Julie Arduini's Blog, page 112

Every Good and Perfect Gift is From Above by Laura V. Hilton

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

Have you ever wanted or needed something so bad, that it is all you can think about? In CHRISTMAS MITTENS, Gracia needs a donation of fifty Christmas trees for the senior center she works at. The center receives some government funding, but not enough. They rely heavily on donations and fundraisers.

Gracia is tired of the same-old boring fundraising ideas that the center has done for years. And it seems the town is tired of them, too. Last year’s bake sale was a total flop. The idea of Christmas trees as a fundraiser seemed so fresh, so innovative, so inspired! The tree sale, paired with a Christmas craft fair where the seniors sell their crafts, should be perfect.

Except no one wants to donate trees… and she’s down to her last call to ask for help. And she’s ready to beg.

 

When God seems to say no, how do you handle it?

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our wants and desires to hand it over to God for Him to manage as He will. But it usually is so much better when we do let go and let God. He knows how it should be handled so much better than we do and He is able to answer prayers above and beyond our wildest dreams. He can exceed our expectations and make our dreams come true.

Because God is not interested in adequate. God is not going to be content with “good enough.” The somewhat cynical phrase, “Close enough for government work!” has never crossed His lips . . . or His mind.

God gives “good” gifts. Gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, long after the wrappings and ribbons and wreaths have been reconciled to storage until the following year.

 

God gives “perfect” gifts. Gifts that are perfect for the individual, perfect for the occasion, and perfect for the purposes to which He has called us.

God’s gifts are never going to migrate to the back of one’s closet, or to the nearest thrift store. They continually grow, and expand. When used appropriately, one can always find some new way of putting God’s gifts to use.

 

God’s gifts are never going to wear out, rust, break down or fall apart. God’s gifts never come with any warning labels, age-appropriate stickers, or 1-800 numbers “in case of failure.”

And God’s gifts never come with a “shelf life.”

In this season of miracles, is there something you’re hanging on to that should be turned over to the Lord? Let’s start by handing it over to Him, and then waiting in anticipation for the answer.

About CHRISTMAS MITTENS:

Every Good Gift is From Above

Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time. The seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell in order to raise much-needed funds, but Christmas tree donations are scarce. Jake Trivett has quit his job in California to come home and help his dad. A friendship with Gracia, who he’s always admired, intrigues him. Gracia’s heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, whose father runs a struggling tree farm answers the phone. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year?

To purchase CHRISTMAS MITTENS by Laura V. Hilton, click here.

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has indie published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags:  Julie Arduini, guest blogger, Christmas, Every Good Gift and Perfect Gift from Above by Laura V. Hilton, Christmas Mittens, James 1:7




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 My Gift to the King by Sheryl Giesbrecht  Book Review: Undetected by Dee Henderson  Week of Questions---What's Your Ideal Location?  Book Review: Forager by Peter R. Stone  COTT: Celebrate COTT's 5th Year with a Kindle GiveawayCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Every Good and Perfect Gift is From Above by Laura V. Hilton], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Every Good and Perfect Gift is From Above by Laura V. Hilton appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.

Don’t Miss This: The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale by Marian P. Merritt

Don’t Miss This: The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale.

Each month I plan to highlight a book/author that I think is worth checking out. Last month it was Catch of Lifetime by Candee Fick.

For December, I’m a sucker for gorgeous covers and Christmas ones are especially eye-catching. With that, I had to show you The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale by Marian P. Merritt.

Book Description

 

Marian P. Merritt’s The Christmas Bells of Cavazzle.

When Charleston Charly Maynard loses her job just weeks after her fiancé calls off the wedding, she decides to visit the cottage in the quaint village of Cavazzale, Italy she’s inherited from her grandmother. She’s hoping the time there will help her to decide what to do about her future. When she meets André Lagneaux, a handsome man from Bayou Country, who is visiting his brother in Cavazzale, Charly ignores the attraction. After all, she’s not looking for romance. When André Lagneaux’s parents set up a family trip to Italy, André is eager to spend Christmas with his brother and godchild. Meeting the beautiful American woman at the airport adds to his excitement. He’d loved to get to know her, but her cool demeanor tells him she’s not interested. Will she let down her guard and allow them to get to know one another? When Charly finds a prayer in her nonna’s diary that makes her realize God may have His own plan for her future, she must learn to trust. But, what if His plan includes the dark-haired Cajun?

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meets the Mountains, grew from both loves.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

This Louisiana native writes her Christmas romances and Southern women’s fiction with a Louisiana/Colorado connection from the Texas home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.

 

Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter

Marian P. Merritt’s Readers Group

 

Buy links to Marian’s Books: http://www.marianmerritt.com/#!/cnec

 

Tags:  author, Christmas romance, Don't Miss This: The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale by Marian P. Merritt, fiction, Julie Arduini, Marian P. Merritt




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 Character Confession: Rehearsing for a Play that Will Never Open  Thankful for Melissa Foster's Two-Posts-in-One  Featured Video of the Week: Stranded by Dani Pettrey  COTT: MaryLu Tyndall Wins 2013 Laurel Award  Five Golden DaysCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Don't Miss This: The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale by Marian P. Merritt], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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She Said “Yes” by Jodie Wolfe

She Said “Yes”

 

By Jodie Wolfe

 

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”

“I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary.

Then the angel told her:

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

“May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:26-28, 30, 38 (HCSB)

 

She Said “Yes” by Jodie Wolfe

I was struck this morning by something I hadn’t really given much thought to up until now. Mary said “Yes” and changed history. What if she hadn’t? I suppose God would have found another virgin to carry His Son. But the point is that she chose obedience knowing it would alter her life forever.

 

If you were placed in similar circumstances, what would your response be? Would it be an affirmative answer or perhaps you’d be more hesitant? Would you want to check out all the possible repercussions before you made a decision?

 

Every day God places us in situations where we have the opportunity to be obedient. Most times it’s small, insignificant things, at least to us, not always so in God’s eyes. Will you help your elderly neighbor by bringing in the mail for her each day? Will you allow someone into traffic or will you push your way through first? What about those nudgings to send a note or text to someone who needs encouragement? To make a meal. To give the gift of a smile.

 

God may not be calling us to do something huge for His kingdom, but He is calling each of us to obedience—to listen to that still small voice trying to get your attention during the midst of a busy, stress-filled day. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to be thinking of others, but don’t let it end when you pack away the holiday decorations. Allow God to speak to your heart each day and obey His voice. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

Jodie Wolfe got bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She loves writing stories about feisty heroines and strong, godly heroes. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. She writes a column for Home School Enrichment magazine and has received awards in contests. You can find her ponderings on her website, http://www.jodiewolfe.com.

Tags:  baby Jesus, Christmas, Gabriel, guest blogger, Jodie Wolfe, Luke 1, Mary, Mary and Joseph, She Said "Yes" by Jodie Wolfe, thankful




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 Three Things About Writing I Learned From Moving  Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches  Year Round Thanks by Marijo Phelps  Saturday Confession: I Want to Quit More Than You Think  Fiction Friday Character Swap: Suzanne's Cold TailCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [She Said "Yes" by Jodie Wolfe], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Books for the Readers on Your Christmas List

If you’re looking for ideas for the readers on your Christmas list, I thought I’d give you some inspiration.

 

The Heart Seekers Series. This includes A Dozen Apologies, The Love Boat Bachelor, and Unlikely Merger. It’s now all in one volume and for the first time, in print. If you’d like to indulge for yourself, the Kindle version is FREE through Sunday, December 6th.

The Heart Seekers Series contains 3 books +character updates + #1 bestseller, The Christmas Tree Treasure.

Not only do you receive those novellas in one place, we wrote character updates (find out what happened to my characters, Nora Laing and Landon Gates.) We also included the #1 bestseller, A Christmas Tree Treasure.

I’m proud of this series and it’s a great deal.
To purchase The Heart Seekers Series, click here.

2.

More Christmas Moments

More Christmas Moments. Last year I wrote a blog post over at Christians Read about how to manage When the Most Wonderful Time of Year Isn’t. My CR colleague, Yvonne Lehman, asked if she could use the post in her book, More Christmas Moments. Not only is my contribution in there, but there are so many heartwarming and inspirational stories.

It’s  one to buy for yourself and also purchase for others.
To buy More Christmas Moments, click here.

3.

Entrusted is a perfect Christmas read.

Entrusted. This is my baby, the bestselling Adirondack romance that explores surrendering fear through grief, loss, and change.

Entrusted is the first of three books and features a village of characters, laugh out loud moments, and inspiration to find freedom through surrender.

To purchase Entrusted, click here.

4. A Walk in the Valley. I wish I could tell you that no one struggles at Christmas.

A Walk in the Valley could help a loved one this Christmas.

A Walk in the Valley is a workbook designed to help you with healing through infertility. It’s the book I wish I could have had when I was hurting and angry.

To purchase A Walk in the Valley, click here.

If you want to keep informed of my writing so you can buy for Christmas, follow my Amazon page.

PS

Beyond purchasing, the best gift you can give an author is if you liked the book, leave a review. It makes a BIG difference!

Tags:  A Walk in the Valley, Adirondack, authors, books, Books for the Readers on Your Christmas List, change, characters, Entrusted, free on Kindle, grief, Heart Seekers Series, infertility, Julie Arduini, Kindle, Landon Gates, loss, miscarriage, More Christmas Moments, Nora Laing, print, suriviving Christmas, surrender, Yvonne Lehman




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 Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award  Life is Like---A Christmas Tree and Lindsay Lohan  #UPB11: Join this Charlie in a Box from Misfit Island with Ultimate Blog Party 11  Book Review: Letters of Love by Joi Copeland  Mother of Pearl Blog Series Featuring Holley GerthCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Books for the Readers on Your Christmas List], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Odyssey Adventure Club: FREE Download on De-Stressing the Holiday

Holiday to-do lists often become longer and longer as we get closer to Christmas. From holiday parties to host, Christmas pajamas to coordinate, family pictures, gifts to buy, travel plans to finalize, and more, the joy of the season can often be lost in the midst of the hustle and bustle.

Adventures in Odyssey and Odyssey Adventure Club have you covered. Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer, authors of Everyday Confetti, share ideas and tips for simplifying and taking the stress out of the holidays. Pointing to the real reason for the season, they offer ideas to help you keep Christ at the center. Click here for a free broadcast download to learn how to simplify and de-stress your holiday season.

Speaking of de-stressing, let me help you out with your last-minute gift shopping. One of my top recommendations: the Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC) because it offers free content for everyone, including an Advent calendar, a broadcast download with tips to create a memorable Christmas, AIO cutouts and Christmas stocking stuffer cards. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:

Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas.
On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users.
24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes.
A new, members-only AIO episode every month.
A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more.

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Check out these other gift ideas:

Tags:  Advenstures in Odyssey, Christmas, de-stress holiday, family, free download, Julie Arduini, Odyssey Adventure Club: FREE Download on De-Stressing the Holiday




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 Marriage Monday: Have Some Children Pray  Mother of Pearl: The Pursuit of Imperfection by Beth Vogt  Book Reviews: Moms' Night Out by Tricia Goyer & Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss by Kerri Pomarolli  Character Confession: The Sparkly Gift  My May Recommendation: Chick Lit GirlsCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Odyssey Adventure Club: FREE Download on De-Stressing the Holiday], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: The Book of Womanhood by Amy F. Davis Abdallah

The Book of Womanhood by Amy F. Davis Abdallah

The Book of Womanhood Book Description

Christian womanhood. What does it mean? When does it happen-at a certain age, status, or maturity? How do we know we’re no longer girls? And when we’ve figured that out, how will others know to call us “woman” rather than “girl” Christian women don’t usually get a rite of passage in which they are named “woman” Seeing this need, Amy Davis Abdallah created such a rite, and this book accompanies it. No need to be in her rite of passage, however, to name yourself “woman” Read this book and then sit down with some friends to talk about it over tea, coffee, and/or chocolate. Let The Book of Womanhood create a path through the confusion by its flexible framework of finding identity through developing relationship with God, self, others, and creation. Amy writes simply as one perhaps further along in her journey of womanhood, and she doesn’t write alone. She includes the stories of biblical women, of friends young and old, and even more. The diverse voices come together as a cloud of witnesses-encouraging us in our individual journeys. Read for empowerment. Read for transformation. Read. And become the woman of God you were created to be.

From Amazon:

Review

”Amy has artfully constructed this rite of passage for women in order to help women understand and embrace what it means to be a woman and to celebrate the beautiful and delicate complexities, which make us uniquely feminine. Book of Womanhood is an outstanding resource for families, churches, and colleges.”

-Dr. Wanda Walborn, Director of Spiritual Formation, Nyack College

”Expecting to be married with children in her twenties, life unfolded in unanticipated ways for Amy Davis Abdallah. These became opportunities to journey with God toward self-discovering and empowerment. This book builds wholeness in all its relationships. For these reasons, The Book of Womanhood is hard to put it down!”

-Mimi Haddad, President of Christians for Biblical Equality –Wipf and Stock Publishers

 About the Author

Amy F. Davis Abdallah, PhD, is passionate about life. She is a wife and mother who writes, teaches, preaches, leads, and mentors in the United States and abroad. Woman, the rite of passage she pioneered, has been transforming and empowering its many participants for several years. In addition to journeying with women, Amy also guides others academically as an Associate Professor of Theology and Bible at Nyack College.

 

I confess, when I was asked to review this book, I wasn’t sure about it. A professor as an author? I was afraid the material would be dry and too complex for me or other average readers to understand. I thought even with a Christian foundation there would be a feminist fist in the air, ripe with anger as she fights for change.

I was wrong on every level.

The Book of Womanhood is a comprehensive look at the things that make us God’s piece de resistancePowered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This, the icing on the cake. The Book of Womanhood contains top notch research written in an easy going manner that feels like I was absorbing the material over a cup of coffee with the author. It’s not intimidating nor political. It’s informational in a way that celebrates our gender and gently reminds the world that Our Heavenly Father has a special plan and place for us.

With topics like women in Biblical history, our bodies, Science, how Harry from When Harry Met Sally was wrong, singleness, dating, and our relationship with creation, there isn’t a topic I think the author missed. She shares tidbits from her life including watching the Harry movie with her Grandfather. She also included charts and prayers at the end of each chapter.

This is a refreshing, contemporary look at womanhood. Learn from my naïve assumptions and make every effort to enjoy this book.

To purchase The Book of Womanhood, click here.

I received The Book of Womanhood from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Book Review: The Book of Womanhood by Amy F. Davis Abdallah, dating life, Heavenly Father, Julie Arduini, Nyack College, professor, relationship with Creation, Science, singleness, When Harry Met Sally, womanhood, women in the Bible




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 Interview with Author Eileen Rife  Sabbath Sunday: The Detour  What 43 Looks Like On Me  Character Confession: Yes, I Really Glued my Fingers Together  Sabbath Sunday: Do You Hear Your Invitation?Copyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: The Book of Womanhood by Amy F. Davis Abdallah], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Thankful: Pandora

I’m trying to think of out-of-the-box things that I am thankful for. I spent last night pondering what are things that make up my day that I really appreciate.

Coffee is definitely up there.

My laptop is a must.

But music is one I don’t automatically think about, but it’s a huge part of my routine.

And I have to give props to Pandora.

I’ve been listening to Pandora for a couple years and I’ve never been tempted to stray and visit another service. The commercials don’t bother me, although it was fun to go commercial free the one time my finger hit the screen by accident when it was time to sign up for a trial version.

Usually I have it on shuffle with a lot of channels. This year I streamlined and only have a few channels, but many variations under the channel. Our TiVo allows us to listen to Pandora, so I often write and work on the house with Pandora on.  If I’m in the office, I have a Bluetooth speaker.

Pandora helped me find “cruise” music so I could write my chapter in The Love Boat Bachelor. It helps me during prayer time, while I drive. It helped me discover artists I enjoy like Shane and Shane, The Desperation Band, The Digital Age, and Rend Collective.

It seems silly, but I’m thankful for Pandora.

What part of your day are you thankful for?

Tags:  Julie Arduini, music, music streaming, Pandora, Shane and Shane, thankful, Thankful: Pandora, The Desperation Band, The Digital Age, The Rend Collective




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 When You Say Nothing at All: Infertility Memories  Sisterhood of the Word Bloggers Award  Book Review: Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson  Sabbath Sunday: Did you Hear Your Invitation?  12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 9 - The ADVENTure Awaits You! by Charissa SteynCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Thankful: Pandora], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Thankful: Carole Brown’s List of November Thankfulness

Rejoice and Be Glad!

 

This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. –Psalm 118:24

 

It’s so easy in our present day of busyness and deadlines and activities, to forget to take time to relax, be quiet, have fun, and enjoy the blessings we have. Sometimes they are big ones that catch our attention and make us sit up and take notice with the “wow” in our hearts and in our eyes. Others–most of them–are the small, everyday ones that are just as important, but ones that we tend, and usually take for granted. Today, this week, this thanksgiving day, let us remember and lift our hearts in praise for the many blessings we have.

 

My list of November Gratefulness:

 

A day I can take to relax and be with others.

A day I can appreciate the bountiful food we have to share and partake of.

A day I can enjoy the presence of family and/or friends who truly love me and show it

A day I can participate and enjoy the antics of three active grandsons.

A day I can ponder upon all the good things God has done for me, all the hardships and sad times He’s brought me through, and the wonderful protection and strength He’s given.

So VERY grateful this November 2015. What a marvelous year!

About Carole Brown:

Brown not only has her award winning (2015 Winner of the USA Best Books Award, 2015 Small Publishers Book Award, RWA International Digital Award finalist, Clash of the Titles Laurel Awards finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now.

A companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia, quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and discussion questions for the novel is also available.

The first book in her Denton & Alex Davies mystery series, Hog Insane and Bat Crazy, the second book are fun, lighthearted novels that not only deal with the mysteries the Davies land in, but relationships too.

The first book in a new WWII Spies Romantic Suspense series, With Music In Their Hearts are nostalgic, warm-hearted books that place readers firmly in that era. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.

This month, Brown is releasing the first book in a new series, The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries: Sabotaged Christmas.

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

We’re thankful for Carole Brown’s latest book.

Back Cover Blurb

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions–all because of the mysterious pink notes she’s receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her–is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business all converge to play a part in ruining Christmas for Toni’s employees. Will the mysterious person behind it all succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen?

Will this culprit destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

Buy the book here

Tags:  author, family, food, friends, Julie Arduini, Sabotaged Christmas, thankful, Thankful: Carole Brown's List of November Thankfulness




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 I Have a New Title...  Book Review: Parenting for Launch by Dennis Trittin and Arlyn Lawrence  Creating Lasting Memories by Jennifer Slattery  Cyber Shout Outs  A2Z Meme: Pull-eeze Contain Your Potty MouthCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Thankful: Carole Brown's List of November Thankfulness], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Being Thankful in Grief by Sara Nelson

Being Thankful in Grief

My daughter and I were the best of friends. People who didn’t know us often thought we were sisters, because of our cheerful camaraderie. She was an only child, and perhaps, growing up as an army family with my husband often away for extended periods, our bond as a mother and daughter grew uncommonly close. All the more reason why her passing cut so incredibly deep.

2013 was a rough year. Health problems emerged for which we never did find the cause, but she began having seizures. There were financial hardships. Then, she and her husband separated. As 2014 began, we looked forward to a more hope-filled and brighter year. We had just celebrated her 36th birthday. And then, suddenly, she was gone.

When tragedies happen, everyone wants to know why. Why did this happen? I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” Life is not always sunny and happy and wonderful. Sometimes, there’s pain. Jesus said himself troubles would come, BUT not to despair. He overcame, so we could be overcomers.

That’s the kind of promise I cling to in my heartbreak. I am thankful for the overcoming grace of God which sustains us, even in this. I am thankful for God’s loving arms which I cling to in my tears. I’m thankful for my relationship with God, and for knowing, before this ever happened, that God is good and kind and loving. He cares, and He carries our grief.

I am thankful for many things. I’m thankful she doesn’t have seizures anymore, and she is completely whole and well. I’m thankful that the cares and heartaches of this world which were such a burden in the last year of her life, no longer plague her. I know she is joyful in the presence of God.

I’m thankful for all the wonderful years of her life we had together. Such good memories to cherish! I might have been childless, otherwise. She was our miracle. I’m thankful for God blessing us with her and for every year of her life.

I’m thankful for what a blessing she was to others. She was a gifted teacher and touched more lives than she even knew. People still come up to us and share anecdotes of ways she ministered to them or their child. I am thankful for her gifts and talents and the precious legacy she left to us.

I had sometimes thought about my daughter’s eventual grief when she would face losing her father and me. I would rather bear this grief for her than that she should have to bear it for us. I’m thankful she won’t have to grieve for us someday.

I’m thankful for this taste of grief, bitter as it is, because I’ve grown so much in ways I might not have otherwise. I never realized how many people are walking through a grief journey of their own. Before, I might have felt compassion, but now, I know what it’s like. It’s true that we are able to comfort others because of the comfort we have received. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I’m thankful for the promise of heaven for those who trust and believe in Jesus. The movie, Heaven is For Real, came out a short time after her passing, and it blessed us so much. Other books and testimonies have also helped strengthen our vision and understanding of what heaven is like. These things have greatly encouraged and comforted us.

God does not keep every bad thing from happening, but He is very much with us in our sorrow. He comforts, and strengthens, and helps us go on, even when—especially when—we think we cannot. And, that is worthy of thanksgiving.

Sara Faith Nelson is a retired teacher and aspiring writer. She writes devotions and blogs about her grief journey on her website, Sunshine for the Journey. Many have said they’ve been comforted and encouraged by her sharing. On her Facebook page, she enjoys passing on positive and hope-filled messages. She and her husband live in Arizona. Sara enjoys bird-watching, rock collecting, and adding to her collection of coffee mugs and tea cups.

 

Tags:  Being Thankful in Grief by Sara Nelson, daughter, family, grief, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, loss of child, mother daughter bond, parents, Thanksgiving




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 Mother of Pearl: Carey Bailey's He Will Walk With You  It's That Time of Year---Looking for YOUR THANKFUL Posts!  Book Review: The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book by Mike Berenstain  Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave  COTT: A Healing Heart by Angela BreidenbachCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Being Thankful in Grief by Sara Nelson], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Thankful: The Basics

I’m a thinker. I can’t say all my thoughts are profound, but I’m constantly thinking.

And I’m very mindful of what God has given us.

Every night at prayer time I make sure we thank Him for a roof over our head. I understand that at any moment we could lose that because of weather, job change, or something else. I haven’t forgotten taking a bus trip through Mexico and seeing huts. Having the local tour guide tell me I was rich because I lived in America. And the reality hitting me that I was an American girl taking a cruise, on a guided bus tour for entertainment, arguing with a local that I was not wealthy.

I thank Him for food. I’ve ministered in services when kids were acting out and I was told it was in part due to child hunger. This wasn’t in another country. It was in my county. When I run the water longer than I should, I turn it off thinking about places that don’t have wells.

I’ve watched kids talk about how their peers make fun of them because their clothes are hand me downs or don’t fit. Honestly almost every piece of clothing we have comes from 50% off day at the Salvation Army. But at the end of the day, I still have clothes. My family is ready for winter because we have coats, boots, mittens and hats. So many don’t.

We try to make a difference through giving to families, charity, and organizations. We try to have as many kids as we can come through with overnights and meals.

We want to be part of a solution and not blindly take in the things we have.

We are thankful for everything, including the basics most forget they have.

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   Book Review: Lily by B.J. Bassett  Book Review: Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith  Take the Plunge 2015 Summer Challenge  Free Therapy: Analyzing Your DVR ListCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Thankful: The Basics], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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