Julie Gillies - Just a Woman Who Believed God

She Glows

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:00:00 +0000

With the She Speaks conference less than two weeks away, I'm in full-throttle prep mode. This year, that means practicing what I'll be saying to the publishers with whom I'm meeting, practicing a mini-talk I was asked to give, and working on sign-up sheets for the critique groups that will form after the conference is over.

At the same time, I'm pulling together a long list of supplies for my 20 year old son and 14 year old daughter as they prepare for a 10-day mission trip to Haiti; they leave just a few days after I return from the conference. (Crazy timing!)

Two things I'm most looking forward to are getting to know writer/speaker friends (both old and new) and spending time in the prayer room. There's just something about being around like-minded women that absolutely catapults me into bliss. And the prayer room? Phenomenal. Holy. Awe inspiring. Life changing. As is this conference.

Some Practical Advice:

Take a sweater. The host hotel is frigid!
If you don't finish your book proposal in time, consider taking a One-Sheet, instead. Sample
Bring business cards, if you have them. You'll want to stay in touch with new, like-minded friends. (Don't have any? You can always make your own! Instructions )
In a speaker evaluation group? Visit Zoe's blog for some great tips.
Think you're writing isn't good enough to attend the critique session? Go anyway!
You MUST visit the prayer room. You really, really must! Really.
Bring a tote bag. You'll need it.
Stuff a few water bottles into your suitcase for your room. You'll thank me later.
Don't bring note paper; you'll receive a spiral-bound notebook upon registration.
Smile, even if you're nervous. Especially if you're nervous.

If you'll be at She Speaks this year, leave me a comment so I can get to know you. Tell me what track you're taking. Let me know what you're hoping get out of all this. And hopefully we'll see each other there! I'll be the one glowing.

If you won't be at She Speaks this year, but have attended a prior She Speaks conference--or any other writers conference...describe your experience and share what you learned or your favorite part of the conference.

When God Whispers

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:33:00 +0000

One of the strangest things about being obedient to God is stepping out to do what you're clearly not able to do. When I think about it, the fact that anything I've written has been published is miraculous, and clearly evidence of His grace at work.

Recently I was the guest on two radio shows. For the record, I've always been The Reluctant Speaker. It was enough that God had me write stuff and sign my name to it and put it out there, but talking on the air nearly made me hyperventilate. But He whispers to me that this is the way He wants me to go, and so I place one feeble foot in front of the other, crying out with each step, "God, are you sure?"

Have you ever felt like there's no way you can possibly do the very thing God has called you to do? As one jar of clay to another, I confess that my weakness, my inability, my awareness of my own shortcomings propel me into God's arms like nothing else. With every open door, I cling to Him more tightly, lean on Him more often, and strain to hear His voice like never before.

The other day my family went to the movies, and I'm convinced that I was there specifically to see one of the commercials. Here's what I saw:

A husband and wife arrive at a crowded performing arts theater. As they take their seats, each asks the other where their little son is. The wife thought the husband had the boy; the husband thought the boy was with his mom. That's when they both notice their son--up on the stage, seated at the grand piano. The parents both slink down in their seats while the audience murmurs.

A spotlight glaring on him, the little boy begins playing a simple song with just two fingers. The audience becomes irritated. The red-faced parents freeze in their seats. Suddenly, a tall man wearing a tuxedo glides in from the stage wings...obviously he is the star everyone has come to see and hear play the piano. The entire audience sits, gape-mouthed, wondering what the famous musician will do. He strides toward the grand piano, bends down and whispers into the little boy's ear, "Keep playing."

Standing behind the little boy, the musician places his arms on either side of him to reach the piano keys and begins playing a startlingly beautiful rendition of the childish song. The audience gasps. Together, the world famous musician and the little boy play on. Smiles break out across the audience. Glorious music sweeps through the theater.

The song ends on a spectacular note, and the little boy looks up at the musician with a grin. Together they take a bow before a standing ovation.

That is the power of God behind us. Whether we're pouring ourselves into homeschooling, a business, our family, a neighborhood Bible study or a national ministry...whatever He directs us to do...He rewards our childlike faith and our feeble efforts with His spectacular presence.

God whispers, and our hearts take courage.

He stands behind us, and a watching world smiles.

How about you? What is God whispering to you? How is He helping you?

Blueprint Freak

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0000

I admit it: I love an organized, tidy life. I prefer everything unfolding according to plan...a sensible, easy-going plan, that is. But the truth is, my life doesn't work that way. And frankly, some days I'd be happy just to know the plan.

You'd think that the One who created the earth according to His extraordinary master plan would be delighted to drop freshly crafted blueprints into our hands so we could figure out (a.) where we're going in life and (b.) precisely how on earth to get there. Yet God continually surprises me. And by that I mean things rarely go the way I expect, even when I think I'm keeping my expectations in check.

But God is far more interested in teaching us to hear His voice than making our plans unfold flawlessly.

Risky Decisions

One of the things I'm learning as I navigate this faith-walk is to try to keep my preference out of God's way. This means keeping my feelings neutral, especially when I'm in decision making mode. I have to get to the place where I'm truly content regardless of which way things go. It's a struggle.

One of the scriptures that I regularly pray over myself when I'm making a decision is: "I roll my works upon You, Lord; I commit and trust them wholly to You; Please cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will, and] my plans will be established and succeed." (Proverbs 16:3 - personalized by me.)

