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CD Review: Live On Forever by The Afters

The Afters: Live on Forever

THE AFTERS: LIVE ON FOREVER

From Moses to Job to Jesus, the most intrepid heroes in scripture knew times of trouble that multiplied like a plague-—but always led, in the end, to mighty celebration.

It’s easy to assume such stories of trial and triumph are for the Bible’s books or the history books. But miracles happen, even when adversity hits hardest. Just ask Josh Havens, guitarist and lead vocalist of the Afters. He relates how the band’s latest effort, Live on Forever began during a season of tragedy.

Just as the band regrouped to record, Havens witnessed the wife of a close friend contract cancer. Drummer Jordan Mohilowski (who produced the new album) had a brief health scare, and a close companion in his church—-part of the worship team—-was hit and killed by an impaired driver. She was a young woman, Havens says, who had unlimited potential.

But Live on Forever still took shape as a celebration of faithfulness, protection and promise-—one that shimmers with strong rhythms, undeniable energy and compelling pop hooks. The album finds Havens in strong, soaring voice as he invites listeners to find shelter and strength in God.

“If any theme has emerged, it would be ‘inspiration and motivation,’” Havens says. “Look at the titles we’ve selected: They reflect themes of ‘rise up, get up, God has your back, you’re not in this alone.’ We thought, ‘Let’s encourage people and let this be a weapon for people’s faith: something they can hold onto.’”

Havens himself felt a deep need to hold on after another loss struck: The band’s longtime soundman, Anthony Martinez, saw his newborn daughter die in infancy.

“I remember going to that funeral and seeing a casket that was way smaller than any casket should ever be.” Havens recalls. “I will never understand why tragedies like that happen in this life. It was in that moment of loss and sadness that our thoughts turned to eternity. ‘What is heaven going to be like? We began writing ‘Live On Forever’ and pulled from Revelation where it describes heaven as a place where there’s no more pain, no more crying, no more suffering.”

The Afters have a new release, LIVE ON FOREVER, a CD that took two years to create. In that time, the band suffered loss after loss, and each of their experiences molded what became the music for LIVE ON FOREVER. The members share their losses on their website, and it is well worth the read. Even in grief, they realize God is ever-present and caring.

LIVE ON FOREVER is a great Christian pop CD to listen to for encouragement and uplifting. There’s nothing in their music that reveals the depth of their pain and grief, and I think it’s a testament to how faithful they believe God is, and we get the results of that with upbeat music. LIVE ON FOREVER is already well known, but I also really enjoyed SHADOWS and BATTLES. I enjoyed each song, but the first two really stayed with me in both beat and lyrics.

I highly recommend LIVE ON FOREVER if you enjoy a good pop beat with a positive message. If these band members can endure the losses they did and come out with these uplifting songs and messages, I think they deserve a listen.

PURCHASE LIVE ON FOREVER

I received a CD for review purposes in exchange for an honest review.

Tags:  CD review, CD Review: Live on Forever by The Afters, Christian Band, encouragement, faith, grief, Julie Arduini, Live on Forever, loss, pop music, The Afters




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 COTT: New Releases Clash  Introducing Chocolate and a Museum Gallery Opening  Agreeing with God's Plan by Julie Arduini  The Love Boat Bachelor: The Inspiration Behind Nora Laing  Embracing the Geek that is MeCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [CD Review: Live On Forever by The Afters], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Joanie Shawhan: The Whisperer

The Whisperer

by Joanie Shawhan

 

Stop. Listen! Do you hear the whispers of ovarian cancer? This insidious disease assaults over 20,000 unsuspecting women per year and is the most lethal of all female cancers. Since there are no screening tests, it is often diagnosed in the latter stages.

 

Despite my background in oncology nursing, I missed the whispers of ovarian cancer. Over the course of several months, I experienced nausea, mistaking these episodes for the flu. Fleeting thoughts of ovarian cancer crept into my mind, but I dismissed them. I rationalized. This nausea is too infrequent to be ovarian cancer.

 

But in September 2006, I rolled over in bed and felt a hard grapefruit-size mass in my abdomen. The whisperer roared.

 

My doctor thought it was a uterine fibroid, but we needed to schedule an ultrasound. In the darkened room, the ultrasound technician furrowed her brow and shot me a glance. Something was wrong.

 

After examining the images, my doctor announced her verdict—ovarian cancer—the size of a cantaloupe. She rattled off the tests and surgery that needed to be scheduled. Words spilled over her lips, sounding foreign and distant. I sat numb, frozen. Is she talking to me?

 

I had witnessed the devastating side effects of chemotherapy suffered by my patients, and vowed that I would never undergo chemo. But now, I felt powerless to carry out this resolution. The side effects of the drugs terrified me: baldness, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a life-threatening allergic reaction.

 

My nursing scrubs and shoes gave way to tieback gowns and skid-free gripper socks. I was one of them, dragged through the theme park of cancer.

 

Today, I am cancer free. I lost myself to ovarian cancer, but in losing myself, I found a new purpose and calling in my life—to advocate for and educate women regarding ovarian cancer. One way I do this is by writing encouraging articles for women undergoing chemotherapy.

 

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Stop and listen for the symptoms that whisper. The life you save may be your own.

 

 

 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

 

v  Pain or pressure in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back

v  Abdominal bloating or a sense of fullness

v  Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas or indigestion

v  Urinary frequency or urgency

v  Fatigue

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

~+~

Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer survivor and a registered nurse. She writes encouraging articles for women undergoing chemotherapy. Her publishing credits include Coping with Cancer magazine and God Still Meets Needs. She speaks to medical practitioners in the Survivors Teaching Students program. Check out her blog at www.joanieshawhan.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags:  cancer survivor, chemotherapy, guest blogger, Joanie Shawhan, Joanie Shawhan: The Whisperer, Julie Arduini, National Ovarian Cancer Month, ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer symptoms, registered nurse




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 Thankful for No Goodbyes by Lori Dixon  COTT: Meet Suspense Author Patricia Bradley  Thankful: Pandora  Sabbath Sunday: The Bridge  The Argument with God by PatCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Joanie Shawhan: The Whisperer], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Movie Review: Voiceless

VOICELESS Synopsis

Jesse Dean is a recently discharged soldier who had a rough upbringing, but because of his wife, found God and now is totally devoted to his faith.

He and wife move to Philadelphia so he can take a new job as an outreach leader at an old church whose membership has been declining. As everything is going well and as he starts connecting to the community, he discovers there’s an abortion clinic directly across the street from the church.

He goes to the pastor and to several others in the church and tries to get their help to no avail. One day something tragic and personal happens to him while he’s going about his everyday routine. He comes to the point that he begins to take action himself. He gets involved but the more involved he gets, the more resistance he gets from those in church and community. His wife, who thinks his actions will get him fired or land him in jail, also comes against him.

Finally, it comes down to him having to make a choice: is he going to take the easy way out and back off, which is what everyone wants him to do, or will he face a major confrontation which will require him to put everything on the line…not just his job, but his freedom and marriage as well.

This film encourages people to stand up for what they know is right, particularly as it pertains to taking God’s truths into society to address social issues. It addresses the spirit of retreat as it pertains to engaging the culture that has developed within the Church.

This is a subtle movie with a wide impact. Jesse moves to Philly with his wife after leaving the military. He has a rough background but is now a Christian with a passion to make a difference. His church gives him a hero’s welcome and he plans a boxing outreach to help inner city residents find a safe outlet and hear the Good News. All seems well until Jesse sees what’s across the street. A business known for providing abortions.

Jesse is invested in the pro-life message and is drawn to the center to share his heart. He isn’t angry or judgemental, he just wants everyone to see all the options and what consequences there are. But as he shares the truth, blood is shed and people take sides.

VOICELESS packs a ton of truth, quietly and reverently. The director of the reproductive center has a great interaction with Jesse and it shows how conflicted it can get. She thinks she’s helping, Jesse does as well. Yet the church wishes Jesse would quiet down. His wife does, too.  Jesse has to make a decision, and it could unite everyone, or implode. The actions more than dialogue speak volumes and leave an impact after the movie is done.

I think no matter where you fall on the pro-life/pro-choice issue, VOICELESS is worth seeing.

This movie opens October 7th. To learn more, visit HERE.

I was sent a link to this movie in exchange for an honest review.

 

Tags:  abortion, inner city, Julie Arduini, ministry, movie review, Movie Review: VOICELESS, Philadelphia, pro choice, pro life, veteran




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 Character Confession: Feeling Bethlehemian Festive  Book Review: The Day She Died by Bill Garrison  Old-Fashioned Honor in Today's World by Ginger Solomon  COTT: Vote for What You'd Read During Christmas Vacation  Book Review: Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max LucadoCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Movie Review: Voiceless], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Surrendering Personal Possessions by June Foster

 

Surrendering Personal Possessions

My husband and I recently decided to travel the US while we still have our health. We sold our house and moved back into our RV, giving up most of our worldly goods. All of our furniture remained in the house, about half of our other things went to family members and friends, and the other half to a storage shed. If I hadn’t surrendered my attachment to material objects, I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it.

Here’s the story.

Some years ago, we lived in Germany while Joe served in the army. I bought gold charms for each of the memorable places we visited, as well as a solid gold bracelet. A double-decker bus in London, the Parthenon from Athens, a beer stein from Germany. Other charms were from Denmark, Austria, Norway, and Italy. Then I attached other special keepsakes such as my sorority pin from college and a medallion my stepfather gave me when he retired.

I treasured my bracelet, not for the monetary value it held, but for the sentiment. Each charm had special meaning. When we returned to the states, I began my teaching job. One day when I came home from work, I made a shocking, no, devastating discovery. Our home had been robbed. Probably some druggie trying to feed his habit. Yes, you guessed it, my solid gold charm bracelet was gone forever. Along with a lot of other valuables as well.

To top it all off, my husband was back in Europe on another tour of duty and couldn’t even be there to comfort me. I grieved for my bracelet. Every perfect, unique charm was gone . I’d been violated. Someone had taken something I valued—something that belonged to me. Finally, I had to seek resolution. As usual, God provided His word.

A Christian janitor who cleaned the school where I taught came to me one day with a piece of paper in his hand. In his masculine scrawl, he’d written: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6: 19-21.

His note was the reminder I needed to move on. I’ll always remember how the light of God’s word lifted me out of my situation. Nothing on this earth is more valuable than the Lord and His word. And no one can take that away from us.

The realization that I can take nothing with me when I leave this earth helped in the process. Yes, going from a 4000 square foot home to a tiny RV took effort, but I didn’t grieve over the loss of my possessions. I have something of greater value.

About Christmas at Raccoon Creek by June Foster

Christmas at Raccoon Creek by June Foster

Emily Eason wants to distance herself from her parents’ opulent lifestyle in Birmingham, Alabama, and enjoy life in the rural village of Raccoon Creek and her fifties-style home. But after gazing into the little snow globe she purchased from Hardwicke’s Drugs and Gifts, she finds herself transported to another time—her grandmother’s era.

Lance Hardwicke is the pharmacist and owner of Hardwicke’s Drugs. Four years of pharmacy school didn’t allow for much of a social life. Gorgeous Emily Eason, nurse and resident of Raccoon Creek, has captured his attention. The next time she comes in the store, he’s determined to ask her out. Maybe take her to Birmingham to see the Christmas lights in his brand new orange and white ’53 Pontiac Pathfinder.

Can love span the fifty-year gap standing between them? 

 

Purchase CHRISTMAS AT RACCOON CREEK HERE

 

Tags:  author, Christian romance, Christmas at Raccoon Creek by June Foster, confession, fiction, Julie Arduini, June Foster, Matthew 6, RV living, surrender, Surrendering Personal Possessions by June Foster, treasure




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 Julie Arduini's 2013 Favorite Fiction Read of the Year is...  A2Z Meme: Today and Tomorrow  Character Confession: Selfish is as Selfish Does  Character Confession: Yes, I Really Glued my Fingers Together  Embracing the Geek that is MeCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Surrendering Personal Possessions by June Foster], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Don’t Miss This: Dance Over Me by Candee Fick

Dance Over Me by Candee Fick

Dance Over Me by Candee Fick

Danielle Lefontaine, a fledgling actress raised to the lullaby of Broadway, searches for her long-lost brother and her place on the stage, but a jealous cast member and numerous fruitless leads threaten to drop the curtain on her dreams and shine a spotlight on her longing for a place to belong. Meanwhile, Alex Sheridan is living his dream except for someone to share it with. When Dani dances into his life, he hopes he’s found the missing piece to his heart but fears the bright lights of a bigger stage could steal her away. Will the rhythm of dancing feet usher in their deepest desires or leave them stranded in the wings?

BIO: Candee Fick is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy with her day job or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at football, basketball, baseball, and Special Olympics games. In what little free time remains, she enjoys exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

www.CandeeFick.com

https://twitter.com/CandeeFick

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Purchase Dance Over Me in print

Purchase Dance Over Me ebook

 

Tags:  author, Broadway, Candee Fick, dance, Don't Miss This: Dance Over Me by Candee Fick, fiction, Julie Arduini, reading, romance




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 Book Review: Shadows of the Past by Patricia Bradley  The Weight of Love by Cleo Lampos  Christmas at the Farm with Ann Voskamp and Liz Curtis Higgs  Interview with Raspberries and Vinegar Author Valerie Comer  Saturday Confession: It Makes Sense to MeCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Don't Miss This: Dance Over Me by Candee Fick], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Don’t Miss This: Paint the Storm by Dawn V. Cahill

Paint the Storm by Dawn V. Cahill

PAINT THE STORM, a new release by Dawn V. Cahill

GOLDEN STATE TRILOGY, BOOK I: Set amidst the spectacular scenery of California’s Marin Peninsula, Paint the Storm tells a timely story that resonates in today’s culture. It’s a saga of God’s power to heal relationships and answer prayers in the unlikeliest of ways. It’s a tale of loss, danger, and ultimately love.

When her daughter Linzee announces her engagement to her partner Nena, artist and single mother Meg struggles to understand how God wants her to respond. Should she follow the culture around her by embracing and celebrating Linzee’s same-sex relationship? How would Christ repond? And what does Christ think of a local church notorious for its hateful anti-gay messages? While she wrestles with these questions, she turns to a Christian support group where she learns what it means to love like Christ did. An intriguing new man makes life interesting, but while she is getting to know him, another man from her past suddenly shows up, further complicating matters.

Meanwhile, a cyber bully is targeting Linzee. His hateful messages turn threatening. Meg and Linzee rekindle their bond as together they determine to uncover the stalker’s identity. When the clues point toward Meg’s own family, she is paralyzed with fear. The violence escalates–until the day Linzee turns up missing.  In her search for Linzee, Meg joins up with the unlikeliest of allies – and begins to see God’s hand at work. It’s only when she turns to her support-group friends for comfort and prayer that she finally understands God’s faithfulness through the deepest of trials.

Join Meg on her adventure toward love, healing, and a heart-warming conclusion.

Available for pre-order after September 15, 2016. See my website for the latest news: www.dawnvcahill.com

See Paint the Storm’s cast of characters here

A note from Dawn V. Cahill:

Dear Readers:

When I began writing Paint the Storm three years ago, gay marriage was not yet legal in the US. At the time, I approached the story as if it were a likely future scenario. Two years later, it was no longer a “what if.” It became reality. Unfortunately, it’s an issue which has polarized our nation, and even our churches.

You may be wondering why I would tackle such a controversial topic as gay marriage. In essence, I saw an unfilled niche in the Christian market for edgier fiction that dealt with issues unique to our time, and came up with the concept of Hot Topic Fiction (HTF). My stories aren’t afraid to explore the question, how does God want us Christians to live out our faith in this not-so-brave new world? Without insulting the reader by offering pat or easy answers—because there aren’t any—my books tell of ordinary Christians following hard after Christ in a world of terror and violence, of upside-down morality, of hostility to Judeo-Christian values. The characters in my stories face situations that would have been unthinkable even 20 years ago. We live in a vastly different world than our parents did, and that’s the world I write about.

Yet very few Christian fiction books contain gay characters, even though fiction is a great medium for imparting life lessons. I don’t claim to have all the answers. My goal was not to push an agenda. I simply wanted to tell the story of one Christian mom, and how she chose to live out Christ’s law of love.

I hope that more Christian authors will be courageous enough to tackle this and related issues in the future. After all, this is the world in which we live. And we Christians need to be prepared to deal with it.

This book required a daunting amount of research. But despite the hours I spent on Google, I found very few conclusive answers. Only lots of disagreements on questions such as, Does a gay gene exist? What causes someone to be gay? Due to the lack of definitive scientific answers, I didn’t try to answer those questions in the book. But I certainly encourage you to do your own research on these questions.

~~DVC~~

 

Tags:  author, Bible, Christian fiction, Dawn V. Cahill, Don't Miss This: Paint the Storm by Dawn V. Cahill, faith, family, fiction, hate crime, homosexuality, Julie Arduini, Paint the Storm




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 Clash of the Titles: Vote for Your Favorite Release  COTT: Clash Winner Hallee Bridgeman with A Melody for James  WFW: Psalm 86:11  Sabbath Sunday: The Detour  Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice ThompsonCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Don't Miss This: Paint the Storm by Dawn V. Cahill], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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COTT: One Thursday Morning by T.K. Chapin

 

Congratulations to T.K. Chapin

and his novel

One Thursday Morning

for taking home this month’s Clash crown!


PURCHASE ON Amazon

About the book:

Running not only for her own life, but that of her unborn baby, Serenah moves across the country to a little town outside of Spokane Washington called Newport. It’s here she’ll begin to build a new life and go by a different name in the hopes of staying hidden from her abusive husband John. Can Serenah find happiness in her new life? Or will the past eventually catch up to her?

 

From the best-selling Inspirational Christian Romance Author T.K. Chapin comes a story of love, faith and passion that will keep your fingers turning the page to see what happens next.

 

 

One Thursday Morning is book one in the Diamond Lake Series by T.K. Chapin.

 

What Voters had to Say:

Thank you T.K. Chapin for providing real life in your books.

I really like books by T.K.Chapin, Because he writes with a theme of religion and hope. I especially like One Thursday Morning.

Excellent story. I have also read Friday Morning. Good story line Makes me feel like I am at the Lake with them.

T.K. Chapin, I was enticed by the beautiful cover and description of the novel, One Thursday Morning. Can’t wait to read it.

I love your stories. Very enjoyable, heartwarming and inspiring. Keep them coming,

I enjoy finding new authors and found T.K. Chapin’s writing adding to my authors’ list.

I think “One Thursday Morning” by T. K. Chaplin will be one popular book. I love the plot and can’t wait to read it.

I love to read and discover new authors. T.K. Chapin is quickly becoming a favorite! He tackles tough topics, and tells the story in such a way as to keep you interested. Ups and downs, twists and turns, T.K. knows how to keep the plot line tight and the story believable and uplifting.

Sounds like a good book. I hope you have a great career!

Keep writing. It helps me escape my everyday life.

TK – love your writing and your interest in your reader’s lives.

I love TK CHAPIN books!

 

Have a blessed week, everyone!
From your friends at Clash of the Titles!


Tags:  author, book, Christian fiction, COTT: One Thursday Morning by T.K. Chapin, fiction, Julie Arduini, One Thursday Morning, T.K. Chapin




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 Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path  Christians Read Team with The Book Club Network for Contest  Mother of Pearl: Rhonda Shrock's What I Didn't Know  Book Review: The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen by Sandra Hagee Parker  Saturday Confession: Thankful Series Wrap-UpCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [COTT: One Thursday Morning by T.K. Chapin], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Kathy Willis: Prosper Where You’re Planted

Prosper Where You’re Planted

by Kathy Carlton Willis

We were excited about our brand new home, but not so much with our new sod and landscaping. It struggled to survive the move. Of course, the 100-degree heatwave didn’t help matters. The crux of the problem was transplant shock. Those green leafies were traumatized by being uprooted from their comfortable setting and placed into strange new surroundings.

We did all we could to “love on” our greenies. We refreshed them frequently with nourishing drinks of water. But even with the proper care, the bright green leaves of grass, trees and plants dimmed to a straw-like gold. Transplant Trauma.

It takes time and the proper care for transplants to adjust to new surroundings, and then they snap out of the shock and turn green again.

I know what it’s like to be a transplant, and perhaps you do too. You wonder how it’s possible to prosper where you’re planted when you’re dealing with your own version of transplant trauma. We didn’t get to stay in the hometown of our childhood. No, God uprooted us. Took us from the comfort of what we knew and loved, and moved us to a new area that needed us. God often sends us to parched places—to rejuvenate others with refreshing green ministry.

Sometimes it takes a while to get acclimated. We go through a period of transplant trauma. Shock. The refreshingness of the lush green we offer others temporarily turns to dry hay. With the right amount of time to adjust, and with the loving care of our new surroundings, we green up again. It’s good to know it’s just a temporary condition.

Sometimes we come to a new place still grieving the loss of what we left behind. We bring that trauma with us until we come to accept it. Other times, we are eager to get started in the new ministry, but are confronted by the culture shock of the new area. We adapt. We add the water of the Word, confirming our calling to our new spot. We soak in the SONlight. We allow our Heavenly Master Gardener to tend to our needs while we tend to the needs of others.

Are you yearning to prosper where you’re planted? Repeat this phrase with me: “Transplant trauma is temporary. God’s tender loving care is permanent.”

~+~

Kathy Carlton Willis writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. She shines the light on issues that hold readers back and inspires lightbulb moments. Almost a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she’s written several books, including Grin with Grace and Speaker to Speaker: The Essential Speaker’s Companion. She and husband Russ live in Texas with Jazzy, their hilarious Boston terrier. Learn more at: www.kathycarltonwillis.com

 

Tags:  author, gardening, God's care, guest blogger, Julie Arduini, Kathy Willis, Kathy Willis: Prosper Where You're Planted, master gardener, ministry, new home, patience, speaker, transplant, trauma, WordGirls




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 Book Review: Gillian's Heart by B.J. Bassett  Developing a Heart of Gratitude by Joni Tyner  COTT: Margaret Daley's Shattered Silence  Sabbath Sunday: The Detour  Book Review: Betsy St. Amant's Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PKCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Kathy Willis: Prosper Where You're Planted], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Book Review: Prince Noah and the School Pirates

Book Review: Prince Noah and the School Pirates

It’s time for young Prince Noah to go to school. The prince, who starred in the book The Prince Who Was Just Himself, may be a little slower than other students, but he has no less joy in learning. In his kingdom, children go to school on sailing ships. There is a ship for girls and one for boys. There is a ship for children with an eye patch, a ship for children with one leg, and a ship for children who are slower learners. No one knows why there are so many different ships, but it has always been that way.

Then a terrible storm drives the ships into the hands of pirates. The boys and girls realize that they will only escape if everyone does what he or she does best. Through their adventures, they learn that diversity makes us strong and that every person has something to teach us.

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.

I confess that I struggled with this book. I really enjoyed the first book, The Prince Who Was Just Himself, but I felt PRINCE NOAH and the SCHOOL PIRATES missed the mark.

Prince Noah needs to go to school, but he is sent on a ship for schooling. Kids are separated and put on different ships. When pirates seize the ships, the children have to work together, each bringing their unique gift to the solution. I understand the premise, but I guess the dark theme of being captured by pirates bothered me. Like other reviews, I found the wording odd, and I also believe that’s the translation from the author’s native German.

The author has a son with Down’s Syndrome and I love bringing awareness to special needs. I just feel the first book in the series did a stronger job bringing that message to light.

To purchase PRINCE NOAH and the SCHOOL PIRATES, click here.

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

 

Tags:  Book Review: Prince Noah and the School Pirates, Book Review: The Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silke Schnee, children's book, Down's Sydrome, Julie Arduini, pirates, school, special needs




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 COTT: Hope Under Mistletoe by Jessica R. Patch  Christians Read Team with The Book Club Network for Contest  Kelly Tough, Part One  January 2, I No Longer Hate You  More on November's Don't Miss This: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee FickCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Book Review: Prince Noah and the School Pirates], All Right Reserved. 2016.

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Surrendering My Food Addiction by Janet Brown

Surrendering My Food Addiction by Janet Brown

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

                                   Isaiah 61:1

“to proclaim liberty to the captives”

I fully understand that line, for I was bound, and the Lord set me free. Twenty years ago, I fought with white-knuckled grip to control my food addiction, but the more I struggled, the less peace I experienced. My life felt empty. I thought myself unfixable. I believed God couldn’t help.

During my adult life, I moved between binging and dieting. I lost weight through sheer determination and strength of character, but I longed for food treats that had become so meaningful to me like Reese’s candy, donuts, and fudge. I returned to regular eating. Satan’s chain tightened around my thought life. Depression permeated my belief system, and I dropped, once again, to the pit of food binges, along with occasional purges.

Death seemed my only viable option. A church service would be inspiring, drawing me close to the Lord. Again, I prayed, “Lord, take away my cravings for sweets. Please release my mind from food addiction.” I went from the altar to search for a new way to eat, a new secret potion, or support group, and went into diet and losing mode one more time.

In 1993, I reached bottom. I told God, “I can’t do it. I’m powerless over food. Unless you change me, I will keep gaining weight until I die.” I walked into a Christian Weight Controller meeting at church, weighing two hundred, fifty pounds and having no belief in my ability to change.

What a surprise!

That was exactly where God wanted me.

Moment by moment, I looked to God for direction on everything. I began many days telling Him, “I’m weak. Before I reach my job, I plan on stopping for a dozen donuts to eat this morning unless you stop me. It’s in Your hands. I can’t stop myself.”

Praise God! Many times I’ve made it to work without donuts. I don’t remember what changed. I just know God took control.

Food had become my idol.

I put God on the throne of my life.

I learned not to pray and then resume control. It doesn’t work.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32

To succeed at combating food addiction, or any other addiction, compulsion, or hang-up, we must surrender to God’s will, not ours.

My control brings captivity.

God’s control gives liberty.

 

 

Worth Forgiving

Second in the Wharton Rock Series

Prejudice and mistrust hinders an ex-con, drug addict’s new beginning.

The state of Texas releases from prison Katie Smith. Full of optimism, she sets out to get a job, rent her own place, and make a home for her eight-year-old daughter, but Katie gave away her daughter three years ago. She could use a friend, but her past choices threaten to doom her to continued failure.

Larry Pullman graduated from seminary with high marks, but the fact that he has no wife makes finding a preaching job almost impossible. It doesn’t help that running from God as a teenager gave him a past that he can’t undo. All he needs is an ex-con, drug addict messing up his life, but then why did God lead him to her? Or did He?

Isn’t it enough that Lacey Chandler gave her sister’s daughter a home? Does that mean she has to clean up Katie’s messes forever?

Could it be that Katie is not Worth Forgiving?

PURCHASE WORTH FORGIVING HERE

Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles.

     Worth Forgiving, an inspirational women’s fiction, is the second in her Wharton Rock series. Her only non-fiction is Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness.

Worth Forgiving marks Brown’s fourth book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.

     Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, work in their church, and visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren.

     Janet teaches workshops on writing, weight loss, and the historical settings of her teen books. The author uses her platform of recovering compulsive overeater to weave stories of hope for addiction, compulsion, or impossible situations.

Find her at http:/ /www.janetkbrown.com

on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntx

on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707

E-mail:  Janet.hope@att.net

 

Tags:  author, binging, diets, food addiction, guest blogger, Janet Brown, Julie Arduini, surrender, Surrendering My Food Addiction by Janet Brown, trusting God, Worth Forgiving




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 ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past  COTT: Introducing Blog Alliance Members Renee Chaw & ME!  12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 1 - God with Us . . . And Us with Him by Susan May Warren  Book Review: No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason  Thankful: Carole Brown's List of November ThankfulnessCopyright © Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate [Surrendering My Food Addiction by Janet Brown], All Right Reserved. 2016.

The post Surrendering My Food Addiction by Janet Brown appeared first on Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues & Chocolate.