Julie Arduini's Blog, page 49

Nancy Naigle: Christmas Angels

Thank
you so much for having me, Julie!

I’m so excited
about my new book. CHRISTMAS ANGELS just released today. Liz and
Matt’s story is set in a fictional mountain town in North Carolina. All the
books I write are small town love stories. Some romance, other women’s fiction,
but my love for these Main Street, USA destinations comes through as a
character in their own right.

ABOUT THE
BOOK:

Growing up,
Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparent’s inn located in the
small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got
the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what
looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a
bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there, she finds the
property in significant disrepair.

When Matt
Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it
wasn’t another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous
owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the
sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the
inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where
he made so many fond memories.

While
working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of
angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all
over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn
is what she’s meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she
made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz
that she’s found a home? And possibly true love as well?

SOME INSIDE SCOOP

Ellie Claire: Inspired by Life Journaling Club

Do you enjoy journaling? Are you curious about how to start?

Ellie Claire is launching an online journaling club where we’ll share weekly devotionals, journaling prompts, podcast episodes (and behind the scenes goodies from those episodes). We’ll also have a monthly journal box giveaway!

Request to join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/InspiredByLifeJournalingClub/ . When prompted, use my name, JULIE ARDUINI, as the one who invited you, and my email is jarduini@zoominternet.net.

That’s it! I’m already there, and I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

(I’m part of a volunteer blogging team that promotes opportunities for Ellie Claire. I am not compensated and this post was voluntary on my part.)

Beth Steury: Because I Know You

Hi Julie! So happy to be back to share with you and your readers again. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Maggie, the 17-year-old female star of “before I knew you” during my last visit. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to her co-star.  

Let’s meet
Preston, the 17-year-old hot, popular high school junior who’s on a mission to chart
a new course as far from his ladies’ man ways as possible.

“My
friends didn’t get it, thought I was stupid. Best buddy Connor pronounced me ‘annoying,
boring, and so not cool’ when I passed up a weekend at the lake cottage without
parents. The old Preston would have been all in, no doubt, but I knew better
than to put myself in that kind of situation. I hadn’t spent the last six
months getting a grip on my life to blow it all at the three-day end-of-summer
festival.

Yeah,
considering the string of bad choices that rocked my world last year, I had to
wonder if six months of steering clear of girls and basically anything
fun—another Connor description—was enough.

But
as I strode into school the first day of junior year, I was ready to end the
self-imposed break from dating that had seemed like the only way to put an end
to a lot of bad habits. But with who? Every girl at Madison knew enough about
me to either steer clear or be too eager to go out.

Everyone
that is except Maggie. Super quiet and shy but great with grammar and all English-related
stuff, she’d caught my eye that first day. Being new to Madison, she probably wasn’t
unaware of my dating history and former partying-ways. She was sweet and
innocent, not pursuing me in the least, and I couldn’t get
her out of my mind.

I’m psyched when her lack of
interest began to melt away but guess what happened? An ex-girlfriend makes a
huge play for me—right in front of Maggie. I waste no time in putting out that
fire and rushing to assure Maggie I have zero interest in Ashley. One disaster
averted but I can’t help worrying that something or someone from my past will jeopardize my chances with the only
girl I have any interest in.”

Because I
don’t want to include spoilers for those who haven’t yet read the first book, I’ll
just share the “no spoilers” back cover blurb for book two, “because I know
you.”

Maggie’s
head is spinning. The best and the worst parts about junior year at Madison
have one thing in common: Preston. If only his past hadn’t collided with
their present. But it did. Now, his ex is back in the picture, and Maggie has a
big decision to make. Time will help her figure things out and make the right
choice, won’t it?

With
his past revealed and the worst behind him, Preston has big plans to salvage
what’s left of his junior year. No. What’s left of their junior year. Yep.
Life will settle down for him and Maggie. Soon the nightmare will be just a bad
memory. His baggage has been unpacked, so things can only get better, right?

She
needs time. He’s willing to wait. But nothing is ever that simple.

This realistic contemporary series tackles friendship, dating relationships, saving sex for marriage, and “renewed waiting” with candor as it follows a relevant cast of high school-aged characters navigating the choppy waters of choices and consequences. Because life is complicated. Because choices matter. Because waiting matters.

Beth Steury

Thanks, Julie!

Beth immerses herself in the world of YA via substitute teaching, by connecting with the teenage staff and patrons at the fast food joint where she claims the back booth as her office, and by reading YA fiction. 

She’s a “cheerleader” for saving sex for marriage and an even bigger supporter of “renewed waiting” because it’s never too late to make wiser, healthier choices. She welcomes questions and topic suggestions for the “Waiting Matters … Because YOU Matter” blog that inspired the Waiting Matters series. Check out her Choices Matter series that follows Preston and Maggie as they navigate the choppy waters of high school, guy/girl relationships, and sex.

