How Time Flies - Seriously !! Love Story Alert !!

I am alive !! Thanks for all the messages that I have been receiving lately, wondering and praying that I am Ok. I truly am a grateful recipient of those! It has been a real adjustment for me, to move to a totally new province, with a new husband, new school for the boys, new church, etc. It has really thrown off my usual schedule.

In 18 days, it will be 2 years since Russ has passed. In just over a month, I will have been married for a year, while only knowing John for a year and 2 months - YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT !! I know people have been wanting the story, so here it is !!

I had an old school friend, J, whose sister, R, wanted to set me up with a guy. This was about 8 months after Russ went home, and I was all "NO WAY, it has not been a year, I need to grieve." So, R let it go, except she had a nephew that would not ... lol. The good thing is, they lived 10 hours away, and could not force me to meet him.

Well, I ended up going there to visit one of my best friends, JW, on the last weekend before school started, This was August 26-29, 2011. So R and her nephew, M, say that we should at least do supper together, since I had not seen them for awhile, and would I mind if John came? No problem, I said, and went out with the boys along.

Here you can see how we sat at the table. I made sure to sit on the same side as him, at the opposite end, so we would not have to talk. I was going to show everyone that they could not set me up with him. The only words I really said to him that night was, "Hi" when I got there, and "Bye, nice meeting you." I talked to everyone else, and basically completely ignored the poor guy the rest of the time. I felt so bad, so I sent him a message on facebook saying " Sorry we didn't get to talk more, maybe next time." (Though never intending to follow through with that ... lol). His reply was, "Well, here is my cell number, text me ..." Me "UMMM NO, here is mine, text me."

He did ... the next day ! We texted for a whole week, all this time, I was on my knees praying all night long. I could not figure out the feelings that were rising in me. I knew that biblically, they were not wrong, but I was scared. I finally called him on September 4th, and we hit it off, talking for over 8 hours. After a week of praying and restless sleep, I slept like a baby that night. I had such peace, but that scared me even more!!

I woke up the next morning to a text from my realtor, saying " Wishing you God's Highest and Best !" I was like "What?", and he texted back " I just thought God wanted me to tell you that today." My realtor, are you kidding me? This was really starting to freak me out, so I went to talk to my mom. I told her what I might be feeling and  she said 3 things that stuck in my mind.

1. Where there is great suffering there is great blessing
2. God's timing is rarely our timing.
3. It Doesn't Matter What Anyone Else Thinks If This Is What GOD Wants For You !!

 John and I talked alot that rest of that week, up to 6 hours a day. And we really wanted to meet in person, for real. So, I asked my Mom and Dad to watch the boys that weekend, and I went to Edmonton to actually meet John. We met up, basically for the first time, on September 9, and got engaged THE NEXT DAY !!

We had spent so much time talking, and honestly when you are in our shoes, you cut out small talk. Every conversation had meaning, and we both laid everything out on the line, so it just felt right. There were only  few people who knew what was happening, and they stood behind us in prayer all weekend, and kept us accountable. I appreciate them for their support, so much, because after that it it seemed like a lot of fighting for approval.

We got a lot of backlash, and yes, while it was a shock that I was moving on, WE WERE DOING NOTHING WRONG. I was not married anymore, Russ was gone. It was even something I had to work through, because it almost felt as though I was cheating on Russ. People also were worried that I had gotten engaged without the boys knowing him. Well, that had been my plan all along (not the engaged part), but I did not want my boys to go through the up and downs of me dating. And I understand their thoughts ... " What if the boys did not like him?" ... but I knew that if GOD could awake the love in me for him in such a short amount of time, the boys would be a cake walk!! And they were. He met them the next weekend, and since then, he is their hero. He is such an amazing father to them. So, we got married 2 months later.

I will not say that it has all been easy, but no marriage is. If you want to stay together, you work at it, but I can say that it was absolutely God's plan for us to get married. My in-laws (Russ' family) love him, and he has become a part of them as well. I am so blessed, I have nothing else to say about it, except that my God is an awesome God !!

Have fun and happy stamping,

Julie

 

Comments

[Sandra K]

Yeah! What an excellent new beginning. I love your mum's words of wisdom. Much love and many more blessings to you and John and the boys.

[Paula]

Wow, Julie! God certainly has certainly rewarded you for your unwavering faithfulness during your trials and tribulations! You are a shining example of His mercy and love! Thank you for sharing your story! Wishing you all of God's blessings!