The Umpire Calls It

My number one criteria for making a decision is to follow after peace. If I sense frustration, anxiety or uncertainty, I stop immediately and pray. God does not want us to be rushed or pressured into making a decision prematurely.

Colossians 3:15 says"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]."

The lack of blueprints shouldn't deter us from moving ahead, but propel us closer to the Lord. It's when we cautiously tip-toe forward, our hearts straining to hear His voice, that we'll receive something even better than a set of blueprints: His personalized plan for that specific situation and exact moment in our lives. And for this blueprint freak, that's good news indeed.

How about you? Are you a blueprint freak? Do you need prayer for a decision in your life?

Overwhelmed

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:45:00 +0000

It feels like my family is racing in a spacecraft through a meteor shower. Sharp turns, near misses and spectacular explosions play out moment by moment, leaving us breathless. And overwhelmed.

But God is at work.

A lot of people seem to be going through a lot of difficult circumstances right now. But even when things don't make sense to my natural mind, I must choose to believe that God is at work in those circumstances.

Situations might scream, "It's all over!" But God says, "Surely as I have thought and planned, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24b)

Situations may shout, "It's too late!" But God says, "I work all things for the good of those who love Me and are called according to my purpose." (Romans 8:28 - my paraphrase.)

Situations might make us cry out, "I cannot do this!" But God says, "Fear not; there is nothing to fear for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties; yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice." (Isaiah 41:10)

I want to pray for you this week. Yes, my family is going through it. But I want to sow seeds by helping others in need, and the most powerful way I can think of is through prayer.

What are you walking through? Leave me a comment and tell me about your situation; then know I will be lifting you up in prayer all week long.

Going...Going...Gray!

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0000

This is the third and final post in a short series on why I chose to go gray. Read the first and second posts, if you haven't already.

I always said I'd never do it. Hair color was fake, and I like keeping it real. I don't wear tons of make-up. Don't paint my nails. And doggone it, I was not going to color my hair.

Then came the gray. Tons of it--entirely too much of it--at far too young an age. And I felt like a hag. At 34. So I did what I had to do. I changed my mind and, with my sister guiding me on the phone for moral support, I poured a bottle of Loreal over my head for the first time.

For fourteen years, I covered. But eventually the gray outnumbered and overcame my ability to keep up with it. Just eight days after coloring, a silver tinge stubbornly appeared at my part. Frantic to keep the evidence concealed, I began coloring my hair every 3 weeks. Then every 2-1/2 weeks.

And then I realized it just wasn't worth it any longer. Covering the premature gray hair I inherited from both sides of my family began to feel like a prison sentence. An expensive, stinky, messy cover up.

So, last August I made the bold decision to stop coloring my hair. For many months I endured tell-tale roots, and then on March 31st, unable to tolerate the half-and-half look any longer, I chopped it all off.

Let me just say that going short and gray was a real shocker for me. Initially, I gasped every time I passed a mirror. Thankfully my hair has grown a bit.

And now, I look like this:

Like it or loathe it, it's the real me.

One of the best things about going gray has been the support and compliments from my family and friends. (My husband thinks I'm hot.)

But it hasn't been easy. I live in Florida, where gray hair abounds. Sometimes I feel like I'm just another gray haired woman in a sea of silver heads.

I've also discovered I'm far more vain than I ever realized. Letting go of my light reddish brown hair has been hard. Being mistaken for someone's grandma, even harder. Yes, I realize that I'm a grandma, but I'm a young grandma, and I was never thus accused before. Can you say adjustment?

My favorite part about going gray has been learning to accept myself as I am. It's a work in progress, as it is for all women in a youth crazed, beauty driven culture. But I've received many whispered comments expressing admiration. Apparently a lot of women have taken courage from my decision, and if I've helped even one of them realize that gray can be beautiful, then I suppose that's progress. For all of us.

Who Said a Dream is Easy?

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0000

A lot of people give up on their dreams because they're not prepared for the reality of the hard work involved. The truth is, if we hope to attain our dream, we have to work hard and run after it. This week, lace up your sneakers, find a gigantic hill and run a mile straight up in the summer heat. You'll wind up breathless, sweaty, exhausted, sore, and maybe even a little cranky.

Pursuing your dream will make you feel the same way.

I can't tell you the number of people I've encountered who, when they discover I'm a writer, tell me they have a book inside them, too. When I ask them what they're doing to pursue their dream of writing a book, I'm usually met with a shrug. They fail to understand that dreams don't come to fruition without fierce effort.

Whether we want to write, dance, figure-skate, start our own business, or start a diet, we all have to work hard, and work our way up. We all have to pay our dues.

If you've ever watched American Idol, you've probably cringed when someone stands before the judges and mutilates a song. That person has a dream, but they lack the talent or the discipline (or both) to take it to the next level.

Yet we're all thrilled when someone's voice gives us goosebumps. What we should realize is that usually many years of training, practice and hard work have made that person's voice a thing of beauty.

It's the same with our dreams. Pursuing our dream requires hard work, perseverance and:

Focus - In a culture that values multi-tasking, single-minded focus enables us to keep making progress when others veer off the path.

Goals - Establishing realistic yet challenging goals from the beginning keeps us motivated and helps us to see our progress and adjust our course if necessary.