Beth is also active in the adoption community where she writes and speaks about her experiences as a “foundling” who located her birth parents and is enjoying making up for lost time with her biological family.

Connect with her at BethSteury.com, the home of all her writing endeavors. She loves to hear from readers! Write to her at waitingmatters@gmail.com.

Find her on social media—

Facebook:     Beth Steury, Author

Twitter:         @Beth_Steury

Pinterest:      Beth Steury, Author

Goodreads:   Beth Steury, Author

Purchase Before I Knew You

Fiction Finder: October New Releases

October 2019 New Releases

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

Biblical Fiction:

Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton — To keep her orphaned sisters together, Mahlah must seek what has never been granted to girls, an inheritance of God’s Promised Land. (Biblical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Contemporary Romance:

Hiding from Christmas by Alice K. Arenz — No matter how hard she tries, Maddie Kelley can’t seem to fit in at Ornamental, a company founded by her great grandfather and his best friend. Now, after yet another screw-up, she’s been sent into the “enemy’s” camp—two hours away from home for the next two months. A punishment or a blessing? Her life is turned upside down when the mundane turns unexpected, and she finally discovers where her heart truly lies. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romances [Winged Publications])

Practically Married by Karin Beery — Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Once Upon a Christmas by Andrea Boyd, Mikal Dawn, Toni Shiloh, Angela Ruth Strong, and Jaycee Weaver — Embrace the magic of the Christmas season with these contemporary twists on timeless tales. Upon a Dream: A rare sleeping disorder keeps Talia from performing, but when Philip recognizes her gift, he’ll do whatever it takes to see her onstage. Claim My Heart: Li Na and Colin Wen face off in a Mulan-esque courtroom battle where the real win might be losing their hearts. A Snow White Christmas: Sheltered heiress Amala White flees her conniving stepmother’s plans and finds refuge with a handsome orchard owner and his seven quirky uncles. Christmas Ella: Reality TV meets Cinderella story when a location director is swept off her feet by a rising star. A Splash of Love: Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in A Splash of Love, a modern twist on the Little Mermaid. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Twin Bargain by Lisa Carter — A mutually beneficial temporary arrangement…But can they keep it strictly professional? Nursing student Amber Fleming couldn’t be more stunned when ex-marine Ethan Green makes an offer: he’ll babysit her twin girls if she cares for his injured grandmother. Amber knows it’s temporary. Ethan isn’t one for roots—or their hometown. But his steadfast caring has her wanting more than friendship. And with help from Amber’s mischievous twins, can they risk becoming a forever family? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker by Vannetta Chapman — With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself? (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sara’s Gift by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Christmas is the season of giving, but Sara isn’t sure she is up to the task. Playing secret angel in high school was fun, and now, years later, Sara has the opportunity to do it once more on a bigger scale. She enlists the help of Gabe, her long-time best friend, to come up with a deserving recipient. But something is off with Gabe—he’s more attentive than usual.

The Christmas season has put Gabe in a reflective mood. His evaluation of his life has left him lonely and wanting more. But can his heart have its desire? That’s up to Sara. Can these two long-time best friends navigate their changing relationship, or will the romance Grinch steal their Christmas joy? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Their Christmas Prayer by Myra Johnson — Searching for a new start, Pastor Shaun O’Grady can’t wait for his next foreign missionary assignment…until he begins working with Brooke Willoughby on the church’s Christmas outreach program. Even as they clash over program specifics, Shaun and Brooke are drawn to each other. Now Shaun’s not sure where he belongs: overseas for his ministry, or at home by Brooke’s side… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Her Amish Holiday Suitor by Carrie Lighte — Lucy Knepp has no time for heartbreaker Nick Burkholder…until a pretend courtship means she can finish her embroidery for a Christmas fund-raiser in peace. Nick’s arrangement with the too-reserved Lucy is the perfect cover while he repairs the cabin his brother damaged. But once Nick sees how vibrant Lucy really is, can he prove himself—and show their love is for all seasons? (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General/Contemporary:

Chasing Dreams by Deborah Raney — Reconsidering her dream of law school, Joanna Chandler finds promise in a possible wedding planning career—especially when she meets wedding DJ Lukas Blaine. But there’s more to Luke than meets the eye. The angry young boy he’s been mentoring has lost his mother and become Luke’s ward. How can Luke possibly find the time to start a new relationship or saddle someone else with a wounded child? He may have to let go of the woman of his dreams–and crush her dreams at the same time. (General/Contemporary from Kregel Publications)

Historical Romance:

Unwrapping Hope by Sandra Ardoin — When Phoebe receives a handcrafted cigar box by mistake, her desperation to give her daughter something special for Christmas drives her to suggest a trade with Spence Newland, a man she views as no more principled than her daughter’s late father. But the more time she spends with the department store heir, the more Phoebe struggles to keep up her guard against him. Spence believes the cigar box will help him gain a reclusive investor’s financial support for his proposed five-and-ten-cent stores. Yet he hesitates to bargain with a widow who mistrusts him for no apparent reason…until he meets a charming little girl at the train station who awaits the arrival of a prince. Will a betrayal in Phoebe’s past and Spence’s unraveling business plans derail their hope for happiness and keep a child’s fairy tale from coming true? (Historical Romance from Corner Room Books)

Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller — Ingrid Chastain travels readily with her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. But after a tragic accident leaves her alone and injured, Ingrid finds rescue in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her wounds. Micah Bradley gave up his own medical career after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine as soon as she’s well enough, he has no choice but to accompany her through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains. The risk-laden journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy — Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away. David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David’s father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Lessons on Love by Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, and Carrie Fancett Pagels — Step back into the classroom alongside four new teachers who face unexpected tests. In 1840 New York, Gilda’s religious beliefs are challenged. In 1870 Kansas, Mary helps ostracized immigrant children. In 1894 Michigan, Jesse discovers an unlikely friendship. And in 1904 Virginia, Margaret wants to make controversial changes. Will these tests teach the teachers about faith and love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mystery:

The Silver Lode by Suzanne J Bratcher — A dying child and a seventy-year-old cold case draw historian Paul Russell and antiques expert Marty Greenlaw into a desperate search for the silver lode, a rich deposit of silver and gold one person considers worth murdering to keep. (Mystery from Mantle Rock Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Deadly Commitment by Kathy Harris — When Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling that someone is watching her. She’s convinced that the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening?the truth about her fiancé. (Romantic Suspense from New Hope Publishing)

Cold Pursuit by Gayla K. Hiss — A December tour of Yellowstone National Park sounded like the perfect escape from Faith Chandler’s problems at home—until she discovers her tour guide is her jilted childhood sweetheart, Jake Mitchell. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink)

Legacy Restored by Robin Patchen — She’s a new Christian working to take down an art thief and murderer. He’s a grieving artist who refuses to let another woman die needlessly. When their desires clash, will it lead to hostility… or fireworks? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Young Adult:

Heart of a Royal by Hannah Currie — Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna’s presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers – that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with? (Young Adult from WhiteFire Publishing)

Ripped Pants & Shame

Spongebob Squarepants has played in our home for close to 20 years. Of all the crazy episodes out there, my husband and son say their favorite is the one where Spongebob rips his pants.

It’s comedy gold for those two. But real life? It’s one of those situations you pray never happens in public.

So, lucky me.

I’ve had them rip twice.

In church.

The first time wasn’t too long after I gave birth. I didn’t know it at the time but I was port-partum, obsessed with the fact my delivery ended up an emergency c-section. I felt an enormous failure, compacted by the fact nursing didn’t work and I wasn’t feeling the strong emotional connection I saw on commercials weekday afternoons.

I walked into church and my husband whispered in my ear that I had a rip in the back of my pants. It wasn’t huge, but he noticed. He promised to cover me, but the feel of failure and shame rose up like bile and I wanted out of there fast. As soon as we entered, we were in the car heading back home. I entertained the failure thought all the way home and for the rest of the day.

Week.

Month.

Year.

And that was the plan. Over the years I’ve learned that the true defeated one operates on a budget. His resources never renew, so he’s got to go with what works. Little pricks of failure and defeat thrown our way time and time again. It took me time and a lot of prayer, Bible reading and study to realize there’s only one defeated one.

Julie

And it isn’t me.

So fast forward a couple decades and it’s been a tough season. Oh, I’ve been through worse, but it’s been a lot of small stuff pecking away at my confidence, resolve, and faith.

Imagine my surprise when I crossed my legs at church today, the material bunched up with my Salvation Army $2 pants when I made the move and heard a rip. I placed my hand under my leg and there was skin. Yep, ripped pants again.

For a second I thought about high-tailing it out of there. My contacts had a smudge on them so I couldn’t see right, I was tired, and it had been a tough week. Leaving? It made sense.

But I knew this time around if I left, I was going to admit defeat. And I’m not the defeated one

You know what? Neither are you.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve been at church and you feel it’s been too long, you should go for it and show up. If you woke up this morning with a hangover or next to a stranger and the shame is strong, shake it off and find your way to a Bible believing and reading church. Maybe you just lost your job or were served with divorce papers you never saw coming. Perhaps you’re the one that served them. Whatever your shame situation, I’m telling you, the goal is for you to sulk and isolate yourself.

I hope you do what I did the second time around. Like Spongebob, I laughed. Not loud at first, but I decided after that second I was staying. My family was serving around the building, so I texted and asked my husband if he had a coat. I texted my son so he and his girlfriend knew I wasn’t going to stand and join them in prayer because I was pretty sure most of my left thigh was exposed with more area to come. I laughed to myself as I thought about it. These were pants that were actually big on me so although my weight has been an issue for quite awhile, I wasn’t falling for the lie today. Even funnier, when I got home and got the pants off, I still had the Salvation Army tag on them. That made it even more hilarious.

