Julie Arduini's Blog, page 109

January 17, 2016

COTT: After by Joy Ohagwu

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After, an inspirational novel by contemporary Christian fiction author, Joy

Ohagwu, is poised to spotlight the strength in transformation, courage in

love, and hope in times of despair.

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PURCHASE
Amazon

About the book:

One step will transform her life.

Sixty thousand people watched as Candace Rodriguez literally fell off the

stage while performing the national anthem, wrecking more than her

self-esteem. Is her music career over? Now, weighing 350 pounds and jilted

by her fiancé after the shame of her public fall, can she find another

chance at true love? Will her new Christian faith anchor her future

hopes?
Former highbrow stock trader, “JB” Patrickson has had enough of life making

mockery of his best laid-out future plans. His father insisted he’d never

make it more than selling ” chickn” stock in Kentucky. Proving him wrong,

JB succeeded at the NY Stock Exchange, becoming one of the best US

traders…until the market crashed in 2008. Seven years later and mired in

debt, he can’t shake the urge that God is leading him down a different

path. The path of accepting his grandmother’s request to come help manage

her farm, couple hundred miles away, despite his little to nothing

knowledge about farming. Has he fallen low enough to toil with his hands to

eke out a single meal? What future could God plan for him on a farm?Twenty years after returning to the US from a fulfilling medical mission in

Asia, Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Cantwell gratefully send off two sons to college,

purchase a flourishing twenty-acre farm, and prepare to settle into their

empty nest stage. But what will they do if God leads one more life into

their path, one needing stitches of the soul not of the body? Can they

answer His call to service, or will overlooked pain from the past threaten

the fragile peace they’d so desperately coaxed into existence to survive

together?

What our voters had to say:

–I love the book, AFTER! The cover is catchy, and the contents,

inspiring!

–Congratulations, Joy! A lovely book inside and out.~~~Deirdre Lockhart

–I personally saw the love poured into writing “After” and I hope it

blesses everyone who reads it! It’s Awesome!!!

–CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK, JOY!!!! COVER IS ALSO FANTABULOUS!!!!

–Thumbs up, Joy!

Q: Joy, what was writing After like?

A: Thank you for asking. First, I’d like to appreciate everyone that

voted for After during the COTT contest. Thank you all very much. I started

writing After during NaNoWriMo 2013. Then earlier in summer 2015, after I

wrote Candace in as a character for Blossom and Josh’s story(which is now

After 2), her personality and voice got so strong that she took over the

story! It was amazing. I trusted my gut, went with the flow, and ended up

publishing Candace’s and JB’s story as the first in the AFTER series. The

AFTER series is about transformation and positively changing one’s

lifestyle through fitness. But more importantly, After shows us that we

should allow God to assist us in every area of our lives, especially those

places where everyone expects us to fail. You can read the story here.

Although I enjoyed writing about Candace and JB, I’m glad that I finally

completed Blossom and Josh’s story as well and it released as After 2 in

November 2015.

Q: Can you share with us about your next book?
A: Sure. I’d love to. I’m presently writing Uncommon Ground,

the first book in a romantic suspense series, and I’ll share what the story

is about. Stella is a widow who’s juggling a career and raising an older

teen that doesn’t believe in God. A disaster occurs that separates them and

turns their world upside down. Stella’s concerns multiply in the ensuing

chaos after she meets Michael, a Christian man with a mysterious past and

she wonders how many more unseen twists God trusts her to handle. Like

Psalm 68 verse 5 says, God is a defender of the widows. Uncommon Ground is

a story where we can identify with each of the characters’ struggles, and

if we let it, it can potentially kick our faith higher into greater

dimensions. After reading Uncommon Ground, we get to appreciate some

of the things we usually take for granted as Christians. Uncommon Ground

becomes available for preorder Jan 1, 2016, and I pray everyone gets

their copy.

Thank you very much for having me here. God bless you!

About Bestselling Author Joy Ohagwu:
Joy Ohagwu is the bestselling author of The New Rulebook suspense series.

Her novels are romantic suspense and inspirational stories geared to

engage, inspire and entertain readers. She earned a Masters’ Degree in

International Affairs from American University, Washington DC; and a

Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ibadan,

Ibadan. Professionally, she’s been honored with multiple awards for pioneer

academic research, student leadership and overall excellence. Joy is a

member of the American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW) organization. She

pens stories during evenings, weekends, and whenever the food takes too

long to cook. Despite the many hurdles she has faced, she counts God as

being faithful in her life. Joy lives in the beautiful State of

Maryland.

