Julie Arduini's Blog, page 121

Book Review: Avalon by Vanessa Morgan

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.

With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon’s demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

By turns jubilant and deeply moving, Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Avalon. I’m definitely a dog lover and wasn’t sure I could stay engaged in a book about a Belgium author and screenwriter’s relationship with a cat. However, Avalon is a sweet tribute to a cat that left a lasting impact on the author.

What I enjoyed about Avalon was it seemlessly weaved the author’s life as a writer into Avalon’s. She learned life lessons from the cat. When life was tragic, Avalon was there to pick up the pieces. When Avalon’s life was at the end, the author puts you there with the emotional goodbye and epilogue.

Earlier this year I had to put my senior dogs to sleep. I had no idea until after they were gone how embedded my life had been in caregiving. I didn’t realize how sick they were until they were gone. Everything about them became a part of me, and in their absence, I still think about the ways they defined our home.

That’s what Avalon does—sneaks your way into your heart as you learn about Avalon’s “catty” ways and utmost devotion. If you love animals, Avalon will tug at your heart and not let go.

To purchase Avalon, click here.

I received a copy of Avalon in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Avalon, Belgium, blogger, book review, Book Review: Avalon by Vanessa Morgan, cat, cat memoir, horror author, Julie Arduini, screenwriter, Vanessa Morgan




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 Character Confession: The Captivating Miley Cyrus  COTT: New Releases Clash  Karla Whitmore: I Have Epilepsy, but I have So Much More  Saturday Confession: Taking a Cue from Jimmy Fallon  Five Golden DaysCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Avalon by Vanessa Morgan], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: The Duck on the Lake

It’s so easy when we look around to absolutely freak out at what we’re seeing, hearing and believing.

The God that created the duck also created you and me.

As I watched this little guy travel around the lake in Speculator, New York, I realized what a picture of peace he is.

And he might look lazy but I think under the water where I can’t see, he’s getting the job done.

I might not be the loudest voice on your newsfeed but I can say this: underneath the water, I’m praying.

For the root cause behind the flags and the rainbows. For wounded people wounding people. And so much more.

Prayer is key.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer gives peace.

May Christ’s peace be yours today.

Tags:  Adirondack Mountains, Christ, current events, Duck, Julie Arduini, lake, New York, peace, prayer, Speculator




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 COTT: Announcing Clash Winner Laurie Alice Eakes and Flight of Fancy  Julie Arduini's Favorite Free-at-the-Time Kindle Reads for 2012  Unlikely Merger Authors: Our Business Influences Day 2  Marriage Monday on Sunday: My Ultimate Surrender  Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the WavesCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: The Duck on the Lake], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Product Review: Passport2Purity DISCOUNT OFFERED!

Product Description

A life-changing getaway with your preteen

Your child begins the journey into adolescence in a world of sexting, bullying, online stalking and moral defiance. Innocence is under attack, and you cannot win the battle with a single awkward talk or a strict set of rules. The primary defense for your child is a strong relationship with you and with God.

FamilyLife has developed Passport2Purity® (P2P) to assist you in building heart-to-heart communication with your preteen while laying a foundation of purity that will prepare them for the turbulent years ahead. Through the shared listening experience, object lessons and guided conversations of a P2P weekend getaway, you can set your son or daughter on a journey of moral integrity—and strengthen the bond between you.

Passport2Purity® is designed to be used by a mother and daughter or a father and son when the child is a preteen. It is suggested that the materials be completed over a weekend away from home, as the child may be more open to discussing the topics away from his or her normal environment. If this isn’t possible, the material can be completed over a period of four or five weeks.

 

About the Author

Dennis and Barbara Rainey cofounded FamilyLife®, an international ministry to families and marriages, located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dennis hosts FamilyLife Today®, a nationally syndicated broadcast bringing help and hope to nearly 1000 communities in the U.S. They have six adult children and a growing group of happy grandchildren.

About the Product

receive 25% off the getaway kit by using the promo code PASSPORT on their website.  This promo code is good through 8/31/15.  

About the getaway kit:

(1) Tour Guide for the parent, (1) Travel Journal for the preteen including 25 follow-up devotions, and (8) CDs containing 5 sessions, scripture memory songs and downloadable MP3s:  Session 1: Beginning the Journey – Challenges, Traps, and Choices; Session 2: Running With The Herd – Friendships and Peer Pressure; Session 3: Ready For An Upgrade? – Changes in Him, Changes in Her; Session 4: Destination: Lé Pure – Setting Boundaries; Session 5: Crossing The Date Line – Seeing Dating Differently

CD and Paperback: one Tour Guide (parent), one Travel Journal (preteen), and eight CDs (5 sessions, scripture memory songs & MP3s that can be downloaded from the CDs)
Publisher: FamilyLife Publishing (May, 2012)

REVIEW:

I can’t believe we’re at the stage with our youngest where we have to monitor everything. Talk about bullying. Purity. Boundaries. The good news is The Passport2Purity kit gives the resources to not only start the conversation, but keep it going.

I haven’t finished the entire series as we  want to take our time with it but she loved the activity. It really drove home the point. She loved the journal. It’s designed with a tween in mind and again, is created to keep emphasizing the principles.

Although she didn’t complain, I was surprised it wasn’t a video series. Tweens are so visual and the CD aspect seemed a little outdated. But like I said, our daughter didn’t complain.

The world and the temptations for our kids is spinning so far off its axis that we need all the help we can get. Passport2Purity comes from a ministry I trust and people I respect. I definitely recommend parents add the Passport2Purity kid to their resource library.

To purchase Passport2Purity, click here.

I received a Passport2Purity kit from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  bullying, Dennis and Barbara Raney, faith, family, FamilyLife, gaming, Julie Arduini, Passport2Purity, purity, relationships, Review: Passport2Purity Kit, sexting, tweens




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 Sabbath Sunday: Swampy Yard  About Forgiveness  To Be a Bridesmaid  Entrusted: My Interview with Heroine Jenna Anderson  Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package from @ColleenCoble and Connect with Her at 8/23 PartyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Product Review: Passport2Purity DISCOUNT OFFERED!], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald

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Blue Columbine, book one in the Grace Revealing series by Jennifer

Rodewald

Welcome, readers! This week we’re going

behind the scenes of Jennifer Rodewald’s new book, Blue Columbine!! Find

out why her hero, Andrew Harris, drew such a reaction, and why this

“non-heroic” hero makes the perfect star of this beautiful contemporary

romance.

The main character isn’t your typical Christian Fiction hero. What is he

like?

Andrew Harris insists on living on his own terms. Angry because of life’s

injustices, he is determined that failure will not cross his path again. He

is also adamant that he is not an alcoholic. When he reunites with Jamie

Carson, finding her to be rooted in the faith they’d grown up with, and

every bit as sweet and lovely as he remembered, he is plunged into an

emotional whirlwind. Guilt, a longing to be better, frustration that he is

not enough, and a rekindled love for his childhood sweetheart all swirl

inside with maddening strength. But for all his faults, he is still loyal,

supportive, and generous when he wants to be—all qualities that keep

Jamie’s attention and devotion. Which keeps their close friendship—edging

on more than friendship—complicated, to say the least.

What was the hardest part of writing this story?

This is a tough one, because the greatest difficulty didn’t come during the

writing part. The hardest thing was taking in the amount of very strong

negative reactions to Andrew as a Christian fiction character during the

critiquing stage of the novel. Andrew’s a mess. An alcoholic in denial,

angry at life and at God, selfish, and overall just not pretty. I knew

that, but I didn’t expect to have vehement reactions insisting that such a

character did not belong in Christian fiction. One comment labeled him

“unredeemable.” That broke my heart, because as I shared before, God

reminded me through this story that no one is beyond the Hand of Grace. I

think it’s important that sometimes Christian fiction confirms that truth,

even if it means starting with messy characters.

Where did Blue Columbine, the story, come from?

I’m not sure there’s one single, straight shot answer to that. The story

unfolded in my mind and I was compelled to write it. I’ve had several years

to look back and wonder, “Why this story?” since it first gripped me.

Looking at it from hindsight, I think God was pouring truth into me through

this book. I was at a point in my life when I was praying for loved

ones…and losing hope. I see now that God was teaching me that nothing is

beyond His reach. I needed to see that, to believe it again.

What messages/ themes do you hope your readers will get out of this

book?

The first is this: NO ONE is beyond redemption. No one. I need to know

that, because I love some messy people. God showed me through this book

that my prayers do not go unheard, that His hand is more powerful than I

give Him credit for, and His time and storyline are not necessarily mine.

And second: Jesus saves. From white lies to powerful addictions, Jesus

saves the lost, washes sin completely clean, and offers new life with real

hope.

What an amazing message! This book’s hero

proves that when our characters are not perfectly heroic, that only proves

that God is! Thank you for sharing your book with us.

Now for a closer

look at this book–and the gorgeous cover that sets the tone!

BLUE COLUMBINE, Book 1 of the Grace Revealing series




[image error]

Best Friends—maybe more—until addiction shatters everything.

Childhood sweethearts reunite, but Andrew is not the boy he had been, and

Jamie hasn’t changed. Their connection, however, outlasts time and

offense.

Loyalty, love, and then betrayal….For Jamie, one thing becomes clear: Andy

needs a savior, and she cannot be it. Will Andrew allow the hand of grace

to redeem his legacy of addiction, or will he and Jamie remain the

casualties of heartbreak?

What her readers are saying:

~ “Delicate. Humorous. And plumbing the depths of God’s redeeming love.”

~ “This book does not disappoint. Instead it takes you through the

emotional upheaval of loving someone with a problem you can’t solve–and

lets you witness the glory of the One who can.”

About Jennifer:

[image error]
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful

vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since

childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that

reveal the grace of God.Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit and

excellence. Blessed with a robust curiosity, she loves to research. Whether

she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a

Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is

to learn something new.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with

amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at

God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman

make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com

or connect with her on Facebook. Author Jen Rodewald.

Tags:  author, Blue Columbine, Christian fiction, Clash of the Titles, COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald, Grace Revealing Series, Jennifer Rodewald, Julie Arduini, romance




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 A2Z Meme: Forget about the Garage  Entrusted Now Available for Purchase!  Clash of the Titles Blog Alliance: Vote for Your Favorite Read  Sabbath Sunday: God, the Romancer  Saturday Confession: The Great PretenderCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake

It’s so easy when we look around to absolutely freak out at what we’re seeing, hearing and believing.

The God that created the duck also created you and me.

As I watched this little guy travel around the lake in Speculator, New York, I realized what a picture of peace he is.

And he might look lazy but I think under the water where I can’t see, he’s getting the job done.

I might not be the loudest voice on your newsfeed but I can say this: underneath the water, I’m praying.

For the root cause behind the flags and the rainbows. For wounded people wounding people. And so much more.

Prayer is key.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer gives peace.

May Christ’s peace be yours today.

Tags:  Christ, current events, Duck, Julie Arduini, lake, New York, peace, Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake, Speculator




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 COTT: Book Giveaway Contest Ends TONIGHT!  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living Free  Sabbath Sunday: Ah, Temptation  Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Ginger Ciminello  Book Review: Yes or No by Jeff ShinabargerCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: The Duck in the Lake], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: The Side Trip

It was probably eight years ago, maybe longer. The kids were with grandma and my husband and I were on a fact-finding mission. We looked into adopting a senior dog and wanted to visit her before making a decision. It wasn’t local so we plugged the address into a GPS and went on our way.

Once the task was done we realized we didn’t have to go the same way back. We had fun with back roads and country highways, landing at a small town restaurant for dinner. It wasn’t fancy but it was good eating.

We realized had we went the normal route, we would have missed that nice side trip. There was the great dinner and interesting scenery.

That’s the memory God dropped in my lap this week as I went for a routine appointment for our child. Although with puberty on the horizon I’ve been trying to plug those coordinates in my emotional GPS, I was still thrown when I received an update I wasn’t expecting.

The doctor ordered an x ray and now that result is in. It appears as if what the doctor feared was happening is a reality. And once I follow up with her and receive her guidance, we will most likely receive treatment.

I’m pretty rock solid in my faith.

For everyone who comes to me in prayer or God prompts me to pray for.

But when it’s  within our walls, boy that’s tough.

I didn’t plan this trip.

This is a detour I wasn’t expecting and I know for sure our child didn’t  ask for it, either.

Ah, but the side trip.

That night where we had a wonderful night we never would have enjoyed had we stayed the course.

Yeah.

That side trip.

That’s where I’m at. God’s not a liar. He’s promised that girl is an overcomer and He’s confirmed it over and over. This side trip surprised me, but not Him.

With this new route we hope to avoid complications and actually have progress and praises.

I think it’s a road worth taking.

Tags:  AHO, albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, faith, family, GPS, Julie Arduini, map, route, side trip, special needs




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 Mother of Pearl Blog Series: Beth Engelman  Featured Video of the Week: To See the Sun by Peggy Blann Phifer  Sabbath Sunday: The Sad Scrapbook  What 42 Looks Like On Me  Sabbath Sunday: Not Even in the FogCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: The Side Trip], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill

Recipe for Single Moms
By Dawn V. Cahill. First appeared on Dawn V. Cahill.com June 7, 2015

Many years ago, my three-year-old son discovered a love for food preparation. He’d come up with all kinds of concoctions. Here’s one of them:

½ gallon of milk

2/3 quart chocolate milk powder

Approx 8 tbsp salt

¼ can of pepper

¼ jar of onion powder

½ box of petit fours

In a saucepan, stir all ingredients together on medium-high heat, stir, and enjoy. Note: In order to capture every subtle flavor of each ingredient, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to prepare before 6:00 am, before anyone else is up. I promise it will fill your home with a mysterious yet enticing scent, and will bring the rest of the family scurrying to the kitchen.

Doesn’t that look scrumptious? A half-gallon of milk mixed with chocolate powder sounds like a promising beginning, doesn’t it? Funny how life can imitate recipes. In my own case, life as a single parent started out not so bad. Once I rid my home of my alcoholic husband’s toxic influence, the atmosphere lightened as if the house itself breathed a big sigh of relief.

But then life threw a lot of salt into the mix. And way too much pepper. One of my sons began getting in trouble at school for disruptive behavior, and he was only 6 years old. His grades nosedived and his behavior grew increasingly unruly as the long year wore on. As this was happening,  another son, the chef wannabe, was diagnosed with delayed development.

Sweet had turned to bitter.

I had eliminated one problem – abusive husband – but had acquired umpteen more. Child support was erratic, at best. Financial problems, like onion powder, is only tolerable in small doses.

Life had turned into a disaster that made me gag.

I decided I needed a way to sweeten up my life, and came up with the perfect solution: a delicious new romance! A purely selfish, yet pleasurable way to make life bearable again.

Of course, it didn’t work. Petit fours soaked in salt, pepper and onions aren’t so tasty anymore. Neither is romance when the rest of life isn’t working.

But here I am, twenty years later, my sanity still intact—at least, I hope it is. My son the aspiring chef is on the verge of graduating from college. My unruly son made it through school and has been on his own for many years.

So, you might wonder, how did I get from there to here?

It’s a long story, one I’ll have to save for next time. But it’s a testament to God’s grace. His merciful concern for the widow and the orphan.

Be sure to come back HERE for the rest of the story.

~~Dawn V. Cahill~~Since I was a small child, I’ve loved stories, both reading and writing them. One of my earliest stories got high accolades from my third grade teacher. It was about a little Manx kitten whose mother rejected her because she didn’t have a tail. Until an older, wiser cat helped the mother understand the importance of accepting her children the way God made them.

Over the years, I cranked out many a story, started and stopped several more. The most memorable one I started as a teenager, and I’ve promised myself and my sons I’m going to finish it someday. I called it “Mitch and the Martians.” A group of Martian buddies visit Earth, just happen to land on the State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon (my home at the time), saw the gold-plated statue of a pioneer on the dome, and assumed all Earthlings looked like that. So they turned themselves into gold men and walked the streets of Salem. Strange adventures ensue!

We know much more about Mars now. When I finish the story, I’ll include the premise that the residents of Mars live underground, which is why the NASA explorations never saw them!

I put writing on the back burner once I began raising my sons as a single mom. That was the hardest job I’ve ever done, but now I feel a nudge from the Lord to encourage other women who are facing the same struggles I did. My blog section called “Crumpets and Tea” is targeted especially for single mothers, and includes personal anecdotes and what I learned from them, as well as Bible verses and how the Lord used them to encourage me during my darkest days.

I started my first novel two years ago, and now have two completed ones to my name. And I’m one-fourth of the way through my third. I’m excited that the Lord reawakened my passion for writing, and am looking forward to seeing what He does through me!

Of my three completed books, one is published, a short story available only in ebook, When Lyric Met Limerick. Here’s the blurb from my website:

 Aspiring rock star Howard McCreary only wants to be rich and famous. At least that’s what he’d always thought until Luna Rickles, the cute poetess, walked into his life. But when disaster strikes, his rock star career comes to a screeching halt. As his troubles escalate, Howard makes a desperate bargain with God. But as the walls crumble around him, is it too late for Howard? Or can God really redeem his mistakes and turn them into something good?

 

Here are the links to my book. On the bookshop manager link, all formats are available for download. 

Bookshop manager

Amazon

Here’s my Facebook author page:

 

And my website.

 

Tags:  abuse, author, baking, cooking, God's faithfulness, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, onion powder, petit fours, recipe, Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill, single mom, sons




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 The Thankful Series  Book Review: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck    Book Review: The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson  Saturday Confession: My Marriage Reminder Courtesy of Donnie Love JennyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Guest Blogger: Recipe for Single Moms by Dawn V. Cahill appeared first on Julie Arduini.

COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe

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Welcome, readers! As summer moves into full

swing and fireworks can be heard ringing through the skies, we’re still

cranking out a steady stream of must-read books! Today we are taking a

closer look at one of our recent competitors, Sedona Sunset by Tanya

Stowe.

About the Book

[image error]After an auto accident leaves her crippled and takes her

mother’s life, Lara Fallon completes her mother’s dream of opening a school

and offering scholarships to promising young artists. Although Lara is

struggling with survivor’s guilt, she is thrilled to fulfill one more of

her mother’s dreams when she hires Alexander Summers, world-renown Flamenco

player and professor of art, to perform at the grand opening of The Fallon

School of Art.

But Alex has a secret. He investigates art theft for UNESCO, and when

pieces of Chaco pottery suddenly appear on the black market, Alex is

certain The Fallon School of Art is a cover for this illegal operation.

He’s determined to uncover the link…even if it means romantically

pursuing the lovely Lara Fallon.

Alex’s investigation leads him on collision course with Lara’s inner

struggle to cope with her mother’s death and her own wavering faith in God.

Now, Lara’s school and her heart are in danger. But is her life as well?

Woo! Art! Flamenco! Scandal! What’s not to

love??

Readers’ Comments

A great story. Wonderful characters. A joy to read.

Lara is a woman coming into her own potential and personal power. She is

encouraged to create a new life for herself by a mysterious man hoping to

be there when she does. Alex is just as intriguing as Lara with his secrets

and double life. The characters were strong and real, both individually and

together. I was impressed with how Stowe beautifully handled the budding

relationship with passion, but without the need for graphic sex. The

Sedona, AZ area has always had a special mystique and it is a perfect

location for this tale. Add in a well-thought out mystery and you have one

of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

I was given this book in return for an honest review and I am very happy to

give it high marks. It’s a truly well-written story that I can recommend

highly. This book makes it to my “save and reread” list.

~Amazon reviewer K. Frost

I loved the characters. Lara is left to finish what her mom started a

school for the gifted and being able to offer scholarships to the young

artist. Lara hires Alex Summers to help bring in the donations needed for

the school. But there is something shady going on at the school and Lara is

determined to see what is going on. She is wondering what happened to the 3

missing checks? Who all is involved ? Loved the story and has a romance but

done in good taste which Tanya always does. Look forward to what is next.

You like mystery with some romance you will want to read this book by Tanya

Stowe.

~Amazon reviewer D. L. Montgomery

Ready to dive in?

Purchase Sedona Sunset here:

Pelican

Amazon

B&N

[image error]

About the author:

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction writer with an unexpected edge. This

Pelican Book Group author fills her romances with the unusual…gifts of the

spirit in Tender Touch and spiritual warfare in Haunted Hearts. In Never

Ending Night she explores the horrors of a Civil War battle and unravels a

mystery. Tender Trust treks to the Old West. Leap of Faith brushes wings

with an angel and White Christmas wraps romance in the traditions of a

small town holiday. No matter where Tanya goes…on a journey through the

past or contemporary adventures in new lands…be prepared for the

extraordinary.

Www.TanyaStowe.com

Tags:  author, Clash of the Titles, COTT, COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tonya Stowe, fiction, Sedona Sunset, summer reads, Tanya Stowe




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 Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches  My 12 in 12: An Update  Encouragement for When You Can't Stop Circling the Pool  COTT: "The Q Manifesto" --A Christian Thriller You Don't Want to Miss!  Where Books, Reading, Mustangs and Chocolate MeetCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post COTT: Sedona Sunset by Tanya Stowe appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Sunday Sabbath: The Duck in the Lake

It’s so easy when we look around to absolutely freak out at what we’re seeing, hearing and believing.

The God that created the duck also created you and me.

As I watched this little guy travel around the lake in Speculator, New York, I realized what a picture of peace he is.

And he might look lazy but I think under the water where I can’t see, he’s getting the job done.

I might not be the loudest voice on your newsfeed but I can say this: underneath the water, I’m praying.

For the root cause behind the flags and the rainbows. For wounded people wounding people. And so much more.

Prayer is key.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer gives peace.

May Christ’s peace be yours today.

Tags:  Adirondack Mountains, Christ, current events, Duck, God's creation, Julie Arduini, lake, peace, prayer, Speculator, Upstate NY




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 Stephanie's interview  After The Love Boat Bachelor: For Readers and Writers  Book Review: Dena Higley's Momaholic  Sabbath Sunday: Ever-Present  Christmas Idea for Dad: The 21-Day Dad's ChallengeCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sunday Sabbath: The Duck in the Lake], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog

Ah, Independence Day.

I am pretty sure my blood is red, white and blue. I cry during patriotic things and I believe in this country.

Wait, I believe in the purpose God has for this country. #USA Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

So as things lately spiral so off the axis, I wanted to pause and listen to what I think is the greatest rendition of The Star Spangled Banner out there. I get chills, I cry, it gets me in the gut, I mean this is how to remember our country and her roots today. Take five minutes to gather your family and friends around and thank God for the United States of America.

Tags:  America, God's plan for America, Independence Day, Julie Arduini, July 4, patriotic, Pray for America, Sandi Patty, The Star Spangled Banner, USA




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 Saturday Confession: When Your Pet Peeve Comes Back to Teach You a Lesson  Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Dress  WFW: God's 3:30 AM Answer  Character Confession: Why I Don't Stare  Book Review: Rachel by Jill Eileen SmithCopyright © Julie Arduini [Independence Day: Before You Have Another Hot Dog], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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