I Can't Serve Like Hugh--Yet

I know what you're thinking. Kim and Maria are offline and I've gone over the edge. If you only knew. In the middle of a park crying my eyes out while walking my dog, God gave me this post. What I love about Him is He isn't as stuffy as the world makes Him to be. He's funny, and He'll use things familiar to draw us closer to His Son.

Today He showed me servanthood through the eyes of Hugh. You know, hugh at History Channel's Ice Road Truckers.

Actually I don't think it was God at first who was speaking to me. It was a mocking voice that God would not use on His kids. But once I heard the mocking, God gave me the message. And now it gets distributed here. God wins. I love that!

Here is where the mocking came in. Sunday's episode had Hugh, a rough looking, rough talking ice road talker hauling waste. In the Lower 48 (I sound smart don't I) he owns a a trucking company and rules the roads. Now that he's driving the Arctic and so far, there hasn't been a task that was too much for him.

Already we've seen Rick not handle tasks well AND be offended with mundane jobs. Hugh proved himself and gets to haul human waste. Poop, if you will. Hugh called it something else, I'm sure.

The mocking was when I was on my knees crying and scrubbing the floors, the seats, the underwear, the backside, the hands, the things my daughter was trying so hard to reach the potty for and more than not, coming up short elsewhere. After three straight days of constant wiping, cleaning, washing, and to do it over and over, I really did not feel like praising God. My nostrils are still burning. I thought because my words sound a lot nicer than what Hugh spews, I'm the better servant. Then the defeated one laughed, even with profanity Hugh comes off better than me. Because Hugh was grateful to serve, even when it was trucking poop.

Truth is, I'm not better than anyone, nor is Hugh. Sure he's my call if I have to make a trip on ice across the Arctic, but we both fall short of God's glory.

What I'm working on is my attitude. I have a ways to go. I get many nice compliments about my writing online mostly. That honestly doesn't feel like service because I know it's my calling and God tells me what to write and I do it. I enjoy it. Although He keeps stretching the box for me, so far, I'm happy to go where He calls me in that area.

Taking care of kids, one who is a little behind her peers in some areas, especially when it comes to unloading waste, that doesn't come as natural for me. But I know a bit of the potential God has for her, and it's an honor most of the time to sow my calling into hers. The mundane stuff, I struggle, especially after three straight days of the unloading.

But what God turned into good were other acts of service I had not thought of. I am not a natural evangelizer or bold anything. This summer He has called me to halt friendly conversations and ask if I could pray for that person---right there. I speak up more about what I see going on when I pray about stuff, instead of thinking I ate a taco too late and I'll make a fool out of myself for saying so. I sure don't do it because it's easy or for my own glory. I'd rather be watching Ice Road Truckers.

So kudos to Hugh, a great truck driver not afraid to haul our toilet goodies. I pray in your travels you get to know Jesus in a personal way. As for me, I'll try not to grumble and complain when I'm dealing with my own toilet goodie issues with a child God promised in the womb was an overcomer. But I won't let the devil get me down. I'm a serving work in progress.

Just like you!

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. She is the tentative debut interview on surrender/fearlessness for Kathy Vick's upcoming website, Run Like a Girl. To get to know Julie better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

He Gives Me Rest

(Photo taken by Julie Arduini/Clute Park, Watkins Glen, NY)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)


I have been weary and felt burdened lately, and I definitely need rest. My family and I are vacationing this week, and I am going to rest in Him, and just bask in the freshness of His presence. I have many things on my heart that He has placed there, and I’m laying them at His feet this week, and asking for direction.

So I will update you next week on what the Lord has shown me in my time of much needed rest.

Know you are Blessed,

Maria

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.
Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis.
She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a columnist over with Kim, Julie and other writers over at http://www.takerootandwrite.com/ Maria's column is on encouraging special needs familes.
She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". The book is available for purchase by clicking on the book image on the right side of this blog.
Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

Be Driven

Our sister in ministry over at Take Root and Write, Tara Sloan, is part of a movement that I think will be bigger than could be put to words.

On August 3, 8pm EST, women are going to be part of a free teleconference where participants will pray. Tara explains that so many she talks to are getting hit hard by the enemy (remember, he is the defeated one) attacks. I absolutely agree with her. I am an intercessor tied to a few organizations and movements and not only am I feeling spent right now, most of my sisters have been down right assaulted in attack. These ladies are going to shake some gates and believe God according to Matthew 18:19-20, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

I strongly encourage you to sign up. All information is on the site, so take a look. As I tell others who ask how to know if something they pray for is of God or not---I say...the defeated one is never going to ask you to pray, and even if by the slim chance you didn't hear right, when is prayer ever wrong?

Be driven.

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. She is the tentative debut interview on surrender/fearlessness for Kathy Vick's upcoming website, Run Like a Girl. To get to know Julie better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

Do You Think He Likes Polka Dots?

Today I had to go and do one of my least favorite things . . . try on swimsuits. Ughhh!! It is a task I do every year or two and each time my body just does not look any younger.

After I dropped my older children off at VBS I raced to the mall to see what I could find. As I approached the swimsuit department I felt myself getting the sweats. There before me were large colorful displays of gorgeous women in the smallest of bikinis without a wrinkle, dimple, or roll. And on the racks were hundreds of swimsuits made from the tiniest pieces of fabric. With a four year old in tow I quickly gathered more suits than I could count and headed for the dressing room. Yes, the dressing room filled with a large mirror and flourescent lighting, and I began.

Too small, even smaller, you have got to be kidding me, are they really that saggy, and where did that new roll come from? Come on do real women really fit into these? Hmmm . . . wouldn't it be nice to have the body of the woman in the photo on display!

Then I had a thought. A 'WWJD' moment. If Jesus were sitting outside the dressing room listening to me and the other woman in the dressing room on her cell phone telling her friend how much she hated her body what would he say? I imagine him chuckling and saying - silly girls. My Father created you and He loves you as I do. You are perfect. I love every wrinkle, roll, and gray hair. You are my beloved and I would not have you any other way. Ahhh . . . He loves me just as I am.

So I quickly picked a swimsuit, dashed to the checkout, and then raced to the parking lot thinking 'I wonder if He likes polka dots.'

Be Blessed, Kim

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Kim is a woman who loves the Lord and has a burden for the abandoned, the orphaned, and the forgotten. She has been called to minister to the people and children of Romania and will be traveling internationally in the days ahead. At home she cares for her three children and her husband John. She also loves prophetic worship and writing for the Lord. Her work can also be found at Take Root and Write where she wrties with fellow Narrow Gate Girls Julie Arduini & Maria Spencer, among other Christian writers. Kim also maintains her blog http://divingintohisgrace.blogspot.com/

When You Forget Your Best Friend's Name

With one child away at camp and the other attending VBS mornings this week, it's a different pace this week. Lots of writing projects are on the horizon, so I'm trying to crank out as much as I can.

This one, though, I knew was meant to share today.

The counting the days until she is five child made a "best friend" at VBS this week. Yesterday the teacher (the child's daughter) reported that her child and mine were inseparable. They did everything together, right down to holding hands on their way to the activities. What a great thing to hear!

On the way to the car I asked my child, "What's your best friend's name?"

She shrugged.

"I forget."

Seems odd to forget a best friend's name, isn't it? But I'm guilty of the very same thing.

Jesus Christ is my best friend.

But I don't just forget His name, I often forget Him.

I run ahead starting my day and I never look back. I make decisions without talking to my best friend. I don't keep in touch. I don't read His letters or listen to His Words. An hour becomes a day. A day turns into a week. A week melts into a month. Then some crisis hits and I remember.

I have a best friend.

And I forgot His name.


Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. She is the tentative debut interview on surrender/fearlessness for Kathy Vick's upcoming website, Run Like a Girl. To get to know Julie better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20
To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

True Worship

“Anoint me Lord, this day,
As I go along my way.
Let my life send forth a glow,
Let the oil around me flow.
Anoint me Lord I pray.
Amen.”

These simple words of prayer through music from Christian artist Vicki Yohe seem to be resounding in my soul lately. Her voice is absolutely amazing, and you can hear her love for the Lord through her sound.

I am a worshipper at heart. Music has always had a special place in my life. Before I became a believer, I endured much heartache through lyrics of secular music.

I learned at a very young age that I could express myself through my voice, and song. I came to life when I sang. Then through many disappointments and feeling inferior in the music world, I put my dream of singing to rest.

Then, when I came to know the Lord, I was in awe of the major role music play in worship. Finally, an actual, real reason to use my voice was right in front of me.

…And to think that He actually wants to hear me worshipping Him? That overwhelms me to this day.

In this season of surrender to the Lord that I’m in, I must obey. And He recently has petitioned me to take my gift of worship to a higher level. I’m spreading my butterfly wings, and am ready for Him to carry me in the air.

I’m not even scared. Not one bit.

It is actually exhilarating to read those words on the screen. He called me to write for Him a few years ago, so I write.

Now He has called me to sing.
Not just to sing, but to truly worship Him.

A few years ago, my husband and I went to see a crusade service of Joel Osteen’s, (before my husband surrendered to the Lord), and during the time of worship, I was singing, and afterwards, my husband said, “I never heard you sound that good.” I replied, “That’s because I am worshipping, not singing.”