Diligence - Unfortunately, the world is filled with slackers. Applying ourselves with steady, careful effort yields excellence--a trait that makes us stand out.

Time - There are no short cuts to a dream; every dream takes time to come to fruition. If we are wise, we will use this time to learn, study, and practice, practice, practice.

Passion - The foundation of every dream is passion. Do you love what you're doing? Pursuing your dream should excite and energize you.

Prayer - The most important component to every dream is soaking it with our prayers every step of the way. When we submit our dreams to God, He equips us, opens doors, and gives us grace when the going gets tough.

A dream is only a wish until we do something about it. Yes, dreams are free, but we always have to do our part. How about you? What hard goal are you working toward?

The Call

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0000

I firmly believe that every one of us has a God given destiny--a calling to fulfill God's plans and purposes for our lives.

For six years God has compelled me to pursue His calling on my life to communicate, and you'll have to trust me when I tell you it wasn't my idea. I've watched in sheer astonishment as He has opened one writing door after another, even though I'm the least qualified writer on the planet.

Have you ever dreamed a dream so big it seemed ridiculous? I think God gives us ridiculous dreams so that we'll cling to Him like a knit skirt fresh out of the dryer. When we finally succeed, (and there will be plenty of fumbles) we'll know it's the result of His gift at work in us, not because we're all that. Which leads me to The Call.

Details

Over the past year, I've worked on a nonfiction book for women. I've met with a few publishers, editors and agents at writers conferences and gotten a couple of nibbles, but nothing was happening, unless you count head banging.

Until recently.

Though I had nearly given up hope, at the beginning of the year I decided to send out my book proposal one last time to one last agent. If nothing happened, I'd shelve it and pray about my next step.

Then, in the middle of my blog and Twitter break, I heard back from the agent. He was interested (!) and wondered if I had tested the book material on actual women. It hadn't even occurred to me, but I liked his suggestion, made a few phone calls, and to my surprise and delight, a focus group of women quickly formed. We met together for three weeks (to read the first three chapters--normally included in a nonfiction book proposal); a second group of women who couldn't attend the group meetings read the chapters individually. I compiled a survey, threatened every woman with bodily harm if they dared to flatter me or withhold truth, and procured promises of honest feedback.

The test group turned out to be outrageously fun! It superseded all my expectations. The suggestions and ideas I received from the women helped me to adjust and tweak the book, which made it much stronger. I'm so grateful for all their help!

And then, I sent it all back to the agent: the updated proposal and survey results. That same day he e-mailed me back with a contract. *Squeal* We chatted on the phone the next afternoon, since I had lots of questions, which he patiently answered.

So, it's official! I have a literary agent, Les Stobbe. And while there are no promises in today's publishing market, I couldn't be more thrilled that I answered the call.

How about you? Are you pursuing your calling? Do you have a ridiculous dream?

What I Discovered While My Blog Was Sleeping

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:12:00 +0000

It's hard to believe 12 weeks have evaporated since I embarked on what turned out to be an unfathomably rejuvenating blogging and Twitter break.

At the beginning of March I could barely pen a sentence, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. After some serious soul searching, I finally recognized that my writing life, and to a lesser extent my home life, was out of balance. I realized that I need to more efficiently control distractions, my time, and the flow of information fire-hosing into my face. I needed to regain my focus.

Can you relate? Do you ever become so distracted by all the things you feel you should do, your primary goals suffer?

Sometimes we need to reevaluate the big picture. We need a time-out to think, pray, and talk with trusted friends. We need to allow God to realign whatever is off track.

And sometimes, that means letting go of the things that interfere.

While I'm ready to dip my toe back into the blogging ocean, I can't say the same for Twitter. Twitter's plethora of fascinating people and conversations enthrall, absorb and (unfortunately) totally sidetrack me. So, for now, I won't be going back. Initially I felt sad over my decision, and though I’m still occasionally tempted to jump back the land of tweeting, wisdom demands that I abstain. Ouch.

Of course for those of us writers building the all important platform, my blog break and my Twitter move might appear foolish. However, if we are wise, we will learn to understand and work within our own limitations. We’ll learn that balanced lives are productive lives. But most importantly, we’ll give ourselves permission to do what works best for us—and we’ll extend that grace to others.

This hiatus has nourished and re-calibrated my soul, given me much needed time with friends and family, and enabled me to work on other writing projects. It gave me time to just be. It allowed me to focus afresh on my goals, hear from God clearly, and fine-tune according to His plan.

The bottom line is I'm an imperfect woman prone to distraction, serving an awesome God who deserves my very best. I've learned that often when God leads us, it's counter intuitive. But it's always exactly what we need. Even if it means saying goodnight to some things, and goodbye to others.

How about you? Is some area of your life out of balance? Do you need to reevaluate and regain your focus? Leave me a comment and I'll pray for you this week.

I Need a Break!

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:52:00 +0000

Confession: I'm no good at juggling. Though I'm not a circus employee, I can relate to the clown in this painting: I'm attempting to do entirely too much. My life feels out of balance, unproductive and just plain off--and something has to give.

Over the past several months, I began to feel overwhelmed keeping up with blogging and Twitter. Part of the reason is you--you are all so interesting and wonderful. (I'm not entirely to blame here.*grin*) Unfortunately, while I love the connections I'm making with everyone, my writing is suffering because of it.

I'm well aware that some people are excellent multi-taskers, but I'm not one of them. I can only do so much and still do it well.

Though I limit myself to writing only one blog post per week, it's abundantly clear that I need a break. So, I'm taking a blogging and Twitter hiatus, effective immediately. I'm not sure how long my break will last, but I'm hopeful that God will:

Refresh and revive my heart

Restore the joy of writing

Reinstate my focus

And anything else He deems necessary

My heart's desire is to be productive for the Lord. Acts 20:24 says it all: "But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus..." But to do that, first I need to do this. Thank you for understanding.

In the meantime, may God bless you exceedingly above all you've dared to ask, think or imagine.

Hope to see you soon,

P.S. If you are a Word Chick, know that my prayers for you will continue.

An Invitation

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:50:00 +0000

Stop reading blogs today, and just be with Me.

Love,

Jesus

Staying in the Hard Spot

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

One sultry evening I pounded the pavement in my neighborhood on what turned out to be a tear-filled prayer walk. I sweated while thoughts of a devastating situation bombarded my mind; things had plunged from miserable to unbearable, and my weary heart cried out for relief. I felt fed-up and drained, and everything in me wanted to run away.

In a culture that demands ease, we are practically trained to disdain hardship of any kind. We shouldn't have to put up with certain people and situations, right? But what if we're in a hard spot, one we could escape, and God gently asks us to stay?

If you think God would never ask a person to remain in difficult circumstances, think again. God isn't as interested in rescuing us out of our circumstances as He is in allowing those circumstances to propel us more deeply into His arms...and change us into His image.

Whether we're enduring a hard marriage, a hard job, hard times with our kids, or a hard season in our finances, we will do well to remember:

God asks us to attempt the seemingly impossible to erase every illusion that we can do it ourselves. If we're wise, this causes us to move in close to God and lean entirely on Him. It's only through His strength that we can remain when we'd rather run.

Tough seasons cause us to grow in character--His character. What makes us think we can become Christ-like without suffering? Jesus was ridiculed, betrayed, rejected, and ultimately gave His life. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:17

God uses hard spots to train us in perseverance. The prize doesn't go to the most talented, but to the one who hangs in there the longest. We're prone to quitting, but "Better is the end of the thing than the beginning of it." - Ecclesiastes 7:8a

God is present and at work in our most painful moments. I love that God counts my tears. That means He is with me every time I hurt, understanding and loving me. And ultimately, He works out every situation for our good (See Romans 8:28).

The good news is God eventually intervened in my situation...in His timing and in His way. And things turned out far better than I ever dreamed.

The next time you're tempted to run away, remember that God can work in your situation in ways you never imagined. If you trust God and hang in there, you will come out on the other side strengthened, filled with wisdom and faith, and reflecting Him.

Fade to Gray

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

This is number two in an occasional series on what I'm learning as I go gray. My first post, "Why I Decided to Stop" can be found here .

Going gray has turned out to be one of the scariest decisions I've ever made. There's no promise on how things will turn out--I could wind up looking like Jamie Lee Curtis (in my dreams) or (cough) like someone's great grandma. At only 48, I don't exactly qualify as elderly, yet I can't help but wonder if that's how I'll be perceived soon...all because I stopped buying Loreal.

Now that gray hair is taking up a shocking 1/3 of my head, it feels like I'm walking around with a silent announcement: Hi. I've been fooling everyone all along, and this is how I really look. I think to a degree we can all relate to this. Think about the last time you rushed out to the grocery store without makeup, then inevitably ran into three (fantastic looking, pulled together) friends. That's sort of how I feel most the time.

I keep reminding myself that it's just a temporary, awkward phase.

As I endure the slow process of growing out my gray hair, I'm relieved that it's taking time. In an odd way, it's sort of like becoming pregnant. At first, you don't see anything at all. Eventually, there's no hiding it. And there's plenty of time to get used to the idea.

God works in our lives much the same way. He changes us gradually. Much of His work is hidden at first. Of course, miracles still occur, and when they do, I rejoice. But the miraculous aside, He is a God of the process. And the next time life feels awkward and uncomfortable, or I'm frustrated because I'm not sure how things are going to turn out, I'll try to remember that.

All You Need is Love

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:05:00 +0000

It's funny how God gets my attention sometimes.

There are occasional days that I struggle with a bad attitude. I catch myself being snippy with my kids, or I get really worked up about traffic or something equally aggravating, but not necessarily important in the grand scheme of life.

I realize that something is out of whack, yet the struggle continues, because it's an inner issue, deep in my heart. Nobody on the outside would ever realize the epic battle within. (Well, except for the child to whom I'm snippy.) But for me it can feel intense, not to mention frustrating.

Then, suddenly, I'll notice myself humming a particular song. The Holy Spirit simply places a song in my head, and out it comes. So I've learned to pay attention to what I'm singing. When I actually listen to what is coming out of my mouth, it never fails to astonish me...it's precisely what I need to hear.

Like the song above. It's an old Beatles song, from the year 19-who knows when. And God uses it to tell me that I'm running low on love. HIS love.

Once this realization hits, I hit my knees. I continue singing. And I thank God for speaking to my heart through a song. Then I ask Him to fill me and flood me with love.

His love.

And He does exactly that. Which makes me grateful--and a lot less snippy.

God is love. And really, love is all you need.

"He who does not love has not become acquainted with God - does not and never did know Him; for God is love." 1 John 4:8

This is a previously published post.

