Julie Arduini's Blog, page 114

Saturday Confession: Marriage and the Dog Bone

Tucker is our not quite two year old, seventy-five pound chow lab. Although he’s losing some of that puppy mischief, that dog needs to chew.

Needs to.

And if he can’t find something of his, well, he’s going after something of ours.

Lady unmentionables. Shoes. Stuffed animals. Those are his favorites.

You get two confessions today. The first is I can’t even tell you the amount of money I’ve spent trying to find a toy that can survive the chewing. When he was a puppy I found a solid bone that he didn’t pay a lot of attention to. So I tried the ropes.

That usually results in strings all over my carpet and a dog chewing my shoe.

Stuffed toys? They die a quick death.

I went with name brand. The Kong toys lasted a few hours to a few days.

I’ve tied old socks together. You name it, I’ve tried it.

Yesterday I found that original solid bone toy. I don’t know what it’s made of, but I put it on his bed and he is gnawing and gnawing. It’s not even half gone. It’s not a flashy or expensive toy, but it’s the one he’s meant to have.

Second confession? Somehow my mind made the leap from dog bone to marriage.

I flirted with a lot of options to keep that dog happy. Flashy. Labels with fancy promises. And in the end, the best bone toy was the one that had been there all along.

Whether on an entertainment update between celebrities or connecting with someone on FB, I see too often a marriage fall apart because things seemed stale and someone went in search for something more impressive. It’s heartbreaking because it affects everyone. Kids. Extended family. Friends. Co workers.

We’re closing in on our 20th anniversary. What I love about where we are is we know each other well and the insecurities and holding back from the early years is gone. We’re the deepest level of friends.

But you know what? I was hit hard this year with the enemy trying to trip me up. My husband was often not physically around because of a huge project at work, or, home but locked away in conference calls. While he did that, I was reeling from medical things, writing frustration and flat out warfare where I felt alone and depleted. My mind started to entertain the what if’s. What if I married someone else? What if my real husband is out there wondering what happened to me?

That’s all stinkin’ thinkin’ from the pit of hell. And if I weren’t clinging to Christ each day, I would have fallen for it. It wouldn’t have been long before I went in search of a flashier toy with a lot of promises.

And I would have been destroyed.

How did we move forward? We went back to the basics. It might not have looked like a fancy answer, but we remembered how much we gained early on by attending meetings where couples wiser than us shared basic marriage hacks and principles. We went to a different church than our own to listen to married pastors with covenant thinking who shared simple stories about their marriage and takeaways. Nothing big. Pretty simple. But we learned a lot, received good refresher info, and most of all, were intentional in spending time together.

We’ve done the same with the hot tub. We have an inflatable thing that gets the job done. We’ve made dates to meet up to talk about our day, the schedule, the kids, finances and how we’re feeling. It’s a safe place for us. It’s a simple plan. But it’s helped us not just survive, but thrive.

And that’s how I made a leap from a dog toy to marriage.

Tags:  Chow Lab, covenant thinking, dog bones, dog toys, Julie Arduini, marriage, promises, puppy, Saturday Confession: Marriage and the Dog Bone, temptation




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 Book Review: The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book by Mike Berenstain  Sabbath Sunday: The Sad Scrapbook  My Gift to Him by Cara Putman  COTT: The Daughters of Jim Farrell by Sylvia Bambola  Book Review: Grin with Grace by Kathy Carlton WillisCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Marriage and the Dog Bone], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Thankful for TiVo and Vine

Healthy or not, my favorite moments growing up were around television shows. I can still hear my dad’s laugh when we’d watch The Munsters. How he loved Herman’s laugh. Even after 11 years of dad being gone, that memory brings me comfort.

Same for my mom. I know Friday nights were party and football nights, but I honestly remember not going to a party (before I understood my introvert self) and having fun watching Dallas and Falcon Crest with mom. When the Dallas reboot came outa couple years ago, we were emailing and calling to talk about JR’s master plan. It came full circle for us.

Image by Disney

I feel the same about TiVo and Vine. Our daughter loves to record her shows. Although most I argue lack a plot and good acting (Looking at you, Bunk’d and Austin and Ally,) when Girl Meets World is on, we’re invested as a team. We watch together and talk about what happened and what we think will happen. Lately, I’m turning away to hide my tears. That show gets me, especially when it goes all nostalgic with the original Boy Meets World show. And the writers tweeted that they will be issues driven. Those lend to great moments between us as mother and daughter.

Vine is quality time with my teenaged son. I love stupid funny and Vine videos are full of them. We enjoy sarcasm and the element of surprise so there are times I’m wiping tears because someone nailed it and we can’t stop laughing.

Yes, we have fun playing Bocce, Rock Band, board games, and being in a car together. But I don’t take the technology moments for granted, either.

What are YOU thankful for?

Tags:  Dallas, Falcon Crest, Girl Meets World, Julie Arduini, television, thankful, Thankful for TiVo and Vine, The Munsters, TiVo, Vine videos




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 October 10th Women Redeemed 2.0 Webcast and iPad Giveaway!  COTT BLOG ALLIANCE: Meet Christine Lindsay and Pamela S. Thibodeaux  Like Forrest Gump's Mama  Happy Birthday, Clash of the Titles!  An Interview with Tiny Hands Gift Book Author Leanne StevensonCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Thankful for TiVo and Vine], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Heart Overflowing with Gratitude by Tracy Ruckman

Heart Overflowing with Gratitude

by Tracy Ruckman

 

My heart overflows with gratitude this year for so many reasons. Yes, it’s been another difficult year – broken relationships, financial struggles, health concerns, new work schedules, new school schedules, dealing with mental illness of loved ones, death of loved ones, car troubles, watching the world get darker by the second.

But in the midst of all those negatives, God has been ever-present and has poured out His blessings and wonders in many of those same areas: restored relationships, financial blessings, health improvements, new babies, awesome professors, incredible new opportunities, new friends. And about six months ago, we also overcame a mighty oppression that had haunted us for years, and the difference is extreme.

This year, we’ve watched countless Christians shine brightly for the Kingdom in so many different ways. Personally, I’ve watched our authors shine through the opportunities provided them – watched and listened as they’ve shared their personal walks with Jesus with a dying world. And then on a worldwide scale, we’ve all watched Christians summon every ounce of courage to proclaim the name of Jesus in the face of horrifying death at the hands of evil.

As I was writing this post, one specific word was repeated over the few days this document sat on my laptop and this word is what gets us through all the bad days, all the horror, all the darkness. The message of this single word is powerful and life-changing – the word OVERCOME. We can overcome the darkness because JESUS has overcome the WORLD. He told us that Himself in John 16:33. Jesus is the VICTOR, and those of us who follow Him are victors, too, regardless of whatever our current circumstances may be. Jesus won the war, which means if we follow Him, we win, too.

I’m thankful for a Savior who loves us so much that He died so that we might spend eternity – ETERNITY – with Him. An eternity spent in worship and praise. An eternity without pain, sorrow, tears, or heartbreak of any sort.

I’m thankful He gives us all second chances (and most times, many more!) to follow Him, to tell others about Him, to serve Him. I’m thankful to know that He is indeed the Victor, and that as His follower, I am, too. That knowledge helps me get through the painful days.

We can let the darkness of the world invade our lives or we can focus instead on the Light – shining Jesus’ Light for others who may be lost or wandering. This year, I’m especially grateful for His Light, which shines for all eternity.

 

Tags:  authors, Christians, Heart Overflowing with Gratitude by Tracy Ruckman, Julie Arduini, publisher, Tracy Ruckman, victory, Write Integrity Press




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   Sabbath Sunday: Swampy Yard  Movie Review: The Identical  COTT: It's a Clash Vote!  Character Confession: Waiting for that Light at the End of the TunnelCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Heart Overflowing with Gratitude by Tracy Ruckman], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

She’s lost her dream job–but has she found the man of her dreams?

Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa’s dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake’s real identity?

This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.

I’m a sucker for a small town romance with resort backdrops. Although I missed book one, it doesn’t take much to pick up and understand In Firefly Valley. There was good chemistry between Marisa, back in the area after losing her job, and Blake, an author on deadline. He has a bit of a secret that has the potential to send Marisa reeling.

I enjoyed the book, although I had trouble getting completely caught up. I think going a little deeper with the characters would have helped because I felt the sparks, but it wasn’t quite enough. But it is a sweet small town romance worth reading.

To purchase In Firefly Valley, click here.

I received a .pdf from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Tags:  Amanda Cabot, author, book review, Book Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot, fiction, Julie Arduini, resort, romance, secrets, Texas romance




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 Find Me on Kindle!  Book Review: Writing and Selling the Great American Novel by Janice Thompson  Book Review: Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick  A2Z Meme: Nuts for NASCAR  Character Confession: About Those Sticks and StonesCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Book Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Thankful for My Relationships by B.J. Bassett

Thankful for My Relationships by B.J. Bassett

I am thankful for my relationships—with my husband,  my children, and with friends. The most important relationship I am grateful for is the one I have with my Heavenly Father.

 

He put a desire in my heart as a little girl to seek him. My family moved a lot and my parents did not attend church, so if a neighbor didn’t take me to Sunday school, I walked to a neighborhood church. I was always welcomed in those places of worship. When I was a teenager, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and my relationship with my precious Lord has grown and flourished these many years. I have the joy and peace that only comes from knowing Him. I am thankful for all my relationships—especially the one I have with my Daddy God.

BIO:

B.J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker.

Her books include a historical novel Lily; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story, and coauthor of My Time with God which sold 55,000 copies while in print. Her recently released contemporary romance, Gillian’s Heart, is now available.

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon and at writer’s conference. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey—from the seed of an idea to a publisher book.

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea. A native Californian, she now lives with her husband of 57 years in Roseburg, Oregon.

About Gillian’s Heart:

Gillian Grant, abandoned by her alcoholic parents, is raised by her grandmother in a beach house in California.

As a tribute to Gram’s memory, Gillian restores the house and hires Dusty to help her. Dusty shares the apartment above the garage with Gillian’s childhood friend, Josh.

Gillian and Dusty have nothing in common, except the restoration of the house. Gillian suffers from anorexia and is in denial. While she has a strong faith in God, Dusty is an unbeliever.

Betsy, Gillian’s mother, returns and announces the house was left to her, not Gillian, and she plans to sell it.

Gillian always dreamed of her wedding in her grandmother’s garden overlooking the Pacific. Will there be a wedding? Who will capture Gillian’s heart—stable Josh or can she trust Dusty, a new Christian, who has kept secrets from her? And who holds the deed to the house?

To purchase Gillian’s Heart, click here.

Tags:  B.J. Bassett, Gillian's Heart, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, November, thankful, Thankful for My Relationships by B.J. Bassett, Thanksgiving




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 Saturday Confession: I've Ghosted Before  COTT: Great Stocking Stuffer Idea--Jennifer A. Davids Restored Heart  Book Review: The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello  Book Review: Connie Arnold's A Symphony of Seasons  When You Have to Say Goodbye--to a BookCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Thankful for My Relationships by B.J. Bassett], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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COTT: A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

Congratulations to

A Noble Masquerade
by Kristi Ann Hunter!

Book Blurb:

Lady Miranda Hawthorne may long to break free of her ladylike expectations as he approaches spinsterhood, but finding herself intrigued by her brother’s new valet is more rebellion than she planned. When she accidentally begins exchanging letters with a long-lost duke, things become even more complicated. Especially when hidden state secrets and dangerous encount ers prove everything isn’t exactly as it seems.

Reviews:

4 1/2 stars and Top Pick! from RT

Debut author Hunter pens a fantastic Regency romance. The characters are endearing and their motivations are not always what they might seem on the surface. This air of mystery adds depth to the tale. The romance portrayed is top notch and will cause readers to sigh with delight in the end.

A few words from our voters:

Kristi Ann Hunter is a fantastic author!
Go, go, go Kristi! Love the cover and the title!
Kristi Ann Hunter, i loved this book. great characters andwonderful story line.
Kristi Ann Hunter, you rock and your book is awesome!

Book Review: Catch of A Lifetime by Candee Fick

Book Description:

Can she forget the fumbles of her past and open her heart to love?

He breathes football. She shudders at the very mention of the sport.

After a tragedy involving a football player destroyed her family, athletic trainer and graduate student, Cassie moves across the country looking for a fresh start, but a change in financial aid lands her in the middle of her worst nightmare.

Meanwhile, rookie coach Reed worries his dream career will slip away as injuries plague his players and his star receiver teeters on the brink of ineligibility. As the two work together to salvage the season, sparks fly, and Reed must eventually choose between the game and the woman he loves.

Clean & Wholesome Romance

One of my favorite quotes is from the late Larry Burkett who said, “If both of you had everything in common, one of you would be unnecessary.” That’s the fun of reading Catch of a Lifetime. Reed is all about football and Cassie isn’t a fan. But she’s thrust into the sport and has to work with Reed, who wants a winning season and a lasting career. What neither of them count on is the sparks they find with each other.

There’s so much to enjoy about Catch of A Lifetime. I love that she created a football world that even the most uninterested reader can understand and keep turning the pages. The sports aspect is part of the plot but not overwhelming. She created real characters. They have wounds, temptations and personalities to deal with. Finally, the romance is sweet. This is a romance I think older teens could pick up and hand off to their grandmothers and there’s no shame between the pages. That’s a big deal for me.

Whether you’re in the bleachers cheering on your favorite team or sitting on the couch reading while your loved one watches a game, you need to pick up a copy of Catch of a Lifetime. It’s a touchdown.

To purchase Catch of a Lifetime, click here.

I received Catch of a Lifetime from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  author, book review, Book Review: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick, clean romance, fiction, football, Julie Arduini, romance, wholesome reading




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 Book Review: Be the Blessing by Paula Mowery  Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Giveaway  Featured Video of the Week: Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent, INCLUDES Giveaway Opportunity!  Kelly Tough, Part One  10 Lifestyle Changes Our Family Made This Year to Lose Weight: Part 2Copyright © Author Julie Arduini [Book Review: Catch of A Lifetime by Candee Fick], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Don’t Miss This: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick

I wanted to introduce a monthly feature where I share a book that I want to make sure you take notice of and hopefully purchase. Think Oprah on a budget.

I kick things off with the debut romance from Candee Fick, Catch of a Lifetime.

My book review will post tomorrow but here’s a book description:

Can she forget the fumbles of her past and open her heart to love?

He breathes football. She shudders at the very mention of the sport.

After a tragedy involving a football player destroyed her family, athletic trainer and graduate student, Cassie moves across the country looking for a fresh start, but a change in financial aid lands her in the middle of her worst nightmare.

Meanwhile, rookie coach Reed worries his dream career will slip away as injuries plague his players and his star receiver teeters on the brink of ineligibility. As the two work together to salvage the season, sparks fly, and Reed must eventually choose between the game and the woman he loves.

Clean & Wholesome Romance

With fall comes football and for me, I love to read while a game is on. I’ll look at the score just to have enough info to carry a conversation on with my husband. But to watch Candee blend football and romance, I had to make this my first post about what I don’t want you to miss.

Candee Fick knows what she’s writing about. She’s the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy with her day job or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at football, basketball, baseball, and Special Olympics games. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she has been a Genesis Award double finalist and winner over several years.

Friends, don’t miss this!

To purchase Catch of a Lifetime, click here.

Tags:  Candee Fick, debut romance, Don't Miss This: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick, fiction, football, Julie Arduini, new book release, romance




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 Explaining My Surrender Tagline  12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 3 - Who is Mr. Carbunkle? by Debora M. Coty  COTT: Ann Gaylia O'Barr's A Sense of Mission  COTT: Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas  Character Confession: The Independence Day InjectionCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Don't Miss This: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving by Nike Chillemi

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving by Nike Chillemi

 

The Bible talks about “the sacrifice of thanksgiving.” Most of us don’t like to sacrifice anything. We think: suffering, forfeiting, losing, renouncing, and/or kiss it goodbye. Simply pondering “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” turns our thinking around on the notion of “sacrifice”.

 

The Bible tells us to “enter into His gates with thanksgiving.” We are allowed to enter into His holy space, into the gates of His abode with by giving Him thanksgiving. We’re offering up thanks to Him. We are kissing something goodbye and that something is self. When we offer Him thanksgiving we’re acknowledging that He is the One who bestowed blessing upon us. We didn’t do it ourselves.

 

Psalm 100:3-5King James Version (KJV) ~ 3  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

 

It might be just me, but I think thanksgiving is the beginning of reverence. Reverence for this awesome God is so necessary. I’m totally in awe that the sacrifice of thanksgiving allows me entrance through the gates of God’s habitation.

I’ve heard secularists say if God is God He should do thus-and-so…He should be nice, according to their definition of nice. God the Creator of the universe has many names in the Bible, but “nice” isn’t one of them. If we were to stand on the sun and look down on the earth, man would be a speck of dust. Who is this speck of dust to tell God what He should be?

When I offer thanksgiving unto God from my heart, the core of my being, I find that peace follows. I’m at peace in my spirit. When I offer thanksgiving, I’m not reminding God about what He’s given me, what good He’s bestowed upon me. He hasn’t forgotten. I’m reminding myself and it gives me pause. It gives me peace.

In the just released second book in my detective series, DEADLY DESIGNS, heroine Veronica “Ronnie” Ingels is having a problem with God. She’d had no peace where God is concerned since the first novel in the series, HARMFUL INTENT. She believes in the supernatural, even believes in God, but she’s mad at him. Her earthly father deserted her and her mother, so Ronnie is taking it out on her heavenly father. As DEADLY DESIGNS opens, Ronnie sees very little reason to be thankful to God. Deputy sheriff Lt. Dawson Hughes, who is a good deal more than merely attracted to Ronnie, once believed deeply in God and often wishes he could get that faith back again.

 

Blurb:

Private investigator Veronica “Ronnie” Ingels teams up with Deputy Dawson Hughes to find a geeky radio broadcaster’s missing wife and young daughter. They fear the woman and child were taken by Islamic terrorists as revenge against the husband’s pro-Israel, conspiracy theory broadcasts. The investigation takes Ronnie and Hughes from a manicured Connecticut estate, to interviews with an elitist A-List society crowd, and run-ins with cranky local police detectives. Then they plunge deep into the seamy, drug-riddled underbelly of the fashion world, with the specter of international terrorism hovering.

 

Hughes has recently been promoted to lieutenant in the Taylor County, Texas Sheriff’s Department. He’s on leave on a special assignment with Authorized Operations (AO), a clandestine, quasi-government agency operating out of a sea-side mansion in Hither Hills, NY. The only thing is, many powerful politicians, and government big-wigs claim Authorized Operations doesn’t exist.

Ronnie is furious at both Hughes and the broadcaster for waiting thirty-six hours to start the search. She knows the longer it takes, the less chance there is of finding the child alive. The problem is, radio talk-show host Ed Harper has been hoping-against-hope that his pot-smoking, model wife is on one of her ‘esoteric experiences’ and has simply taken the child while she romps for a few days. He doesn’t want to seriously consider the other, more hazardous possibility… that his radio broadcasts have angered some very dangerous people.

 

 

Bio:

Like so many writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola, fully illustrated book she penned (colored might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better.