So I have re-visited my childhood dream of singing, which He placed in my heart oh so many years ago.
And I’m doing it all unto Him, just for His glory…
My prayer is that of Vicki Yohe’s….
That my life will send forth a glow, and his oil around me will flow to others.
What could be better than that?

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.

Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis.

She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a columnist over with Kim, Julie and other writers over at

http://www.takerootandwrite.com/ Maria's column is on encouraging special needs familes.

She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". The book is available for purchase by clicking on the book image on the right side of this blog.

Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

The Non Essentials

Awhile back I heard a radio program that discussed Christian faith. There were two camps of each Christian topic. There is the essentials and the non essentials.

In my opinion, we Christians sure waste a lot of our time on the non essentials.

Although I believe from that Moody radio program I believe there was a book tied in to the subject, but these are my opinions.

Essential---Personal faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God.

Non essential----the rest.

What rest?

The chit chat during worship.

"He should have a suit jacket on. It's the altar area for heaven's sake."

"Do you see that girl? No one should wear a top like that for church."

"Tattoo? What good Christian covers themselves with tattoos?"

"That song? How can the Holy Spirit move with a rock and roll song like that?"

"That song? How can I worship God with a slow boring old one like that?"

"Did you see he came alone? I knew their marriage was having problems."

"We're having a real service. Not like that church down the street."

Although I'm paraphrasing, I have to tell you I do hear a lot of chit chat during worship by people decades older than me. I don't mean to stereotype but I hear a lot more complaining during a church service and after by those older, rather than the teens who so often get a bad reputation.

I'm not perfect, I fall prey to obsessing on mole hill issues that bit by bit tear down the beams called the Church. But as I hunger and thirst for more things of God I'm tired of the non essentials dividing the church.

If a teen comes to church wearing shorts, I personally wouldn't care if they came or served publically somehow. Maybe they can't afford what we deem appropriate. Maybe they don't know there is a non verbal dress code. Perhaps they are so wrapped up in getting to church to join others in a total sell out to giving to God. Maybe we should too.

Ditto for why don't they stand, raise their hands, shout Hallelujhah, speak with words we don't understand, don't speak words we don't understand, laugh, etc...

I love when the sound system works. I love uplifting music. I love the hymns. I love powerful sermons that rev me up, but I love the quiet messages that transform my soul. I love how God moves. It's essential.

Our commentary? Non essential.

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

A Call Back To Romania

The dates are set and the tickets have been purchased . . . it is time to return to Romania. A country with a past, a future, and a hope.

Many years ago the Lord called me to Romania through a documentary on 20/20. Years later I traveled for the first time to bring home my son. Then in 2007 I traveled again as part of a missions team. And now he is calling me to lead a small team to a remote village and I can't wait!

So I thought I would share a few links during this time of preparation and ask you to join us in prayer as we prepare for the work the Lord is calling us to do:

Children in the Son (The ministry we will be working with and under.)

Billy Graham crusades/Festival of Hope

Stay tuned, Kim

Kim is a woman who loves the Lord and has a burden for the abandoned, the orphaned, and the forgotten. She has been called to minister to the people and children of Romania and will be traveling internationally in the days ahead. At home she cares for her three children and her husband John. She also loves prophetic worship and writing for the Lord. Her work can also be found at Take Root and Write where she wrties with fellow Narrow Gate Girls Julie Arduini & Maria Spencer, among other Christian writers. Kim also maintains her blog http://divingintohisgrace.blogspot.com/

I Don't Know the Difference

I asked God what would He want me to share here today. My mind is full of "surrender" themes as the column on the "Finding Freedom Through Surrender" is live.

For some reason, I keep coming back to two books by two different entertainers in the Christian circles. Both are very gifted in song and both have a past with at least a tinge of scandal attached to their name.

One difference between them is one I carried such a grudge, the other, not so much.

I remember even before I was a Christian I was critical of Amy Grant. I can't pinpoint it really, perhaps I perceived her looking too close to the world. Besides her music, I just didn't see much that set her apart from anyone else. Maybe I should have thought on that more. Yet when her marriage crumbled and I remembered watching The Nashville Network with her former husband breaking down in tears as he hosted the show and wore his heart on his sleeve, I made a vow that her music would never be a part of my life. I judged her in a heartbeat.

Sandi Patty was a voice I didn't really know until after I was a Christian. What a voice. There is no version like her Star Spangled Banner. None. I remember hearing a bit about her marriage breaking up and some scuttlebutt about it, yet I never batted an eye.

A year or more I read her book, Broken in the Back Row. She was quite candid about many things, including family issues that included a divorce and the reason behind it. Sandi Patty's music was never banned from my house.

I have no idea why I'm meant to post on this, I have nothing profound or "a ha" to offer you, but in obedience, I'm posting it. I don't get why I judged one so harshly and not the other, without truly knowing their backgrounds or them personally.

I read a few months ago, Amy Grant's book, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far. Again, it was out of obedience. My ban on her felt steadfast. As I turned the pages, I felt grace take over. Again, I don't know her whole story. But I felt God's gentle tug tell me, let this grudge go. As I continued reading I saw love, compassion and mercy pour out. Not mine, hers! Her and her husband, by reading, seem to be extremely compassionate and giving people to an extent I doubt I'll ever reach. I remain humbled by the lessons I learned about myself through that book.

Last year I went to Women of Faith and heard Sandi share more of her story with an update. I was riveted because I know what it's like to be married to someone who had a wife before me. Although circumstances are a little different, Sandi shared that her step children's mom was quite ill. At the same time, I knew my step children's mom was not feeling great and I had been praying for her. In Sandi's story, the mom was healed by promotion to heaven. Sandi wrote and sang a song in memory. Can you imagine a dry eye in that place? Can you imagine serving so sacrificially to someone who shared such an intimate place in your love's life? It was a humbling testimony.

Anyway, I don't know why I act the way I do and treat one person different than the other. I can recommend both these books and I can say this---I don't know the difference, but I know what I need to see everything the same as God. Grace.

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Open House and regular columns are going on this week, check it all out. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

Beginning To Fly

(We found this gorgeous image HERE)

(For my last post, “Ready to Fly” click here…)

As I begin to expand my wings, I’m finding a few challenges as well as a new sense of freedom. My wings are a little sticky and almost stiff from the position they have been if for so very long in my cocoon. So as they begin to open (in kind-of slow motion) I am hesitant to start to stretch them out…I have encountered some resistance, but at the same time, as I begin to move my wings freely, it is beginning to get easier. I trust that my wings will be held up on the wind by Him.

I trust.

I’ve surrendered.

I know now (finally!)—Hi is in control of all things—He has created me to be His butterfly---He created me to go through this metamorphosis for the exact amount of time He intended.

He is, in fact, in control.

If I worry about things, it won’t change the outcome of anything. If I’m anxious and allow my thoughts to take over, it won’t make the end result any different. He is ordering my steps and has ordained this time for me to fly.

The color and shape of my wings are perfectly made by Him.

So are yours.

Have you surrendered?

Do you trust Him completely?

I feel free to fly and glide against the wind current of His love. He is holding me and keeping me in the air.

It is an exhilarating sensation.

I feel that the weights I’ve carried in my mind for far too long have finally been lifted.
I have made the conscious choice to surrender all. I’ve given up all to Him. I am grateful for the time I’ve spent in my cocoon. My metamorphosis has been a sometimes uncomfortable, but worthwhile experience.

If your cocoon has begun to get hotter and more uncomfortable recently…

Get ready.

He’s changing you.

He’s molding you.

He’s challenging you.

He wants you to trust Him completely.

Get ready.

His freedom is waiting.

Did you know the Narrow Gate Girls are spreading our wings over at Take Root and Write? We are monthly columnists on topics of adoption, special needs families, and finding freedom through surrender. There are many amazing writers over there covering a lot of great topics. In addition, you can find Kim and Julie (and maybe Maria soon) at the sister site, Christian Women Take Root. CWTR is a social networking sites where if you want you can personalize your page, add a music player, pictures, join groups, and more. You can best find Kim with the adoption group, and Julie with the surrender group. We appreciate you reading wherever you find us!

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.

Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis.

She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a columnist over with Kim, Julie and other writers over at http://www.takerootandwrite.com/ Maria's column is on encouraging special needs familes.

She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". The book is available for purchase by clicking on the book image on the right side of this blog.

Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

Accepting the Package

This message isn't leaving me, so I'm going to post it here and at The Surrendered Scribe.

There is so much blessing in my life I am frustrated that I'm tripping up on such a superficial thing. My calling and it is certainly in active mode these days, is to encourage people to believe God to be big and realize how amazing they are to Him. My online ministry is to exhort readers to surrender and give up the things that hold us back from everything God called us to be.

So when I yet again winced at my picture, I struggled. I still am.

But here is the picture God is giving me. The doorbell rings and it is a delivery person. If I'd sign on the line, I receive a package worth so much that a price tag can't even be defined. And I say thanks, but no thanks.

The package is worth more than Donald Trump, a thousand tropical vacations, the best mocha every day of my life, all your favorite things in the entire world.

You walk away and refject the gift. A gift worth more than you could even describe. A present so delicately hand crafted there is not another like it in the universe.

Who in there right mind would reject such a package?

Well I do nearly every day when I look in the mirror and hate what I see.

How about you?

My story is that I've always struggled with how I look on the outside. I was overweight growing up and kids were cruel. When I look at pictures of me in college I regret that I never liked what I saw, because I'd love to look that way again. Can you covet yourself from 20 years ago, because I do!As a young adult I rejected the package and honestly, the giver, because the severe case of polycystic ovaries made me feel less than a woman. As the years progressed add infertility, multiple surgeries (with scars), injections that are bruised. In the last year or so my hormones turned like an hour glass and I watched everything go south, literally! Moods, weight, body parts...yikes.

Accept the package? I stamped it "Return to Sender."

I'd love to tell you I am so over that but I'm not. Yet. I hate that with all the writing favor that has come about lately, I spend hours, days, weeks...wishing I still fit in my jeans from two years ago. Heck, six months ago would be nice too. I don't celebrate the victories along the way even in that area---great workouts, improvement in moods and side effects, and more energy. Nope, I want that package to look amazing.

The problem? Every package is. When we reject the package and basically return to sender with sighs of disgust as we look in the mirror, envy when we look at others, and every other thing I have a habit of doing---I might as well be turning my back on God. He is not ashamed of any package He creates, or delivers. He delights in every single one of us from the new wrinkles, sagging chest, and extra weight. It is a cause to forego wellness? No, we're still called to be good stewards. But we're also meant to accept the package.

You.

Just as you are.

If you struggle with this, I hope this visual of the package encourages you. I'm working on it, too!

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Open House and regular columns are going on this week, check it all out. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09.

To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20

To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

Waist Deep With Kim

Today I am standing waist deep in my faith like a child standing in the ocean looking straight ahead. I have reached a point where I refuse to look back at the shore and I am only anticipating the beauty ahead. I have to believe, there is no other choice, no other option.

It has taken me awhile to arrive here. At times I started wading in only to run for the shore when the first wave hit. Other times I refused to step in at all and stood on the shore watching others wade in. But today is different. Today I am standing in my faith and I am choosing to keep walking in until it is time to swim.

How did I arrive here? As I posted several weeks ago, through prayer and prophecy, the Lord was calling me into a more intimate relationship with Him. At the time I was struggling because I had no idea how to get there. It was as though I had a destination but no map or direction of which way to go. So this past month I pressed in and spent lots of time alone with Him. I read, prayed, fasted, and just chatted with Him. I questioned, pondered, and really allowed Him to go deep into my heart and bring closure to several 'open areas' in my life. At times I felt scared, frustrated, and lonely - uncertain about what was going on and fearful that I would remain in such a 'separate' place, not separate from Him but from others. Then some amazing things began to happen. My husband and I both had vivid dreams which brought hope and revelation, confirmation came forth on decisions we had been contemplating, and the Lord began to reveal the plans He has for our lives. It was as though He and I, working together, needed to remove the 'pain' and 'junk' in my heart before we could move forward. And ultimately I needed to say, "Yes I trust you!"

Kim is a woman who loves the Lord and has a burden for the abandoned, the orphaned, and the forgotten. She has been called to minister to the people and children of Romania and will be traveling internationally in the days ahead. At home she cares for her three children and her husband John. She also loves prophetic worship and writing for the Lord. Her work can also be found at Take Root and Write where she wrties with fellow Narrow Gate Girls Julie Arduini & Maria Spencer, among other Christian writers. Kim also maintains her blog http://divingintohisgrace.blogspot.com/

He Calls Me Darling

As I've shared before, I struggle with feeling beautiful and being amazing in His eyes. The book Captivating really changed my heart for the better, but I trip up. A lot.



Yesterday I was reading a book on freedom and the truths were swirling around my mind. Attached to our bed headboard is a huge mirror. The mirror seemed to negate everything I was reading. The apple shape body I feel so cursed with these days. The blah hair that needs cut. Chubby cheeks. Unflattering clothes.



Then I heard this:



"You look beautiful, my darling."



It wasn't outloud, but resounding just the same. I sat up, looked in the mirror and whispered, "Would the Lord truly call me darling?"



I didn't say the next part out loud, but I thought it. I thought IF God truly thinks of me as His darling, He'll confirm it somehow.



Fast forward a couple hours. I hear from Maria. I tease her about her post for here and this was her reply:

I'm writing my gate entry right now, darling!!!!!!:)



God is good. And He calls me darling.



What's His pet name for you?



Please visit Take Root and Write's Open House Monday, July 14! Maria, Kim and Julie will be just a few of the writers participating in this amazing site. Maria will encourage special need families. Kim will ignite those with a stirring for adoption. Julie will journey with readers as they claim victory and freedom through surrender. Do sign up for the e-mail subscription service so you don't miss a column!
http://www. takerootandwrite.com



Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09.
To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20
To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

True Friends

God has so beautifully placed many women in my life that I have no choice but to be grateful to Him each and every day. These women---all of them true women of God—have taught me about who He is, and who He has created me to be.
I can be myself—always—no matter what with these friends.

You know a true friend is true when you can vent, cry, and weep with her, and she will listen.

You know she is true when she sees the gifts God has given to you clearer than you can see them, and she encourages you to foster them.

You know she is a true friend when she tells you what you need to hear, even when you don’t particularly want to hear it!

Words are not enough to show my gratitude and appreciation for all of my true friends.

My prayer for all who are reading this is that you will recognize the true friends in your life, and thank God for them today.

And for those of you who cannot seem to relate to having these kinds of friends, my prayer is that you will seek God’s face today, and ask Him for divine appointments to enable you to find your true friends.

Please visit Take Root and Write's Open House Monday, July 14! Maria, Kim and Julie will be just a few of the writers participating in this amazing site. Maria will encourage special need families. Kim will ignite those with a stirring for adoption. Julie will journey with readers as they claim victory and freedom through surrender. Do sign up for the e-mail subscription service so you don't miss a column!
http://www. takerootandwrite.com

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.
Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis.
She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". The book is available for purchase by clicking on the book image on the right side of this blog.
Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

The Romania Connection

I'm still in awe over this and feel I'm meant to share.

Saturday I was invited to a brunch. The hostess is a dear lady who is in music ministry with my husband. The other ladies invited were involved as well. I'd been battling depression most of the week so I was looking forward to going, even though my plan was to blend in the background.

The brunch started with the hostess thanking each person for what they bring to that ministry. She started with me, thanking me for allowing my husband to work as hard as he does, because she realizes to do as well as he does, something has to give. Honestly, that something is usually being home and/or focused. He is a tremendous husband and dad but like me, he can be an all or nothing personality. Our marital struggles aren't usually finances, they are over church.

I worked so hard to make sure everyone fit in when we moved I left one person out: me! I've let the enemy really divide us as we were always "TomnJulie" and now, we are "Tom and Julie." It's been a transition and when I'm frustrated, I don't throw out the divorce word, no I hit as low with the "I'm leaving the church" threat. The last 6 weeks I've really pressed in on my attitude so for this brunch to start out that way, I had tears. That God would care so much to bless me that way and help me get to know these ladies better is so much more than I deserve. So much.

God wasn't done! We shared our hearts, got to know each other better, and really opened up in a way that only God could orchestrate. At one point one friend said three words that spun my head to her direction.

Reagan. Romania. Missions.

See Romania is really Kim's passion, so I thought. What I didn't know is she brought to the forefront something I never really thought about---my heart has been on Romanian children since our church had a missionary named Reagan visit. I can't remember half her sharing because I was sobbing so. My heart absolutely broke at the time for these children dumped in streets, living in trash heaps, and often part of the gypsy culture.

Yet when Kim started pressing in on a return trip, I did not feel led to travel with her. What the Holy Spirit kept saying to me when I thought maybe I should try was a resounding no. For me, I was meant to one day make a missions trip under the covering of my church. I was obedient and let Kim know, but wondered how would this ever happen. Currently our church travels to Sierra Leone on a regular basis. Recent additional trips were El Salvador (my husband went) and Turkey. None of these rang right for me, beyond praying for them.

As soon as my friend said those words, I asked what she just said. She repeated the words. I asked if our church had a trip to Romania planned that I didn't know about. She started to cry. She confessed no, but that the ladies here have felt since Reagan visited years ago that they were one day meant to go.

I shared my story with them and together we all cried. We don't know the time, the season, or the way. But we now see the plan. We believe one day we will head to Romania and love on those kids and help in any way we can. We are already hoping Kim can visit with us and share her heart so we have additional wisdom on the matter. And we're praying on the how and when to go to leadership and share our heart and vision.

The food was delicious, the fellowship fabulous. The new friendships a gift I can't put in words. The Romania connection? Priceless. And a story that I believe is just beginning...

Please visit Take Root and Write's Open House Monday, July 14! Maria, Kim and Julie will be just a few of the writers participating in this amazing site. Maria will encourage special need families. Kim will ignite those with a stirring for adoption. Julie will journey with readers as they claim victory and freedom through surrender. Do sign up for the e-mail subscription service so you don't miss a column!

http://www. takerootandwrite.com

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09.

To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

Ready To Fly

(Make sure you check out Maria's updated profile, including her gorgeous picture! -Julie)

Please forgive my absence once again. Due to my busy schedule, I have closed the door to my part of the gate, and I am happy to be back inside…

God has truly been working in me lately.
I have had a prophecy spoken over me that relates my life to that of a butterfly.
It is time for me to get uncomfortable in the cocoon that I’ve been living in, and get ready to fly.

It’s a supernatural metamorphosis.
I have been learning many things about my passions of writing and worshipping.

The cocoon is getting uncomfortable and warm.
The temperature has gone sauna-like at times, but I must focus on the wings that He is developing for me---but not too much.

I have been anticipating the size and color my wings will be so much that at times I have lost focus of Him, and what He wants.
I know I must be in this place for a certain amount of time—His time---in order for my wings to be exactly the way He wants them.

He just wants to teach me and mold me; even if the colors aren’t as bright as I imagined, and even if my time in this cocoon is longer than I want it to be.

And in the meantime, He just wants me to be free to worship Him, exactly the way He made me to worship.

So I will.

Whether it is here spilling out His words at my computer--or
Singing at my keyboard or in my car,
Or on a church altar.

I will worship Him.

What does your cocoon feel like today?

Is it comfortable and cozy?

Or has the heat been getting to you?

I am ready to fly.

Are you?

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.

Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis.

She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". The book is available for purchase by clicking on the book image on the right side of this blog.

Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

1 in 2500

Before I tackle the second loving message God gave through the sudden death of our new dog, I need to brag on a book a bit.

My copy arrived and while the kids played outside, I sat down and quickly read 2/3 of the book. I definitely plan to really drink it all in but I can not tell you how special this book is. For one, two of my works are included and that just blows my mind. Two, our very own Maria "private faith outed by 60 Minutes" Spencer has her story in this book too. Third, a friend from Upstate NY that I absolutely treasure, Holly Hrywnak

http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/2008/05/voice-of-wonder-holly-hrywnak.html

http://www.radiantmag.com/article.php?ID=343

www.xanga.com/dorothyisinkansas.

has her story in this book as well. She's just twenty-three but the anointing on this girl is powerful.

I don't know all the authors, but many are familiar names. Can I tell you something? The stories that I just scanned, rocked me with the degree of vulnerability shared. The writers share their hearts and souls with the reader, all with hope and encouragement woven throughout.

It's a great summer read, gift to give away, gift to treat yourself, just please, consider taking a look at http://www.xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=5815 and see for yourself.

Okay, to continue with what I started Tuesday , here is the second message God shared when our dog passed away in recovery from surgery.

It's simple and deep all at once, if it's possible.

We are a family that is 1 in 2500.

That's the statistic of how often what happened with our dog would occur. It's not a common event, thank God. As the Holy Spirit shared that truth with me, He reminded me of other stats that set us apart from others. Not that we are better by any means, but we are "blessed" with odd stats.

One thing He reminded me of was when I had a planned c section for our daughter. The chances of having a spinal reaction to the surgery were something like 1 in 500 or 1 in 1000. I forget, but point being, it's not every woman who has that happen. I did. I was in such a state of migraines and vomiting I had to return for an outpatient procedure.

Our daughter then became ill with croup, RSV, pneumonia, and with the croup, nearly lost her life with the complication of wrong medicine. Before that happened, the office person at the time never called us with a positive congenital hypothyroidism diagnosis that required immediate medication. When I called out of concern, she read the lab report on her own and declared her well. She was not trained to do that (or authorized) and she read the adult levels. We missed critical weeks of medication. Again, not an everyday thing.

When I was in college, I was producer of a news program for the radio station. There was a sit in of some sort and both the radio and TV crews covered the event. The same professor oversaw both forms of media. She wanted to see the footage and hear what we had. I asked if she could wait as we were still working and I didn't want to get footage mixed up or, worst case scenario, erased.

She agreed. However behind my back, she did it anyway. In trying to listen to the radio coverage, she erased it. In a panic, she took the TV coverage and tried to duplicate it as the audio. A student came to me to let me know, and when I confronted the teacher, she lied at first. Then she asked if she could buy me a pizza to keep me quiet. I didn't even know Christ in a personal way back then but I remember feeling this was an incident to prepare me somehow. That professor ended up not getting tenure because of her deception. It wasn't a fun time.

Those are just a few quick examples. Yet when I realized our family was chosen as the 1/2500 for this loss, it's always for a greater purpose. I met with a dear friend a few weeks ago and the similarities between us and our personalities and circumstances were amazing. If you are like us, you might relate to the following statements:

-"I feel so misunderstood."

-"Someone told me I'm a visionary."

-"I seem to have all the hard stuff in life when others have it so easy."

