It’s time for another Saturday Spotlight! Today’s spotlighted blogger is Julie from Come Have a Peace!

I feel honored to have Julie on my blog today – I first met her in 1999, I believe. Her husband, Jeff, was the youth pastor at the church I attended through college and Julie headed up the primary age Sunday School class. I got to know Julie when I volunteered in the primary department, then got to know them both better when my roommate and I helped out with the Sr. High youth.

Julie was a good friend and mentor to me through my college years, and I have fond memories of going for walks and dropping in at their house – Julie was so quick to drop whatever she was doing (and I’m sure I interrupted her in the midst of things!) and offer me a drink and sit down to chat. One night when NP was visiting we went out to dinner – his car was broken into and my purse was stolen. We didn’t know what to do, so we called Jeff and Julie! We were all frazzled when we got there around 9:30 or 10:00pm, and they offered their phone to call our parents, Jeff took his camera to help NP document the damage for the insurance company, and Julie served us warm biscotti she had just pulled from the oven! :) She modeled hospitality and what it meant to be a young, Godly wife and mom to me – and I am deeply grateful for her! So, enough from me… enjoy the interview, give her a warm bloggy welcome, and hop over to Come Have a Peace to say hello and browse around – you’ll be blessed!

1. Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences or less!
I grew up in VA and met my Pennsylvanian husband while in college in Ohio, where we never imagined how many opportunities God would give us. We’ve loved being in pastoral or missions ministry for over 15 years together, and I’ve loved being Jeff’s partner in life & ministry. I’ve used all I learned in college, every talent and ability in my life as a mom to my two awesome kids who prompt many praises and prayers.

2. Flashback: you’re a senior in high school and you’re wearing your favorite outfit today. Describe your “look.”
I’ve tried to block out the memory, but I think I’m wearing keds tennis shoes, jeans (pegged), and a sweatshirt, topped off with permed hair.

3. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do?
Love to go to an historic site that includes an herb garden, place to hike, and unique restaurant.

4. What is your most dreaded household task and why?
IRONING. I ask myself that same question … and while I ponder, my pile grows.

5. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Make a picnic for the day, pack the chairs, blanket, and dog, and go play in the mountains by a stream.

6. If you had a whole Saturday alone with your husband, what would you do?
Sleep a little late, have breakfast at Pete’s, go for a drive in the country, and then end with a romantic hilltop picnic in Cades Cove.

7. What are three other blogs that you enjoy reading, and why?
Love reading Kristi’s blog for the great variety of the personal, the practical, and the purposeful depth she includes. Really enjoy Courtney’s blog for the perspective she brings to life as a woman following God. I also love Lisa’s blog – Lisa really challenges me as a mother.

8. How long have you been blogging, and what motivated you to start blogging?
I started blogging in January of 2009. I had been considering the blog plunge for over a year and had really prayed for the right timing to “blog with purpose” not just add more words to the world. In December an editor with Proverbs 31 magazine asked me to inlcude my blog address in a description for an article that just appeared in P31′s June issue. It was the push I needed. So, the blog was born to express my personal walk with the Lord and to complement my ministry to women in my own church, my writing opportunities, and any new opportunities God opens up beyond that.

9. What five words would you use to describe your blog?
I spent the most time considering this question. I settled on some of what I hope: meaningful, honest, practical,encouraging, and peaceful.

10. Freebie: anything about yourself or your blog that you want to share!
I want people to feel like they “know me” when they read my blog, but more than that, I want them to feel like it helps them “know Him” and His peace. We have “schooled” our children in every way possible at one time or another and are using 2 options right now. Each morning I ask the Lord to help me prioritize my hours with His values in mind, in a way that reflects His peace and overcomes potential craziness. I keep loving & learning so much from His Word the longer I’m in it, and my favorite book is Revelation.