Dear Family and Friends,
Can you believe that the holiday season is already underway? Next week is Thanksgiving and in the blink of an eye it will be Christmas. It’s almost impossible for me to come to terms with that fact! Our family is very excited to celebrate Christmas this year with our newest addition. We were so blessed when in July, Josh and Kristen welcomed our sweet Laila Lee. She’s so adorable and we just love her so much. What joy she has brought us in such a short amount of time.
With Christmas comes our annual delivery of Christy’s Stocking to the patients at Kentucky Childrens Hospital. It’s so hard to believe that this will be our fourth year of sharing God’s hope and love with needy patients and their families. Many of these families will spend the holiday sitting in a hospital room with their children. Please join us as we spread the overflow from Christy’s Stocking with needy families at Childrens Hospital. Your tax deductable donations help provide - gas to parents who need to travel to and from their homes, food, Christmas gifts that they may not otherwise receive and most importantly, a feeling of being loved.
As in past years, we are seeking gift cards from restaurants (fast food or sit-down), gas stations, Walmart, Kmart, Target, Kroger, Meijer, etc. Also children’s books and appropriate DVD’s for children. Please remember when making your selections that the hospital has children of all ages, from infants to teenagers.
Many of you have asked about filling in the “To” & “From” information on the gift cards. If you wish to do this we have always written on each card – “To: Someone Very Special” - “From: Christy’s Stocking”. We try to be sensitive and stay away from “In Memory Of” since many of the families who benefit from your donations have a child with a terminal illness.
In an effort to make things as easy as possible for the accounting staff at Childrens Hospital would you please include with your gift - your name, complete mailing address and the value of your donation so that the hospital can mail you a receipt, which you can use for income tax purposes. Please note that your donation conformation letter will be addressed to you from The University of Kentucky.
Donations can be mailed to:
Christy’s Stocking
c/o Wells Household
104 Millhouse Drive
Nicholasville KY 40356
Please feel free to drop off your donation, or call and one of us will gladly pick it up from you. We will be delivering Christy’s Stocking to Childrens Hospital on December 19th, so we would appreciate receipt of your donation before that date.
Once again we can’t thank you enough for joining us on this journey of honoring Christy. Your willingness to be a part of our effort is a tremendous blessing to each of us! Thank you for helping us honor the life that Christy lived so beautifully. Her love of children, especially those hurting, can continue through your efforts.
Merry Christmas,
Chris, Julie & Kyle
Josh, Kristen & Laila
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Three Years
On October 11, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. Christy left her earthly home to enter her eternal home. It’s been three years. It’s been three years. Really? Three years. Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived forever with this ache in my heart. Other times, I feel like she was just here with us last week. How does time continue without her? How do I continue to breathe through the pain?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Anxiety
I have major anxiety. It’s not anything new, I’ve had it for years. However, it’s reached an all time high since Christy’s death. Most times I can deal with it, rationalize with myself that it’s my anxiety and not a heart attack (or whatever else I decide the problem is). Lately I haven’t been dealing with it so well. I’m currently doing a Bible study titled No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. I just love Kelly’s writing style. This study is about idol worship, not the kind of idol that looks like a nearly naked fat man, but the idols we build for ourselves every day. For instance, an idol could be our home, our car, our boat, food, even our husband or our children. It’s odd how we can take something good and make it into an idol by worshipping it above God.
When I cracked open my study book this morning and got to work, God revealed something new to me. I’m starving to death for a food that I don’t have – the food of peace. I have made my anxiety my idol and in doing so have robbed myself of God’s peace. Why in the world would I do this to myself? I think it’s because I’ve pushed God aside. I’ve stopped finding my joy in Him. I feel like He took away something that was so precious to me that I can’t really trust him anymore. (Please know that what I “feel” and what I know to be truth are two very different things, it’s just hard to convince my heart of the truth sometimes.) I love God. I know who He is and I know who I am in Him. I just don’t trust him. I trust that He will do His will, it’s just that my will and his are sometimes very different. That’s where the problem is. I desperately need to take the focus off of myself and put it fully and completely on Him. My will is nothing! His will is everything! If my focus is on Him, then my will and His will will be more the same. (I hope that makes some sense with all those wills in there.) Not that I will always understand His will, for as long as I’m on this earth that just won’t happen. But, I can better accept it if my focus is on Him.