Before I got home, a friend approached me and went to hug me and I squeaked, “Don’t touch me! I ripped my pants and this jacket is falling!” And I burst into laughter. When she laughed, I didn’t even feel a tinge of shame. She knows me. She gets it was a victory I came even with good pants on. To stay with ripped pants? It was a clear act of defiance against the true defeated one.

She knew my week and I knew hers. There were times we were bottomed out by our tears and laments that God, we love you, but can You show up for this already? Where’s that breakthrough?

Well, my breakthrough was literal. They were my pants. But they were a reminder that I am NOT defeated. And no matter what your clothes look like, what you’ve done, what you’ve said, if you put your trust in Your heavenly Father and our Living Christ, you aren’t defeated either.

***

What I loved about writing Match Made in Heaven is that the heroine is mad at God because life didn’t work out like she thought it would when she did all the right things. For the hero, He’s scared because He’s taken tentative steps back to faith after choosing many wrong things. I’d love for you to check out Dean and Beth’s story in MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN. The latest review says, “Beth with her lack of focus feels ‘not worthy, unlovable, and not good enough.’ Julie Arduini writes a compelling inspiring story about overcoming a childhood disease and poor self esteem with well developed characters, twist and turn plot, and a believable resolution. God’s got this. Always enjoy a story when I learn something new. “

Barb Roose: I’m Waiting, God

Interview with Barb Roose,
Author of I’m Waiting, God  
Need information quick? Just grab your phone and do a search. Didn’t plan ahead for dinner? Toss something in the Instapot. Forget about patience, we live a world where Prime shipping seems to take too long. Waiting on the little things is an inconvenience, so what happens when we have to wait on the big things? When the bills are stacking up because a new job hasn’t come along, a family situation is causing great heartache, or a loved one faces an illness, we pray for answers. We know God hears our prayers, but it’s hard when the clock is ticking yet He hasn’t shown us the answer. Sometimes he wants us to wait. In her new Bible study I’m Waiting, God: Finding Blessing in God’s Delays (Abingdon Press), Barb Roose helps readers build patience until God’s plan comes to fruition.
 
Q: What is it about waiting that often reverts us back to toddler-like tantrums?
 
All my kids went through that crazy toddler phase when they would fall out on the floor screaming when I didn’t let them have something they wanted. What always amazed me was that those little girls were so focused on the one thing they couldn’t have that they forget everything they already had to enjoy.
 
Over the years, I’ve kicked up my own fuss when God hasn’t given me what I’ve wanted. There were times when I crossed my arms and pouted about not getting that bigger house, the job that would solve some financial issues, or why God hadn’t fixed the addiction issue that was breaking our hearts. I might not have thrown myself on the floor, but there were times when I didn’t want to pray or I’d withhold my worship because I felt like God being unfair.
 
However, during some of my long seasons of unanswered prayers, I’ve learned how to halt my tantrum long enough to look around and see what God has already blessed me with. As I’ve learned to embrace a life of gratitude, God’s gifted me a multitude of better blessings that have far exceeded anything that I could have ever asked for.
 
Q: An author writes about what she knows or needs to hear. Can you share an example of when you were waiting out God’s timing for what felt like forever?
 
For several years, I prayed for a full-time job to open up at the church where I worked part-time. I looked forward to paying the monthly bills without worrying if there’d be enough money to pay them.
 
Finally, I was offered a full-time job. However, the Great Recession devastated our automotive industry community. The loss of jobs led to reduced weekly giving at our church. In addition to some staff layoffs, my full-time position was postponed indefinitely. Disappointed, I was really angry with God. I was so tired of figuring out how to make ends meet month after month. After my big feelings calmed down, I kept trusting God to make ends meet and stayed faithful on my job.
 
Almost a year later, a different full-time job for me – a promotion and substantial pay raise. It was a better job than the one I’d gotten angry about losing the year before! While there were many years of sacrificing for what God calling us to do, he took care of my family during those difficult days until times got better.
 
Q: We often blame our impatience on the fact we live in a world of technology where everything is at our fingertips, but as humans, haven’t we always had that problem?
 
We live in an “Insta-Everything” world that makes it possible for us to get what we want by the press of a button. Hungry? Order delivery from Postmates. Run out of toilet paper? Amazon can be a hero and deliver the next day.
 
Even though technology highlights how much we love speed, human nature has always been to get what we want, no matter the cost. The tension is that when we try to fix or force solutions, not only do we miss out on God’s best, but we often wreck our human relationships.
 
In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah live with an unanswered prayer for a child. Even though she knows what God has promised, Sarah tires of waiting and cooks up a scheme. Impatience does result in a baby—and broken relationships and a lot of bitter feelings, too.
 
I’ve been like Sarah and got impatient with God. However, I bear the Jesus-healed scars of my foolishness. I’ve learned this: When I we try to push my way out of a waiting room, I will cause pain and problems in other people’s lives.
 
