Julie Arduini's Blog, page 42

Book Review: CSB Life Essentials Bible + #GIVEAWAY

In the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible, renowned Bible teacher, Dr. Gene Getz guides readers through Scripture by expounding on 1,500 life principles found throughout the Bible. Distilling these truths into life principles, Dr. Getz helps readers remember and apply the Bible’s wisdom to everyday life.The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible integrates a multimedia digital study system with more than 250 hours of in-depth video teachings from Dr. Gene Getz on these essential life principles (accessed through smartphone-accessible QR codes). Questions follow each principle to inspire personal reflection or group discussion. A topical index and cross references for all 1,500 life principles is included, and each book introduction provides a list of corresponding life principles found in that book.

Julie Arduini/Provided

Features include:

Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principleTwo-color interior designSmyth-sewn bindingPresentation pageTwo-column textTopical subheadingsBlack-letter text9-point typeTextual footnotesConcordanceFull-color maps

The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Before I get started, there is a giveaway. I RARELY participate in these, so know that this is a BIG DEAL.

Leave a comment below on why you need this Bible and I will choose one US winner April 15th to receive The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible. This is a $44.99 value and it is worth every penny. Make sure you leave an email so I can contact you in case of a win.

Now for the review. When I read it took Gene A. Getz seven years to complete this work, I wasn’t surprised. This is comprehensive, encouraging, uplifting, helpful, and a must use in my daily reading. At first glance, it appears overwhelming. Don’t stay intimidated. There is so much available to get maximum use out of this Bible.

One, there is the Life Essentials app. The app clearly marks everything out so you know where to start. At the bottom of the app is the intro video. That’s very helpful.

The QR Code scanner is important and easy to use. The Bible has 1500 videos/Life Principles that Mr. Getz shares. You don’t want to miss these. The codes are easy to find in the Bible and once you scan, it takes seconds to take you to the video. I watched quite a few videos and they are not only Biblical, but he shares personal storied about lessons he learned, beautiful visuals that enhance the video and principles. Some are like mini sermons, lasting a little longer, some are shorter. It just allows so much more to your study experience. I can’t say enough about the app and how much it adds to the Bible.

Notice Tucker wondering when I’ll finish? I really enjoyed diving in!

The Bible has a lot to study with blue highlighting, cross referencing, the principles, overviews, maps, and more.

I’ve already ordered highlighters, but you can see in the image the blue highlights, my pen marks on the right, and what the QRcode loos like. There’s also the brackets for cross-referencing, as well as notes on bottom.

I think this is a perfect Bible for pastors, Bible enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to dig deeper into God’s word. They also suggest that some of the principles, especially in Proverbs, might make for great family devotion time. It might be a little intimidating for someone unfamiliar with Bible reading, but I think if they download the app and do the intro video, they will succeed. I absolutely recommend the CSB Life Essentials Bible.

Learn more and purchase the CSB Life Essentials Bible HERE.

I received a copy of the CSB Life Essentials Bible for review purposes. The opinions are mine, and I was not compensated.

Now, don’t forget about the giveaway! Leave a comment on why you need this CSB Life Essentials Bible, with your email in case you win. I will choose one US winner April 15.

Cruising with Terri Wangard

Author Terri Wangard cruising.

Ships fascinate me, whether
currently afloat or sunken wrecks explored in documentaries. The Lusitania is my favorite. Imagine
sailing in a ship grand enough for King Solomon and all his wives. Imagine
sailing aboard in May, 1915, when a German submarine hurtled a torpedo into it.

I love to cruise. My very first
time aboard a ship was an Insight For Living Alaskan cruise. The ship was
Holland America’s Westerdam, although
not the ship presently carrying that name. I opted for the least expensive
cabin, which was an interior room. Not having a window was disconcerting, but I
didn’t plan on spending much time in the room.

Other than the lack of a window,
the room was more than adequate. So for my second cruise, I again requested the
cheapest berth. That time, it reflected cheapness. Walk-in closets are bigger. Windowless
rooms were common, even in the Lusitania’s
first class, but there they would have been more spacious than my cubbyhole.

My last cruise featured my most
luxurious accommodation. As a repeat customer, I received an upgrade. I had a
balcony! I checked out a book from the ship’s library and sat out on my
balcony, reading and watching the waves. Even Alfred Vanderbilt didn’t have a
balcony on the Lusitania. Just thirty
years ago, balconies were a rarity.

The passengers on the Lusitania cruised for transportation,
not recreation. Business trips or family visits for the wealthier; immigration
and the hope of a new life for others.

Third-class rooms had a bed and a
sink. Not a toilet. Even in first class, bathrooms were found in only a handful
of staterooms. Everyone else had to run down the hall to the lavatories. Sinks
had cold running water. The room stewards brought hot water each day for
washing. For a bath, an appointment was made with the bath steward.

Today’s cruise ships don’t have
first, second, and third class. They have inside, outside, outside with
balcony, mini-suites, and suites. Passengers pay for the amount of real estate
they choose.

Everyone eats in the same dining
room, although ships these days have specialty restaurants. Lusitania’s first-class passengers made
selections off menus that are indecipherable to commoners. Today’s menus are
equally unfathomable to those with simple tastes, but anyone can order escargot
or pate de foie gras.

I’ve never been on a repositioning
cruise, where the ship crosses the ocean. I’m used to frequently going ashore
to explore a new location. Seeing the world was my intent. On transatlantic
cruises, like the Lusitania sailed,
every day offered the same scenery. Ocean in all directions. Any problems, and
the bottom is a long way down. And help, as the Titanic discovered, can’t come fast enough.

I wouldn’t mind experiencing a
transatlantic cruise. All my immigrant ancestors did. I’d be much more
comfortable than they were. I’d even be more comfortable than the Lusitania’s passengers. Just, no
torpedoes, please.

About Roll Back the Clouds

Geoff and Rosaleen Bonnard receive
a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to England aboard the fabled Lusitania in 1915. Europe is embroiled in war, but that shouldn’t
affect a passenger liner.

As they approach Ireland, a German
submarine hurtles a torpedo into the grand ship. Rosaleen scrambles into a
lifeboat, but where is her husband? She searches the morgues in Queenstown,
heartsick at recognizing so many people. Geoff is finally located in a Cork
hospital, alive but suffering a back injury.

While waiting for him to recover,
Rosaleen is thrilled to meet her mother’s family, but a dark cloud hovers over
her. The battered faces of dead babies haunt her. She sinks into depression,
exasperated by Geoff’s new interest in religion. Her once happy life seems out
of reach.

About Terri Wangard

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Roll Back the Clouds can be purchased here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Twitter: @terriwangard

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/terriwangard

Instagram:  @terriwangard

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/

Website: http://www.terriwangard.com

Fiction Finder: April 2020 New Releases

April 2020 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Biblical:

Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton — When the tribal elders make marriage a requirement for claiming her land, Milcah bat Zelophehad must find a betrothed straightaway. The only problem in finding a husband is that all her suitors were slain while conquering the land of Canaan. Men avoid her in order to stay alive. After praying to God to send her a bold suitor, a man from her father’s clan plummets from a tree right on top of her. Is this God answering prayer, or a foolish antic by Eli, the war-scarred brother from one of her clan’s rival families. Will settling in Canaan sort out Milcah’s troubles, or have her woes just begun? (Biblical Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Contemporary Romance:

Ryan’s Father by June Foster — The rippling influence of Ryan Reid’s less than moral mother and absent father made a mark on his soul. Yet everything changed when the young school teacher accepted Christ—almost everything. An earthquake hurls the beautiful Sandy Arrington into his life, tossing his world upside down. When God calls him to build an annex for needy teens at his church, Ryan must face the carefully guarded secret he’s held deep in his heart. Though Sandy falls in love with him, Ryan’s forbidden affections lie elsewhere, and he must depend on the Lord to see him through a struggle he always hoped he’d never have to face. Sandy’s wealthy cardiologist father and the battle Ryan is powerless to win are hurtles to their romance. Can he dig his way out to find Sandy’s love? (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)

Historical Romance:

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep — What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common? Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett — A secret mission. A fake bride. A run for their lives. According to the OSS training manual, the life expectancy of a radio operator in Nazi-occupied France is six weeks. Partnered with one of the agency’s top spies, Gerard Lucas, newly-minted agent Emily Strealer plans to beat those odds. Then their cover is blown and all bets are off. The border to neutral Switzerland is three hundred miles away-a long way to run with SS soldiers on their heels.

Will Emily and Gerard survive the journey and get home? And what about their hearts? Nothing in the manual prepared them for falling in love. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Devyn’s Dilemma by Susan G Mathis — 1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart. Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae — In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, “The Nine Days’ Queen” was executed for high treason. But what if, instead of feeling the blade on her neck she secretly survived? Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree to his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes. Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart? (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press LLC)

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo — Stubborn Hearts Clash on a Cattle Drive Eliza Gentry’s pursuit of marriage to the son of her family’s sworn enemy has cost her greatly. Furious at his daughter’s choices, her father sends her off with the cattle drive heading toward Fort Worth and the Barnhart ranch, but under the watchful eye of Wyatt Creed, a Pinkerton man he has hired to see to her safety. With danger at every turn—not the least of which to his heart—can Wyatt Creed keep his focus with Eliza Gentry around? Is the Chisholm Trail a place for falling in love or a place to die at the hands of cattle thieves? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mystery:

Cooking Up A Mystery by Gail Pallotta — In this romantic mystery Laney Eskridge battles insecurities, loss and a criminal who attempts to destroy her tea house and catering business. (Cozy Mystery from Inspired [Prism Book Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Flight Risk by Cara Putman — Savannah Daniels has worked hard to establish a small law practice, and her early career gambles have paid off with a life that she loves. Jett Mason Glover has almost reached the pinnacle of the journalism ladder in Washington, DC. He just needs one breakout story to seal his destiny. When a plane crashes into the 14th Street Bridge during take-off from Reagan National, everyone thinks it’s a freak accident—until the passenger list is released and the black box is compromised. Savannah does not expect to be connected to the crash until she learns her ex-husband was piloting the plane. She must manage his estate while his name is under a fog of accusations leveled by a journalist named Jett who now claims he wants to help Savannah find the truth. As the threads untangle, Savannah begins to question what she knows and whether she’ll survive the investigation. Maybe she’s as deceived as everyone else, but someone believes she’s closer to the truth than she is. And that belief may just kill her. (Romantic Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Border Breach by Darlene L. Turner — When drugs are smuggled across the border, it’s their duty to stop the culprits…at any cost. Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Only a Glimpse by LuAnn K. Edwards, Contemporary Romance

Fugitive Trail by Elizabeth Goddard , Romantic Suspense

Critical Decision by Richard L. Mabry, MD, Medical Mystery

Glacier of Secrets by J Carol Nemeth, Romantic Suspense

A Perfect Fit by Christine Schimpf, Contemporary Romance

Riven by H.L. Wegley, Romantic Suspense (Historical)

Book Review: Prophetic Encounters in God by Maurice Paul Obonyo

When a prophet is in the Lord’s presence, there are conversations that the Lord will allow to engage with him. These are my conversations with the Lord attaining to the heavens, obedience to God, curses, blessings, discipleship and overcoming the enemy.

I came across this book when the author introduced himself and let me know that at the time, this book, the third volume in the series, was free for Kindle.

This book is exactly what the author states. He shares in solid writing and simple terms his account. His passion for sharing is evident. I do admit, my faith compels me to believe any encounter would always be backed up by His word and never go against it.

If you’re strong in your faith and knowledge of the Bible, Prophetic Encounters in God is an interesting read.

Pre-Order Love is in the Air Boxed Set for .99

All you have to do is look up.

This collection of five brand new romances is sure to send your heart soaring. Journey from Canada to Georgia and Colorado to Paris by way of Michigan as these couples find love is in the air. All they had to do was look up.

First Class Wrong Flight by Laura V. Hilton:

Candi Walker is excited to attend her former college roommate’s wedding. At least it’s a direct flight across the country and the potential of messing up is next to impossible…until she crashes into a handsome pilot. Now it’s a dream-come-true or her worst nightmare.

Alex Kuklewski has one last flight before he attends his stepsister’s wedding. Desperate to escape his tagalong ex-girlfriend’s clutches, Alex prays that his future wife would drop into his path. And she does. Too bad he and Candi aren’t headed to the same destination.

Emotional baggage on both sides exceeds the weight limit, and the flight to happily-ever-after seems grounded. What will it take for them to launch true love into the air?

A Castle in the Clouds by Candee Fick:

Aspiring romance novelist Miranda Scott has her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. Raised by a single mother, extravagant trips to castles overseas are only a fairy-tale…until a co-worker’s accident has her boarding a plane to teach creative writing on an all-expenses-paid school-sponsored trip. Family responsibilities kept Joshua Clark close to home, but it’s finally time for the history teacher to spread his wings. Hopefully his time chaperoning an overseas trip and seeing history in person will reveal what the next chapter holds.

However, falling in love surrounded by teenagers was never the plan.

Flying Into Love by Kathleen Rouser:

Unable to say no when others need her, Talia Sampson took on her deceased aunt’s advice column and the care of her special needs niece. Then new veteran, Ben Tanner, shows up unexpected on her doorstep. Hurt many times, he wonders where home is. Talia isn’t happy finding a hot-air balloon with him, but she treasures the old journal with it. Ben hopes restoring her family’s antique will please her, until he discovers a secret that shatters his trust. And Talia hates flying.

Will she trust God—and Ben—enough to go airborne?

To Gain Forever by Tanya Eavenson:

Karianne Bennett, small-town wedding coordinator, has always believed in happily-ever-afters. That is, for everyone but herself. Her fiancé’s alcohol-related death put an end to her own dreams and turned her career into a weekly reminder of all she’s lost. Hope comes when she adopts a retired service dog and a newcomer catches her eye.

Trey Scott has been fascinated with fireworks since he was a boy. If he can land the account for a hot-air balloon festival in an out-of-state town, he’ll be that much closer to achieving his lifelong goal. But his dreams never included a beautiful dog walker who also happens to be the stranger he’s been praying over for years.

Written in the Clouds by Kathleen Friesen:

A mysterious cloud formation, a nerve-wracking introduction for JR and Serena, an unexpected reunion for Jim and Blythe, a few traumatic memories, a pilot for the company plane, and another afraid of flying. Mix them together…and what in the world is God up to? Is it love at first flight?

Can love—for two generations—be written in the clouds?

Do’s & Don’ts During Isolation

So our school is positioned for remote learning until May 1, with the potential to keep going until the end of the school year. It’s going well, great in fact, but to hear this isn’t ending was hard. Still is. Add it’s chilly and rainy and generally blah, it’s easy to fall into a funk.

Earlier this week I shared some Do suggestions for this isolation. One I can add is we have a white board and a felt board. We often use them so we know who in the family is going where, when. Obviously, we’ve got nothing going on. Our white board is full of promises of who God is and we are because of Christ. Boy, I need to read good news like that.

The felt board is for fun. We love The Office, Friends, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, so we use quotes from there. This week it’s from The Office. The quote? Pizza is the great equalizer. I walk past and I know the episode, and I can see Michael Scott saying it. And I smile. Win!

Today I share the Don’ts.

Don’t forget a routine. During the week I tend to feel great and notice time goes by. Why? I have a schedule. I keep an alarm, I do all the morning routine stuff that I would do if I was taking our teen to school. I keep my prayer and reading time, even extending that a bit for this season. Dinner is the same time. It has made such a difference. Weekends have been harder. We don’t have a lot of structure on weekends, that was always great because we’d unwind and rest from the week. So routine. Don’t lose it.

Don’t Cave to the Craving. Me? I’ve been intermittent fasting and that works for me. But when I feel like things are out of control, I start snacking and it’s not carrots. The carbs make me feel bloated and of course, weight is issue. As you (and I) reach for the chocolate and chips, ask why. Is it boredom? Hunger? Need something to feel better? Nine times out of ten, I’m not hungry and I don’t need it. I try to drink water with flavor drops instead. I’ll play Word Stacks or read to feed my mind.

Don’t Do Drugs, Kids. And adults. I know there are benefits to a glass of wine, and I understand how refreshing a cold beer might be after mowing the lawn. I’m speaking to the need for alcohol, pot, and even prescription drugs to numb your feelings. These are depressants and you will not feel better from it. I understand marijuana has medicinal uses. But if you use these things to escape your situation, it won’t end well for you. Get outside. Call a friend. Visit an online church service. But don’t numb your emotions and don’t take things that are classifed to bring you down further.

Don’t Visit the Dark Side of Technology. The last post talked about Zoom, concerts, and YouTube content that brings smiles and connection to those we can’t see in person right now. But the internet also has a very dark side you don’t need. If p*rn is something you struggle with, PLEASE find someone who is in a strong place spiritually and emotionally and is of the same gender as you and ask them to check in on you and keep you accountable. If it is something you’re tempted to check out, DON’T. It is an ember of temptation that ignites into a wildfire you can NOT control. It ruins relationships, families, marriages, finances. I’ve yet to meet one person who shared their struggle with me who said it was a good choice. Not. One.

Same goes for online gambling, chat sites, etc…If you are married, you have zero business visiting places that connect you with the opposite gender. Online gambling is another spark that can escalate fast and the devastation it causes scars everyone around for years. Decades.

Don’t Make Rash Decisions. Already I’m reading that divorce filings are up. People are giving themselves bold hairstyles. Whatever idea is mulling around, think it through. We WILL be in public again. Do you want that dye job or cut to be your look when you’re back at work? If you’re struggling in marriage, please talk to a third party that has wisdom. There are counselors ready to talk on the phone. Pastors are available as well. There are resources on FamilyLife. This IS a tough time. But don’t use this season as one where you make choices that are against who you really are, are rebellious/sinful, or even illiegal.

Note: I am not referring to anyone who is going through abuse of ANY kind. If you are experiencing physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, PLEASE seek help.

Are there any other Don’t Suggestions you can think of? Share them in the comments or email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com. We WILL get through this. I promise!

Book Review: With These Words by Rob Flood

Every couple knows they need to talk with each other. Every couple knows they need to pay attention to how they can communicate better.

This practical marriage resource by Christian pastor and author Rob Flood not only explores why couples should grow in communication, but it addresses the how of communication.

With These Words offers in-depth, theologically rich tools that will also help flourish relationships outside of your marriage your relationship with your kids, your friendships, and your coworkers.

In this Christian Scripture-based marriage book, you will learn that God is for you and on your side as you press toward helpful, biblical communication based on Christian values. In the face of many emotions and obstacles, there is a clear purpose and a clear method for words.

But in the midst of this shift toward communication and biblical change, Flood shares how you can retain your unique personality, remaining as God made you while honoring him with your words.

The book starts off with the author sharing how troubled his marriage was and how fast it started. Like so many marriages, their problems began with communication. From there he introduces a few couples who are also struggling with specific communication issues, and they are easily relatable.

With These Words is a marriage book with stories to identify with, practical tools to use, and Biblical wisdom to apply. From forgiveness to mirroring, there is a lot to digest and utilize. There is also a section at the end of each chapter to reflect and discuss.

I think any couple would benefit from With These Words. Like the author, their issues started on the honeymoon. Some, it’s when kids come. Or after a few years and you hide the conflict and let everything fall into complacency. Whatever the situation, I think you’ll find it in this book, and great wisdom to emerge from it stronger. I definitely recommend!

Julie Arduini

I received an advanced reader copy for review.

Do’s & Don’t During Isolation

I promised God that whenever I write, I’d be authentic. For decades I pretended all was well when it was not.

So here it is: I kind of fell into a funk when I heard the isolation procedures are to stay in place for another month.

It wasn’t a surprise and it’s wisdom. But that super faithful part of me thought maybe, just maybe, we’d be back to business by Easter. It was a bit of a gut kick to see it in writing that it isn’t the case.

When I woke this morning, I felt the need to pray for those who struggle with depression and anxiety, and lift up those who are battling toxic thoughts to harm themselves. I know enough about the true defeated one to know he’s desperate to shift his future on us. He’s out to not only defeat, but destroy.

I thought I’d blog a bit about things we can do, and avoid to stay strong and connected.

Today I’ll focus on the DO.

DO follow the rules. For me, when I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but it isn’t quite there, I want to quit. I tried this when my fiance lived in another city and was moving back. We had two weeks to go and I couldn’t take it, so I tried to break up with him. He never got the email and we’ve been married 23 years.

Now isn’t the time to throw together some friends for a game night or whatever at your house. It’s not smart to have playdates. I remember the days as a mom with young children and they suck the life out of you. I cry with you. But you put so many people at risk when you feel desperate and ignore the restrictions.

DO get outside. Fresh air is the cheapest mental health help we have. I live in NE Ohio, a place so cloud-covered the military used the area in WWII because it mirrored the atmosphere of our enemy. Sun is rare. Unless the wind is biting, my husband and I have taken a walk with our dog at least three times a week. We’ve been caught in a downpour and had one walk where it was a cold drizzle the entire time. But, we got out. It helped re-frame my thoughts and killed time. It’s good for the body, it’s good for the soul.

DO be honest. It’s okay to text a friend and admit you’re having a bad day. It’s smart to sit down with your spouse and ask for help. I’ve done the martyr act and no one wins. It’s a waste of time. Be specific in your needs. I’ll say I just need 20 minutes to vent. I don’t need fixing, I just want to get it out.

DO take advantage in the good things technology can bring. I’ve enjoyed game nights with our youth group via Zoom. I’m part of a group chat where we pray. My home church streams live Sunday and to see our lead pastor deliver a message of hope, it helps so much. I’ve even hosted watch parties to anyone who can see the link because if that worship music or sermon can ease their struggle, why wouldn’t I take that moment to share? The Chosen presented Season 1 for free recently. What a great show that is. Brad Paisley has been singing hymns live and it truly brings the world together when I listen. John Krasinski from The Office started a YouTube channel with his SGN—Some Good News Network. Just hearing him giggle and laugh made me smile. Folks are discovering/re discovering The Carol Burnett Show sketches. If you haven’t seen Tim Conway as the old man playing opposite Harvey Korman, I have tears rolling down my cheeks every time. Laughter really is good for the soul. There are also free Bible studies and helps available. Max Lucado’s Anxious for Nothing has ALL their study videos available right now. Have you heard him share before? It’s like a comforting chat with Dad. Take advantage of the positive media out there.

These these basic, but I’m convinced the simple things are often the best. I’d love to hear your Do suggestions. Feel free to comment or email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

Free Kindle Book: You’re Amazing

The Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series is different and personal for me. My genre is inspirational romance, so a middle grade book that also is for teen girls and women of all ages caught me off guard. But God knew all along the struggles our daughter would overcome would give her the vision to create these books. I highly recommend you get You’re Beautiful, now .99 for Kindle.

You’re Amazing is the second book and can be read as a stand-alone. It features another group from the mentoring group, Linked, Jazmin West and Lena Calloway. Jazmin is a gifted dancer who faces harsh criticism from a new teacher. Lena is a mom with two young children who leave her feeling drained and inept. Together the two learn they are amazing.

Stay tuned because the last book in the series, You’re Brilliant, is releasing in May. We’ve had fun, so much fun with this one and we know the message resonates because we struggle feeling like we walk in victory even when we make mistakes. To make sure you don’t miss it, follow me on Amazon, Goodreads and BookBub.

Free Kindle Book: Restoring Christmas

When I first created this promotion, I wondered why I was offering a Christmas book in spring. I had no idea we’d be isolated at home and that reports are coming out that people are doing Christmas-y things like putting lights out and reading books from the season to encourage and lift their spirits.

I hope that’s what Restoring Christmas can do for you. It’s an inspirational romance that is free for Kindle Unlimited all the time, free for Kindle through Tuesday the 31st.

Julie Arduini

I’d love if you checked it out and asked others to do the same. If you enjoy it, please leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads/BookBub. Thanks so much!