Julie Arduini's Blog, page 140

November 18, 2014

Entrusted Hits #23 on Amazon Kindle Bestseller List

Well, hello!


While you’ve been reading the amazing thankful posts this month, I watched my first book, my Adirondack romance titled Entrusted, release. It’s been fun watching it go through the stages and then see my name listed as the author. With it comes a lot of marketing, more than I have hours in a day to tackle.


I thought I’d share what’s going on with Entrusted and invite you to click away on any link that interests you. This is our journey, and I’m thankful that we can all go on this ride together.


The praise is within days of release, Entrusted reached #23 on the Amazon Kindle bestseller list for Women’s Christian Fiction.
Entrusted blurb:

Jenna Anderson, sassy city-girl, plows–literally–into Adirondack village, Speculator Falls with a busted GPS. She gets a warning from the sheriff but has ideas for the senior center to prove she belongs in town as their director. Town councilman Ben Regan is as broken as the flower box Jenna demolished. He’s grieving and wants to shut down the center before there’s too much change and heartbreak. They work on community projects and build a slow relationship, but the council needs to vote on the senior center’s future. Can Jenna show Ben both her and the center are worth trusting?


 You can purchase Entrusted through:


Amazon


Barnes and Noble


CBD.com


I updated the website. Take a look at what readers are saying about Entrusted by clicking here. I’m visiting other blogs to talk about the book and other fun things. Those links are there, too. Stick around and look at the entire site. Update: I’m at Inspy Romance and they have one copy available for giveaway. Click here.


Readers are asking about having me sign their copy. If you aren’t local and would like me to sign, technology can take care of that. Click here for your free, personalized authorgraph.


Reviews are key. If you enjoyed Ben and Jenna’s story, please leave a kind review at Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, CBD.com and Barnes and Noble.


Stay tuned tomorrow to see something fun I did with the cover.


So far the feedback has been very positive. Readers connected with Ben and Jenna as I have. Next up is Entangled, Adirondack Surrender #2, Carla’s story.


I appreciate all the support and promotion. I’ve worked a long time to see this day and my prayer is readers relate to Ben and Jenna and their struggles to surrender fear, change and loss.


Thanks!




Tags:  Adirondacks, Amazon, author, authorgraph, Barnes and Noble, book review, CBD.com, Entrusted, Goodreads, Julie Arduini, New Release, romance, Shelfari, Write Integrity Press




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 Book Review: The Dance by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley  What's So Good about Good Friday?  Book Review: Judith MacNutt's Angels Are for Real  Summer Survey--Julie Arduini Style  A2Z Meme: Spectacular FallsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted Hits #23 on Amazon Kindle Bestseller List], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 18, 2014 21:00

November 17, 2014

Thankful: It’s Hard to Pick Just One by Jill Barlow

In the beginning of 2013, I felt led to start my own blog. I wrote about God, but nothing in particular. I also ended up going through a divorce that year, which completely changed my life. I was married for 19 years. I was a stay at home mom for a great deal of that time. The last 3 years had been dedicated to my three children, because we pulled them out of public school to home school.


 


As I sit and type this up, I am thankful for so many things. It is hard to pick just one.


 


I am thankful for my Heavenly Father who has gotten me through the rough spots. This  journey we call life is not an easy one. Being a Christian is not a “get out of trouble” free card. We are still going to have hard times. Jesus even said, in John 16: 33, “33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”john16_33


 


It’s not an IF, it’s a WHEN type thing. God is always here for us, no matter what.


 


I am also thankful for my children, friends and family. Without them, I don’t know where I would be. They have made me laugh, hugged me as I cried and told me the truth when I did not want to hear it.


 


God has really moved in my life and heart over the past several months. He has started talking to me in every day ways. I have started writing those things for others to see that He is there, daily. He cares about our daily lives and He just wants to help us make it to tomorrow.


 


Take a moment and think about what you are thankful for. Maybe it’s totally different from me. And, guess what? That’s ok. 


 


ME_edited


 


Jill Barlow is a mom of three, an administrative assistant to two, and a writer. Divorced after a lengthy marriage, she started finding God in her every-day life. Jill says, “God really cares and is interested in talking to us through the little things. Showing people His love and character in a way they might not have ever experienced is my passion.” You can find Jill at www.coffeewithsnoopy.blogspot.com and on Facebook .




Tags:  blog, children, Coffee with Snoopy, divorce, faithful, family, friends, God, Jill Barlow, John 16:33, Julie Arduini, provision, stay at home mom, thankful, writing




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 Victory Over People Pleasing  My Adventures in Odyssey Confession  Sabbath Sunday: Ever-Present  Book Review: Leaving Egypt---Finding God in the Wilderness Places  Character Confession: I Am Not a Pez DispenserCopyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful: It's Hard to Pick Just One by Jill Barlow], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 17, 2014 21:00

November 14, 2014

Saturday Confession: Resurrected Fire

I don’t know what it is about men and fire but they seem to think their success depends on a roaring fire.


I’m just grateful for enough flame to burn a marshmallow.


But with a new firepit and nice weather, we’ve had a few fires.


And frustrations.


The last fire did not want to take off. It showed potential, sputtered, and returned to a bright ember.


But then my husband did something that really spoke to me.


He gently blowed on the dying ember.


And the fire came back to life.


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I’m terrible with symbolism and even I get it.


Without that time with the Lord, that flame, that passion we carried as new Christians, wanes. It isn’t about going to church. It’s about building a relationship with the One who sacrificed all for love. Talk to Him. Read His Word.


And when we get away from those things, and we do, let the living God breathe life back into you.


One of the most profound Holy Spirit moments I had was during a study on Esther. The host church transformed the sanctuary each week to the theme of the chapter for the week. It was all about the King’s chambers and women were invited to go forward and petition the king, so to speak.


I knelt outside the veiled chamber.


And the gentle breath but convicting message nearly blew me down.


“You always bring everyone to me, ushering them behind the veil. Yet, you rarely take the opportunity to go there yourself.”


It’s true. My heart is so full of wanting people to be set free that I forget in order to stay free, I need to develop that relationship. Allow holy breathing on this fading ember.


This truth really smacked me. How about you?


 


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Tags:  behind the veil, Bible, breath of life, breathing, Christ, confession, ember, Esther, fire, freedom, Holy Spirit, Julie Arduini, relationship, time with God




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 Video of the Week: Surviving Henry by Erin Taylor Young  Book Review: First Kisses by Six Favorite Inspirational Romance Authors  Featured Video of the Week: To Dance Once More by Sherri Wilson Johnson  Guest Blogger: Going to College in Uncertain Times--My Story  Sabbath Sunday: Not Even in the FogCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: Resurrected Fire], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 14, 2014 21:04

November 13, 2014

Thankful for Passion by Tracy Ruckman

Julie’s Note:

It’s my pleasure to introduce Tracy Ruckman, Write Integrity Press and Pix N Pens publisher. I’m thankful Tracy took a leap of faith with me and my writing this year.


Passion



“a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement


for something or about doing something.”



(Merriam-Webster)


This year, I’m thankful for passion – that I’m a passionate person thankful to be doing what I’m passionate about, surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do.


I recently had a conversation with someone and asked if she were passionate about her chosen line of work. She replied that she had no time to be passionate about anything because she was raising kids. I understand – child-rearing demands our all 24/7. But her comment saddened me because I’ve been in jobs where I had no passion for them, and it affected the other areas of my life. Perhaps if she were passionate about her line of work, the passion would flood her home life, her marriage, her entire outlook in such a way that she would be refueled, recharged daily, rather than drained.


In his letter to the Colossians, Paul discusses living a Christian life, how we are to live our lives when Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He writes, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men” (v. 23). I’m guilty of not always living out this verse – I think back to two particular jobs I held where I did not give my all and wonder if I had, would I have enjoyed them more? Was I doing the work for man, and not for the Lord? In both of the jobs, that was the case – I lost my focus in my determination to provide for my family, and it stripped my passion.


This year, I’m thankful to be passionate about all I’m doing. As a publisher, I love our authors, I love our books, I love our teamwork, I love our mission, I love the growth we are experiencing, I love the creativity I get to use and that I get to witness on a daily basis. I’m passionate about helping our authors grow and stretch themselves, and passionate about the world discovering their incredible talent.


As a student seeking my MFA, I love writing creatively again (as opposed to the four years of academic writing I did while earning my bachelor’s degree), I love learning how to craft screenplays, I love learning how my classmates craft their own. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn and to grow, and for the possibilities all of this provides for my family’s future.


What are you passionate about? Are you doing it? If not, are there steps you can take to get there?


Tracy Ruckman Headshot_edited


Tracy Ruckman is wife to Prince Charming, mom to two grown sons, servant to a spoiled rotten doggy, full-time student, and a traditional book publisher ( www.WriteIntegrity.com and www.PixNPens.com ). In her spare time, she likes to squeeze in sleep, showers, cooking, and even occasional jaunts out into the public (usually the grocery store, farmers market, or writer’s conference) as time allows. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter .




Tags:  author, Colossians, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, love your job, mom, passion, publisher, student, thankful, Tracy Ruckman, wife, work




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 Guest Blogger Rebecca Shares Characteristics of Jealousy  Some Fun Writing Answers  I Have a New Title...  Character Confession: We Forgot We're Dust  Book Review: Protective Instincts by Shirlee McCoyCopyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful for Passion by Tracy Ruckman], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 13, 2014 21:00

November 12, 2014

Thankful for Housework by Brandy Heineman

Some of you clicked just to see what planet I’m from that I would write about being thankful for housework. Well, I’m a citizen of heaven, but my residence is here on earth. On top of that, God gifted me for writing but tasked me with housework. Allow me to translate how dishes and laundry add up to a thankful heart.


I’m the kind who reads a book cover to cover, from the epigraph to the author’s acknowledgements. In so many novels I’ve read, the author gives thanks for a supportive spouse who didn’t mind eating frozen pizza from paper plates and who helped out with the laundry while the author dreamed of imaginary people. From those acknowledgements, I know I’m not alone in my unbalanced approach to writing and housework.


November and December are good months for writers. As the daylight hours shorten, and as the slow-moving behemoth of the publishing industry yawns, stretches, and promises to “look at it after the first of the year,” the month-long word count romp that is NaNoWriMo beckons.  Even for those who resist the siren-song of creative camaraderie, the deepening chill of December practically compels the writer to curl up with a cuppa and an open Word doc.


Yes, around this time of year, I can crank out the words like a machine, and it feels awesome. I find it easy to be thankful for my writing during these months.


Likewise, November and December are good months for homemakers. We celebrate family with so many domestic activities. The food. The parties. Perhaps bringing out the good dishes for company and preparing the guest room for visitors from out of town. Don’t forget decorating, as we switch out the fall festive colors after Thanksgiving to “deck the halls” in green and red, silver and gold. And speaking of Thanksgiving—the FOOD. It bears repeating.


Yes, around this time of year, I get to be a domestic rock star, and it feels awesome. I find it easy to be thankful for housework during these months.


However, it’s the specialness of holiday housework that highlights the ordinariness of all other housework. It’s sometimes overwhelming and occasionally unbearable in its endlessness. And it is, in human terms anyway, endless. Cleaning up after ourselves is cyclical. What I wash today will need washing again by next week or next month. How simple it is to believe the lie that it’s hopeless, or pointless, or fruitless, to keep up with household maintenance.


I’m reading a book by Kathleen Norris entitled The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and “Women’s Work.” It’s comparable to a pack of gum: small enough to tuck in my purse, but up to quite a bit of chewing. Its question, as I understand it so far, asks, “Can we find holiness in the mundane?”


But wait, I want to say. God gifted me as a writer. That’s my work for heaven. Doing dishes, washing clothes? That’s just earth-stuff.Housework


Yet that “earth-stuff” is how I put my love into action for my family. It’s how peace, patience and faithfulness become reality inside the walls of my home. If God is pleased to grow fruit from the words I write, I may never see it, but in housework, my faith is made sight as the fruits of the Spirit ripen before my eyes.


And as for the spouse I’ll spend my writing career thanking in the acknowledgements? We email back and forth a good bit during the day, and today I let him know that I’d finally knocked out a task that had lingered on the back burner quite long enough. His response? “Thanks for taking care of things at home.  It helps beyond words.”


Beyond words. Yes, I think that sums it up.


 


bheineman-3_editedphoto credit:


© Emilie Hendryx, 2014


BRANDY HEINEMAN loves stories of faith and family history. She’s a 2014 ACFW Genesis contest finalist and a graduate of Wesleyan College. She is also a first-generation Southerner who occasionally gets caught saying things like, “Y’all want some pop?”


In Brandy’s debut novel, Whispers in the Branches, Abby Wells seeks answers to eternal questions in the branches of her family tree, in spite of secretive Aunt Ruby and the gentle prodding of a handsome but tight-lipped caretaker. In the stillness of her ancestral home, the spirit world feels close enough to touch—but she doesn’t know that there’s more than one way to be haunted.


Brandy lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, Michael.  Visit her at http://brandyheineman.com.


 


 


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Tags:  author, Brandy Heineman, guest blogger, housecleaning, Julie Arduini, November, thankfulness, Whispers in the Branches




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 Letting Go of the Good Stuff  Character Confession: When You Only See One Color  Character Confession: Selfish is as Selfish Does  Mother of Pearl: History Has a Way of Repeating Itself by Tricia Goyer  12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 12 - Does it Even Matter? by Tracey EysterCopyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful for Housework by Brandy Heineman], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 12, 2014 21:00

November 10, 2014

Still Thankful for Breast Cancer by Laura V. Hilton

 


This is really going to sound strange, but I’m thankful for breast cancer.


 


Yes, you read that right.


 


Six years ago, I had the shock of my life. What I thought was an inflamed milk duct was diagnosed as breast cancer.


 


I’ve always been a Christian, I was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as my Savior when I was nine. I was in church, Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. My parents had Bible studies in the home. I grew up immersed in Bible.


 


So, it might come as no surprise to find out I married a pastor. 


 


Well, being married to a pastor doesn’t mean that you take the time needed for devotions, praise and worship, or the necessary things that make you grow as a Christian. I have five children. I homeschool.  I was busy in the church. My life was spent constantly going and doing for others. I told the doctor I didn’t have time for cancer!  He just looked at me.


 


Well, treatment is one of those things you have to make time for. And during those long hours sitting at the chemo room, I took my iPod shuffle, preloaded with praise and worship music.  I spent my time praying and studying God’s word. And as a result, I developed a habit of spending time with the Lord. My own personal time with the One who loves me more than anyone else.


 


pinkribbonAs for the times spent in recovery from chemo? Well, I had no time. My recovery from chemo time was spent catching up on homeschooling, church stuff, family stuff—all those things that didn’t get done when I was at the chemo room.  The doctor commented that I breezed through chemo surprisingly well. That I was on the strongest, harshest chemo available, and I had virtually no side-effects (other than losing my hair.)  I told him it was all God.


 


That was six years ago. Today I still make time for detailed study in the word.  If I get busy and can’t spend time with God, I miss it and my day is incomplete.  So, I thank God for breast cancer. For getting me back on the time I needed to spend with God.


 


What is something you’re thankful for?


BIO:


Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also  has two adult children.


 


Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard in April 2015, and The Bird House in September 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.


http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q  


visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/  & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 


twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton


Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512


Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/


 


Purchase my books:


 


Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q  


CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1


Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton


Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX


 


 


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Tags:  author, Bible, breast cancer, chemo, Christian, devotions, Jesus, Laura V. Hilton, mom, time, wife




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 Character Confession: I Thought I was Just Going for Lunch and a Video  Sabbath Sunday: I Don't Feel So Alone  Book Review: The God Puzzle by Valerie Ackermann  COTT: 2013 Laurel Winner Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall  Book Review: Beth K. Vogt's Wish You Were HereCopyright © Julie Arduini [Still Thankful for Breast Cancer by Laura V. Hilton], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 10, 2014 21:00

Video of the Week: The Art of Characterization by Fay Lamb

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It’s the video of the week on the right sidebar! Another great book by Write Integrity Press author Fay Lamb. To purchase, click here.


Put on your director’s cap and prepare to set your story world’s stage with memorable scenes and unforgettable characters.


Great storytelling isn’t done haphazardly. Storytelling is an art which requires practice to master. In The Art of Characterization authors are shown elements of storytelling which, when practiced correctly, utilizes forward–moving description and back story, deep point of view, dialogue, and conflict to create a cast of characters readers will never forget.


Take a look! to




Tags:  author, book trailer, Fay Lamb, Julie Arduini, The Art of Characterization, video of the week, Write Integrity Press, writing




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Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Video of the Week: Dynamo by Eleanor Gustafson  Character Confession: Butt Ugly  A2Z Meme: This Twit Qwits  Book Review: 1000 Days--The Ministry of Christ by Jonathan Falwell  How Would You Handle It? The Fast Food Play Area Bully EditionCopyright © Julie Arduini [Video of the Week: The Art of Characterization by Fay Lamb], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 10, 2014 09:00

November 8, 2014

Sabbath Sunday: Muddy Road

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One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. Probably because I can relate. The wide path everyone else takes? I was never one to follow. I was the pioneer taking the narrow way rarely understanding why I wasn’t like everyone else.


Thing is, the path God gives you, it’s not going to be laden with golden brick.


That’s heaven, and you aren’t there yet.


Life is muddy. There is change. Loss. Challenges.


Enough to consider, if only for a moment, about taking an easier route.


Thing is, those muddy moments produce growth.


The valleys brought me way more wisdom than the mountains.


My faith in Christ and His track record moves forward because He moved me in the hardest of times.


If you’re stuck in the mud, don’t despair.


The road you’re taking isn’t an accident and not meant to destroy.


In fact, it’s the fast trek to faith and trust with the One who created your road.




Tags:  amateur nature photo, challenges, Julie Arduini, life, road, Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken, trusting God




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 Interviewed by June Foster  I Have a New Title...  Thankful: April W. Gardner's Thanksgiving All Over the World  Saturday Confession: What 44 Looks Like on Me  Character Confession: Real Life Isn't for SissiesCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: Muddy Road], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 08, 2014 21:00

November 7, 2014

Creating Lasting Memories by Jennifer Slattery

They say when you reach the end of your life, memories play back like snapshots.


 


Images of your first best friend, your first doll house, your first day of school … your first surprise birthday party.


 


I was five or six, young enough to have little concept of time, when my parents decided to throw my first surprise party. Had I been a year or two older, their plans would’ve failed, sabotaged by all my nagging:


 


“Did you forget what day it is, Mom?”


 


“What’d you get me?”

“Where’s my cake?”


 


And receiving no answers, or vague ones at that, I would’ve thrown a giant, Jennifer-sized fit likely resulting in me being grounded. On my birthday.


 


But that wasn’t what happened, though, frankly, I don’t remember a whole lot of the details. I don’t remember who came, what gifts I received, or what games I played. I don’t even remember the flavor of the cake, though I assume chocolate. Yes, I was a chocoholic, even back then.


 


What I do remember, however, is spending a chunk of time with my dad who drove me all about, wasting time while my mother prepared for my party.


 


Funny, those memories of he and I doing basically nothing are stronger than my memories of the actual party.


 


Memories.


 


Why is it some events cement themselves in our brain with such impact, such emotional oomph, while others drift away, soon forgotten?


 


As a mom, I find myself considering this, because I know what I do (or don’t do) today, forms lasting memories deep in my daughter’s heart. Sometimes it’s the oddest things that mean the most to her. Listening to her talk about her past, I catch glimpses into her heart, hints of those mental snapshots she’s building.


 


And I’ve discovered something. Most often, her most vivid memories are of those simple, casual moments when she and I did basically nothing. Together.


 


Because it’s not the event that creates the memory but the person we share the event with. It’s the emotional connection made.


 


This simplifies things, doesn’t it? For me, realizing this creates a sense of peace. It reminds me I don’t need to be the most exciting mom, I don’t need to plan outlandish outings and events. I just need to be there. Fully present.


 


That’s the snapshot I long to create.


 


What about you? Consider some of your fondest memories. What sticks out the most—the event or the person you shared the moment with? As a parent or spouse, has your loved one shared any special memories with you? Did those memories surprise you? What are you doing today to create those special snapshots in your loved one’s life?


 


headshot2013_editedJennifer Slattery writes soul-stirring fiction for New Hope Publishers, a publishing house passionate about bringing God’s healing grace and truth to the hopeless. Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, is currently discounted in e-book format for under $3! You can find it here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyon...


She also writes for Crosswalk.com, Internet Café Devotions, and writes and edits for Christ to the World Ministries. When not writing, Jennifer loves helping aspiring authors grow in their craft, and has editing slots open beginning in November. Find out more here: http://wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com/


Visit with Jennifer online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. 


 Beyond I Do is on sale for a limpted time at CBD!


Beyond I Do:


 


Will seeing beyond the present unite them or tear them apart?


 


Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more.


 


Ainsley Meadows, raised by a hedonist mother, who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed socialite psychiatrist. But as her wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream and ignite a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé. To embrace God’s best and find true love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.


 


Read a free, 36-page excerpt here:






Tags:  author, Beyond I Do, creating memories, engagement, faith, family, guest blogger, Jennifer Slattery, Julie Arduini, marriage, memories, thankfulness




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 WFW: Twice as Many Have's  Delia Latham Takes Crown in Latest Staff Clash of the Titles (COTT)  Sabbath Sunday: Cross that Bridge  COTT: Sharon Srock's Women of Valley View: Terri  Character Confession: Forgiving JudasCopyright © Julie Arduini [Creating Lasting Memories by Jennifer Slattery], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 07, 2014 21:00

November 6, 2014

Thankful: Walking in Favor by Joy Chickonoski

Walking in Favor


 


I used to think walking in God’s favor meant walking in the fulfillment of my dreams. The problem, I am a visionary, hating status quo  and relentlessly in  pursuit heaven on earth. No matter how many answered prayers I experience the unfulfilled ones made a larger impact; it left me feeling like I always walked just outside of God’s favor.


 


Recently I allowed the Holy Spirit to reframe my definition of God’s favor. Now I realize “favor” is walking in gratitude for all that God is doing instead of walking in want for what is coming next. This new definition for walking in God’s favor has filled me with satisfaction and contentment that only a thankful heart realizes!! I am so thankful for thankfulness!!


Reveling in His Glory,


joyJoy Chickonoski


Co-Leader


Real Living Ministries


Author and Conference Speaker


getrealliving.com





Tags:  author, conference speaker, contentment, gratitude, Holy Spirit, Joy Chickonoski, Julie Arduini, peace, Real Living Ministries, revelation, thankful, walking in favor




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 WFW: Do I Need to Add Anything More? Yes...  Where Your Help Comes From  Book Review: The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan  Character Confession: Fighting Words  Character Confession: Allowing RecalibrationCopyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful: Walking in Favor by Joy Chickonoski], All Right Reserved. 2014.

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Published on November 06, 2014 21:00