.

Thankful for the Chain Letter Forward

2009-11-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for my friend Tami. She is one of the busiest people I know (next to Kat, who is probably reading this at a red light) and manages to email me several times a week if not every day to check in. She sent me this quote and I asked if I could use it. I'm even more thankful because she got this quote by receiving a chain letter, cutting everything but the quote, and making good use of the ole' e mail forward. Way to go, Tami!

Saw this quote today and really liked it...Thought I'd pass it on to a few people...

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.

NaBloPoMo: Always

2009-11-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

I haven't kept track to the last dotted "i" and crossed "t" but I'm pretty sure the words I write for public to encourage others come from the dank times where I cried enough tears to nearly drown from the grief. Life can't be all mountains, and although it seems hard, we have to be thankful for the valleys. This post is such a great reminder to praise God continually. Always.

During this season of my life I am truly learning to be more like Job…finding true thankfulness in the valley. You know those deep valleys that to our human eyes look devastating, hopeless, and covered with doom. But dig deeper beyond the bleakness of the valley and you’ll find it! Ah-ha!

There is hope! There is life! And there are songs of joy and thanksgiving to be sung! Dance my friend, dance as the music rises above the fruitless cover of the valley!

Allow your joy and thanksgiving to fertilize that ground enabling His truth to become the ground cover of the valley that you are walking in. Discover the blooms of life and their fragrances of delight as He walks you through these uncertain grounds. Hold on tight to His grip and stick close to His presence. Then before you know it…Gasp…you’ll see it! The beauty of the mountains that have been overshadowing you!

Yes, in my valley I am finding much to be joyful and thankful for! I am most thankful that my Father cares for me far beyond my understanding and despite my many short comings.

Building 429 has a song titled “Always”. If you are in a valley I challenge you to listen to it with your ears and your heart. And if you feel so led to move about the room to the music…don’t hold back! And if tears come as you dance…then let them come…they’re good for the ground cover.

Thankful to be a Grandma

2009-11-04T00:00:00.004-05:00

I'm thankful for Jan and her grace! This post disappeared before my eyes on my email and I only had a glimpse that "Jan A" wrote it. Problem---I know more than one Jan A and guessed the wrong one!

Jan has a great perspective on thankfulness. Hope you enjoy!

As we reflect this past year, we're truly thankful for having God in our lives.

We are chalenged with a lot of things, ongoing for more years than we want to think about. But here we are at the end of 2009, and still going!

Raising 2 granddaughters is a challenge in itself. They are now 14 and 15. We home school, and have for the last 7 1/2 years. It's GREAT!

Starting in August, the teenage girls started getting up at 6 AM...nothing new for most children going to public school. By 6:30 they are on their way to the Church. They study every school day for 4 years in the Scriptures. It is a fun class because the teacher makes it fun, and they learn.

If Grandma is up when they come home (that is, if Grandma slept the night before), we get right into school lessons. If Grandma is tired, both girls go back to bed and wait until Grandma gets them back up to do lessons. Home schooling is great for this reason, and 1001 other reasons. I am so thankful we have the freedoms to educate our children!

Grandma may be physically unable to do a lot, but she felt the call this year. Hearing of the National Tea Parties in April, Grandma organized and emceed a great Tea Party in our little town on April 15th. Grandma is passionate about the United States Constitution and our Rights and Liberties. After pushing herself for 1 to 2 weeks with each event, Grandma is down for about a week. But then it's time to get something else going, like the float (with the Liberty Tree on the trailer) in the July 4th parade, and the Gun Rights Rally in September. Everyone is interested in a HealthCare Rally for October, but Grandma has to get it all together again.

There is no rest for the weary, that's what great-grandma always said.

We thank God every day before we begin school. We have a lot to be thankful for. We ask that we can show love to one another, that our home will be filled with His Love. We ask for health, strength and safety for all the Lord's missionaries in the world. We pray for our leaders, that they may have insight to what we need, and an open heart and contrite spirit to lead. It takes those virtues and more to be a good leader. We pray for those without jobs, without homes, without hope in their hearts.

In other words, we remember that we are blessed with all that we have, even if it could be taken away within the blink of an eye. We cherish what God has given us stewardship over.

We are thankful for our eye sight, hearing, feelings -- both inside and out. We are thankful when we get up after a night's rest, that we can stand and walk and say nice things to each other. We are very grateful for the food that is in our cupboard, and remember those that went to bed hungry last night and have nothing in their bowl or on their plate today.

These are just a tiny percent of what we are thankful for this year.

Jan Abney has been married 34 1/2 years to a wonderful man, and is mother to 6, grandmother to 13, with one on the way! All totaled, she has taught her children and now grandchildren for 18 years. It's been a long road, but it's been worth every day. All through this year, thankfully, her adult children all have jobs, except for one, who is on a mission for the Lord at this time. Jan loves to write romance books; 17 are already finished, with many needing to be completed. None are published yet, but maybe soon. She loves nature, and lives out in the country where nature is abundant.
God bless you all!

NaBloPoMo: Thankful for Employment

2009-11-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

NaBloPoMo thankfulness goes international! Mikes has been a faithful blog reader and commenter and I'm a fan of his blog. He has an encouraging heart and sharp mind. I agree with is thankful post. My husband works for a business that serves banking clients in the mortgage business. He's not only employed, but busier than ever.

