Julie Arduini's Blog, page 62
November 24, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 25 (+Giveaway)
Like I wrote earlier this month, I’m sharing these posts as they come to mind, and I’m very aware I wrote about my hair before my family. Yikes! But let me tell you, I look around when I’m out and about and I never wish I had a kid that was more like anything I saw. I am so stinking grateful for our children.
We have four in total, and it’s always weird for me to explain because we have two lives—New York and Ohio. Those in NY know that I married a family, not just a husband. I am a step-mom, but that’s such an ugly word. There’s also a decade difference between my husband and me, and thirteen years between his oldest and me. So I trip on how to explain them and me, because “step” gives the impression I see a difference between the children I birthed and the children that came into my life when I started dating their father. But they are all amazing.
I thought today I would start with the oldest of the four.
Nope, I didn’t birth her, but she gets me. Even as a tween she had my number as a chocolate addict and we bonded during a camping trip. Over the years I’ve watched her blossom into an amazing wife and mom. She’s always had the hardest work ethic I’ve known, and I saw that when she was a teen. Today I can tell in her work she is trusted and beloved, and none of it surprises me.
She also has a huge heart that reminds me of her grandmother. The Arduini family would give you the clothes off their back. I am more reticent and skeptical, so witnessing this when I got to know the family really blew me away. Over the years I’ve watched the oldest sacrifice her needs to help others. Without thinking. More than once. It is natural to her, and for that, I’ve learned so much.
She’s also funny and just a joy to be around. When I first started praying for others, I was single, and I prayed for kids I didn’t even know I could have, and for their spouses. Once I married, I kept praying for the kids and their future. How God delivered. Both of the oldest children have spouses that are just perfect complements for them. Her husband is beloved, and he reminds me so much of my dad. My dad had the pleasure of knowing these children well before he passed, and he’d be so proud of them.
My only regret is I wish she lived closer. I imagine a lot of chats around the table, filled with laughter.
Growing up, I never pictured myself as a mom. I certainly never imagined I’d have a blended family. I’m so glad God chose me to be a part of their lives. I am blessed!
All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 23, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 24 (+Giveaway)
Can you believe there’s less than a week before December? How crazy it that?
December is a lot of things. Christmas. School events. Work parties. Hopefully remembering it’s the season of celebrating Christ’s birth.
It’s also the last month of the year. There’s countdowns, best of lists, etc…
I know for me, I tend to reflect on the year in December. One of the things I think about is books. Not just writing them, but reading. I review quite a bit, so any reading I do for myself tends to be non fiction for personal growth. I miss fiction for fun, but I’m thankful for reading. It is one of the first memories I have, and it’s been a lifelong pursuit. As a kid I told people I wanted to be a librarian. Books are such a part of my life!
How about you? Are you thankful for reading?
If you’re on Goodreads, I am too! Feel free to follow me there, as well as on Amazon. That way anytime I release anything, you will be the first to know.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 22, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 23 (+Giveaway)
How are you doing after Thanksgiving? I’m thankful for the day after Thanksgiving. I’m thankful that we are a family that refuses to let gifts be the priority in the season, and very thankful debt is not part of our shopping scenario. I’m thankful that although Black Friday is fun for many, we’re a family of introverts and that scene isn’t for us. I’m thankful for Amazon Prime because that’s how we do most of our shopping. I’m thankful for leftovers, because I love making turkey and rice soup. I love traditions because we tend to get our tree on this day or close to it. I know the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is different for everyone. What does your day look like? Are you thankful for it?
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 21, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving (+Giveaway!)
Thanksgiving! All month long I’ve been sharing thankful thoughts. Even the most negative people take today and usually find at least one thing they are thankful for. I hope no matter how the turkey turns out, what kind of pie you have, or who wins the game, you reflect on what you have.