Nike is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and is its Chair, a reader’s choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She has been a judge in the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories; and an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category. Her four novel Sanctuary Point series, set in the mid-1940s has finaled, won an award, and garnered critical acclaim. HARMFUL INTENT released under the auspices of her own publishing company, Crime Fictionista Press, won in the Grace Awards 2014 Mystery/Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Historic Suspense category. Her new release is DEADLY DESIGNS. She has written book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and John 3:16 Marketing Network.  http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

Tags:  author, Deadly Designs, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Nike Chillemi, thankful, Thanksgiving, The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving by Nike Chillemi




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 A2Z Meme: All the Things I've Loved Before  Two Free Webinars for Women You Should Know About  COTT: Cynthia L. Simmons Interviews 2012 Laurel Award Winner Laura V. Hilton  Sabbath Sunday: Swampy Yard  Some Fun Writing AnswersCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving by Nike Chillemi], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Grateful by Lillian Duncan

It’s November and that means Thanksgiving. Yes, we all love the turkey and pumpkin pie! Well, actually I don’t like the pie, but that’s beside the point. Thanksgiving was created as a day to focus on all the blessings God’s given up in the previous year, but sometimes that can be a little difficult.

 

Like when you have brain tumors.

 

I was diagnosed with brain tumors more than three years ago. These past three years have been filled with doctors’ appointments, treatments, side effects from the treatments, and some permanent problems because of the tumors. I’m completely deaf in one ear and partially deaf in the other. Along with that I have to use a cane because of damage to my balance system.

 

So you might think, it would be a little difficult for me to be grateful about anything, right? Wrong! There are so many things I’m grateful to God for. Most of all, I’m grateful God has been with me through it all. Every time I’ve needed him, he’s been there. My prayer throughout this ordeal has been for me to stay in his peace and joy. Amazingly enough, I have most of the time. And the times I haven’t was because I took my eyes off him, just as Peter did when he walked on water.

 

One thing I’ve learned through all of this is that God is always there. We’re the ones who look away—not him. And all we have to do when we look away is to look back. He’ll be there waiting for us.

 

I’m also so grateful for a wonderful husband who has been amazing throughout the whole process and that I still have enough residual hearing to carry on a conversation with him, listen to his corny jokes, and hear him sing.

 

And last but not least, I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to continue writing throughout the whole ordeal. In fact, I’ve received 7 book contracts since being diagnosed with the brain tumors, including my latest release-No Home For The Holidays.

 

No Home For The Holidays is a Christmas-themed story. It’s part of my publisher’s annual Christmas Extravaganza. Each year, they release twenty-five novelettes (meaning short novels) that all have a Christmas theme in all different sorts of genres. So there’s something for everyone, no matter what you enjoy reading.

 

I love finding a way to mix suspense into a Christmas story. There’s always so many possibilities for what the characters can learn as they journey through the story. And, of course, I love all the Christmas symbolism available during my favorite time of the year.

 

In No Home For The Holidays, Chloe Sullivan needs a miracle but has given up on getting it. As sad as it is, she’s resigned to the fact that she has to stay in hiding if she wants to remain alive as well as keep her family safe.

 

Ex-FBI turned preacher, Colton Douglas believes in helping others. When Chloe enters his life, he’s sure God has put her in his path for a reason—to help her. And that’s just what he plans to do, whether she likes it or not.

 

Both Colton and Chloe learn a great deal about themselves and about life as they face death.

Tags:  brain tumors, Julie Arduini, Lillian Duncan, No Home for the Holidays, thankful, Thankful: Lillian Duncan, Thanksgiving




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 I Recommend: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month  COTT: Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay  Guest Blogger Author Susan May Warren: Take a Chance on Darek Christiansen  Character Confession: A Divided Heart  An Interview with Tiny Hands Gift Book Author Leanne StevensonCopyright © Author Julie Arduini [Grateful by Lillian Duncan], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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