What I Learned on a 21-Day Daniel Fast

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

I recently participated in a church-wide fast. Typically my church engages in a 3-day full fast (no food at all for those who wish to participate and are medically able) every year in January. But this year the leadership felt we needed to change things up.

A Daniel Fast restricts you to eating only fruits, vegetables and (for some people) whole grains. No meat, no dairy or animal products, no sweeteners (although some people use honey, maple syrup or stevia, I felt led to abstain), and no baked goods. Did I mention no chocolate? It's based on the book of Daniel, chapter 10, if you're curious.

Although I have fasted often throughout the years, it remains difficult for me, because fasting always stirs up deep memories of painful hunger from my childhood. In that respect, this time was easier because I could eat as many fruits and veggies as I wanted. I particularly liked the longevity of this fast. It wasn't a simple 3-day thing. It was a persevering thing. It was a learning to deny myself thing. It was a get in God's face thing.

On this fast, I learned:

1. I reach out for food far more than I reach out for Jesus. This revelation floored me. Yes, God designed us to require food, but I noticed how often I absentmindedly reached for some morsel just to have something in my mouth. I'm amazed at the number of times I think about food. Good grief. God, help me desire you more than any earthly thing...even things that I truly need!

2. I can pray far more often. I profess to be a woman of prayer, but this fast taught me to pray even more. Every time I craved chocolate (or any forbidden food), I'd pray instead, and let me just say, I prayed constantly. If only my prayers were as continual as my cravings. Lord, help me to pray without ceasing!

3. A fast is warfare. I encountered an incredible amount of opposition from the enemy, particularly in my emotions. At times it felt like I was walking blindly forward in a raging blizzard, with a frozen, tear-stained scarf stuck to my cheeks. God tries our emotions (Psalm 7:9, "for You, Who try the hearts and emotions and thinking powers, are a righteous God.") Healing is a process, so I cry out, God, continue to heal my heart and emotions!

4. A fast is powerful. I've already begun seeing breakthrough in specific areas for which I prayed. But I'm expecting much more throughout 2010.

5. To stop complaining--even in my thoughts. Let's face it, America has more food than most of the world. I felt chastised for even allowing myself to inwardly grumble about yet more veggies when so many others have so much less. We are incredibly blessed, and although I always thank God for my food, I felt a deeper sense of appreciation--and a reluctance to complain about eating beans for dinner again. Help me to cultivate a grateful heart, Lord!

6. The amount of sin still in my own heart. Fasting opens our eyes about ourselves like nothing else. Our hearts become tender and more acutely aware of God's still, small voice. That's a good thing. It's layer by layer that He reveals the truth to us, and it's truth we need to face, confess, and be free of. It's the truth that makes us free. (John 8:32) Thank you, Lord, for ever increasing freedom.

7. A fast is about trading the temporal for the eternal. When we willingly give up something we desire (lasagna and chocolate lava cake) for something we yearn to desire far more (Jesus), I believe it grabs God's attention. Yes, I gave up my favorite foods for three weeks. But in return, I touched God's heart in a powerful way--and He touched mine.

I'm still processing everything I experienced in this fast, but I believe God accomplished great things, and I'm excited about what He has in store for me and my family.

How about you? Have you ever participated in a fast? What did you learn from it?

How Do We Pray at All Times?

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

If your life is anything like mine, you don't exactly lounge around in satin, leopard-print pajamas and feathery high-heel slippers while savoring gourmet chocolates all day long. Not that you wouldn't like to, occasionally. But face it, our lives are not foofy like that. (I just made up the word foofy, and think it fits here perfectly.)

Instead, you probably juggle husband and family situtations, run lots of errands, prepare a gazillion meals, squeeze in the laundry and vanquish dog-hair tumbleweeds lurking in the hallway, just like I do. But when it comes to praying, it probably doesn't happen nearly as often as it should, let alone at all times.

I think the reason most of us neglect to pray at all times, as Ephesians 6:18 tells us, is that we picture prayer as something done only on our knees, at a specific hour of the day. Or, we think prayer must happen while we're alone in our bedroom, with the door shut so we can actually have five minutes without being interrupted. And don't get me wrong, there are times we need to get alone with God and pray down heaven. I hope we do this more often than not.

But waiting for the perfect time to pray is like waiting for our lives to be perfect before we decide we're ready to have kids. If we did that, well, we'd all be lounging around in leopard-print pajamas....no, no, no. If we wait for everything to be perfect, prayer (and babies) will not happen.

The number one way to pray at all times is to pray the moment you think of it--even if you're doing something else. If while bathing your baby you suddenly begin thinking about all of the orphans in Haiti, whisper a prayer--right then and there.

If your daughter starts flashing attitude on the drive to school one morning, pray right then, while she's rolling those eyes. If you are chopping vegetables for dinner and your mind drifts off to an uncle that you haven't seen in ages, take the hint: pray for him while you cook. When you finish talking with an old friend and hang up the phone with a heavy heart, pray immediately--even if you go back to sweeping the floor.

These are all examples of promptings of the Holy Spirit, and they happen all day long. Praying at all times is simply a matter of paying attention to these promptings, then obeying. Remember: our prayers truly make an eternal difference...wherever and whenever they are prayed.

"Pray at all times, on every occasion, in every season, in the Spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty." Ephesians 6:18

Don't. Give. Up.

