I married my high school sweetheart a few months after we graduated. He was a draftsman, pipe designer and I became a homemaker and mom of three daughters, grandmother of seven, five beautiful girls and two handsome boys; great grandmother of four; two extra handsome boys and two gorgeous girls. We are very blessed with these gifts of God… and I will add our two furry kids, a Maltese named Snowy and a long-haired Chihuahua Sparky! They are true blessings too!

Through the years the Lord has blessed me and directed me to help certain family, friends and acquaintances with my talents and resources. I enjoy giving an encouraging word, a hug and prayers, food, clothing, nursing care, arranging home, apartment living, teaching art and volunteer gardening. My family and I also sang Gospel music to people in nursing homes, retirement homes and Veteran homes.

I was part of a chorus club singing nostalgic music to retirement homes and enjoyed these ministries immensely! While visiting one of the retirement homes as singers, my husband and I were asked to assist in the management of the home. Our first thoughts were, we could bless their lives but realized we received the greater blessing! Getting to know the elderly is a very great blessing; hearing their stories of triumphs and tragedy and how their great faith in Jesus brought them shining through is amazing!

On my journey of work outside my home, I taught preschool for two years, aftercare for preschoolers for one year. I went back to volunteering, teaching English Second Language for five years. I still communicate with many students, some I had for four years and they speak fluent English. It was such a joy teaching them. They were like sponges, especially learning about our great America and how God has blessed this Nation.

While teaching ESL, writing my lesson plan on my computer, I opened another window and wrote my first devotion, “My Precious Child.” I shared my devotion with students and friends by email. They asked if they could become part of my email list. After sending out about thirty devotions, I was asked, “Are you writing a book?” I was presented an opportunity to write and publish, Loving, Living and Learning From JESUS, my first book with Xulon publishers. I was asked to be contributing author of another book of encouragement for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, “God’s Rainbow Book.”

I want to lift the Name of my Savior Jesus Christ and express my gratitude to Him for saving me and bringing me through triumphs and tragedies with strength and grace only He can provide. I give Him all the glory for my latest assignment, sharing my devotions online with you. It is my greatest hope that I can present Jesus and His great love for you and me as He is seen moving in our everyday lives.

In Jesus’ Love,

Julie