Julie Arduini's Blog, page 127

Saturday Confession: Not Strong Enough

My confession this week stems from my Facebook status. Although the frustration has passed, I know the exhaustion isn’t just my confession. We’ve all been there. This week it felt extra heavy.  The rejection and loneliness has been harder than usual to handle. So I vented. Can you relate?

For all I do post here, there is much I do not share because it is in process, not just about me, or too raw. Every once in awhile it’s a small thing that breaks me to reveal the bigger issue. Yesterday I had to deal with a mom thing that has been ongoing and frustrating and it was the last straw. In the end it was an 8 tissue quiet time where I confessed I’m not strong enough to do this—any of it. I’m not equipped to handle the situations and people before me. The process to make me more Christ-like, the rejection and loneliness, is crushing. It is hard to serve, pray, decree and wait. It is unbearable when few understand and it feels like even fewer care.

Once I poured it all out I had a bed full of tissues, a headache, but a freedom that I didn’t stuff it. I let God have it because He is equipped and strong enough. And that “I can’t do this” cry brings me one step closer to breakthrough. I have to believe that. And today is a new day where I start the small and big stuff all over again.

My friends, don’t give up.

Don’t be afraid to be raw and real with your Heavenly Father. I do not believe any of my trials, tears or tough days are in vain.

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Tags:  confession, frustration, Heavenly Father, Julie Arduini, mom, start over, tears, vent




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 Thankful: April W. Gardner's Encouraging Those Who Are Apart This Thanksgiving    Marriage Monday: My Story on the "S" Word  Odyssey Adventure Club Summer Activities  Sabbath Sunday: Joy in the MorningCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Not Strong Enough], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: The Firefighter’s Promise by Patricia Johns

This is one of six books sent to me from the Love Inspired Line as part of their Mother’s Day promotion. The books are on sale from April 21-May 28.

BONUS: Love Inspired is giving $1 off. Click here to Save $1.00

Book Description:

A Hero for Her Son

When the baby he rescued seven years ago returns—with his widowed adoptive mom—Deputy Fire Chief Matt Bailey can’t turn them away. Desperate to escape the reminders of his failure in the line of duty, Matt is close to leaving town. But one look at Rachel Carter and her son, Christopher, has him second-guessing his plans. Rachel is a mom in need of a hero for her son. But as much as she wants the two to bond, she’s determined to keep her distance from Matt. After losing her husband on the job, she promised never to love another fireman. Yet somehow she finds herself drawn to the one man she should avoid.

I devoured this book. The chemistry between Rachel and Matt flew off the page right from the start and the plot was a solid one that wasn’t clichePowered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This. Matt met Christopher years ago when the baby was dropped off at the fire house. Fast forward and Christopher is an adoptive child who lost his dad. He’s lost and angry and Rachel, his adoptive mom, is desperate for solutions. Maybe, just maybe, the first one to meet him holds some answers.

But Matt has a wound he’s unable to have heal and the closer he gets to Rachel, the more he has to think about his grief. I loved the way it all connected together. It was one of the most solid romances I’ve read in awhile.Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

I highly recommend you read The Firefighter’s Promise by Patricia Johns.

I received The Firefighter’s Promise from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  adoption, book review, grief, Harlequin, Julie Arduini, loss, Patricia Johns, The Firefighter's Promise, trusting God




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 Introducing BookShout!  DANCING WITH FIREFLIES || RSVP for April 10th Facebook Party and enter to win a Kindle HDX from @DeniseAHunter!  Thankful: A Choice We Make by Martha Rogers  Book Review: This Redeemer by Jerusha Agen  Book Tour: Review of Melissa Foster's Chasing AmandaCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Firefighter's Promise by Patricia Johns], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Clash of the Titles: Vote for Your Favorite Release

Welcome to our March release Clash!



Spring is coming, and we have some amazing backyard patio

reads for you. Take a look at the compelling covers below and answer one

question: Which one is a MUST for your to-be-read pile?

Go

ahead and vote below. Be sure to check back for the winner on Thursday,

April 30!

Follow the Amazon link below each book if you want to

learn more or purchase a book. Don’t we have some amazing titles this

month?

And on with the clash!

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The Tomb, a Novel of Martha

by Stephanie Landsem

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha,

the ideal Jewish woman, but only she knows the price she’s paid for her

perfect reputation. You’ll never see the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

the same way again.

Find it

on amazon

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Andrea and the Five Day Challenge

by Cindy K. Green

A Bible Study Challenge, a Prayer

Journal, and Homecoming, the combination just might change her life.

Find

it on Amazon

[image error]

 

Nila’s Hope

by Kathleen Friesen

She has survived years of abuse. Can an apprentice carpenter’s faith overcome the danger now stalking her?Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

Find

it on Amazon

[image error]

Broken Silence

by Annslee Urban

SHE’S HIDING A DEADLY SECRET…and someone

wants to make sure Amber Talbot never reveals it. The person charged with

protecting her is police detective Patrick Wiley—the fiancé she walked away

from but never forgot and now he must save her from an unknown attacker

from their past.

Find

it on Amazon

[image error]

The Hawk and the Dove

By Penelope Wilcock

A young girl learns the stories of a

group of monks in fourteenth century Yorkshire. They lived six centuries

ago, yet their struggles are our own—finding our niche; coping with

failure; living with impossible people; and discovering that we are the

impossible ones.

Find

it on Amazon

Create your

own user feedback survey

Tags:  Andrea and the Five Day Challenge, Annslee Urban, books, Broken Silence, Cindy K. Green, Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Julie Arduini, Kathleen Friesen, Nila's Hope, Penelope Wilcock, reading, Stephanie Landsem, The Hawk and the Dove, The Tomb




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 Sabbath Sunday: Like God Likes You  COTT: BIG Announcement and Lucie Ulrich Wins Clash  Book Review: Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall  Featured Video of the Week: Mary Connealy's Fired Up  Book Review: Protective Instincts by Shirlee McCoyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Clash of the Titles: Vote for Your Favorite Release], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Album Review: Let it Be Jesus by Christy Nockels (GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!)

Description:

As a worship leader for many years, Christy Nockels has been an integral part of Passion Conferences from its inception in 1997.  She’s seen first hand music sweep people into the presence of God in a powerful way. A pastor’s kid, who was born in Fort Worth and raised in Oklahoma, she grew up singing in church. She met her husband, Nathan, in 1993 at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Co. They recorded an independent record with fellow worship leader Charlie Hall under the name Sons & Daughters that led to an invitation from Louie Giglio to participate in the first Passion conference in Austin. Christy’s voice gained a national platform when she and Nathan formed the duo Watermark, recording four acclaimed albums before that musical season ended, paving the way for Christy’s solo career. In 2008, the couple moved to Atlanta to become part of Passion City Church where she serves on the worship team with sixstepsrecords labelmates Chris Tomlin and Kristian Stanfill. The following year, Nockels released her acclaimed solo debut, Life Light Up and spent much of the next two years touring with Tomlin and Passion.

Before we get started, let me tell you that YOU have an opportunity to win a copy of this album via digital code download.Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This Leave a comment with your email telling me what Christy Nockels song is your favorite.

I’m fairly new to Christy Nockels and her music but “You Revive Me,” her song with the Passion band has become my anthem for the last couple years. When I heard about the opportunity to review Let it Be Jesus, I jumped on it.

This live recording features everything for anyone wanting to draw closer to the Lord. The first track, “Freedom Song,” is upbeat, catchy, and perfect for those mountain days when everything is going just right. It’s also a great reminder when things aren’t going so well. “My Anchor” is moving and anointed. I could feel God’s presence as I drank in the words. I want to say it was my favorite, but I loved “Let it Be Jesus.” “The Wondrous Cross.” Frankly, there’s no bad song here.

If you’re familiar with Christy Nockels, I think you’re going to enjoy her newest release and make it part of your worship timePowered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This. If this is a new artist for you, I believe you will find yourself not just enjoying her music, but feeling closer to God as you spend time with Him while listening.

ALBUM RELEASE DATE: APRIL 28th! To order, please click here.

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

iTunes 

#LetItBeJesus

 

I received a digital copy of Let it Be Jesus from sixstepsrecords / Sparrow Records / Capitol CMG Label Group in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

Tags:  Album review, Christy Nockels, Julie Arduini, Let it Be Jesus, Live album, passion, Watermark, worship CD




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 COTT's Jennifer Slattery: No More Cardboard Heroines  Book Review: Don't Let the Wind Catch You by Aaron Paul Lazar  Clash of the Titles: Vote for Favorite December Release  Book Review Revisited: Pulling Back the Shades  Book Review: Dog Tags by Heidi GlickCopyright © Julie Arduini [Album Review: Let it Be Jesus by Christy Nockels (GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!)], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave

Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:8, NIV

Every time I see a cave, I think of the empty tomb.

I think about Jesus.

What were His first thoughts as He looked and saw the linens?

The angels as they received that assignment and positioned themselves?

The guards, when the cave started to shake?

Mary, when she realized the tomb was empty?

The questions consume me as much as the curiosity of a cave.

What about you? If you’re not familiar with the story, read a chapter a day from John in the Bible.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 

This is the Kunjamuk Cave in Speculator, NY, the area I based my contemporary romance, Entrusted, on. Photo credit by CT

Tags:  angel, Bible, Easter, empty tomb, Entrusted, Jesus, John, Julie Arduini, Kunjamuk Cave, Mary, Speculator




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 #UBP 14: 15 Facts about Julie Arduini  Free Kindle Book September 12-14: Amazing Love by K. Dawn Byrd  Sabbath Sunday: Just Like the Roses  12 Pearls of Christmas---Sibella Giorello's Advent  Year Round Thanks by Marijo PhelpsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: Why Chocolate is Part of My Surrender

Last week I had an amazing time sharing my faith and writing journey with a group of ladies. I had a little Power Point filled with pictures from my past, book covers from my present and an acrostic to help us all have a powerful future full of freedom in Jesus.

I used to be someone completely obsessed with people pleasing and fear of rejection so putting those things down and trusting God with it was no easy task. It took time. But what I also learned in my journey was sometimes He’s going to ask me to surrender something good. That seems crazy, but I’ve lived it.

For instance, with writing, He asked me to stop writing the newsletter for my local Mothers of Preschoolers, MOPS, chapter. There’s nothing bad about that task or the organization. I loved it, I still do. But I surrendered it with no idea what was next. I had to trust that Jesus had my back. He also goes before me, and surrounds me. He has me covered. And as I shared with the ladies, it was less than a year later I was invited to a book signing.

As one of the authors.

Last year He asked us to surrender a home we were ready to buy. Boy, that one was hard. But on the other side of it, we have a better home in better condition for a lot less money. I never would have known that had I not surrendered that good thing. For God had something better.

But then there’s the chocolate. My tagline is “Surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate.” I explained that although I love the milk chocolate goodness and it has had quite a hold on me in the past, I use it because it is something we can relate to. Chocolate’s a way to connect with readers.Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

There’s another reason.

There are times we aren’t ready to surrender. We’re human. And it’s a process. We are a work in progress and need to understand that.  If the day comes when the Lord says, “Okay, it’s time to lay down the chocolate once and for all.” I’d do it. He’s been faithful and true.  So I share that as part of my tagline so audiences know we’re in this together. Sometimes we need to let go of bad stuff that isn’t good for us. Sometimes it’s good things because God has something better. And sometimes we aren’t ready that particular day, but we’re growing in Him. If He shows us a day and says okay, then we’ll be ready.

I had to giggle because not everyone understood and some handed me their chocolate as a gift, and others gave me their number in case I wanted extra help in giving it up. But everyone there received what God had.

Surrender is a process.

God is good.

 

And freedom in Christ is always worth whatever surrender He’s asking of us. Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

 

Tags:  chocolate, Julie Arduini, speaking, surrender, surrendering the bad, surrendering the good, work in progress




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 COTT: Clash Winner Hallee Bridgeman with A Melody for James    Featured Video of the Week: Edie Melson's Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle  Movie Review: Roadmap Genesis  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living FreeCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Why Chocolate is Part of My Surrender], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

Book Description:

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

Master storyteller Irene Hannon is back with an exciting new series featuring former special forces operatives now in the thick of the action in civilian life. Hannon is at the top of her game in this can’t-put-it-down thriller that will have readers up until the wee hours devouring every page.

Irene Hannon is a favorite romantic suspense author and Buried Secrets doesn’t disappoint. Lisa is a rural police chief with a health issue she feels she has managed. Mac is a detective getting used to life after being a SEAL. They make a good team as they investigate a mystery a couple decades old. Suddenly bodies are piling up and they have to figure it out before there’s another murder.

I not only enjoyed Mac and Lisa, I enjoyed Mac’s brothers as well. They were strong supporting characters. The villain was chilling and the methods used were not only cunning, but creative. It made for a fast page turner.

Buried Secrets is a suspenseful read you’ll want to discover. Don’t wait!Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

To purchase Buried Secrets, click here.

I received Buried Secrets from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Buried Secrets, detective, fiction, Irene Hannon, Julie Arduini, Navy SEAL, police chief, romance, romantic suspense, villain




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 Book Review: What Would Jesus Eat by Andrew Hoy  COTT: Clash Winner Hallee Bridgeman with A Melody for James  Sabbath Sunday: But, God.  How Would You Handle It? Hypocritical Mom of Video Game Playing Teen Edition  Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your PathCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon], All Right Reserved. 2015.

The post Book Review: Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon appeared first on Julie Arduini.

Kept by HIS Promise Women’s Conference

http://www.amazon.com/Entrusted-Adirondack-Surrender-Series-Volume/dp/1938092732/ref=tmm_pap_title_0Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

Dawnita Istre will be the key note speaker. Jill Barlow will lead worship and special music will be provided by Rachelle Joy. Kristi Bull, Dr. Linda McNair and Pastor Paris Yanno will lead the worshops.

I will be on hand with a book table talking about Entrusted and the summer book club.

The conference is open to women throughout Greater Youngstown.

 

To learn more and to register, please go to Highway Tabernacle’s website.

Tags:  book table, Dawnita Istre, Dr. Linda McNair, Entrusted, Highway Tabernacle, Jill Barlow, Julie Arduini, Kristi Bull, Mother's Day weekend, Paris Yanno, Rachell Joy, women's conference, workshops, worship




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 Tricia Goyer's Beyond Hope's Valley Contest and Party  Sabbath Sunday: Chosen  Sabbath Sunday: It's That Simple Like Me  Book Review: The Five Love Languages for Men by Gary Chapman and Randy Southern  Julie Arduini's Favorite Reviewed Fiction Book 2014Copyright © Julie Arduini [Kept by HIS Promise Women's Conference], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave

Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:8, NIV

Every time I see a cave, I think of the empty tomb.

I think about Jesus.

What were His first thoughts as He looked and saw the linens?

The angels as they received that assignment and positioned themselves?

The guards, when the cave started to shake?

Mary, when she realized the tomb was empty?

The questions consume me as much as the curiosity of a cave.

What about you? If you’re not familiar with the story, read a chapter a day from John in the Bible.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

This is the Kunjamuk Cave in Speculator, NY, the area I based my contemporary romance, Entrusted, on. Photo credit by CT

Tags:  angels, cave, empty tomb, Entrusted, Jesus, John 20, Julie Arduini, Kunjamuk Cave, Mary, Speculator




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 Book Review: Four Weddings and a Kiss---A Western Bride Collection  WFW: Permissible, but not Beneficial  COTT Announces Nancy Kimball's Chasing the Lion Winer of the Unpublished Clash  How Would You Handle It? Fat Girl Edition  Book Review: The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen CobleCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: Walking with Whoppers

April is Infertility Awareness Month and the release date for A Walk in the Valley: Christian Encouragement for Your Journey through Infertility. I am one of the authors and I thought today I’d give a snippet of my life as an infertility patient. The book takes each author’s story from diagnosis to where things are today. None of our stories are the same, especially the endings. I believe any woman who has experienced infertility and/or miscarriage at any time, even years ago, would be encouraged by this book. It’s real, but infused with hope from God’s Word.

I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries in 1995 but looking back, I had symptoms not long after puberty started. I had pelvic pain. Acne. Depression. As I grew into my twenties, each symptom became much worse.

I was engaged when the diagnosis came and the book goes into detail what life was like. But a typical wedding planning and newlywed experience wasn’t mine. Imagine monthly shots in the backside administered by someone scared to death to give them. The wide mood swings that took me very dark places. Pelvic pain so bad I had trouble walking.

My answer to prayer came in a surgery that is rarely performed anymore. I had a wedge resection where half of each ovary was taken out. At the time I thought that would end my chances to conceive. My surgeon explained it would enhance them. I was so desperate for relief from pain I surrendered it all. I just wanted to live.

After the surgery my doctor let me know why I was in so much pain. My ovaries were each 5x the size of normal. His words? “You were walking around with whoppers.”

I was pain free for years.

To pre order A Walk in the Valley, click here.


Tags:  A Walk in the Valley, Chalfont House Publishing, devotional, Donna Winters, Elizabeth Maddrey, Heidi Glick, infertility, Infertility Awareness Month, Julie Arduini, Kym McNabney, miscarriage, Paula Mowery




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 12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 5 - Will They Know What It Cost? by Glynnis Whitwer  April W. Gardner Announces Newest Clash of the Titles Winner: Marianne Evans with Hearts Crossing  Some Fun Writing Answers  Write Integrity Press Christmas: Christmas Concert Memories  Saturday Confession: About that Apple CoreCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Walking with Whoppers], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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