-"I feel light years ahead of everyone else."

-"Even my pastor isn't sure what to do with me because I'm so frustrated with the church."

I am learning that by going through those rare statistics, they are refining qualities to prepare me for something. Something big for Him, that I know. Those above statements I've not only heard from others, I've lived them, and still do.

I don't live a popular life with tons of phone calls and social engagements. I grew up as an "old soul" who often could sense and see things, and I get so frustrated when I can see in my mind an end picture to situations and real time is just not there. Don't misunderstand, it's not new age or psychic, these are enemy counterfeits. I don't even call it visionary. I call it a forerunner calling.

My guess is the forerunner is 1/2500. It's not everyone, and it's a lonely life. After all, John the Baptist was a forerunner and he was misunderstood by the majority. And his end wasn't very glamourous. He was beheaded.

The good news about being set apart with odd stats and circumstances, I can relate to the Esthers and Deborah's of the world. I keep my ear close to the Lord and listen for His voice, and I don't panic as much with worldly things. The bigger picture, the perspective from the throne is awesome.

But to see that way, you have to go through some experiences that set you apart.

Because in God's stats, you are a rare find.

You are one in a million.

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09.
Starting summer 2008, Julie will be a monthly columnist on surrender over at http://www.takerootandwrite.com/.To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20
To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

His Loving Messages from the Valley

It's been said that the best lessons from the Lord come in our most adverse times. I have to agree. Any writing creativity I ever have is never a recollection of my Yay moments, but rather those enveloped in the Psalm 23 moments of my life.

Last week was no exception. Our dog of 6 days suddenly passed away in recovery from surgery. I'm normally not a demonstrative person towards any one person or thing, so I felt so gifted by God to have a dog all of us immediately bonded with. It was as if we had years with this dog, not just days. When I got the call I didn't just shed a few tears, I wept. This was and is a loss to us.

In the midst of it though, God gave me such a peace that literally carried me through the ability to pack up all of Cocoa's things, his crate, go to the vet clinic to retrieve his belongings, and comfort my husband and son, who were beyond devastated.

This month I did some traveling, public speaking, and just meeting up with friends and I noticed some folks were going through a lot of things I just came out of, or am still in, but maybe time wise a bit ahead. I was able to encourage and give them a loving message, prayer and blessing because I've been there.

After Cocoa's death, God whispered to truths to me. I'd like to share one with you today, and the second on Thursday. Maybe your situation won't be regarding pet loss, but something else you can cling to Him. I hope these messages give you hope, peace, and comfort.

The first lesson---

"Thanks God because he was so good, whatever you have next will be so much
better."

I first uttered this in 1995. I was a fairly new Christian (read: clueless) who heard suggestions and took them literally. I took a suggestion on a future mate to heart even though deep down I knew at best he would be a decent friend. I pinned my entire life on that suggestion and was completely obnoxious to those around me.

Guess what?

He asked me advice on how to pursue someone in ministry who was off limits at the time because he was in love with her and wanted to marry her. By logisitics, I was smart enough to figure out, this woman wasn't me. You'd think I would have cried buckets and waxed on all the dead dreams, but I did not. I shed a few tears that I admit, were more because I felt I was supposed to and then I thanked God. This was His leading because I truly was an immature Christian. I never would have come up with this concept on my own.

I thanked God for the time I had getting to know that person because he was Godly, kind, funny, smart, and treated people well. If he was not for me and had all those great features, well I announced how excited I was to meet in His time, the one truly for me.

Three months later my husband to be entered the scene and when he announced his intentions, he wasn't playing games. He let me know right off the bat he was a new Christian and that the Holy Spirit showed me to be his wife. Yowsa, what a turn of events!

I don't know how to explain it, but in the evening after sharing our sad news about Cocoa to the kids, the Lord brought that memory back to me. I don't know what is next from Him. I don't know how He could bless us with a dog any better than Cocoa, and maybe He will not. But by faith I'm believing because we prayed immediately, we forgave and were transparent with each other, we'll see the fruit of that someday. I'll tell you, the peace alone feels like a gorgeous present wrapped up all nice and fancy. I'm so grateful for that peace, and the experience, as hard as it was.

So that's my first loving message He gave me in the valley. I'll be back Thursday to talk about how some of us are His 1/2500.

Oh, and mark your calendars. July 14 is the Open House date for http://www.takerootandwrite.com/. I believe each Narrow Gate Girl is going to be a part of this site. I know Kim has a monthly column on adoption, I have a monthly column on surrender, and I think Maria will be writing once a month on special need families.

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09.

Starting summer 2008, Julie will be a monthly columnist on surrender over at http://www.takerootandwrite.com/.To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at:http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20

To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.