Table of Contents:
my spiritual journey toward Christ
Journey toward Christ shared openly and honestly. God’s perfect plan revealed through our family’s story of spiritual transformation.
Journey Toward Christ: A New Chapter
About four years ago my family and I moved to the Seattle area after being settled in California for 14 years. We moved for my husband’s job, but we would never have predicted the path led by God. There were so many unknowns, financial as well as personal risks riding on this huge decision to uproot our children and all our lives. But from the very beginning it “just felt right.” I was surprisingly confident amidst the uncertainty.
The housing market was terrible. Our house sat for a full year after our move, empty and unsold. We were in a small dark apartment adjusting to rain instead of sunshine. And yet, my optimism and faith in our decision never wavered. Again, it just felt right. We had no idea that we were on a journey toward Christ.
Trying Times
As the months passed, I tried hard to not be impatient with the nightmare of our housing situation. Every week the financial burden was real. As weeks turned to months our house in California sank deeper in value. It was hard not to lose faith, but faith in what?
During that time, my mother kept telling me over and over and over again, “Julie, God’s plans for you are so great you can’t even conceptualize them yourself.” “Hmmm,” I would reply, “I don’t know, Mom, my plans are pretty good” somewhat jokingly. I didn’t know about God making plans for me. I didn’t know I was embarking on a journey toward Christ. She was planting seeds.
I began to pray.
God’s Path
Why the move? It’s as if my life had to be stripped away, bare and empty to make room. Room for what? I didn’t know. I left my job, my friends, my connections. We moved to a place where we knew no one. But there was time to think. Stripped bare of the former “trappings” that can consume one, I was free. No big, beautiful house to help “define” me. No career to define me. Just me. During the quiet of my life, God found me.
His Perfect Plan
Within our first months our then 16-year-old daughter met a boy. He was Christian and full of faith. He invited Bianca to church, and she went. Soon she was going every Sunday. We met his family, and they invited us to join them. Ever so politely we declined. After all, we didn’t go to church. We had tried. However, it didn’t feel right to my husband, so I didn’t want to go if we didn’t attend as a family. Almost every week we got a quiet but vigilant invitation to attend. Finally, Easter came around, and to my shock, my husband said, “Do you want to go to church with our friends?” I said sure.
Journey Toward Christ: A Changing Point
So, we went and our journey toward Christ began. We were honestly incredibly surprised at how welcome and at home we all felt. Our boys dragged their heals only slightly and soon they were not questioning our new-found ritual. Finally, after many years of quietly wishing, something was changing in us as a family, it wasn’t just a change in habit, something was changing in our hearts. God was finding a way. Every Sunday we found ourselves in church, our hearts melting after years of distance and of self-reliance. After all, we were hard-working, self-sufficient people who were problem-solving, go-getters. We had been taught to achieve. We didn’t think we needed any “help.”
On the Road to Faith
Every week we were growing in our faith and progressing on our journey toward Christ. Each one of us, our children included, were on our own paths of spiritual discovery, and it was magnificent to behold. I joined a Bible study group, and so did my husband. Our children, each on their own, joined their own youth groups in addition to attending regular Sunday service. My husband was reading a pile of books on Christianity and spiritual discovery. I announced to my family that I was going to be baptized. My then 12-year-old came to me on his own and said he wanted to be baptized as well.
We were standing amidst miracles, each miracle held on its own was a great gift to be celebrated, but five miracles. It was almost beyond comprehension. We were each traveling our own wondrous road, simultaneously but individually. God had reached into our family and taken hold. Each day the roots of His love were digging deeper into our hearts, preparing to grow and strengthen us to one day bear fruit.
The Continuing Journey Toward Christ
The most amazing thing in our journey toward Christ is that God has become real. God is a part of my life and my family’s life. There is a strong sense and understanding that He has always been with us, always guiding us. We are each amazed at the power and beauty of life in His hands. There is more serenity and more peace in our house. We all agree that we feel less fear and less worry, and we are certain there is so much more to come on our journey toward Christ.
I have many gorgeous examples of the real change God has already made in each of us. Examples to illustrate how His love has been put into action and service. My elder son chose on his own to spend his entire summer in service on a mission in Ecuador. He reads the Bible regularly and will be awarded the highest achievement in his graduating class for volunteerism. Before finding God, of all the kids I would have defined him as the most selfish. God is at work in his heart on a daily basis.
Journey Toward Christ: All Is From God and For God
God has given me the platform of Instagram (and now this blog) to help spread His word of truth and hope and love. I have not one ounce of doubt that my success is completely from Him. I take no glory. Anything that has come from “me” really is due to the generous gifts He has supplied me. All I am, all I have done in my life, has culminated to now, and is for His purposes.
He is alive in all of us, guiding our choices. Today we are His, and we are on His path. This is just the beginning because we know life just continues to get better as we travel on this journey toward Christ.
I know you will enjoy reading our other faith posts. I pray they continue to inspire you in your own journey toward Christ.
How I Won My Battle With Infertility
Blind Faith Leads to Miracles Every Time
Search “inspiration” or “God” in the search tab for many more inspiring posts.
With love and blessings,
Praising God with you Sister! As the song says, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”. May God continue to bless you and your family!!?
Karen King(karenking24 on IG)
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,”
Karen, Thank you Dear Friend! I am praising God every day, almost every moment! I walk around with a smile spread across my face. I pray that I can become more Christ-like in every encounter, every situation. I ask myself, “How would Christ respond?” I feel called to share my story and my faith on Instagram and here on my blog that I might inspire others. Maybe there is someone I can encourage. Maybe there is someone walking away from faith or who has never experienced true faith. Maybe there is someone who thinks it might be “too late” for them. I don’t know, but He is calling me to share, and I will shout it from the rooftops! Thank you for your beautiful message. God bless you too! Yours in Christ, Julie
Julie, God is channeling through you so beautifully. Thanks for your daily inspiration. Love always, Mom
Mom, You were and continue to be a vessel of God’s truth and love. You are an integral part of my spiritual journey. Words can never convey the depth of my love and gratitude for all the gifts you have given me, but I know you know in your heart. Thank you for never losing hope that I would find faith and through it, such hope and purpose in this life. With all my love, Julie
I LOVE THIS STORY!!! Thank you so much for sharing your family’s walk with God! Very encouraging
Marci, Thank you SO much! I’m so grateful that you took the time to read and respond as well. I keep rereading this post and each time I am full of emotion, gratitude and still awe. It was so unexpected, and yet, so very real. I feel compelled to share our story in hopes that it might give hope to others. Thank you again sweetheart and God Bless! XOXO Julie & Jodie
Rachel, You are on our growing list of miracles. You are this shining light sent straight from God. Jodie and I thank God He sent you to us. Your faith is simply gorgeous to behold. We are so very blessed to count you among our true friends. With love that goes beyond words, Julie & Jodie
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Adriana, Thank you so much for reading and replying. We love to hear back from our readers. This was such a personal post, and it felt very special to share. I look forward to sharing more on topics of spirituality and how God is at work in my life in the future. I hope you will continue to read and stay connected to us here. With love and gratitude, Julie & Jodie
Julie, such a beautiful testimony! You are certainly a reflection of Gods love….. your Instagram page is reaching so many hearts and possibly leading some to Christ!! How amazing is that ?
Patti
Patty, This is what I pray for every night. God, use me in ways that you have prepared me for my whole life. I pray for guidance and the right words, the perfect message at the perfect time to send out into the world. I let Him be my only guide, and I have never been more fulfilled, knowing that He gives purpose to my actions. I give Him all the glory, for I know my success is all His. It is about so much more than home decor. Home decor is fun, inspiring, adds joy to our everyday lives, but it is only the “pretty package” of my feed. I am so very blessed and I am grateful to Him for YOU today. Your support is so important to me and my sister. Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a wonderful comment! God bless you sweet friend, with love and blessings, Julie & Jodie
This is beautiful. My eyes are brimming with tears. God is so faithful in pursuing us, isn’t He?! Thankful to see God’s grace in you for sharing your journey!
Jenne, He is! He is indeed! He never, ever gives up on us! I am a testament, and as you read, so is my entire family. We have no doubt He is the power, the director, the source of all. I am grateful for you today. I am grateful for your tears, your reaction, and your sharing it all with me. It helps confirm my path…your support is very meaningful and so appreciated. May God bless you, My Friend, on your own journey. With love, your sisters in Christ, Julie & Jodie
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony! I truly needed to hear this. I pray daily for my son as he has strayed from his faith that he had as a child. Your story is a reminder to me to never give up hope. God can use circumstances to soften his heart to the Holy Spirit. Your blog and Instagram are beautiful and reveal the beauty that is on the inside. To God be all glory always.
Diane, I am SO very glad my testimony offered you hope and comfort. God led you to my words so you would be reminded…He has your son! Your son is on his ordained path. You don’t need to worry, nor does God want you to worry. It is hard, but this is your test of faith. Believe that God has him, every step of the way. Trust in His plan for your son. I want you to let go right now. God wants you to give this worry to Him. In his almighty name I pray this, Amen and God bless. Yours in faith, Julie
Thank you so much for sharing this , Julie!!! Really blessed my heart and I’m so happy for ur family . Beautiful !!
Oh Yuni! It’s so wonderful to see you hear and to read your lovely reply! Thank you for your kindness always. You have such a genuine ability to convey your sweet personality and true self through your posts that I’ve always felt a fondness and easy connection with you. Our family has indeed been blessed and we feel like we are making up for lost time. God is at work powerfully in all of us. God bless you, My Friend. In love and faith, Julie
Julie, I read your amazing journey to Christ this morning with awe!! I am so far ahead of where I was, but have so far to go. When I came to IG another friend I had made on here helped me to see the way to forgive myself for something because God already had forgiven me. T was an amazing feeling as you described to have Him work in my life!! Now I pray daily that my husband and grown children will know what I know. They are amazing people but I want them to know this ❤️ Hearing that your family has gotten there helps so much! Thank you for being so approachable and true to yourself. Xo Sharon
Dear Sharon, Reading your beautiful reply this morning fills me with joy and also I hear the Lord’s words to me, telling me to share with you. He has them (your family), each and every one of them, whether they know it or not. And be assured that they are walking their path just as He would have them. He carries all your worries so you don’t have to…. lay them at His feet. Feel the lightness of your being as your true faith in Him allows you to be unburdened. I am praying for you and your family. God bless. Your sister in Christ, Julie
Thank you for your words of inspiration. I hope to have a story like yours someday. A walk with God. There’s a reason I happened on your instagram. Thank you.
Yolanda, There most certainly is a reason! How gorgeous is His plan for us! You are on your path, walking each day closer to Him, and He is already beside you, guiding you. Do all you can to hear Him. He will not hide from you but reveal Himself to you everywhere if you choose to see, if you choose to hear, if you choose to believe. We are so loved, and His love is beyond measure. But He reveals His love through people, and I am here as testimony. My love to you is from Him. God bless you always, Julie
Julie! This brought tears to my eyes in just the sweetest way. Thank you so so much for sharing this. Sometimes when life is busy and I’m spinning in circles and can’t seem to get it together all week. I look back and realize that, that was god knocking on my door. Getting my attention. It’s beautiful and amazing how he works in each of us and our families. ❤️
Ashley, dear Ashley, You are special. Jodie and I both feel your deep spirit, your rooted love for home, family, and God. We have been blessed with an incredible insight into people, and we are able to use that insight even on IG where we don’t meet people in person. We are rarely wrong, and it guides us to beautiful people like yourself. Thank you for your kindness, your true generosity of spirit. We hope you keep shining your light for others to witness. God bless you always, Julie & Jodie
How exciting to see God’ tenderly drawing you all to him!
It is inspiring to hear this fresh story. Thank you
Hi Martha,
Isn’t it amazing? I thank God for the miracles we are living each day. He is blessing us so much. From this realization stems my motivation to embrace, nurture, and utilize my platforms to spread His message and share His testimony. All my success is due to Him. Thank you for reading and leaving your kind and supportive reply. It means so very much to me. Today you have encouraged me to continue on my God-led path. Many blessings to you and your family, Julie
Oh my goodness, I love this so so much!! I just read this post to my husband with tears in my eyes!! God is so so good and I just love how he has worked in your life to bring you to him!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! I will tell you one thing I have noticed in you two beauties…you shine the love of the Lord!!! It’s an inspiration and a great witness!!
Heather, Your reply has made my day! Scratch that…it has made my week! God is so amazing, and we feel Him working in our lives and in the people whose lives He allows us to touch. We feel beyond blessed to be able to be an inspiration and a testament to His great, unending love. Our lives are purposeful every single day in this true and honored pursuit. Thank you for your beautiful reply. You really don’t know how important your support is to our continued mission. With love, Julie & Jodie
I so enjoyed reading about your journey towards Christ. I was raised in a Christian home, but that wasn’t enough, I had to make Christ my own. He has been with me every step of the way since then. So happy to hear the same story from others around the world that I have never met. Praise be to Him. March Madness is here today with sunny and warm weather.
Good Afternoon Julie…just read your blog on increasing spirituality and was really touched. I count my blessings all the time..I have a good husband and a marvelous daughter and one year old granddaughter and an amazing son and everyone is healthy …so Iam truly blessed…I have money in the bank but Iam materialistically driven and always wanting more..Iam quite a visual person and artistic but I know I should not place value on my stuff and feel
defined by it. Reading about your damaged floor and how to view it was a defining moment for me..
Thanks for this story and for giving me hope and a way to see things differently… Thanks one again for sharing and cheers. Cory.
Julie, thank you for sharing yours and your family’s story! You inspire me with the way you put others before yourself and constantly show joy even in hard situations. What an incredible testimony about God’s love and sovereignty. Praise His name!
I have known and loved Jesus my entire life. Sometimes I wish I had a testimony of salvation at a later stage in life so I would appreciate it more. Thank you for reminding me to pursue others daily and not to give up. (Is Bianca still dating him?) Much love, LoveBeingANonny from North Carolina
Angela, It is a true blessing to have know Jesus your entire life. I love how you gave me a different perspective though, that to find Him later in life is to know life with His love and life without…and that having that perspective really gives me a HUGE appreciation! And yes, they are still dating!! It’s been 4 years. With love and blessings, Julie & Jodie
Thank you for sharing your blessing and story. I struggle with a grandchild who is 16 and feels he knows all. I have lifted up many struggles in prayer and will continue after hearing your faith.
Brenda, I’m sorry to hear of your grandchild who is worrying you. Place all your cares and worries with Him. He will carry them. He has your grandson. Keep those prayers going. I’m am saying one now. God bless you and your family. With love, Julie
Julie, thank you for sharing I love it!
I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without Jesus in my life.
So thankful for your husband and his leadership in your family. That’s so exciting.
I am new to Instagram and you and Jodie were my first to follow ????
Blessings sweet friend
Brenda Sneed
P.S.
My email 139 is reference to
Psalm 139 and awesome chapter.
God knit us together in our mother’s womb. He knew is then!! ????????????
Brenda, What a gorgeous reply. He did indeed, He did indeed. God led you to us for sure…so I’m not surprised when you say Jodie and I were your first to follow. I would be surprised if I didn’t know God was in charge of all things, even the tiniest. So thankful for your sweet support! May God continue to bless you, Julie
I started following The Design Twins just this year. That explains why I am responding to this article four years later!
My arms had goose bumps as I read about your family’s journey to Christ. I was raised in church during my years with my parents. As most children of church, I wandered as I entered my twenties and made a fast move back at 25, married and a new daughter. I was a mom and wife and wanted to do it right. M/y now 35 year old daughter said to me the other day, “Mom, you talk about God now more than you ever did when we were growing up”. Yes, as you mature and gain the freedom of having more time to reflect and to dig deeper, my relationship with Christ has grown very deep and is now an every moment part of my life. Everyone has their own journey and I pray that each of your family members hold onto their relationship to God as the most important relationship in their lives and the one that molds and defines all of the other relationships and adventures to come.
Glenda,
Yes indeed. You are so right. We love that this post resonated with you and made you reflect on your own journey with Christ. It certainly is the most important relationship we have. Wishing you continued spiritual health and joy in your journey. God bless, Julie & Jodie