If you have been here for any length of time, you know that we heat our home with wood. In fact, last year, you all liked these pictures (scroll down a bit). Well, being in the circumstance that we are in at the moment, we do not have the time to go get the wood needed. I am talking A LOT of wood, about 5-6 cords. I could take the 6 hours needed to go and get one load, but then Russ would be by himself, and that just doesn't work.
Some family and friends heard about our predicament and came to the rescue.
It was a good old fashioned barn-raising (OK, wood piling). Two big trailers of wood and 10 people to help stack it all in the garage!! What a blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives, and now it smells so nice in there. It took less than 1 hour to have all the wood stacked and ready for the winter. No wonder they say that many hands make light work. It usually took Russ and I one evening to do one trailer by ourselves. I am so grateful to all the folks that are helping out, it makes such a difference in my stress level. I never realized how much Russ and I did TOGETHER until these past few months.
I do have another batch of cards to share, so stay tuned!
Look at that picture- how awesome! God works in awesome ways - after my son passed away I looked at all the pictures closer and noticed that all the pictures had one thing in common - orbs all over - sometimes hundreds. I now believe that they are signs of angels - Sharing pictures of other St. Jude children that passed away also have orbs all over before they pass and even after of the family pics. I just have a comfort of knowing that God is watching over us. Praying for you and your family!
Posted by: Nikki | September 29, 2010 at 02:03 PM
I sure am glad that they did that for you & Russ. I'm sure it does help ease your mind. And I'm also glad, that you are accepting of the help, as I think you are usually on the giving end. It is a humbling experience being on the receiving end, and I see that you have an awful lot of people who care about your family. Keep the faith!
Posted by: Connie | September 26, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Hi Julie,
I just recently found your blog, while looking for craft ideas, and what a blessing you have been to me! I found not only an abundance of crafting inspiration, but an amazing sister in the Lord!!! Your strength and faith are an inspiration to many. Thank you for living it out loud!!!
I am praying for you and your husband. I know God is faithful and will provide your every need from His endless resources as you continue to abide in His love, trust in His faithfulness, and rest in His peace.
Be blessed,
Linda
Posted by: Linda L | September 26, 2010 at 04:05 PM
That is terrific, it is wonderful the people that God gives us to help us through our rough times
Posted by: Conniecrafter | September 24, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Julie that is what friends are for....to be there when you need them. They may not be there all the time but when there is a need a true friend comes to the rescue....I am so glad you have great friends....God be with you and Russ at this time and especially your little boys. How are they taking all this?
Posted by: Terry Molineux | September 23, 2010 at 02:22 AM
so happy for you that you have such good friends.
Posted by: lisa crofts | September 22, 2010 at 11:34 PM
That is Awesome! You have sure been blessed with some great friends and family that obviously care so much to help you out like that. That is nice to see, people pulling for others when they need it.
Posted by: April D | September 22, 2010 at 09:10 PM
God bless you. Friends are hidden angels just waiting to answer prayers...hugs~ Jane
Posted by: Jane | September 22, 2010 at 09:09 PM
It is so awesome to see God working in everyday life! Continued prayers headed your way...
Posted by: Cindy Hopkins | September 22, 2010 at 05:42 PM
God knows what you need before you even have a chance to ask. He even chooses the angels to deliver it!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Green | September 22, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Hey Julie, Maybe this is why people get sick....so friends and family can show them how much they are loved! Prayers ongoing.....
Posted by: Rose Menassas | September 22, 2010 at 03:51 PM
That is so sweet to know that you have such wonderful friends and neighbors to help you out.
Posted by: Sheila Bennett | September 22, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Oh Julie, what a wonderful blessing and shows how much your friends, neighbors and family love you guys. It brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: Brenda in Indy | September 22, 2010 at 03:05 PM
God provides...praying for your family.
Posted by: Vivian | September 22, 2010 at 02:18 PM
You are truly blessed to have such wonderful and caring people in your life.
Posted by: Judi G | September 22, 2010 at 01:47 PM
Such wonderful friends and neighbors. Bless them. And still praying for Russ and you too. Edna
Posted by: Edna Burgess | September 22, 2010 at 01:47 PM
GOD is good and you are awesome yourself. I am not surprised that you have friends like that. I am happy that they helped you,only wish my husband and I could have been there too to give a hand. Love to you all.
Posted by: Mo Moss | September 22, 2010 at 01:24 PM
How wonderful that you are so loved and supported by good friends. It says alot about you and Russ too.... I'm sending you my best wishes for strength and wisdom in this difficult time. I'm so glad you have your faith to keep you strong.
Posted by: Wendy M. | September 22, 2010 at 01:16 PM
It is truly amazing how friends and family come to your aid during a "crisis". They are all God's blessings. Glad that your blessings were there for you!
Keeping you in my prayers!
Posted by: Laura I | September 22, 2010 at 12:34 PM
The Lord look after his own! trust in him and all will be well Julie! HUgs always! G
Posted by: Germana Ferrao-Lenn | September 22, 2010 at 12:31 PM
My parents heated their home the same way, and I have been part of many wood piling sessions, and know the work it involves (satisfying, but labour intensive!). Glad to see that you have friends to help you out with anything!
