"That's Life" vBlog w/Julie Barnhill

Listen If You Dare! A Woman's REAL Christmas Letter

2011-12-14T15:39:00.002-06:00

Ever read one of those annual Christmas missives from friends and acquaintances and felt like you life was altogether lame and mediocre? Yeah, me too. Here's to hearing (and reading) it the way it really is; let's bless others with a little authenticity and humor shall we?

What Happening in 2012, Some Changes

2011-12-13T14:52:00.000-06:00

I'm changing up my 2012 (not 21012, as I so typo'd in a recent newsletter) speaking/booking and am looking forward to the places I'll go and the people I'm going to meet. More than anything I want to impact others through laughter, joy, hard-earned wisdom, simple biblical truth, and honesty, in and through the totality of my life as follower of Jesus Christ. If our paths cross in '12 or beyond, be sure to introduce yourself and prepare yourself to be hugged.

Joy to the World & Something You May Not Know

2011-12-12T09:17:00.000-06:00

Tis the Season so here's a little something to help you win Christmas trivia games as well as a 2-second snip of Julie singing. : )

The Annual Christmas Letter

2011-12-01T13:47:00.002-06:00

Does anyone writing and mailing out these holiday missives have an "ordinary" life? Upon reading through a couple dozen or so, I often feel the need to push candy canes through my eyeballs and grab a gallon of eggnog. But maybe it's just me.

How to Pray God's Word

2011-11-28T10:45:00.000-06:00

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by doubt? fear? ambivalence? crushing temptations? sin? If so, dare to speak...dare to pray...dare to agree with by faith the scriptural truth of the Bible and discover for yourself the supernatural power of His word to strengthen, reveal, correct, direct, and guide the totality of your life.

Guess Who's On My Thanksgiving List? You!

2011-11-22T13:41:00.001-06:00

Plus Elvis and non-existent kitty videos.

Saying "No" to God

2011-11-21T14:21:00.002-06:00

Obedience isn't always the first thing we want to do nor the first thing we choose to do.

Do's & Don'ts for Deer Hunting Widows, Moms, and Friends

2011-11-18T16:15:00.002-06:00

Sage advice from one of America's foremost experts on what NOT to do.

Things I Would Only Do During a Zombie Apocolypse

2011-11-17T16:08:00.000-06:00

It's always good to have a plan.

Am I Content or Just Lazy?

2011-11-15T09:14:00.002-06:00

Thoughts on ambition & letting go

"This is Just a Test!" & A Prayer for the Brokenhearted

2011-11-09T15:02:00.001-06:00

Chocolate Pecan Turtles & Following Hard After Jesus

2011-11-07T11:19:00.002-06:00

Baked Potato Dreams & God....trust me on this one

2011-11-03T11:31:00.002-05:00

Who knows what may come from dreams.

A Jesus Girl Confession

2011-11-01T11:53:00.002-05:00

Some honest thoughts...

A Man, a Nail, and a Reformation

2011-10-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

Who says one person can't change the world? Here's to Martin Luther, the power of a hammer, and uncompromising proclamation of truth .

The Connection Between Food & Friendship

2011-10-27T12:24:00.001-05:00

Living the Sweet Life...

2011-10-26T16:29:00.003-05:00

Or, what to do when the Pastry Chef gives you the wrong filling in your daughter's wedding cake.

You Had Me at Dishes

2011-10-26T16:28:00.000-05:00

The beauty of time, experience, and history when it comes to friendships.

Notes to My Younger Self: "Put Down the Dip!"

2011-10-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

What do Brooke Shields, epic Talent Show fails, and Rembrandt have in common? Listen and learn, Grasshopper...

A Bit of Perspective. A Lot of Thankfulness.

2011-10-12T07:35:00.000-05:00

A slightly teary-eyed Mother-of-the-Bride post.

Toilet Seats, More Fabric, & Devil Tees

2011-10-04T17:56:00.000-05:00

Oh, the things you say as the mother of a teenage boy.

Radar Equipped Ovaries, Non-Sexual Fantasies, & Choosing to Live Present

2011-10-03T15:06:00.000-05:00

Whew! It's only taken me 24-years of marriage & motherhood to learn how to become a "We" rather than a "me." Here's to you learning a bit more quickly.

Toddlers vs. Teenagers...

2011-09-30T13:03:00.002-05:00

Their more alike than you may realize!

Loser Mom Moment & Glorious Public Libraries!

2011-09-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

How did I miss this lesson with Child #3 (a/k/a "The Teenager")?

MOPS, Ovaries, and Grace Towards Moms

2011-09-27T13:53:00.002-05:00

A challenge to be grace...think grace...speak grace...extend grace towards moms of toddlers & teens. *SMILE*

Things I Know to Be True

2011-09-27T13:52:00.002-05:00

Sometimes life simply is what it is.

Less Snooki. More Thinking.

2011-09-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

Hey, there's an exciting world (with its ever-changing events and influence) going on before your very eyes. Here's to tuning in to said reality via book reading, online research, and good old fashioned thinking. Let's be Christian Women Who Think! (And men too, of course.)

The Aroma of Life...Here and There

2011-09-21T12:27:00.002-05:00

It's not about kicking out more check-marks on your to-do list. It's about abiding...being...and relaxing into the fragrant presence of Jesus Christ.

Oompaloompa Healing & Getting Older

2011-09-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

That's Life w/Julie...and Oprah! (sorta)

2011-09-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

Somedays I have to call up my understudy.

Happy Hoodie Day!!

2011-09-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

Because sometimes it's all about the comfort.

Words You Can Live With

2011-09-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

You never know what changes await just around the corner of life. I encourage you to speak with great intentionality and purpose words which you can live with and set well with both your soul and those listening.

Ferry Boat Pilots, a Woman Named Karla, & Numbering Our Days

2011-09-12T19:57:00.001-05:00

Lessons learned over a poignant weekend.

Wedding Gown Alterations & "Damien" Jr.

2011-09-09T14:28:00.000-05:00

God has a Name...

2011-09-08T17:35:00.002-05:00

and it's not the one you hear most frequently on television, in movies, or posted on a FB Wall.

Let Mercy Triumph: A Post-Family Labor Day Prayer smile

2011-09-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

Slingshot Strategies for Facing Those Giants

2011-09-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

Two simple and doable strategies to use at your discretion. Each one is powerful enough to fell more than one Goliath.

You've Got Giants and They're Bringing Their Friends

2011-08-31T16:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever played the carnival/amusement park game called, "Whack-a-Mole"? Armed with a soft mallet club one attempts to "whack" furry mechanical moles as they pop up from their cubby and show their little rodent face. Up one springs! Whack. And another and another. Whack! Whack! And another and another and another and anot....okay, you get the point.

Here's the thing: the Giants* we face are a lot like those whackable moles. We see the one in front of us. Perhaps view another w/our peripherary vision. But like those furry rodents, there are countless other relatives of said giant which we'll need to face down and stand up against.

A young teenage boy named David did just that: faced one giant only to stand against its relatives a few years later in life. You're going to be encouraged as you learn of God's faithfulness in preparing us both to will and to do all that is required when gazing at a Goliath.