Thanks Mikes!

I am thankful to God for I giving me a JOB that I love knowing that the unemployment rate is rising so fast all around the world!

Name: Mikes Sumondong

Blog: http://your-dailyword.blogspot.com

NaBloPoMo: Potpourri of Thankfulness

2009-11-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

Susan is a high school classmate I reunited with on Facebook. I remember one of the first things she wrote was the amazing power of Christ. In her eyes, she was a tough cookie no one was going to break...but God! A few high school Facebook friends remarked they always thought me confident. Ha-I was angry, wounded, and so insecure. I love how God can change the hardest of hearts (and my hard head).

Susan gives a great panoramic view of thankfulness. Can you relate?

I am thankful for God,without whom there would be no possibilities. Food banks, to provide food to the hungry. Being able to volunteer and take food to churches. I see children who are hungry, and thrilled over having food. The ability to write, think logically, see and walk without assistance. (at one time i couldn't do any of these) The ocean, for its incredible power to soothe a broken heart or to inspire many great things. The elderly, for connecting us to the past. Our children, for connecting us to the future. Music and humor, it makes anti-depressants unnecessary. Last but not least, Reese's peanut butter cups and shoes. (if you're female no explanation needed)
Susan Brady

NaBloPoMo: Thankful for 8:01

2009-11-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

It's here! NaBloPoMo Julie Arduini style kicks off with a month of thankful posts, submitted by you. I love this because there are so many ways to be thankful.

My dear friend Kim Zaksek kicks things off. If you've followed my blog or our team blog, The Narrow Gate Invites, you've watched Kim blossom from a lover of Jesus trying to understand how a suburban stay at home mom can make a difference in Romania to being on the board for the ministry for Romanian's forgotten children called Children in the Son. I lovingly call her Angelina Jolie of our area as she now is working with her home church on a short term missions trip to Romania, something she desired to see for years that unfolded pretty much just. like. that.

Yet Kim's real with real issues. So I chuckle about this post because she knows me. I dance on the first day of school, or at least I threaten to. When it comes down to it, we're wives and moms. And I'm thankful like Kim to have these things...PLUS silence!

Thanks, Kim!

Does being thankful at 8:01 am when everyone has left in the morning count. My ears have been ringing from MOM . .. KIM. . . MOM . . . KIM!!!!

Kim Zaksek lives to love as Christ loves. The calling on her life is to minister to the children in Romania. She's traveled to Oradea, Romania, on behalf of Children of the Son and recently joined the board for the same organization. She lives in NE Ohio with her husband and three children.

It's as Simple as O2

2009-10-16T00:00:00.004-04:00

Pick your cliche---nothing fries my bacon, gets a bee in my bonnet, whatever---than forcing religion over relationship in a church and family setting. I've watched clergy, lay leaders and church members with a great servant's heart and love for the Lord lose their family for that "one more board meeting" that takes them away from the dinner table, the soccer game, and even...the regular church service.

Don't get me wrong but I think there needs to be a balance in Christian faith. We can be both Mary and Martha. It doesn't have to be serve, serve, serve---especially for pastors who face such burn out and consequences. Yet if you can read my passion, you can tell I've seen it and maybe in a small way witnessed it in and around me.

Richard Dahlstrom's O2: Breathing New Life into Faith talks about the very thing. The balance is as easy as breathing----inhale, exhale, a balance of church and relationship. Jesus is for us and our loved ones. If He truly wants us to be in multiple ministries, He will equip the called. But...are we all called to be as busy as we are in Jesus' name?

This book explores the issue. Here's more from Richard Dahlstrom:

"I see more passion for trees in the Sierra Club than I do for Jesus in the church.”

How can Christians revive and sustain their spiritual vitality? International Bible teacher Richard Dahlstrom offers an answer as practical and life–sustaining as oxygen.

People can’t hold their breath forever or continually blow air out, yet many Christians focus either on the inner life or on external service. As a result, their faith eventually becomes lifeless and irrelevant.

Dahlstrom invites readers to “inhale” life as they embrace fresh perspectives on prayer, the word, solitude, and the creation. “Exhaling” continues the cycle of breathing through hospitality, generosity, service, and obedience to Christ’s kingdom vision.

This thoughtful and inspiring description of a healthy life of faith leads to a balanced and holistic spirituality that mirrors Jesus’ life and teaching.

About Richard: Richard Dahlstrom is Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA, in the heart of the city, among university students, young professionals, families, the homeless, and the elderly. He is also a popular teacher in North America and Europe for the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers. He holds a M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary. Find out more about Richard at: http://raincitypastor.blogspot.com/

Link to buy the book:

Extras:

Watch a video about the book

Read the first chapter

Study Guide

Others particiating in this blog tour (won't you check them out?)

10/5

Christa at Christa Allan

Debra at Deb Brand

Janice at The Nearsighted Bookworm

10/6

Deborah at Comfort Joy

Dena at Mother Inferior

Bev At Ribbit Ribbit

10/7

Krista at Welcome To Married Life

Robin at Robin Merrill

Vera at Luxury Reading

10/8

Janice at The Nearsighted Bookworm

Anna at 4 Kiddos at Home

Monica at Paper Bridges

10/9

Bev At Ribbit Ribbit

Tina at O Joy of My Life
Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food

10/10

Jen at The Steeds

Kelly Kiggins at His Helping Hands

10/12

Lynetta at Open Book

Tanya at In The Dailies

10/13

Suzanne at Suzannesaphone

Jarrod at Jarrod Haggard

10/14

Amy at The 160 Acre Woods

Pattie at Fresh Brewed Writer

10/15

Pamela at Aunt Pam's Closet

Maura at Maura Prelich

10/16

Laura at Lighthouse Academy

Julie at The Surrendered Scribe

10/17

Danielle at Miss. Mouthy

Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart

10/19

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life

Scoti at Springs Writers

10/20

Diane at Diane’s Place

10/21

Tammy at Grateful in GA

Christy at Christy's Book Blog

10/22

Deena at A Peek at My Bookshelf

Tara at Tara's View on Books

10/23

Urailak at Homeschool Blogger

Aaron at Hard Words

10/24

Stephanie at The Joy Centered Life

Scott at A Day First

Harvest House Publishers was kind enough to send me a free copy for review.

If Ever You Need to Read a Post...This One is It

2009-10-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

Lynette is a bloggy friend with such compassion. She was the first to direct me to the Cripe family and their CaringBridge page. There is a crucial update and I ask that you please read it and be prayerful. There is essential information regarding what exactly others are to know and not, so I ask you please be considerate.

My heart breaks for this family.

How'd You Get Here Anyway? (and will you journey with me there?)

2009-10-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

I remember nearly throwing up when I hit the submit button to create this blog. No idea what it was all about and where it would go. Anything from December 31, 2007 on was out of surrender and obedience to God.

Here we are. I still shake my head when I see the follower faces are not those of my mom and immediate family. I've made friends who in cyber world have been there and got me better than sometimes those near me. It's been a great ride.

I try never to take any part of my life for granted. I don't know how you got here, but I thank you. Thanks for the comments, the reads, the FriendConnect, the Networked Blog follow and for all the other things I still don't understand. I really appreciate it.

Now...coming soon is the launch of my website and I've done the equivalent of whacking my head against a brick wall trying to figure out how to make the blog work through the website. I'm not a techie and if creating a blog off Google made me nauseous, well this is times ten. My husband is a programmer but not a blogger. He's under four deadlines due the same day. He's doing his best to help me but I'm trying to find that balance between wife and clueless tech client. I think there is a way to direct my blog content to the new site without losing "the Google juice". If not, I have to start from scratch and honestly, I don't know how to do that either!

So..I'm not sure how you got here, but I'm glad you are. I don't know how I'm getting to the next place, but you're officially invited me to journey with me there.

More info to come. Expect detours, espresso, and more head banging than your favorite 80's hair band!

Book Review: Cindy Woodsmall's The Sound of Sleigh Bells

2009-10-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

Cindy Woodsmall had me at When the Heart Cries. I'm drawn to Amish themed books but the plots were becoming so similar I was mixing up authors and books. When the Heart Cries was so original and such a page turner, Cindy Woodsmall has been on my radar ever since.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a comfy bad weather day read. What sets this book apart is the creation of a relationship through letters, deceit, grief, good intentions, and fear. The characters were likeable even when not making wise choices. I loved the contrast how one event could be a dream for one, and a a nightmare for another.

It sounds weird, but I loved the cover. I guess I'm a sucker for nature pictures but this cover just whispered peace to me. I know publishers are keeping track of consumer trends, and focus on covers is a big one. If I just saw this book on a shelf, I'd be drawn to it. What makes it even better is the writing matches the picture. I finished the book refreshed, challenged, and at a peace.

Want to know more? Here is a bit about the book:

ABOUT THIS BOOK
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

This is a Random House/Waterbrook Press release that was kind enough to provide a copy for me to review. To purchase, visit here.

I'd Like to Thank...

2009-10-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

The rare award shows I watch, I'm often mystified by the odd thanks the winner gives out. There's the mom, dad, teacher, spouse, makes sense. I love when God and Jesus gets credit, unless of course I'm getting all judgemental wondering if that's the first time the person used His name in a non profane way. Dogs, cats, circumstances, events, friends, enemies, everyone gets a thanks. Even the "little people".

What if it were you with a platform to say thanks? Who would you be thankful for? What would you be thankful for?

You have a chance to share right here throughout November. I'm formatting now so please send me a post to jarduini@faithwriters.net on why you are thankful this year. Along with the post send a short bio and optional picture, and sign off as you want the post to read. Hint, if you want to be anonymous, make sure you sign it that way. I promise I won't tell when you e mail me.

I've done this the last couple years through NaBloPoMo and it really transformed my thinking way beyond November. So go on, be thankful, tell others, and send it in.

And I say thanks!

photo courtesy photobucket

Love and Chocolate

2009-10-10T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's been a long couple weeks. I keep writing about frustration and how the root for me is blocked goals. I thought the website would be done, articles sent, new life underway.

The youngest had her first asthma flare up in a couple years. This used to be an every hour and sometimes minute part of our lives. Her wheeze caught me off guard. It's not just a physical drain getting up during the night to keep up with treatments, it's a mental wear. When she recovers, I emotionally collapse.

Well, I usually do. As soon as she got better, the oldest complained of a sore throat. Within hours he had no voice at all. Fever kicked in, followed by severe vomiting. He had no ability to keep down medicine so his fever rose. Cold compresses and tepid baths helped a little, but it reached as high as 103.6. When the fever broke, I totally get why they say delirious with fever. The rest of the week was fighting pains, coughs, and exhaustion.

I remember at one point I questioned my intimacy with the Lord. Lately any spare moment I have I'm reading Hosea and doing a prayer focus where whatever I glean, I want to pass on. I want to encourage others. I want them to know how much God loves them now, not later, but now.

So in all this running around, I wondered, am I doing right?

It wasn't even three hours later I received a call that there was a package for me at church. My husband was there and picked it up for me. He greets me with a huge bag full of presents. I unloaded the bag and started to cry.

It was like God filled that bag Himself with love and chocolate. They were all items to encourage and let me know someone was thinking about me-in this case-my secret sister. She might think oh it was just a big coffee cup, candy odds and ends and a warm blanket but it was what I needed. I wasn't sure I was being intimate enough with the Lord this week. True or not, He showered me with love.

Was there anything you received this week that once you think about it, is a woo from the Lord? Are you thinking the Lord would never care that specifically about me? Might I recommend Captivating?

Be Aware

2009-10-08T21:00:00.000-04:00

What a week! Last week the youngest had her first asthma flare up in a couple years. This week the oldest caught some syndrome "as close to being the flu without being the flu." I've never seen him so sick. My husband let me know he's in charge of 4 projects due at once. This is going to require a lot of overtime. My to do list isn't exactly "to done". I'm thankful for recovering health and employment. I live in an area near a GM plant. Times are tough and I don't want to take anything for granted.

This is old but I wanted to shed light on bre*st cancer awareness month. There are a few family members who joined this sorority without being asked or wanting to. All cancer is from the pit of hell.

I wanted to write something about this topic but what, how? I'm still not sure. Last year I submitted for the FaithWriters challenge under the topic of surprise. It was a huge leap for me writing wise and looking back I can already see things I could polish and change.

I'm going to post as is, asking for your grace as I use my time to take care of the family. My prayers to all families dealing with any form of cancer at any stage. God is with you and for you.

Come Str8 Home

The text flashed on my Smartphone at the end of the work day. The last time Karen used those words she sat me down thirteen months ago to share her news from the doctor: breast cancer.

For all the work responsibilities, the nice titles at church, I never felt so completely useless than when she underwent a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and more appointments than one human should ever endure.

I immediately called home, sweat forming on my forehead. A little over a year ago it would have been nothing for me to call and beg another hour or more of time at work. Since the diagnosis I committed to being home for anything. Her text put me on extra high alert.

“Hey Tony! You got my text?”

Her voice was upbeat.

“Karen what is it? Are you okay? Is there an appointment I missed?”

She chuckled.

“It’s time.”

“Huh? Time? Yea I know it’s Friday, five o’clock, I’m leaving now…”

“Tony, it’s time.”

I scratched my head and tried to re think any appointments or events I was forgetting.

“Honey I’m sorry, I don’t…”

Her chuckle was now a giggle, a flirtatious one.

“Both kids are sleeping over with friends. We have the house to ourselves. I’m feeling the best that I have and the doctor said if I think it’s time, to tell you. So baby, it’s time.” Karen emphasized the last word, kicking my libido from dormant to wide awake with just one word.

“Are you sure? I can wait, you know I can. I don’t want to push you.”

“Come home Tony. I’ll see you upstairs.”

Karen never minced words. When the doctor explained how sick she might get, the reality of any type of cancer, Karen just shook her head and proclaimed that they didn’t know her Jesus. Through hair loss, vomit, and patronizing looks from acquaintances who didn’t know what to say, she plowed through with supernatural determination. Beyond my feeling helpless, I wondered if she even needed me. Once, just once, she emerged from the bathroom in tears, allowing me to hug her and cry too. With this Christian marriage booty call, I was elated.

I knew better than to arrive empty handed. I stopped off and bought two dozen roses. One dozen is for basic events like making up and anniversaries. Karen is worthy of an extra dozen roses. I wanted this small gift to say no matter how far things progressed, I loved her.

I crept up the stairs, the doctor’s words echoing in my ear that for our first intimate encounter to expect very little. Expect tears. Expect layers and layers of clothes that may never shed that first time. I slowly swung open the door and nearly dropped the roses. She gave me quite a surprise, shattering all the doctor’s warnings. She was in a see through nightie.

“I just wanted you to know how I look. It’s okay if I repulse you, I just have to know.”

Her words wavered a bit and I was instantly to her side.

“You could never repulse me. You’re more woman than you were the day we married and you were something special then. Your strength has to be the sexiest thing about you and that has always been the case.”

Tears escaped for both of us. She looked at the roses and smiled.

“I really want this to happen tonight but I’m not sure.”

“I’m not in a hurry and want to do only what makes you comfortable.”

“You’ve always been so compassionate Tony. I have a request.”

I laid the roses down and placed my hand on her cheek. She didn’t resist.

“Name it.” I moved away to take care of business in the bathroom. I heard her request as I brushed my teeth.

“Can we turn off the lights?”

I emerged from the bathroom as unveiled as can be, showing off not scars but extra weight and a receding hairline. I was more than happy to shut off the lights so she would not be nauseated with my appearance. I laid next to her and took her hand. She moved our hands to her scar territory.

