Julie Arduini's Blog, page 131

Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path

As we settle into life taking this route on a daily basis, we still feel more change is to come as we seek “revive” on a personal level.

It’s easy to get caught up in the questions.

What kind of change?

When?

How?

Will it benefit all of us?

And on and on I could ask.

But as I drive this road full of twists and turns, snow and clear, smooth and pot holes, one thing keeps coming back:

He always directs our path.

We’ve decided to trust in Him, and He’s never let us down.

He’s given answers in His way, His time.

And even if our address changed, He hasn’t lost us.

And if you’re feeling out of sorts, know He hasn’t forgotten or lost you.

Tags:  change, direction, Julie Arduini, path, Proverbs 3: 5-6, revive, road, route, trusting God




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 Living Free After a Miscarriage  Entrusted Hits #23 on Amazon Kindle Bestseller List  Sabbath Sunday: Because of Him, with Him, Toward Him  Letting Go of the Good Stuff  The Writing Trifecta: Writing, Marketing and MotherhoodCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: Loaves, Fishes, Questions and Kickers

Matthew 16:

At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up?

Ever have a verse jump off the page and slap you?

Well, in a way, that happened to me this week.

If you are friends with me on Facebook, earlier this week I shared a “by the way” kind of note from our youngest child’s doctor. The year has already been full of doctor appointments, specialist consults and a lot of lab work. She’s leary and I can’t blame her. Through MyChart online messaging I received feedback on her latest lab work with the new diagnosis of Hashimoto’s.

It’s a term I’m familiar with and it was a question I even asked at the last appointment. But to read it in black and white, to know there’s a new word on her chart, it threw me.

And the internal chaos started.

How is this going to affect her now?
Through puberty?
Through adulthood?
Another health issue, Lord? Really?
Is she going to be okay?
She’s asking tough questions.
The whole thing is breaking my heart and keeping me on my toes.
Lord, I have some tough questions, too. For you.

And then I read Matthew 16.

At first, I was judging the disciples. I mean, c’mon. Jesus finished feeding 5000 (and that’s just the men, they didn’t count the women and kids) with five loaves of bread and fish. Not only that, but Jesus also inserts the fact that there was so much provision there were 12 baskets left over. And they are wondering, of all things, how they were going to make it when it came to bread?

Then, the kicker. Jesus makes it clear the whole point isn’t about bread or even yeast. It’s to be careful who to follow. Make sure you’re following the true Savior.

And while I’m being all judgy, the same boom comes down on me.

I’m asking a lot of questions for someone who has seen the Lord provide time and time again for this child and her health.

And I’m not fooling Him. Because this isn’t about her or her health or the newest diagnosis. Nope, I’m circling back to that same old struggle that even Eve fought and lost.

Is God enough?

Can He be trusted?

Can He really get the job done?

Ouch. I’m really wrestling with that? After everything He’s done? Healed? Provided? Rescued? Given?

Yep.

Does it feel good to admit that?

Nope.

But that’s what Saturday Confession is about.  I’m sharing an issue I haven’t mastered. I’m being real. Not to hang my dirty laundry, but to encourage you. If this is your struggle, you aren’t alone.

And He can be trusted.

Even when we whine and cry about the very thing He’s already taken care of.

 

 

Tags:  Julie Arduini, loaves and fishes, Matthew 16, Saturday Confession, the real point, trusting God




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 Sabbath Sunday: Freedom  WFW: Frenemies are Everywhere...But that Doesn't Make It Right  Book Review: The Day She Died by Bill Garrison  Coleen Torres: 4 Reasons to Celebrate Valentine's Day  Surviving TriggersCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Loaves, Fishes, Questions and Kickers], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: Arab Spring, Christian Winter by Ralph Stice

Book Description

Arab Spring, Christian Winter will help you tie newspaper headlines to your scriptural knowledge of the Last Days. Ralph Stice draws a clear link between the Arab Spring and the rise of a worldwide power that appears to be ushering in the coming Antichrist.

This book will also show you what you need to watch for in tomorrow’s news and guide you on how to fortify your faith for stormy days ahead. The Western Church has much to learn from Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Familiar Scripture passages are unfolding with new clarity to believers everywhere.

Learn:

• Why the Arab Spring had to happen to fulfill scriptural prophecy

• How the Arab Spring led to the unleashing of pure Islam

• Which nation could be the crucial link between East and West and produce an Antichrist figure

• The responses of Middle Eastern Christians to intense persecution and what we Western believers can learn from them

Fear not! He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We will discover Jesus in a fresh way when we face true persecution. How will your faith withstand the great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again (Matthew 24:21)? Brothers and sisters in Christ are facing this reality every day, right now.

I can’t think of a book more timely to read than Arab Spring, Christian Winter. The author explains events that took place in the Middle East that started “Arab Spring.” Since then there have been uprisings and tensions reverberating across the globe that have ties to these events.

The author gives a comprehensive look at life in these countries and the current state of things. Although I found a lot to be more opinion than Biblical fact or proof, the author is sounding a warning bell we all need to heed. He wrote this last summer, long before our headlines were dominated by the word, “ISIS.” Opinion or not, he’s right to be aware and want us to be, too.

Although there is a lot to be concerned about as the reader turns the pages, the author doesn’t lose sight of Scripture. Jesus is the victor here in a war that’s already been won. I don’t think the intention is for anyone to be afraid, but to take our country, our world, and God’s people to prayer, and for the utter defeat with those who plot for our destruction.

I recommend you read Arab Spring, Christian Winter.

To purchase Arab Spring, Christian Winter, click here.

I received a copy of Arab Spring, Christian Winter in exchange for an honest review.

***

Did you know I have my own book available? Entrusted is my contemporary romance about surrendering fear, loss and change. Read all about it and find out how to purchase it here.

Tags:  Arab Spring, book, Christian Winter, current events, Iraq, ISIS, Julie Arduini, Middle East, non fiction, Ralph Stice, Syria




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 Character Confession: That One Thing  Sabbath Sunday: Waving a Flag but Not Living Free  COTT: Love's Journey Home by Kelly Irvin  How Would You Handle It? Tot Mom Shows Up at YOUR Church Edition  Character Confession: When God Says No and You Say ThanksCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Arab Spring, Christian Winter by Ralph Stice], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Book Review: The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book by Mike Berenstain

Book Description:

The cherished Bear family is coming to a new generation of toddler and preschool readers!

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962 and the Bear family celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012! Here the charming and lovable Bear family is once again introducing children to the typical issues and questions that they face every day.

In The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book, little readers are introduced to the importance of manners, through gentle reminders given to Brother, Sister, and Honey as they await their milk and cookies. The shorter story length and well-loved characters provide toddlers a perfect introduction to valuable life lessons and routines. Ages 2 to 5.

There are certain senses that when you encounter them as an adult, takes you right back to childhood. For me, seeing a revised Berenstain Bears’ book, the Please & Thank You Book, took me back to the days when I couldn’t wait to read the next book. I didn’t care if the library pages were crinkled and used, these were books that were funny, visual, and had great messages.

The Please & Thank You Book keeps the nostalgia alive while breathing new life into a new generation of readers. The book is a little shorter for young ones but doesn’t dilute the important messages toddlers need to learn and use—to say please, thank you, and you’re welcome. I especially liked how well the book was constructed. I think it can hold up well against a toddler with sticky hands or a penchant to be a little rough with things.

I think young and old readers will be delighted to have this book. I highly recommend.

To purchase The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You book, click here.

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

Tags:  book review, Julie Arduini, manners, Mike Berenstain, Please and Thank You book, reading, the Berenstain Bears, toddler books, toddlers




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 Interview with Author Eileen Rife  Permission to Steal...This Post  Movie Review: Roadmap Genesis  That Day In January  Like Forrest Gump's MamaCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book by Mike Berenstain], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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After The Love Boat Bachelor: For Readers and Writers

It has been a fun ride watching from the inside of Write Integrity Press how readers have embraced our collaborative novels. Remember, before I ever signed for the Adirondack Surrender Romance Series or The Love Boat Bachelor, I was reading A Dozen Apologies, a Ruby Christmas and The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt.

I’ve received great feedback from readers who enjoyed trying to guess who Brent ended with in The Love Boat Bachelor and asking what happens next. I loved receiving updates from Tracy Ruckman as we learned the book was making Amazon Kindle bestseller lists around the world.

Well, I have an update. I also have an invitation for writers to be a part of it.

This announcement first appeared on the Write Integrity Press site.

We’re inviting writers to participate in our next collaborative novel, the sequel to The Love Boat Bachelor. This new book will release on Kindle June 15, then in December, we’ll release all three stories – A Dozen Apologies, The Love Boat Bachelor, and the new book in one print volume in both print and digital formats.

As we did with A Dozen Apologies, we’re offering the opportunity for writers to submit chapters for the novella, based on the story synopsis and first chapter that we’ll provide by e-mail upon request. 

To be considered, you’ll write two chapters of 2,500 to 3,500 words each in the specified character’s third-person, deep POV. This story will be much like The Love Boat Bachelor and its predecessor, A Dozen Apologies in that the readers will get to vote for the hero they think will be the best man for our heroine. There will be nine or ten authors writing heroine chapters, along with a first chapter written by the creator of the heroine and the final chapter written by the author who creates the winning hero.

There are eight WIP authors writing chapters. We will select one – and maybe two – contestants to participate in the final project. The winning contestant(s) will be offered the same contract as the other participating authors.

The deadline to submit chapters is April 15, 2015.

If you wish to enter, please send an e-mail with the subject line SEQUEL INFORMATION, and we’ll send you the information by March 1. Send your e-mail to editor[at]writeintegrity[dot]com.

Don’t have your copy of The Love Boat Bachelor? No worries. You can purchase it here.

You can also pick up my Adirondack romance, Entrusted.

Tags:  A Dozen Apologies, authors, Julie Arduini, readers, Ruby Christmas, sequel, The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt, The Love Boat Bachelor, writers




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 Featured Video of the Week: Stranded by Dani Pettrey  Author Blog Hop  Saturday Confession: Permission Denied to Pee on My Fire  A Grateful Heart by Martha Rogers  The Magic of a Christmas Moment by Sarah E. LaddCopyright © Julie Arduini [After The Love Boat Bachelor: For Readers and Writers], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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COTT: A New Clash to Vote For

Hostess: Gail Pallotta January 2015, brought us many great fiction books. Contemporary, historical, young adult futuristic and a suspense novel round out this month’s Clash. Which of these will you put at the top of your to-be-read list?

***

During the 1960s, Henry Youngblood feels the call to plant a new church. Meanwhile, his wife
wonders how to pay the bills for the new baby, keep their teen-aged daughters under control, and temper the family’s dreams with reality.


***

Spain 1493: In order to flee the Inquisition, Isabel, accompanied by the husband she was forced to marry, must sail with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Indies. There, amid the hardships of the New World, her character is forged and her destiny reshaped as she comes to terms with who she is.




***

When Jen unravels the family scandal within the walls of an English country manor, will she reveal the truth she’s hidden for so long as well? Or will she choose to live the lie in order to keep the man she loves?

***

Sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins never questions her country’s pregnancy termination law for underage girls until she becomes pregnant. Now she must comply or fight to save her unborn child, but fighting means Vivica must abandon her mother, a powerful governor, and side with a rebel organization that’s determined to start a revolution.

// ]]>

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Tags:  Baxter Road Miracle, books, Carlene Havel, Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Gail Pallotta, Julie Arduini, Julie B. Cosgrove, Legitimate Lies, Marissa Shrock, reading, Sylvia Bambola, The First Principle, The Salt Covenants




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 What I Learned from My Dream--And it Could Be Your Lesson, Too  A Teenage Pregnancy by Robin Jones Gunn  January 2, I No Longer Hate You  Book Review: March Bride by Rachel Hauck  Book Review: It Had to be You by Susan May WarrenCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: A New Clash to Vote For], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun

January saw its share of dark days and snowy weather. When this rare sunny day came, the sun didn’t play coy. It was a full display, a “look at me” kind of brilliance.

And I realized, I should be that bright for others.

Not so people would see me, but that they would see Christ.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Matthew 5:14, NIV

If you’re in a relationship with Christ, if you call Him friend, don’t hide it. Put Him on full display through your words, actions, thoughts and deeds.

Tags:  amateur nature photo, Christlike, Julie Arduini, light, Matthew 5:14, Sabbath Sunday, sun




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 Sabbath Sunday: Christmas Season Rest  Sabbath Sunday: Still Waters  Saturday Confession: Sometimes I Walk Away  Book Review: Dreams and Visions--Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World by Tom Doyle  Book Review: Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy ParkerCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Saturday Confession: That Time I Sobbed at the Movies

The title doesn’t read, “That One Time” because I’ve sobbed more than once. Funny thing is, they aren’t the movies you’d think of.

I laughed during ET because my mom was crying (I was 12 and obnoxious.)
I cackled during The Guardian
I made smart comments during Steel Magnolias

I have cried during movies like:

Toy Story 3
Titanic

But the sobbing experiences in movies often comes when I least expect it and it’s a download from the Holy Spirit. I know you would think it would come from a spiritual experience but not so much.

Spiderman 3, which wasn’t my favorite, but the download was “this is what unforgiveness looks like.”
Evan Almighty, this is ridiculous faith and He loves watching it in His kids.

But that one time came back to me this week. I was a red-faced, dripping snot mess. I wasn’t prepared because it was an action movie.

It was Superman, Man of Steel.

I know.

It wasn’t the suit reveal or taking down the bad guys. It wasn’t coming home to Ma and Pa Kent or dealing with Perry at The Daily Planet.

Image: We Minored in Film/Man of Steel trailer

It was when he was Clark Kent as a child and he knew he was different. He’s at school and locks himself in the closet as the kids whisper. The loneliness of the moment where Clark understands he’s in this world but not of it, I nearly doubled over from the spiritual impact.

Do I align myself with the theory I’m Superman?

No.

But did I have “a moment” understanding as a Christ follower I’m committed to surrendering and being obedient to whatever He asks me to do and as free as it feels.,

It’s lonely.

Aching, agonizing, locked in the closet while kids whisper lonely.

The few people I know who live this way, we call it the “Pioneer Spirit” or “modern day John the Baptists.” I often say I am a member of Rudolph’s “Misfit Island.” Beyond being a Christian, I often struggle fitting in with fellow believers.

I can see the potential in them, something God shows me, long before they see it or believe it.

I follow through when I feel I’m supposed to do something. Go to a person and ask if I can pray for them. Lead a group of children in a prayer time until we sense a breakthrough. Sending a card to a stranger with a specific encouragement.

Few get it. There are whispers, I’ve heard them. There’s been the avoidance and shunning, too.

Then there is the Superman moment when things come together, they see lives changed and the world impacted, and they want to be part of that circle. Until it’s time to move forward in faith.

And they pat me on the shoulder and announce they’d rather watch me and stay right where they are at.

For all those reasons, I didn’t just cry in that scene, or for the love between father and son between Clark and Jonathan, I sobbed. It drained me. And those are often my experiences with downloads from the Holy Spirit.

I grabbed some napkins and cleaned myself up the best I could and knew deep down no one would understand, not even my husband who sat there watching his wife come undone during a superhero movie.

This week  winter has felt lonely. It’s been a brutal weather month where isolation is a given. I’ve been alone more as my husband’s work schedule accelerated and it gets old when for hours, and even days on end, the most interaction I’ve had is with the dogs.

But it’s been a year that I know for me is a theme of “revive,” with a call from above to be a literal scribe. Share what I’m learning. Cheer for anyone willing to join me. Put myself out there more than I’m used to or comfortable with.

Because at the end of the day, the crowds at the functions leave. Everyone goes to bed and my mind churns with things to do, people in need, and plans to be a vessel God would use to move His Kingdom forward.

And for that last item—that’s worth sobbing about.

Even locked in a closet when the world around you is whispering.

 

Tags:  confession, Holy Spirit, in this world but not of it, Julie Arduini, Man of Steel, misfit, movies, pioneer spirit




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 Book Review: Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall  12 Pearls of Christmas---Susan May Warren's Enjoy the Ride  Sabbath Sunday: Unexpected Snow in Spring  COTT: Book Giveaway Contest Ends TONIGHT!  Sabbath Sunday: Did You Hear Your Invitation?Copyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: That Time I Sobbed at the Movies], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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The Love Boat Bachelor: Behind the Scenes in Cozumel

Have you finished The Love Boat Bachelor yet? I’m not a fan of iguanas, but I am a huge fan of Betty Thomason Owens, author of the heroine readers chose for Brent Teague, Eliana Grayson. If you haven’t picked up your Kindle copy, you can still find it at a very reasonable price.

Purchase The Love Boat Bachelor here.

All week long Write Integrity is sharing tidbits about The Love Boat Bachelor and I thought today I’d share some behind the scenes nuggets from the chapter I wrote, Cozumel with Nora Laing.

I chose Cozumel because it is a port I’ve been to. The first time was in the mid 90’s and the stop was short, and at night. It wasn’t pretty. In fact, I’m not sure cruise lines even disembark at night anymore. I mean it was nine to midnight and at the time I was a 20-something that had never left the country. The night life was something. Shudder.

The second time was with my husband to celebrate our fifteen anniversary. Like Brent, I was the seasick one and it was worse than what Brent went through. I became very ill during a presentation and ran, I mean RAN to the bathroom. People wouldn’t move out of the way and wouldn’t even allow me a stall, so I got sick in a sink. Then the people had the nerve to look at me. So once I cleaned up I said, “You know, if you hadn’t been so selfish with your line, I would’ve been able to get sick in a toilet!”

My husband and I also enjoyed shopping. The scene where Nora negotiates for the “Papi” hat was my husband’s experience. He really wanted that hat but as a Navy vet who had traveled the world, he wasn’t going to pay anything near what she was asking for. The two went back and forth until she cried, “Papi, you’re killing me!” To this day when he wears the hat I call him “Papi.”

We also enjoyed a glass bottom boat tour. It was absolutely breathtaking to be that far down to see the coral and fish.

It was fun to re visit those memories and pictures as I wrote Nora’s chapter.

Have you been to Cozumel? What are your memories?

Tags:  Betty Thomason Owens, Caribbean, Cozumel, cruise, glass bottom boat, Julie Arduini, Kindle, Papi, seasick, The Love Boat Bachelor, Write Integrity Press




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 Second Verse Not Quite the Same as the First  Saturday Confession: That Face  BookSneeze Valentine's Book Review: Couples Who Pray  Character Confession: The Drop Dead Notebook  The Loud and Messy House by Carole TowrissCopyright © Julie Arduini [The Love Boat Bachelor: Behind the Scenes in Cozumel], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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The Love Boat Bachelor: The Inspiration Behind Nora Laing

By now you’re aware that readers chose Eliana Grayson as Brent Teague’s heroine in The Love Boat Bachelor. I can’t adequately explain how fun it was behind the scenes as authors to read the chapters together and wonder who readers would choose. They were all great heroines so don’t worry about the heroines who weren’t chosen. I’m pretty sure they will fare well long after the cruise disembarks.

I thought it would be fun to share how my heroine, Nora Laing, came to be.

Believe it or not, the church directory.

I flipped through our app and tried to look at names and faces to find a fun fit. Nora is a beautiful toddler with pretty blue eyes. Her family is known for ministry, serving and love for family. Laing is a name of a family that I find close knit and compassionate. I thought putting the names together would make a great character.

Although Nora Laing has been helping her sister and nephew for years, there’s a tenacity to her that I enjoyed writing. The shopping in Cozumel was so fun to write.

When it comes to names, authors will use baby books, Google, tributes to loved ones, auctions for good causes where the winner plays a part in naming the name. You’ll even find us on social media asking for name ideas after we explain their personality.

I hope you took advantage of The Love Boat Bachelor when it was free. If you missed it, it’s still a great price for Kindle.  With the frozen temps and blizzards across the country, enjoy the Caribbean locales and fun with Brent Teague, The Love Boat Bachelor.

Purchase The Love Boat Bachelor here.

Tags:  authors, church directory, Cozumel, Eliana Grayson, Julie Arduini, Kindle, Nora Laing, The Love Boat Bachelor




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 Book Review: Tyler Edwards Zombie Church  Saturday Confession: Sometimes I Say No to Prayer  Book Review: Undaunted Student Edition by Christine Caine  COTT: Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams  Margaret McSweeney's Mother of Pearl Facebook Party September 4Copyright © Julie Arduini [The Love Boat Bachelor: The Inspiration Behind Nora Laing], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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