Would You Rather? Choosing to Face Our Giants

2011-08-30T14:52:00.000-05:00

Got Giants? A "giant" is anything that exalts itself in our minds, pretending to be bigger and more powerful than God in our life. A few that have made the list in my life? Parents (mine). School Administration. Church leadership. Finances. Other moms (some of those can be seriously scary!). And good old fear.

Living a Charmed Life

2011-08-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Who are the people and what are the events which are engraved upon the memory of your heart and mind?

Praying for You

2011-08-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

So many responded to my FB post: What are YOUR needs and how can I pray for you? It is my joy to do just that.

Laugh with Me Wednesday!

2011-08-24T09:46:00.000-05:00

Join me for some "185" quirky pun fun. Add your samples to the mix too.

Gold Rings, Oscar Schindler, and Saving a Life

2011-08-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

"Whoever saves one life saves the entire world." What can you do today to make a difference in someone's life? What will you choose to do, or believe, or speak, that will shape the generation(s) still yet to be born? Do great things!

Shaking Hands (my son, that is) with POTUS Obama

2011-08-19T22:50:00.000-05:00

It was an exciting day for my son as he met and engaged in a brief conversation with The President: POTUS, "You're a tall kid!" My son, "You're taller than I thought you'd be." POTUS, "Yeah, I get that a lot."

Four Things Christians Should Say More Often

2011-08-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

I've come to embrace the following conversational tenets as the result of failing to do so far too often in my own life and with those I love & those I desire to reach with truth. I'm practicing what I speak, teach, and write, more and more as the years pass and hopefully you'll implement a few of these as well.

Children's Birthdays, Reading Glasses, and the Moon

2011-08-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

On Life & Books, Glorious Books!

2011-08-18T00:22:00.000-05:00

It's impossible to talk "Life" without including the subject of books! Here are a few titles which have left an idelible mark upon my reading life, I think you'll enjoy them as well!

How to Say "No" Like You Mean It, Part 3

2011-08-18T00:17:00.000-05:00

Do you really want to Chair the Committee on Toilet Safety? Do you really want to be run over as a parent by your 3-year old? Or 13-year old? I didn't think so! Learn to embrace the beauty of the "No" by adding these "...and no" retorts to your repertoire.

The Hunger Games Now Showing On Your Favorite HD Flat Screen

2011-08-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

The Death of Beverly Hills Housewife's Husband: Russell Armstrong

The Hunger Games is broadcast every day on local cable; we're simply too dull, desensitized, & spiritually bankrupt to recognize our participation. I'm guilty of having tuned into this particular program. Guilty of compromising my humanity & theirs while watching the entertainment/debacle from a comfortable Coliseum seat in my own living room. No more. I'm done. God help us all be finished with such things.

How to Say "No" Like You Mean It - Part 2

2011-08-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

Some people need what I refer to as a "Repertoire of Retorts" to help them communicate "no." So here you go, a few to help launch your "That's a negatory," self. : )

Say "No" Like You Mean It

2011-08-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

Have you ever found yourself volunteering for a job you really don't want? Or perhaps found yourself arguing with a three-year old and wondering to yourself, "Good grief, who's the adult here?" You CAN learn how to say "No" with confidence, grace, and creativity!

I Dare You to Delight in the Ordinary

2011-08-10T15:17:00.000-05:00

‎"Who knew rolling out homemade egg noodles could inspire a Vblog. Feel free to post your own sacred observations in your delightfully ordinary life."

"Have You Lost Weight?!" and Other Nerve Racking Comments

2011-08-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

People mean well but sometimes, well, sometimes their words just don't rest so easy on the soul. Take a few minutes to chuckle along with me and share any "less-than-ideal" comments and phrases that come to mind.

The Call to Honor Others

2011-08-08T12:04:00.001-05:00

Honor: When & where you recognize who a person is without stumbling over who they are not. From whom have you withheld honor? And how can you honor them today?

A How-to Audio Primer for Belting Out a Fabulous Rally War Cry

2011-08-03T06:14:00.001-05:00

mother & member of the human race should be equipped and prepared to let loose a audio barrage of sound whilst cheering their favorite child, sports team, or Marine troops. Listen and learn, Grasshopper.Every mother & member of the human race should be equipped and prepared to let loose a audio barrage of sounery mother & member of the human race should be equipped and prepared to let loose a audio barrage of sound whilst cheering their favorite child, sports team, or Marine troops. Listen and learn, Grasshopper.whilst cheering their favorite child, sports team, or Marine troops. Listen and learn, Grasshopper.Every mother & member of the human race should be equipped and prepared to let loose a audio barrage of sound whilst cheering their favorite child, sports team, or Marine troops. Listen and learn, Grasshopper.

A Mess of Magnificent Proportions!

2011-08-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

We all have a messy side to our face. Messy life. Messy faith. We just don't all put it out there for the neighbors or Youtube world to see. That's my job! *smile* Here's to each of us embracing said messes and determining to follow all the more toward Jesus.

What Not to Say Advice to Men

2011-08-01T13:57:00.000-05:00

Three words a man should never use when attempting to describe or compliment a female of any age or relation.

Shuddup! On Relationships, Conversation, and All Things Timing

2011-07-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

46-Years Old & Still Laughing!

2011-07-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Get Ready (Already)!!!

2011-07-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ever had a dream that just stuck with you leaving an indelible, "I know, I know," message? Yep. Me too.

On getting "heeled" by Gangsta Grandmas at the grocery market and faith.

2011-07-15T15:01:00.000-05:00

Learning to Carry My Marine Son's Alice Pack

2011-07-15T07:31:00.001-05:00

"My day was spent learning a thing or two regarding the superb packing mechanism referred to in Marine circles as an Alice pack. Sometimes it's hard to believe it's my son rolling up those skivvies in such a neat and compact fashion. And to top it off, Patrick decked out in his brothers gear (photos to come) and it nearly took my breath away. Love, love, love, my boys and the proud men and women of our U.S. Armed Services."

2011-07-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

Tell Me Your Story:

2011-07-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

I believe four of the most powerful words one can speak to be the following: Tell Me Your Story. After 10+ years of speaking those very words & then listening and/or reading the responses of tens of thousands of women, I'm ready to harness the power of video web cams/FB/Skype and make these intensives available to you. Listen in for more information and find online details at my website: www.juliebarnhill.com/store.

"In the Middle"

2011-07-12T12:35:00.002-05:00

Give Them Something To Eat: On seeing, living, & giving from what you have rather than what you seemingly lack.

2011-07-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

Tell Me Why You Like & Visit My Blog

2011-07-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

When Compelled...They Did Something

2011-07-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Oh, You're Going to Want to Join Me For This! (September 2012)

2011-07-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

September 2012 Fall Foliage Cruise w/Julie

What I'm All About

2011-07-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

Getting Over Guilt in Your Parenting

2011-07-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

In the Totality of Our Parenting: Answers on Mothering & Anger

2011-07-05T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm Back (yes, again) & I'm Video Blogging!

2011-07-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

New Year, New Posting Opportunities

2011-01-31T00:57:00.000-06:00

Okay, my faithful followers, over the course of the next few hours (hopefully), and/or days, I'm going to meld blog postings from two other sites with this, my primary landing spot for all-things blogging.

Yes, I confess to being a sorry blogger. But, hey, it's a new year, a new day, and I'm feeling good. (Head nod to Mr. Buble.) So, check back in a few and read some posts from several years back, as well as updated takes on running hard after Jesus.

Connected

2010-03-08T18:56:00.003-06:00

"Julie, it's just not natural for someone to be as knotted up in the shoulder and neck area as you are presenting." And thus confirmed by Dr. McMurry was my body's need for something to give. Literally. Hence, my appointment today with Jane, an Occupational Therapist & MFR (Myofascial Release) Practitioner.

"MFR" what? You may be wondering. Well, here's a super-duper quick overview simiar to the education I received today.

"Fascia is a specialized system of the body which has an appearance similiar to a spider's web or sweater. It's very densely woven and interpenetrates every structure of our body. It is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from your head to your feet without interruption. [Amazing, huh?] Trauma or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures [huh?] and/or organs. Since all of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, etc., do not show the fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pains, headaches, and/or lack of motion [me! me! me!] may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed." (As noted in non-referenced photocopy material given by Jane the Occupational Therapist.)

And while all of the above is indeed fascinating my interest lies more in discovering MFR's actual success rate when it comes to alleviating near constant neck & shoulder pain and increasing limited mobility in my life.

Three times I've injected my spine with steroids (well, not me personally, I let a doctor help.)

I've filled numerous prescriptions and swallowed horse-size anti-inflammation pills. (No small feat, mind you.)

While pacing the living room carpet in an effort to ward off intense discomfort at 2:34 AM., I've dialed 1-800 numbers and purchased cheap plastic "ONLY $19.95! Back Savers!"

And I still hurt.

Hence Jane getting personal with my fascia. *smile*

After mandatory forms were properly noted and at the end of a lovely give-and-go conversation regarding my symptoms (a lengthier time period than any of my visits with previous Dr.'s combined!) it was time for Release.

Over the course of 40-minutes or so, Jane applied sustained pressure to various tissue areas of my body. While doing so, she encouraged me to relax and to visualize the tissue restriction (i.e. pain/tightness/pull) sofening like "butter melting." (Stop rolling your eyes, I can see you through the monitor.) She engaged and manipulated the tissue restrictions presented (oh, boy, did they present) by moving gently into them, then gently (there was no barbaric pressure, whew!) elogating or telescoping to facilitate and follow the tissue as it released.

As she did her MFR thing I was struck by a few realities:

1. I do not know how to visualize my body tissue as "melting butter." Picturing butter on a cob of sweet corn? You betcha. But not so much the inner dynamics of my physical make-up. Which led me to the following...

2. I do not naturally follow very well. Again and again, I noticed I wanted to "anticipate" how and where my body would relax. I wanted to be ahead of the game. And when, on occassion, I did "go with it," as soon as I thought, "Hey, I'm going with it," BOOM! back to Tissue Control Girl became I. (I'm pretty sure that's not proper grammar or sentence structure but we're going to let it go.) Good grief, can you say, "Control Freak"?! And then in the midst of stretching fascia and self-loathing the following scripture verse came to mind....

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. ~Psalm 139:13

The densely woven, sweater like tissue was formed, was connected, was "knit together" by the very will and creative hand of God.

Me! A woman who since earliest childhood has always detested biological "Family Tree" projects. For mine more closely resembles a stump.

Father unknown.
Ethnicity unknown.
The attempted grafting of half-brothers and sisters relationships largely unsuccessful.
Rootless.
A stump I tell you, a stump.

But today, in the somewhat sterile and oh, so, humbling (um, standing in ones skivvies before a complete stranger will certainly do that for you) confines of an office suite, God saw me. He tenderly and kindly warmed the soul of this self-confessed, control-freakish, 44-year old woman with the sweater of Divine connectedness.

And for that, I am most thankful this late evening.

It's All About Relationship

2010-03-04T23:45:00.005-06:00

I've typed...backspaced (I'm still old-school IBM Electric trained)...typed....backspaced, at least a half-dozen times over the past few minutes. There's something I want to say. Something I must say. But for one of the few times in my cyber-life, I'm nearly speechless.

What my fingers and mind are attempting to do is splatter this page with the joy welling up and overflowing in my heart and emotions right now. But each time I try, well, it falls flat. So, I'll just tell you what has happened and leave sentence structure and threads to another post.

Yesterday I spent the better part of six-hours scanning and posting photographs from high school days as well as college. Dozens of confirmed "friends" posted comments and more than a few sent an invite. I was about to wrap things up when a high-school friend's name popped up in the IM (Instant Message) FB window. This was a girl who could make me laugh so hard I'd nearly get kicked out of class or be given a death-ray stare from basketball coache who didn't appreciate my inattentiveness to the zone defense at hand.

I hadn't spoken to or with Tracy since 1983 and there she was in front of my screen.
So we began conversing while I clicked over to her Wall. Her status garnered my attention and I thought, "I bet she's a Christian." It didn't take us but 20-seconds or so into our conversation when she confirmed just that and told me about her desire to "run hard after Jesus," too. Well, I was over-the-moon thrilled and before the night ended we exchanged emails and I've no doubt we'll keep in touch.

That was great yet better still while trolling through her friends list I came across the brother of one of my high school friends who I've been trying to get in touch with for years. I sent a friend request and e-mail message and hoped Doug would forward his sisters contact information to me. Sleep beckoned so I shut down both the computer and my brain and waited until the following day or so for his response (if any).

Small group bible study kept me active until early afternoon today and then travel details for an event this weekend. At last, I was able to plop down in my favorite chair and head directly to FB. Weeding through comments and tackling some "I'm-not-a-Ph.D-but-I'll-sure-listen-and-pray-for-you" counseling, I then saw he had clicked "Accept."

Quicker than a scrolling heartbeat, I picked up on a Wall post he had written and thought, "That sounds sorta Jesusy." A few more clicks here. A blog-post reading moment there. And sure enough this young man whom I remember as an adorable 6 or 7 year-old, is now a "running hard after Jesus" with his Jesusy wife right there beside him.

Amazing.

And all together humbling.

You see, I'm sitting here with my eyes closed typing because I want to feel...FEEL...the magnitude and ferocity of God the Father's love and pursuit of those He created. I'm also closing my eyes and shaking my head a bit back-and-forth a bit as I can do nothing but confess, "Lord, I know I've pridefully thought my beloved hometown and those I have cared about for so long somehow required me to really get it...to really get You."

Nope. That's not the case. Jesus seems to be doing just fine with the Father and the Spirit. As well as countless individuals strategically placed in each of our lives to shape us and lead/point to Him.

Tonight something has happened in my faith, to my faith, and for my faith that I can't begin to articulate. A weird lesson in humility cloaked in joy. There's a sense of release, while at the same time, a re-inforced urgency to stop dinkin' around with that which is holy...eternal...and relationship.

"For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to do His good pleasure." ~Philippians 2:13

But Give Me Only....

2009-08-04T10:42:00.002-05:00

In June 2000, I prayed that the following would be found in my life:

"Two things I ask of of you, O Lord;
do not refuse me before I die;
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the Lord?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God." ~Proverbs 30:7-9

Sounds nice and Christian-y, don't you think?
Humble.
Even a tad holy.

So here it is nine-years down the road and the past twelve months have been a living, breathing, day-by-day, test labratory of what I said I wanted. Of what I prayed to the God of the Universe for, or not so much.

Month after month of no "riches" (i.e. amply replenished checking and savings accounts; 18+ months pre-booked speaking calendar; book contracts; royalty checks flush with sales)....and more than a few periods of, "How are we going to handle these expenses!" systemically threatened & then destroyed any vestige of whacked-out "North American Middle-Class Financially Self-Sufficent Faux-christianity" remaining in my belief system (a system which I'd adhered to far more years than I want to admit), despite that nice, Christiany, humble, and just a tad holy petition in 2000.

There's been no life-altering ah-a insight either. Well, not of the, "I Had a Difficult Four-Months and Then Jesus Fixed Everything and Now I Have a Million in My Bank Account & a Mercedes in My Driveway," sort. Nope. Life is moving forward moment by moment and day by day sounding a bit more and more like this...

"God, I trust you to provide--through honest work, financial wisdom, and supernatural blessing--what I and my family need this day: shelter (i.e. rental home, utilities), food (um, 6'1", 14-year olds consume a lot), and various provisions (gasoline, car repair, college tuition loans.) Thank-you."

Crazy, huh? I know, boy do I know, as I've asked myself a time or two, "Now why did you feel the need to pray those scripture truths? Why didn't you pick something to do with maintaining humility & riches?" Why pray, "not so much," from God? Because time after time, my sense of security and provision either snuggles up close or flies the coop when it come to positive/negative checking account balances, savings records, retirement plans (I'm afraid we've never made it too far with the establishment thereof), book contract advances & royalties, and even the amount of loose change I can or can not find squirreled away in random places. Pathetic, huh?

For today, and I suspect for many more to follow, I will continue to trust Him with today and learn to nestle into the Secure Provider whom all good and perfect things come from.

Mother's Day

2009-05-01T10:02:00.001-05:00

LOVE IT!

The Thought Police Are Trying to Arrest Me

2009-04-20T23:44:00.004-05:00

I couldn't help but think of this oldie after reading THIS article online.

Okay, this should make all of us sit up and take notice. The slippery slope of covert political correctness has left the building, folks! And an Olympic sized disdain and (dare I say it?) hatred has taken its place as it hurls along at warp luge speeds; shamelessly ranting and hurling insults while all but demanding dissenting voices be silenced.

Or at the very least, not crowned.

Very few things get me to shaking my head; but this was a no-brainer. We're gonna wish it was just the dream police coming to arrest us one of these days.

My Thoughts Are All a'Twitter

2009-04-17T17:05:00.007-05:00

So, the other day I was watching the Susan Boyle video on YouTube and crying like half the world. Man, did she crank it out of the ballpark or what?! I just love it when moments like that happen. Unexpected. And all together delightful.

Then, of course, came all manner of online comments, blogposts, editorials, and such. One in particular captured my attention. It's the kind of writing and insight which makes one wish they had written as it was spot on in every way. Yes, we are an image-centric world and yes, beauty supercedes, well, a lot. Tis all true, as well as this thought strand which developed along with the first: Is the Christian marketplace/talent pool really any different? Really?

I remember reading a book titled, The Wind in the Wheat, years ago. It was a warning wrapped in fictional rebuke exposing, if one believed, the not-so-different parameters of Christian music and its talent. The story bothered me; partly because I desired to be "in" such an element someday (not music, I knew my vocal limits even as a teen), but more so getting under my skin and causing me to take another hard look at the photographic images of my own favorite "artists" and "writers."

May I just honestly say that very few, if any, were homely.

So what's my point in all this?

That Photoshop should go the way of the darn albums spun backwards? And Spanx and MAC Studio Fix relegated to a burn pile?

Uh, no. My point is simply this, it's hard not to get caught up in the hypersuperficiality of this present marketing system. Be it TV. Podcasting. Speakers. Musical artists. Or any other genre. It's hard not to measure yourself (and others) by said superficiality. But I think we have to do just that. Step away from all the Botox'd "I'm-gonna-look-like-I'm-25-forever" imagery ALL around us and settle back into what's important. Step away from the Professional Christian aura we may come to believe about others and ourselves!

Here's where I am as of April 17, 2009: God is urgently compelling me to leave behind the "personality/brand" centered huggabaloo of the past and to embrace instead a "value-mission driven" purpose which naturally flows out and into my real world community/online dwelling place/and speaking and writing relationships and projects.

What an sweet, sweet, place this is to be at age 43. No more striving. Just rest which my soul has longed for as many years as I am old. Rest. Contentment. And a renewed passion for Jesus--just Jesus. I never believed too much that the world HAD to have my latest book. And while I teetered a bit with fauxtoriety, when it's all said and done, I'm just the same girl who at age six wanted to run hard after Jesus.

I'm rethinking and RE-EMBRACING truths I knew long, long, long, ago & which I laid a bit to the wayside during four years in particular. Four years which by all outward appearances were "blessed." Well, God and I know different and it is only by His grace and determined pursuit of discipline in my life that those years were redeemed for anything meaningful.

Four years wandering here and there, all the while talking & quoting scripture and landing killer marketing ops.

Four years hearing the Spirit of God whisper say only this, "Duplicity, duplicity, duplicity."

Four years of increasing divine silence.

Four years of covert rebellion.

Four wasted years for kingdom purposes.

How thankful I am for the truth of II Timothy 2:13, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." I look back on those years and see Him. All four books written during those years are out of print. So be it if it means I follow more closely to Him. Relationships counter to the purposes of God during those years are gone too. So be it also, for neither man nor woman can lead, direct, guide, or inspire the way that He is able. (And yes, I'm including myself in that statement.)

1. Why do you think people are so amazed when an ordinary woman (or man) displays incredible talent?

2. Has there ever been a time when you realized others were caught off guard by the talent, wit, intelligence, humor, or ability, you demonstrated in a specific area of life? Why were they surprised?

3. What has been lost or taken from you that you can look back on and say with absolute peace, "So be it."

4. Is there any area of your life in which the Spirit of God is whispering, "duplicity." If so, are you willing to let it go and to quit toying with it? What specific thing do you need to relinquish in order to take a step of obedience and living a life of truth?

Video Clips Available

2009-04-14T13:14:00.002-05:00

Okay, you can finally view some of my most requested topics on YouTube.com (and this blog spot if I did everything correctly)! Tell your friends and forward this blog as I putter along putting together clips, videos, podcasts (next goal!), and writing to help get you a little bit further down the road.

On Our Marks, Get Set...Here We Go!

2009-04-06T11:01:00.004-05:00

My daughter has two tattoos.

One following the gentle curve behind her left ear inked with Greek letters conveying the sacred meaning of her name: anointed. The other an elaborate Assyrian cuneiform script imprinted upon the rib cage of her right side, its ancient prayer marking body and soul:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me.”

Despite my “tat” request imploring Kristen to refrain from going, “Totally Angelina,” with this not-so-new form of self-expression, I unashamedly admit she wears her convictions well.

Which led to my thinking...well, you know.

Thus, my puncture wounds (hence hypothetical nature of this conversation) would be ensconced delicately between my shoulder blades and read:

“Running after Jesus—lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

While certainly less poetic than my daughter’s (but self-explanatory, perhaps, as to why I have never sought nor acquired gainful employment within the official constructs of pseudo-political church leadership) such fervent & unapologetic declaration articulately summarizes the holy trinity of my past, present, and future: The life-long pursuit of Jesus.

This is all I've ever done; running, sometimes walking, skipping, and limping, towards the One of whom I first sang about in a late-60s paneled classroom; intently marching on its cheaply covered indoor-outdoor carpet, while singing, "I'm in the Lord's ARmeeeeeeeeeee!"

This is what I've known & been inextricably drawn to for thirty-eight years.

This is where I belong.

This is who I am.

Utterly and thoroughly, "Jesusey."

Welcome to my new blog spot cyber-surfer, doubter, believer, mother, daughter, and friend. I believe you'll find it to be broader in nature; allowing me to write, opine, wallow, post links, revel in my skewed quirkiness and thus, explore with few limits, the all-together messy and gloriously complicated nature of the life lived in pursuit.

As times goes by, Running will meld with the design look, nature, and purpose of my website, www.juliebarnhill.com. But it's been three-months since I set out to get that all accomplished and I'm tired of waiting. (As are/were many of you as your emails can attest. Thanks for the, uh, butt-kicking encouragement to "do something about your new blog idea!") So, here it is--a work in progress as I continue to enthusiastically amble my way towards Jesus.

The Times They Are About to be Changin'

2008-12-30T12:56:00.000-06:00

Oh, my.

It's been THAT long since I last posted?!

Forgive me...again. I've been pondering why I seem to shrink from this portion of communicating and have come to the conclusion that I need to break this blog out a bit wider. To allow myself (and your comments in response) to cover a broader gamut of thought, opinions, advice, humor, and over all personality.

So that's what I'm going to do in the next few weeks.

Set up a revived blogging spot by which you and I can talk shop. Confer. Opine. Pontificate. Laugh so hard we (nearly!) wet our pants. Okay, so some of you may choose to opt out regarding that. So be it.

Nevertheless, the goal is to meld the varying aspects of life, faith, kids, relationships, failures, dreams, questions, convictions, marriage, and everything else that makes up this life--our lives. And to get through it together.

Thoughts on a Tabloid Mom's Story

2008-10-29T10:52:00.000-05:00

Just finished reading, Through the Storm, and I appreciate and commend both Lynne and Lorilee Craker for filling it with informative reality-check content.

Reality Check: Lynne wasn't some whacked-out Baby Jane stage mom. (But you sell more tabloids if you say she is.)
Reality Check: Lynne never "cashed in" on either of her daughters fame. (I never knew she was a school teacher and ran her own successful daycare until the book. Yes, Britney built her the home she now lives in but last time I checked LOTS of wealthy and famous children had done that happily for their parents).
Reality Check: Lynne made choices she regrets. (Well, what mother or father among us reading this blog hasn't done the same thing?)
Reality Check: Lynne was, is, and will continue to be a Christian whose faith weaves in and through the multiple dynamics of her life. (This seems to be a tough pill for the world to understand and some Christians to accept).
Reality Check: Lynne loves her children.

Lynne didn't do everything right. Heck, none of us have! She admits to passivity and blind, naive, trust with manager types which you and I will probably never see the like of. But through the real and very public storm of her life and children's choices she proved to be One Tough Mother strong.

Here, I'll let Lynne speak for herself (page 164), after refusing to bend to family and Jamie Lynn's managament team's pressure to send her (Jamie Lynn) to a Christian-based residential facility in Tennesse...

"I cannot do this," I said. "This is not what she needs." To say I was raked over the coals would be like saying Louisiana is a tough muggy in July. Jamie, especially, did not mince words, yelling and ranting and accusing me of being co-dependent, among other things. But those lions could roar all they wanted--I would not budge...Standing my ground was not easy. I'd been so passive in so many ways for so long, letting managers and agents and executives decide the paths my children would walk. Not any longer. Not while I was still their mother."

Mother Prayer

2008-10-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

Please read and pray for the healing of Stephanie, a young mother fighting one tough battle for her life. Who among us reading this can do so without tearing up and drawing our little ones (and big one) closer to our sides and heart? If you have a sister who loves you like this...stop reading and pick up your phone or drive over to her house and tell her how much you love her.

If, like me, your relationship with a sister (or sisters) is unconventional or perhaps strained or non-exisistent, it's okay, bow your head (as I am doing as I type) and give thanks for what it is and who they are. It is what it is I often tell my children, but I'm learning as each calendar year rolls around to give thanks to God for everything and everyone He has allowed to shape me.

Family rarely resembles the cheesy shows from my youth nor the irreverent and shameless caricature crap emanating from the "New Kind of Family" channels illuminating the family rooms of our home. Rather, family with all its glorious and gut-wrenching highs and lows is the petri dish of the holy and difficult; the mundane and self-less.

Some Thoughts

2008-10-20T06:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's nearly the end of October. Ugh. I really don't know how those of you reading this post who blog and work and parent and travel and carry responsibilities in a dozen other areas find time to do even the simple essentials.

I'll be cruising along when I realize a month has gone by since I last spoke with my online comrades. Or fixed a home-cooked meal. So I'm going to settle into a routine today and tomorrow and do my best to post a quasi-profound missive her at One Tough Mother Talk.

Time, The Grand Equalizer

2008-09-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm totally addicted (in the most healthy of ways, mind you) to Facebook and all those other networking connects online. My kids think I'm weird and granted, they have a point, as I squeal out time and again from my office computer, "Oh, my gosh! I can't believe I found ....!"

In the past four days, I've talked with Jeff A. whom I first got to know in 1982 as a seventeen-year old girl desperate to find a way to stop living a double-life as a Christian(i.e. drinking like a fish on weekends and telling jokes, admittedly funny jokes, that would make a sailor blush).

I got a chance to do just that while working with Jeff, one of the "old" adults (um, he was probably all of 24 or so) on an organizational team for an area-wide youth rally in Moberly, MO. This was an opportunity to put my actions where my faith was supposed to be and I dove in for all I was worth. A couple of years later I saw Jeff at Hannibal LaGrange College and then, like so many people in our lives, he went somewhere with his family and that was that.

Fast forward 26 years... a quick facebook search...and there's Jeff with his still beautiful bride Sherry and their now grown (and married) sons. Like me, Jeff has a few pigment-challenged hair follicles on his head. Laugh lines. And I'm sure more than a few stories of failure and success. But as I look at the photos he posted, all I could really think about was the multiple pure expressions of love, affection, joy, and faithfulness on his face. He may not "look" 24 anymore and heaven knows I threw off 17 a long, long, loooooooong, time ago, but in the grand scheme of life, we stand equal.

A bit older.
A bit wiser.
And thankful for the faithful love of our family and Savior.

Facebook....finally

2008-09-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, viewbies, head over to facebook and look me up. Invite me over. Or knock on my cyber-door. I'm really enjoying this communication avenue and look forward to seeing your face and reading your comments.

Pleasure

2008-09-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

Greetings and salutations from the 75.7% organized office of my Chicago-land home office. All the bookshelves are filled (Priority #1 upon our arrival) and I located my old school, 3-ring binder with actual paper, speaking schedule two nights ago. Books and media inventory are all accounted for and a few pesky online orders which slipped through internet server cracks (hmm, are there cracks in space?) have been filled and shipped out for delivery.

Happy sigh. What a whirlwind it’s been as we packed up belongings and memories of fourteen years and settled into our new space in the bustling suburbs of Chicago. Par for Barnhill-spawnling course, the kids fearlessly sprinted out of their “major life change” starting blocks: Patrick is attending school and playing soccer for Harvest Christian Academy, his transition was seamless and he’s loving the food choices provided at lunch (is there anything more important to a growing 5’11” 13-year old boy?!); Kristen is soon to begin her junior year at Argosy University located nearby in Schaumburg—she’s looking to complete her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Community Counseling; and Ricky Neal will put down academic stakes for two years at community college and then transfer to Liberty University for a degree in Political Science.

Meanwhile, Rick continues to work downstate while actively pursuing Human Resource employment within the Chicago-land area. He’s already mastered the art of the Metra & Amtrack and I’m counting down the days until details allow him to be home with me and the kids.

As for me? Well, my brain and spirit can barely contain the “this-is-so-right” assurance of following God’s leading in all these things. It’s an unshakable settled knowing of being dead-center where you need to be. No doubt some friends and family may still think me crazy but this all came down to "Put obedience where you say you say your faith is," crazy.

I’m evaluating (and re-evaluating) numerous details regarding the direction of my writing, speaking, and responsibilities within the community of faith of Harvest Bible Chapel. This fresh start has me examing a myriad of motives, goals, longings, and "in-the-light-of-eternity" considerations. I'm not at all sure what the end result will be but I rest knowing I don't have to. All that is required of me, yet again, is to obey.

Radio opportunities seem to be just upon the horizon and everything in me still aches and bellows (okay, I’m so not low-key when it comes to my passion for radio) for favor with producers, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs, and anything and everyone who desires to bring radically refreshing radio to Christian women everywhere.

Radio doesn’t care how much you weigh.

Radio doesn’t sum you up based on a clothing label.

Radio doesn’t form a cliché.

Radio doesn’t show wrinkles.

Radio allows women to get down to the basics of life.

I’d appreciate your prayers regarding this all-consuming passion. I can’t shake it. And I don’t believe I’m supposed to. If I’ve learned anything—if there’s anything I know to be true it is this: It is God who is at work in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. So I rest and smile; recalling the timeless Eric Liddell quote, “When I run I feel His pleasure.” Indeed, when I work in radio I feel His pleasure.

P.S. I'd love it if you'd send me an email and let me know the kind of radio-podcasting that you'd like to hear. So much of the "evaluating" I spoke about a few paragraphs before has to do with finding out what YOU like, what YOU need to grow in faith and life.

Home at Last

2008-08-23T18:49:00.000-05:00

When's the last time you've heard of seven men unloading two 26-foot moving vans in under two hours? Amazing, huh? That's exactly what happened as Rick (The Husband), Kristen, Ricky Neal, and Patrick (The Spawnlings), Andy (The Boyfriend), and Ron and Rod (The Father-in-Law and Brother of Husband), wearily pulled into the driveway of our new home.

Much to our delight, strong, burly men (and one petite but mighty woman) of the Ministry Moving Team of Harvest Bible Chapel, stood ready to dismantle our jam-packed trucks into the spacious confines of our cozy abode. And I'm talking MAJOR moving items (i.e. piano, solid cherry two-piece entertainment center, antique secretary's desk, etc.,) and numerous boxes of downsized-from-what-it-started-out-to-be stuff.

Here it is less than 24-hours later and our place already feels like home. Granted there are small piles here and there but thanks to the service of those mighty men and lone woman, The Barnhill's (and Andy) are able to rest & set around the living room relaxing. Rick and I have already discovered Woodman's Market (i.e. a seeming football field sized building of everything you could ever need regarding food, produce, bakery, and a gadzillion other items).

I couldn't sleep at all last night.

Thinking of all the changes which transpired over the three-hour drive to the place we're going to land for awhile. Goodbyes to friends and friend's children. Goodbye to our home church of twelve years. Goodbye to the home we poured ourselves into as homeowners and parents. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

And hello to new friends; Dave and Terri, two of the aforementioned brawny and petite movers. Hello to the fellowship of believers within our new church family of Harvest Bible Chapel. Hello new school for Patrick and new teachers, new sporting opportunities, and new opportunities to stand around in the chilly-rainy-windy late Fall days of Illinois weather during soccer. Hello to growing "higher up and deeper in" with our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Heavy sigh.
Contented smile.
Weary final keyboarding as my 43-year old body begs for sleep.

Places You Will Find Me

2008-08-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

Connie checked in via "Comments" and noted she looked forward to seeing me in the Chicagoland area. Well, I thought I'd do a short rundown of the most likely places that just might occur....

1. Barnes & Noble: I'll be parked in a comfy chair reading through one of following material types: Espionage; Spy; Humor (circa, Bloom County); Baking Cookbooks; Apologetics; and anything written by Elizabeth Berg or Jodi Picolt (with exception of her latest book. Oh, dear. What was she thinking?
2. Stein-Mart: Accessories! Purses! Home furnishings! Clothes I can't fit into 73.4% of the time.
3. Nordstrom's Rack: Shoes, my friend, shoes.
4. The Cheesecake Factory: please refer to Stein-Mart clothes disclaimer above.
5. Burnt Toast: see also; Stein-Mart disclaimer.
6. Downtown Musical: Jersey Boys here I come!
7. The Art Institute of Chicago Museum: You say Manet, I say Monet! Let's view them both. (Okay, that was a sad, sad, attempt at humor. Chalk it up to aforementioned blogpost packing mention.)
8. Pool at our Community Center: I may be able to get in a week or two before Fall temperatures force me to the...fitness center?!
9. Well, wouldathunkit! Fitness Center of some sort: I'm thinking Pilates or something 40-something friendly like that.
10. The warm confines of our new home: Getting to know and laughing so hard I snort with new friends.

Be sure to say hello if our paths cross!

One Tired Mother

2008-08-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry for going under-the-radar these past few weeks!

My family is moving to the Chicago area and the extent of my creative writing has been a thick-line Sharpie on heavy-gauge boxes noting "BASEMENT" or "OFFICE." I'm walking around like the Hunchback of Prairie City as I've filled box after box with book after book after book after book.
I have a veritable reference library and fully intend to purchase enough book shelves to display them all upon settling in our new home.

So, my cyber-friends, I beg your continued patience as we move this coming Friday, set up house, and get the 8th grader in school on the 27th and the two college age spawnlings on the road to gainful employment and college courses. I shall do my best to get back in the posting groove post Labor Day.

Until then, enjoy the days and nights with those you love.

Summertime and the living is . . . .

2008-07-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

a. easy

b. quiet

c. full of change

d. all of the above.

The answer is a resounding "d."

Easy as Rick and I found ourselves at home alone with Patrick (the first time in his thirteen-year old life): one ballgame a week to attend rather than two or three; one meal to fix on the fly as I'm sitting at my computer working; one ticket price for The Dark Knight. Yep, easy and cheap(er) indeed!

Quiet as Rick and I found ourselves home alone with Patrick sans his nearly-twenty year old sister who loves staying up late and discussing profundities of life and faith and his eighteen-year old brother who routinely practices his double-pedal and real life guitar hero skills. Yep, quiet leaving me more than a bit melancholy at times.

Full of change as we sign our names to the sale contract of our home and look toward our future as a family in the NW suburbs of Chicago. A future we smile and greet with arms wide open and full assurance of what is to come. A hope hard won from all which has come before.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

May you too find light in the darkness of change.

May you find smooth paths for your feet as you pursue your dreams.

May the irrepressible joy and peace of knowing there is a God who will never, never, leave you, inundate and saturate your life.

And remember, if you ever find yourself delayed at O'Hare International Airport or caught in a I-90/88 storm of Midwestern proportions, call or email! There will always be freshly-baked Tollhouse cookies and a friendly, cozy, "this close to Heaven" down comforter-laden bed to rest your frazzled mind and body.

Kick-Butt Spaghetti Recipe

2008-07-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

My thirteen-year old, Patrick, is quite the cook. He eats up (sorry, couldn't resist) Iron Chef and a few months ago when I was checking in from a travel date he told me about a breakfast dish he had prepared for the family. "And the caramelized onions were awesome!"

Say what? Caramelized onions? "Where did you learn to do that?" I asked.

"Watching Bobby Flay," he proudly answered.

So...our goal, this summer as Mom and "only child at home" is to cook together. And Anthony's Pasta Sauce and Meatballs is our first dish. Oh. My. Word. Is it ever tasty! Right now it's simmering on the stove; the aroma wafting through the rooms and making us all drool. The spaghetti's about to drop but I wanted to get this posted so you too can enjoy.

And be sure to check back regularly as Patrick and I will be serving up more dee-lish items as the weeks progress. Now, go cook and prepare to swoon!

Jamie Lynn

2008-07-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

I spent a couple of hours last night and today reading through the seeming inexhaustible dot.com critics, bashers, and pontificating bloggers voicing their thoughts about this young girl's life. I also read more than a few pre-publication spews and rants about Lynne Spears book, Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame & Family in a Tabloid World; and they all pretty much fell into this one gargantuan online category: "Everybody Knows This Woman's Done Everything Wrong Just Look at Her Kids."

You know what I think? Shut-up, already. If I've learned anything over the past twenty+ years of parenting it's this: "Anybody" who thinks they know "Everything" is just "Somebody" who has yet to go through "Anything" with their own flesh and blood (or equally close loved ones.)"

Take me for instance.

In 1981, I watched the child from The Pit of Despair--and his name wasn't Brad. Drat. I watched this kid and all the while I thought, "I will NEVER put up with a kid like this when I'm a mom."

In 1985, I observed a slightly-overweight mother of two-toddlers walk into a Pizza Hut where I was scarfing down slices with my college chums. My jean size? A 9/10. My brain size? 0.09. Yes, I formed the following thoughts while watching her, "Geez, how hard is it to keep your post-pregnancy figure?"

In 1996, I was the mother of an eight, seven, and one-year old. Patrick, the baby, covered me in slobbery wordless "love you, Mommy!" kisses and Kristen and Ricky fought to hold my hand and snuggled up so close to my side that you couldn't have wedged a Power Ranger action figure between us. And I thought, "It's always going to be this good--this easy--and this close between all of us."

Eight+ years later, "Anything" tapped on my front door. (I shouldn't have answered!)

"Anything" is humbling.
"Anything" gets your eyes focused on the home-front rather than the relationships of those around you.
"Anything" sets you back on your rear and keeps you down on your knees.
"Anything" is the Great Equalizer.
"Anything" teaches you the Hard and Fast Rule of Everything Mothering: Outlast em'!

And that's exactly what I thought as I read these words last night, "Around here, everyone has the same focus," Jamie Lynn tells OK!. "The focus is family, and that's a good way to live." "Mama has been here a bunch," she said. "She wants to see the baby all the time. She told me the doctors are always going to be real strict and tell you, `Don't do this and don't do that.' Just follow your instincts. You're the mother and you know what your baby needs. That's what I've done and it seems to have worked."

You know what I think?

Good for you, Lynne Spears for outlasting your girls and sticking with them through their choices & your Mama actions--good and bad, private and excruciatingly public, well-received or despised.

Good for you, Jamie Lynn for choosing to step up when you could have easily (and with a lot less intimidation, no doubt) checked out of the consequences of an unplanned new life.

Good for you, mother and daughter, for closing ranks and dealing with "Anything" together as a united family front.

Love, Mom

2008-07-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

I find myself writing near epistles to my two oldest as they work so far away from home this summer. Perhaps these thoughts will infuse your spirit and offer encouragement for the crappy day you just went through. Or project a ray of hope for the one which lies ahead. Maybe you'll want to cut and paste or forward this along to your own "sweet child" who is never too far from your heart. (Somebody grab me a Kleenex for pete's sake!)

First, my sweet child, some encouragement from God's heart:

"As you have received Christ Jesus the LORD, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude..." Colossians 2:6-7

"...But we urge you, brothers, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you: so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." I Thessalonians 4:11-12

"For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the LORD Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, do not grow weary of doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

"Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." Prov. 10:4

"Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its own purpose." Prov. 16:3-4

"Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand." Prov. 19:20-21

"The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor, and life." Prov. 22:4

Ah, bub, continue to submit yourself to those in authority over you--human and God. It is a PRICELESS lesson you are learning; if you will learn--that of working well despite how you feel or the recognition or lack thereof. You're going to have good days and bad days. Days your emotions scream, "This is exactly where I need to be." Days your emotions dry up and you are left wondering why on earth you decided to do what you're doing.

This, my sweet son, is life. Working it out real. Continue to pray God will direct your path from day-to-day. Continue to pursue discipline--taking thoughts captive--putting a Jack Bauer choke-hold on anything and everything that sets itself up against the high calling of Christ Jesus in your life. I know you desire to minister in a manner that you can see with your own eyes (and fairly quickly at that) and grow disheartened with the drudgery of dishes and steamy vapors.

I know.

But I know this more; it is in the back room of life that God works out His purposes and plans. I know it is in your faithfulness to the small things of scraping plates and refilling ketchup bottles and mopping floors that His heart is won to trust you with more. I know having an appreciation for hard work is one of the BEST characteristics you can ever attain as a man, future husband, and future leader.

Looking down the road of life, I won't consider you the greatest success because you drive a certain car, live in a certain city, or accumulate X amount of money in your bank account. No, as your mother, I will look upon your life and beam with the grandest pleasure when your life naturally demonstrates a willingness, nay, even an expectation, for being seated in the last row, rather than first; complimenting a waiter or waitress; leaving a tip in a hotel room with a note saying, "Thank you!"; and pro-actively looking for a way to serve another. That's when I will stand most proud.

Love,
Mom

Rock & Roll Girl Post-script

2008-07-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

How could I forget this?!

A few months ago I met the amazing James Young of Styx (Note: "JY" to his closest chums; I called him Mr. Young) compliments of my equally 80's obsessed author/friend/well-connected co-hort, Lorilee Craker. Ah, the memories stirred. . . .

Lady: 8th grade server at Brunswick High School Prom; pining for a few Senior boys--hoping one of them would suddenly discover me at the punch table.
Lorelei: Getting a dirty look from my mom when I sang out, "Lorelei, let's liiiive too-getha!"
Suite Madam Blue: My second run-in with a nameless melancholy feeling via musical orchestration. (Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins was my first.)
Grand Illusion: This was one of two first-ever 8-tracks I owned. Who-ha! Fooling Yourself. Come Sail Away. I let'em rip on my Panasonic-6 watt-Stereophonic sound system from P. N. Hirsch.
Sing for the Day: Cranking this up while riding with Jennifer Heisel to school and just feeling good.
Babe: The theme to my first Prom date in 1980; too bad my date was longing for another.
The Best of Times: Softball team school bus rides to games far and wide. Man, I loved my friends!
Kilroy was Here: Let's pretend this never happened, shall we?
Don't Let It End: Exactly how I felt, again, when listening to one of my favorite rock bands 20+ years later.

Faux Steve

2008-07-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

I'm an unapologetic 80's Classic Rock kind of girl. Some of you may remember: Foreigner, Styx, and of course, Journey? How many summer nights did I spend belting out lyrics of Snow Blind, Urgent, and Fooling Yourself? (All the while ignoring the gargantuan mistake and horror of Mr. Roboto!) Indeed, my summer nights were filled with great music and no one sang it better than "I'm-convinced- he's-gonna-marry-me-someday-if-I-can-only-meet-him," Steve Perry.

My Steve was mine Faithfully. And my best-friend Cindy reminded me, "Julie, Don't Stop Believing!" So we purchased concert tickets and I really believed somehow, somewhere, the love of my seventeen-year old life would be waiting for me at the Kansas City arena with Open Arms and at last, instead of living Separate Ways, Worlds Apart, we would be together. What can I say? Girl Can't Help It, she's in deep infatuation.

Fast forward twenty+ years down the Dixie Highway and note my last name is Barnhill, Julie "Happy to Be" Barnhill. Turns out I'll Be Alright Without You, My Steve, but when you're Stone in Love, it can be difficult. Somehow I soldiered on, came to grips with my adulthood and learned to deal with all of the above.

I was fine. Really. But then My Steve went and got older, threatened a hip-replacement, and QUIT Journey just as I getting used to being a 30-something with kids. The Party's Over, indeed. Year after year, thereafter I hoped and prayed My Steve would return. He teased. He threatened. He even whined (methinks embarrassingly so) on VH-1.

But still, no My Steve.

While speaking in the San Francisco area I'd boldly ask if anyone knew him or could secure his email address. (What? Is there something wrong with that?) One woman's parents had lived across the street from his dad and possibly witnessed My Steve entering the premises. Another had a nephew who was a roadie during the hey-day of the 80's. Yet another said no to My Steve but she could possibly line me up meeting Huey Lewis.

Please. Huey's nice but no My Steve.

Imitator after imitator attempted to fill his microphone. Steve Augeri. Jeff Scott Soto. They should have just stayed home and played Rock Band. But then an item in The Wheel in the Sky of cyber-news. A hit of hope! A Six-Million- Dollar-Man-Neal-Schon kind of hope, mind you....

"Former fans, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster...with healthier hips."

Heart racing, pulse pounding, I dared to believe and clicked over and listened. Then I went to Wal-Mart (lone distributor and shiny waxed action alleys to "Swiftly Approaching Middle-Age Fans Formerly Known as Youthful & Cool") and purchased the album. I mean, CD.

Hello, Journey, my old friend! And to frontman Arnel Pineda and the future of more classic Journey sounds for my teenagers to belt out. Take it from this die-hard lover of classic Journey; this new guy's got the stuff. He's not trying to be My Steve (like anyone could) but he stares rabid believers like me in the eye and asks, Who's Crying Now?

3:38 AM Thoughts

2008-05-28T04:37:00.000-05:00

Sleep has been impossible tonight.

I've decided to kick the Pepsi habit (again) and the accompanying caffeine loss has my left temple pounding. But that's not the main reason I find myself writing so early into the morning. A dose of Excedrin Migraine off-sets the headache but does little, if anything, to alleviate the random thoughts, memories, and questions cycling through my mind...

I've been thinking about the "harvest" of twenty-years of mothering. All the words--thousands upon ten thousands of words I've sown; words of instruction, correction, praise, encouragement, frustration, joy, discouragement, anger, counsel.

I've been mulling over--no, that's far too innocuous a term--I've been evaluating the harvest of my own choices as a young girl, teenager, twenty-something, and beyond (I'll turn 43 in a couple of months); examining the outcome of those willful choices (some worthy, some horrendous) and considered the part they have played in the lives of my own three children.

You reap what you sow.
What goes around comes around.
Mothering is exhaustive work.
God gives strength to the weak!

Kristen and Ricky Neal (19 and 18 respectively) will soon be leaving for the entire summer to work at a Christian camp nestled in the midst of Sequoia National Park. I love the fact they will be together--looking out for one another--and strengthening their friendship as sister and brother. I smile knowing one will be working full-time hours as a dishwasher; the other housecleaning. Hard work coupled with a spirit of service will shape them far more than they realize.

Patrick (13) is more than happy to take on the status of "only" child. And his father and I are looking forward to getting to know him in a manner unlike the years before. We got a hint of what's to come this last school year. Ricky Neal was a Senior, he waited tables at our local Italian Pizzaria, Rosy's, and more evenings than not it was just the three of us--Rick, Patrick, and me, sitting at the table and catching up on the days events.

It was, well, weird at first: being able to finish a complete sentence without someone interrupting; needing to think of more to say often times as there were two less people to carry the conversation. But it was delightful too: listening to our third child (how often his voice was drowned out by the drama of other two!); fixing his favorite meal--night after night; and seeing him, in some ways, for what seems the very first time.

Please excuse the randomness of this post. It was early when I started and a couple of hours later as I finish. Love your children. Don't grow weary in planting and sowing words and actions doused in love and wisdom. Hang in there! Forgive much--of others and yourself.

MUST READ: How my mother's fanatical views tore us apart...

2008-05-23T07:41:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Walker, daughter of cultural icon, Alice Walker, describes what it was like to grow up with her famous feminist mother and declares her own joyous, One Tough Mother, choice to revel in motherhood.