I’m especially thankful for my family and that we are able to celebrate in our home together. I’m thankful that my husband loves his job and it provides for us. I’m thankful we’re all healthy. I’m thankful for our 20 year old son and our 15 year old daughter. I truly love being around them. They are caring, fun, talented, beautiful, gifted people. The world is better because of them. I’m thankful for our adult children and the amazing time I’ve had as their step-mom. I’m thankful that role allows me to be a grandma to two fun, handsome, healthy boys. I’m thankful for vehicles that work and keep us safe as we travel short and long distances. I’m thankful we are a family of faith, constantly growing in that relationship with Him and each other. I’m thankful for our church family. I’m thankful for friends. I’m thankful for extended family and their health. I’m thankful for opportunities. I’m thankful I’m able to do what I love and make a difference in encouraging others. I’m thankful for volunteer work. I’m thankful for pets. I’m thankful for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. I’m thankful for chocolate. I’m thankful for technology. I’m thankful for this blog. I’m thankful for you. Truly.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 20, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 21 (+Giveaway!)
Earlier this year I talked about checking on the strong women. I read the statement from a friend, one of the strongest people I know, after the celebrity suicides this summer. The thought resonated with me, still does. Enough that I hosted an evening with local strong women to let them know I saw them, I was there for them. I hope to do that again in January.
I don’t apologize anymore for being strong. I have been flat out, down and out, in the valley. I have literally wondered if the pain and heartbreak would kill me. I have endured physical pain, as well as betrayal that shook me to my core. I’ve faced a dying child that I surrendered to God and said if You need to take her, okay. He chose to keep her with us, but that experience transformed my life.
What do I feel insecure about? When I’m struggling. I don’t know why, because strong people aren’t invincible. When I hosted that event, I confessed straight up I was hurting. Angry. Unsure. And although there have been moments where the faith surges and God confidence reigns, there are also times where the fight to stay above water feels impossible. Expressing that is something I feel I’m not supposed to do. But the waters continue to threaten.
Recently I was at a conference and although I’m still trying to process a lot of it, one message I received loud and clear is one I’m thankful for.
I’m enough.
When I spend the day alone, writing, and the nights are just as lonely because people are going separate ways, I’m enough.
When I say the wrong thing, do a stupid thing, and I’m called on it, I’m enough.
When I repent and shame tries to creep in, I’m enough.
When menopause and hormones play games at my expense, I’m enough.
When confidence plummets and rejection reigns, I’m enough.
You know what else I’m thankful for?
You’re enough, too.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 19, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 20 (+#Giveaway!)
I used to get down on myself because I wasn’t a demonstrative, emotional person. I’d watch people on stage singing praises and they were so full of life. Did that mean I loved Jesus less? I believed the lie for a long time that it did. I also struggled when I went to altars and had a very meaningful time with the Lord, but certainly not as dramatic as others. In time I realized some of those dramatics were just that. For those that experience worship with a little more outward passion than I do, the Holy Spirit reminded me someone has to bring them back to earth and literally pick them up. I guess that girl is me.
But I AM a worshiper. It just looks different. I fall apart when I see something beautiful outside. My kids can win full scholarships and I want to cry out of excitement and the tears are dry. I see a deer running on pavement and I’m a puddle. I’m a visual worshiper. I get God’s creation. I was created to come alive with sunsets, sunrises, snow, and rainbows. I’ll take that any day over the other things I see that look like praise and thankfulness. It’s real for them, and this is real for me.
I am also thankful that God gives me His vision to capture a lot of the moments and share them. I’ve been asked what camera do I use or fancy filters, and I use my phone. I see an angle or something interesting and I take the show. I truly think it’s God’s leading. It is absolutely all His craftsmanship.
If you enjoy visual worship, much of what I share on Instagram and even Snapchat are those things. I’d love to connect with you there.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 18, 2018
New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway
Click on the image to enter the giveaway.New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway
Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? (If you don’t, we may need to have a talk!)
Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories.
You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church.
New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based!
From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes. Click on the image above to enter.
Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press’ new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:
• God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun
This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.
• Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail edited by Edward T. Welch
• Jax’s Tail Twitches: When You are Angry edited by David Powlison
• Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You are Anxious edited by David Powlison
These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.
• God Made Me and You by Shai Linne
God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.
• God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.
• The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith by Champ Thornton
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.
In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 17, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 18 (+#Giveaway)
I had a mentor share with me that if you’re in the perfect church, get out because I would be ruining it. Point being, there is no such thing as a perfect church. However, I’m grateful for my church family.