[Gail]

Wow look at all the comments and you haven't even posted in a long time! I started following your blog way before Russ got sick so the update was much appreciated. Thanks for a beautiful story.

[nike free run]

Hej Jag är så upphetsad jag hittade din blogg sida, jag hittade dig av en slump, medan jag söker på Yahoo efter något annat, Iaf jag är här nu och skulle bara vilja säga tack för en fantastisk tjänst och alla runt trevlig blogg (Jag älskar också temat / design), jag har inte tid att läsa igenom allt just nu, men jag har bok-märkt det och lade också till dina RSS-flöden, så när jag har tid jag kommer att vara tillbaka för att läsa mycket mer, gör hålla upp det fantastiska arbetet.

[Ruby]

Good Afternoon Julie,
How are you today. I am glad that you finally posted an update. By the way, this is R from your post. :) We sure have enjoyed spending time with you. Even though it is not as much as I would like. I would like to give you some words of encouragement today. I know that the adjustments are not easy and finding new friends to hang with is also a challenge. But I would like you to know that you are where you are and who you are with because the Lord has willed it. I know this because of the fact you have let us know how earnestly you sought His will while you were travelling the road toward this. Your story is amazing and even though the arrival to this point is/was not easy you can rest assured that you are in His will. And remember to take the time "Love each other deeply with all your heart" 1Peter 1:22. I know from experience that this is so much easier to say than to do, and yet so rewarding. Julie & John - May the Lord guide your steps, hold your hearts, shower you with uncountable blessings, grant you wisdom beyond comprehension, and a love that lasts to the end of your days. With much love, R

[Misti]

I am way behind on my Google Reader so I just got to read this today! I'm so excited for your new life and what God has in store for all of you!!!

[Debbie]

Wonderful to read the story in more detail and learn of the way God is working his purpose out in your lives together. Blessings, Debbie

[Peggy Maier]

So glad you posted again, Julie! What a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing! God bless you all.

[WV Jackie M]

Julie,
I just happened to open your post today, after not seeing any activity in AGES, and there you were. I don't know you, but have followed your post for ages. I was so happy to see you work thru the loss of Russ, and do things for yourself. I feel that women need to be more assertive and independent (when necessary), and you had a family to take care of. You have proven that you are a strong woman, but after your marriage and no postings, I was so worried about you and hoping that things were OK. Gosh, you would think you were one of my family or friends, and we have never met. We read and see the news about so many wrong decisions we can make (and I sure have) that one could not help but worry about your absences! It does take time to build a new marriage, especially with young children. You cannot be at the same place in your marriage starting out that you were with Russ, and you will have a different marriage, different circumstances, but a good marriage if it is meant to be. It sure seems that your strong beliefs have helped you forge thru. God bless, and I'm so happy to see you on here again!

[Lauriegransq]

Ah Julie! Huge hugs to you and your family. Was super surprised to see a blog post from you- have followed you along since you started and have been missing your posts. Your story brought tears to my eyes, and a glow to my heart. No matter where we go in life or what we do- God is guiding us. So happy happy for you!And definitely looking forward to more updates!!!!!

[anita]

I started following your blog during the sadness in your life and I love following it in your happiness. What a beautiful story you wrote. Keep the updates coming and stamping pictures someday too.

[Carmen]

It was so nice to see the email with your post(I was waaay behind with my email) and I followed the link right away. I really miss following you in FB, so it was really nice to read your post... I am very happy for you and your family. Your mom is a very wise woman and it sounds like you are surrounded by amazing people.

[Terri]

So glad to hear from you Jules. Yes marriage is work but blissful. Happy for you.

Ter ;)

[Carol B]

Thanks for the update. As a widow myself,
I have thought about you often. Glad to hear that you are happy in your new life. You are right God's plan is not always are plan and we do well to follow his.

[trudelmj]

Thank you for the news, Julie,
I follow your blog for several years and I prayed a lot for your family in your time of need. Hugs,
Marie-Josee

[Janice waymire]

What an Awesome story!! God is great and works in mysterious ways, as he did within your life. Great to hear from you! Blessings to you all!!

[Cathy B.]

Welcome back! So glad all is well with you. I missed your blog and was going to post to see if all was well. What a great surprise to read your new post with your sweet love story.

God truly is awesome. He loves us. He knows what we need, and always watches over us. He sends us special people. All we need to do is trust.

I wish you and the happiness in the world.

[Janine A]

So happy to hear an update from you and all is wonderful!!!! God is AWESOME!!!!

Hugs,

[carole centers]

It was a shock to see a new email from you. Although we don't know each other, I have read your blog for a long time and have missed you. I have been thinking the worst case scenario and so very happy to have been wrong. Please don't wait so long to write again!

[Toni K]

I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. Strange that so many people were doing the same this week. So happy for you and your family :)

[Lovina Freed]

Wishing you the best. So glad you posted, I have thought of you often. Isn't it strange, how the internet works. Never having met, yet felling like I was missing the contact of your blog. Love and prayers to you and your family.

[Marcia Faulhaber]

So glad you have posted. I have often wondered about you as I LOVED YOUR THINGS. Just recently I asked my sister a stamper too if she had seen any things about you. I am so glad to see happiness in your life as I know you suffered. I do hope you will consider stamping again as you had such talent and always loved your ideas and instructions. Take care and hope to see your blog when you are ready.

[Sherry Harweger]

Praise the Lord...sounds like you are really happy and that God is leading and blessing...what a wonderful God we serve.

[Debra]

Wow, I am so glad you posted and that everything is good. I was a bit worried. Looks like you have a lot of fans, judging from the comments! Hope you will post periodically and maybe someday do papercrafts again. Wishing you and your family the best of everything!

[Tania]

May God continue to bless you and may you be correct in believing all this was His will. Certainly, as a Christian I've learned that God truly does work in mysterious ways. Still, that other part of me, the part with 20 years experience working in social services, that is still a wee bit skeptical of it all. I pray the best for you and your kids.

[marsha]

I can only ditto what everyone else has said! It's so strange, that so many of us were thinking aout you yesterday (10/4). Much love to you and to your family.

[Lenoria]

Julie, I am so glad to hear from you! I have been a follower/fan/online friend for a long time and have missed you a lot. I am so glad you and your family are happy and adjusting well. I have always said that God has a reason for everything and sometimes we have a hard time accepting what He sends our way but if we only give Him control He will take care of everything! You are still a blessing to me and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. I don't have a facebook account so I can't follow you on there, only on the blog. Hopefully some Christmas family pictures?

[Amanda]

God bless you, Julie! I have missed you. Thank you so much for telling us your story, reminding us what happens when we allow God to be in control. What a beautiful testimony of God's love and provision! :)

[Heidi]

Love stories written by God are the best ones!! So happy you are happy. Looking forward to hearing more of how God is continuing to work in your life.

[Janet]

I often think of you and I am so glad you are happy.

Janet xx

[JustB]

You won't believe this - just yesterday, yes YESTERDAY, I came to your blog to see if maybe my Google Reader wasn't working and you had written something I had missed - because I missed you and your posts. And here, TODAY, here you are! Another funny - September 9th is my birthday : ) It's a beautiful love story, all of you, given by God - but will you get back to stamping now, please? : )

[lorraine Klein]

I am so glad to hear about your story. I looked forward to your stamp posts every week. I read all your posts when your husband was ill. I am happy for you and your boys. Life is good and moves on for the best. Stay happy and enjoy your new life. Maybe you will do crafts again when you are ready.
Its nice to hear about you when you post.
Lorraine Klein

[ruth]

Great to hear from you,pleased that you are putting life with john and the boys first. God bless you and continue to grow you all xxx

[Pam H]

Hi! Didn't ever expect to hear from you again. Just a follower who stumbled on your story a short while before Russ passed. Loved reading your post and seeing all the neat things that you were doing and how God continually held you in His care. Neat story.Thanks so much for sharing and please keep us informed. Truly inspirational.

[Monica Deike]

WOW! Yet again, you brought tears to my eyes, tears of great Joy. I have prayed for you and thought of you often. You have been such a testimony of what God does for us in times of trials and suffering. You have shared with us that God does continue to bless us beyond what we are worth. I am so very happy for you and your boys and your new husband and father to your boys. I can't wait to see what new creations you make for us as well as new stories that you share with us.

From Michigan
Monica

[Barb]

So glad to hear from you again. Our God is awesome. Your mom was right. May God bless you and your family.

[Keta Jones]

Dearest Julie,
YOU have truly been missed and held in so very many hearts! I am so very thrilled to hear that you and your precious boys have moved on to a happy and healthy life... NO never easy... but we were never promised easy! Thank you so much for touching base with all your FB/Blog friends... YOU are so loved! NEVER feel you have to get someone else permission to be happy. When/If you get to stamping again, we all will be so pleased to share in it.
Much Love to your Family, from Colorado
Keta

[Jocelan Perry]

So happy to hear from you,and finds things are good with you and your family,keep us posted on your great life,
Blessing's,Jocelan

[Gwen Mangelson]

This is wonderful news! I am so happy for you all!
love ya!
Gwen

[Karla Adams]

Julie,
I'm so glad you posted. I've been thinking about you lately. A lady I work with even asked about you, and she doesn't even stamp at all. I told her about you when you lost your husband and she has asked on and off about you ever since then. I told her last week that you haven't posted for a long time, but that I missed you beautiful cards and wished that you would. Take care and post again, I have missed you.

[Jen Guarino]

I am so happy to see your update. What an amazing story you have. A great testimony to how good God can be.

Blessings
Jen

[Mary Lambos]

It's so wonderful to here you and the boys are happy. Thanks for sharing your special love story with all of us. We have all missed you so much it is time for joy for you. Our Lord works in such mysterious ways. My you all have many, many happy and loving years together!!!😊

[Brenda B]

You go Girl.. Yes. God works in mysterious ways. I am so happy for you and the boys. May God bless your new family and keep you near...

[Melissa Ann Smith]

So glad to hear that you are alive and doing great. I am so happy that you shared your love story. Always follow your heart, God is talking to you and things wouldn't have worked out the way they did if He hadn't. When my husband and I married, everyone inc. my parents said we wouldn't last 1 year. In 2 months it will be 40 years,4 children, 11 grandkids, hard work and God's love later. You are blossoming and it shows. God bless.

[Rhonda]

Julie
I love your "Love Story". It sounds like something I would have read from a romance book. You are right God is is control and he sets our paths. We just have to learn to follow his.I know you John and the boys are glad you did.
What a true blessing you are.

[Linda Peterson]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am so happy that you found each other---part of God's plan! It was exciting to see your update today--I also have been hoping everything is going well for you and your family.

[Fran Bosse]

Hello, Julie!! So good to hear from you. I've really missed your blogs. where do you live now? You were in Sask and Alta. I'm hoping you'll soon be stamping and sharing again. Keep in touch.

[linda panattoni]

I was so concerned about you and the boys. I am so glad you posted. I have just celebrated 25 years of marriage. I know it is not easy. God works. So very glad you posted. Linda

[Michele]

Glad to hear you are doing well! Loved your story and what an amazing mom you have. She hit the nail on the head ... "It Doesn't Matter What Anyone Else Thinks If This Is What GOD Wants For You!"

[Julie Kaehler]

Welcome back Julie! Your mother is a wise woman. I hope you are adjusting to your new home, new life, etc. We all wish you the best and can't wait for you to start stamping again.
Julie

[Beverley]

so glad to here from you and that you and your family are doing well.
miss your e mails though and do hope you still stamp for yourself...your crafts taught me that the craft outlet certainly can save you relieve a stressful day for which i am very greatful. take care and god bless.
hugs
Beverley

[Rosemarie]

So glad you posted today. For some reason you have been on my mind all week. Now I can set my mind at ease. So many people warn about fast romances, maybe a sign of a controlling personality, and can dominate you. You likely have the advantage there being a Christian and following biblical principles about who is head of the house and all. It's just hard when you have been on your own a bit, to cede control of your life to a 'stranger'. So I am relieved to find out you did the right thing. May God continue to give you reasons to be thankful this holiday weekend.

[Theresa Fredrickson]

I am so happy for you, as I am for my own daughter. She lost her husband to cancer in 2007 at only 32, leaving her as a young widow with a 2 year old daughter. She has since remarried and she now has a new little boy to add to the family. Her new hubby is a wonderful father to my little granddaughter, who is now 7 years old. Could not ask for a better Dad (except, maybe for her own dad). I am glad to see that you are posting again. Are you still stamping?

[Lynne Hurlburt]

So glad all is well. Have wondered how you and the boys have been doing. So good to hear from you. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne

[Diane Seaward]

Well, I see I am not alone--lots of people have been thinking of you! Seriously, you have been on my mind so much lately and I have been wondering how you were doing. I was SO happy to see an update from you! Though we have never met, I pray for God's best for you and your family. Thank you for your update. God bless you!!
Diane (from Singapore)

[Germaine]

It has been lovely to hear from you Julie and know that you are holding on and doing your best! Yes, The Lord alone knows our painted life and his plan for us! You rock lady!! Lots of love! G

[Karla Reader]

So nice to hear your story. I am still so happy for you. It is true that as we grieve, everyone else will have their opinions of how that road should look for us, and it will be DIFFERENT for each one of us. I am just so happy to hear that you are still seeking God in all you do and bringing glory to His name through the way He leads you through the good and the bad.
Keep looking up. You have encouraged so many.

[Linda L]

Hi Julie,

It is so good to hear that you are doing well. Your love story is more proof that, if you will listen to God, He will direct your steps! I'm sure most people were genuinely concerned, because they didn't have see God's plan... but you were right to follow your heart. I'm happy to hear how blessed you are. Our God is an awesome God!

Linda

P.S. ~ I'm looking forward to when you get back to stamping and posting. :)

[Susan Carlson]

What a totally awesome story! Thanks for sharing. I was just thinking about you a few days ago wondering how life was going for you (not that I really know you, you understand). But that's how things work. Awesome!!!

[JoAnn B.]

It is so good to see you post. You have been on my mind. That is an awesome story and we have an AWESOME God, who is always in control.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
Hope you get a chance to do some crafting. I always enjoyed your beautiful cards.

[Gabby]

Nice to read your story Julie! I don't follow FB or Twitter so I know nothing other than what's you post on your blog. I'm glad you're settled and all is as good as can be. I agree with your Mom and my Mom agrees with your Mom, too. Continued best wishes. Gabby :)

[Karen B]

Well I have to say that we are on this earth to make a difference in what ever way that is. If you feel energy and spirit from your life today, you are doing the right thing. Nobody lives in your shoes but you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You are a beautiful person and you deserve the best. Always trust in yourself and the rest will follow. We love you Julie. Your cyber friend...Karen

[Kate]

Wonderful story! You have been on my mind the last week or so. I am glad you are so happy as are your boys.

[Mz Cookie]

great story...thanks for the update

[EMMA JOYNER]

You are a true daughter of God, yours & John's testimony will live on and prove to everyone that not even God judges. I love reading what you have been doing & look forward to seeing more of your creations x x God Bless x Emma from UK.

[Amanda (from Australia)]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story. Only you can know what is right for you and your family. Ultimately those who matter don't mind & those that mind don't matter.......

[Linda Deline]

Yes, isn't it amazing how God works. My husband (of 45 years now) asked me to marry him on our second date. I laughed...but we were married 9 months later. So happy to see you healthy, happy, and faithful. God bless.

[rachel]

so funny! I blog stalk you and I was just thinking that I missed seeing your cute cards. Glad everything is great and what a fun story!

[Amy Ettelson]

Your dress was absolutely beautiful and all of you look like a dream:)

[Holley]

I've been worried about you. I knew it was so many huge changes all together and we haven't heard from you in a long, long time!
I hope maybe a friend good at organizing helps you set up your stamp room so you are back to stamping again. I hope there are stampers in your area!
Holley

[MaryAnn]

just remember Julie, God felt you needed someone in your like or he would not have sent John to you. So happy for all of you. keep the faith sweetie, as it was a match made in heaven.

[julie cluff]

Loved your love story! I had to giggle a little remembering how I ignored my now husband at a party when our friends tried to set us up only a couple of months after my divorce (with 3 children) 6 months later we were married and that was 19 happy years ago!!

Blessings to you and your family!

[Kay Capps]

Hi- Sweetie- For one I know exactly what you have been through. My dear husband Paul of 35 years passed away suddenly and 13 months later I was remarried to another wonderful man. I feel between God and Paul they helped me find Pat! God and Love work well together! Hugs to you and your family! Kay Capps

[Lacey]

That's funny. I actually just went to your blog a few days and ago and thought "I haven't seen her post anything in ages, I hope everything is ok for her". So thanks for the update even though I am just some person who follows your blog in Florida, it was nice to hear that you are doing well.!! You are right...God has a plan and it is often not what we have in mind!! So glad you are doing well.

[Cheryl Johnson]

Wow! What a beautiful story! And God's timing is always "on time, every time". So happy for you.

cj

[Beth M]

It's so good to hear from you. I noticed your name in my Pinterest feed recently and was wondering how you were doing. Thanks for sharing your story. Wishing you all the best!

[Evie C.]

What a great story...thanks for sharing. Blessings to all of you

[Ann]

Congratulations on your story! I'm always in awe how God works. Looking forward to hearing more about your new life and seeing your creations.

[marisa]

Love how God works :) Thanks for sharing your story. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with lots to give thanks for!!

[Patti Corriere]

So glad all is well. God speaks - we listen. How wonderful you were paying attention! Blessings to you all.

[Simone]

That's an awesome story! And yes, God is in control...

Greetings from Germany,
Simone