Q: What spiritual issues are usually being tested in us while we are in sitting in the waiting room of life?
 
Waiting room seasons of life challenge what we believe about God and how much fear and control are operating in our lives. Those long, frustrating days may prompt questions such as “Does God still love me?”, “Did I do something wrong?”, “Why is God answering their prayers, but not mine?” or “How long do I have to live like this, God?”
 
For more than a decade, our family felt the effects of a growing addiction issue. At first, I prayed, but my prayers were all about asking God to deal with the addiction because I wanted my happy, mostly pain-free and problem-free life back.
 
As the years went on, the effects of addiction began suffocating our daily lives. I stopped caring about getting my happy life back, I needed God’s power, presence and His peace to just help me get through the day, sometimes, even just the hour in front of me. Those last few years allowed me to discover there was nothing I needed more than God, even as I watched the once-lovely life I had fall apart and disappear. Yet, in God I found all that I needed.
 
Q: You write, “This journey looks more like a winding path instead of a formulaic three-step plan. Here’s the unique twist: your path to patience is paved right over the road of your unanswered prayers.” Can you talk about why there isn’t a formula?
 
There’s no formula for learning how to be patient, mainly because the human heart doesn’t respond to formulas. While there are formulas or strategies to bake cakes, build cars and even space travel, there is no formula that governs how a heart starts to love, begins to hate, moves toward God, or learns patience.
 
God knows our hearts need to experience certain situations, challenges and even heartache for us to learn how to trust his timeline for our lives. This means God is patient with us because part of our journey is learning we can’t fix people or force solutions in order to get what we want.
 
Unlike a plan, a winding path of learning to live on God’s timeline is more than just finding the fastest route from point A to point B. The winding path toward patience is a journey full of life-changing experiences, connections and relationships that we encounter along the way that God uses to help our hearts look more like His.
 
Q: Sometimes God’s plans for us are so much better than anything we could have ever expected. What are some important things to remember moving forward after a blessing in disguise or a prayer answered in an unexpected way?
 
It’s really easy to forget God when life is good! This is why gratitude is so important because the more we give thanks to God, the more we continue to share his glory through our story. Often, after we finally get that thing that we’ve been praying for forever, we forget all of the lessons God taught us while we were waiting. Gratitude keeps us connected to those lessons and allows God’s better blessings to keep flowing through our lives.
 
Q: What final piece of encouragement would you give to those who may be in an intense period of waiting right now?
 
This is the encouragement that I share whenever I speak before an audience: Today, you are doing the best that you can! Keep holding on! God has more for you because God has put more in you!
 
Visit Barb Roose’s online home at barbroose.com. Readers can also keep up with her on Facebook ( BarbaraRoose ), Twitter ( barbroose ), and Instagram ( barbroose ).








Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about connecting women to one another and to God helping them apply the truths of God’s Word to the practical realities and challenges they face as women in today’s culture.
 
Roose enjoys teaching and encouraging women at conferences and events across the country, as well as internationally, including national platforms such as the Aspire Women’s Events, She Speaks Conference, and the UMC Leadership Institute.
 
She is the author of the I’m Waiting, God: Finding Blessing in God’s Delays, Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle and Beautiful Already: Reclaiming God’s Perspective on Beauty Bible studies and the books Winning the Worry Battle: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua and Enough Already: Winning Your Ugly Struggle with Beauty. Her writing has been featured in many magazines, and she also writes a regular blog at BarbRoose.com. She is the host of the bi-monthly “Better Together” podcast.
 
Roose lives in Toledo, Ohio, and is the proud mom of three adult daughters. Her perfect day includes sleeping in, taking a long walk outside, shopping for shoes and eating two big bowls of chocolate peanut ice cream.
 
Visit Barb Roose’s online home at barbroose.com . Readers can also keep up with her on Facebook ( BarbaraRoose ), Twitter ( barbroose ), and Instagram ( barbroose ).

JULIE’S NOTE: If you’re experiencing trouble with the formatting, this content was provided and came pre-formatted. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Natalie Chambers Snapp: The Bathsheba Battle

Interview with Natalie Chambers Snapp,
Author of The Bathsheba Battle

Has your life ever taken an unexpected turn, leaving you feeling hurt and stuck?  In  The Bathsheba Battle (Abingdon Press) , Natalie Chambers Snapp helps women find healing and hope when things haven’t gone as they had planned. Bathsheba, typically misrepresented as an adulteress, is one of the most misunderstood women in the Bible. Despite an unexpected turn in her life, which resulted in tragic circumstances beyond her control, there are glimmers of hope in her story. By studying her life, readers will find healing from their own painful pasts and hope for living the free and full lives God intends.
 
Q: You describe Bathsheba as one of the most misunderstood women in the Bible. How is she typically misrepresented?
 
Bathsheba is often portrayed as the adulteress—as though she was a vixen with the intent to tempt David and hopefully, take her on as his wife. However, the fact remains that she was a victim of David’s own desires and paid a very dear price for his sin. Sadly, victims can sometimes be blamed and in the case of Bathsheba, that’s exactly what happened.
 
Q: What were some of the tragic circumstances that Bathsheba found herself in that were out of her control? How can we relate to her story today?
 
First of all, some commentaries claim Bathsheba was trying to entice David by bathing in the courtyard of her home. However, during the time in which Bathsheba lived, indoor plumbing didn’t exist! Therefore, most families had a basin in the courtyard for bathing purposes. When David saw her bathing, she was obeying the cleansing ritual required of women after monthly menstruation. She was not trying to entice David—she was simply following the rules of her culture! How would she even know David was going to be walking on his rooftop at the precise moment she was bathing?
 
When David saw Bathsheba, he was immediately impressed with her beauty and summoned her to his palace. During those days, when the king summoned you to the palace, you did not have a choice, you went. So off Bathsheba goes to meet David and once there, they have sex. We have no way of definitively knowing if David assaulted her, but she did go to his palace against her will. For that reason, we can speculate that was a likely possibility. Bathsheba became pregnant which is when things start to go off the rails!
 
David tries to hide his sin by summoning Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, one of his most valuable warriors, home from the war (which is where David was supposed to be as well). Once Uriah reaches the palace, David proceeds to feed him a large meal and encourages him to drink a lot of wine so he will go home and have sex with Bathsheba. Problem solved! He can then pass his child off as Uriah’s, and no one needs to know about his sin. However, David failed to consider the fact that Uriah was a man of honor and refused to visit his wife when his men were still waging a war. Instead, he slept on the front porch of the palace with the servants. David tried a second night to get Uriah to visit his wife, but Uriah refused.
 
At this point in the story, we can see how sin will take you further than you ever wanted to go. Instead of confessing and coming clean to everyone, David orders Uriah to the frontlines of the battle, and of course, he is killed. Now, Bathsheba was possibly raped by the king, pregnant, and her husband is dead. All these things were out of her control.
 
After Uriah’s death, David takes Bathsheba as his wife. However, the restitution of David’s sin is the life of the child Bathsheba was carrying. Soon after the birth of David and Bathsheba’s son, the infant died. We see Bathsheba as a grieving mother, another event out of her control.
 
I think so many people can relate to Bathsheba’s story because 1) suffering happens to all of us and 2) sometimes, our suffering is the result of someone else’s actions and choices. In no way should we remain victims, but I think Bathsheba’s story is God’s way of telling us that He sees us, understands our pain, and is the Ultimate Justifier.
 
Q:  Can you share about a hardship or disappointment in your own life that provided the inspiration to write The Bathsheba Battle?
 
Absolutely! When I was in my late twenties, I was married to a man with a drug problem, but I did not know it. As many who have loved addicts understand, there are often behaviors corresponding with addiction that are not healthy for a young marriage and therefore, we divorced. Two months after I filed for divorce, my father, who was in and out of my life due to his own addiction issues, passed away unexpectedly.
 
Life had definitely taken a very unexpected turn and was not at all going the way I had planned. It was a dark season, and yet also the very season in which I became a follower of Jesus. My deconstruction led to my reconstruction. I have been remarried for fifteen years and have three beautiful children; however, periods of suffering have also been peppered throughout those years as well. Suffering is often cyclical and that has been true of my life!
 
Q: Explain how transformation happens during renovation. Where does renovation take place?
 
It sounds so trite, and I’m not going to lie, there were times during my own periods of suffering when I just wanted to scream when people said this to me. But the fact remains, when we are deconstructed by trauma and circumstances in or beyond our control, if we humble ourselves to the process, we will indeed emerge with greater wisdom and grace. Suffering is the great equalizer—it does not discriminate between gender, race, beliefs, or socio-economic status. No one is immune. However, if we humble ourselves to the process, we will emerge with new eyes of strength and dignity.
 
Q: Do we always have the ability to choose how we respond to our situation? Why is this such a significant choice, especially when we must endure a consequence of someone else’s sin?
 
Yes, I believe we do. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we will respond. Living life as a victim will ultimately make you feel powerless, depressed, and distrustful of people. It will lead to a life of bitterness, resentment, and anger. On the other hand, when we respond to our trauma with a humble heart and a willingness to be molded by our suffering, we feel empowered, strong, and able to help others when their time of suffering emerges. When we choose to live as victims, we give others power over our lives. When we choose to live as survivors, we understand that we possess the power ourselves.
 
Q: How does your study on Bathsheba shift from part one of the book to part two?
 
In Part One, we discuss the byproducts of our suffering: fear, shame, anger, and comparison. In Part Two, we look at how to overcome these negative emotions and live empowered and with hope.
 
Q: What does Bathsheba’s story teach us about forgiveness?
 
We don’t really know about Bathsheba’s forgiveness process because it’s not discussed in the Bible. However, we do see her stand before David in 1 Kings 1 with an empowered and confident voice that exhibits love and respect towards her husband. Perhaps somewhere during the course of their marriage, Bathsheba made peace with her circumstances—she chose her response and not to live as a victim.
 
Not living as a victim involves forgiveness and yet, this does not mean she might not have felt like a victim for a while. It doesn’t mean that she didn’t feel shameful. And it doesn’t mean that she didn’t grieve the loss of the life she thought she might have. It does, however, indicate that she chose to keep moving forward without allowing her grief and shame to negatively impact who she ultimately became. A woman who is victorious over suffering is the most beautiful and inspiring to us all. 







Natalie Chambers Snapp is an author, blogger, and speaker known for her refreshing authenticity and practical approach to life and God’s Word. Not choosing to follow Jesus until the age of twenty-seven, she is passionate about sharing the grace, mercy, and truth of God’s love with others “regardless of your track record.” Her transparency and humor endear her to women of all ages.
 
Snapp is the author of the book Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have, Becoming Heart Sisters: A Bible Study on Authentic Friendships and The Bathsheba Battle: Finding Hope When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn. She has written for various blogs and online devotionals, including Proverbs 31.
 
Snapp lives in the West Lafayette, Indiana with her husband and their three children.
 
Learn more at nataliesnapp.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@AuthorNatalieSnapp) , Twitter (@nataliesnapp) and Instagram (@nataliesnapp) . 

JULIE’S NOTE: If you’re experiencing formatting issues, the content was pre-formatted and provided. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Book Review: Jesus In Me by Anne Graham Lotz

The internationally recognized Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham combines unique biblical insights and her own personal stories to show how the Holy Spirit guides us in our decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times, enriching our daily lives.

In Jesus in Me, Anne Graham Lotz draws on her rich biblical knowledge as well as her personal journey—including her recent cancer diagnosis—to help us understand that the Holy Spirit is not a magic genie, a flame of fire, or a vague feeling. He is a Person who prays for us, guides us in our relationships and decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times. In this seminal teaching, she explores seven key aspects of the Holy Spirit that will revolutionize how you understand and relate to this vital third Person in the Trinity.

As Anne writes, “One of my deepest, richest joys has been discovering by experience who the Holy Spirit is in every step of my life’s journey. Each name that He has been given—Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby—reveals another aspect of His beautiful character and has provoked in me a deep love for the One who is my constant Companion . . . Jesus in me.”

Discover how to better love and rely on the person of the Holy Spirit—and embrace how much He loves you through His presence, power, and provision in our daily lives.

I was pleasantly surprised by Jesus in Me. I’d heard that Anne was the best preacher in the Graham family, and perhaps that put me off in the past. I assumed she had a perfect life and therefore, I’d never relate to her work. Jesus in Me shows just how wrong I was,

Right off Anne shares her guilt and grief concerning the loss of her husband, Danny. She’s real and personal, and that makes her an authentic voice to trust as she delves into the Holy Spirit. Through her own life, Biblical example, and life in general, Anne explains the Holy Spirit in simple terms, yet, every level of faith will be inspired and challenged.

I also liked that she wrote short chapters. It forced me to read a little at a time and then chew on what I was learning before continuing. For someone without a lot of time, this is perfect. They can read at leisure and learn so much in short spurts. I also appreciated the extra information she included at the end.

If you have questions about the Christian faith and the Holy Spirit’s role, I highly recommend Jesus in Me.

I was provided a copy of Jesus in Me from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated in any way.

Beth Steury: Before I Knew You

Hi Julie, I’m so excited to be here today, to share the first book in my YA series with your audience. Now readers, before you get hung up on the YA label and conclude this is not the book or series for you, be advised that adult women read YA as much (some surveys say MORE) than those in the YA age range.  

Beth Steury

So,
let me introduce you to Maggie who stars in “before I knew you.” Julie, you
will be thrilled to learn that Maggie loves chocolate at least as much as you
do! Chocolate plays a crucial role in her teenage life. Let’s hear from Maggie
herself—

“During my sophomore year of high
school, my parents got the bright idea to drag me and my brother five hundred
miles from our friends, our school, our church—from everything I’d known my
whole life. Who does that?? All so they could open a health clinic—their dream
in life, not mine—in Pine Crossing, Indiana. Now, I go to Madison High School which
is huge compared to my tiny high school back in Minnesota where I knew
everyone. After six months, I’m still not thrilled about the situation, but I’m
trying to make the best of it. The one bright spot has been Chelsea, my new
best friend, whose mom also works at the clinic. I can’t imagine adjusting to
this move without her.

But
I want a boyfriend! I was so sure that this year it would be my turn to be in
an amazing relationship with an awesome guy. An awesome Christian guy who would respect my white-wedding-dress future. But
. . . I guess not.

Thanks
to Logan Wallace and the worst first date ever, the pursuit of the perfect guy
is completely on hold. If all the guys at Madison are like him, junior year
will definitely not be the year of the boyfriend.

Unless
. . .  by some absolute miracle, Preston
is interested in me. Chelsea insists he doesn’t have a girlfriend, she says I
should “got for it”. But it’s ridiculous to even entertain the thought of us as
a couple. He’s popular, charming, and hot. He could have any girl he wanted, so
why would he ever be interested in me? He’s actually a lot more than incredibly
handsome, he’s sweet, funny, and a gentleman to the nth degree. Nothing like that
creep Logan. But he’s so out of my league . . .”

A
realistic, candid, and relevant cast of high school-aged characters accompany
Preston and Maggie as they navigate choices and consequences in the choppy
waters of friendship, dating relationships, saving sex for marriage, and
“renewed waiting.” 

The inspiration for this series came from a radio interview I heard many years ago. Following a presentation, a well-known youth speaker met outside in the parking lot with a young man from the audience. The young guy leaned on his truck, kicking the tire with his shoe. He looked up at the speaker. “What happens when true love didn’t wait?” he asked. The speaker went on to say how that young man’s question and the conversation that followed forever changed how he approached the subject of teenagers and sex.

beth steury

For days, that scenario played through my mind accompanied by the
faces of the many teenagers I knew who also had stumbled into premarital sex.
From there, the story of Preston and Maggie began to percolate in my mind.

Book
two in the “Choices Matters” series released last month. Stop by Julie’s blog
on October 8 to get the scoop on “because I know you.” But you’ll want to get
in on the beginning of Preston and Maggie’s story in “before I knew you” first!

Thanks, Julie. See you again on October 8th!

Beth immerses herself in the world of YA via substitute teaching at the local high school, by connecting with the teenage staff and patrons at the fast food joint where she claims the back booth as her office, and by reading YA fiction.

She’s a “cheerleader” for saving sex for marriage and an even bigger supporter of “renewed waiting” because it’s never too late to make wiser, healthier choices. She welcomes questions and topic suggestions for the “Waiting Matters … Because YOU Matter” blog that inspired the Waiting Matters YA non-fiction series. Check out her Choices Matter fiction series that follows Preston, Maggie, and a cast of high schooler as they navigate the choppy waters of high school, friendships, guy/girl relationships, and sex. Both series are available on Amazon in paperback and e-book.

Beth is also active in the adoption community where she writes and speaks about her experiences as a “foundling” who located her birth parents and is enjoying making up for lost time with her biological family.

Connect with her at BethSteury.com, the home of all her writing endeavors. She loves to hear from readers! Write to her at waitingmatters@gmail.com .

Find her on social media—

Facebook:     Beth Steury, Author

Pinterest:      Beth Steury, Author

Twitter:         @Beth_Steury

Goodreads:   Beth Steury, Author

Book Review: You’re the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly

You believe (or want to believe) God has called you and given you purpose, but where do you start? How do you get from feeling stuck to making a move? If this sounds familiar, bestselling author Jess Connolly has a message for you: You Are the Girl for the Job.

But this is not simply a peppy catchphrase. This is the straight-up truth God has proclaimed over your life from the beginning, and it’s not dependent on what you can do or achieve but based on His power, capacity, and character. 

It has taken one million, maybe one zillion (who knows?!), slight moves of His hand to place you in this exact moment. So forget about fear and second-guessing your gifts, because God has meticulously prepared you to be an ambassador for the Kingdom right where you are, here and now. Life is too short to get stuck in a holding pattern of shame, self-doubt, and comparison. So let this book be your very good news: you don’t have to wait for permission when you’ve already been commissioned. 

With passion and heart-pumping hope, Jess shows that being the girl for the job doesn’t depend on your capacity. Rather, it has everything to do with God’s capacity and our willingness. It has everything to do with believing we are who God says we are, and quieting any inferior word spoken against us. Are you ready? 

Let this book be your jumpstart into confident, purposed living, as Jess walks you through the six steps she has used to coach and encourage women for years: set your focus, take stock of the story that has shaped you, face your fear, catch the vision, make a plan, and finally, make your move–all in the bold belief that God has called you to every step of the journey.

You are the Girl for the Job is a rare book that inspires all ages, no matter what their challenge or adversity to step into the place God has called them. Jess Connolly is transparent, inspirational, Biblical and truly the “girl for the job” as she rallies readers to trust God and go for it. I can’t remember the last time I was completely taken in so early. Her SoulCycle story still resonates with me. I plan to go back through it again because I want to savor it, take it all in, and highlight. I expect to highlight a lot.

If you doubt your place in the world, as God’s daughter, or are looking for a real voice that can rally a transformation, You are the Girl for the Job is the book, and Jess Connolly is an author you’ll be hearing a lot more of. I highly, highly recommend this book.

I received You Are the Girl for the Job from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated.