The Journey is….Smile

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

This week, I thank the Lord for the many moments that made me smile…these in particular made my heart smile (is that possible?):

~Vacation w/family: making Grace’s dreams come true, watching Matt truly relax for a few days, napkin fight at the craziest restaurant on the beach….

~Realizing that my teenage daughter shares my love of old, soothing jazz music, as I listened while she shared Louis Armstrong with her friend in the back seat of our car.

~Sitting on a park bench & watching thousands of young people running from Boutwell Auditorium into Linn Park to worship our Lord.Pictures from \”The Basement Throwdown\” Boutwell Auditorium/Linn Park/downtown Birimingham, AL

~Sharing special memories with my childhood BFF!  It was nice to learn that some of my fondest memories are also hers as well.

or

as another friend said to me… “making memories of the heart”

The Journey is…Valentine’s Day :(

Valentine’s Day….blah, blah, blah….with love to all my single girlfriends….

by Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 1:16pm

I admit it….I’m the Valentine’s Day Scrooge!

Crazy, I know….Valentine’s Day was always a traumatic day for me growing up(I may be exaggerating…but that is how my mind remembers it)…

Me…always somewhat nerdy…never picked for the couples skate…I did get something one time on Valentine’s Day from a guy…but at the same time…he was telling me he didn’t want to see me any more and asked if I cared if he asked one of my friends out…

I think I may be the only one who has been traumatized by Valentine’s Day…I don’t know 🙂  (If Kevin Cease is reading this…I KNOW…CRAZY…I should get over it already…when there are people in this world with REAL problems!  I know I’m blessed to have lived in my little happy world…but you still have to love me!  In fact I may tag you…just don’t cuss me out…haha…I love you!)

I didn’t get over this “holiday” even after I was married….until finally one day a few years ago…Matt bought a box of kids valentines cards for me…and wrote one for each year that I had been alive…from my first Valentine’s Day up until the current Valentine’s Day.

One for each year that he had loved me and was looking for me…but had not met me yet…and one for each year since….

That meant so much to me…and I wanted to share this with you all.

Even before Matt…I was complete…valuable….beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of God…I knew that!  But something about this man made holiday…I just let this world’s system impact how valuable I saw myself.

I just want to make sure you know….

You are loved an treasured….EVERYDAY!  Especially by the one who gave His life for you…JESUS!  You are perfect and complete just as you are….you were created for and are a fulfilling your divine purpose on this earth.  And if your hearts desire is to be married one day….you are loved by someone, somewhere that is praying for someone JUST LIKE YOU!  You don’t have to change one thing about you…those things others try to change about you are probably the things he likes the most…

Happy Valentines Day!  You are loved!

~Julia

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    • Jon D ShimeallAww, that is sweet.  We have never celebrated it.  Just not into it.  Though my kids do exchange cards with Awana group and homeschool group.

      February 10, 2010 at 1:44pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisMatt agrees w/you…He said it is a holiday someone made up to make money…it’s for little kids…and he doesn’t think that you should be told when you HAVE to tell someone you love them….and you should show your love for each other EVERY DAY!

      February 10, 2010 at 3:25pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisI agree…but it’s still important to ME, for him to acknowledge me in some way…so he does.

      February 10, 2010 at 3:28pm · LikeUnlike
    • Jon D ShimeallThat’s what marriage is all about.  Knowing what is important to the other spouse. 😉

      February 10, 2010 at 3:30pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah Land

      <3Well, let’s see…my first marriage ended two days before Valentine’s day.  My second ended shortly after V-Day.  My third was annulled the week of Valentine’s day.  Most years otherwise, I’ve spent flying solo on Valentine’s day with the… exception of the years I was with Andre….so, yeah.  It’s not exactly been the highlight day of my year for the last 20 some odd years.  And, the good Lord knows that if you even remotely thought you were nerdy, it put me into a whole different class of nerdom…Uber nerd?  **grins**Love you, Julia.  You are a wonderful and delightful woman – who I am glad to have as my sister.  Even more so, I am thrilled that you and Matt have such a wonderful, healthy and blessed life together.  I hope you share many, many more years to come. ♥See More

      February 10, 2010 at 6:10pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah LandAll that, btw, was to say…I am not exactly a major fan of the holiday.  Though, I’d like to do something special for Mike this year.

      February 10, 2010 at 6:15pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis I’m sure you’ll be cooking something amazing!  I could make spaghetti…that’s romantic right? (Lady & the Tramp)
      So, I’ll let you celebrate this year…but next…I vote we boycott Valentine’s Day…bah humbug……and I LOVE YOU TOO!  Today and everyday!

      February 11, 2010 at 10:43am · LikeUnlike
    • Stacy Smith MimsThank you for this post! I havent celebrated this holiday in 18yrs..romantically anyway!! I enjoyed reading it!  your so awesome and I love you!

      February 13, 2010 at 2:38pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisI Love you too Stacy!  Looking forward to tomorrow!

      February 13, 2010 at 4:37pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah LandLOL we actually went out for a two hour walk and are now watching the winter olympics – nothing really going on, here 😉

      February 14, 2010 at 4:37pm · LikeUnlike
    • Laurin BrownWow I wish I had read this sooner! : )

      February 16, 2010 at 6:14am · LikeUnlike
    • Crystal Smith

      Julia, you weren’t the only one who dredded seeing this holiday come. I grew up w/o a regular bf when it came around. No prospects at all, or a breakup just before it would come. Wait…I think I had one bf ..my last one a yr b4 me and my h…usband reconnected. Now we just choose to spend time regularly together. We actually go out for dinner and whatever on Feb 13th so we can have a less hectic time together. All the crowds and mad rushes by other ppl take the fun out of it.See More
      February 7 at 6:02pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis

      I know I’m not alone…I’ve already started seeing a few status updates of friends who are not looking forward to the 14th.
      It is a special day though!  Every day we are living, touching others is a day to celebrate!  I believe Matt is cor…rect…we should celebrate love each & every day!  Loving & valuing ourselves & our loved ones because of the Jesus who lives inside.  If everyone would see the treasure they truly are…goldmines!
      So you knew Andre’ when you were younger?…and I noticed you go on regular dates.  Love it!See More
      February 7 at 6:31pm · LikeUnlike
    • Crystal SmithI’ve known him since he was 17. We met at my home church in Jersey. He had a cousin he would visit in the summer. I was looking and praying for someone that loved God w/ all his heart, and would be affectionate. Andre’ is that person. Turns out I knew my husband all along and didn’t know it.

      February 7 at 6:41pm · UnlikeLike · 1 personLoading…
    • Stacy Smith Mimsi love this…..a reminder!  our Lord has to be the one with our heart,  well for me..!

      February 7 at 7:54pm · UnlikeLike · 1 personLoading…
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisThat’s so true Stacy!   Seeking that fulfillment in our own power, or looking to a mate to make us complete will never be enough.  Married or Single…we must always find our fulfillment FIRST in our RELATIONSHIP with the Lord.

      February 8 at 10:09am · LikeUnlike

The Journey is…Interesting ~Fred Rogers part 2

What is the likelihood of this!?!

This morning an interesting conversation with Matt caused me to think about Mr. Rogers and his teachings on feelings.  Mr. Rogers taught that it’s OK…even GOOD to feel!  (I think we, as adults…or even “Christians”…often don’t give ourselves the permission to do so.)  Matt pointed out to me….GOD gave us the ability to feel!  But it’s equally important what we DO despite our emotions.  We’ll save that conversation for another day…

This morning July 9, 2011…I quickly googled Mr. Roger’s quotes & shared them on this blog.

SO TONIGHT…I remembered that last year I had written a FB note about Mr. Rogers.  When I took a look at it…I wrote it on July 9, 2010!

Exactly one year ago, I was doing the exact same thing….thinking about & writing about Mr. Rogers!

How unlikely is that?!?  I don’t think there’s anything significant here…I just find it interesting.  Just another way the Lord found to make me smile, He does that a lot you know 🙂

From this day forward I declare July 9th…”Mr Fred Rogers Day”  🙂

 

Here is last years entry:

I’m the only one I know….

by Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 2:15pm

I am the only Mr. Rogers Neighborhood fan that I know…I stand alone 😀

One of my favorite things that I did on our vacation was to read ALL BY MYSELF on the balcony of the condo…only the sound of the ocean below…..ahhhhhhh…

I was reading “Many Ways to Say I Love You” by Fred Rogers.  This book was a gift from my dad, and means so much that he would think to give it to me.  Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was my favorite show when I was a little girl…I’m sure that surprises you 😉  As I read, I could see how much of Mr. Roger’s teachings are part of who I am today, I just needed a little refresher course…and this book was just what I needed at this very moment as an adult & parent….Thanks Daddy!

This is my favorite Mr. Roger’s song:

It’s you I like.
It’s not the things you wear.
It’s not the way you do your hair.
But it’s you I like.

The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you,
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys-they’re just beside you.

But it’s you I like.
Every part of you-
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings,
Whether old or new.
I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue,
That it’s you I like, it’s you yourself,
It’s you. It’s you I like.

There were SO MANY things in this little book that I loved!  I think the lessons apply to adults just as easily as children…
Here is a small taste:

-No  matter what the situation, if we can help children talk about their concerns and their feelings, and really listen to what they tell us, we are letting them know we care deeply about them.

– Every time we affirm how special our children are to us for being themselves, we’re helping them grow into adults who rejoice in the diversity of the world’s people.  None of us is exactly like anyone else, but one thing we have in common is our humanity, our very natural, understandable desire to know that at least somebody, ONEbody, thinks there’s something special about us, something worth caring about.

There were so many helpful lessons in this little book….I highly recommend it! http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Many-Ways-to-Say-I-Love-You/Fred-Rogers/e/9781401301705

If you are reading this, then….
…..YOU are important to ME…
no matter how brief a time you have been in my life, or if you’ve known me since I was a skinny little big headed baby in a village in Taiwan…I think you are of great value…a treasure!

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    •  

      Lynn Arnold GassawayThink I’m going to have to make a book purchase.  I loved Mr. Rogers when I was little as well.  I think I would really enjoy this book.

      July 9, 2010 at 2:25pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis‎…and I thought I was the only one….:)

      July 9, 2010 at 2:39pm · LikeUnlike
    • Delbert FreemanJuju, its all true, “Its you I like.”LoveDad

      July 9, 2010 at 3:25pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah Land

      I was never a huge fan of the show – but, the wisdom of the man is quite profound. 🙂  I’ll tell you something…I was reading an article about the “Angel at the Bridge” in Australia…in it they were talking about those who commit suicide… and that many have no idea the number of people who are ‘saved’ from suicide by a simple smile and feeling that ONE person saw them…ONE person cared…What can one person do?  On a global scale? Maybe not so much…but on an individual scale?  We can save the world – one scarred, hurting heart at a time.  Just by caring.  Just by seeing the people around us – and reveling in their diversity, their uniqueness and the gift that having known them is to our life.
      July 9, 2010 at 3:40pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah Land http://www.cbsnews.com/sto​ries/2010/06/14/world/main​6580981.shtmlThis is the article I mentioned.

      July 9, 2010 at 3:45pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis

      Wow Sissy…now I’m crying…as usual.  Thanks for sharing…that means so much for a variety of reasons.  I love you & your big heart….and if the man had only saved 1…it would have been worth it…That is another thing in the book…he… talks about emotions…and how important it is to express them in healthy ways, and to teach our kids the same thing.  That it’s OK to feel sad, mad and hurt…and that if they are expressed…you can find healing….that the sadness will end eventually…and happiness will return……and I know you didn’t like “my” show…Scooby Doo was more your speed…
      July 9, 2010 at 4:03pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisPS…I love you…AND I LIKE YOU TOO!  There’s a difference you know…

      July 9, 2010 at 4:08pm · LikeUnlike
    • Kilsharion Deborah LandYes, I do know…I like and love and admire you, too ♥Mike told me the other day “I really do like you”…meant the world!  Love hearing him tell me he loves me; but, it was nice to hear he liked me too LOLAnd, yeah, yeah…Scooby Doo rocked…but, I really loved Speed Racer!  **snickers**

      July 9, 2010 at 4:11pm · UnlikeLike · 1 personLoading…
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis‎:)

      July 9, 2010 at 4:14pm · LikeUnlike
    • Heather AlfordI loved Mr. Rogers growing up! You should research and read about him. He was really like an assassin in the army or something and the reason for all the long-sleeve sweaters was to hide the extensive tattoos covering both arms. Still love him though! In hind-sight I do kinda wonder about him and that mailman though…LOL

      July 9, 2010 at 8:39pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman DavisOh Mr. McFeely!  He always brought THE BEST videos for us to watch on picture picture(if I remember right)….and the assassin theory…from my research that’s just a internet rumor….

      July 9, 2010 at 10:41pm · LikeUnlike
    • Matt’n’Julia Freeman Davis‎…and McFeely was Mr. Roger’s middle name and his mother’s maiden name…(makes me thankful to be a DAVIS!)

      July 9, 2010 at 10:55pm · LikeUnlike
    • Heather AlfordWell, glad to know that was a rumor,I did like his show and my favorite part was the trolly!

      July 9, 2010 at 11:05pm · LikeUnlike
    • Amy CampbellI loved Mr. Rogers too. He made me feel like I was a very special neighbor. I used to sing his opeingin song to myself all the time as a child…”It’s a beautiful day in the neighbor hood…Please won’t you be my neighbor?” I din’t have a lot of friends:)

      July 10, 2010 at 1:20am · LikeUnlike
    • Kim Ousley KirklandI watched Mr. Rogers all the time!  Wasnt my favorite show as a kid, but was one i watched a lot.

      July 10, 2010 at 9:00am · LikeUnlike

The Journey is…Fred Rogers

Today I was reminded of Mr. Rogers, you know, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…”

 

Just thought I would share some of his quotes:

Quotes – Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)

“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
– Fred Rogers

Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge our anger, and sometimes more strength yet to curb the aggressive urges anger may bring and to channel them into nonviolent outlets. It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it.
– Fred Rogers

We all have different gifts and different ways of saying to the world who we are. The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling they are worthwhile.
– Fred Rogers

It would have been sad for me to spend my life just trying to superimpose stuff on people rather than trying to encourage them to look within themselves for what’s of value.
– Fred Rogers

I think everybody longs to be loved and longs to know that he or she is lovable and, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they are loved and capable of loving.
– Fred Rogers

What really matters is not just our own winning but helping other people to win, too.
– Fred Rogers

I feel the greatest gift we can give to anybody is the gift of our honest self.

– Fred Rogers

At the center of the universe is a
loving heart that continues to beat
and that wants the best for every person.

Anything we can do to help foster
the intellect and spirit and emotional growth
of our fellow human beings, that is our job.

Those of us who have this particular vision
must continue against all odds.

Life is for service.

mister rogers neighborhood – fred rogers – 1928-2003

The Journey is….Thankfulness!

“THANKFUL THURSDAY” ~ THE BURCHETT’S

A friend of mine has encouraged us to set aside Thursday’s as “Thankful Thursdays!” 

As I have reminisced about this weeks events, my thoughts overwhelmingly turn to my childhood.  A friend had asked about some pictures that I had stored away in my cedar chest.  Looking through them was such a pleasure…It amazes me how a picture can so quickly take you back to a special moment in time.  I even found myself singing songs from the 80’s that I hadn’t thought of in ages.  I could almost smell the “Aqua Net”!  Then yesterday, was a special day of remembrance to me.  My childhood best friend’s dad had passed away 3 years ago.  Such a great man!  Again, more pictures were shared.  I was reminded of my love for my BFF & her family…YEARS of special memories!

On this Thankful Thursday,  my thoughts turn to two people that I am particularly thankful for today.  Rev. Dwight & Mary Burchett…without them the pictures would all be so different…the memories just wouldn’t be the same.  In their daily living & desiring to follow the leading of the Lord…they founded the school that I attended from 3rd to 9th grade.  The biggest part of my childhood, some of my favorite memories, life changing experiences with the Lord, & best friendships are because they listened to & obeyed God’s calling on their lives.  They still minister to me to this day!

Thank you Rev. Dwight & Mary Burchett!  On this Thankful Thursday…I am thankful for YOU!!!

~Julia

The Journey is…Destiny

“Tomorrow’s Destiny becomes Today’s Direction”

If you know me well, you know that I LOVE JOHN MAXWELL!

This video is no exception…I think I’ve watched it about 20 times:

Minute with Maxwell~DESTINY

Every time that I watch it, I think these two things:

#1 ~ My definition of success is probably quite different from the majority of people.

I love this John Wooden quote:  “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”  To me, it has nothing to to with being rich & famous…or reaching the masses.  I believe I am successful when I am reaching my full potential doing whatever the Lord has called me to do at this moment.  At times it may be ministering mostly to my family…at times it may be thousands…either way, each person, each life is precious to the Lord.  That is what really matters to me…what really counts!

and

#2 ~ He is so right!

….the times in my life where I floundered the most are when I lost sense of my Destiny.  My purpose.  The reason I was created.

I was created to Worship my Lord…I was created to serve others.