Dear friends,
I am sorry to say my engagement is over. After I returned home from our trip, it became more and more clear that the relationship was not going to work. In the best interests of both hearts involved, we felt that it was necessary to call it off. Thank you for your understanding that this is all I am able to share.
As you can imagine, the last couple weeks haven't been easy for me... but to my great surprise, they have been easier than I would have imagined. My family and friends have been so amazingly loving and supportive. Instead of going under or drowning in the depths of despair - I discovered that I'm still me. I can still smile and laugh, and I am still blessed.
God has given me so much. He loves me tenderly as his child, and I fully trust in his perfect plan for me. He knows my future and I know it's going to be more wonderful than I can even imagine.
Even if I can't see what's around the bend... I still believe it's a beautiful road to be traveling on. :) And I can honestly say that even if what's ahead are hard lessons to be learned, I know it will be good. I have already learned so much and grown in grace through this experience. Perhaps that's why the Lord allowed it to happen, hmm? :)
My heart has healed. It's not broken. And really, seeing myself stay so strong through this has been eye-opening. I didn't know I had it in me. I know it's God, because I couldn't do it in my own strength.
^ This song started playing on the radio yesterday and it was the first time I'd heard it... wow. My heart leapt for joy inside me... the words resonated so powerfully with what I've been going through. And right then and there I (raced to my laptop and bought the album on iTunes) claimed it for myself. Yes! I am an overcomer.
As I wrote in my journal the other night... now I'm rediscovering my sparkle. There is beauty and happiness waiting for me to reach out and take hold of it. I have some delightful projects in the works... including crocheting a beautiful pink-chocolate-and-cream afghan for my mother and overseeing a complete redecoration of our house... making it look fresh and updated, as thriftily and DIY and Pinterest-inspired as possible. :D
Keep me in your prayers, if you would. I appreciate it. :)
Love & Blessings,
I have been praying for you since I saw a bunch of your posts vanish and I WILL continue to do so.God bless you exceedingly abundantly and grow you through this more than you could ever imagine.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hope! I appreciate both the prayers and the blessings. :)
DeleteJulia, I'm so sorry. I figured something had happened when all the posts including him had disappeared, but I didn't want to ask, in case I was right. There's no words I can say that will make everything right, except that we both agree that we have an amazing BIG God. From one Christian young lady to another, I'm praying for you, dear. :)
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you Kristen. <3 We do have a Big God and he does awesome things. Including fill us with Faith and Peace that passes all understanding! :D
DeleteYou know i've been praying and will continue to do so! I'm so grateful for the time we were able to spend together the other day and can't wait for the next one!! Keep your chin up!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
kelly
Oh yes! Thanks Kelly!! (Me too, you girls are so much fun!) I promise I'll keep my chin up. ;) Having great friends makes it that much easier. :D
DeleteI will be praying for you... you have a great attitude about it! I can tell God is really with you through all of this, and I will pray for what he has planned for your future... Thank you for updating us all!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you...
You're welcome, Cosette! Aww. I really am trying to keep a positive attitude about everything and I'm looking to the future with eyes wide open and a hopeful heart. :D God bless you too!
DeleteI know what you're going through. My ex fiance and I called off our wedding a month before it happened and it was a nightmare, just all around bad ending. It seems you guys at least ended peacefully. It's been three years since then and let me tell you, I don't regret a thing so don't worry... It will get better. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about what you had to go through! Yes, everything ended peacefully... I am so grateful for that! I appreciate your encouragement. :)
DeleteIt's so good to hear that the Lord is doing good things in your life and that you're allowing Him to work in your life through this difficult time! I'm still keeping you in my prayers. <3 That song is such a blessing, thanks for sharing it and the album on Facebook yesterday! I bought it after I listened to the preview of "What Scars are For". Such encouragement! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melinda. Oh, I know, the whole album is awesome. Mandisa has to be one of my favorite singers. :D
DeleteHello Julia,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a long time now and (this might sound silly but…) I feel like I know you, like I already met you! And recently I went to Shining Stars Magazine and read your interview: http://shiningstarsmagazine.com/2012/03/09/stay-at-home-daughter-interview-with-julia-erickson/
I was pleasantly surprised to see you there because I’d been visiting your blog since two years ago!
I wanted to let you know that I wrote your name down in my prayer journal and will pray for you…
I came across this paragraph today and thought that you might find it encouraging! *smile*
“The benefits of spending time in God’s Word:
~Being openly rewarded by God (Matthew 6:4, 6:6, and 6:18)
~Achieving good success (Joshua 1:8)
~Being guarded from sin (Psalm 119:11)
~Bringing forth fruit (Psalm 1:3)
~Prospering in whatever you do (Psalm1:3)
~Experiencing great peace (Psalm 119:165)
~Becoming wiser than your teachers (Psalm 119:98-99)
~Being preserved in difficulties (Psalm 119:92)
~Staying healthy (Isaiah 58:8)
~Finding delight in the Lord (Isaiah 58:14)
~Having a powerful and effective ministry (James 5:16)
~Having “barns that are filled with plenty” (Proverbs 3:9-10)”
I that paragraph with scripture texts has been very encouraging to me!
Do you remember that verse “Everything works together for good”?
Its funny because, about 2 months ago I came down with a sore throat and got weak…well I had to stay in bed and it was then that God convicted me that I wasn’t spending time with Him, and in His word.
Well I had plenty of time then! *grin*
So that verse (I have to go look it up) really helped me and encouraged me a lot!
Love your sister in Christ,
~Ivy~
Thank you for praying for me, Ivy. It's sweet to get to know people through blog-world who think similarly... :D Yep! God can use anything for his glory and his plan... including sore throats! LOL!
DeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that things didn't turn out in your relationship... But I want you to know that God has a plan for you, to prosper you, to give you a hope, and a bright future. And He loves you so much, and only wants the very, very best for you! Just remember there's hope in every situation no matter what your facing everyday! ;) I'm praying for you! Your an OVERCOMER! ~Abby~
Thank you so much, Abby! Your encouragement really meant a lot to me! :)
DeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you! You are an example as you take it so well and understand that there is a plan through all of this. God is molding you & shaping you into His image through these circumstances. You are an encouragement to be brave and persevere in life. And yes, I can tell that you are still YOU! The sparkle in you still shows through your words!
Love,
Julia Lauren H.
Hi Julia! :) Yes, He certainly is... my job is just to be flexible and pliable in His hands. :D Awww, thanks for saying that. ;) I enjoyed reading your comment! Thank you for taking the time to write it. <3
DeleteJulia, you are such an amazing young woman. I am so blessed to know you and am encouraged by your faith. Yes, you are indeed an overcomer. Miss chatting with you and your mama, we must do tea soon. Yes? The kids still talk about our "dinner" at your house all the time.
ReplyDeleteWow, just saw this comment - in April! Thank you, Mari! I'm blessed to know you too!
Delete