First of all, I thank all of you who have prayed for the new school year for me and the boys. Liberty University’s online seminary program seemed to be a gift, at first. Veteran spouse discount, flexible schedule, and almost round-the-clock academic advising via an 800#. I prayed for God to open this door. One … Continue reading When an Open Door is Not His Will
Here in PA, we are expected to hover in the high 90’s all week. In this region, that temperature comes with a damp, rank humidity. On a walk yesterday morning at 8:30am, taking deep breaths seemed counterproductive. I observed birds, sluggishly flying as if their wings absorbed the moisture in the air. You can imagine … Continue reading In This Heat, Plant Your Feet
When I was a young believer reading the Bible for the first time cover to cover in a small group, a woman asked the preacher, “Is it because Julie is new that she is on fire?”. Honestly, I forget how he answered. I am here today to encourage you and correct that thinking. Passion for … Continue reading Passion for Christ, Yours and Mine
To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow-this is a human offering that can border on miraculous ~Elbert Hubbard 17 years of marriage and counting. Our beginning was rough at best. As a child of divorce, I witnessed infidelity, domestic violence and boyfriend after boyfriend who left my mom. Trusting the goodness … Continue reading Marriage is a Miracle Part 2: His Healing and Our Anniversary
First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who prayed for our time away. During the previous three weeks, the mounting pressure at Jason’s job began squeezing the life out of us. As God will press us into new wine, I felt the devil wrapping around our necks, … Continue reading Mountain Vacation Part 1: God Made the Way
I stand silently to listen for the One I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me, For God alone has become my Savior (Psalm 62:1, Passion translation). Little by little, my soul slips downward, toward the pit. I could list specific events, but suffice it to say it is … Continue reading Being Still Helps Me Fight Depression
Paul says, “In your anger, do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). You can breathe a huge sigh of relief. God knows we will get angry. God created our hearts to love our children fiercely. Don’t threaten our babies, or Mama Bear is likely to growl. God created us to love our spouses selflessly, as Jesus loves … Continue reading How do we allow anger and not sin?
Recently, I watched a political debate. One participant calmly with no emotion and no words played a recording of his opponent’s statement taken out of context of a two hour conversation. The bold opponent came forth with emotion and fact, with conviction and purpose. I know it is hard to look at any situation these … Continue reading Are We Humble?
If I am honest, I don’t know where to start. Any words falling out of my mouth are not lovely or noble or praiseworthy. In silence, my heart has shouted against the corrupt police officer whose evil pride murdered a man. In our country, the color blue signifies law enforcement. Blue is now blood-stained and … Continue reading When Your Broken Heart Still Praises
When Jason and I were first married, we drove from Biloxi, MS. to Huntingdon, PA for our holiday vacation. Several hours there and back … my legs quivered like I had been tased or hit by lightening. Tingly, crawly … no matter how I tried to rest or walk it out, the sensation would not … Continue reading Are You Restless?
Julie Dibble, Speaker and Author 