Julie Arduini's Blog, page 80

August 22, 2017

Movie Review: Patterns of Evidence Exodus

Patterns of Evidence-Exodus

The Exodus is an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Timothy Mahoney that chronicles an in-depth archaeological investigation in Egypt as his team attempts to corroborate the biblical text. The film explores one fundamental question: Is there any evidence that the Exodus story actually happened? Twelve years in the making, this provocative documentary reveals new or rarely seen evidence regarding the Israelites descent into slavery, their Exodus from Egypt and their ultimate conquest of the Promised Land. Although many scholars and archaeologists deny the validity of the Exodus story for lack of proof, Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus builds a case that sheds new light on the story.

PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: Exodus is a well-crafted documentary with beautiful cinematography and quality interviews. Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney takes the viewer step-by-step through his journey to learn whether the Exodus really took place.

I was surprised by the high quality of the production from video to music to interview subjects. A lot of topics were covered from plagues to papyrus, Joseph, and the Jericho walls.

I was a little confused by some of the dates, and I felt that the filmmaker considered the timing the key point of the Exodus. With that, a little more to explain/prove dates would have been helpful.

I am a simpleton of faith and believe in the Exodus because I believe the Bible is God inspired and a true account. The Israelites shared their history through story, and they story has held true for thousands of years. That said, Bible reader, history fan, or just curious, I believe this is important to watch.

I received a copy of the DVD in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tags: Bible, documentary, Exodus, Israel, Julie Arduini, movie review, Movie Review: Patterns of Evidence-Exodus, Timothy P. Mahoney

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Published on August 22, 2017 21:00

August 19, 2017

Book Review: Pierced & Embraced by Kelli Worrall

How would you describe the love of God?

Pierced and Embraced by Kelli Worrall

Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus engaged women differently than He did men. Sometimes the difference is subtle. Sometimes it is stark. Always it is profound.

Sometimes the love He offers them is gentle. Sometimes it is fierce. Always it is powerful.

Sometimes that love feels like a warm embrace. Sometimes it’s more like a piercing jab. Always, it changes everything.

Women today long to experience the same sort of life-changing love that Jesus lavished on His followers 2000 years ago. We still want to be completely seen and known and valued and set free—as painful as that process might sometimes be.

Pierced and Embraced digs deeply into seven encounters that Jesus had with a wide variety of women in the Gospels to show how His love can be equally transformative in our lives today. It mixes attentive Scriptural engagement with personal narrative and relevant application, making the content fresh, accessible, engaging, and practical.

You will:

Understand the unique and powerful and complex ways in which Jesus loves the women of the gospels.
Recognize your own longings for love and the (often inadequate) ways we seek to satisfy them.
Discover how to live in the fullness of Jesus’ love for you.

Includes study/reflection questions at the end of each chapter, inviting women to dig into the passages for themselves.

I wasn’t sure what to think as I confess, the cover really didn’t inspire me. However, once I started reading, I was hooked. Pierced and Embraced reminded me of God’s love for me, showed me things in the Bible I’d read before but didn’t really apply to my life, and encouraged me as I read Kelli’s story.

The bull on the cover made sense as I read. God pursues us, but often it comes with pain. Each woman Kelli profiles has a story, and one I could relate to and be challenged by.

This was an excellent book that kept me captivated.

To purchase PIERCED AND EMBRACED, click HERE.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tags: book review, Book Review: Pierced & Embraced by Kelli Worrall, Julie Arduini, Kelli Worrall, Love of Christ, women, women of the Bible

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Published on August 19, 2017 21:00

August 16, 2017

FREE ENGAGED eBook August 18 & 19

I know towards the end of summer, many people still have travel plans and a need for a good read.

I have on my tablet a load of books I want to read for enjoyment, not for writing or review, so my thought is perhaps that is your case, too.

Let’s add a FREE eBook to your collection, okay?

On Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19, ENGAGED will be a free eBook on Amazon. Make sure to double check as glitches sometimes happen, but after 3am Eastern on the 18th, you should be good to go.

About ENGAGED:

Trish Maxwell’s back in Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot of apologies to make. She left the mountain town for her dream job in New York City, only to come back unemployed. With no prospects, she works at her family’s department store and makes amends as she finds a new passion creating window displays for Adirondack businesses. She works hard and tries to convince the people of Speculator Falls she’s changed for the better.

As Trish pitches in with community events, she meets paramedic Wayne Peterson, the one man who doesn’t seem to judge her. She even makes friends with Jenna Regan, who helps Trish when people demand to know what’s next in Trish’s life. Living in New York City has been her goal, but the more she’s around Wayne and the Adirondack area, the more she’s drawn to revising her plans. Just when Trish thinks the plan for her life’s coming together, a second chance comes her way that could give her every career goal she’s ever wanted, but threaten to tear her and Wayne apart. Can Trish surrender fears about her future and discover God’s plan for her?

Although this is book 3 in a series, I believe you can read it as a standalone without confusion. However, if you would like to start from the beginning, ENTRUSTED is a free eRead at juliearduini.com, and ENTANGLED is available at a low cost. All books are available for print, AND I created a devotional ebook using the characters from this series as well as my surrender stories to help you in your surrender journey.

You can locate FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH SURRENDER here.

Feel free to spread the word to other readers. If you enjoy my books, reviews on Amazon and Goodreads are the best way. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon makes it visible. Thank you for considering Julie Arduini books for your summer!

Tags: Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Christian romance, free ebook, Free eBook August 18 & 19, Julie Arduini, reader, reading, romance, series, stand alone, summer, travel

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Published on August 16, 2017 21:00

August 10, 2017

ACFW Fiction Finder: August 2017 New Releases

August 2017 New Releases

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

Action/Adventure:

Imperfect Lies by Elizabeth Noyes — When another woman emerges from the past to claim Mallory Cameron’s happily ever after, she cuts her losses and sets out to find a headline-worthy story to launch her journalism career. She embarks on a whirlwind journey that takes her across the United States, to the blue-green waters of the Caribbean, on to sunny Mexico, and deep into the dangerous parts of Africa where terror reigns. James Evers turned his back on a life of power and privilege to carve a place in the world for himself. Now that he’s finally discovered his niche as a small-town sheriff and found the woman he wants in his future, a past indiscretion struts in on high heels and sends his newfound love fleeing headlong into peril. His mission: neutralize old enemies, defuse new threats, resolve past mistakes, settle family disputes, and—most importantly—find and rescue his woman from terrorists before the unthinkable happens. (Action/Adventure from Write Integrity Press)

Contemporary Romance:

The Bachelor’s Unexpected Family by Lisa Carter — Young widow Kristina Montgomery moves to Kiptohanock, Virginia, hoping it will give her and her teenage son, Gray, a fresh start. She longs for the peace and quiet only a small town can provide. But her plans are thwarted by her new neighbor, Canyon Collier, a former Coast Guard pilot and a crop duster. Gray is instantly drawn to the pilot and his teenage niece, Jade—and Kristina’s not far behind. She and Canyon are soon bonding over parenting their charges and their spark becomes undeniable. Could it be that the spirited pilot is just what Kristina needs to teach her heart to soar again? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy — Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia, has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, Amanda’s heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high-school Valentine’s Day date. Camden may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy is she wrong. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

A Mother for Leah by Rachel L. Miller –It’s been ten years since Leah Fisher’s mother died in a buggy accident. But when Leah’s father shows interest in Naomi Yoder, Leah isn’t ready for a new mother. Will Leah be able to let go of her own ideas and realize that God truly does know best for her or will she allow love to slip through her fingers, destroying Samuel Fisher and Naomi Yoder’s happiness at the same time? (Contemporary from S & G Publishing)

General Contemporary:

Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli — An antique ring reunites a Boston Marathon bombing survivor with the man who saved her. Together they unearth the two-hundred-year- old history of a woman who suffered tremendous loss in the Boston Massacre, a woman torn between the love of two men – one a patriot, one a Redcoat. (General Contemporary from Tyndale House)

Fresh Faith by Elise Phillips — Joy Abbott had been trying to start her life over for years — and failing. Then a letter summoned her to Texas and everything changed. (General Contemporary from Desert Breeze Publishing)

Historical:

Enchanted Isle by Melanie Dobson — In the spring of 1958, Jenny Winter embarks on a two-month adventure to a quaint village in England’s magical Lake District. With a new camera and an eye for capturing the beauty others miss, she can’t wait to explore the heathery fells and mystical waters. Adrian Kemp, a handsome and enigmatic local, makes the sightseeing even more beguiling. When Adrian shows Jenny his late father’s abandoned dream, a deserted island amusement park, she glimpses a kindred spirit in this reckless, haunted young man. Yet as she opens her heart to Adrian, the two stumble into a mystery leading back a generation to an unforgettable romance and an unsolved murder. As long-held secrets come to light, it’s left to Jenny and Adrian to put the past to rest and restore a lost dream. (Historical from Waterfall Press)

Titus: The Aristocrat by Katheryn Maddox Haddad — Titus intends to become a famous lawyer in the Roman Empire. Instead, he is sent by Paul to arbitrate between arch enemies in wild Corinth, wilder Crete, and wildest Dalmatia. In each place he suffers. But, long before that, he suffers from guilt over the death of his mother when he was eleven years old. How does Titus survive it all? (Historical from Northern Lights Publishing House)

Historical Romance:

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander — With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams – provided the truth doesn’t tear them apart first. (Historical Romance from Zondervan)

The Second Chance Brides Collection by Lauralee Bliss, Angela Breidenbach, Ramona K. Cecil, Pamela Griffin, Grace Hitchcock, Pam Hillman, Laura V. Hilton, Tiffany Amber Stockton, and Liz Tolsma — Meet nine women who each believe their chance for lifelong love has passed them by. From the girls who lost their beaus to war, to the wallflowers overshadowed by others, and the widows deeply hurt by their loss, the desire to love and be loved spans American history from 1777 to 1944. Experience the sweet pull of romance on each life and the blossom of faith that leads them to brighter futures. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman — Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady. The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage. Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe? (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Romantic Suspense:

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason — When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan’s life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she’s made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her–and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he’s not about to let Haley fight this battle alone. In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories–and the depths of the heart–Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley’s past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won’t quit. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker])

Plain Retribution by Dana R. Lynn — Ten years ago while on rumspringa, Rebecca Miller and her friends were kidnapped and held captive…and now, living in the English world, she’s nearly abducted again. One by one her friends who once helped send their abductor to jail are targeted, and she is next…unless police officer Miles Olsen can stop a killer. Deaf since birth, the only person on the force that Rebecca can communicate with is Miles, and he needs this case to redeem himself of past mistakes. When the relentless killer tracks them deep into the heart of Amish country, protecting Rebecca must be Miles’s sole focus. Because a mistake this time will cost something worth more to him than his job—the woman he’s falling for. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Cold Blooded by Anne Patrick — Detective Gwen Jamison has the highest closure rate in her division, but a string of armed robberies is about to take over her life. Not only will her job be on the line, but the troubling case also wreaks havoc on her personal life. Lieutenant Ian McKean knew he would have his hands full when he took over leadership of the detectives unit. He wasn’t prepared for the headstrong Detective Jamison, though, who quickly becomes a thorn in his side. If they can stop butting heads long enough they might realize they are more alike than either imagined. (Romantic Suspense from Anne Patrick)

Tags: A Mother for Leah, ACFW, ACFW Fiction Finder: August 2017 New Releases, Angela Breidenbach, Chiavaroli, Elizabeth Noyes, Enchanted Isle, Fiction Finder, Freedom's Ring, Grace Hitchcock, Heidi, Imperfect Lies, Julie Arduini, Katheryn Maddox Haddad, Laura V. Hilton, Lauralee Bliss, Lisa Carter, Liz Tolsma, Melanie Dobson, Pam Hillman, Pamela Griffin, Rachel L. Miller, Romana K. Cecil, Tamera Alexander, The Bachelor's Unexpected Family, The Gift of the Magpie, The Second Chance Brides Collection, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Titus: The Aristocrat, To Wager Her Heart, Zoe M. McCarthy

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Published on August 10, 2017 21:00

August 8, 2017

Book Review: Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore

From her first breath of fresh air beyond the pit, it has never been enough for Beth Moore to be free.

This best-selling author and Bible teacher who has opened the riches of Scripture to millions longs for you to be free as well—to know the Love and Presence that are better than life and the power of God’s Word that defies all darkness.

Beth’s journey out of the pit has been heart-rending. But from this and the poetic expressions of Psalm 40 has come the reward: a new song for her soul, given by her Saviour and offered to you in Get Out of That Pit—friend to friend. This is Beth’s most stirring message yet of the sheer hope, utter deliverance, and complete and glorious freedom of God:

I waited patiently for the Lord

He turned to me and heard my cry

He lifted me out of the slimy pit

He set my feet on a rock

He put a new song in my mouth

It is a story, a song—a salvation—that you can know too.

This paperback edition with a new cover to celebrate the book’s 10th anniversary is a healing balm to anyone who has been wounded, rejected, rebelled, messed up, or anything in between. With a sobering but beautiful into by Beth’s husband, Keith, Beth Moore earned the right to pen this book.

Centered around Psalm 40, Get Out of that Pit offers Beth’s story, Biblical examples, Scripture, and hope. Her enthusiasm is so strong you will feel like her hand is pulling you out of the pit, the rut, the dark place you thought was your address. She’s your gal pal and favorite Sunday School teacher all wrapped into one. The question is, will you take the information she provides and apply it?

I hope you do, and I hope you get your hands on a copy of Get Out of That Pit.

Purchase GET OUT OF THAT PIT HERE

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tags: abuse, Beth Moore, Bible, book review, Book Review: Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore, Christ, deliverance, depression, faith, God, healing, Julie Arduini, Keith Moore, Psalm 40

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Published on August 08, 2017 21:00

August 5, 2017

About 180 Encouragements

I hate problems. Trials. Adversity. Hardships. When I go to a meeting I’m the one blurting, “Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem.”

And that echoed through my mind most of my daughter’s 7th grade experience.

Let’s face it, middle school sucks. Yes, that’s a strong word. But it’s accurate, and I’m not taking it back. The academics are challenging. Self esteem and security are like the pennies at the mall that you place in that circle and it spins down the drain for charity. Friendships revolve like the doors, triple time if you are a girl. I’m not even talking about hard home lives, but that’s a reality as well.

I watched our daughter transform from a confident girl with a mega-watt smile to someone with her head down and eyes forecasting a vacant look. It is the age, I understand. But there was bullying that left even me speechless. She has health issues that have manifested into learning and the first half of her year was an uphill climb that felt just when she got momentum, someone took a shovel to her and knocked her down the hill.

It was devastating as a parent.

I have been praying for something that would make 8th grade a happier experience. We implemented a specific prayer that has already seen success.

We prayed for people who were not being a positive influence in her atmosphere to prosper somewhere else. And God answered pretty fast.

She has been praying for YEARS for a best friend. She knows that I have a friend that I have known since kindergarten. She has seen me through everything and was the one that told me about Jesus. We still see each other and close down restaurants when I am back in my hometown. And my daughter yearns for a friendship like that.

This month I’m pressing in to believe God for her prayers. To take things deeper and believe Him for things that to my eyes, seem impossible. If you have an impossible prayer, leave a comment or email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com and I will pray.

But I felt like something was missing. Something hands on that wouldn’t just encourage our daughter, but others who need a lift and a smile. Enter 180 Encouragements.

This is a total God thing, because I’m not that smart and it popped in my head. There are around 180 days in a school year. It’s also a number that is about change. When someone has a change, you’ll hear that they did an 180. So let’s see some positive change with 180 encouragements.

I’m looking for 180 people to join the 180 Encouragements page. Our school year starts in late August, so I’m hoping each person would write ONE kind message that I can print out/copy/write out. She is going to decorate a box and we’ll put the messages in the box. Then, each school day she reads a message. I believe hearing from all of you, cheering her on, will make a difference.

But I’m not done.

I also want anyone on the page to feel free to take any of the messages for themselves. If they know someone who needs a boost, share it with them. Put it in a lunch box, book bag, bulletin board, bathroom mirror. Maybe YOU need the encouragement. Let’s all experience change.

I don’t know what this school year holds for us, but I know this, God knows, and I’m going to be cheering her every step of the way.

TO JOIN 180 ENCOURAGEMENTS, CLICK HERE

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Published on August 05, 2017 21:00

August 3, 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: #BusyBeauty Showerless Shave Gel

#BusyBeauty Showerless Shave Gel

A Shaving Gel for Shaving Quickly and Safely Without Water.

A shower takes a lot of effort and time. Shaving is a pain. Make it easier with Busy Beauty.

Yes ladies! Its official… you can shave any part of your body without jumping in shower or awkwardly maneuvering your legs into a sink! Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel allows for you to shave anytime, anywhere, in under 2 minutes. Our product can be used just like any regular shaving cream, but there is no need to wash it off after! Simply apply the gel, shave as you normally would with a razor, and rub any excess gel into your skin as a moisturizer. If you are in a hairy situation, we got your back.

Prevents razor burn, irritation, ingrown hairs and moisturizes! No more dry shave nightmares.

Shave without water! Yes, I’m serious. You could even shave in bed if you wanted!

Take me on a trip! Showerless Shave is TSA approved travel size.

You are a natural beauty. That’s why we use the natural essential oils of clove, ginger eucalyptus and oat to protect and sooth your skin.

Vegan, paraben free, cruelty free and alcohol free.

When the ladies behind #BusyBeauty contacted me to ask if I would review their product, I wasn’t sure what to think. Most of my reviews are books or music. Then, I’m a shaving hot mess. I miss areas. I’ll put cream on and my skin still gets irritated. I cut myself and leave the shower looking like a scene from CSI.

But I was intrigued. Showerless shave gel? NO water needed?

I had my doubts.

Ladies, this is the real deal. I decided to give it a try after I dried off from a swim. I decided to use a little amount to really test an area because my skin irritates so easily. I figured it would never work, that I’d need most of the provided bottle just to cover a small area.

Wrong.

Even a think area provided what I needed to shave, not a drop of water needed, and not only did it give a great shave, no irritation. My legs are as soft as they have ever been, and I’ve spent countless dollars on shaving creams and moisturizers.

You do have to rinse your razor as it collects hair, but for me, it’s a small price to pay. Busy Beauty gives me the flexibility to shave outside of the shower without a lot of fanfare or work. What is a bonus for me is our daughter is of shaving age but has some physical delays. I’ve been dreading her shaving for fear in the shower without me watching, she would cut herself. With Busy Beauty, she can shave in the bathroom with shorts on and I can make sure she is okay.

The only thing I can think of to improve on it is offering different scents. But that isn’t even a complaint, just a suggestion. I am beyond impressed with Busy Beauty, and I think you will be, too.

To learn more, click HERE and HERE

I received a sample product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own of my free will.

Tags: #BusyBeauty showerless shave gel product review, animal cruelty free, Essential Oils, hair, Julie Arduini, legs, no water needed, sensitive skin, shaving, soft skin, TSA approved size, vegan, women shaving

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Published on August 03, 2017 21:00

August 2, 2017

A Mother for Leah by Rachel L. Miller

Will Leah Fisher find love because of a buggy accident?

Could love soften her heart so that she is able to see her answered prayers in Naomi Yoder or will she drive a wedge between her father and the only woman he has shown interest in since Elisabeth Fisher’s death?

Leah Fisher lost her mother ten years ago. She is rapidly approaching womanhood and the lack is becoming more difficult every day.

Will she be able to recognize love when it’s right in front of her?

Could love be the key to Leah opening her heart, making room for the woman her father intends to marry… or will she stubbornly cling to the memory of her own mother?

Will Leah be able to let go of her own ideas and realize that God truly does know best for her or will she allow love to slip through her fingers, destroying Samuel Fisher and Naomi Yoder’s happiness at the same time?

Rachel L Miller writes sweet Amish romance with a focus on faith, family and friendship.

She feels very strongly that God has led her to live a simpler lifestyle ñ thus her deep kinship with the plain people. She enjoys spending time with her family and doing fun, simple things like swimming, making sun tea, sitting outside watching the sunrise or listening to rain fall on the tin roof.

Rachel enjoys writing Amish fiction and hopes that the purity of her stories will allow God’s message to shine through more clearly.†She also writes Contemporary Inspirational Romance – and with all of her stories she focuses on presenting romance the way God intended it to be.

Readers can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads and her website: rlmauthor.com

Website: http://rlmauthor.com

Amazon: amazon.com/author/rlmillerauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RLMauthor

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bIHd7T

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rlmauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RLMAuthor

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/RLM_Author/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RachelLMillerAuthor

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Leah-Windy-Wishes-Book-ebook/dp/B072FT6PJY

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-mother-for-leah-rachel-l-miller/1126615403?ean=9780998169279

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-mother-for-leah/id1231203953

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-mother-for-leah

Universal: https://books2read.com/amfl2017/

***

Engaged is now available!

Purchase on Amazon

Tags: A Mother for Leah by Rachel L. Miller, Amish Fiction, Amish romance, author, Christian author, Julie Arduini, New Release, Rachel L. Miller

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Published on August 02, 2017 21:00

August 1, 2017

Answered Prayers by Darlene Franklin

Prayer. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Prayer is our means of communication with God and God’s given requirement to watch him work. We read stories of men and women of prayer who pray(ed) 2 hours a day and feel like the disciples who couldn’t spend an hour in prayer with Jesus in the garden.

All my life I’ve felt like such a stumbling fool when it comes to prayer. I struggle to fill a single page in mu prayer journal. And I use a prayer journal because it forces me to focus, unlike closing my eyes to daydream—or fall asleep.

I offer all this background so you understand why this—thing—has me shocked, surprised, delighted.

God is answering my prayers. When asked. As asked. In very demonstrable ways.

I started to notice it a few months ago. I prayed that my granddaughter would either leave her live-in boyfriend—or get married. She moved out. (and back in—but she did move out!)

At our weekly Bible study, our leader asked us to requested that we pray for his voice and his health. We prayed that because God had given him the lesson to share, that He would give him the strength to finish the lesson. And he did.

Later, a phlebotomist showed up for a blood draw. I selfishly prayed it would go easily. At a recent hospital visit, they had needed three-plus attempts every time they drew blood or put in an IV.

I didn’t even feel the needle go in.

A week ago, my vision was so blurry, I couldn’t see the music to play hymns at Bible study. I asked for prayer—vision restored.

Of course I’ve always known God answered prayer. And I haven’t had any significant “deposits” in the prayer bank. But I have never ever experienced this kind of clear, immediate answer. This feeling of—power?—had given me wings, a freedom to pray and actively expect an answer.

When I first starting writing devotionals, I found prayers the most difficult element to

Answered Prayer: A Guest Post by Darlene Franklin

write. But recently, I completed 48 prayers to accompany the upcoming 12-Month Guide to Better Prayer for Women (TBR 2/1/18). Here’s the first one:

Lord God, the story of prayer might be the story of great achievements, but my personal journey reads more like a survival tale, lurching from one day’s emergency to the next. Not everyone can be like Esther, who fasted, prayed, and wrested victory for her people from the hands of her enemy. I’m more like Hannah, who asked You for a son, and the Phoenician woman who beseeched Jesus to heal her child. I may not be like Lydia who offered her house as a place of worship, but I have often wept before You, like the woman who wiped Jesus’ feet with her tears. As I rehearse Your gracious response to my prayers, open my eyes to the grandeur of Your achievements in my life. Amen.

I guess I absorbed the lessons as I wrote them! Praise God for a very welcome transformation.

Bio: Darlene has been preparing to write devotionals all her life. She enjoyed the teaching of verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible three times a week in addition to her own private study all the way through school. At Northeastern Bible College, she majored in Bible and theology, and then attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary, where she graduated with a Master of Arts in Religious Education. When she began writing after her divorce, she started with a devotional project focused in about the lessons God had taught her, and her first ever published piece was a devotional in The Secret Place. Since then, Darlene has published over 300 devotionals in various publications as well as three stand-alone titles with Winged Publications.

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Book blurb about 12 Months to Better Prayer:

Learn the art of prayer from the hearts of giants of the faith.

Prayer is simply talking with God—yet even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Since then, godly men and women of the faith have given us guidance to a deeper prayer life—and their most insightful comments are included in A 12-Month Guide to Better Prayer for Women.

Featuring the words of giants of the faith such as Andrew Murray, E. M. Bounds, Charles Spurgeon, and Hannah Whitall Smith, it’s arranged into 12 key topics.

Ideal for use on a year-long prayer journey, this book also includes prayer starters that will set you on a course of deeper, more personal times of conversations with God.

Book blurb about my fiftieth book, Mermaid’s Song:

At last, the much anticipated 50th book by Darlene Franklin!

Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail.

Thus begins this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Justine Battineaux, an Acadian forced from her homeland on Cape Breton Island by British decree, finds herself adrift in the Maine colony. She doesn’t know the language and is distrusted as a foreigner.

Noble lives up to his name, providing shelter for Justine—and protection, as distrust turns into danger. For himself, his family—and the woman he comes to love.

How will Justine and Noble overcome the evil woman’s schemes to find their own love everlasting?

Tags: 12 Months to Better Prayer, Answered Prayer by Darlene Franklin, author, family, guest blogger, healing, Julie Arduini, Mermaid's Song

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Published on August 01, 2017 21:00

July 30, 2017

Don’t Miss This: ALL SAINTS Movie Releasing August 25+ #GIVEAWAY

ALL SAINTS is based on the inspiring true story of salesman-turned-pastor Michael Spurlock (John Corbett), the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.

This PG rated drama runs 1:48:00 and is recommended for ages 10+. It’s from Sony AFFIRM/Sony Pictures.

I love knowing the story behind a story, so I had fun watching the videos below. The real Michael Spurlock talks about his years as pastor of a small church on the verge of being shut down. it was his first pastorate out of school and he had to decide what to do about the church and the refugees. His answer makes for an interesting movie with John Corbett portraying him.

I also liked hearing what John Corbett thought. He wasn’t so sure about taking the role, and I wondered if the faith aspect was an issue. He admitted it was because he has played so many nice guy parts, he was ready for a challenge more in the villain area. Someone read the script and told him he’d regret not taking the part. Corbett read the script again and saw the merits in taking the part.

I have TWO Fandago tickets to give away to ONE USA winner. Tell me what your favorite John Corbett role has been and why. I’ll pick a winner August 7. Don’t forget to leave your email so I can contact you in case you win.

“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.

Watch All Saints trailer here

Behind the Scenes:

The Heart of the Movie

All Saints: John Corbett Decisions

The Pastors of All Saints

The Miracles of All Saints

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