Julie Arduini's Blog, page 78
October 3, 2017
Life in the Silence by Kristine Zimmer Orkin
Life in the Silence
Infant Loss Awareness Month
By Kristine Zimmer Orkin
Jacob entered the world silently.
There was no collaborative gasp of joy with the final push that announced his arrival. No newborn wail of indignation as his warm little body emerged and felt coldness for the first time. No congratulatory cheer at the declaration “It’s a boy.” Only hushed whispers among medical professionals. Just a mother’s muffled sobs and a father’s stoic silence. A chilly hospital delivery room, warmed by the respect of random people brought together, celebrating this tiny gift of life now faded.
We weren’t prepared for the silence, Jacob’s dad and I. We never heard his cry, his laugh, his voice. Not his infant babbling and toddler mispronunciations, nor his squeaky transition from boyhood into manhood. We never came to know his giggles, his outbursts of anger, squeals of excitement, or cries of frustration.
We came to know the quiet. But we weren’t prepared for the larger silence. The irreparable hole in our family. An obvious incompleteness, especially during holidays and family pictures. On Mother’s Day. In the headcount of grandchildren, making sure to include him. The uncertainty of how to answer “How many children do you have?”
We felt his strong presence, yet couldn’t see or touch him. Sometimes, in an ordinary moment, we’d hear the tune we’d sung to him while he grew in my belly. A message from Jacob? “I’m here. Don’t forget me.”
Our marriage struggled to survive as others divorced after the loss of their child. We grieved the buried sadness in our older son, afraid to show his hurt or ask his questions because it might make Mommy cry. We feared pregnancy, of investing emotionally again. Of another hushed delivery room.
We were not prepared for the blessings that arose out of the silence. For the families after us that we’ve been blessed to comfort through their stillbirths and infant deaths. For the occasions to educate doctors, nurses, and chaplains on child loss. For changes in hospital protocol we’ve enacted to help parents through the silence. And for opportunities to share our story, to support you in your story.
Though he never took a breath outside my womb, Jacob breathed life into our family from the moment of his conception, and he continues to bless us now, thirty years after his quiet entry into the world. He lives loud and strong through us. His life has a purpose. HAS. Present tense.
BIO
Kristine Zimmer Orkin
Kristine believes that blessings can be found everywhere, even in the most tragic of life circumstances. She and Philip Orkin have three sons: Joseph, Jacob, and Jonathan. In June 2007, Jacob welcomed his daddy Home at Heaven’s gate. The two have had ten years of quality time together.
ABOUT
Kristine Zimmer Orkin believes that blessings can be found everywhere, even in the most tragic of life circumstances. She and Philip Orkin have three sons: Joseph, Jacob, and Jonathan. In June 2007, Jacob welcomed his daddy Home at Heaven’s gate. The two have had ten years of quality time together.
Tags: grief, Infant Loss, Infant Loss Awareness Month, Julie Arduini, Kristine Zimmer Orkin, Life in the Silence by Kristine Zimmer Orkin, marriageDel.icio.us
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Write Integrity Press Christmas: Christmas Concert Memories CD Review: Live On Forever by The Afters Saturday Confession: So Freaking Hard Book Trailer of the Week: Henry and the Bouncing Ball by Surviving Henry COTT: Great Stocking Stuffer Idea--Jennifer A. Davids Restored HeartCopyright © Julie Arduini [Life in the Silence by Kristine Zimmer Orkin], All Right Reserved. 2017.
September 27, 2017
Character Interview: Embracing Hope by Janell Butler Wojtowicz
Character Interview – Drew McKinley
I’m visiting with Drew McKinley about how God transforms people to serve and glorify Him. Drew has a heart-wrenching yet inspirational story that people who are hurting need to hear. Drew, please share how God transformed you into the man He could use for His purposes?
Drew: I’m going to start with a verse that sums up what I and two others have experienced. Roman 12:2, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.’” I know some have heard that verse so often that it has become passé, but believe me, eventually they’ll find personal application and comfort in it.
How has your life exemplified this verse?
Drew: At one time I focused on what the world wanted me to be, not on what God wanted me to be. He had to knock me upside the head to renew my mind. And how He did that was painful—excruciating actually.
