A Christmas Story …
Once upon a time … there was this not so bright CDQ (caffeinated drama queen) author who had this very “bright” idea to write a Christmas story called A Light in the Window. Not just any Christmas story, mind you, but a prequel Christmas story that would tie a pretty bow around two series she’d written about an Irish family with a deep passion for God.
“Oh, it will have everything Christmas,” she exclaimed with hands clasped in delight, “from cookies and snowflakes to angels heralding at night.
Laughter and tears, romance and more, all wrapped up in magic
with a Christmas play fundraiser for the downtrodden and poor.”
As busy as an elf at the North Pole in July, she penned a 115K “novella” that would hopefully make people sigh. Next she badgered her husband to design a cover extraordinaire, complete with the snow globe from the story and her very own daughter with silky-blonde hair.
Dizzy with excitement, she spun into promotion without a single doubt,
whirling and twirling to tell the world what Christmas was all about.
There were blog tours and interviews till her fingers were sore,
all coinciding with proofing and editing and contests galore.
Facebook and Twitter and blurbs kept her busy,
never as an author had she been in such a tizzy.
And then … t’was the night before release and much to her dismay,
Her nerves were all a flutter—what would the reviewers say?
Worry and hand-wringing over rankings and reviews
stole both her sleep and her joy—would they bring good news?
Good news, bad, it didn’t seem to matter, for in her heart of hearts,
gloom descended with a clatter. Stealing her hope, her joy, her peace all aglow,
Until that magical moment when she saw … a light in the window.
A flicker, a flame, the warmth of a still, small voice,
Take your eyes off Amazon, dear author, for you have much to rejoice.
Your true joy lies not in sales or in the approval of men,
But in the birth of a Savior who redeemed you from sin.
So let His light shine brightly within your window aglow on your sill
To spread the warmth of His love and peace, holy and still
To proclaim the true message of Christmas with all of your might,
That it may be a holy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Unfortunately, this Christmas story is true, but happily, ends well. You see, it took my own Christmas story—A Light in the Window—to focus my eyes on what Christmas is really all about. Yes, it’s about family and giving and reaching out to others with our love and our faith, but it’s also about receiving. Receiving His grace and His wisdom to focus on Him rather than ourselves.
Oh, as Christians, we all talk a good game and most of us even trust God and love Him with a passion most pure (sorry, couldn’t resist!), but when it comes to the source we tap for our hopes, dreams and happiness? I suspect most of us—or at least myself, for sure—dip into stagnant holes of our own choosing to make us feel better rather than drawing our sustenance from the Well of Living Water. These stagnant holes can be anything we run to instead of God—be it food, drink, money, approval, success—you name it—and we may not even be aware of just how much of an idol these things have become. I certainly wasn’t fully aware that I was trying to draw my happiness from success as an author, and yet the more I drank from this stagnant hole, the sicker and weaker I became. Sewer water that almost ruined the joy of the beautiful gift God has given me—the privilege of writing for Him!
Today's Giveaway!
So, how is your Christmas season going and what’s your favorite thing about it? Let me know, and you’re entered to win.
And, if it’s too busy to enjoy, let me know that, too, and I’ll pray for you, okay?
And, if it’s too busy to enjoy, let me know that, too, and I’ll pray for you, okay?
BONUS DEAL!
If you haven’t read A Light in the Window or any of my three Christmas novellas—A Whisper of Hope, The Best Gift of All, or The Gift of Grace—do I have a deal for you!
All four are now available in one anthology called A Christmas Stocking Bundle for only 99 cents just for the holidays, so do check it out, okay?
FREE DOWNLOAD!
As a special Christmas gift to those of you who haven’t read my award-winning novel, Isle of Hope, now’s your chance to download it FREE from Dec. 11-13. I am honored to say that Isle of Hope was listed on Family Fiction magazine’s Top 15 Novels of 2015 and currently enjoys a 5-star rating on Amazon with over 262 reviews, so it’s not a dog, I promise! And because it is loosely based on my own dysfunctional relationship with my estranged father and how God healed it, it’s very special to me as well.
Additional Giveaway!
12 TOP-AUTHOR BOOKS & $150 GIFT CARD!
Join me and eleven of your favorite authors for a HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH 12 AUTHORS OF CHRISTMAS giveaway! This is your opportunity to chat online with some of your favorite authors—Hannah Alexander, Tamera Alexander, Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, Denise Hunter, Robin Lee Hatcher, Cara Putman, Deborah Raney, Katherine Reay, Becky Wade, Beth Vogt, & moi—PLUS a chance to win 12 books and a $150 Amazon card! Winners will not be drawn till December 13th, so you still have a chance to enter. Just check out the following link for all the details and GOOD LUCK!