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:53:00 +0000

My steering wheel shimmered with tears. Hunched over in the front seat of my car, I told God I couldn't do it any more. I was done. The misery and heartache I regularly experienced in my marriage stole my joy, my appetite, and my confidence. I begged God not to make me go back.

But instead of dancing off into the sunset without a wedding ring, I went back. Though it cost me, I went back. Through tears, I went back. Because God told me to.

Have you been there? Are you there right now? Are you doing what God has told you to do (it may have nothing to do with your marriage), yet things have deteriorated to the point that you seriously doubt you can go on--and keep your sanity?

This morning I read Exodus 5:22-23. Although Moses did exactly what the Lord commanded him to do, things got much worse. It seemed like God didn't care. "Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, (sound familiar?) Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as Your spokesman (to do what you told me!), he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" Italics mine.

Does it seem like God is doing nothing to rescue you?

According to Exodus 6:9, when things got harder, the people of Israel refused to listen to Moses any more. "They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery."

It's tempting to give up and stop listening to God when things become too hard and it seems He is not answering our prayers. But that's where faith comes in--and knowing God's character becomes critical. John 11:42 says, "I know You always hear and listen to me." God heard me all those years, and He hears you, too.

Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Do we really think the enemy will roll out a red carpet and allow us to freely move toward our destiny? He's determined to fight and discourage us, just like he fought and discouraged the people of Israel.

We must make a conscious effort to resist discouragement. How? By drawing closer to God through reading His Word, through prayer, and through worship. And by becoming familiar with God's character.

That day in the car many years ago, my heart heard the faint whisper of a promise. And through years of heartache, God's promise to me became louder and louder until I could actually hear it more clearly than my unsaved husband's harsh, mocking words. Because I didn't give up back then, I've savored the pleasure of watching that whisper of a promise unfold before my eyes.

Whatever you're walking through right now, don't give up. With a willing heart and a God who is on your side, nothing is impossible.

Photo taken by my daughter, Emily.

Why I Decided to Stop

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

The gray hair couldn't have surprised me more if it had tiptoed into my kitchen and tapped me on the shoulder. At the carefree age of 24, I stood in front of a mirror in the restroom at work and tried to breathe. There it waved, taunting me--a lone gray hair on the right side of my part.

Stunned, I wondered if my DNA had somehow gotten mixed up in a weird blood transfusion, but then I remembered I'd never had a blood transfusion.

Unwilling to surrender, I pinched the gray hair defiantly, snapped it out of my head, then marched over to the trash can and watched it float down onto a pile of used paper towels.

A decade later, I climbed up a stairway behind my pastor. He turned around to say something, took one look at the top of my head and with a note of surprise in his voice said, "Well, you're certainly getting some gray hair there, aren't you?"

I nearly choked.

That very weekend I high tailed it to the hair salon and begged Teresa, my hairdresser, to pluck every last gray hair she saw--or color it, if the plucking would leave me mostly bald. Teresa wisely chose the latter, and after passing the hair color initiation, I began the coloring-your-hair-at-home adventure.

And suddenly, fourteen years passed. The silver I tried so hard to cover began rudely shining through just eight days after each coloring. I wrestled with the reason I colored my hair now. What started out as a desire to look my age somehow morphed into something I had to do to "look beautiful".

But who defines beauty?

I started to think that I had imprisoned myself in our culture's relentless and unrealstic beauty ideals. And while I'm all about being healthy and taking good care of myself, coloring my hair began to feel like pressure to be who I wasn't. Besides, I grew weary of handing Loreal hush money every three weeks.

Finally, I broke free. I made the bold decision to stop coloring my hair this past September. While I wish with all my heart that I still had beautiful brown hair with auburn highlights, the reality is I don't. And if I desire to embrace authenticity, I need to accept reality.

At this point I've outgrown the awkward stage where I felt compelled to announce the obvious to everyone right away. "I'm growing out my gray," I'd tell people I hadn't seen in a while. I guess I'm growing comfortable with the transition.

Now, when I glance in the mirror, it's always a surprise. While I can't claim to love the gray that's taking up a quarter of my head, it feels oddly liberating, like I'm allowing a more authentic me to emerge. And though I won't say I'm best friends with my gray hair yet, I can honestly say I don't resent it any longer. And I think that's a good start.

How about you? Is there something you're resisting that you just need to accept? Is there a new level of authenticity you'd like to embrace?

Check back for occasional posts on what I'm learning as I go gray.

On Goals and a New Direction

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Early last fall God allowed several writing doors to close for me. Looking back I can see that He was giving me a much needed break from writing deadlines. Our daughter had been hospitalized and then in serious recovery mode for many months. While she recuperated our son had surgery that involved 5 weeks of wearing a wound-vac and home health-care visits. And, my husband and I both succumbed to various illnesses in the midst of it all.

When life interrupts, it's tempting to think that our goals will never get accomplished. And maybe they won't. Sometimes the things God accomplishes in us trump the goals we thought we had to meet.

And sometimes, God asks us to change direction.

Last November, I began to pray about writing goals for 2010. I once heard that we are guaranteed to miss a target we don't have, and I agree with that. But I always want my goals to be established by God. "Roll your works upon the Lord--commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and so shall your plans be established and succeed." (Proverbs 16:3, Amplified Bible)

As I prayed, I felt nudged toward a scary direction--a place I had no desire to go--and reluctance set in. While I didn't cross my arms and dig in my heels, I couldn't fathom going that way. So I simply didn't think about it. Much.

An interior wrestling match commenced. I ignored the nudges, God gently coaxed.

I said, "It'll be ugly. And painful."

God said, "My grace is sufficient."

"But I don't want to re-live it," I whispered.

"I'll be re-living it with you," He whispered back.

Slowly, God persuaded me.

Aligning my writing goals with God's unexpected plans for me this year felt daring, like stopping abruptly on a major interstate highway, walking across the median, and climbing into a new car headed in the opposite direction. Without a GPS.

And so, my writing goal for 2010 is established: 1,000 words a day, 5 days a week, until the rough draft of my memoir is finished. My goal is ambitious, and can only be accomplished through discipline, God's grace, and with the help of my prayer partners. It's definitely not not what I had planned. But it's absolutely what I'm supposed to do.

How about you? What are your goals for 2010? Can you share a time that God completely changed your direction?

The Best Gift Ever

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

My favorite Christmas gift this year wasn't even for me. Yes, it was beautifully gift-wrapped. Yes, my name was on the gift-tag. And yes, it was at the top of my wish list.

This year I decided to write out a What I'd Love for Christmas list, because I'm nothing if not practical. Due to a limited budget and a family with an affinity for purchasing oddly patterned cardigans and Items I Never Knew I Wanted, the existence of such a list decreased the margin of error.

My list included simple things, like a plethora of books on writing from which to choose. Dark chocolate. The One-Year Chronological Bible. Lotion. But the item that made it to the #1 slot of my list was something I could hardly fathom, and I wasn't at all sure it was within our budget.

So, when my daughter's gift landed in my lap on Christmas morning, I had no idea that she'd read the list I handed to her daddy. I had no idea that she had withdrawn money from her small savings account-money she'd earned working as a foreground extra in a movie (and for which she was paid minimum wage).

Opening the box, I shifted white tissue to find a home-made card containing cash. It read simply: Amount: $75. Purpose: To free one child from bondage. From Emily. Merry Christmas!

And just like that, a child's life was about to change. My heart swelled. My eyes watered. I hugged my precious daughter, then looked her in the eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, mom. I'm sure," she grinned.

Somewhere, a child in this world weeps. Frightened, hopeless, and alone, they are enslaved, their bodies used by unscrupulous men void of pity and the fear of God. Some young boys are forced to serve as soldiers. Many young children work unthinkable jobs for no pay.

My heart grieves for these precious kids devoid of even the slighest hope. Everything in me wants to swoop in to rescue and protect them. Thanks to my sweet daughter, one child will experience the gift of freedom, love, and hope.

To learn more, visit Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog. Please know I am not affiliated with Samaritan's Purse and have not been asked to endorse them. I'm just a mom and a grammy who wants to make a difference.

I'm thinking you might be, too.

Oh Holy Night

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0000

May the essence of Christmas permeate your home. May the reason for Christmas penetrate your heart. May His willingness to leave heaven (just for you) exhilarate your soul. May the wonder of the Christ child bring you to your knees. May the love of Christ propel you into His holy presence, this Christmas...and always.

Merry Christmas!

Photo taken by my husband at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Christmas Give-Away Winner!

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

We have a winner!

Kelligirl over at Aweseome God...Ordinary Girl is my Christmas Give-Away winner, and will receive the gripping novel Scared, along with my home made Christmas goodies. Send me your mailing address, Kelli, and your box will be out in the mail on Monday, December 21st!

I enjoyed reading all of your fun, sweet, and poignant Christmas memory comments. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful memories; may God bless us with many more.

Merry Christmas!

Photo taken at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

A Christmas Give-Away!

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:17:00 +0000

For me, Christmas means giving gifts to those I care about. And I care a lot about the fabulous people who read my blog. In honor of you, I'm giving away an irresistable combo.

What could be better than delicious, home made Christmas goodies?

How about the goodies and a can't-put-it-down novel?

Tom Davis' compelling novel, Scared, was my favorite book in 2009. Curious? Read my 5-star book review. Tom is CEO of Children's Hope Chest, an organization that feeds orphans and rescues young victims of the sex-trade industry. He is making a radical difference in the lives of innocent children, and I applaud his efforts.

If you'd like a chance to win my family's yummy home-made Chex Mix and our delicious Savory Oyster Cracker Snacks, along with the outstanding novel Scared, leave a comment telling me your all-time favorite Christmas gift.

A winner will be randomly chosen by me on Saturday, December 19th at 10am Eastern time. The goodies will ship on Monday, December 21st (assuming you send me your mailing address on time, so don't forget to check back on Saturday). Who knows? With a stiff tail wind, you might get your package before Christmas.

In the meantime, thank you for sharing part of my life by reading this blog. I consider you, my bloggy friends, one of the best gifts I've received this year.

Surprised by Joy

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:33:00 +0000

When our glittering, 10-foot Christmas tree crashed to the floor late last night, I hardly knew what to do first. Should I grab a towel for our now sodden carpet? Pick up the shattered ornaments before a sliver punctured someone's foot? Or grab the vacuum cleaner and get busy on the 14,000 Frasier fir needles now flung across our living room?