Please pray for me as I try to get the focus off me and on Him. It’s going to be a process and something that won’t happen overnight but I need to be fed the food of peace. I need for God to fill me up with peace that passes all understanding. I want all of you to look at me and say, “She is filled with such peace, it must be from God.” Because we know that without Him, there really is no peace at all.
Thanks friends!
Seeking God’s peace,
Julie
When I cracked open my study book this morning and got to work, God revealed something new to me. I’m starving to death for a food that I don’t have – the food of peace. I have made my anxiety my idol and in doing so have robbed myself of God’s peace. Why in the world would I do this to myself? I think it’s because I’ve pushed God aside. I’ve stopped finding my joy in Him. I feel like He took away something that was so precious to me that I can’t really trust him anymore. (Please know that what I “feel” and what I know to be truth are two very different things, it’s just hard to convince my heart of the truth sometimes.) I love God. I know who He is and I know who I am in Him. I just don’t trust him. I trust that He will do His will, it’s just that my will and his are sometimes very different. That’s where the problem is. I desperately need to take the focus off of myself and put it fully and completely on Him. My will is nothing! His will is everything! If my focus is on Him, then my will and His will will be more the same. (I hope that makes some sense with all those wills in there.) Not that I will always understand His will, for as long as I’m on this earth that just won’t happen. But, I can better accept it if my focus is on Him.
Please pray for me as I try to get the focus off me and on Him. It’s going to be a process and something that won’t happen overnight but I need to be fed the food of peace. I need for God to fill me up with peace that passes all understanding. I want all of you to look at me and say, “She is filled with such peace, it must be from God.” Because we know that without Him, there really is no peace at all.
Thanks friends!
Seeking God’s peace,
Julie
Monday, April 25, 2011
Kyle
My baby boy is 24 years old today. Where does the time go?!!!!!! Kyle graduated from EKU in December with a degree in Human Resource Management. Two months after graduation he got his first job in his field, which required him to move to Paintsville. So, I thought that for the first time since his birth that I wouldn't be spending his birthday with him. But as we all know, God is good. Kyle is off today and home with us. I'm feeling very blessed.
Happy Birthday, Kyle! I love you!!!!
Happy Birthday, Kyle! I love you!!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Birthdays
Missing my girl on what would have been her 31st birthday. It's hard to believe that it's been 31 years since God blessed me with her. I'm very thankful today for her life and for the beautiful way she lived it.
Grieving forward,
Julie
Grieving forward,
Julie
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27, 2004
Seven years ago today was the happiest day of Christy's life. Remembering her wedding day joy and still missing her terribly.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Love Me
Someone I know needs to know this..............
Friend, I don't know who you are but I do know that He will love you!
Praying for you now,
Julie
Friend, I don't know who you are but I do know that He will love you!
Praying for you now,
Julie
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dealing with Death
This past Thursday an angel of the Lord came to Rupp Arena. The angel came to the men’s restroom on what is known here as the purple concourse. The angel came for one of the Lord’s own, His servant Julian Palmer. Julian started working for Lexington Center just shortly after dirt (the beginning of Rupp time). His smile and laughter graced the halls of this establishment for nearly 30 years before he decided to retire. After his retirement, Julian continued to work here for the local union group that moves in and rigs concerts. So, we’ve had the great pleasure of continuing our relationship with Julian.
Julian got up Thursday morning, like so many others, and headed to downtown Lexington. He came in, laughing, smiling and just being the wonderful man we’ve all known and loved for so long. Julian didn’t know this would be the day the Lord would call for him. He went to work just like he always did, but this day was different, this day he wasn’t feeling well so he excused himself and went to the restroom. I think the guys have determined that Joseph was the last one to see Julian alive as he walked away.
RJ was the first to notice that Julian hadn’t returned. He radioed Mike asking him to check the restroom and make sure Julian was okay. Mike went to the restroom on purple and there he found Julian’s body. The angel had already taken Julian Home. Something inside Mike knew this, but it didn’t stop him from trying to revive the man he so dearly loved. The man who had been one of his best friends for so many years. Mike radioed for help and soon there were others there trying desperately to find life in their friend. They worked hard, taking turns trying to push life back into the chest of the man they cared so deeply for. But the angel had already come for Julian, so all of their work couldn’t make a difference.
The EMT’s finally arrived and took over, loading Julian’s body onto a stretcher and whisking him away to the hospital where surely the doctors could bring life back. But the angel had already come for Julian. Julian was already Home.
The last good-byes were said to Julian at his funeral on Monday. What a beautiful, honoring service it was. I have always known that Julian was a Christ follower, but I had no clue how devoted he was to his Lord. Julian was a gentle giant - not big in physical terms, but a giant for the Lord. I know as Julian arrived in heaven and stretched out his arms to hug his Father the Lord was saying to him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
The offices and hallways of Lexington Center are now filled with sorrow and tears. Men crying, trying desperately to get those last images of their beloved friend out of their heads. Somehow, life will get back to normal here. Somehow, these men will smile and laugh again. They have beautiful memories of a wonderful man to help them along the way. They will survive, but these hallways will never hear Julian’s laughter again. He will never walk through that back door with that huge smile on his face. He will be missed for years to come. He will be loved until these men draw their last breath.
My heart breaks for Mike, RJ, Joseph, Jimmy and so many others. Please join me in praying for everyone here at Rupp as we begin to heal.
Praising Him through this storm,
Julie
Julian got up Thursday morning, like so many others, and headed to downtown Lexington. He came in, laughing, smiling and just being the wonderful man we’ve all known and loved for so long. Julian didn’t know this would be the day the Lord would call for him. He went to work just like he always did, but this day was different, this day he wasn’t feeling well so he excused himself and went to the restroom. I think the guys have determined that Joseph was the last one to see Julian alive as he walked away.
RJ was the first to notice that Julian hadn’t returned. He radioed Mike asking him to check the restroom and make sure Julian was okay. Mike went to the restroom on purple and there he found Julian’s body. The angel had already taken Julian Home. Something inside Mike knew this, but it didn’t stop him from trying to revive the man he so dearly loved. The man who had been one of his best friends for so many years. Mike radioed for help and soon there were others there trying desperately to find life in their friend. They worked hard, taking turns trying to push life back into the chest of the man they cared so deeply for. But the angel had already come for Julian, so all of their work couldn’t make a difference.
The EMT’s finally arrived and took over, loading Julian’s body onto a stretcher and whisking him away to the hospital where surely the doctors could bring life back. But the angel had already come for Julian. Julian was already Home.
The last good-byes were said to Julian at his funeral on Monday. What a beautiful, honoring service it was. I have always known that Julian was a Christ follower, but I had no clue how devoted he was to his Lord. Julian was a gentle giant - not big in physical terms, but a giant for the Lord. I know as Julian arrived in heaven and stretched out his arms to hug his Father the Lord was saying to him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
The offices and hallways of Lexington Center are now filled with sorrow and tears. Men crying, trying desperately to get those last images of their beloved friend out of their heads. Somehow, life will get back to normal here. Somehow, these men will smile and laugh again. They have beautiful memories of a wonderful man to help them along the way. They will survive, but these hallways will never hear Julian’s laughter again. He will never walk through that back door with that huge smile on his face. He will be missed for years to come. He will be loved until these men draw their last breath.
My heart breaks for Mike, RJ, Joseph, Jimmy and so many others. Please join me in praying for everyone here at Rupp as we begin to heal.