“Surprised? Disgusted?”

She questioned, her hand slightly shaking. I squeezed her hand, not moving.

“I love you.”

I whispered in response. She let out that giggle I loved from day one and replied,

“I’m not surprised.”

It's Your Turn

2009-10-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

It's early October but my mind is on November. Why? I'm doing the NaBloPoMo challenge where I blog every day in November.

Oh wait, YOU blog, I post.

Each November I've made it thankful month and it transforms my thinking. Last year I asked you guys to write in and it was amazing. Thankfulness takes on so many themes and it was great to read all the ways. In this environment full of financial free fall and general anxiety, I believe praise and worship in Christ conquers all.

And nothing says praise like thanksgiving!

I want your thanksgiving stories. It can be as short as I'm thankful for the new coconut limited edition M&M's to a testimony about how God provided this year. Maybe the impossible became possible. Maybe you're just holding on, and that's a reason to rejoice---because you weren't sure you could.

If you have something longer, I may take two days to tell your story and I have the right to edit for space. You send in your posts as soon as possible to jarduini@faithwriters.net with a bio and optional picture. First come, first served. Last year we did fill up fast and already I have two. This promises to be another great year of posts, so get yours in today!

photo courtesy photobucket

My October: Reverse the Curse

2009-10-04T19:44:00.003-04:00

I make an effort in cyber space to balance my intense seriousness with the goofiness that is also a big part of me. I don't write about it a lot, but when God gives me something to pray on, it consumes me. It's like birth. It takes everything in me, more so, and then after transition and delivery, it's worth it. Living free in Christ always is.

I sense we're on the verge of major breakthrough in ways only God knows.

And that never goes without a battle. Those are the times you'll see conflict come out of nowhere, sickness, financial punches to the gut. The goal is to retreat, flee and hide.

My heart cries, I'm done hiding.

This month I sense those not fun things are going to try to come our way, and remember, nothing happens without God's approval. Why? Because He knows how it ends, and it's always with kingdom purpose. His kingdom. Good for Him is always perfect for us.

The victory is already at hand, decided, done. We just sometimes forget to walk in that victory, I know I do! This month, let's reverse the curse. I believe there really are as the Bible says, powers and principalities we can't see. For those that call on the name of Jesus, I think there are prayers being called down in other names that have a power, but not a victory.

For every prayer out there this month, for every scheme to discourage and destroy, for ever delay thrown in our path through sickness, conflict, or otherwise, I'm reversing the curse.

The name of Jesus moves mountains, stops storms, changes kingdoms and resurrects the dead. I'm not going to say I have all the answers and His game plan, but I am going to call on His name. I'm going to believe that the power of who He was, is, and will always be can not only reverse a curse, but turn out blessing the perp and the victim. I mean if I'm wrong, I just prayed for someone. Does anyone really lose?

I'm not a sky is falling person and I don't want to invoke fear or deep discussion because I'm not smart enough to follow along. Just cover yourselves and families in prayer. I believe the flu season needs strong prayer warriors and bold faith standing firm in Him. The picture I have in my head is like the Israelites at Passover, they literally covered their door frames in blood so the plague would pass over. With Christ, we don't have to do that, and again, I can't promise to know the answers and gameplan.

I just know Who wins.

And I'm on that team.

Are you?

Bluetooth Revelation

2009-10-01T23:52:00.004-04:00

If you've read my status updates, er, whining on Facebook, I've spent/wasted more than a week trying to sync my new laptop (a gift) with my phone. My husband is a programmer but he's been under deadlines and working late. There was something in my mindset that I could do this alone. I am an amateur, hear me roar!

I labored over online forums and articles. I applied their solutions to no avail. I went to Geek Squad where they agreed there was built in bluetooth, but for whatever reason, it wasn't coming up as a connection option. For $50 and a week without the phone or the laptop, they would "play trial and error much like you've been doing." Um....pass.

I try again. I probably laid hands on the thing and prayed, I know of cars that started after some standing in the gap, flat tires that raised...why not? But honestly, I didn't want to share credit and so nothing happened. It was going to be about me!

I then agree to a live chat with my phone online tech support. Easily amused, I enjoyed watching him take over my computer and circle things. Red arrows guided me around the PC. Then we reached the point I was stuck at and the red circling and arrows got angry. My kind chat man asked me, do you even have the blue tooth turned on? Um...I'm an amateur but not up for those Darwin stupid awards.

We break past that wall only to hit another. He finally announces it's as far as he can go, take it to the vendor. It must be connectivity failure.

My husband steps in and says let me look at it. He does research and clicks around. I come home from church with a pronouncement. I have blue tooth.

But it was never built in.

I needed a plug in/adapter.

The brand offers laptops with built in Bluetooth but my specific model wasn't one of them, and the wording was kind of misleading about it. With the adapter I don't care, it's working. I'm synching.

I'm also thinking.

As a Sunday School teacher I'm often telling the kids their ticket to heaven isn't built in through grandma, grandpa, mom and dad all going to church. They need to embrace a relationship with the true Adapter and Syncmaster, Jesus Christ. You can spend a lifetime clicking around and creating mad red arros of choices, but without the adapter, you're just wasting your time.

That's my bluetooth revelation. Might soun crazy to you, but really, I can't help my son with sixth grade math. I'm pretty plesaed I made it as far as I did trying to figure the whole thing out. I love the image of a laptop, a phone sync, and a Bluetooth connectivity problem where the root is deception. In my case, the bluetooth was never built in. In too many cases, people assume they have their lives and deathes all figured out because they grasp someone else's coattails. Is that you? If so, consider this way of living a deception and hold tight to the Adapter. Let Him sync you to a life you'll wonder how you managed withought Him.

I know I do!

Photo courtesy photobucket

Taking that Leap of Faith

2009-09-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not a true Indiana Jones fan because like him, I can't take snakes. I can't even see a stuffed animal or cartoon one. However, a mentor shared such a valuable story regarding a leap of faith moment, it stuck with me.

Indiana has to take a leap into the unknown to continue his quest. He can't see what's beyond that leap. Once he jumps, things come into view. There is a bridge, but it was impossible to see from above. Everything worked out and leaping was exactly what he needed to do. He starts to run, only to return and leave a mark so the next person could see there was a way out.

My writing quest continues with a leap of faith launching tomorrow. Through surrender and knee knocking faith, I'm tweeting through the eyes of a fictional character, @Nancy Struthers.

Nancy is a protagonist in my work in progress, Discovering Nancy Struthers. Later in October I'll launch to every Julie Arduini.com newsletter subscriber a short story regarding Nancy and her escapist ways. She will continue to tweet her adventures and then in future newsletters, I will add to her story.

This is scary for me because I'm not seeing a ton of this on Twitter. I'm just doing what God asked me to do. I'm clear that it really is me and that it's a fictional story. People following are not typical readers and this story will reveal some life changing aspects that the reader could choose. What am I thinking runs through my head several times a day. Okay, several times an hour.

I also know most writers don't want to put a work in progress out there for a couple reasons. One---it's not finished. It's rough. It's true. My life is about surrender and encouraging others. I strongly sense God is asking me to do this not to sell a novel down the road or anything beyond letting others see surrender in action. If I can jump off the writing cliff as an unpublished novelist and put my work out for the world to see as I go, perhaps there is a reader out there who will call on God to help them.

I don't know where any of this is going but like my writing, I'M a work in progress. There is so much God is doing in and through me that I feel like I'm going to bend in half and break. But I serve a faithful God who loves me on the days I get it right, and the majority of days where I get it wrong. I invite you to surrender with me.

1---Follow Nancy on Twitter. Tell others. "She" tweets tomorrow!

2---Follow my personal Twitter account. Tell others. Follow my group, Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe, on Facebook. Tell others.

3---Keep an eye out for the website and newsletter launch. Yep, tell others! I'm working hard on this and it's just about there. Pray for me and my family. It looks like a basic site but from all my research and prayer, this isn't about bells and whistles. It's about surrendering fear and taking that next step. I've had more technical issues than I have time to tell you. It's discouraging and distracting. Yet, I. will. not. stop.

A Vicarious Glimpse at Julie: The College Years

2009-09-29T09:33:00.003-04:00

I'm a Today show fan and learned weekend anchor Jenna Wolfe is an alumni of Geneseo, where I graduated. She went back to college to share her experience with viewers and it was such a fun walk down memory lane to watch.

For my NY friends, we all know about the sunsets, hills, and alfalfa smell. For other readers, it's a great way to see what Upstate NY life is like. It's rural. It's beautiful. And this clip shows everyone the correct pronounciation of Geneseo. I still laugh at the Ohio friend who cornered me in a church setting concerned I was wearing a sweatshirt promoting beer. It's my college---"Jen-Ah-See-Oh"!

Great job Jenna!

A glimpse of my college years---Jenna Wolfe style

Character Confession: Call Me Late for Dinner

2009-09-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm slow to realize but I understand God uses the very basics in and about my life to teach me and others about Him. Last night I grieved because a ministry situation didn't go at all like I thought or desired. I thought about the demographics of the groups. So many things going on at once. So many...labels.

Then it hit me.

Our youngest hates labels. She'll rip a shirt apart before allowing a tag to rub on her. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that represents her personality, too. There are so many labels people have tried to give her and are probably trying to now. She rejects anything that doesn't match up with being God's kid who is perfectly designed and loved.

How can I love on the people around me when I wear labels? When I inadvertently pass labels on to them? My reaction should be as fast as the six year old--rip it off before it has a chance to leave a mark.

On the way home from the ministry meeting my son remarked that in the past, some of his peers mocked me for being a Jesus freak. A label! At first I wanted to comfort my son who is such a protector (aaaah, another label!) I shook off the tag and laughed.

"Thing is, that was years ago when I was just getting warmed up. Now I'm on fire."

Call me Jesus freak. Call me middle age. Call me feisty. Call me plus sized. Call my hair color chemically induced. Call me late for dinner.

I reject your labels.

I wear One.

HIS.

How about you?

photo courtesy Flikr

What's Goin' On AKA Always a Learning Curve

2009-09-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have that song, What's Goin' On in my head and it fits. So much going on that I thought today I'd share some of the ideas and plans.

The Website---JulieArduini.com is accessible but still under construction. My tech-knowledge-y only goes so far and I'm putting in crazy hours trying to figure it all out. I get frustrated because for all the work, it looks so simple. Yet as I press in, God is letting me know exactly where He wants this ministry called my life to go, and it will be just like me---simple. I'm coming to the point of embracing that people will seek God because they realize there ISN'T anything special about me. I will never eat lobster. I most likely will never see a size 10 again. I am uncoordinated and I speak my mind and ask God about it after the fact. Yet I get I'm loved by God and that His plan for each of us is amazing---starting now. Not when we get it right and perfect, but now. So the website won't have a lot of bells and whistles because for now, they aren't supposed to.

The Blog---I'm still not sure how to make this work within the website, and I'll take suggestions. I can import from this current blog but I want to make sure readers visit the website for easier reading. I want to return to reviewing books a chapter at a time to encourage the author and the reader. I'm reading an amazing book right now that I think will transform a lot of people (myself included) who have big dreams collecting dust. Stay tuned.

The Living Room---We now through generous means have new carpet, furniture, TV and I have a new laptop. I struggle receiving things. After awhile I realized this was a change I prayed for. I wanted the walls painted which we did. The extra gave us direction on whether we'd stay in this house long term or not. My husband and I weren't on the same page and now we are. I was in a ministry meeting where the activity was to write out the things we would do if money were no object. Knowing the living room is pretty much my writing office, I wrote down a list of things I'd love for a peaceful office environment (the TV was for my husband's benefit!) Turns out nearly everything I listed is happening ministry wise, or is at the cusp, and those "things" I wrote down have been 95% provided already. I don't want to take that for granted.

The Superficial---My goal for this year was to watch Smallville beginning to current season. There is something about the Superman phenonomen that gives me such devotional material to work with. Smallville has that plus such an homage to other previous Superman ventures. Love it. The new season starts Friday and I'm not ready. I'm close. I'm almost on season 8, so I plan to dvr the current season and be current by Christmas. It's sad, but I'll miss this goal.

I'm still fighting my timing versus His timing. Not that it's superficial, but I feel like I am. I want all the living room stuff done plus the website plus business ideas plus the housework plus everything on my mind done. It's not happening at my expectation and I hate that it bugs me. I'm learning it's all a journey and GOd wants me to enjoy it. Wait, enjoy HIM. For three days I've struggled with this new laptop with Windows Vista synching my phone. It's this challenge I must take on...and win! I'm so close but the other things I've wanted to also do, not happening. Always a learning curve!

What about you? What's going on with you? Any revelations or life lessons? I'd love to hear from you.

Right on Time

2009-09-23T16:31:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy Flikr

I probably wrote about this before but the theme is one God is revisiting with me. Years ago my husband sang Four Days Late, a song about Mary and Martha after Lazarus died. To them, Jesus took His sweet ole time coming around, especially when He was so close to Lazarus. The girls had faith in Him to heal, so for Him not to come around and not heal on their time frame, it was easy to accuse Jesus of being late.

The last stanza explains it all. If Jesus came to heal, we wouldn't have been so impressed. But to raise Lazarus from the dead, well now that's something we're still talking and singing about. When it was time, grave clothes and all, Lazarus came forth. Jesus was four days late but as the song goes, right on time.

It's apples and oranges but years ago I maintained a blog about five things. I kept track of five goals or lack of. Seems like the few posts I entered revolved around my living room. It was a dull gray, surprising the former owners were artistic and the other room is a vibrant mauve. We live in an area known for cloud cover so the gray literally brought me down. I always posted how I wanted yellow, yet it never happened.

Four days late...or in this case, four years later, we have a yellow room. It's warm, happy and I love it. Had I done the paint job back then, I would have slapped it on just to say hey, accomplished the goal. Waiting on it drove me nuts, I didn't understand why the timing was always off.

Today I'm sitting on a new couch, next to a matching recliner with a new TV writing on a new laptop. Surrounded by the yellow I always wanted. I'm not bragging. I'm realizing how much He cares. It's so much better His way. All of this came together quickly and mostly through a gift. I stand in awe that although I thought God was four years late, once again, He was right on time.

Can you relate? Something you want that just isn't going how you thought? Perhaps He's four days late so He can be right on time.

What a Treat: Susan May Warren's The Great Christmas Bowl

2009-09-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Want to grab my attention? Create a sentence with these words: Susan-May-Warren-new-book.

She has a Christmas novella out called the Great Christmas Bowl. I loved the premise behind it as well as the dead on characterization of a mom who wants to please. Who can't relate to Marianne Wallace wanting to make the most of Christmas traditions and pleasing everyone, even at the expense of losing her sanity in the process?

This is a quick and festive read with a message all women need. If you aren't an empty nester or empty nester to be, you might relate to the character who resists change. Or the mother of preschoolers who wants out of the house and to enjoy that precious, rare outing where she gets to be an adult. For men and women, there is football, it's the backbone of the book. I loved the team mascot, a creative stroke of genius. I was hooked, and that's all I'm saying.

Susan included a link where you can find The Great Christmas Bowl at a crazy low price.

Treat yourself, or a secret sister to this delight. There is also a recipe exchange that I'm excited about. Once I reclaim the kitchen (and the dining room and the upstairs...you know how one home improvement project disrupts a house) I plan to submit. I love the idea. Click here to learn more.

By the way, if you're a writer and haven't heard about the retreat Susan is hosting in October, visit her site to learn more. I hesitate using her name and book to announce I'm using From the Inside Out as my guide to create my website series, Discovering Nancy Struthers. I'm going to craft this as I go, using the book as my guide. Thing is, if anyone dislikes the story (I hope not) I don't want anyone to not like From the Inside Out. The best book on novel writing out there.

So, go watch some football and have some soup. And order this book!

Character Confession: Blah, blah, blah Subaru

2009-09-19T10:36:00.004-04:00

Last week I confessed I feel prejudiced to senior citizens, not all, just those who delay me. Then I realized I delay me and need a scapegoat. This week I've stopped myself from a lot of inner criticism by going to the root and realizing I'm actually frustrated with myself.

What I found hysterical was my impatience over delay came back to bite me and I didn't even see or hear it until after the fact. I had to get the youngest to a football game to meet up to finish cheerleading camp with a half time performance. Where I live seems to be an endless red light and I'll get every one of them when I need to be somewhere. Friday evenings make for more traffic and I wasn't half a mile away when cars were backed up and surprise, red lights.

My mind is drifting into the game, how my husband is feeling, what's going on this weekend, followed by a voice that says to my tired brain, "blah blah blah Subaru."

I. am. clueless.

Turns out blah blah blah Subaru was me.

After the red light changed and cars moved, I realized by the same voice saying "thanks a lot Subaru idiot" was directed to me. Ooops!

After the fact I realized I'm in the right lane, he's in the opposite lane trying to go left through traffic to a gas station I'm right next to. Once the puzzle came to me I realized I caused someone a delay and instead of inner frustration, this guy uttered it right out. For the most part, I was too clueless to realize he was talking to me. I was on my way before I realized all this, and even so, the traffic was heavy enough I was close enough to the next car ahead, I wouldn't have moved forward anyway. It was too risky.

So my prayer is through the loud sighs and dramatic eye rolls I lay out when I'm delayed, that those I use as my scapegoat through my own delays are as clueless as I was.

And as full of grace!

Steam Cleaning Revelation

2009-09-18T08:33:00.003-04:00

The house is slowly coming together. Carpet is in, but now comes weeding out and rearranging. Yesterday was our son's room. It took forever because he keeps everything. I'm thankful I tackled most of it during school hours because once he was home, he even asked if I could preserve a piece of string. String!!

Part of the process is steam cleaning. We recently purchased a new one and it works so great. I'm a results person so to watch the dirty water rush into the tank, that's thrilling for me to watch. I'm accomplishing something!

I also had an ephinany during the cleaning. Years ago I was a work from home mom with a toddler. I was suffocating under the pressure I was putting on myself to be perfect at every role in my life. Needless to say, there was never enough time. When I steam cleaned, I went at it like Speedy Gozales, right down to breaking a fairly new cleaner because I pushed too hard on a rough carpet. I only gave the appearance of clean, but deep down, I left a lot of dirt behind.

This time around, I'm bothered by the chaos but I know it's going to take time and I can only do so much. His room has seen a lot of action resulting in stains and ick I thought would be there forever. I took my time cleaning and as I methodically moved the cleaner back, all the dirt came up.

It hit me, that's what I've surrendered and let God do. It's so much more than growing older and possibly maturing. I yielded my life, my fears, hurts, goals, expectations and all the dirt to Him. He's not done but already I can see the dirty tank resevoir is full and the floors are clean. I'm no longer tied to living the perfect life. In fact, I find I get a bit cranky when I sense someone is trying to pressure me to be perfect.

How about you? In your life, is everything perfect at a glance but deep down the dirt remains? I challenge you to take your time and let God work a deep cleaning within you. I feel as alive as my son's carpet looks---and that's something God is willing to do for anyone that asks through faith in His Son!

By the way, the Love Dare is on over at Christian Women Take Root. If you've tried the Dare before on your own, join us. There truly is safety in numbers. This is open to all approved members of Christian Women Take Root.

I Stink!

2009-09-15T13:31:00.004-04:00

This is my new picture over at my still under construction website. People have been so complimentary because most know me. I'm not a girlie girl and I've embraced after all this time that Jesus loves me if I don't wear a skirt. Can I get an Amen?

Anyway...I post this to give myself a laugh and explain why this blog is light on activity this week. I am covered in deck grime. I thought ok, while I have time alone and need to think, I'll just clean and seal the deck. In the middle of this smelly, nasty project my husband calls.

Our living room carpet is in. This means I'm covered in deck grime and moving as much furniture as I can out of the way. For two weeks I've been whining about blocked goals and even confessed how impatient I feel around my elders. Nina left such a great comment on that post, and I realize when I start to think up a frustration directed at someone else---what's the root? Nine times out of ten I'm running late through my own choice to pack one more thing into my already packed schedule.

I stink and that stinks.

I'm trying to understand my timing isn't close to His. The writing season is near, I sense public speaking engagements forming. Thanks to His glorious grace, now is the time we have some home improvement projects on us. I should be grateful for the provision and just do it. Because when it's all done and winter sets in, we're going to have a living room with sunglow yellow walls, brownie moulding, matching pillows, and cocoa color couch and recliner. Since the living room is basically my office, what a season to look forward to.

Amidst the chaos I displayed a dozen white roses Walmart didn't think passed the full price test and I bought for $5. They show me so much hope and fragrance to what is to come...in and around me.

It smells good!