Journal Jots – Blog

Here Comes the Sun …

Ahhhh, summer … we’ve been waiting for it for a long time now, it seems, weathering rain pattern after rain pattern, longing for the WARM. And then finally … one magical day … a golden orb is shining overhead while the scent of lake and Coppertone permeate the air.

Thank you, God!! Especially with my daughter here for a visit!

Now that we’ve moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, we’ve had A LOT of company, which we really love, but it doesn’t give one much time to write, be it a book, novella, or blog, so once again I apologize for the brevity of this Journal Jot. BUT … I do have some news that I hope will make it worthwhile!

I am EXCITED to announce that I will be releasing my new contemporary novel — Unfailing Love, book 1 in my Isle of Hope series — this fall in ebook only, possibly to be followed by paperback later on. Unfortunately, it’s my longest — and most spiritual — book yet (525 pages), so my publisher was interested, but wanted me to cut it way down. However, since it’s somewhat biographical as far as my relationship with my father is concerned and since it was therapeutic for me, I decided it might be best to pub it on my own in its entirety.

I appreciate your prayers for anointing and supernatural productivity because with all the distractions going on right now (revolving-door company, another move in Sept., and a Christmas novella I need to write on deadline), I’m shooting for a release in October, but I have a lot to do between now and then to make that happen.

And speaking of the Christmas novella, I’m hoping to use a subplot for Brady and Lizzie that was deleted from the final O’Connor book, A Love Surrendered, so I hope you like it. It will be a part of the Seeker historial Chrismas collection for release in October as well.

Finally, I will be talking to my agent today regarding my western proposal, which I hope to submit to my publisher soon, so prayers appreciated there as well, for God’s direction.

Anyway, I pray the sun is shining wherever you are, and I’m getting ready to go sit in a kiddie pool with my daughter, so very grateful for the sun/Son — both of them! 🙂

Hugs and Happy Weekend!

Julie

“Let freedom ring.”

— My Country ‘Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith 

Oh, the sounds of freedom! The thundering BOOM of fireworks, the Pop-Pop-Pop of neighborhood firecrackers, the joyous laughter of family and friends. And the whispered prayer of thanksgiving on the lips of the grateful … for the blessings of God and a country in which we are free to worship Him.

My gratitude for our country and heritage knows no bounds, but it’s the freedom of soul for which I am most grateful. He whom the Son sets free is free indeed, and it is this freedom through Christ that causes my heart to pound louder than any deafening burst of color in the sky. For it is this freedom that rings loud and true in my spirit and in my life — a freedom of peace and joy and hope that explodes within higher and brighter than any fiery pinwheels in the sky or any rocket’s red glare.

So, yes, thank you, God, for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. But thank you more for your Son, without Whom no freedom would exist, be it for country or our souls.

Hugs and Happy 4th of July!

Julie

RARE GIVEAWAY!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015 — Come by to see me and leave a comment on my Seeker blog for a chance to win your choice of any of my books!

RECENT FRIEND ENCOUNTERS!

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of spending time with two of my dearest friends, Bonnie Roof and MaryLu Tyndall in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, and it was a true highlight of our vacation!! MISS YOU GUYS!!

And mega thanks to sweet Abbie Sloane from the state of Washington, who came to see me while she was on vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. We had soooo much fun chatting!!

Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless.

Cultivate God-confidence.

–1^st. Corinthians 10:12, Message Bible

You know, there was a time when I would NOT go anywhere — not even the mailbox — without lipstick and fixing my hair. I am now four months away from turning 65 and all I have to say is:

What a monumental waste of time!!

A waste of time to put my confidence in things like pretty clothes, a stylish haircut, or how many books I sell. Oh, don’t get me wrong — those things are nice and feel good for the moment, but they focus on self, and focusing on self is never the way to true confidence.

That is only one of the many invaluable lessons I learned during my 8-month sabbatical, and a lesson God used to set me free from a lie all of us believe all too readily.

That “self”-confidence = happiness.

Please understand me — I’m not against self-confidence. We all need it in a world where we have to stand up against trials, challenges, etc. But the truth is real “confidence” — the kind that keeps us steady and strong through adversity — doesn’t come from self. It comes from the God Whose strength thrives and grows in the midst of our weaknesses and inabilities.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

 — 2nd Corinthians 12:9

Isn’t it just like God to counter our “self-confidence” with a statement that true power and strength can only come when we are weak? Ever wonder why He did it that way? Sure, we all know it’s because He wants us to focus on Him and trust Him in all things, but I also believe He wants us to understand that all those things we DO put our trust and confidence in — appearances, money, success, and even family or a good marriage — only encumber us with false hope and trust in things that can never fully provide the joy and peace we seek.

After almost sixty-five long years, it took me laying many of those things down (although a more accurate statement would be “it took God prying my fingers open to make me let go of those things!”) before I realized that true confidence does not come from anything to do with me AT ALL, but in trusting God for His strength and power to become the woman, Christian, wife, mother, friend, sister, author He wants me to be.

A liberated one.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

— John 8:32

And that “truth” is, that the only confidence that will buoy you up and keep you afloat is “God-confidence.” To know deep down to the core of your being that in the midst of anything, be it trial or blessing, He loves us and wants to bless us abundantly, exceedingly more than we hope, think, or pray. So the next time you’re in a position that needs confidence, toss the “self” away and go for God’s confidence instead.

Hugs and Happy Weekend!

Julie

MEGA HUGS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME TO THE “TIME FOR TEA & ROMANCE” TEA PARTY THIS WEEK. I thought I’d show you the two fun pix my talented hubby made for me for the tea party, which made it all the more fun!

I had a blast, so I hope you did too. I wish everyone could have won, but the winner of the Heart of San Fran trilogy, Ghiradelli chocolates, and a Starbucks gift card was Susan Stitch. SUPER CONGRATS, SUSAN!

ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS LEFT !!

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