Diane
Posted by: Diane | September 22, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Such a special gift from some wonderful people in your lives! Stay warm with their extra caring deeds.
Posted by: chrisd | September 22, 2010 at 12:20 PM
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when people show such kind deeds. This is what real friendship and kindness is all about. Just like in the olden days when that was the most natural thing to do was to help out a neighbor in need! You are truly blessed to have such kind friends! I applaud them all!
Prayers and Hugs to You and Yours!
Posted by: Linda Henry | September 22, 2010 at 12:20 PM
What a blessing- This is the Family Of God- We are here to help and encourage each other. Now you are on the receiving end- In the past you have been on the giving end and in it all God is glorified. PRAISE to HIM!
Posted by: Margaret Sperry | September 22, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Bless all who helped get the wood in! We, too, heat with wood and I know what a job it is! Prayers are answered in many ways, by many angels! Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Big Hugs!!
Posted by: Becky Jo | September 22, 2010 at 11:55 AM
You sure know who your real friends are in times like these! That is wonderful!
Posted by: Diane L | September 22, 2010 at 11:54 AM
So great you are experiencing God's love through people! My pastor just spoke on this about 2 weeks ago. How today we just don't like to ask, and not many people offer. It has become a disease of independance. I don't know you, or your husband, but I'm praying for his complete healing. I will also pray for you and all that you face in these coming days as well.
Bec' of Him,
Becky Nadeau
Posted by: Becky Nadeau | September 22, 2010 at 11:54 AM
What awesome friends you have!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Posted by: Patti J. | September 22, 2010 at 11:29 AM
That is great. So glad you have awesome friends and family to help you in this difficult time.
Posted by: Debbie H. | September 22, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Wow, that is incredible. I am so glad you have so many people that love and care about your entire family. Russ, and the rest of the family, are continually being lifted up to God in our prayers.
Posted by: Dorene | September 22, 2010 at 11:27 AM
God is GOOD!!!
Posted by: Susan | September 22, 2010 at 11:16 AM
This is wonderful. Blessings from God come in all shapes and forms. When prayers go up, blessings come down. So many of us are praying for you and your family. Your faith is an encouragement to us.
Posted by: Sylvia/Georgia | September 22, 2010 at 11:03 AM
What sweet servant hearts they have! What a blessing and bright spot in this stormy time for your family. God is good always!
Posted by: Tammy Q Howell | September 22, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Another prayer answered...probably before it was even spoken! :o)
Posted by: Nancy | September 22, 2010 at 11:01 AM
I am so happy that this has been done for you! What a relief to know that you will have an adequate supply of wood to heat your home this winter! Fantastic. Thank goodness there are still wonderful people there to help others. I agree that it's a great thing for people to help in this way. Awesome. Hugs to you!
Posted by: Diane McVey | September 22, 2010 at 10:55 AM
You can't bet neighbors/friends/family when it comes to a crisis. Thinking of you everyday Julie.
Posted by: Kathy Benko | September 22, 2010 at 10:53 AM
How wonderful! A bright spot during this difficult time.
Posted by: Cindy | September 22, 2010 at 10:49 AM
I have goose bumps! What a wonderful help these people are - truely gifts from God!
Posted by: Lisa | September 22, 2010 at 10:48 AM
I have tears of joy, looking at that picture and realizing what has been done for you.
Posted by: Linda Peterson | September 22, 2010 at 10:45 AM
God is so good. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melissa Johnson | September 22, 2010 at 10:43 AM
What a blessing! Praising God with you!
Posted by: Darla | September 22, 2010 at 10:42 AM
WOW!! Now that is a HUGE pile of wood. I'm even too young at 62 to remember when this sort of help was the normal mode in "the old" days. I just remember hearing my grandparents talk about it.If more of this sort of thing was the norm nowadays, the world situation wouldn't be in such a mess. With all the modern technologies we forget to be just people helping people. I read your blog all the time and am following your trials and tribulations and I believe that God will see you through. Keep the faith.
Posted by: Fran Bosse | September 22, 2010 at 10:37 AM
I'm so glad you have been blessed in this way.
Posted by: Karla Reader | September 22, 2010 at 10:35 AM
..tells you how much people care about your and your family...and how blessed you are...despite what's happening in your family right now.
Posted by: michelle | September 22, 2010 at 10:35 AM
YEA for great friends and family! This is one way for God to use others to serve you and your family! I'm so thankful that you have HIM to rely on!!!
Posted by: Misti | September 22, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Friends are the BEST!!! And...remember...
Friends are flowers that never fade.
Posted by: Janet Smith | September 22, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Our God is an awesome God! He will never give you more than you can handle. What a blessing from your friends. Praise God.
Sherry
Posted by: sherry conrad | September 22, 2010 at 10:01 AM
that is sooooo awesome when friends are there when you need them....God is good!
Posted by: sandy | September 22, 2010 at 09:21 AM