Category: encouragment

Recently, I had the privilege of hearing Emily Alexander share insights on The Great Commission. Her message was a gentle reminder: before we can go and make disciples, we must first be disciples ourselves.

In Matthew 28:18–19 (NIV), Jesus says,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

This passage is a call to action, but it also invites us to pause and reflect. As seasons change and our roles evolve, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But Emily shared a prayer that has been grounding for me:

“Lord, remind me of my own need for You, before I go…”

Her words felt like grace—timely, gentle, and Spirit-led.

A Picture That Spoke to My Heart

As Emily spoke, I had a vivid picture come to mind. I was walking forward, heading in a specific direction, but something felt off. Then, I realized: my shirt was being pulled from behind. It was subtle, but the resistance was there.

In that moment, I understood: when we’re actively building God’s Kingdom, the enemy wants to create resistance. He doesn’t want us moving forward. He doesn’t want our passion to ignite or our calling to burn brightly.

Do You Ever Feel That Resistance?

Maybe you’re:

  • Navigating tension in a relationship.
  • Waiting on an unanswered prayer.
  • Feeling out of rhythm or overstretched.

Me too. Sometimes, it’s all of those at once. There’s margin—at best—but no real space.

The Gift of Space

That word—space—is what I believe God was drawing my heart toward. Space to be reminded of His promise. Space to let His voice become the loudest one in the room. Space in a full week to simply hear from Him.

In Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG), Jesus offers an invitation:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me… Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…”

Jesus offers us a different way—a sustainable, grace-filled rhythm that doesn’t depend on our striving. It’s not about trying harder. It’s about staying connected to Him.

Recognizing the Subtle Resistance

The enemy’s strategy is clear—and yet sneaky:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” — John 10:10

For me, the resistance isn’t always dramatic. More often, it’s subtle:

  • Discouragement.
  • Distraction.
  • Distortion.

But the result is the same: distance—from God’s voice, and from His presence. When we don’t have space, it becomes harder to recognize what’s missing.

Embracing the Unhurried Life

As we step into summer and the tension of sustaining life and ministry in a new rhythm, I pray you resist the urge to “push through” or “try harder.” Instead, make space:

  • To wonder.
  • To slow down.
  • To read something life-giving.
  • To laugh with people you love.
  • To listen for God’s voice.

In John 15, Jesus reminds us:

“I am the vine; you are the branches…”

He is your sustainer.

Reflecting on Our Discipleship Journey

You—and we together—are Kingdom builders.

It requires that we are:

  • With Jesus
  • Becoming like Jesus
  • Doing what Jesus did

Disciple-making begins with being a disciple.

I’m thankful for Emily and her timely word that moved in my spirit, and invited me to turn toward the voice and invitation of Jesus.

Creating Space for Transformation

I encourage you to create space to quiet your thoughts and become aware of God’s presence. Let go of the pressure, the unknown, the noise. God is already present—ready to meet you.

Remember: space might feel awkward at first. It’s unfamiliar. But it’s where transformation begins.

As Dallas Willard wisely said,

“Hurry is the greatest enemy of spiritual life in our day.”

Unhurried isn’t unproductive. It’s purposeful, generative, and sustaining.

Let’s become the kind of individuals who are led by Jesus first—and who invite Him into our space.

spilled juice + sweet reminders.

Published on by julie1 Comment

By now, you know that I have two little ones – Lilah and Aiden. A few weeks back, I was in for an unexpected treat of spilled juice + sweet reminders.

We were in the dash between work and soccer, stretching to fit dinner in the mix. Have you found yourself in that place before?!

We happened to be watching my niece and nephew as well. We piled them all at the table, having Lilah and my niece (both 4 years old) sit themselves at the table, as we were lifting the boys, one after the other to their spots. I had a brief moment in the midst of my rushing to grab some juice to be “more fun” for our special guests. Juice always makes things more fun – of course!

I had my niece to the right of me and my daughter kidi-corner across the table from me, and just as Lilah went to pick up her juice excitedly for her first sip – S P L A T. All. Over. She spilt. I wish in hindsight, I could have told you I handled it differenty. Or possibly even tell myself, “Julie, it is not that big of a deal”.

But, I didn’t. Instead, I let out the biggest sigh I knew how to in the moment, and let the words, “every time” come out of my mouth. I quickly turned to my left for my husband to double down and affirm me in my frustration, and he of course did with his response, “EVERY time”. Phew! We mutually agreed in our frustration.

Friends, it doesn’t end here. If anything, this is where it starts..

As quick as 10 seconds later, my niece mutters out, “it is okay auntie, everyone makes mistakes”, with a smile. She continued, “the only person who didn’t make mistakes was Jesus”.

Stopped dead in my tracks, I looked to her, “yes, yes we do all make mistakes”.

Seconds later, Lilah perks up, “AND, God sent Jesus to die for our mistakes”.

Humbled by this moment, my posture changed. From frustration and a rushed spirit, to a small side smile as I realized just what God was teaching me in that moment.

I took away two things that night around the dinner table. Although, I am sure there were more sweet reminders within.

First was that I never want to be so busy focusing on the to-do’s or the mess that is in front of me to instead pick my head up in the right posture to see the ways in which God is working in and around me, even in those I love – in this very instance, it was my sweet daughter and niece.

Second, was the realization that so often I over complicate my faith. I strive to find the right words or sometimes choose not explain at all in fear that I get it wrong or will look silly. But then, I replayed those sweet voices in my head over and over again..

“every one makes mistakes”.

“only Jesus did not make mistakes”

“AND, God sent Jesus to die for our mistakes”.

Because of this we can be saved by God’s grace. It is that simple. This moment left me with the reminder that I want to wake up each day, with a childlike faith that doesn’t over complicate what God wants us to know and recognize easily with confidence.

Maybe you need those reminders today too.

Friends, we don’t always get it right, but even when we don’t, God does. He can gently remind us of what is important and who is important. In the midst of the spilt juice and all. I am thankful today for spilled juice + sweet reminders.

seasons.

Published on by julieLeave a comment

Seasons are just that, seasons. Moments in time.

Last night I had just laid my kids down to bed and I headed out under the warm sunshine on my deck to finish up some work. I was stopped in my tracks as I heard the birds chirping, the new and full growth on the trees and the abundance of kids toys scattered around our 11×11 deck.

You see.. just a few weeks ago, those leaves weren’t there. The backyard was less to be desired with big buildings and lights in my view. Sometimes seasons in our life can be this way too. Seemingly bare, not what we would hope for or maybe even expose some of our flaws.

For me, the trees represented the steady and consistent faithfulness (and fullness) that God remains the same. That He makes all things new. Some seasons will bring growth and new life and others will instead require that the foliage fall away.

The sounds of the birds and the way the sun shined over the pond represented the awe and wonder of His creation to me. And those toys scattered… those represented the wild but fruitful season I am in with my sweet kiddos. They are only little for a season.

There will come a day when those toys will no longer be present. But for now, may I always remember to slow myself down and see the season in front of me.

May I not rush my thoughts and plans but instead be present in the way in which God is working now.