You can connect with Joy on her website,

and follow her Author

page.

Tags: author, COTT: After by Joy Ohagwu, fiction, guest blogger, hope, Julie Arduini, transform

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Published on January 17, 2016 21:00

January 16, 2016

CD Winner + Chocolate Reminder

It’s time to announce the winner of the Passion: Salvation’s Tide is Rising CD. This was fun. For one, you all were kind enough to leave comments. Yay, you!

If you want me to keep doing giveaways (I’m often asked and usually decline for lack of interest,) leave a comment so I know you’re paying attention. Thank you!

My thanks to this judge for picking the CD winner!

My alarm went off at 12pm EST and with that, our youngest was the only kid in the house. I asked her to pray and choose the one she felt deserved the CD, and I read them aloud, NOT telling her any names. So this was a fair pick because she had no idea that in “real life,” she truly knew the winner.

With that, congratulations to SUMMER! She will receive the CD!

Didn’t win? I can tell you she was torn between three. I have another chance for you to win this month. I will have a chocolate giveaway announced in my February Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues and Chocolate newsletter announcing the person who won simply by subscribing to my new weekly encouragement, Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate. This is a quick email I send on Sundays so YOU start your week with an uplifting message that always mentions chocolate.

*Want to subscribe to Sunday’s Surrender and Chocolate for your chance to win chocolate? GO HERE.
Want to receive monthly updates through my newsletter, which has giveaway opportunities including a chocolate contest for those chosen as Reader of the Month? GO HERE.

*For any contest entry to be valid, your subscription to any Julie Arduini newsletter/email must be activated. Make sure you check your spam folders to confirm your subscription.

Tags: CD, CD Winner + Chocolate reminder, chocolate, giveaway, Julie Arduini, newsletters, Passion: Salvation's Tide is Rising, surrender, winner, worship

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Published on January 16, 2016 10:02

January 14, 2016

Book Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

BOOK DESCRIPTION

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail–addressed in her sister’s handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers’ hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon is romantic suspense at its best.

Romantic suspense doesn’t get any better than when it’s penned by Irene Hannon. THIN ICE is no exception. It contains a plot I haven’t seen, a former ice skater who has lost her parents, and not long after, her sister in a terrible fire. But now she’s receiving notes in her sister’s handwriting. Is she alive? What’s going on?

The chemistry between Lance and Christy isn’t forced and makes for easy reading. The mystery behind who is sending the notes makes the reading hard because I couldn’t stop. I can usually figure the plot out, and in THIN ICE, I couldn’t. Frustrating? Nope. Those make for the best reads.

If you’re looking for a well crafted mystery with top notch characters, THIN ICE is a perfect choice this winter.

To purchase THIN ICE, click here.

I received THIN ICE from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: book review, Book Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon, Delta Force, FBI, Irene Hannon, Julie Arduini, skater

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Published on January 14, 2016 21:00

Music Review: Salvation’s Tide is Rising by Passion

You might win a copy of Passion: Salvation’s Tide is Rising.

How would YOU like the newest album Salvation’s Tide Is Rising (releasing on January 29, 2016) from the Passion Conference and sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG?

Leave a comment on why you would like to receive a copy and my family will pick the answer that moves us the most. We’ll pick a winner Saturday, January 16 by 12PM EST. You must live in the US or Canada. Make sure you leave a valid email where I can reach you in case you win.

Rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8, Passion exists to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation. From its start in 1995, the Passion Movement has had a singular mission–calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most. This yearly conference uses live worship music and teaching to encourage young people to live for the glory of God. In 1998, Passion decided to document the musical portion of the annual conferences via live worship recordings — raw, in-your-face praise songs with an alternative edge.

About Salvation’s Tide Is Rising:

This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill. It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.

Track List:

1. Salvation’s Tide is Rising – Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2. My Victory – Passion featuring Crowder

3. Remember – Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone

4. God & God Alone – Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5. Simple Pursuit – Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6. I Turn to Christ – Passion featuring Matt Redman

7. Your Grace Amazes Me – Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8. All We Sinners – Passion featuring Crowder

9. Surrender – Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father – Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

My Review:

This isn’t my first listen to a Passion album and it isn’t my last. There is something, though, that stands out before I even pushed play on Salvation’s Tide is Rising. I think the title is a decree, a proclamation, an encouragement and a hope.

Each song only magnifies the stirring. Starting off with Kristian Stanfill and the title track, I experienced the music. I didn’t just listen. It’s hard to explain but it was as if the words and the music synced to my heart. There is so much that resonates, every song felt like, “Yes! This is where I am. This is where the church is.” Just when I had a favorite, the next song played.

This is a standout album that will be one I will play until I’ve worn it out and my gadgets refuse to play it anymore.

I don’t just highly recommend Passion: Salvation’s Tide is Rising, I am telling you if Jesus is Your Savior, if you are an intercessor or worship person, get your hands on this now. And if Jesus isn’t on your radar, but you’re curious, I challenge you to listen in a quiet place and ask God to speak to you.

I promise after listening to Salvation’s Tide is Rising, you won’t be the same.

SOCIAL • CORNER

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PassionSTIR?IQid=pbn

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/PassionFB

Twitter: http://smarturl.it/PassionTW

Instagram: http://smarturl.it/PassionIG

About Passion albums:

Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like “Our God”, “Holy Is The Lord”, “How Great Is Our God”, and “God Of This City”. Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single “Even So Come”, which went Top 5.

About The Passion Movement:

The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God. From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others. Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Tags: Brett Younker, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Crowder, Jimi Cavity, Julie Arduini, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Redman, Melodie Malone, Music Review: Salvation's Tide is Rising by Passion, passion, Salvation's Tide is Rising, worship

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Published on January 14, 2016 17:42

January 12, 2016

Book Review: The Plans I Have for You by Amy Parker

The Plans I Have for You Devotional and Journal by Amy Parker

Book Description:

Part of a new brand in the Zondervan family, The Plans I Have for YOU! is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children’s book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love and joy and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.

Journal Description:

Part of a new brand in the Zondervan family, The Plans I Have for You journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.

The Plans I Have for You is a great way to teach your 8-12 year old that God cares deeply about you and every aspect of your life. Drawing from Biblical examples, the devotional reminds that God is faithful and He has a wonderful plan for you. Although I felt the devotional was geared toward the younger age, my 12 year old was very drawn to the journal.

Both products are visually stimulated and complement each other well. My daughter loves diary type books so for her, the journal was the bigger draw. However, I went deeper with the devotional and once she knew even more of the stories, she was impressed with the level of faith people took in the Bible when they didn’t know how it would end. I was interested in the message and visuals as well.

I highly recommend The Plans I Have for You. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

To purchase The Plans I Have for You devotional, click here, and for the journal, click here.

I received The Plans I Have for You devotional and journal, sold separately, from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags: ages 8-12, Amy Parker, book review, Book Review: The Plans I Have for You by Amy Parker, devotional, dreams, goals, Jeremiah 29, journal, Julie Arduini, trusting God

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Published on January 12, 2016 21:00

January 11, 2016

Surrender Story: Approval and the Eggplant

This year my goal is to share surrender stories, encouragement from myself and others that will encourage you to surrender the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. Last week Sarah Hamaker shared her story about parenting expectations. Alexis A. Goring let us in on her journey about surrendering refined sugar.

My story is about letting go of people pleasing and approval.

For those that know me now, they can’t believe I’d waste much time on such a thing. Peers find me God confident and secure in who God says I am. Trust me, that wasn’t always the case.

I was a hurting person growing up and took offenses, even slight ones that weren’t even intentional, to my core. I nursed them, fed them, and sewed them into my heart. By the time I was in my mid/late twenties and starting married life, approval had a grip on me.

What my husband thought of me kept me busy day and night. Choices he made I zeroed in and was certain was because of me. I can’t tell you how many of our early conflicts had the words, “This isn’t about you.” I couldn’t believe it. And I was imagining so many disappointments he had about me that I conjured up real conflict.

I did the same with colleagues and clients. I wanted to be the best and felt I was only good at what I did when I saw the organization or may name in bold newspaper print. Well, not every task is going to make the news. I exhausted myself wanting the approval.

The object lesson that I share with ladies I speak with is the loudest example to me about how sick I was when it came to needing approval and caring what people thought of me. I am so NOT a crafty person. But years and years ago for Christmas dinner at the in-laws I was chiseling an eggplant into a penguin centerpiece. If Pinterest existed back then I would have scoured the site looking for something I could bring that would make me feel worthy enough to be there. I was up into early morning getting this eggplant centerpiece ready. By the time I got there, I was too tired to be social. No one cared about the penguin. These people just wanted to see ME.

This Pinterest eggplant penguin kept me up all hours just so I’d feel worthy enough to attend Christmas.

But back then, I still didn’t see it, and surrendering it was a process.

Here’s what God did in me.

I went to a couple retreats where prayer was intensive and I took steps of faith to share my story and allow others to pray. The results were powerful. God showed up and I felt for the first time how deeply Jesus loved me. He started to re wire my mind.

Then, I read. I’m an avid reader and I’m not afraid of a tough Bible study. I journeyed through Beth Moore’s Believing God and a few years later, Stasi Eldredge’s Captivating. Both these books were tools in God’s arsenal to set me free.

This healing in my life paved the way for me to write. There was no way I could have pursued writing for the public the way I was, and sadly I see too many authors with this approval/what others think burden and it is exhausting for them and frustrating for those in their circles. It would have emotionally snuffed me out had I not sought healing. And in His mercy and humor, I did receive a negative review with Entrusted. The person was kind but they didn’t like the book. They even admitted the hardest part was they hit purchase twice, so they were stuck with two copies they didn’t want.

Not long ago that review would have sent me to bed and I would have kept it churning in my mind for months. Today? I smiled. Not because I’m mocking the reviewer, but I’m so thankful for what the Lord has done in me.

And my friend, He longs to do the same for you.

Tags: believing God, Beth Moore, Captivating, deliverance, Julie Arduini, People Pleasing, Stasi Eldredge, surrender, Surrender Story: Approval and the Eggplant, victory, what others think, worth

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Published on January 11, 2016 21:00

January 10, 2016

My 2016 Words of the Year

Yep, you read it right.

Words.

In 2013 it was ABUNDANCE.

2014? CHOSEN AND PREPOSTEROUS.

2015 was all about REVIVE.

Each year I pray for the word or words and invest them into a theme for the year. It’s amazing to watch God work. The word/s always come back with full meaning at the end of year.

I am certain 2016 will be no exception.

This is the earliest I’ve ever received the theme, it was probably late September or early October. How I wanted to blab and dissect it all, but I knew I had to wait.

Until now.

Two words.

Fierce and Perspective

One of my words for 2016.

I’m tempted to flesh it out, define it, and expound. I’ve already seen both words in my vocabulary, and I’ve heard it many places. But experience tells me to wait.

God has a lot to say and show me in a year I already know has expanded vision for what I do. Things are changing in my husband’s 8-5 life. We have a son graduating high school. Another son getting married. College. Middle School.

It’s exciting and scary and awesome and eye opening.

I’m pretty sure it’s also going to be fierce.

Tags: fierce, Julie Arduini, My 2016 words of the year, perspective

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Published on January 10, 2016 21:00

January 9, 2016

COTT: The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea

Readers of Jody Hedlund’s new medieval YA series and Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale-based YA novels will love Rachelle Rea’s The Sound of Diamonds.
—Dawn Crandall, award-winning author of The Hesitant Heiress

COTT features The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea.

PURCHASE
Amazon
B & N
Books a Million

About the book:

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle’s castle. She doesn’t dare to trust him…and yet doesn’t dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk
knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope…or be overcome.

With a lovely style that is mature and seasoned, at an enviable professional level, readers are in for a real treat with Rachelle Rea’s debut. Beautifully written, The Sound of Diamonds is a gem. An unusual heroine, a unique setting, and a heart-stopping hero make this a must-read for historical fiction fans. Encore, Rachelle Rea!
—Laura Frantz, author of The Mistress of Tall Acre

Get to know the author:

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast. She wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

When and where did you first get the idea for the Steadfast Love Series?

A song I was listening to on the radio inspired the title of the first book. So I wrote Diamonds, but when I finished it, I realized to my great frustration that the characters weren’t done with their story, even though I had been quite adamant that I would write a stand-alone novel. But the story wasn’t finished, so I kept writing.

2015 has been a busy year for you with your first two releases! Can you tell us one of the moments you’ll remember most from this special year?

Holding my book for the first time was a big deal! I remember the boxes coming in, then sitting on the couch with a copy in my lap, just staring and realizing I was beaming a bit…

Rachelle Rea’s debut novel transports readers back to the danger and mystique of Europe during the 1500s. Rich in church history and woven together with romantic suspense, The Sounds of Diamonds is a fascinating story and stellar debut. I look forward to reading more from Rachelle Rea!
—Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Chateau of Secrets

I saw on your website that you also write reviews, articles and offer editing services. What’s one of your favorite things beyond writing novels that you enjoy?

Editing is such fun! I daresay I enjoy editing a page full of my own (or others’!) words just as much as I enjoy splashing words onto a blank page.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I’m really excited about all that 2016 may hold! My third book, the last in the Steadfast Love series, releases the day after Valentine’s Day! Beyond that, time will tell

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Published on January 09, 2016 10:05

January 6, 2016

Sweet Surrender by Alexis A. Goring

Julie’s Note: Throughout 2016 I will have guest bloggers sharing their surrender stories. Today, Alexis A. Goring shares her sweet surrender.

Sweet Surrender

A guest post by Alexis A. Goring

Sugar. Refined sugar. It was my solace, my relief, my healing from emotional trauma.

Since age 16, sugar had been my source of healing from emotional trauma, my relief from mental stresses and a primary cause of weight gain and preventer of clear skin.

But the last four years had been intense when it came to my love affair with refined sugar. I had a lot going on in my life and turned to sugar so much that to me, the choice was simple: sugar or my sanity! I truly believed that in order to remain sane and able to cope with life, I needed sugar. I craved it. I thought I could not live without it.

Just like anyone in a toxic relationship, I tried to breakup with sugar but it wouldn’t let me.

Just as I started to step closer to freedom, something would happen or I’d remember a sad situation or traumatic event and my cravings for sugar would peak then rush in like a hurricane that wrestled with me and would not let me go until I gave in and ate a sugary treat.

Cake, cupcakes, cookies, candy—I loved it all. Nothing could soothe a hurting heart like a gallon of ice cream or a slice of chocolate cake. No one could comfort me like a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of peach pie. Not even Jesus. Yes, sad but true. I found comfort in food, not Christ. And therein lies the source of my problem.

So by Spring 2015, I knew I needed deliverance. And I knew that I needed prayer support in order to break free. So I asked a dear friend of mine who is like a world-class prayer warrior, to pray for me. I asked her to pray that God helps me break free from the stronghold of sugar. I’d prayed about it plenty of times by myself but I didn’t follow through with exercising my willpower because I felt overpowered by my desire for sugar. But I knew that if I had someone else who supported my desire to be free from this stronghold and was strong in their walk with the Lord, praying for me then my chances of success would be greater. So I confided in Summer and she told me that I needed to fast and pray, not just pray, to get my breakthrough.

I decided to do a fast from refined sugar for 40 days and 40 nights. The day before I started it, I called Summer and told her my plans then asked her to pray for me. Summer prayed. I fasted (and prayed). It wasn’t easy but God helped to wean me off of refined sugar. When I wanted dessert, I reached for a nectarine. At first, it was tough but I kept praying and fasting. I did NOT give in or give up. Halfway through the fast, nectarines started tasting sweeter and better than dessert. Toward the end of my fast, I didn’t crave sugar and after the 40th day and 40th night of my sugar surrender, I was set free!

God gave me that breakthrough and to this day, I do not crave refined sugar. Since then, I try my best to choose foods that are healthy. Sugar-free smoothies and fresh fruit are the way to go when you’re craving something sweet and it benefits your body with the nourishment and nutrition that your body craves.

I am so grateful to God for setting me free from the stronghold of sugar! I praise Him for my breakthrough and thank Him for friends like Summer who pray for God to help me to surrender to Him the things that are holding me back from living a life free of strongholds.

If you are struggling with a stronghold, I encourage you to surrender your struggle to God. Fast, pray and surround yourself with God-fearing, Bible-believing, people who can pray for your surrender and victory.

Trust me, it works and it’s worth it!

Author Alexis Goring and her sweet victory

Author bio: Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, in Sept. 2013. When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).

Book blurb:

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In “Love Unexpected,” a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In “Peace and Love,” three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.

Purchase links:

Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1OfVasC

BarnesandNoble.com – http://bit.ly/1Tm5T4P

Social media links:

Author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring

Blog, “God is Love” – http://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com

Twitter handle, @pennedbyalex

Tags: Julie Arduini, Jesus, surrender, author, victory, guest blogger, addiction, prayer warrior, Sweet Surrender by Alexis A. Goring, deliverence, refined sugar, Hope in My Heart

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Published on January 06, 2016 21:00

January 5, 2016

Daniel Darling: What Pro-Life Really Means

A guest post by Daniel Darling about what being pro-life really means.

What Pro-Life Really Means—Even if you’re not heading to Washington, D.C., January 21–22 for the March for Life event, block out some time those two days because you’ll be able to attend some of the events in the comfort of your own home. Focus on the Family and The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will host Evangelicals for Life, a major pro-life conference held in conjunction with the March for Life event.

The event will take place in Washington, D.C., at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Evangelicals from across the country will gather to hear from leading speakers, such as David Platt, Russell Moore, Jim Daly, Kelly Rosati, and others—to be equipped and encouraged to become a voice for life! The event will also be simulcast for FREE so individuals, churches, and organizations from coast-to-coast and around the world can take part.

Speakers will encourage evangelicals to engage the culture on issues of abortion and end-of-life decisions, and the event will affirm the evangelical belief in the sanctity of life, that every life matters to God and is created in His image.

For more information, visit http://evangelicals.life/.

Readers of this blog will receive 15% off their registration by using the code FocusLife.

What Pro-Life Really Means
By Daniel Darling

It was a flippant comment by the spokesmen for a presidential candidate: “It doesn’t matter. They’re just Muslims.” But it made shudder.

This is how societies begin to dehumanize a people group, and every generation of Christians is responsible to face this thinking and fight it. This is what it means to be a pro-life champion.

We are pro-life because we are pro-human dignity. It is the uniquely Christian message that sees in every soul a person created in the image of God.

When Planned Parenthood and their allies say, “That’s just a fetus,” we say, “No, that’s a baby, a human life, that deserves dignity and respect.”

When corrupt profiteers look at vulnerable young girls and boys and say, “They are just a commodity to be trafficked for money,” we say, “No, they are boys and girls created in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect.”

When eugenicists look at the elderly and say, “They are just burdens to be managed,” we say, “No, human dignity is not defined by utility, but is a unique gift given by God.”

When politicians look at immigrants and say, “They are a drain on society,” we say, “No, they are created in the image of God and worthy of kindness, welcoming, and respect.”

When ISIS brutally dehumanizes its victims—Christians, Muslims, Jews, and anyone who doesn’t subscribe to their ideology—and they say, “They are just infidels,” we say, by our acts of justice, “No, they are people created in the image of God and worthy of life and respect.”

When the disabled are marginalized, we say, “No, each was created in the image of God and is worthy of our full love and acceptance.”

Even in our discourse, even when we look across the aisle, across the screen, across the table at someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, we say to ourselves, “This person is worthy of respect and dignity because they too were created in the image of God.”

Human dignity, the intrinsic worth of every human soul, is not just a once-every-four-years mantra for voter guides and political scorecards. We live out the imago de as a way of life, and we seek justice wherever human dignity is compromised.

This is why ERLC and Focus on the Family join hands to help raise up a new generation of evangelicals who are passionate about the sanctity of human life. This why you should come to Washington, D.C., this January to the Evangelicals for Life event or participate via the free simulcast at your church or on your computer.

You should join Evangelicals for Life, not simply to make a powerful stand in the nation’s capital. You should come, not simply to be stirred by the gifted speakers. You should come, not only to fellowship and strategize with other champions for life.

You should be a part of of Evangelicals for Life because God is calling you, in this time and in your sphere of influence, to be a voice for human dignity.

Answer for yourself what it means to have a pro-life, whole-life vision. Discover where your gifts and talents best serve the kingdom of God in this way, and send a message to the world that your Christianity compels you to look every human being in the eye and not see what everyone sees. You see in them the image of their Creator.

Daniel Darling is the Vice President for Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC), the co-sponsor of the Evangelicals for Life conference. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College and has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Angela have four children and reside in the Nashville area. They attend Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where Dan serves as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship.