Julie Arduini's Blog, page 74

Book Review: The Coronation by Livy Jarmusch

Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities. Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene. 

Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig. 

Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard?

The Coronation is Book #1 in The Tales of Tarsurella Trilogy.

The Coronation is a unique take on royal life by looking at a large family of siblings as the oldest, Prince Addison, is about to have his coronation for the Kingdom of Tarsurella. As the family prepares, each sibling has a different personality and way of dealing with royal life. There are traditions to behold, interviews, magazine shoots, and other celebrities.

This was a fun read, especially with the royal buzz concerning Prince Harry and his engagement. I really liked the way the author used Prince Addison’s coronation to present the other siblings and their activities. I especially liked how the author created a guide of each sibling and what they were like, that helped me keep better track of who was who.

 

There were times I thought there was a bit of telling, where showing would have made the scene stronger, but I believe the author has great potential and overall, it does not take away with the enchantment of The Coronation.

If you need a fun escape or like to read about royal living, I believe you will really enjoy The Coronation.

Purchase THE CORONATION HERE

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  author, book review, Book Review: The Coronation by Livy Jarmusch, Julie Arduini, Livy Jarmusch, prince, princesses, royal coronation, royal family, The Coronation




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Praying for Boston: This Time Feels Different  About Forgiveness  Thankful: It's Hard to Pick Just One by Jill Barlow  ILikeAdoption and ILikeGiving  Thankful: Bold FriendsCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Coronation by Livy Jarmusch], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Book Review: Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything–even murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

In a book that’s been compared to John Grisham’s work, Deadly Proof is definitely full of suspense as Kate Sullivan takes on a pharmaceutical company that knew their drug wasn’t safe. The person who knew the truth is dead, and Kate hired Landon James to learn more about the allegations.

Although the plot is one I’ve read before, Deadly Proof belongs in the club of books and authors for those that love legal suspense. There is growing tension, danger, greed, and secrets the more Kate and Landon proceed. There is a romantic thread, but it doesn’t take over the story, but enhances it. What I love most is the Christian faith. It’s not cheesy or groan-worthy, but sincere and inspiring.

If you love top-notch legal suspense, I definitely think you should read Deadly Proof a read. It’s book one in the Atlanta Justice series, so start reading today!

Purchase DEADLY PROOF HERE

I received a copy of Deadly Proof from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Atlanta, Atlanta Justice, Book Review: Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan, corporate greed, Deadly Proof, Julie Arduini, legal suspense, Rachel Dylan




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Character Confession: Waiting for that Light at the End of the Tunnel  10 Lifestyle Changes Our Family Made This Year to Lose Weight: Part 1  COTT: Carlene Havel and Why She Wrote about the 1930's + 3 Book Giveaway Info  Sabbath Sunday: Ever-Present  Book Review: Lavender Rain by Rita GarciaCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Book Review: Your Own Beautiful by Chelsea Crockett

IYOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL: ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FROM CHELSEA CROCKETT

Inspired by Chelsea Crockett’s popular YouTube channel, Your Own Beautiful is a life, faith, and beauty guide, filled with her trademark tips on makeup and style alongside full-color photos, how-tos, and more to help young women with all the big issues they face—from self-confidence and friendship to following your dreams. With her signature grace and wit, Chelsea tackles tough questions through uplifting messages influenced by her faith and life experiences in Your Own Beautiful.

“Funny, helpful, and inspirational! This book reveals the secrets to finding inner beauty and happiness.” CHARISMA STAR, Beauty vlogger

Chelsea Crockett started her own YouTube channel when she was thirteen, happy to share make up tutorials. Her channel found quick favor and soon she was given opportunities most teens would dream of. Now out of high school, Chelsea has written a book to share with girls about the topics important to them.

I am late reviewing this book because I savored every word. I facilitate a ministry for junior high girls and YouTube is HUGE for this age group. I have a daughter this age and it is difficult to find a YouTube personality that will share fun videos with fashion, make-up and more who also shares the faith that is important to our family.

Chelsea shares her story along with advice on make up, fashion, friends, boys, and more. She’s very honest in doing so, and makes it very clear what her priorities are. She’s transparent in telling that not everything has worked how she thought it would. That her life and choices have not been perfect.

This is written right at their level and is completely engaging. As a mom, I loved her story, but I know girls will love her advice and pictures. I kind of wished her pictures from her own “scrapbook” had captions of some kind, there isn’t any explanation, but it doesn’t take away from the wonderful content in this book.

I highly recommend this for tweens, teens, and even for moms to read. Chelsea captures everything about this stage and what’s important to these girls.

Purchase YOUR OWN BEAUTY HERE

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  Advice and Inspiration from Chelsea Crockett, book review, Book Review: Your Own Beautiful by Chelsea Crockett, Chelsea Crockett, Christ follower, fashion, friendships, Julie Arduini, make up, moms, teen girls, tween girls, YouTube




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 When Holly Got STARTed  A2Z Letter D: Rolling in the DEEP  Marriage Monday---I Always Sleep with My Thin Pillow My Husband Calls a Sheet  A2Z Meme: Today and Tomorrow  CCOTT: Jennifer Slattery Shares a "Stupid, Cheek-Burning" Story (and wants to hear yours)Copyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Your Own Beautiful by Chelsea Crockett], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Book Review: The Essence of Joy by Lynn U. Watson

A Must Read! In The Essence of Joy, Lynn Watson intertwines Scripture with

the uses of oils and spices mentioned in the Bible. I was left with a feeling of wonder,

a new way of looking at God’s word. The book is educational, entertaining, and

uplifting. There’s history, fun-facts, even recipes. The author brings devotionals to a

new level, giving biblical insight to the problems modern women encounter today.

The Essence of Joy is perfect for both bible study groups and those who are just

starting out on their spiritual journey.

—Jeri McBryde, Eight-Time Contributing Author to Chicken Soup for the Soul

Book Review: The Essence of Joy by Lynn Watson

About The Book:

The scents of Christmas invite our imaginations into the holiday season. What

emotions flood your heart when the holiday aromas waft your way?

Did you know:

• Many favorite holiday scents like cinnamon, citrus, and cinnamon are found in the

Bible?

• There is a rich heart connection attached to many of the plant essences found in

Scripture?

• Myrrh is such an important essence, we can follow its trail from Genesis to

Revelation with many significant stops along the way?

• Women of the Bible have personal encounters with God bringing aromas of His

love and joy into their lives?

• Palm branches are an important part of Biblical celebrations beginning in Genesis

and ending in the ultimate beach party around the Crystal Sea? (Christmas at the

beach, anyone?)

In The Essence of Joy you’ll meet women of the Bible and contemporary women

like you and me who will encourage you to discover the refreshing essence of a life

lived in the presence of Jesus. Let JOY fill your heart with the aromas of His nativity.

Julie’s Review:

This is a fresh take on celebrating the Christmas season by digging deeper into the smells of the nativity season. There are several aspects to each scent, from a fictional story, to suggestions on what to diffuse, bake, listen to. There are also history facts and craft suggestions, too.

I really enjoyed the Essence of Joy because this was a part of Christmas I never thought about before. Beyond the original three gifts, there is also cedar, cinnamon, fig, and more. My favorite part was the “droplets,” learning the history behind each scent. The fictional aspect was a bit confusing to me, because I did not realize it continued the stories first set up in The Essence of Courage. At the end of this book was a summary of characters, it might have helped to have that in the beginning. I also found some minor editing errors, but it did not detract from the wonderful message of this book.

If you’re looking for something new to discover this Christmas, I highly recommend The Essence of Joy.

About The Author:

Lynn Watson combines many years’ experience in women’s ministry, love of

essential oils, and her passion for God’s word to bring her readers freshly inspired

encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage,

was recognized as a ‘must read’ by regional publishing industry leaders. Married

since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with

handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of

course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn’s kitchen.

Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn’s lap while she writes.

Check out this beautiful Book Trailer! https://youtu.be/ZT5_uGmptZM

Lynn’s Official Website: http://lynnuwatson.com/

Amazon & Social Media Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Joy-Cinnamah-Brosias-InspirationalCollection/dp/069296391X

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com//lynnuwatsonwriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynnuwatson

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lynnuwatson/

I received a .pdf of this book in exchance for an honest review.

Tags:  blog tour, Book Review: The Essence of Joy by Lynn U. Watson, Christmas, cinnamon, diffusing oils, fig, Julie Arduini, Lynn U. Watson, nativity, rose, smells of Christmas, The Essence of Joy




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Book Review: Hidden Falls Episode #1---Ordinary Secrets  Year Round Thanks by Marijo Phelps  Thankful for Life by Eleanor Gustafson  Book Review: Seeing the Voice of God by Laura Harris Smith  Saturday Confession: No Substitute Will DoCopyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: The Essence of Joy by Lynn U. Watson], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Defining Thankful by Sue A. Fairchild

DEFINING THANKFUL

By Sue A. Fairchild

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary describes “thankful” as being “conscious of benefit received.” For me, the definition doesn’t seem to say enough about this word. Being conscious of a benefit we have received is a good thing. It helps us to say “Thank you” and to show appreciation. It helps us not to dismiss important events in our life and assists us in seeing the good when sometimes life is just too hard. But simply being aware of the benefits in our life doesn’t seem to truly define the emotions behind the word.

When I think about all the things I’m thankful for in my life—my husband, my health, the health of my loved ones, God’s never ending blessings and His ever present care in my life—it simply is not enough to say I’m “conscious of the benefits” of each. Each thing I’m thankful for in my life affects me deeply and I want to express my joy for each of those things in the right way.

My husband loved me at my most broken stage and has helped me become the strong entrepreneur I am today with his love and never-ending support. Simply being aware of all he has done for me doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about him. Joy fills my soul when I think of him. My heart sings when I consider his sacrifices, the parents who made him who he is and the God who placed him into my life. In turn, I seek to show him how thankful I am for all he’s done, by doing things for him, verbally thanking him, and loving him in a tangible way.

When I think of my health and the health of my loved ones, I marvel at a mother who has persevered through years of debilitating illness, admire a father who worked two jobs to make ends meet despite heart issues and am proud of how I’ve battled weight loss and depression problems. Being thankful means understanding how hard it has been and yet still finding joy—being grateful—for every minute of the process. (Check out my post here about how thankful I am that my mom recently turned seventy-five!) In addition, I need to remain aware that God has placed each moment in my life as a means to grow, learn and achieve.

It’s good to be aware of our blessings. It’s right and positive to say “Thank you” at the appropriate time. But it’s so much more. It’s a feeling, deep down, that life could have possibly been better, but without the hard things, it’s difficult to recognize the good. We must not only be aware of the benefits of our life, but also seek to extend thankfulness, graciousness and admiration for everything God has placed in our lives.

 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. (Ecclesiastes 3:10-14 NIV)

Sue A. Fairchild is a freelance editor who specializes in substantial edits and Christian writing. Her editing credits have included a suspense/thriller series, a fantasy series and numerous other genres. In addition, Sue is also a writer who has been published in Christian devotion magazines, two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, as well as self-published two novels currently available on Amazon (“What You Think You Know” and “Summer’s Refrain”) and is currently working on a third.

Sue’s attention to detail and passion for good writing assists her clients in making their work shine. She’d love to talk with you about editing your next big project! Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email her (sueafairchild74@gmail.com) for a free consultation and estimate (max. 2 pages).

Tags:  author, blessings, Defining Thankful by Sue A. Fairchild, Eccelesiastes 3:10-14, editor, family, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, marriage, November, thankful, thankful series




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 That Saturday Revisited  COTT: This Dance by Jerusha Agen  Week of Questions---Who Would You Want 20 Minutes to Talk To?  Book Review: Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant  Book Review: Undaunted Student Edition by Christine CaineCopyright © Julie Arduini [Defining Thankful by Sue A. Fairchild], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Count Your Blessings by Elle E. Kay

Elle E. Kay

 

Lately my world is crazy. We moved to a new home in October and a couple of weeks later my son moved in with his family of four, soon to be five (c-section scheduled for December 27th). Many things have fallen through the cracks and although I had this guest post scheduled and on my calendar, I forgot all about it.

 

God didn’t forget. The past week has been filled with not-so-subtle reminders of why I should count my blessings. We sung Count Your Blessings at church this past Sunday. I listened to two Sermon Audio sermons from David Peacock about gratitude and recognizing the blessings that are more difficult to accept. My struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are a blessing. My son’s difficulties and move home were blessings. Even the things that are hard and seem to be more of a curse than a blessing are often blessings.

 

Where would we learn patience if it weren’t for the trying of our faith?

 

James 1:3

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

 

How would the power of Christ rest upon us, if we weren’t weak?

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

 

I’m not suggesting that I immediately recognize my adversities as blessings, but with God’s help and guidance, I usually find my way around to that point of view.

 

So, this past week as we left Thanksgiving behind and started looking forward to Christmas celebrations, God reminded me of the importance of giving thanks and recognizing the blessings He has bestowed on me and my family. One of those blessings is my latest novella release, Holly’s Noel, which will release on December 1, 2017 as part of the Under the Mistletoe anthology (it’s available now for pre-order). I hope you’ll check it out. It’s a romantic comedy with its share of both difficult and joyful blessings.

Elle E. Kay lives on a farmette in the Back Mountain region of Pennsylvania. She is a born-again Bible believing Christian.

Stella was her debut novel. Claudia, the next book in the Endless Mountain Series, releases on December 15, 2017, with Sofie following shortly after. Holly’s Noel will release on December 1, 2017 as part of the Under the Mistletoe anthology.

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name, Ellie Mae Kay.

Her website is updated with the latest information about her upcoming books. http://www.elleekay.com/. She also has a blog, where she writes mostly devotional posts based on traditional hymns http://www.elleekay.com/blog/.

Elle is on most social media platforms.

http://plus.google.com/u/0/109425471799738920268/

http://twitter.com/ElleEKay7

http://www.facebook.com/ElleEKay7

http://www.pinterest.com/elle3555

https://www.instagram.com/elleekay7/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15016833.Elle_E_Kay

 

Holly’s Noel (part of the Under the Mistletoe Anthology of eight novella)

Forced to rent out her childhood home next door to make ends meet, Holly Ewing finds herself battling an aggravating new renter.

Best-selling author, Noel Ryan, rents a home on Lake Bethel, a three month escape from the distractions of home. He soon discovers that Holly is a distraction in her own right.

When difficult situations bring them together, will they stop battling long enough to discover the truth before Christmas separates them?

 

Under the Mistletoe is available for preorder for only .99 at https://www.amazon.com/Under-Mistletoe-Inspirational-stories-Christmas-ebook/dp/B075F7LKCC/.

 

Tags:  anthology, author, Count Your Blessings by Elle E. Kay, December 1, Elle E. Kay, fiction, Holly's Noel, Julie Arduini, novella, pre order, Thanksgiving, Under the Mistletoe




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT: Jerusha Agen and This Redeemer  Book Review: J.E. Lowder's Tears of Min Brock  COTT: Carlene Havel and Why She Wrote about the 1930's + 3 Book Giveaway Info  Book Review: The Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silke Schnee  Cold Turkey by Pam Ford DavisCopyright © Julie Arduini [Count Your Blessings by Elle E. Kay], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Thankful for Twenty-Five Years by Jean Ann Williams

I’m thankful for the twenty-five years we spent with our son, before he died by suicide. It took me a long, long time to really mean this above the pain and sorrow, and now I do! Happy birthday today to Joshua. He would have been thirty-nine.

Bio: Jean Ann Williams is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes regularly for Putting on the New blog and Book Fun Magazine on the topic of child suicide loss. Her book “God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart” started out as a blogged book on her Love Truth site. Jean Ann and her husband of forty-seven years have thirteen grandchildren from their two remaining children. They reside on one acre in Southern Oregon where they raise a garden, fruit orchard, goats, and chickens. Jean Ann’s favorite hobbies are practicing archery, hiking through the woods, and big game hunting with her bow.

CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/6569595

Shortlink: https://goo.gl/wju4dm

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Mercies-after-Suicide-Blessings/dp/0997701617/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1496152701&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Tags:  God's Mercies After Suicide, jean Ann Williams, Julie Arduini, mother and son, suicide, Thankful for Twenty-Five Years by Jean Ann Williams, Thanksgiving




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 So You Want to be a Sheep? Maureen Hager  10 Lifestyle Changes Our Family Made This Year to Lose Weight: Part 1  Cyber Shout Outs  About 180 Encouragements  My eBooks are FREE Friday and Saturday!Copyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful for Twenty-Five Years by Jean Ann Williams], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Promise Keeper by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

A Child’s Life of Christ: PROMISE KEEPER

Storybook #6 in Series THEY MET JESUS

 

In order for the children to have the same books and chapters as their parents reading the adult version, I wrote both versions  with the same chapters. In this book, Jesus is arrested and treated badly. I have toned it way down for the children, but the reader should still decide whether to perhaps skip a chapter or two.

 

In storybook 6, your children meet….

 

*Zaccheus where they learn to make friends with someone no one likes.

*Mary of Bethany where they learn just giving a cup of water to someone is like giving it to Jesus.

*Earth Kingdom People where they learn it is nice to have a special celebration for Jesus, but better to celebrate him every day.

*Foreign Grecians where they learn not to use Jesus’ name as a swear word.

*Jesus Like a Lamb where they learn that a sacrifice is giving up something valuable for someone else.

*Judas where they learn to go to church, not for the prizes, but because they love Jesus.

*The Angel where they learn about taking someone else’s punishment for them.

*Deserters where they learn to never run away from Jesus just because our friends make fun of us.

*Annus & Caiaphas where they learn Jesus understands what it is like to be yelled at and beat up.

*Prince Herod where the learn Jesus let people be mean to him and make him hurt so we could go to heaven some day.

 

Here is a sample of one of the chapters:

 

EARTH KINGDOM PEOPLE

 

More and more the people wanted Jesus to be an earthly king and to rule in Jerusalem from the palace and Temple.

 

Since Jesus could perform miracles, he could just wink and all the Roman soldiers and bad rulers would disappear forever ~ or so they thought.

 

Plus Jesus knew how to make bread and fish get big enough to feed thousands, So, no one would be hungry again. And he could heal people, which means no one would be sick again. It would be a perfect kingdom.

 

They could prove Jesus was God’s choice as king because he was a son many times removed of King David, and he had been born in Bethlehem. The Bible said he should be king.

 

But they wanted Jesus for all the wrong reasons. They wanted Jesus for selfish reasons. They wanted to use Jesus.

 

Jesus decided to go into Jerusalem and let them call him their king, but he would do it in a strange way.

 

In the days of King David and other kings of the Jews long ago, their kings rode on donkeys or mules. They did better in hot climate than horses did. Everyone understood that. But Jesus did it differently. He got a baby donkey to ride on to enter Jerusalem.