Yes, I understand you lost your wife.
Drew (sad smile): Tragically, suddenly, seemingly without reason. The anger I felt toward God … I’m surprised He didn’t strike be down with lightning based on my thoughts, words, and behavior. I had never faced tragedy in my 30 years. Life was almost perfect. (Chuckle) Except for a slightly over-bearing father. I attended a prestigious college; married a beautiful, talented, Christian woman; and had a lucrative career at a renown Christian university. But in one moment all that meant nothing.
How did God transform your mind? It sounds like before her death there was some, well, based on what I’ve heard about you, I’ll be blunt: conceit.
Drew: Your bluntness is accurate. And after her death came hopelessness, and even hatred.
Wow, I understand hopelessness, but hatred?
Drew (pulling his hand through his hair): Raw hatred. I hated God. I hated people who had hurt me and those I loved. I hated myself.
How did you overcome that hatred and hopelessness?
Drew: Through three people. First and most importantly, God. Despite my feelings, thoughts and actions, He never abandoned me, and He had every reason to wash His hands of me. But in His grace and mercy, He opened my eyes to others who were hurting; who needed guidance; who needed forgiveness. Second, God placed a wonderful woman in my life who had been through her own loss and hopelessness. She was strong, compassionate and insightful, and she showed me how to go after hope, not just sit around waiting for life to get better. Then God plopped an arrogant young man in my path who tried my patience, disappointed me, and even broke my heart. God was adamant that I forgive him. That was the hardest thing I ever had to do, even harder than grieving my wife. But in the end, God used them to renew my mind—my heart. I acknowledge that everything the three of us went through—everything—is what transformed us for God’s purposes and His glory.
What you’ve learned is something all of us can apply to the times when we lose hope or fall into the trap of what the world wants us to be. What do you say to encourage them?
Drew: Even though it may seem impossible at the time and against everything you feel, God will take you safely through the storms. Yes, it’ll hurt and you’ll have questions and doubts, but the healing will come from the Lord if you seek Him. The answers can be found in the Bible and through the power of the Holy Spirit. And don’t be afraid to seek out help, whether it’s a pastor, close friend, mentor, or a counselor, which is what I did. I’ll close with one of my favorite verses, also found in Romans, 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
About Embracing Hope
Christian college dean Drew McKinley mourns his dead wife and still wears his wedding ring. He stumbles on a desperate journey to understand God’s motives for her tragic death. Crossing his perilous path is Allison, a graduate student and new employee in the dean’s office. Even as she deals with financial hardships, she recognizes Drew’s unresolved grief from her own loss. Putting up a roadblock is Chris Whitney, the handsome but egotistical student senate president. He carries the secret burden of a dysfunctional family and a below-the-surface temper. The road Drew must navigate is fraught with career upheaval, a reawakening heart, substance and domestic abuse, a violent assault, and the struggle for forgiveness and restoration. Will Drew finish his journey to embrace the hope God offers, the love Allison shares, and the guidance Chris needs, or will he turn his back on all three with catastrophic consequences?
Author Bio
Janell Butler Wojtowicz, born and raised on an Iowa farm, was one of those kids who loved to write the dreaded “What I did on summer vacation” essay. It’s no surprise that she has spent her entire 30-year career in writing, including newspaper journalism, Christian higher education and nonprofit public relations, and local government public information. Much of her writing has been the “people stories” of trial, tragedy and triumph, which are reflected in her debut novel, “Embracing Hope.” Janell is a freelance writer/editor, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She and her husband, Frank, live in New Brighton, Minnesota. She has two step-sons, a step-daughter-in-law and three step-granddaughters.