Praising Him through this storm,
Julie
Monday, January 17, 2011
My 2010 Movie List
So, I thought I wasn’t going to post my theatre movies this year. But when I started listing them, there were more than I thought there would be - so here goes…………….
Pirate Radio (released in 09 but we saw it in 10) – good movie, the music is awesome.
It’s Complicated (again released in 09, we saw it in 10) – hilarious movie, if you want a good laugh you need to see this movie.
Leap Year – cute movie, love Amy Adams
The Book of Eli – I went to this movie because it was Chris’ turn to pick, ended up really liking it.
Valentine’s Day – good chick flick
Shutter Island – confused me.
The Bounty Hunter – not award winning theatre but I was entertained.
Date Night – Funny!
Death at a Funeral – not really my kind of humor.
Iron Man 2 – enjoyed it.
Letters to Juliet – REALLY liked this one a lot.
Toy Story 3 – I love the Toy Story movies, this one might be my favorite.
Grown Ups – surprised by how much I liked this one.
Salt – Not a fan of Angelina but I really liked this movie.
Dinner for Schmucks – no comment
Eat Pray Love – didn’t really like the movie but it was visually beautiful.
The Expendables – it was Chris’ turn again, violent but okay – I guess.
The Switch – I liked it.
The Town – Okay, I really liked this movie but I really hate it when movies make you root for the bad guy. The Town does that.
The Social Network – as an avid facebooker I had to see this. It’s a disturbing true story, but I really liked the movie.
Secretariat – I LOVED this movie! It probably helps that I was a huge Secretariat fan back when he ran (and won) the Triple Crown. I really, REALLY loved this movie.
Red – not a huge Bruce Willis Fan but I really liked it.
There you have it. I’ve already seen three movies this year so hopefully my 2011 list will be a little longer.
Hoping you enjoy your theatre experiences this year,
Julie
Pirate Radio (released in 09 but we saw it in 10) – good movie, the music is awesome.
It’s Complicated (again released in 09, we saw it in 10) – hilarious movie, if you want a good laugh you need to see this movie.
Leap Year – cute movie, love Amy Adams
The Book of Eli – I went to this movie because it was Chris’ turn to pick, ended up really liking it.
Valentine’s Day – good chick flick
Shutter Island – confused me.
The Bounty Hunter – not award winning theatre but I was entertained.
Date Night – Funny!
Death at a Funeral – not really my kind of humor.
Iron Man 2 – enjoyed it.
Letters to Juliet – REALLY liked this one a lot.
Toy Story 3 – I love the Toy Story movies, this one might be my favorite.
Grown Ups – surprised by how much I liked this one.
Salt – Not a fan of Angelina but I really liked this movie.
Dinner for Schmucks – no comment
Eat Pray Love – didn’t really like the movie but it was visually beautiful.
The Expendables – it was Chris’ turn again, violent but okay – I guess.
The Switch – I liked it.
The Town – Okay, I really liked this movie but I really hate it when movies make you root for the bad guy. The Town does that.
The Social Network – as an avid facebooker I had to see this. It’s a disturbing true story, but I really liked the movie.
Secretariat – I LOVED this movie! It probably helps that I was a huge Secretariat fan back when he ran (and won) the Triple Crown. I really, REALLY loved this movie.
Red – not a huge Bruce Willis Fan but I really liked it.
There you have it. I’ve already seen three movies this year so hopefully my 2011 list will be a little longer.
Hoping you enjoy your theatre experiences this year,
Julie
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thank You!
Please allow me to begin by telling you how sorry I am that this thank you is so late in coming. We have had a very busy end of the year – start of the New Year. As many of you know God so graciously blessed me, Chris and Kyle with a Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii. I can’t tell you how grateful we are and how much we needed this vacation. We were in awe of the beauty surrounding us. God used that week to show us His beauty and to renew our spirits and our closeness. We are truly blessed.
The night before we left for our amazing vacation we received some wonderful news. Josh and Kristen are having a baby! I am honored and humbled that they have asked me to be Grammy. I am in tears just typing this out. I can’t even begin to articulate just what this means to me. I am so grateful and pray that God will grow me in the new role He has called me to. Thank you Josh and Kristen, that sounds kind of inadequate but it’s all I know to say. I love you.
On December 10th Josh graduated from seminary. Again, what a blessing it was to see him walk across that stage and receive his Masters of Divinity. It has been a very long and hard road he has traveled and God has truly blessed him. We are incredibly proud of you, Josh.
And on December 18th Kyle FINALLY received his Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!! Hallelujah and Praise the Lord! It was a long few years for Kyle too, but he persevered and his Momma is so proud of him. He has finally entered the world of full-time employment. :)
On December 20th we delivered Christy’s Stocking to Kentucky Children’s Hospital. This has truly become the highlight of my Christmas season. I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy it brings me to deliver this wonderful gift each year. I also can’t begin to thank you enough for your participation in keeping Christy’s spirit alive. You have no idea how much it means to me. I know that many of you give out of your love for Christy, that’s exactly why it means so much to me. This year we delivered stuffed animals, books and DVD’s. Plus, gift cards and cash totaling $2130.00. WOW! You are amazing and wonderful. Many have asked me how long we plan to keep Christy’s Stocking going. Well, that’s in the Lord’s hands. As long as he keeps prompting you to give, we’ll keep making our annual delivery. Again, thank you from the bottom of a mother’s heart. I appreciate and love all of you.
Like all of you, we spent Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord and our love for our families. We had an awesome Christmas and pray that each of you did as well. I spent much of the holiday sick. First a cold, then the AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL four day stomach bug, and then another cold. I’ve had it with being sick! That’s part of the reason my thank you is so late this year.
Hopefully life can calm down a bit now as we anticipate the birth of a precious baby.
Blessings to all,
Grammy J
The night before we left for our amazing vacation we received some wonderful news. Josh and Kristen are having a baby! I am honored and humbled that they have asked me to be Grammy. I am in tears just typing this out. I can’t even begin to articulate just what this means to me. I am so grateful and pray that God will grow me in the new role He has called me to. Thank you Josh and Kristen, that sounds kind of inadequate but it’s all I know to say. I love you.
On December 10th Josh graduated from seminary. Again, what a blessing it was to see him walk across that stage and receive his Masters of Divinity. It has been a very long and hard road he has traveled and God has truly blessed him. We are incredibly proud of you, Josh.
And on December 18th Kyle FINALLY received his Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!! Hallelujah and Praise the Lord! It was a long few years for Kyle too, but he persevered and his Momma is so proud of him. He has finally entered the world of full-time employment. :)
On December 20th we delivered Christy’s Stocking to Kentucky Children’s Hospital. This has truly become the highlight of my Christmas season. I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy it brings me to deliver this wonderful gift each year. I also can’t begin to thank you enough for your participation in keeping Christy’s spirit alive. You have no idea how much it means to me. I know that many of you give out of your love for Christy, that’s exactly why it means so much to me. This year we delivered stuffed animals, books and DVD’s. Plus, gift cards and cash totaling $2130.00. WOW! You are amazing and wonderful. Many have asked me how long we plan to keep Christy’s Stocking going. Well, that’s in the Lord’s hands. As long as he keeps prompting you to give, we’ll keep making our annual delivery. Again, thank you from the bottom of a mother’s heart. I appreciate and love all of you.
Like all of you, we spent Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord and our love for our families. We had an awesome Christmas and pray that each of you did as well. I spent much of the holiday sick. First a cold, then the AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL four day stomach bug, and then another cold. I’ve had it with being sick! That’s part of the reason my thank you is so late this year.
Hopefully life can calm down a bit now as we anticipate the birth of a precious baby.
Blessings to all,
Grammy J
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