Julie Arduini's Blog, page 128
April 26, 2015
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 Plugin
Tweet 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
#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 CDDel.icio.us
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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.The post Album Review: Let it Be Jesus by Christy Nockels (GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!) appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 25, 2015
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, SpeculatorDel.icio.us
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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.The post Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 24, 2015
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 progressDel.icio.us
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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.The post Saturday Confession: Why Chocolate is Part of My Surrender appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 22, 2015
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, villainDel.icio.us
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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.
April 21, 2015
Kept by HIS Promise Women’s Conference
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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, worshipDel.icio.us
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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.The post Kept by HIS Promise Women’s Conference appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 18, 2015
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, SpeculatorDel.icio.us
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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.The post Sabbath Sunday: When I See a Cave appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 17, 2015
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 MoweryDel.icio.us
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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.The post Saturday Confession: Walking with Whoppers appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 16, 2015
Youngstown-Warren Sister Rally
I will be sharing my writing journey, my faith story, and why being Equipped keeps me free in Christ and able to love chocolate this Saturday at the Youngstown-Warren Sister Rally.
This sectional event from Assemblies of God will feature worship from Deb Dorman, light refreshments and time to connect with other women from the area. Summit Church in McDonald is hosting the event.
I’d love to see you there!
Tags: Assemblies of God, chocolate, Deb Dorman, Equip, freeding n Cjhrist, Julie Arduini, Sister rally, Summit Church, Warren, women, YoungstownDel.icio.us
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The Most Valuable Father's Day Gift Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the Waves WFW: Permissible, but not Beneficial Writers: Pens of Mystery Looking for Submissions Praying for Boston: This Time Feels DifferentCopyright © Julie Arduini [Youngstown-Warren Sister Rally], All Right Reserved. 2015.The post Youngstown-Warren Sister Rally appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 15, 2015
Book Review: Winning the Teacher’s Heart by Jean C. Gordon
Julie’s note:
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.
Book Description:
Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn’t been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes. Her children’s welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don’t approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart and her home.
As an author who writes Adirondack backdrops, I was excited to see this was one as well. I enjoy a dedicated mom premise who has conflict with someone who was always known as the bad boy. It makes for a great romance.
Although I loved the premise and characters, I had trouble with the Adirondack part. I’ve been there many times and I didn’t get the authentic feel from it. I wanted to be transported there. Even the cover isn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Adirondack chairs aren’t enough. Upstate New Yorkers don’t drink soda, it would be pop. Even my friends in Albany drink pop. Little things like this can distract the reader. I understand I’m expecting more as an author who writes about the same area.
But it is a good romance and I do recommend it.
BONUS: Love Inspired is giving $1 off. Click here to Save $1.00
To purchase, Winning the Teacher’s Heart or any of the other Mother’s Day Love Inspired titles, click here.
I received Winning the Teacher’s Heart from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tags: Adirondacks, author, bad boy, book review, Entrusted, fiction, Jean C. Gordon, Julie Arduini, Love Inspired, Mother's Day promotion, motorcross, romance, teacher, Winning the Teacher's HeartDel.icio.us
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Featured Video of the Week: Deliver Us by June Foster Christians Read Team with The Book Club Network for Contest COTT: A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach Entrusted Featured in This Week's Clash of the Titles And the Two Book Giveaway Winner is....Copyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Winning the Teacher's Heart by Jean C. Gordon], All Right Reserved. 2015.The post Book Review: Winning the Teacher’s Heart by Jean C. Gordon appeared first on Julie Arduini.
April 13, 2015
Book Review: The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble
Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.
In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.
But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.
Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.
With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.
REVIEW:
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is full of mystery and suspense. Claire goes missing as a child and when she’s returned, she doesn’t remember anything. Now an adult, she’s having flashbacks no one in her family wants to talk about.
Luke does want to talk, his mother went missing around the same time but Claire doesn’t have answers. I loved the desperation between the two of them.
I thought this was a great read that clearly shows the fallout from sinful choices. I wish Kate had been developed with a little more dimension but overall that didn’t take away from the mystery that kept me turning the pages.
I enjoyed The Inn at Ocean’s Edge and I think you will, too.
To purchase The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, click here.
I received The Inn at Ocean’s Edge from the publisher is exchange for an honest review.
Tags: book review, Colleen Coble, consequences, family secrets, fiction, heiress, Julie Arduini, missing child, sin, The Inn at Ocean's EdgeDel.icio.us
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A2Z Meme: Pull-eeze Contain Your Potty Mouth Love & Cupcakes Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant! Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches Character Confession: What Desperation will Do Book Review: The God Puzzle by Valerie AckermannCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble], All Right Reserved. 2015.The post Book Review: The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble appeared first on Julie Arduini.