Links
Twitter – @janellwoj
Blog – http://janellwoj.wordpress.com
Author Facebook – www.Facebook.com/janellbwoj
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16046310.Janell_Butler_Wojtowicz
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Hope-Janell-Butler-Wojtowicz/dp/1988422043/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1479298376&sr=1-1&keywords=janell+butlerSmashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/682248
Barnes Noble Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-hope-janell-butler-wojtowicz/1125151446?ean=2940153857114
kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/embracing-hope-1
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/682248
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Sabbath Sunday: The Bridge The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed April W. Gardner Presents COTT Cover Winner I Recommend: Middle School Wrestling Video With Character Free Therapy: Analyzing Your DVR ListCopyright © Julie Arduini [Character Interview: Embracing Hope by Janell Butler Wojtowicz], All Right Reserved. 2017.September 26, 2017
Dr. Michelle Bengtson: 7 Tips for Handling Anxiety
7 Tips for Handling Anxiety
by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Worry, fear, and anxiety are epidemic. Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental health disorders.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson: 7 Tips for Handling Anxiety
It started in Genesis, when Adam and Eve developed an unhealthy fear of God, prompting them to hide in the garden after realizing their nakedness.
God commands us not to worry or fear over 300 times, because He knew we would.
Scripture Gives 7 Tips for Handling Anxiety:
Recognize it exists. My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
Realize those thoughts aren’t your thoughts. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
Ask God what prompted the concern. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13)
Combat anxiety with the truth of God’s Word. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
When tempted to worry, vocalize God’s truth. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
Trust God to handle your situation and thank Him for His answers. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)
Stand firm, resist the devil, and command him to leave! Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s. (Matthew 16:23) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Anxiety isn’t from God. Instead God gives us power, love, and a sound mind. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Will you exchange your anxiety for His power, love, and sound mind?
About the Author:
Dr. Bengtson, author of Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression is a clinical neuropsychologist and international speaker. She gives practical tools, encourages faith, and offers hope to acquire peace and joy. She blogs at www.DrMichelleBengtson.com. Find her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson), Pinterest (http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails), and Twitter (http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson).
Kessler RC, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Chatterji S, Lee S, Ormel J, Ustün TB, Wang PS. The global burden of mental disorders: an update from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys. Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc 2009;18(1):23–33.
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Sabbath Sunday: The Faith Walk COTT: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot Wins Latest Clash Cancer: A Word that Strikes Terror by Joanie Shawhan My May Recommendation: Chick Lit Girls Better Late Than Never: Marriage Monday & Overcoming Boredom and Apathy in MarriageCopyright © Julie Arduini [Dr. Michelle Bengtson: 7 Tips for Handling Anxiety], All Right Reserved. 2017.September 24, 2017
Book Review: Brave Beauty by Lynn Cowell
Book Review: Brave Beauty by Lynn Cowell
What will my life be like? Who will I be? Whether girls put these concerns into words or struggle anxiously with these thoughts, during this season of change, girls have questions. Sometimes these questions also come with fears and they need a safe place to process these fears. From Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and blogger, Lynn Cowell, comes Faithgirlz Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You. For girls 8-12, Brave Beauty brings tweens 100 courage-building moments to reflect on Scripture and find confidence in God, rather than in someone, some place, or some thing, as culture will all-too-soon tell them to. Lynn will also prepare girls to:
Overcome confidence-defeating thoughts and stand on who Jesus says she is.
Shape her self-worth on Christ and overcome the temptation base it on environmental factors.
Build a strong foundation to face the fickle and flippant opinions of others.
Find approval of herself even when she lacks the acceptance of others.
Find security by turning to Christ as she steps through the exciting, yet scary world of growing up
Formatted as theme-based mini chapters, these moments can be read as one-a-days, one-a-weeks, or at the reader’s own pace. Simple and empowering, Lynn’s voice is relatable and conversational, making it easy for girls to feel like they’re spending time with a friend. This inspirational read will be set as a gorgeously foil decorated hardcover, with beautifully formatted pages in line with the well-known and loved Faithgirlz look, and with an easy-reference index to look up any topic.
I had trouble reviewing BRAVE BEAUTY because I showed it to my daughter, she thumbed through it, took it to her room, and I had to take it back. It disappeared again. When I grabbed it again so I could read through and write this, she asked me to please hurry so she could have it, and keep it. I’ve done a lot of reviews for books for girls, and this is the first one she’s taken and not wanted to give back to me.
I’m not surprised. BRAVE BEAUTY tackles a subject girls are crying out to learn more about, and this book offers relatable information that is Bible based. With social media judging girls with a simple click of a keyboard, girls need to know they matter and are loved. That they are approved of as is. The author does a great job making the book feel like they are at a coffee shop sharing together. There is space to write. There are quizzes and prayers. Everything is about showing the girls who they are in Christ so they can stand in God confidence when the things of the world come at them.
The cover is attractive and it is just a breath of fresh air in the form of a book. I can’t give a higher recommendation than telling you my daughter has this on her nightstand. I definitely suggest you get a copy of BRAVE BEAUTY for the 8-12 girl in your life. (Our daughter is a little older with some comprehension delays, so I am finding this perfect for her.)
I received a copy of BRAVE BEAUTY from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
To purchase BRAVE BEAUTY, click HERE.
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Character Confession: Passionate Give it Away by Linda Samaritoni COTT: Welcome Penelope Wilcock! My Two Cents About the Ice Bucket Challenge Unlikely Merger Authors: Our Business Influences Day 4Copyright © Julie Arduini [Book Review: Brave Beauty by Lynn Cowell], All Right Reserved. 2017.September 21, 2017
Gail Goolsby: Kick Off Fall with September Self-Improvement Month
Kick Off Fall with September Self-Improvement Month
by Gail Goolsby
Goodbye to lazy days of summer and vacation leisure. Hello to set schedules for kids and adults. Time for school and daily routines. Fall is here.
Freshly sharpened pencils. New clothes and unscuffed shoes. Sports teams with unblemished records. Blank report cards ready to register best grades ever.
Fall presents new opportunities. Make the most of Self-Improvement September by focusing on areas of your life left unattended over the summer or needing a reboot. Here is a brief checklist to get you started.
Gail Goolsby: Kick Off Fall with September Self-Improvement Month
Take inventory. Identify dissatisfaction with your current life patterns and habits. Ask God what could be working better in your relationships. Physical and emotional health? Career activity? Home tasks? Spiritual growth?
Recognize feelings but focus on actions. Feelings are important and you need to read the signals they send. But, in truth your actions impact your feelings and so behaviors should be assessed with sound reasoning. Feelings change easily and can form a trap and hindrance to life satisfaction. What actions need to be ramped up or altered to feel better about your life?
Check self-talk. Do you constantly criticize or speak negatively to yourself? Do you cheer yourself through hard tasks or easily give up and then berate your poor performance? Taking on new challenges requires a positive attitude and ongoing encouragement. Remember past accomplishments more than recent failures.
Set steps for reaching goals. Once a plan of action is formulated toward self-improvement, smaller, measurable steps are needed at regular intervals. This requires commitment and work, but gives motivation as advancement is documented and you inch closer to your goals.
Utilize resources. Prayer and God’s Word offer powerful inspiration and reminders of Who is always working for your good (and His glory!). Friends, co-workers, life coaches, and family members can be earthly gifts of accountability and encouragement. Let them celebrate with you as they support your efforts (and maybe join you in their own self-improvement goals).
Embrace hope. As you develop new activities, relationships, and daily disciplines, keep your head up and recognize each day signals possibility and hope for better. Look for God helping you in small and big ways. Tell yourself this truth, you can improve.
Kick yourself into gear and make September a trophy month of self-improvement!
About the Author:
Gail Goolsby, MA, MEd is a lifelong educator, including past leadership at an international school in Afghanistan. Gail and her pastor husband of 39 years live where the wind blows over the prairie in south Kansas. She counsels and coaches using God’s Word to help others learn to live well. Read more at www.gailgoolsby.com.
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Sapphire Secrets Character Interview with Dawn V. Cahill Life Beats Radio: Don't Make My Mom Be the Only Listener Surrendering Daddy's Girl ALBUM REVIEW: This is Not a Test by TobyMac #UPB11: Join this Charlie in a Box from Misfit Island with Ultimate Blog Party 11Copyright © Julie Arduini [Gail Goolsby: Kick Off Fall with September Self-Improvement Month], All Right Reserved. 2017.MUSIC REVIEW: All In by Matthew West #Giveaway
Music Review: All In by Matthew West
Matthew wrote his new album All In with the goal of encouraging himself and others to get up off the sidelines of their faith and really live it out – to go all in in your time with God, all in with your family, all in with your community, and all in battling your fears that may hold you back from becoming who God made you to be. Along that same theme, Matthew will be launching a 6-week All in Challenge on his social media starting 9/18, and each week Matthew will be challenging his fans to go all in in a different part of their lives. What does it look like when a heart that knows Jesus takes a step and holds nothing back? How can we go All In in the places that mean the most?
Social Corner:
Broken Things Music Video
Broken Things (story behind the song)
All In Lyric Video
All In (Story Behind The Song)
REVIEW:
Matthew West’s music is something I can recognize without a lot of notes or voice. He has a style musically I’ve come to know and certainly appreciate, and ALL IN maintains for the most part the sound you would associate with him.
Lyrically, it is much the same. When I think of his music, I think of songs that will play on K-Love with a pop like feel with lyrics that uplift and challenge. ALL IN keeps that consistency.
One song that felt a little different is “Amen.” The tempo and energy is a little out of the box, but a whole lot of fun. Other than that, “All In” is a positive challenge and “Mercy is a Song” was one of those a-ha moments. It really is true, and it was something I never thought of before. There are also personal songs and those that minister. My favorite is “Broken Things.”
All in all, there isn’t a whole lot outside of the box here, but that’s okay. I like what I’m getting when I hear Matthew West, and his “All In” message is one we all need to hear and live out. Whether he is new to you or not, I believe All In will be a wonderful listen for you.
Guess what? Propeller Consulting, LLC is offering one copy of All In to one US winner. Leave a comment on what Matthew West song has impacted you the most and I will choose a winner via random pick September 24.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
All In Buy Link
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Book Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble Clash of The Titles End of Summer Survey Thankful: Jennifer Slattery's Romeo and the Fire in His Eyes How to Survive a Graduation Party Saturday Confession: I Like to HustleCopyright © Julie Arduini [MUSIC REVIEW: All In by Matthew West #Giveaway], All Right Reserved. 2017.September 20, 2017
Dana Bridges Stout: Honoring the Unborn
Honoring the Unborn
by Dana Bridges Stout
“You want me to what?” I said as my defenses exploded in anger. “No way, no how! I purposely never wanted to do that because I knew it would be too painful, too real.” My Abortion Recovery Bible study facilitator assigned us to name our aborted babies and prepare for a memorial service for the babies represented in our class. I struggled for several days with even the thought of completing this task. Eventually, I prayed for the Lord’s help and began looking at baby name books. Through some tears, I decided on names for the son and daughter I never held.
Honoring the Unborn by Dana Bridges Stout
The memorial service was one of the most holy, reverent and bittersweet services I’ve ever seen. Filled with symbolism of the uniqueness of each mother and child, we gave our babies dignity, recognized their personhood, introduced them to the world and released them to God. Mothers honored their children in special ways such as singing a song, writing a poem, releasing balloons or reading Scripture. Through the truths of the study, the support of the group and this final sacred moment, I was able to connect to these babies as mother and child. Honoring and remembering my children was crucial to healing my heart from the grievous choice of abortion some ten years prior. I have since walked many women through the same study and presided over many of these services. Each time I am deeply touched to watch the intense struggle for healing come to completion as the mothers timidly but proudly call out their babies’ names, announcing their personhood and lineage to the world.
The second Saturday of September is National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. September 9, 2017 will be the forth-annual event. It was organized as a service over the grave of 1500 aborted babies and the movement has spread throughout the United States. Pro-Lifers gather to honor the babies with dignity. You can find more information and a service near you at www.abortionmemorials.com.
Perhaps you have chosen abortion and now regret that decision. One step towards healing is honoring your child. And the biggest step is one towards the Lord, allowing Him to heal you through His Word. The wonderful ladies at Abortion Recovery Assistance at www.piedmontwomenscenter.org can help find a recovery program near you.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
(In honor of Joshua Daniel and Delilah Starling.)
About the Author:
Dana Bridges Stout founded Flourishing Life Ministries to minister restoration to women and direct them to truths that help them accept the Flourishing Life that Jesus offers. Dana speaks, leads worship, writes, and teaches live and online Bible studies. Connect with her at www.flourishinglifeministries.com or Flourishing Life Ministries on FB.
Tags: Abortion Recovery Assistance, Abortion Recovery month, Dana Bridges Stout, Dana Bridges Stout: Honoring the Unborn, Flourishing Life Ministries, Julie Arduini, National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. abortion memorialsDel.icio.us
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Sabbath Sunday: Full of Fog with Glimpses of Beauty iBloom: 5 Steps to Grow Your Business (FREE gift from iBloom) Book Review: Lynda Schab's Mind Over Madi Character Confession: The One Where I Became Not Monica, But Her Mom Valentine's Day: Surrender, Chocolate and Interview on Blog Talk RadioCopyright © Julie Arduini [Dana Bridges Stout: Honoring the Unborn], All Right Reserved. 2017.The post Dana Bridges Stout: Honoring the Unborn appeared first on Julie Arduini.
September 19, 2017
Lori Lipsky: One Proposal for An Improved Marriage
One Proposal for An Improved Marriage
by Lori Lipsky
For the first time in our marriage, we decided to read a book at the same time so we could discuss it together. Credit for the idea goes to my husband, but I was excited about the plan and in total agreement with our book choice.
My husband had once asked a well-read acquaintance we both respect to recommend several books that had been most influential in his life. One of the authors this man mentioned was Dostoevsky. We decided to choose Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. I’m a bit ashamed to admit what happened next.
Lori Lipsky: One Proposal for an Improved Marriage
I could make excuses, but the quick truth is my husband read the book right away and then patiently waited for years for me to complete it. I started in several times but got bogged down in the early pages by the long Russian names. Prior to this I had read Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and some Chekhov stories so I’m not sure why I struggled. I guess I allowed myself to be distracted by life and by other books, and I put off the Dostoevsky. As I look back, I regret not making The Brothers Karamazov more of a priority. I eventually purchased an audio copy of the book and completed the novel.
After I finished listening to the book, we shared our impressions with one another. Remarkably, my husband remembered details of the book quite well. Since then, we’ve read or listened to dozens of books and discussed them. We have different tastes, but our interests intersect with authors like David McCullough, Louise Penny, and David Baldacci. When it’s time to order another Audible book, we’ll sometimes collaborate to choose a selection we agree on so we can both listen on our own, but then have the book in our shared reading history.
Our book talk is informal and brief, but it’s a treat to talk books with my husband. We’ve found discussing books often sparks interesting conversation. Good books teach me more about who I am, but each new book we share helps me learn more about my spouse, too. We’re learning together as a couple. We discuss dreams and ideas. Books get us talking, and in marriage, communication is a good thing.
About the Author:
Lori Lipsky is a writer and teacher. Her poetry and short fiction pieces have appeared in a variety of literary journals and magazines. She lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin with her husband, where she teaches piano at a private music school. You can find her at lorilipsky.com and on Twitter @LoriSLipsky
Tags: books, Dostoevsky., guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Lori Lipsky, marriage improvement, One Proposal for an Improved Marriage by Lori Lipsky, reading, The Brothers Karamazov, WordGirls Guest BloggersDel.icio.us
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Book Review: Old Fashioned the Devotional by Ginger Kolbaba and Rik Swartzwelder 12 Pearls of Christmas---Tricia Goyer's Glimpse into Christmas Future Guest Blogger Melanie Slaugh---The Missing Step: Character Book Review Revisited: Pulling Back the Shades Book Review: Beth K. Vogt's Wish You Were HereCopyright © Julie Arduini [Lori Lipsky: One Proposal for An Improved Marriage], All Right Reserved. 2017.The post Lori Lipsky: One Proposal for An Improved Marriage appeared first on Julie Arduini.
September 17, 2017
A Highland Emerald Excerpt by Brenda B. Taylor
Excerpt:
Isle of Mull
Scotland, 1486
My father sat in his usual chair in front of the crackling fire, staring at the flame with dim eyes and a fur robe wrapped around his broad shoulders, the deerhound curled at his feet.
“Where are you going, Aine?” he asked with his back turned toward the stone, spiral staircase where I stood. “Come, sit with me for awhile.”
I pushed the arisaid from my shoulders, letting it drop to the floor, then stepped over the wrap. Making my way to the stool where my mother’s embroidery frame stood, I took a seat and watched the flame.
Without turning his head, my father, Lachlan Og MacLean, eighth chief and fourth Laird of Durant Castle, asked, “Where are you going?”
“How did you ken ’twas I?” He never ceased to amaze me with his uncanny knowledge of events around him although his eyes, so dimmed by injury, saw very little.
“I heard the rustle of your skirts.” He extended his hand for me, so I rose and hugged his neck.
He smiled, embracing my arms. “And I ken your scent, lass. ‘Tis so like your mither’s. You use the same scented soap as she.”
“Aye, but from so far away and with the smell of burning wood and dog in your nostril’s?”
“Your odor is a different pleasantry among the usual burning wood and dog. It stands out in my memory as does the pleasant odor of your mither.” He smiled broadly, showing still straight, white teeth beneath a greying beard. I could almost feel his penetrating gaze upon me as in the days before his sight was taken in battle. He asked, “Where are you going this dreary night?”
“Here, Da. To sit beside you and talk of the feast on the morrow.”
“Don’t try to deceive me, lass. I heard the sound of your arisaid dropping to the floor. You are planning a tryst, I feel certain.” His dimmed gaze pierced through to the depths of my soul. “I could see the turn of your head toward him each time he spoke at the evening meal.” A line formed between his brows and a shadow darkened his face. “You are to marry the Munro.”
“I dinna love William Munro.” My voice began to rise, and I struggled to control the cry climbing from the depths of my heart. “I wanna marry him, Da. You promised I could wed for love, not convenience.” The cry emerged from my lips. I buried my head on his shoulder and sobbed.
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Raquel Byrnes Presents the Almost Kiss Clash of the Titles (COTT) Winner COTT: Stone of Destiny by Mary Ball Wins Clash September 11: We Will Never Forget Character Confession: Oh My! Guest Blogger: Going to College in Uncertain Times--My StoryCopyright © Julie Arduini [A Highland Emerald Excerpt by Brenda B. Taylor], All Right Reserved. 2017.The post A Highland Emerald Excerpt by Brenda B. Taylor appeared first on Julie Arduini.
September 16, 2017
Don’t Miss This: A Highland Emerald by Brenda B. Taylor
Blurb:
Aine MacLean is forced into an arranged marriage with Sir William, Chief of Clan Munro, yet her heart belongs to a handsome young warrior in her father’s guard. She must leave Durant Castle, the home of her birth on the Isle of Mull, and travel across Scotland in a perilous journey to her husband’s home on Cromarty Firth. William agrees to a year and day of handfasting, giving Aine an opportunity to accept him and his clan. He promises her the protection of Clan Munro, however, Aine experiences kidnapping, pirates, and almost loses her life in the River Moriston. She doubts the sincerity of William’s promises and decides to return to Durant Castle when the handfasting ends. William determines to win Aine’s heart. Will the brave knight triumph in his fight for the bonnie lass?
A Highland Emerald is the third book in the award-winning Highland Treasures series. It tells the story of Aine MacLean and William Munro, and is the prequel to A Highland Pearl.
The desire to write historical fiction has long been a passion with Brenda B. Taylor. Since elementary school, she has written stories in her spare time. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; then worked as a teacher and administrator in the Texas Public School system. Only after retirement could she fulfill the dream of publication.
Brenda and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. She crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart of the reader as it did hers in the writing.
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Sweet Surrender by Alexis A. Goring A2Z Meme: Keeping it Real Book Review: Avalon by Vanessa Morgan Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson 10 Lifestyle Changes Our Family Made This Year to Lose Weight: Part 2Copyright © Julie Arduini [Don't Miss This: A Highland Emerald by Brenda B. Taylor], All Right Reserved. 2017.The post Don’t Miss This: A Highland Emerald by Brenda B. Taylor appeared first on Julie Arduini.
