I would like to share about the incredible love and the Amazing Grace of God in
my life. My life was really no different from most people who have experienced
life without a purpose or hope. It is only by "grace" that I live today with the
opportunity of sharing that HOPE…that "HOPE" is "Jesus Christ".
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have incredible parents and 7
brothers/sisters. I was raised to believe "in" God but not how to have a
relationship with HIM. As a teen I was a cheerleader and my brothers and father
were all athletes. I have joyous childhood memories. We are a very close family.
Love was never a doubt for me. Life itself proved many.
In 1972 at 20 years old, I was accepted to Eastern Airlines as a Flight
Attendant. I left home and began a life full of fascination in a world that I
was not ready for and life would never be the same. Miami and Chicago became my
home as I traveled the world. After 4 years in the airlines, I moved to Santa
Barbara, California where I found myself meeting people and going places beyond
my dreams. I soon became a model and ran a Production Company which took me into
Hollywood and Beverly Hills and a "fast lane".
Soon drugs/alcohol became a way of life. I could blame relationships, people,
success, disappointments for the use of drugs/alcohol. However, they were only a
guise that covered the confusion that plagued my life. In 1980 I married. My
life became a living nightmare. Physical, emotional, mental, alcohol/drug abuse.
During this time, I gave birth to two beautiful children. I wanted to be a good
mother, but my life was so horrible. Soon I was in/out off mental hospitals,
ReHab, jails/prison. Soon I lost it ALL…and my children. The years without my
children were nothing short of hell.
I didn't realize it then but my search for a "Savior" began. In 1986 I was
released from prison/rehab with a court order to live with my father. I had to
prove fit as a mother/citizen. After two grueling years I got my children
back…one at a time. Afraid, but hopeful, we pressed on. In 1988 I remarried.
Again I found myself in a world of wealth, confusion, deceit. Although
financially secure and drug free I felt alone and lost. My husband had an affair
with my best friend and in 1991 we divorced. Again feeling abandoned and
shame/failure.
My brother offered me the "LOVE" of Jesus Christ. I knew my search was over. I
found my "SAVIOR". I dedicated my "life" to Jesus. I asked God to help me raise
"HIS" children. I vowed to remain single for as long as it took. I needed to
"know" who I was in Christ and my children had had enough. Life then took a
turn. The influence of my past weighed on my son. He needed attention. We came
to Grand Rapids for family support. My son was kicked out of schools, in/out of
runaway homes. Soon, we were led to an incredible church and the kids became
BORN AGAIN.
God's Grace continue in our lives. Today my son serves God with zeal. He is a
college student and athlete. His ambitions are as teacher/coach and Youth
Pastor. My stunning 16 year old daughter is "on fire" for Jesus Christ! She is
active in her Youth Group and a Missionary! No words can describe God's Amazing
Grace and Love. Today I am married to an incredible man of God…my best friend. I
declare my "capacity" as a wife and mother as…my GREATEST feat. Today, I know
"who" I am…I am the daughter of a "KING"…THE "KING OF KINGS". My name is Julie
and I continue…LIVING IN THE ANSWER"… The answer is "Jesus Christ". Forever
Amen. (Jeremiah 29:11) "LIVING IN THE ANSWER" (Not the Problem…the Answer
"is"…Jesus Christ!)
Thank you for taking time to read Julie's testament. Her powerful message comes
from her soul and spirit where she takes her experiences and utilized them as
means to conquer adversity. She walks in "Victory".
Julie brings forth a message of hope to the hopeless, courage to the defeated
and the incredible "power" of Jesus Christ! The Amazing Grace.
TO YOUNG WOMEN: Shattered dreams. As a Model and Flight Attendant and having it
all…Julie shares how drugs/alcohol, relationships led to a destructive end. But
there is "Victory" in Jesus. She will share that the enemy's tactics are no
match for the "LOVE" of Jesus Christ.
TO YOUNG MEN: With keen wisdom/understanding; their goal in achieving the "call"
on their lives "in Christ". (She stood strong in the gap for her son) from
Runaway homes/trouble in school…to "Victory" in Jesus.
TO WOMEN: Tactful, (but with fun flavor), the "powerful" role as women of God,
wives and mothers. As a single…knowing "who" we are "in Christ". Our capacity as
a wives ("it isn't a chore, it is an honor") to "help" and pray our husbands to
"their" goals in Christ. She shares her defeats as mother and wife but the
"VICTORY" in Jesus! God's Promises.
TO MEN: "Seeing" themselves" as their wives and God see them. Of their "honor"
and dignity. Their Obedience to God overflows "power" of Jesus Christ to their
families. (4-Pillars of a Man's Heart).
Julie's life today is realized due to her tenacity and "love" for Jesus Christ.
Her challenges worked "for her". Julie "celebrates" her role as wife, mother,
daughter, sister/friend… and declares it as…"My greatest feat".
For information please contact us at:
"LIVING IN THE ANSWER" 8570 Thornbrook Drive Jenison, MI 49428
Godsjul@hotmail.com (Send on Saturday
August 25, 2001)
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.