Katheryn Haddad was born in the cold north, but now lives in Arizona where she does not have to shovel sunshine. She enjoys hot weather, palm trees and cacti in her yard, and a computer with the letters worn off.

With a bachelor’s degree in English, Bible and social science from Harding University and part of a master’s degree in Bible, including Greek, from the Harding Graduate School of Theology, she also has a master’s degree in management and human relations from Abilene University.

Her newspaper column appeared for several years in newspapers in Texas and North Carolina ~ Little Known Facts About the Bible ~ and she has written for numerous Christian publications.

Currently she teaches English over the internet every morning, using the Bible as a text book. Most of her students are Muslims. She has taught some 6000 thus far, and has former students, now Christians, in hiding in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Palestine. “They are my heroes” she declares.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and is also an energetic public speaker who can touch the heart of audiences.

Website: http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com

Purchase PROMISE KEEPER HERE

Tags:  A Child's Life, Bible, Julie Arduini, Katheryn Maddox Haddad, Promise Keeper




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Book Review: The Dance by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley  COTT: 2015 Laurel Award Winner Dawn Crandall  COTT Rings in the New Year with Death and a Survey  Saturday Confession: I Want to be Like the Sheriff  OAC: FREE Clubhouse Magazine TrialCopyright © Julie Arduini [Promise Keeper by Katheryn Maddox Haddad], All Right Reserved. 2017.

Thankful to be Angry: Julie Arduini

One of the activities I have going on this season is I’m hosting a book discussion with a group of ladies. The book is NO MORE FAKING FINE by Esther Fleece. When I first started reading, I thought just that—it would be a great resource to share with others. I’ve benefited from a healing I can only credit God with where I used to be so worried what others thought that I lost sleep. I was wracked with worry and pretended I was just fine. I have felt for a number of years that the person that God sees is who the world sees. I’m authentic.

 

I still believe I am transparent, and I didn’t intentionally fake my feelings, but this book is kicking my tail HARD. An early chapter talked about the coping mechanisms we use. I had to face the truth. I used many of them, and had been for some time. Stuffing my feelings. Laughing it off. Gossiping about it. Even making a vow to God to protect my heart from ever getting hurt at that depth again.

As I kept reading, I realized the theme of the book, learning to use the power of a lamenting prayer (a raw, unfiltered prayer) was something I had done before, without knowing I was giving Him my lament. Thing is, I knew that was quite a while ago and that there were several areas where I had not given my true, raw, not-very-pretty feelings and thoughts to the Lord.

At first I thought, hey, this will be easy. I’ll journal that. It’s not a bad idea, but as I read further, I knew for me, God needed the power of my voice. Not that I have any authority, but by speaking my pain out loud, not only am I truly handing it over for Jesus to deal with, it strips the true defeated one of any power he thinks he has, and any access I gave him by isolating myself and pretending all is well when it hasn’t been.

 

This week I have been intentional with my laments. It is a raw vent to God about how I really feel. It is not full of Christian-ese or thous or thee or anything you think you might hear from me. To your ears, perhaps my laments sound like tantrums. There are things, especially in the last 14 years, I don’t get.

At all.

And when I spewed it all out, I realized I was angry.

Angry because there has been so much carnage in the fields of grief, and change.
Angry because the vision God gave me not only didn’t come to pass in some ways, it is a fraction of what it was to begin with.
Angry because being obedient has left me lonely, used, betrayed, and I realized in my lament, I’ve isolated myself further and have become skeptical in light of these things.
Angry because the people I’ve prayed for, so very, very few are walking in the ways He showed me the potential they had.
Angry for the losses we have had in loved ones, relationships, and finances when we did everything right.
Angry that I’m tired and often depleted, still fighting for things I thought would be victorious by now, and not fighting for things I probably should be.

Angry.

But I’m thankful.

Why?

Because in finally speaking these things out to the Lord, I KNOW the healing from inside out can begin. I will not be walking in ignorance or disobedience. Will it be hard? Yes. I’ve been down this road before. Will it be worth it?

Eternally.

I don’t regret being obedient or the paths He has put us on. But I did have to surrender my anger because so much is different than I thought, and there have been a lot of tears over the years. But so many good things, too. Crazy favor that again, only God could get credit for. The honor to pray for situations and people. Opportunities through writing and speaking to show His goodness. Yes, His goodness, even when I was pushing down private and escalating pain and anger.

I’m not done with the book, and I know the healing process isn’t mastered. But I am thankful I can place my laments in the hands of the Master, the One who created me and knows me best.

If you can relate to anything I’m sharing, I highly recommend No More Faking Fine. If you want to work through it with me as a private, confidential book study online, I am in the middle of one now, but you can contact me and we can start one in 2018.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

 

Tags:  anger, change, coping mechanisms, Esther Fleece, grief, Julie Arduini, lament, No More Faking Fine, Thankful to be Angry by Julie Arduini, Thanksgiving




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Guilt to Love by Sara L. Foust  Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the Waves  Sabbath Sunday: No Matter the Waves  Book Review: Pulling Back the Shades: Erotica, Intimacy, and the Longings of a Woman's Heart by Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery  This Mom's StoryCopyright © Julie Arduini [Thankful to be Angry: Julie Arduini], All Right Reserved. 2017.

With Each New Dawn by Gail Kittleson

With Each New Dawn by Gail Kittleson

 

Green stands for hope…the color of sprouts in spring. Gray has a more subtle nuance—in an Iowa November, cloudy gray can be depressing.

 

But what divides green and gray…only a few drops of color.

 

Sometimes life turns “iffy” like this, with a fine line between plus and minus. We naturally label things…good and evil, true and false, desirable and undesirable, so ambivalence challenges us.

 

This word, one of my favorites, refers to holding two opposing emotions at the same time. Thus, we speak of happy tears, bittersweet memories, and good grief. How can a person act naturally, or be clearly confused?

 

We’d rather handle feelings one at a time, right? But reality rarely complies with our “druthers,” and conflicting situations cause us great angst. If we had no decisions to make, life would be so much easier.

 

If you can relate, you’ll understand Kate’s incompatible emotions in my latest release, WITH EACH NEW DAWN, when she’s chosen to identify a traitor to the French Resistance—someone she’d worked closely with and trusted. Realizing how he’s betrayed the cause, she has no choice in this matter, but the facts fail to alleviate her tensions.

 

Knowing that her action will result in the traitor’s death leaves her conflicted…just one example of the conundrums produced by war.

Ambivalence has accompanied Kate’s entire life, actually. You can view the beginning of her story here:     https://youtu.be/LHDwp61r5Q4

Believe me, the tension continues in the final book, A Purpose True! But with the incredible stress of Kate’s clandestine work come new friendships, fresh glimpses of beauty in a war-torn world, and even the kind of love that lasts.

Bio:  When Gail’s not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in one edit or another, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. She also facilitates writing workshops and classes, both in Iowa and Arizona, where winters find her enjoying the incredibly gorgeous Ponderosa forest under the Mogollon Rim. Favorites:  walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/gailkittleson/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/106969195211961187796

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3459831.Gail_Kittleson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-kittleson-b0693543

Purchase With Each New Dawn HERE

Purchase A Purpose True HERE

Tags:  A Purpose True, author, Gail Kittleson, historical romance, Julie Arduini, romance, With Each New Dawn, With Each New Dawn by Gail Kittleson, World War II




Del.icio.us





Digg



StumbleUpon




Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 Surprised by Tears by Teri Wangard  Fiction Friday: Father Said  COTT: Betrayal by Anne Patrick  Mother of Pearl: Bonnie St. John's Stepping Out on Faith  Surrender to Prayer by Bruce JudischCopyright © Julie Arduini [With Each New Dawn by Gail Kittleson], All Right Reserved. 2017.