I wrote about that in a devotional that was published in The Upper Room, and I would be honored if you'd take a look at that devotional and join in on the comments on that page.
God does take us down various paths "on our walk" with Him, and I enjoyed my time of serving Him while volunteering with the youth group for many years.
Please click here to read.
Also, please take a look at "more from Julie Lavender" and you'll see pictures of the two grandmothers that encouraged me while "on my walk with God" as a youngster. I'd be delighted if you'd check that out, also.
Thank you, as always, for reading. I treasure each one of you!
Julie, I just stopped by to read some of your blog. I loved your devotional too. We all were blessed today. Love to you my sister!������
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cherie!! My husband is a biologist, so I enjoy writing about how God's creations teach me lessons! I hope you'll enjoy some of the posts - I just think God is so amazingly creative, that I just adore all of his masterpieces - even the ones I'm slightly afraid of, I can still appreciate their beauty! Thank you so much for commenting!!
DeleteJulie just found your blog from your Upper Room post. I can relate but it’s also encouraging to see you seek to answer God’s call. There’s a reason children of every age “misbehave”.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail!! I appreciate your comments, and I'm so glad you found my blog. I love sharing what God teaches me through His creations! And being married to a biologist helps me when I'm out walking, because though I love and appreciate God's creations, I'm also sortof a scaredy-cat when it comes to some of those creatures! Thanks for "visiting" and for commenting! I really appreciate it!
DeleteWonderful devotional thoughts Ms. Julie. Pouring into our children, especially other peoples children, can be most challenging sometimes. Yet, the greatest challenges often bring the greatest reward ma'am. Wonderful to see how you've proven this time and time again.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right - challenging, yet oftentimes more rewarding to me, I believe, than anything I contributed to them! And fortunately, I was blessed to have WAY more fond memories than the difficult ones … but some of the difficult ones were extremely difficult for sure! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteI loved the parallel you drew between the biblical Lois and Eunice and your own grandmother. My grandmother wasn't a believer, but she taught me respect for God and reverence for spiritual things. Her teaching paved the way for me to understand the personal nature of a relationship with Christ. Thanks for reminding me of this today.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your grandmother had that positive influence on your life, Lori! An actually, my dad, the only child of my paternal grandmother, chose to not go to church after he and my mom married, and only went on special occasions - and I don't mean Christmas and Easter - it was times like if we were singing in the choir as kids or something like that. He claimed to believe, but, he missed out on the wonderful meeting of believers and fellowship. So that makes me treasure even more the grandmothers and mother that were faithful to take us to church and live out their faith before us. Thanks for sharing with me!
DeleteCongratulations on your devotion being published with the Upper Room. That's outstanding. I don't have an online subscription, but I think I'll get the trial so I can check out your devotional. Thanks for sharing it here.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joshua - I was thrilled because of that special memory of my childhood! It kinda makes me feel like I've come full-circle with my younger, Christ-follower self! A nice treat from God!
DeleteI think it is great that your grandmother's name actually was Eunice. Thanks for choosing to bless young people, even when it is tough. God will reward that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've always thought that was special, too, Joanna!! Thank you for your kind words! I do know that I am so very appreciative of the adults that poured into my own children's walk with the Lord, so, I'd like to think that I contributed to other kids' walk with God!! Thanks for commenting!
DeleteGreat story! I read it earlier. An interesting fact, a lot of times when the Bible speaks of the eye or eyes it is referring to or perspective. It is easy to have the wrong perspective in any situation. Only God can change the way we see things and people. Thanks for your perspective!
ReplyDeleteGosh, you are so right, Stephanie! And, I certainly did have the wrong perspective about that situation, and God helped me "see" the one I should've had, with that crazy contact incident! Thanks for commenting, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I really relate to this post! Some days I grow weary and question the "why" of my vocation. Thank you for the shift in perspective. Peace and grace, Tammy
Oh, what a blessing you must be to so many! I pray for teachers SO very often - I taught school for six years before becoming a stay-at-home, homeschooling mommy, and I have much respect for teachers! May He continue to bless and use you to further His kingdom, one little one at a time!
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