Delegator extraordinaire, I ordered my daughter to grab towels and our son to get the vacuum cleaner. I gingerly lifted shards of silver and blue glass out of the carpet. My husband took on the Herculean effort of raising our hefty, frazzled tree.

When the mess was finally lifted up, sopped up, picked up, and vacuumed up, I stared at the array of ornaments scattered across our sofa and felt my shoulders droop. Each one needed to be hung on our half-empty Christmas tree. Again. Exhausted from a hectic weekend, I groaned.

That's when our 14 year old daughter clapped her hands and jumped up and down. "We get to decorate our Christmas tree again!"

Her beaming face challenged my scrooge-like heart.

What if the circumstances we're currently facing are really opportunities to find joy in an unlikely place?

What if, instead of expecting everything to be perfect, we looked for the remarkable in life's imperfections?

And what if, instead of waiting for joy to find us, we set out on a journey to seek it?

I think that's what Christmas is all about. It's a journey whose destination is the One through whom all joy ultimately flows.

Over two thousand years ago, wise men and kings traveled to find the Source of joy, disguised as an infant. Flies buzzed and fresh piles of manure steamed in the frigid night air. But when earthly kings knelt in the mud and straw, they received remarkable joy in the most unlikely place.

And when I knelt on damp carpet to re-decorate our Christmas tree last night, so did I.

The Benefits of Dashing To and Fro

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I can zip my pants. This may not sound like earth-shattering news. However, given the number of Christmas goodies I’ve already consumed this season, it is no small feat.

In fact, this may even qualify as a Christmas miracle, given that all my spare time has been sucked into the Holiday Vortex, along with my usual daily two-mile walks. I lamented my lack of exercise until it dawned on me: I am busy--and busy burns calories!

So, in the spirit of holiday giving, I joyfully offer my gift to you: The Holiday Equivalents Chart. By my calculations, and according to this Official Chart, I can indulge in the many flavors of Christmas without loosening my belt even a tiny bit. And so, my friends, can you.

The Official Holiday Calorie Equivalents Chart

* Lugging holiday boxes from basement/attic/garage = 3 Powdered Pecan Balls

* Screaming/jumping wildly from creepy crawlies in box = 2 Sugar Cookies

* Beating creepy crawlies w/ broom & scraping up the mess = 1 Handful Spiced Pecans

* Driving across town to three Christmas tree lots in search of perfect tree = 1 Mug of Hot Cocoa

* Untangling aggravating Christmas lights = Cheese ball and ½ Box of Triscuits

* Tossing tangled Christmas lights and driving to store for new lights = 2 Candy Canes

* Taking out a second mortgage to pay for Christmas tree =3 Pieces of Home Made Fudge

* Keeping up with the laundry in the midst of it all = Chips & Dip on Festive Tray

* Toting kid(s) hither and yon to choir practice and holiday parties = 4 Mini Pigs-in-a-Blanket

* Constructing and decorating Gingerbread house = 25 Red & Green Peanut M&M's

* Chasing wayward cat away from partially eaten Gingerbread house = 2 Homemade Chocolate-Almond Biscotti

* Attending 142 (or 9) Christmas play rehearsals = 9 Peanut Butter Kisses

* Brainstorming stocking stuffers for entire family = Cheese ball and the other 1/2 box of Triscuits

* Composing witty yet meaningful Christmas letter = 1 Slice of Pumpkin Roll

* Posing for annual holiday picture without blood or tears = 3 Christmas Oreos

* Shopping, shopping, shopping = 2 1/2 cups Home made Chex Mix

* Waiting in long lines without turning into the Grinch = Handful of Pistachios

* Baking umpteen thousand Christmas cookies = 4 Snickerdoodles

* Ranting at teen son (and friends) for snarfing most of cookies = 1 Piece Fudge

* Wrapping Christmas presents until your back spasms =1 Dinner Out--OR ELSE

This concludes the annual milking of the system. With cookies, of course.

The Hope Chest - Part 2

grammyblogspot7@yahoo.com (Julie Gillies) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

What are you walking through? Is the current economic situation placing a strangle-hold on your family's budget? Are you facing a terminal illness? Have your kids been sucked into the vortex of a shameless, entitlement-driven, immoral culture? Is your marriage on the brink of collapse?

I know people in every one of these situations.

Satan uses the negative circumstances in our lives to steal our hope. When things look really, really bad for us, we would do well to remember Abraham. Romans 4:18 says, “For Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, hoped on in faith…” Abraham was an old man. Verse 19 goes on to tell us that his body was as good as dead.

Amazingly, Abraham faced the facts but refused to give up his hope. In fact, his faith to father a child actually increased, in spite of the fact that his own body was useless. Romans 4:20 goes on to say, “No unbelief or distrust made him waver or doubtingly question concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. (vv.21)…He was fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.”

When we’re bombarded by doubt, we mustn’t allow mere facts to dilute our hope.

How do we accomplish this? Instead of being imprisoned by hopelessness, God desires for us to become a different type of prisoner. Zechariah 9:12 says, “Turn you to the stronghold of security and prosperity, you prisoners of hope…” A prisoner of hope is captured by the Lord and dwells in the impenetrable stronghold of His hope.

Whatever you're walking through, know this: God wants you to hold on to hope. His hand is not too short. He is at work in spite of how awful things might look. So take courage; stand firm and hold fast. Dare to dream the dreams and hope for the things that He has tenderly placed inside your hope chest.