I wasn’t always able to say that. When we moved to Ohio, I worked so hard for my husband and kids to fit in that I forgot to work on it myself. It took a long time before I felt comfortable reaching out or receiving others who were trying to get to know me. I still struggle because I’m such an introvert, but overall, the people I know are warm. They work hard to make my family feel welcome and loved. The ministries I’m involved with challenge me to grow in my relationship with Christ. The leadership is healthy and rooting for God’s kingdom to advance not for their glory, but for His.
There are people I can go to and share raw, transparent thoughts and I know they have my back in prayer. When my in-laws passed away, we were inundated with messages, cards, and flowers. The love was tangible.
I don’t take a church family for granted. There are spats and differences and honestly, people I probably wouldn’t know outside of Jesus, but that’s family. I’ve seen a church be defined as the building, and that was never Christ’s design. I’m very grateful for the people that I’m able to see on a regular basis who share my faith and desire to grow.
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 16, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 17 (+#Giveaway!)
We’re more than halfway done with the month and guess what? I’m still thankful. How about you? Are you looking around noticing people and things that you don’t want to take for granted?
Today I’m grateful to be an indie author, and there’s a few reasons why. This is an industry that has skyrocketed in sales, but also in legitimacy. It wasn’t that long ago someone would say they were an indie author and you cringed because you knew the quality of their product both in writing and cover was most likely sub-par. That’s no longer the case. Indie authors for the most part are hard working, talented writers willing to work extra hard to deliver a great product to readers. I’ve watched a lot of traditionally published authors switch to indie, or balance both. It’s a wonderful time in the indie world.
I’m thankful because I maintain my own deadlines and create my marketing strategy. Sometimes my ideas generate some traction, and sometimes they miss the mark. I love that I am able to try. When our daughter shared a method she wanted to implement to encourage girls, I realized she was outlining a story. I was able to start a new series apart from my contemporary romance genre featuring Hannah as my co author. It’s not traditional, but I knew it was God’s direction for me.
I’m also able to decide on promotions, and one thing I love to do is showcase a book for free. That’s what I’m doing today and Sunday. Engaged is a free eBook featuring former mean-girl Trish Maxwell. She’s back in Speculator Falls with no job, no Plan B, and a lot of explaining to do. Can paramedic Wayne Peterson come to her rescue?
Grab your copy, and if you enjoy it, please leave a review. That’s the best thing you can do for any author, indie or traditionally published. If you want to stay updated on new releases, click follow under my picture on my Amazon page.
Don’t forget the other books in the series:
Entrusted on Amazon
Entrusted apart from Amazon
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
November 15, 2018
Thankful Series: Day 16 (+#giveaway update)
All this month I will be watching on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my new subscribers for my monthly-0r-so newsletter. If you tag me @JulieArduini and tell me you’re #thankful or #juliearduinithankful, I’ll enter your name to win a copy of my fiction books. This includes Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged, You’re Beautiful and the boxed set of A Christmas to Remember (only available as eBook.)
If you live in the United States, you have the choice, if you are the one winner randomly chosen, of print (except A Christmas to Remember,) or eBook. If you are outside of the US, it is automatically eBook.
I’ll add your name once a day for each shout out I receive (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, plus one total entry if you are a new subscriber to my newsletter.) You may or may not receive confirmation from me for those entries, and my random draw is final. If winner doesn’t respond after 30 days, I will choose another. I’m thankful for you.
I’m sure it’s odd to read I’m thankful for a show that ended a few years ago, but I’m so grateful for Netflix carrying The Office.
I started the show real time, but I couldn’t get past the first couple episodes. I heard it was better, so I tried after a few seasons and liked it, but was distracted by my own chaos at the time. I remember the finale and thought it was well-done, despite missing so many episodes in-between.
Then came streaming. The kids are older and this hasn’t just connected us, but it has been a healing balm for circumstances I don’t understand. Hurts I’m not able to process. Relaxation I’m hungry to find. I find something new in each episode. The writing slays me. It is amazing how they pulled off such an ensemble show with deep characters when they appeared so superficial. It’s such a quotable show. It’s emotional. I laugh and laugh, but there are episodes where I’ve ended up with a headache because I cry (Pam’s art exhibit, Michael’s goodbye, the finale.)
I’ve read things from the cast where they learn how the show helped someone, and I get it. The Office has been a go-to for me all year.
And I’m so thankful!