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, and Isle of Hope series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com
Ah, Julie, first, kudos on an outstanding poem! :) Well done!
ReplyDeleteSecond...you get right to the heart of things, don't you? I'm convicted about dipping into my stagnant pool for inspiration and encouragement and the carrying out of dreams. Sigh.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder, and thanks for returning to us here!
LOL, Erica, I tend to be pretty bottom line because this old brain can't deal with too much surface stuff, but then I never could, so I guess I can't blame it on age, although I want to. ;)
DeleteAnd, ah yes, those "stagnant pools"! They look so refreshing from afar, don't they, though?
Hugs,
Julie
Welcome home, my friend! So nice to have you here to spend some holiday time with us, Jules! And I love, love, love the poem... and the truth in the words.
ReplyDeleteYou know, God is good... so good! But we're mere humans and we are saddled with that humanity for good... and for not so good, sometimes. And our growth and peace and hope and love are as much a part of us as anything physical.... we are being molded daily.
What a wonderful post to share for Advent!
We've got fresh Christmas cookies on the sideboard with extra frosting and sprinkles!
COFFEE IS HERE!!!!
Boy, ain't that the truth, Ruthy!! I have learned to appreciate that "mere" humanity because it sure keeps me closer to the One with all the answers, power, and peace! :)
DeleteAnd it's WONDERFUL being back on Seekerville today, so THANK YOU for the opportunity, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
Hi Julie, Love the poem and seeing your fun inspiration again. How fun to be back for a visit. I know folks will love Isle of Hope. It is a wonderful read. Have fun today dear friend.
ReplyDeleteHey, Sandra, gosh, talking to my old buds this morning realllly makes me miss the old days from Seekerville, but time marches on for sure. Miss you all SO much, my friend, and LOVE being back for this brief visit.
DeleteHugs and I wish you and Ed a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season.
Julie
Thank you, Julie, for joining us with heartfelt words of wisdom for this advent season--and the year(s) to come!
ReplyDeleteSo good to "see" you again! :)
Oh, Glynna, I couldn't agree more, my friend! It's wonderful being here, and gosh, I didn't even have to pull my hair out posting this blog today!! But look out, I think sweet Beth Erin might have a bald spot or two ... ;)
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Hugs,
Julie
Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Julie. Very wise words.
ReplyDeleteNo, thank YOU for taking the time to read it, Glynis! I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Julie thank you for your post - a fun read that has made me think about where my focus lies. My Christmas season is on par...trees are up, gifts are bought and mostly wrapped (don't want kiddies to see in bags lol), advent family devotions started. What I love about this year is that my oldest two (6 yrs) are starting conversations about Jesus' birth and other spiritual things. They have also made an effort to wrap a gift for me and its sitting under the tree ( a team effort by the three oldest). Merry Christmas! Lee-Ann B
ReplyDeleteWhoops, Lee-Ann ... I wrote my response to your comment in a new comment below rather than responding here, sorry!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Oh, Lee-Ann, how sweet is that??!! And, goodness, girl ... how many younguns do you have anyway?? I'd be impressed with all you have done if you didn't have any kiddos, but with a houseful? You are doing something awfully right, young lady, so keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and good luck in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
I am so impressed with your poetry this morning. And the story it tells. It's so easy to take our eyes off where they need to be. Thanks for sharing and reminding us we're not alone in that.
ReplyDeleteOh, Amy, isn't that the truth! But like Ruthy said above, that's the terrain "mere humanity" travels.
DeleteThanks for coming by, and good luck in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
Oh Julie, what a cute little poem. And so true! Thanks for sharing with us. My favorite thing about this Christmas season is totally unexpected. I love the idea of having my family together, which doesn't happen often. This year it won't. One son will be home a day or two at Christmas. The other son will also be home a day or two - but not the same days. I was so bummed by this at first. But after praying about it and presuming God would work everything out to make the days jibe, guess what? I am actually looking forward to having them here at different times in order to spend more quality time with each of them. God is so awesome like that. He sees what we need in completely different ways from how we perceive it.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love all your books. (A Passion Denied is still my favorite forever!)
Oh, Cindy, I am sooooo proud of you, my friend!! Talk about putting a smile on God's face, girl -- your attitude surely did just that.
DeleteAnd I remember the first year without my two kids for Christmas. Both had moved out of town, so our happy family Christmas mornings together were now a thing of the past, and it was oh, SO HARD to adapt. But it actually allowed me to focus more on the reason for the season instead of my kids, so God did work it out for good. We do Christmases with Keith's and my family now, then see the kiddos either before or after, so it's all good.
Thanks for your sweet comment about APD -- it's special to me, too, because the subplot about Marcy and Patrick is based on an incident that happened between Keith and me. But as we all know -- God works out all things for our good, so our happy ending was as good as Patrick and Marcy's, I'm happy to say!
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
That is so true Cindy. If we just look we see God's hand in what we think are our disappointments That has happened to me so many time. I get a chuckle out of Him sometimes. He does have a sense of humor.
DeleteI'm on a journey to rediscover the beauty of Christmas. To make it new and life changing again, and not just go through the motions! Thank you for the gifts and the bundle! I can't wait to read them
ReplyDeleteNaomi, good for you, my friend, and I hope I can add to the rediscovery of the beauty of Christmas with a free book, so GOOD LUCK!
DeleteHugs and Merry Christmas!
Julie
Hi Julie! Wonderful to see you in Seekerville again!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of Advent/Christmas is seeing it through my kids' eyes. Watching them enjoy the magic, helping them focus on Jesus rather than gifts, and seeing their joy when they do receive an anticipated gift (that hopefully they will play with for more than a day or two). :)
LOL, Beth, I hear you! My daughter-in-law is begging us not to overindulge the kiddos because they have SO much already and rarely play with anything (but the boxes) for more than a minute or two.
DeleteReading your comment, I do admit to getting a little nostalgic about all the Christmases past that I enjoyed with my kids growing up. Cherish every moment, my friend, because they are gone all too soon.
Hugs and Merry Christmas!
Julie
Oh, gosh, Sharon -- wish I lived by you, girlfriend!! What a wonderful thing to do.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not (and I find it hard to believe now!), but I used to bake over 60 dozen cookies and lots of breads to make cookie plates for neighbors and friends. It was A LOT of work, but I loved it at the time. Now, this household hasn't seen a home-baked cookie in years, which is okay since I like to watch my weight. :)
Hugs and Merry Christmas!
Julie
Julie, this hit home. "Success" is so fleeting. We have to remember why we do this.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you.
Kathy Bailey
Still "Kaybee," nobody else wants to do it
KATHY!! Yes, "success" IS so very fleeting, and I'm happy to say that I've learned (FINALLY!!) the reason for that is because man's definition of success is not the same as God's! ;)
DeleteIt's nice to "hear from you" too, my friend, and SO good to be here today.
Hugs and Merry Christmas!
Julie
Right on. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. LOL Or want our way. Laughing even more. Because in the end His way is always best. sigh
DeleteLovely, Julie!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Advent...a time of anticipation as the whole world awaits, once again, the birth of the Christ Child!
Happy Advent, dear friend! I'm celebrating your success and your wonderful stories that touch hearts and spread a message of hope and forgiveness. Blessings to you and yours!
Oh, Deb, thanks SO much, my sweet friend! You have always been such an inspiration to me with your deep "well" of faith, pouring God's precious water into everyone's lives, including mine.
DeleteI wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season.
Hugs,
Julie
I love your poem Julie it's just so you!! And love your blog so true. I know I myself in the past have look at different avenues for the empty places in myself. I hope you have a merry Christmas my friend!!
ReplyDeleteAmanda Dunseith
AMANDA!! Thank you SO much for coming by! And if I have never told you before, I LOVE your addy, "God's wink"-- makes me smile, which is something you cause me to do a lot whenever I hear from you.
DeleteI wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas as well, my sweet friend, overflowing with God's love and blessings.
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Welcome back Julie. Glad you are here today. You are the one who introduced me to Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas has been a struggle with this being the first with both my parents in heaven. I find myself tearing up more quickly, but I am determined to continue on and celebrate any way. That is what my parents would want. I am still decorating my tree, baking, and working on Christmas cards which got delayed when I did without Internet for two days and will be further delayed today since my friend is picking me up in a few minutes to take me to the ER. I hurt my arm a week ago and it is still painful. I am going in to have it x-rayed.
Life is never a dull moment.
I'll let you know when I find out what is going on.
I am so glad I can depend on the Lord and find my strength in Him.
Oh, Lani, I am SO very sorry about the loss of your parents AND your painful arm! Saying one for you right now, my sweet friend, for healing on that arm and for God to pour His love out on you this Christmas and beyond.
DeleteAnd, no, life IS never dull for sure, but knowing we can depend on God is true reason to rejoice this season and always.
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
Hi Wilani, we are going through the same thing. Not parents as they went awhile ago, but the family we always spent Christmas with. We are simply starting new traditions and have marvelous friends to help us.
DeleteMerry Christmas, dear Julie!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post, and a wonderful reminder of our only true source of perfect contentment.
Thank you!
Right back at you, Jan, and thank you for your kind comment, my friend. No question God IS our "only true source of perfect contentment," for sure! I'm just sorry it took this old gal soooooo long to understand that!!😳
DeleteI wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
YES....as Ruthy says...welcome home, Julie! I've missed you soooo much on here!
ReplyDeleteStill loving your books; just hanging around home with health issues in family!
Julie, I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
xoxo
Aw, Jackie, thank you SO much, my sweet friend! And I'm sorry about the "health issues," but it seems nobody gets off scot-free in that area, doesn't it? Saying one for you right now, girlfriend. :( And I must admit that I've missed being an active part of Seekerville, which makes today all the more special. :)
DeleteI wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season.
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
Hi Julie:
ReplyDeleteOMG! This post was so abundantly creative that I almost shouted, "You go girl".
You may call "A Light in the Window" a 'novella' and a 'prequel' but it is really the most rewarding romance of the seven! I think you are the only romance author to provide the life in detail that came after the HEA! (By detail I mean thousands of pages that almost turn themselves.)
Calling "A Light in the Window" a 'prequel' is like calling a four story deep foundation a 'prequel' to the skyscraper!
BTW: Even though I have all four books in your special Christmas bundle, I still just bought it. It's worth it just to have all those keeper stories in just one place on each of my Kindles.
I hope you feel as excited about Gabe's story. I keep seeing stories on TV about the women pilots in WWII. I saw one the other day about the British women pilots who did the same job.
This reminds me that however much you say about "A Light in the Window", for me it will always be the best gift an author ever gave her readers.
I must say I'm astounded that your church has over 6,000 members! I get nervous when a church gets over 250. I keep telling my wife what the good book mentions in Matthew 18:20:
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
I've always thought of you as a small church person. This is a new light in my window of understanding! I mean doesn't 'less men' foreshadow a smaller and not larger group?
Merry Christmas!
Vince
VINCE!! Gosh, I've missed you, my friend! Although I do pray for you all the time (about your back pain and other health issues), so I hope you are doing better.
DeleteAnd, gosh, I didn't realize A Light in the Window was your fave of my books -- WOW!! I do love it, but I always smile when I think about how it was supposed to be a novella. :)
Thank you for buying the Christmas Stocking Bundle, but you do know you never have to do that, right? I will send you any indie e-books of mine that you want, so just give me the word.
And, YES, I am nine chapters into A Wing & a Prayer, which is Gabe's story during WW2, which I might add, is heavily inspired by YOU!! Gabe starts out as a WASP (your idea), and then stows away on a medical ship to be a war correspondent unbeknownst to her family. I based that on the D-Day Dames, a title given to women who covered WWII at a time when women war correspondents close to the front were frowned upon. One of them actually did stow away on a medical ship to cover D-Day, so I figured if she could do it, Gabe could do it too, right? ;)
Vince, I wish you and yours a VERY happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, my friend, and don't be a stranger!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Hi Julie:
DeleteI was watching "The Great British Bake Off" and learned about the "Doughnut Dollies" in WWII and how they were on the boats at D-Day to provide the front line troops with fresh baked doughnuts-- this even while many of the ships were still unloading. There was a high priority in getting their Doughnut trucks on the beach! These are also amazing women who I think were even more forgotten than the pilots! But not by the troops.
It's a fantastic story:
http://www.allgoodfound.com/2014/05/the-donut-dollies.html
Maybe Gabe can meet up with a Doughnut Dollie or two. Just one surprise after another which delight readers. A tray of fresh doughnuts just might get Gabe into places where the Army might not otherwise let her in.
Yes, "A Light in the Window" is my favorite book but that is because Marcie and Patrick were my favorite couple. But of all seven heroines, I'd take Emma for my own.
So greatful for all your prayers and friendship. I keep working on my health and look forward to each new day. Sure am looking forward to Gabe's story.
Vince
Hey Vince, So great to see you. I really do need to stay in touch. And I see you are still inspiring authors. You go Guy!!
DeleteOh, Vince, I just LOVE you and your AMAZING brain!! I have never heard of the Doughnut Dollies, but I will definitely look them up via your link, my friend.
DeleteLOL ... yes, Marcy and Patrick are my top-favorite couple, too, because they are the heart and soul of the O'Connors AND because I'm a lovestruck Baby Boomer! ;)
I will keep those prayers coming, my friend, and I will definitely send Gabe's story to you when I'm done, okay?
Hugs and more hugs and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Julie
I love that God got a hold of your heart and whispered those words to you; keep your focus (in this case writing) centered on Him! I think that's a lesson we ALL need to learn. Especially in all the "busyness" of the season...why are we celebrating, who is our focus, and what should it be about? I think authors have a unique ministry in bringing God's truths out in the written word. You have no idea how many times a writer has encouraged me through their books in some way or shape. I say, write as if you have an audience of ONE (the Lord)!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for your FB live tomorrow, I'm hoping to remember what time it will be on the West coast and to be ready for you :-) I've had so much fun watching everyone so far!
Please toss my name in the Santa hat for all your giveaways, thank you so much. See ya tomorrow, my friend!!
Hey, Trixi, thanks SO much for coming to the FB Lives, girl -- I hope you win!
DeleteAnd, yes, it IS a lesson we all need to learn, that is if we want to be happy, right?
My FB Live will be on tomorrow at 11:00 AM PST, I believe (I never have been good at time zones even though I worked for a travel company once), so I look forward to seeing you there, my friend. And they are really fun, aren't they? Did you see Tammy Alexander's? Wasn't she a hoot? All of the authors agree that this has been a lot of fun for each of them. So, GOOD LUCK in the Hope for the Holidays giveaway, and GOOD LUCK here too.
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, Trixi.
HUGS!!
Julie
Julie, I love how you've told this real life story of your Christmas that year! I'm so glad you were able to find what you needed during that time (so glad God showed you)!
ReplyDeleteWe're so glad to have you back today!
Thanks, Missy! And ME TOO!!
DeleteIt's really nice being back on Seekerville, so I hope to do this more often than I have in the past.
Merry Christmas, my friend, and God bless!
Hugs,
Julie
Welcome, Julie! It's great to see you here again. That was a great post. I always need to be sure I'm keeping my focus on the reason for Christmas. I am enjoying the time I can to read Christmas books and listen to Christmas music to keep my sanity in this busy time. I am currently doing a two week substitute job for someone on maternity leave in addition to working at the book store, so I'm definitely busy. Please put me in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteHey, Sandy, SO good to see you again, my friend! And SO glad to hear you are enjoying the holidays.
DeleteAnd you work in a bookstore? LOL, call me crazy, but that doesn't sound like "work" to me! ;) Unless, of course, you have another job like you do filling in elsewhere! ;)
You are in the draw, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season.
Hugs,
Julie
JULIE!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm squealing in Longmont! So good to have you in Seekerville again, sweetstuff!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post, I could almost hear you telling the story. I love how the truth of Christmas came to light from A Light In The Window. That book is still one of my most favorite Christmas stories. A classic.
Julie, my friend, Merry Christmas. Please come and visit us more often.
Love ya, cutie!!
AUDRA!!!! Oh my gosh, I'm squealing in Osage Beach, and it's bouncing off the lake (like it's bouncing off your mountains, no doubt!). Gosh, I miss you, my friend, and think of you often because I still have Bud and you on my prayer "hit list" for grace and peace and favor in your jobs, among other things. Hope you all are doing well and that you're getting your writing time in (another of my prayers!).
DeleteYes, I do need to come by more often, and I'm sorry I haven't. Believe it or not, I do subscribe and read many of the blogs when I can, but I seldom comment. Yes, it's true -- I've turned into a lurker. ;)
Love you and wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, my sweet friend, and an even better new year!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
I loved the creativeness of how you told your Christmas story! My Christmas season is going well over all. We always put our tree up on Election Day, and this year we decided to also get all our Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. So we've been set--just enjoying snow days and hot chocolate and family time and Christmas plays.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Lila, I am SO impressed and yes, a little bit jealous, my friend! Good for you! Talk about ahead of the game, girl!
DeleteYou deserve to win, so GOOD LUCK and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Hugs,
Julie
Love this post Julie ,You really got to the heart of what Christmas is about and the problem we have keeping focused on what Christmas is really is about! Our Christmas is going well and my favorite part is spending precious time with family. Another favorite part is the spiritual lessons and inspiration that renews my spirit this time of year. Btw, A Light In The Window is a perfect book for Christmas which touches my heart and inspires my spirit. It should be ranked with The Gift Of The Magi and I'ts A Wonderful Life!
ReplyDeleteAw, Lynne, THANK YOU for your kind comment! LOL ... and how I wish people ranked it with those two classics -- WHOA!!
DeleteI treasure your friendship, my friend, and wish you and yours THE BEST of holiday seasons and new years!
Hugs and more hugs!!
Julie
Thank you for your wise words...my hope for myself and each of my family members is that they would recognize that the only real sustenance is the Living Water. Thank you again for sharing from your heart. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh, AMEN, Anne!! Living Water, indeed, overflowing like a rushing waterfall!!
DeleteGood luck, Anne, in the draw, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie, I so appreciate the reminder. I woke up this morning purposing to put time in the Word first. Since trying to meet deadlines I find myself on my laptop bright and early. As I sought Him this morning in the Psalms I was encouraged. Then turned to my laptop and your post. Jesus spoke to my heart. I needed the reminder. Thank you. I'd love to read your Christmas novel. Cindy Huff
ReplyDeleteOh, cindy, good for you, my friend! I try to do that, too, but I will admit, it's been difficult the last week or two because of all the traveling to see family we've been doing. And don't even get me started on writing time -- zero!! Putting Him first is definitely the key, and I'm going up to do just that as soon as I'm done responding to comments.
DeleteI wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season! And GOOD LUCK in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie, I was so excited when I opened up my emails and saw your name. Welcome back! I miss your posts as they always brought a certain "rev" to the site. Must've been the caffeine, right?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the poem. It teaches us to keep our eyes on the real prize...His love and sustenance.
Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and yours in this holy season.
Marcia
Aw, Marcia, what a kind thing to say, my friend -- THANK YOU!! Definitely the caffeine AND the overabundance of exclamation points and caps, which always drive sweet Myra crazy! ;)
DeleteMerry Christmas to you, too, and the happiest, healthiest, and holiest of new years!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the contest!
Julie
JULIE!!!!! May day has brightened with "seeing" you here! You are truly a gift! May you have a blessed Christmas! ((((HUGS))))
ReplyDeleteCARYL!!! My day is ALWAYS brightened by seeing you and your precious (((((( HUGS ))))))!! I have even taken to doing my hugs like yours at times, so thank you for the inspiration and friendship!!
Delete(((((( HUGS )))))))) ❤️
Julie
Some of the glow of the season has dimmed with the unexpected and very bad cancer news about my father. He will not live much longer. Yet, yesterday he said he was resting in God!!! I have prayed for this my whole life!!! It makes the news easier to bear.
ReplyDeleteJanice
pjrcmoore@windstream.net
Oh, Janice, I am so very sorry to hear this, my friend, and I am praying for both you and your family right now. But PRAISE GOD your dad has found the Lord and now knows His peace. I pray for that same peace to envelop you and your family during this difficult time.
DeleteHugs and more hugs,
Julie
I've done zero decorating for Christmas -- and my family is okay with it. My daughter asked if we could have just a small tabletop tree so we don't have so much to clean up after Christmas. Sounds good to me! My favorite part of this season is the feeling that I can just enjoy being with my family.
ReplyDeleteLOL ... I am sooooo with you, Dianna! I just put up a simple pencil tree and twinkle lights on the hearth, which is light years down from what I used to do, so I'm learning to let go, too, and focus more on the reason for the season and family.
DeleteI wish you and yours a happy,healthy, and holy holiday season!
Hugs,
Julie
I've been so sick this past yr that i am having a tough time getting excited about Christmas, but i do like looking at all the Christmas lights when i am able to get out.
ReplyDeleteOh, Julie, I am so very sorry you've had a rough year, but I hope to make it better since you mentioned Seekerville on my FB Live post, so shoot me an email, my friend.
DeleteHUGS!!
Julie
I love my youngest child’s wonder and excitement during this season. She’s also the most generous out of my four children and it bubbles over during this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a precious child! It's always so fun having someone like that in the family, isn't it? And to see the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of of child is especially uplifting. Thanks for your comment and good luck in the contest.
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Thanks for an inspiring post. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete