Life is good. But…
Sometimes things happen that we don’t plan on…things we don’t expect…
Sometimes life isn’t smooth, no matter how much we wish for it to be.
But, all WILL be well.
I have so much! I have a wonderful husband, three beautiful daughters I love and am so proud of…
%5B4%5D.jpg "Smith Family Portraits (151)")
…we have a loving and supportive extended family…
%5B4%5D.jpg "Smith Family Portraits (317)")
…we have our health…the rest can be figured out.
Uncertainty is scary, though…that chilling feeling when the rug gets pulled out from under you, so to speak…
…but those are the times we get to see what we’re made of…
What am I made of, I wonder?
For weeks, I’ve been thinking of my fourth-great-grandmother, Louisa…
![[Louisa Barnes Pratt_edited-1[4].jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH37-OIkizLacnOV4P_kTzzefaeMS1BJnm1s9bEF3JoHOJdCAhD_Y2qt4UxbgjV4BmmpmsSW_cw4o3CSEXbtbKRbCpYKfsSwwtU4HHzIXqU8shN7n9TVzzfrti8542XCgrwsoZ3bciGt0/s1600/Louisa+Barnes+Pratt_edited-1%5B4%5D.jpg)
When she faced an almost impossible situation in her life—one that would have knocked me to my knees—she squared her narrow shoulders, and simply said, “Well, I’ll show them what I can do!”
What would Louisa tell me to do right now, I wonder?
Somehow, I know she would expect me to absolutely get down on my knees (which I always do!)… then stand up, push up my sleeves and get to work.
She would also probably be a little upset with me for whining on the internet!
But, on the other hand…maybe she wouldn’t. After all, the reason I know about her struggles and joys is because she wrote down her worry-filled words, as well.
(image found on internet—not Louisa’s journal)
Maybe she did it just for me…she certainly couldn’t share her words with the entire world in an instant with the push of a button like I can!
Louisa had absolute faith in her Savior…that He would be always by her side and see her through…as I do. I feel the tender mercies of the Lord in my life every day, and I am so grateful…
Life IS good. Things WILL feel certain once again. The carpet will be under our feet securely once more…all WILL be well.
![[Louisa B. Pratt with granddaughter Ida Francis Hunt[2].png]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegeqP9FyVj0hrxUJp8DImi-zjXS2BBx3nf7Z-TPzXBXS64oDmG-xbMN3orB0yxjDgOGxc4x9dZ8o6S_QQ04cY60M8qR5JHI-6zfxybG6BiCdf-UnIP6CU3fsebuaTGPDyLxrGhz7hqA4/s1600/Louisa+B.+Pratt+with+granddaughter+Ida+Francis+Hunt%5B2%5D.png)
I will show them what I can do.
Thank-you, Louisa.
I love you.
Julie
(Images from Crafty Secrets’ “Vintage Photos” and “Angelic Blessings” Creative Scraps…diamond print from their “Earthy” paper pack.)
Hello Julia
ReplyDeleteWe can never predict the curve balls life throws at us, often when we least expect them.
But I know from personal expereince that our nearest are dearest are the ones that give us the strength to get through those difficult times.
I also know from reading you blog over the months that you have that solid family foundation and whatever troubles you now, with their love and support you will have the strength to deal with it.
I send my love and thoughts to you.
B x
Life is hard sometimes for sure and a bit scary too. I am so grateful for family now and then that have given good examples to me to follow. Sending my love :D
ReplyDeleteYour message is beautiful- thank you for the truth and light that you share.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory of your dear Grandmother.
Sweet blessings to you.
Bless your heart and may God give you strength as you roll up your sleeves. You are in my thoughts and prayers today Julie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteI hope all is soon on an even keel Julie. Love Anne x
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeletedear friend, I wish and hope for you that very soon the carpet will be unter your feet, again.
Trust and be strong, -even it can be difficult at times.
Send you warm thoughts,
Dorthe
What are "you" made of?? Love, caring, compassion, family, strengh,wit, humor,talent,ect ect ect... you are all things good miss Julie!
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking of you. What a beautiful message and a reminder to us all. I know that "all shall be well," one of my favorite quotes from Julian of Norwich. "All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well."
With love,
Suz
Dear Julie,
ReplyDeleteI am sending you a hug! Thank God for family and friends to pull us through tough times. And for faith in our father to sustain us.
Blessings~
Gwenny
heavy sigh. i hope all is okay, julie. you have such strength and wisdom. as i have learned, it is good to share. please feel free to email me anytime if you need to vent. keep calm and carry on, right?
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your sweet and comforting words on my recent blog posts. i'm so touched and so glad to know you.
xo
elyse
Hi Julie, You are a strong woman and you will master the situation. It's not always easy to be confident but you push up your sleeves and take action. That's the best thing to do and I hope that everything will be well for you sooner than you might expect.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you a very BIG HUG!
Julia
Julie, I can always count on seeing your smiling face when visiting a friend's blog. The first with an encouraging word, the first to set the tone for positive comments to follow. You heart seems heavy, and yet I know you to be a very private person. My prayers tonight are for your worries to be gone before morning's light. Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteNot sure what you are facing at the moment Julie, but I do know that we are never handed more than we can possibly bear and that when we think we can't handle any more, the Lord is there to take up the slack. I am sending you lots of love and prayers on this cold December morning and hoping that whatever it is will soon be sorted.
ReplyDeleteCome, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!
Love you loads sweet friend, love you loads. xxoo
Hi Julie...don't we surprise ourselves sometimes and wonder where we get our strength from? I know it is from all the ladies in our families that preceded us. Hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing Grandmother and very wise too. Down on those knees is the first and most important step. You are on the right path and you will prevail! Writing and expressing here in bogland is good for us sometimes. Really no different than her journal except we can get some much needed feedback!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a Merry Christmas~
Wow, what an awesome lady she must have been! I think it's perfectly OK to write down your troubles (whether in a journal or online!), vent your frustration, then show the world what you're going to do about it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the terrific reminder!!
I think it is good to be able to express our frustration or fear. I know it always makes me feel better.
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother sounds lovely...thanks for sharing.
Ashlyn
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful reminder, thank you. Sending lots of love to you my friend.
xoJoAnne
Hi Jules,
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt
that when times
get tough, YOU
will get tougher,
just like the wise
and wonderful women
you descend from.
I'm worried and hope
all is okay with you;
however, I also know
from reading your blog
for the last year that
you will face anything
with grace and courage.
Thoughts and prayers for
you, today...
xx Suzanne
Dear Julie;
ReplyDeleteYour Words Are so Touching. I don't think there isn't any one of us who hasn't Felt this Way.Your Great Grandma Louisa's Sounds Like She is an Amazing Woman and a Wonderful Example to you and your Sweet Girls. She has Left you all Her Legacy of Courage and Faith. Gently Reminding You,With Time, things find a Way to Sort Themselves Out... And Soon you will feel the Rug Square Under your Feet again.Isn't it so Wonderful that Even Through the Years,Your Grandmothers Grace and Love has found its way Back to You. That is Truly a Gift.
Many Blessings to you Julie
Jill
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your transparency...it's true at times our faith is hard to hang on to, but we only need faith THIS SIDE of heaven...the difficulty for me comes in keeping one foot here in faith and the other in readiness for the day when there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more suffering and no more struggle.
Thinking of you and praying for you this night dear friend,
Paula Clare
Uncertainy can be so difficult for all of us and your positive attitude and prayer is certain to carry you through :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the path is a little bumpy for you right now Julie. I'm sure you have everything you need to carry you through sitting there right inside you and lots of people sending (virtual) hugs and moral support to help make sure you keep tapping in to it. Take care {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteJulie, whatever it is you are dealing with you know who to go to not only in challenging times but in happy ones as well. You always seem to project that idea with all that you do. Your love of family is so evident with your blog. Your faith will carry you through your challenges. I know you know that. These are the challenges that give us character and teach us what we are made of. How beautiful that you know to fall back on your family history as well. Yes... your great-great grandmother was preparing you for challenges you will have in your life. She wrote for you.
ReplyDelete"This too shall pass", as my mother always said.
Prayers and hugs for you, dear friend,
Karen
Ladybug Creek
I will be praying for you, Julie. My family, too has been going through a trying time this Holiday Season, with a cancer scare.
ReplyDeleteAs I have been praying, God has brought the words to an old Hymm to my heart:"What a Friend We Have in Jesus". As I read the words, I am reminded that He is a Faithful Friend always.
Take Courage, for He cares for You....
Julie, your words are so very touching! I pray that what ever your going thru will be ok really soon... my thoughts and prayers are with you!
ReplyDeletehugs~~~ Daphne
Sending you prayers, peace and love for whatever you may be going through.
ReplyDelete{HUGS}
Heidi
Julie....
ReplyDeleteBless your heart and THANK YOU for such and inspirational blog...such beautifully spoken words... XOSO SANDY
My dear Julie, you have my prayers and hope that you are well. You are such an inspiration to us all and never would say you whine. I hope your weekend is a good one. Twyla
ReplyDeleteReading what others have posted...I really can't think of any other words of comfort. Just don't let your mind go the the what if's and deal in fear.
ReplyDeleteJust deal with the what is right now. We waste a lot of time thinking of scenarios that never happen. The human experience is full of joy and pain....both lead to enlightenment. You are the light...you have the answers inside of you....dig deep, be open and what you seek will find you.
Julie, sorry to hear that you are struggling right now. Remember that God is ever faithful and that no matter what...He is walking right along with you. He has planned out each and every one of your days long before you were born and continues to have a plan for you - a plan for good and not for evil - according to His word.
ReplyDeleteHope this gives you strength and fortitude just like Louisa! Remember this is only a season in your life and it too will pass. Bringing another season - one more beautiful and filled with blessings. Hang tough!
Julie
Your Grandmother would be proud. You are a beautiful soul that KNOWS what is important & has what is needed to see life through. Your family & your faith will guide & sustain you. Keep your face to the sun sweet girl & know that your friends love you too. IF there is anything I can do please email me! HUGS BY THE BUSHEL SENT YOUR WAY! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Dearest Julie...
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to read this...your post brought a flood of emotions to my heart...
As a child I talked with my MawMaw...she told me of her life...My genetic Grandpa a sheriff killed by a convict (while she was pregnant with my Mom)...her second husband died of cancer...her third my PawPaw died at a ripe age of almost 90...6 children...some grew up at the Masonic Home in Fort Worth...all were successful and yet in my mind I asked, "MawMaw how did you go on?"
I will always remember her words..."You just do...you just do." Her words have carried me through unimaginable sorrows and blessings beyond description...
Blessings and prayers for you and your family...