Julie Arduini's Blog, page 119

Sabbath Sunday: The Detour

 

This summer a small bridge closed that connects us to most of the routes I need. Thanks to the construction of a new bridge, I’ve had to take detours to find my way around.

Some detours were through official signage and others were roads I took by looking at my GPS.

The picture above is Evans Lake in Springfield, Ohio. Had the bridge been active, I would never have needed a detour.

I never would have seen this beautiful spot.

And that’s just how life is.

There are times, too many, actually, where I have it all mapped out.

And then comes a detour. Something I never planned and I don’t appreciate.

But that detour was never a surprise to God, and if I allow myself to take a look, I might find beauty, peace, blessings and so much more.

How about you?

Tags:  bridge out, detour, Evans Lake, God's plans, GPS, Julie Arduini, nature, Ohio, Sabbath Sunday: The Detour, Springfield, sunset, surrender




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 Album Review: Let it Be Jesus by Christy Nockels (GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!)  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living Free  Interview with Author Eileen Rife  Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches  Unlikely Merger Authors: Business TripsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: The Detour], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Confession Saturday: Kathie Lee Gifford’s Return to Work

I confess I’ve had many conversations regarding Kathie Lee Gifford over the years. She would be listed on my Women’s Bible Devotional and yet when I watched her on Regis and Kathie Lee she was suggestive at best. It drove me crazy. I didn’t see Christ’s light and her approach was a turn off.

Fast forward and she returned to television with the fourth hour of The Today Show. Although I thought it was a step down for Hoda Kotb and her journalism skills, I thought it was a good fit for Kathie Lee. She seemed tamer, more relatable. Her walk seemed to match her talk.

When I heard about Frank Gifford’s death, it really shook me. I think part of it was we have a ten year gap in our marriage and it was a topic we took seriously before we got engaged. We talked about leaving the other behind. I couldn’t imagine the grief Kathie Lee and her children had to be feeling.

Yet I saw her post on Twitter and I heard Hoda share how strong Kathie Lee was.

And then I saw this.

Honestly, it’s one of the best moments of live television I’ve ever seen.

Kathie Lee on her first day back to work after losing her husband shared his last moments. His faith. Her faith. Their faith.

And her challenge about the stone.

I challenge YOU to watch. It’s about 8 minutes and they go fast.

It’s inspiring and emotional.

May God bless her and her children.

Tags:  Christian faith, Confession Saturday: Kathie Lee Gifford's Return to Work, Frank Gifford, Julie Arduini, Kathie Lee Gifford, legacy, Regis and Kathie Lee, testimony, The Today show




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 Unlikely Merger Authors: Our Business Influences  Chuck E. Cheese and the Last Days  COTT: Kinsale Kisses by Elizabeth Maddrey Wins December Clash  12 Pearls of Christmas---Robin Dance's Panhandler's Breath  When Holly Got STARTedCopyright © Julie Arduini [Confession Saturday: Kathie Lee Gifford's Return to Work], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: Project Inspired by Nicole Weider

Nicole Weider is on a mission: to help young girls avoid the traps that culture sets. The trap that baits you into thinking you must sacrifice your self-worth in order to be beautiful and popular. Nicole launched Project Inspired in 2010 (www.projectinspired.com), a website for teen girls that analyzes pop culture and explores ways girls can live in their authentic beauty.

In Project Inspired, Nicole shares tips for you to stay true to yourself—to how you were created to be—as well as how to dress modestly yet fashionably, how to make a positive difference in the world, and how to enjoy your teen years while standing firm in your faith. With photographs, real behind-the-scenes stories from inside the fashion world, and an honest look at living a life that looks great on the outside and feels great on the inside, Project Inspired is a book you’ll turn to time and time again.

This easy-to-read book from model and actress Nicole Weider is a message all tween and teen girls need to read. Nicole briefly shares her modeling story where she had trouble fitting in at school and that she never felt enough. Through it all she had a friend who was always praying for her, and that friend’s faith helped Nicole realize she needed a relationship with Christ.

Now Nicole is on a mission to help girls find their identity in Christ and walk confidently with their peers. She has tips on clothes, makeup, modesty, friendship, dating, and much more. I found the tips to be at their level and yet Biblical and what I agree with as a parent.

I also found Nicole’s pictures modeling clothes very helpful. My daughter is visual and seeing what looks Nicole was writing about really helped.

Project Inspired is a book girls can read quickly, but it also contains so many gems, girls can also reference it again and again.

I definitely recommend!

To purchase Project Inspired, click here.

I received a copy of Project Inspired in exchange for my honest review.

Tags:  beauty, book review, Book Review: Project Inspired by Nicole Weider, Christian, Julie Arduini, modeling, modesty, Nicole Weider, Project Inspired, teen girls, teens




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 Sabbath Sunday: Swampy Yard  Introducing Chocolate and a Museum Gallery Opening  12 Pearls of Christmas---Debora M. Coty's Inside Out Christmas  A2Z Meme: Ultrasounds  SMITTEN BOOK CLUB | KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY, FACEBOOK PARTY, AND SATURDAY BRUNCHCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Project Inspired by Nicole Weider], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: Prayer Works by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, Amy Parker

What’s Your Strategy? 

As kids grow, their prayer lives need to grow too—but how? Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick offer a strategy that kids can use to figure out how prayer works and just how powerful it is. Lots of great explanation is combined with fun activities, illustrations, and journaling prompts to get kids thinking and praying. 

This companion book to the movie War Room contains 32 perforated journal pages kids can use to write specific prayers and then post them on the walls in their prayer room—just like the characters in the movie. Topics include:

What is prayer? Why should I pray? Where do I pray? Is there a wrong way to pray? What should I pray for? Does God really hear me?

I love all the resources available to supplement the War Room movie. Prayer Works: Prayer Training and Strategy for Kids walks kids through all the important aspects to prayer. It asks questions all elementary/upper elementary kids would ask, and gives thoughtful answers on their level. It’s colorful and smart to keep interest. For those that love to write, there are places to journal that they can tear out, write their prayers, and post on their wall.

I love it because it is comprehensive without being overwhelming or over stimulating. The font is a little small, but there is so much information to include, I understand, and it is probably my middle aged eyes that notice, not the younger set.

This is a wonderful product I wish all children could have access to.

To purchase Prayer Works: Prayer Training and Strategy for Kids, click here.

I received Prayer Works: Prayer Training and Strategy for Kids in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Alex Kendrick, Amy Parker, book on prayer, book review, Book Review: Prayer Works by Stephen Kendrick, children's book, Julie Arduini, prayer strategies for kids, War Room




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 Character Confession: Seriously Found Joy Through Autism  Book Review: Lynda Schab's Mind Over Madi  Sabbath Sunday: It's That Simple Like Me  Featured Video of the Week: Healing Love by Laura V. Hilton  Entrusted Chosen as one of the "Top Picks in Romantic Reads for 2014"Copyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Prayer Works by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, Amy Parker], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: Peter’s Perfect Prayer Place by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick

Book Description:

Can you help Peter find the perfect place to pray?

Peter is used to seeing his mom pray in her special prayer room, and now you can help him search for his own place to pray—Peter’s perfect prayer place. Is it under his bed? Up in his treehouse? Between the pots and pans? Where can God hear him best? There’s lots of fun as Peter looks and looks, but in the end, he learns that although it’s great to have a special place to be alone with God and pray, God hears you no matter where you are—under, up, or in between!

This companion book to the movie War Room will teach young readers an important lesson about talking to God. And the fold-out prayer chart and stickers in the back of the book will let them track their prayers as well as God’s answers!

Peter’s Perfect Prayer Place is a wonderful book for young children that teaches them all the perfect places to pray. It’s a supplement to the movie War Room and I love that it shows Peter watching his mom pray and that he wants to follow her actions.  I think it does a great job showing Peter all the places he can pray and shows kids God will meet them right where they are.

I also love the illustrations, they are a stand out.

A bonus is the poster where kids can keep track of their prayers and the answers.

I think the Kendrick brothers thought of everything for the young ones when it comes to prayer. I highly recommend.

To purchase Peter’s Perfect Prayer Place, click here.

I received a copy of Peter’s Perfect Prayer Place in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Alex Kendrick, book review, Book Review: Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Stephen Kendrick, children's book, Julie Arduini, kids praying, prayer, War Room




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 What's Your Theme Song?  Sabbath Sunday: Like God Likes You  Word Full Wednesday: No Condemnation  Guest Blogger Lauren Bailey: How to Find Balance and Enhance Learning Through Shiva Nata Yoga  Clash of the Titles: Vote for Your Favorite Book Cover and BlurbCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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COTT: The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

Julie’s note:

Congrats to Nicole for winning the Apologetics Study Bible for students!

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A delightful transport through time, The Rancher Takes a Cook

brings history to life with realistic characters, a colorful setting,

and comfort food that teases your appetite!
~ Melody Carlson,
author of 200+ books

[image error]

About the book:

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only

choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch.

Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son,

Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in

Anna’s well-controlled plans.

When danger escalates in the form of a band of cattle thieves with deadly

intent, can Anna learn to release control to God’s capable hands…and those

of the blue-eyed cowboy who’s stolen her heart?

PURCHASE
Amazon
Barnes

and Noble

 

[image error] About the author, Misty M. Beller:Misty M. Beller was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her

Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they

continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add

another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for

Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels

that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives

of her characters.You can find her on her website, reader blog, marketing blog for authors, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. Or check out her

books The Lady and the

Mountain Man, The Lady

and the Mountain Doctor, or The

Lady and the Mountain Fire. Or her latest book, The Rancher Takes a Cook.

Misty’s favorite Scripture and prayer for readers:

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray

for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the

Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing

in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His

glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

(NKJV)

 

Tags:  author, book, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller, fiction, historical, Julie Arduini, The Rancher Takes a Cook




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 My Million Dollar Snot Gift  Happy Easter: Just as He Said  Embracing the Geek that is Me  Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!  Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant SunCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: The Detour

 

This summer a small bridge closed that connects us to most of the routes I need. Thanks to the construction of a new bridge, I’ve had to take detours to find my way around.

Some detours were through official signage and others were roads I took by looking at my GPS.

The picture above is Evans Lake in Springfield, Ohio. Had the bridge been active, I would never have needed a detour.

I never would have seen this beautiful spot.

And that’s just how life is.

There are times, too many, actually, where I have it all mapped out.

And then comes a detour. Something I never planned and I don’t appreciate.

But that detour was never a surprise to God, and if I allow myself to take a look, I might find beauty, peace, blessings and so much more.

How about you?

Tags:  bridge out, detour, Evans Lake, God's plans, GPS, Julie Arduini, Ohio, Sabbath Sunday: The Detour, Springfield, sunset




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 Valentine's Day Memories  Sabbath Sunday: I Don't Feel so Alone  Thankful: Jennifer Slattery's Romeo and the Fire in His Eyes  Book Review: Beth K. Vogt's Wish You Were Here  Our Service Men and Women Deserve Thanks For All They Do by Jill SchultzCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: The Detour], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Confession Saturday: You’re Invited

This is the worst kept secret confession.

I’m an introvert.

I love public speaking and big groups are a pleasure to speak to. However, they drain me. It takes me days to recover. At parties I’d rather bring a Kindle and have you approach me, but not for long.

If you define yourself as high maintenance, chances are I will shy away.

It’s just who I am.

Imagine my glee to learn I don’t have to, I get to facilitate a book club—online!

An introvert’s dream.

We can wear pajamas!

We can have chocolate smeared on our faces!

And still connect with amazing people.

Starting Thursday, September 17, the Books for Life Book Club will host Entrusted on Goodreads for six weeks. Each Thursday we will post discussion questions for the assigned chapters, and then from 8-9 EST we’ll have a live discussion to talk about the book and share behind the scenes information.

We’re excited about it because we love talking books and writing. Over at Books for Life we already have discussions up about reading and writing, so join our group today!

Books for Life Goodreads page
Books for Life Book Club page

Once we finish Entrusted, we’ll take a short break and read Annabelle’s Ruth by Betty Thomason Owens.

Entrusted purchase links:

Amazon

CBD.com

Barnes and Noble

Update: After Entrusted we’ll discuss Annabelle’s Ruth by Betty Thomason Owens.

Consider yourself invited!

Tags:  book club, Confession Saturday: You're Invited, Entrusted, Entrusted book club, Goodreads, introvert, Julie Arduini




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 My Favorite Fiction Reviewed Read of 2011 (Say that Ten Times Fast)  Praying for Boston: This Time Feels Different  BookSneeze Valentine's Book Review: Couples Who Pray  Sabbath Sunday: Made to Soar  Titanic ReadsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Confession Saturday: You're Invited], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review AND GIVEAWAY: Apologetics Study Bible for Students

Chances are these statistics don’t surprise you.

Multiple research studies have shown that spiritual focus often weakens among teenagers as they head into the attention-dividing realm of young adulthood.  Up to 66 percent of them leave church altogether.  The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB works against that trend by helping anchor younger Christians in the truths of Scripture, equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses for whenever the core issues of their faith and life are challenged, while helping them better articulate their beliefs with non-believers.  A Confident Faith – isn’t that something we all strive to have!!!  I know I do!!! 

A Few Features of The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB:

– Book Introductions for each of the sixty-six books of the Bible.
– Study Notes provide evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture.
– 120 Articles written by today‘s leading Christian thinkers dealing with life’s ultimate questions.
– 60 Twisted Scriptures address ways that various religious movements distort Scripture to support doctrine contrary to historic Christian teaching.

Also, this summer, the gift of Confident Faith is being celebrated with 16 brand new, but energetic and brief videos featuring Sean McDowell, free resources like Bible studies and articles as well as wonderful specials on apps and Bibles.  There are new resources every week – a full 16 weeks of resources when it is all done.  AND, if that weren’t enough, a Confident Faith Sweepstakes is being offered to give away Bibles, free mini libraries of B&H’s best apologetics resources and even a trip for two to the National Conference on Christian Apologetics (NCCA) being held October 16-17, 2015 in Charlotte, NC where some of the world’s leading thinkers will offer insights and teaching. 

With so much being offered, what did I think?
Well, I brought in an additional reviewer for this one. My son, Brian, is at that age where his faith is going to be tested. This summer we’re going through a series about the seed. If he hasn’t rooted Himself deep into the soil, the world will take him away. My husband and I have given him nearly all the resources we know to help him choose Christ on a daily basis. His school works hard on teaching apologetics as even Christian schools are more about the world and less about living for Christ.

Here is what Brian, 17, had to say:

“I really like this Bible because it’s way more than just Scripture. All too often scripture gets ‘twisted’ with man’s interpretation, so I like the aspect of unwinding it and really getting into what the author means and who the audience is. I love the page before each book of the background of the author, what’s happening in the time period, and when they wrote it. I love the study aspect of the Bible, instead of just reading it and getting nothing out of it.”

From a teenaged boy, that’s pretty high praise.

And I can only add to it. I’ve referred to this Bible several times as I’ve started using Bible mapping/verse mapping. I can get more information than ever with the book introductions, articles, notes and “twisted” Scriptures. I found this Bible completely relevant for the times we’re in, and not just for students. Too many adults um and ah their way through why they believe what they believe. The other religions and organizations out there are well versed. Why aren’t we as the Body of Christ?

I believe the Apologetics Study Bible is the key to confidence and growth in Christ.

I HIGHLY recommend.  So much so that I am able to give ONE COPY of the Apologetics Study Bible away! #FlyBy #apologeticsPowered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

LEAVE A COMMENT ON WHAT ASPECT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN THIS PARTICULAR BIBLE BY 6pm EST August 15th. Winner chosen by random.org. Offer only available in the United States and Canada.

“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. I f you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Official Website:  www.apologeticsbible.com
 
Resource Site (Access to Videos): http://www.apologeticsbible.com/partners/
 
Sweepstakes:   app.promo.eprize.com/confidentfaith/
 
Official Website to Purchase:   http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/The+apologetics+study+bible+for+students

 

Tags:  Bible, book review, Book Review AND GIVEAWAY: Apologetics Bible for Students, Confident Faith, giveaway, HCSB, Julie Arduini, Sean McDowell




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 COTT: Jerusha Agen and This Redeemer  WFW: You Shall Not Pass  Spice and the Man Cave  Remembering My Affliction Called Garage Envy  Saturday Confession: My Marriage Reminder Courtesy of Donnie Love JennyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review AND GIVEAWAY: Apologetics Study Bible for Students], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Odyssey Adventure Club Special Offer!

Did you love listening to Adventures in Odyssey episodes as a kid?

Your kids will love exploring Whit’s End today! Don’t miss out on this special offer from Odyssey Adventure Club.

Join during the month of August for $9.99/mo., and you’ll receive these benefits for being a member:

-Unlimited streaming of Adventures in Odyssey library (800 episodes) retail value over $1,500 USD

-New monthly exclusive episodes

-Monthly Web Quests

-Monthly Clubhouse magazine subscription (U.S. Residents Only)

-Daily devotions based on Adventures in Odyssey episodes

-OAC monthly member newsletter

-OAC exclusive video stories

-Animated Odyssey videos, Last Chance Detectives, and more!

Spend the last few weeks of summer vacation with your kids listening to Adventures in Odyssey episodes and build their faith!

Ready to join? Head over to the website and sign up today!


Tags:  Adventures in Odyssey, Clubhouse Magazine, family, Julie Arduini, Last Chance Detectives, OAC, Odyssey Adventure Club Special Offer, streaming




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 COTT: The Living Water Biblical Fiction Series by Stephanie Landsem  Character Confession: Possessive About Boundaries    Featured Video of the Week: Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent, INCLUDES Giveaway Opportunity!  Book Review: Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge and Rick SwartzwelderCopyright © Julie Arduini [Odyssey Adventure Club Special Offer!], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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