A little about me & our family
I’m glad you are here.
I’m Gillian,
Sinner and saint, saved by grace at fifteen years of age.
Thankful mom and happily married.
Depression and special needs advocate.
Learner and fellow sojourner.
Real Estate home stager and Etsy shop owner of Jooniper Design.
Book writer and speaker of jumbled words.
Occasional blogger and poster of blurry Instagram pictures.
My husband and I were married twenty-four years ago and have been in ministry for over twenty years; first as missionaries in Ukraine, then in the pastorate in Chicago, and now in a suburb of St. Louis. Sergei now pastors Chatham Bible Church. I follow Jesus, strive to honor and love him, and to rest in his love for me. Here’s a bit more about what I believe.
My preference is pajama pants to jeans, however most of the time I try to show up to my days by getting dressed. Cleary I’m a high achiever. I subscribe to the ‘do the next thing’ adage, that is, focus on what’s in front of me and take my days one step at a time. Sometimes I do 1990s walking videos off of youtube and love, love, love to read. Check out some of my recommendations here. It seems all the rage to share how one drinks her coffee. I prefer powdered creamer. What can I say? I was raised in the 80s.
I’m a thankful mother to four daughters and love being a mom, but often struggle in that role especially after years of depression. But it’s fun becoming friends with my girls as they grow up and I enjoy watching them mature in their relationships with God. Our two older daughters, Elaina and Zoya are attending college out of state. Our two younger daughters have special needs. Polly has Down syndrome and Moyamoya disease and Evangeline has Down syndrome and autism. Evie is adopted from Ukraine.
My heart beats a little stronger for people who experience suffering and trials.
And if that’s you, hear this: there’s hope. In the Gospel of John, chapter eleven, Jesus says …
This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.
Is this a hard verse for you? It’s in reference to Jesus’ friend Lazarus who died and was later brought back to life. When a person knows Jesus as their Savior, the pain he or she goes through isn’t for nought nor forever, but rather for our benefit, to know and love Christ more, and to bring glory to him.
But I want you to know …
I’m not glib or naive. I struggle a lot and often. I write to encourage both of us to trust God on the darkest days, grab laughs when we can, and grow in faith out of knowing and loving Jesus more. Let me walk with you for a while. I’m a fellow sojourner on the path.
Let’s get honest with Jesus because if we don’t come to him with everything, we might want to stop coming altogether. Come as you are without pretense and find all the fullness of love and acceptance found in the gospel.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? – Romans 8:32
And most of all, come ready to learn and grow as a disciple of Christ. Be present, open, and engaged in your relationship with him through various means of grace: Bible reading/study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, emotional health, conviction and repentence of sin. I desire to grow in my relationship with God, and to do what I can to help others along the way. Maybe we can help each other?
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 112:1-2