Julie Arduini's Blog, page 43

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!

An Encouraging Message

Well, today I turn 50. It wasn’t how I pictured it, and I’m a bit bummed, honestly. Most of the year I like hiding and being behind the scenes.

My birthday? I don’t dismiss it. I work darn hard and pour my everything into those around me. Words are my life, so to hear positive words one day a year? I’m for it.

For my 50th? I was ready to take my introvert self into new territory and celebrate in public.

The praise is I turn 50 with a healthy family that is doing well in this isolation. We have our daily bread, heat, clothes, and a roof over our head. My husband is able to work from home. The kids are doing great with remote learning. I never want to take what I have for granted. And, once restrictions are lifted, I plan to celebrate with that public outing because we will have so much more to enjoy.

During this time, I asked my newsletter subscribers if they wanted to hear more from me, and if so, what did they want. The answer was yes, and to hear encouragement. With that, I have a weekly message going out. I’d love for you to check it out, and if you like it, subscribe for free so you don’t miss out. I have a free download of Entrusted with an exclusive epilogue as a thank you, plus giveaway offers and much more along the way.

CHECK OUT JULIE ARDUINI NEWSLETTER HERE

SUBSCRIBE TO THE JULIE ARDUINI NEWSLETTER HERE

While I have your attention, I have a few Kindle books for free today. Match Made in Heaven is free the 27th and 28th, so I’ll highlight that now. Stay tuned, because that’s not the only book on promotion.

Julie Arduini

Stay safe, be smart, and know you’re deeply loved and highly favored!

Telling Ministries: Coronavirus Christian Resources

You have questions about Coronavirus? I do, too. There is so much floating around, including fear. Telling Ministries, What Christians Want to Know put together an informational page to help.

Check it out!

Book Review: The Shift by Keion Henderson

Discover a renewed sense of your purpose and the courage to move from what it is to what can be.
Albert Einstein once said, “Problems cannot be solved with the same mind-set that created them.” To resolve our problems and deal with our mistakes, we must be willing to be transformed by God’s process of healing and strengthening.
We have a tendency to think of our present situation in polarizing terms: good or bad, up or down. Due to the seasonal nature of our life experiences, this is an easy trap for many of us. We overlook the fact that there are transition times, such as the season between graduation and the amazing job; between divorce and remarriage; between the failure and the success.
THE SHIFT explores the ways we can survive the seasons in between with the courage that comes only when you’re sure of God’s purpose for your life.

I enjoy books where the author opens up and shares stories where they don’t come off in the best light, but continue to share how they grew from the experience. Right away I knew The Shift was going to be a book I’d underline and refer to for that reason, and so much more.

The author shares his story of very humble beginnings and big plans, and when his dreams shattered, it took him some time to move forward. That experience gave him a great perspective and an authority where he can share principles with readers.

I found The Shift easy to read, authentic, encouraging, and even challenging as there are questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on. Simply put, The Shift is everything I want in a book. It’s perfect timing as we are in a global transition we didn’t coming, and the lessons and principles covered can help us move from reeling to victory.

I highly recommend.

I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher.