. He has equipped us to be creative, but only when we're following His plan for our lives--not when we're trying to be someone else. When we pursue God's grace for authentic creativity, frustration is alleviated.

It fosters insecurity - And insecure people don't get far. Insecurity prevents us from maturing in our our individual calling, because it partners with fear to hold us back. But when we zero in on our particular calling and strive to know God's unique plan for our lives, we grow in both ability and confidence.

It makes us feel small - We've all experienced a moment when we felt pale and insignificant in the shadow of another. But the truth is we are exactly who God created us to be, and it grieves the Holy Spirit when we think of ourselves as less than all God's word declares. Instead of standing in someone else's shadow and allowing ourselves to feel small, let's dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, confident in our identities and giftings as God's daughters.

It breeds competition - Comparison turns our hearts into scales--we're constantly weighing what others have and we don't. Remember, this is a race to the finish of our own God-given destiny, not a race to beat someone else. We can cheer each other on, pray for one another and remember that we're on the same team!

It robs us of our unique identity - There's no way we can become all God intends for us to be when our eyes are on others. When we keep our focus on the Lord and His plan for us, we can grow and excel in our own individual style.

As we trust in God and His ability to work in and through us, He is honored, and we are anchored to the One who holds our destiny. This frees us to authentically pursue His calling on our lives, while authentically cheering on our sisters. When we resist the urge to compare ourselves, we avoid dangerous ground and demonstrate the belief that our own callings, however small or grand, hold value.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. (Galatians 6:4)

He Thinks You're Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

We all have ‘em. Days when our hair is a mess, our clothes are comfy but undeniably unfashionable, and there’s not a speck of makeup on our faces.

This is typically when I end up running a last minute errand and bump into a stunning, well-coiffed friend. And though I can’t claim to feel spectacular at that moment, it helps to know Jesus thinks I’m gorgeous, even on what I consider my ugly days.

The truth is, your Savior is wild about you. He thinks you’re stunning, even when you’re wearing old sweat pants and a stained t-shirt.

Think about that. The One who came down from heaven to declare His love for you is absolutely smitten. With you. And even on days when you feel less than gorgeous, He longs to gaze into your eyes and remind you that you are.

Behold, you are beautiful, my love; you are beautiful; you have doves’ eyes.

(Song of Solomon 1:15)

6 Ways to Feel Closer to God

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Hi Sweet Friends,

Grab a cup of something warm and delicious to drink and join me for a three and a half minute chat on how to feel closer to God. It's my first video blog ever, and it only took me a dozen tries. *sigh*

If I knew how to post a video excerpt, I'd show the part where my large, black kitty boy jumped right in front of the computer screen at one point. I had to scrap that one, because I couldn't stop laughing.

When Grace Speaks

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

If you've ever been on the receiving end of an accusation, hurtful words, or just plain rudeness (and who hasn't?) then you know how hard it is to respond with words of grace that honor Jesus instead of words of retaliation.

When we're doing our best to mirror Jesus and remain close to Him (see this post) but words of grace don’t materialize, there is something important to remember:

The only way for grace to speak through us is for grace to speak to us.

We need Jesus’ words of grace speaking to our own hearts before we can ever expect to speak grace to others. When we regularly spend time with the Prince of Peace, He diffuses any turmoil churning in our hearts so it doesn't leak out onto others. (See Luke 6:45)

Today—and every day—take time to quiet your heart and ask Jesus to speak. Drink in His word daily by reading scripture and listening for His still, small voice. Then, when unpleasant words come your way, you can be amazed when grace speaks.

Let your speech at all times be gracious, pleasant and winsome, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may never be at a loss to know how you ought to answer anyone…(Colossians 4:6)

Hidden Danger

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve decided to switch lanes while I’m driving, yet for some reason I don’t. Then within seconds a car that was in the lane I wanted to move into suddenly appears in my peripheral vision—they’d been in my blind spot, and had I switched lanes, I would have hit them.

God completely protected me.

He does that, you know. Protects us even when we don’t know we need it. And I not only love that fact, I am grateful that God cares enough about His children to protect us from unknown dangers.

Like this past week. I saw a teeny tiny baby spider hugging the rim of my bathroom sink, wondered where on earth it had come from, and promptly washed it down the drain.

The next day, there were about three teeny tiny baby spiders in my bathroom sink. I glanced all around, trying to figure out their entry point, then washed them down the drain without an answer.

The day after that, there were about seven teeny tiny baby spiders in my bathroom sink, and I noticed one on the hand towel that I keep folded close to the sink. The towel I use after I brush my teeth every morning. The towel I use when I wash my face each night.

On a whim, I shook the towel, and dozens—dozens, I tell you—of baby spiders fell down into the sink.

I nearly swooned.

So, armed with a flashlight and my brave son’s help, I went spider hunting in my own bathroom. I never in my wildest nightmare imagined we would discover the spiky egg sac of a brown widow spider in the small drain hole opening at the top of my sink.

But we did.

Which could only mean that a poisonous, pregnant brown widow spider had taken up residence where it clearly did not belong—right where I lean over the sink morning and night.

*Shiver*

With my son’s help, we dislodged the egg sac and found the (now expired) brown widow spider responsible for all the babies, with the telltale red/orange violin shape on its abdomen.

*Shudder*

So this week, I’m more than just a little thankful. Because even though I regularly pray for protection over me and my family, I had no idea I’d come so close to danger. And I’m praising God, who protected me even when I didn’t realize I needed it.

For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught in a trap or some hidden danger. (Proverbs 3:26)

How about you? Has the Lord recently protected you or someone you love? Tell me about it!

A Startling Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

For years I mirrored other people’s actions. Yell at me? I’ll yell at you. Ignore me? I’ll ignore you. Blow your stack? So will I.

And while that gave me a temporarily satisfied feeling, my responses always seemed to perpetuate the issue. (Imagine that.) Then one day a family member said to me, “For a Christian, I sure don’t see any difference in the way you act.”

Ouch.

I began to realize that instead of mirroring the person popping red-faced spitballs into my face, I could choose to take a deep breath, come under the control of the Holy Spirit, and mirror Jesus to them instead.

And that has completely changed my life.

Mirroring Jesus can only happen when we remain close to Him. Think about it. You can only see your reflection when you stand close to a mirror. And the truth is, we can only reflect Jesus when we stand close to Him.

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. Live in me, and I will live in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4)

He Loves Me When I'm Grumpy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

It’s slightly embarrassing to admit how little it sometimes takes for my disposition to shift into grump mode.

A lack of sleep.

A lack of food.

A lack of common sense in the driver of the car in front of me.

All these situations have the ability to push me off kilter, and before I know it, I don’t even want to be around me.

The truth is I dearly want my attitude to honor God all the time, but I’m human. And when I’m tired, hungry and driving behind a tractor going 15 in a 60 m.p.h. zone, I can get snippy.

And unlovable.

And flat-out grumpy.

It’s not long before I recognize what’s happening and I make the effort to reign myself in. My conversation with God often goes something like, Oh Lord, please help me not to scream. In that moment—in the middle of full-fledged snippy, unlovable, and grumpy, I’m tempted to think God couldn’t possibly still love me.

But then I remember my (now 32 year old) son pitching a wild armed fit at the grocery store checkout at the age of two, and though I didn’t appreciate his behavior, I still loved him.

And I always will.

And I’m thrilled to tell you that even on days I’m grumpy as all get out, God’s unfailing love sweeps in nevertheless, like a breathtakingly cool breeze on a sweltering day. Oh, I’m sure He doesn’t always appreciate my behavior, but He never gives up on me.

My heart longs to honor God, even when I’m tired. Or starving. Or fussing about traffic. But

I sometimes fail. Which makes me unspeakably grateful that His loves never fails.

So in His grace I'll keep trying. And if you ever see me cruising pitifully slow behind a tractor on a highway clearly marked 60 m.p.h., I'm hoping you'll see a smile on my face. But even if I mess up, I won't allow myself to doubt God's love.

Because the truth is, He loves me, even when I’m grumpy.

And He always will.

Holy Instructions

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

Decisions. Choices. Opportunities. Plans. Every day we face these. Depending on our personality, we can feel overwhelmed, anxious, excited, or determined.

But what we really need to feel is expectant—as in Jesus, guide me and help me today. I need Your instructions before my day shifts into high gear.

We all walk what occasionally seems like a quagmire of situations, people, and tasks screaming out for our attention. But when we expect Jesus to guide us, humbly asking Him to order our steps and help us, we can be certain that we’re focusing on the appropriate thing and heading in the right direction. With Him.

I, the Lord, will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

{Fight}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Welcome to my ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

It’s tempting to think, as Christians, that the battle has already been won. After all, Jesus gave His life for us, He defeated the powers of darkness, and rose from the grave, right? And we’ve read the back of the Bible. We win.

Yes, those statements are absolutely true. But according to John 10:10, then enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy. He opposes and attempts to thwart God’s work through every means possible. That means when difficult situations arise, we must fight—through prayer.

If…The earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available—dynamic in its working (James 5:16b), then surely God expects us to wage war on our knees.

There will be times we must fight for our marriages, our children, our health, our peace—the list goes on. We do this through unswerving prayer and a steadfast faith that fights against the powers of darkness, knowing that God is greater.

We fight by refusing to give up on the inside, by confessing scripture over the situation, and by persevering in prayer—even if it takes 15 years (the number of years I prayed for my oldest son’s salvation).

This week, as you pray, remember, sometimes it's a fight. But that's okay. You're fighting the good fight of faith. And your prayers are powerful!

Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and for which you confessed the good confession of faith before many witnesses. (1Timothy 6:12)

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer life, being both alert and intent in your praying with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

They're Driving Me Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

Nothing makes my blood pressure soar like bulging roads filled with rude, crazy drivers. Sadly, I think that pretty much describes many roads in most states.

But nothing combats steam-blowing-out-of-our-ears, traffic-induced stress like Jesus. Here are two simple ways to invite Him into your driving experience:

Forgive the person who just cut you off. Out loud. You’ll not only experience an immediate release of tension, but you will change the atmosphere in your car and honor Jesus.
Roll your shoulders and neck, take a deep breath, and whisper His name. Jesus. It’s really that simple. When we call out to and depend on Him, He will show up right there in our car. And road rage will hold no power over us--Jesus will.

And whatever you do—no matter what it is—in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in dependence upon His person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

{Express}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to my ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

One of the most beautiful aspects of a vital prayer life is the thrill of being known—really known—by the Creator of the universe. This happens when we allow ourselves to authentically express our hearts to the God who desires us to do just that.

When you’re praying, don’t ever hold back what’s deep in your heart. The truth is, God sees it all anyway. And your prayer time is the one time you can truly express the secret longings, hopes, and dreams to One who will never betray you, laugh at you, or misunderstand you.

Take some time to study King David’s ability to genuinely express himself throughout the book of Psalms. He was a man after God’s own heart because he regularly expressed his heart, his emotions, and his thoughts to the Lord. God was King David’s safe place to express all the issues that troubled him.

Our prayer time is meant to be a shady, cool, refreshing refuge into which we duck in the heat of life’s aches, hurts, and disappointments. It is there that we are free to vent, cry, and spill our anguish, truly allowing our hearts to be known by the One who cherishes us most.

Trust, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us, a fortress and a high tower. (Psalm 62:8)

I cry to the Lord with my voice;, with my voice to the Lord do I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell before Him my trouble. (Psalm 142:1-2)

When People Perturb Us

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

We’ve all spent time with a person who rattles us. Whether we feel they’re too loud, too opinionated, or downright mean (or all of the above), we might try to grin and bear it or, depending on our personalities, say something we regret.

But it’s far better to bring Jesus into the situation. On a practical level, Jesus has the ability to grant us wisdom in our responses and fill us His love for that person. His wisdom will prevent us from becoming entangled in a war of words, and His love can completely transform the way we see someone. Those simple ingredients will lead to astonishing peace, even while we deal with what I'll delicately refer to as challenging people.

The next time a certain someone starts to make you feel rattled, remember to ask Jesus to be there with you. That person may not change, but as you stand with the Prince of Peace, your perspective and response will.

Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. (John 14:27)

{Dig}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Welcome to my new ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

There is a time for every type of prayer, including a simple Help! or a humble Thank you, and frankly, those two short, sweet, powerful prayers are sometimes enough.

But there comes a time when our prayers need to dig deep: to deal with long-standing issues, unearth long buried dreams, uncover our purpose, or dig up joy that got buried beneath the sediment of ugly moments.

Our prayers can become a sharp trowel that uproots fear, anxiety, discontentment or anger. When we persevere through prayer until we get to the root of an issue, we are addressing the source itself, not just the unpleasant fruit that it produces. We can pluck at an annoying weed week after week, but the leaves will stubbornly continue to grow unless we attack and demolish its root system. Only when we dig deep in prayer can we locate and destroy roots, and this only happens as the Holy Spirit brings revelation and insight.

This week, slip on your boots, place a shovel beneath your foot and plunge it into the ground of your heart. Ask God to expose any bad roots that need to be yanked out. Once they’re exposed, ask Him to eradicate every last root until it no longer produces offshoots. Then ask Him to replace those bad roots with good seed.

As you dig deep in prayer, confess God’s word over the soil of your heart, and watch beautiful new growth bloom.

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ (Hosea 10:12)

Have the roots of your being firmly and deeply planted in Him, fixed and founded in Him, being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7)

He Gets You

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, you know the confusion and even the hurt that can result. Even simple miscommunications can create sticky situations and hard feelings all around, despite our best efforts. The good news is Jesus never misunderstands us. He knows your heart and He knows your thoughts. Isn’t that a relief?

The next time you feel misunderstood, remember that Jesus understands. So go ahead and tell Him exactly what is in your heart without worrying about trying to phrase it just right or hoping He gets it. Because the truth is, He gets it. And He totally gets you—better than anyone else ever will.

Today if someone misunderstands something you say or do, you can grin while you declare (aloud, if possible): Jesus, it’s okay, because You understand. You totally get me!

O Lord, You have searched me thoroughly and have known me. You know my downsitting and my uprising; You understand my thoughts afar off. (Psalm 139: 1-2)

{Cling}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Welcome to my new ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

Sometimes our prayers feel like confetti tossed in front of an oscillating fan—they seem to blow right back at us and scatter all over the floor.

When it feels like our prayers dissipate in the breeze, it’s tempting to think there is no use in praying.

This is when we determine to cling.

Like a near-drowning victim latched onto a lifeguard out in the deep, through our prayers we cling to God’s promises, His truth, and His presence, regardless of how we might feel—especially because of how we feel.

When we resolve to push past our circumstances and latch onto Jesus, He will notice. Like the woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowds and dared to reach out in spite of 12 years of what felt like her prayers evaporating in the wind—Jesus took notice. (See Mark 5:25-34) And she was healed.

So cling to Him in prayer, sweet friends. Cling to those promises. As you cling, you will absorb His strength, remain in the protection of His shadow, and grow in the ability to persevere. And He will take notice.

My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:8)

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you: to love the Lord your God and to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and to cling to and unite with Him and to serve Him with all your heart and soul, your very life. (Joshua 22:5)

A Confidant

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

Everyone needs a confidant; someone with whom they can share their deepest feelings-- knowing they will be held in complete confidence. But what happens when those people aren’t available? And what if we don’t have someone in whom we can confide? When wave after wave of hurt hits us, or issues from our past need to be dealt with, there is One who is always available.

Jesus is our safe place to process all of the hurts, disappointments, anger, grief, and every other issue of our lives. When you need a confidant, whisper to Him—He’s waiting to hear your heart. This week, make the choice to confide in Him. When you pour out your heart to Jesus, He listens with compassion. He is a trustworthy refuge who longs to be your shelter in every storm.

Trust, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us—a fortress and a high tower. (Psalm 62:8)

{Believe}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Welcome to my new ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

Believe

One of the most essential components to a powerful and effective prayer life is our willingness to believe. Not some utopian, fairy-tale type of belief that mocks reality, but a rock solid, deeply personal, I know the character of Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him—including dealing with my current reality belief.

We must believe that our prayers matter and can make a permanent and eternal difference in our lives and the lives of others, and we must believe that God not only always hears our prayers, but that He is omnipotent and able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

Once these issues are settled in our minds and hearts, our prayers hold the capacity to literally move heaven and earth.

When we believe, we please God (See Hebrews 11:6).

When we refuse to cease praying because we believe that God has spoken and will move, our prayers will accomplish greater things than Jesus accomplished (See John 14:12).

When we believe, rivers of living water will flow out of our innermost being. (See John 7:38).

This week, regardless of the circumstances swirling around you, believe. Believe that God is listening. Believe that He hears you. Believe that He is greater.

Today, sweet sisters, I invite you to pray bold, daring prayers. And believe.

For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will get it. (Mark 11:24)

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. (John 14:12)

Crazy Emotions

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

We all have emotional days. Whether it’s an intensely stressful situation, a hormone fluctuation, or just one of those days, we don’t have to feel guilty about our God-given emotions. But we don’t have to allow them full reign, either. There is a Way to bring peace and balance to the emotional storms in our lives.

What if, instead of being overwhelmed by our emotions, we took a moment to invite the Prince of Peace into our emotional meltdown? What if, instead of thinking we need to get it together before we cry out to Jesus, we open the front door of our hearts, puffy eyes and all?

The next time you’re having one of those days, go ahead and invite Jesus into the mess. Say it out loud: Jesus, come into my mess. Your crazy emotions don’t scare Him. And bonus: His very presence will comfort and delight your soul.

In the multitude of my anxious thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)

{Ask}

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Welcome to my new ongoing Monday series, Prayer from A to Z, where you’ll receive coaching and encouragement to make your prayer life soar.

Listen. I mean, really pause and listen, and you will hear your heavenly Father whisper to your heart. Ask me.

Sometimes we hold the misguided notion that in prayer we shouldn’t ask too often. But if God is our provider and every good and perfect gift comes from Him, then why wouldn’t we ask of Him? What other source do we have?

God’s word tells us we have not because we ask not (see James 4:2). Of course, prayer is much more than merely asking for things—it’s a holy, ongoing conversation with our Creator; the same One who loves you and longs to give you the desires of your heart. (See Psalm 37:4)

We can even dare to ask our big God for big things, because for Him nothing is impossible. (See Luke 1:37) I ask for a lot, because I don’t want to get to heaven and find out that God had much more for me than I ever dreamed of asking for. And I think those daring prayers please Him.

So this week when you’re praying, go ahead and ask God for the secret longings and big desires of your heart. He’s listening.

Keep on asking, and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking reverently, and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, perfect as He is, give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him! (Matthew 7:11)

More Jesus in My Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

When you come across a scripture that creates a longing in your heart, turn it into a prayer right then—don’t wait. By simply personalizing the scripture you make it yours, and it becomes a powerful prayer, like this: “I will set my mind and keep it set on things above—the higher things— not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Because God’s word is living and active, (Hebrews 4:12) and because God watches over His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12), we are not only praying a powerful prayer, we are coming into agreement with God’s word. And since Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), we are creating room for and inviting Him into our lives on a deeper level.

In the beginning (before all time) was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (John 1:1)

Because We All Need a Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000

A little brown haired girl sat in her long gravel driveway, creating a circle out of pebbles. Inside the circle she placed spotted pebbles, pretending they were pintos and palominos in a corral—beautiful horses that bucked and whinnied and ran in the wind.

As the gravel left gritty indentations in her knees, so the sad neglect and often violent anger in her home left painful indentations in her heart. She pushed the pebbles around, imagining them to be pretty horses running with flowing manes, coaxing them and cooing to them. She secretly wished someone would coax and coo to her, and that she could run in the wind and feel safe and cared for.

40 years later, that little girl (me) has a divine champion--One more gracious, loving, and powerful than all she ever dared to hope or dream.

I think we all want a champion, someone who will fight for us, heal us, care about us, and coo to us. A divine Someone who encircles us with protection and coaxes us to run in the wind.

God can be that for you. He wants to be your Champion. I know this because:

He loves you with an everlasting love. {Jeremiah 31:3}
He rejoices over you with joy. {Zephaniah 3:17}
He knows and is fully acquainted with all your ways. {Psalm 1:6}
He turns your mourning into dancing. {Psalm 30: 5}
He instructs and teaches you the way you should go. {Psalm 32:8}
He rewards you and brings to pass His purposes for you. {Psalm 57:2}
He is your strength and impenetrable shield. {Psalm 28: 7}
He gives you peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition. {Isaiah 54:17}
He contends with those who contend with you. {Isaiah 49:25}
He keeps you in perfect and constant peace. {Isaiah 26:3}
He heals your broken heart and cures your pain and sorrows. {Psalm 147:3}
He understands you. {Psalm 139:1-2}
He gives you power to hold yourself calm in days of adversity. {Psalm 94:13}
He always hears and is always listening for you. {John 11:41-42}
He leads you safely to the place He has prepared for you. {Exodus 23:20}

This girl grew up and found the One upon whom I can always rely. I hope that if you're not already acquainted with Him, you will be soon.

Because we all need a champion.

The WINNER of the $10 Starbucks gift card is Tammy at Tickled Pink. Congratulations, Tammy! Please send me your snail-mail address so I can send your gift.

More Jesus in My Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

On days you feel worn out and weary, allow yourself a few extra moments to rest and read your Bible—even if it’s only one scripture verse. When my awake-and-eager-to-nurse-every-hour-and-a-half baby girl left me in a state of perpetual exhaustion, I managed to read one verse every night before collapsing into bed. That single verse literally sustained me, until that difficult season was over and I could absorb more.

God’s word is powerful and equips us for life’s often exhausting journeys. When you’re in a crazy-busy season of life and desperately need to be revived and refreshed, a sweet little sip is far better than an achingly dry throat. Ask God to help you find one verse to revive you today.

This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. (Psalm 119:50)

Seize the Opportunity for Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I'm not even slightly surprised that after I wrote this post on joy I was immediately tested in that very area.

My husband whispered to me in the middle of the night last weekend, and it wasn't because he was feeling romantic. "Don't flush the toilet," he said when he heard me climbing out of bed to do that very thing.

He explained that our well pump was broken, meaning our house had no water. These sort of things happen when you live out on the very edge of civilization. Let's just say it made the next two days interesting, in a caveman sort of way.

Then, bright and early that morning I opened the back door to let our Australian Shepherd out and was stunned to see two pine trees snapped in half, leaving a wreckage of limbs and pine cones scattered across our back yard. Apparently the windy day turned into an insanely windy night.

I won't even mention job issues that have catapulted my husband's stress level into the stratosphere, or several other situations that threatened to turn our home into Mount Vesuvius on steroids.

But I held strong, sweet friends, and with the exception of one small incident which may or may not have included a telephone sailing through the air in exasperation, I truly held on to my joy.

No, I wasn't happy when our well pump switch had to be repaired not once but twice. But I can tell you I'm thrilled that the sparks hot enough to completely melt the switch box didn't catch our house on fire. And I have a profound new appreciation for water and all things related to indoor plumbing.

And I'm not happy that we lost two trees, but I'm unspeakably grateful that they fell away from our house, and nothing was damaged.

And though my husband's job-related stress levels have multiplied, we're truly, truly grateful he is gainfully employed.

I guess the moral to the story is the enemy will always try to steal our joy. And truthfully circumstances can sometimes make life flat-out hard. But joy is still an option. In fact, it's a necessity. Because if the joy of the Lord is our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10), why would we even try to do life without it?

Are you enduring some rough times right now? Is your joy level plummeting as the high winds of life leave a broken mess of things?

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1: 2-4)

Clearly God has given me a lot of opportunity for great joy this past week. Maybe you're experiencing lots of opportunities for joy, too. Let's make a deal. Let's continue to choose joy--in spite of our circumstances--this week. And next week. And the week after that.

In fact, let's just make the decision that we will learn to recognize opportunities for joy--and seize them. Sort of like Carpe Diem (Seize the Day). Only it'll be Capere Occasionem Gaudium: Seize the Opportunity for Joy.

Are you with me? Leave me a comment that about why you want to seize the opportunity for joy, and you'll be entered for a chance to WIN a $10 Starbucks gift card. {Because really, I just want to spread a little joy!}

More Jesus in My Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gillies) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

More Jesus in My Day is a new feature you'll find here at my blog every Thursday. Designed to lead you straight to the Savior, each short post offers simple, practical ways to know Him more.

The moment you open your eyes in the morning, while your head still rests in that warm spot on your pillow, acknowledge Jesus. He is right there, waiting to greet you. Give Him your first waking moments, and allow yourself to linger in His presence.

Let your heart listen for His voice, and tell Him that your heart and ears are open to hear Him today. Invite Him into your day before you swing your legs across the mattress, before your beautiful feet touch the floor. Watch and wait for Him to speak first thing in the morning...and all day long.

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare a prayer, a sacrifice for You and watch and wait for You to speak to my heart. (Psalm 5:3)