The Wrestling Match

Ephesians 6:12, WOW!

It has been one of those weeks! I write to you a day late due to colds and viruses that have been attacking my family. I will confess that my patience level is at an all time low as it feels like someone is standing on my chest. I have also been struggling with some relationship challenges outside of my immediate family. And so I wonder . . . what is this all about? Allergy season? Just a virus? A coincidence? Or do we dare go there . . . could it be a battle in the spiritual realm? There I said it . . . the spiritual realm! Don't click the close box yet!

The spiritual realm . . . it sounds so 'out there' and honestly, quite scary. Are there really battles going on that we cannot see? Do angels and demons really exist? I know one thing, mention the word angel and everyone smiles. Say the word demon or demonic spirit and you are sure to clear out the room.

Ephesian 6:12 tells us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

So . . . I cannot help but wonder if the illness striking my family is 'just a virus' or is there is a battle going on. Science tells me one thing, my gut tells me another. Is it a coincidence that we have been praying and waiting and waiting and waiting for a specific dream to come to pass and we are only a few weeks away from a knowing if it will? Is it a coincidence that I just sent out letters to six Godly women asking them to consider a mission trip to Romania in the fall? Is it a coincidence that my husband who rarely gets sick woke up in the night with his throat throbbing and consticting for hours saying, "I have never felt like this before?" Again, just wondering.

As I lay my head down tonight I will pray for healing and peace for my family. And yes, I will include a few words coming against the 'powers of darkness' but my main focus will be where it should be . . . on Him, my healer, my friend, and the one who saves us all, Jesus.

Be Blessed, Kim

(We love hearing from you so send us a comment, share a story, or a thought anytime.)

I'm Still Standing

Last year I made a covenant (a contract between me and God that He takes seriously, just like marriage) with the Lord that I would no longer let fear stand in the way of writing. I always knew I was not the best writer out there, but as the years passed, the stirring of the pen would not stop.

Before I had a blog I had all these ideas that I wanted to write about. To this day I have characters running around in my head just begging to be let out in a story (don't worry, this is normal, so other writers tell me).

As soon as I started my personal blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/, I got sick. I'd been through times of near bed confinement due to the pain of polycystic ovaries, but this was different. It was an 8 week sinus infection that I could not get rid of. During this time I also had bronchitis and mild asthma. Not long after I got feeling better with all that, my hormones took a dive and I spun around hormonally with perimenopause.

I list these medical issues because of this---I don't think any of it was an accident. As soon as I started to surrender fear, it made a kingdom difference. It also, I believe, shook the gates of hell. Not because I'm somebody, but because Christ is and He has work to do and finally, I'm a willing vessel for Him to use. Even if my writing reached one person, it was still more than it was reaching before because I wasn't writing at all. So the scared terrorist defeated one that the devil is, he hurled everything he could with his bag of tricks.

I'm not musical, but I'm a music person. Recently here I shared the song from Barnyard, Sam Elliott's I Won't Back Down. That song literally kept me going because I promised. I PROMISED to write for the Lord. I really take those commitments seriously. The second song I think of is of all things, Elton John's I'm Still Standing.

"And did you think this fool could never win

Well look at me, I'm coming back again

I got a taste of love in a simple way

And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind"

Music by Elton JohnLyrics by Bernie Taupin

Available on the album Too Low For Zero

http://www.eltonography.com/songs/im_still_standing.html

Yes, I'm a child of the 70's and 80's and I'm pretty sure when these entertainers collaborated, warfare issues between Christ and the devil weren't on their minds. Yet as I write, this is the song He gives me to share.

I made another recent commitment to write for the Lord. It is something that I'm excited about and I believe is going to be huge in His kingdom to encourage women. The founder of this ministry invited me to join on and challenged me to find a single purpose to share with others through the site. After praying for days, I know He wants me to write on this:

Surrender.

Guess what happened within days of confirming this direction?

I got sick.

With a sinus infection.

Guess what?

I'm still standing.

I'll write more on the writing opportunity next week!

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.

Holding On

Well, once again I am going back on my promise…

I started a series of blogs last week that outline my salvation experience. I will continue them next week, I promise…again…

The words that the Lord has put on my heart this week take precedence, I hope you’ll agree—
I didn’t read Kim and Julie’s entries from last week until the other day.

When I read Julie’s “Do you trust Him now?”, my heart began to pound out of my chest. I thought, “She has days of unbelief, too?” Right in front of my eyes, she was reading my mind….

And Kim was reading deep into my heart with her “Help Me In My Unbelief!” words.
We were all having the same kind of days, and we hadn’t shared our thoughts with one another.
I was feeling so very weary and tired; I didn’t know where God was or how I was going to begin to look for Him again.

It was not a coincidence that we were all feeling the same way all week…
When you know God, there are no coincidences.
As usual, He was teaching us through our doubt and weariness.
He set this all up.
It’s part of His plan.

He knew we would all be writing together at this time, and we would stumble on the fact that we all waver from our trust and belief in Him.
And He knew you would be reading this, right on time.
His time.

As Kim and I spoke on the phone about how we were all feeling the same way, the lyrics of Shawn McDonald’s song “Hold On” were resounding in my soul…

Another day gone by
And again I ask myself the questions why
I question my sanity
And why I believe what I believe
Some might think that I’m crazy
For believing in something I cannot see
Deep deep down I know
Yes I know you are for real

So won’t you now, hold on to me?
Hold on
Hold on to me
Please don’t let me go-no no
Cause I am prone to wander
Prone to leave this faith I know-
Hold on Hold on Hold on to me
Hold on

And I realized that He is holding on to us. He never let go. He never said we wouldn’t get weary or tired or doubt….
He never said this was going to be easy,
But I know He doesn’t want us to make it so hard.

He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28.)

He also said…
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”(Matt 21:21)

He knew we would get weary.
He knew we would have burdens.
Believe.
Have faith.
Do not doubt.
Rest in Him.

Pray.

I can only speak for myself when I say I definitely do not spend enough time in prayer and asking the Lord for my needs.

As a wife and mother, I am very good at petitioning the Lord for my husband and my children, but when it comes to my needs and desires, I most often put them aside.

As women, we know we must take care of ourselves in order to take care of our families, so we must take time to put words to our wants and desires, as well as our fears and pains.
And give them all to Him.

My challenge for all of us is this—
The next time we realize we are in a state of unbelief, without hesitation, before the weariness sets in,
We must go to Him in prayer, and be confident that He’s holding on.

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 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.

What a Friend!

Although my sinuses are rebelling from weather changes and lack of taking better care of myself, I just finished an amazing weekend with my best friend.

Kim and Maria are great friends that I confide so much in, learn from, and boy do we laugh. What sets my other friend apart and categorizes her as a best friend is this:

Time.

When I introduce her, people actually say "oooh and ahhh" when I announce we have been friends since kindergarten. She let the adult Sunday School class know our ages, so I can assure you, kindergarten was quite a long time ago. Our friendship has seen ups and downs and even a time of rebellion on my part when I wanted nothing to do with the Christian faith she kept talking about. I'm grateful for her obedience because without her following through on the Holy Spirit's nudge, I don't even want to think about where I'd be.

Trust.

Because I've known her longer than anyone else besides my sister and mom, we have a trust. She has seen me through everything. Although my husband is my closest confidante, there are things she knows about my life. I don't think I have skeltons in the closet but she saw first hand some of the pain I had growing up, just as I did with her. She was a catalyst God used to help me start the healing process after a miscarriage. I can share anything with her and I know she's got my back, and vice versa.

Truth in Love

Unfortunately those closest to you aren't always able to say what they are thinking and have it be received well. I don't know how to explain it but my friend can say the same exact thing and I'll receive it, when a family member could have said it ten times before and I just don't get it. She speaks the truth in love, usually in a sandwich way of knowing I need affirmation, but questioning the situation out until I come up with the answer on my own. I tend to be more blunt with her, I think, but she trusts me as a voice God would use to further her walk in Him.

I share all this because with the trust issues both Kim and I wrote about here, being with my friend was a good visual on what I try to share with people who think I follow religion. Last night I watched Another Perfect Stranger and I liked how they tackled religion versus relationship.

What I have in Christ is a friendship. For all those times my friend and I collapsed on a bed sharing our heart, dreams and tears, that's what Jesus does too. Sometimes He has to bluntly tell me something, but it's always wrapped in love. I can trust Him, and as time goes on, our friendship only grows and deepens.

Do you have a best friend like this? Do you liken that friendship with yours with Christ? What makes it the same? Different? I'd love to see your thoughts on this.

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

Help Me In My Unbelief!

Well it has been a week since my last post and I still feel raw, uncertain, and am swirling in my belief. I have surrendered to the words prophesied over me concerning His call to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him but honestly I'm just not so sure of how to get there. I feel like I'm standing on a street corner knowing where I am supposed to go but really having no idea how to get there. I have thought about calling my mentors, asking for guidance and direction, but deep inside I feel like the 'man who refuses to stop and ask for directions'. I think I am supposed to 'find my way' on my own. How scary is that!

So I sit and ponder, think and pray, and yet I find myself like doubting Thomas or the man found in Mark 9:24 which says, "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" And then I want to smack myself! All it takes is a walk outside or a moment sitting in the sunshine to know that there is a creator and yet I still waver in this unbelief. It is as though my unbelief lies in trying to understand 'how' I can have this amazing relationship with someone I cannot see . . . I want to see like Thomas! At this point I can feel some of my mentors smacking me now!

And then He takes me to the cross.

And I think, "How can I question?"

Kim

Do you trust Him now?

It's a busy week here on the heels of Memorial Day so I don't have anything profound for you, but something I think I'm meant to share. Because even though I feel like it is just me that struggles with this, probably not.





I don't trust God.





It hurts my heart to even write that, but it's true. I can pray and believe in mountain moving faith for basically anyone in Jesus'name, but for me?





It's a struggle.





My most recent experience was yesterday. My mom is in town, son has a concert, there are swim lessons, and other activities after a weekend of illness. I am not a spontaneous person by nature and I get a little freaked when my husband throws a new plan at me. I'm getting better but still, when he greets me with "I have to tell you something" my stomach sinks.





This time he called me on his way to work to let me know he went forward with an idea we'd been tossing around and researched together. We basically came to a decision but I had one more place I wanted him to check out. He did and turned out that was the best deal. So, the people were coming the next day. Sometime between 8-4.





I grew up watching my parents lose time from work because of the cable or gas man coming between that fantasy 8-4 that never came to pass. Oh woman of great faith, you'd think I'd dismiss those memories. I embraced them, wondering the rest of the day and night how I'd fare with my day shot waiting for someone that would never come.





I wake up and casually say to my husband, "Do you think I should call the cable company to confirm they are actually coming?" He gave a kind but emphatic no. He announced, "They will be here."





Right. While I miss a needed work out, a Bible study, writing time (no internet while I wait).





8:17.





The cable guy came.





8:17 AM, by the way.





My husband asked as the man was diligently working on our request what I was feeling. I told him I feel like the Verizon commercial, but God is the one wearing the black specs asking,





"Do you trust Me now?"





My reading today is out of Mark 9 and boy can I relate. With hourly raising gas prices and other things on my mind, I still struggle. I want to trust Him, He should have earned that at the Cross. Like the father in Mark 9 I confess,





"I believe but help my unbelief!"





Can you relate?

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

Journey to Salvation: Part One

Well, I promised a few weeks ago that I would begin a series of blogs that would explain my journey with the Lord, and I hope and pray you will be encouraged in some way by my testimony…

Did you ever feel like you had it all?

Like you were in control of everything in your life and you didn’t need anything more?

That’s how my husband and I felt before the day our baby girl was traditionally baptized, when she was just a few weeks shy of three months old. We took her to an emergency room because she had a fever--we thought she would be diagnosed with some sort of infection, we would get an antibiotic, and we would go home. As we waited in the emergency room for test results, she stopped breathing. They summonsed the trauma team, and a sound rang out throughout the entire hospital that I will never forget. Suddenly a nurse physically took her from my arms and ran her to the trauma room.

During the minutes that followed, my husband and I felt like we were in the middle of a horrible nightmare. What was going on? We just came for an antibiotic—we wanted to go home.
During those minutes that felt like hours, I don’t even think I prayed. Up until that moment, I had no frame of reference to even try to call upon the Lord for help.

Once they got her stabilized and we could see her –the tiny, 11 pound baby girl that began her day in a beautiful white baptismal gown, was now on a ventilator with multiple wires and many pieces of medical equipment connected to her.

Again, I don’t recall even trying to utter a single word of prayer.

That moment and the days that followed changed a part of who my baby girl is, and in turn, changed me as a person in more ways than I ever imagined possible….

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 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.

No Record

No Record
Julie Originally posted at http://www.christianwritersforum.com/Blog May 4th, 2008

Psalm 130:3: “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?"

1Corinthians 13: 4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

We went out to dinner as a family moment before my husband left for a work trip. Of all the places to go, we chose McDonalds. I know, big shock with small kids, right? My order is standard, always the chicken wrap with barbeque sauce. Problem is,they don’t agree with me.

Case in point: last month I took the kids there for dinner and while talking along I let out a sound that I can’t even define as a burp because the humiliating act had an echo that turned heads. The kids cackled and cackled. They bring it up often, even during this most recent Golden Arches meal.

As our trip to the airport progressed, we paid tolls. I wasn’t even in my husband’s life then and even I recall the same story his older children told from years ago: he went to pay the automatic toll and missed the catch, dropping his money. After all this time, no one forgot.

Same for when we needed an elevator to get my husband to the correct gate. Even our oldest says, “remember when” and tells the tale of when my husband’s older children used to sit on elevator floors. My elevator recollection is from a few years ago when I was in a performance of “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames”. My character perished in an elevator accident. If I ever hear the music that accompanied my dramatic death scene, I can assure you I’m off that real elevator!

Embarrassing sounds. Clumsy actions. Uncomfortable moments. Our kids don’t forget those times and most likely, spouses don’t either.

I’m so thankful to serve a God who does not keep a record of our wrongs. It isn’t because He’s ditsy and He forgot, it’s because He loves us so much He chooses not to. As Psalm 130 states, who could stand under such a recollection if the Lord did such a thing?

This week I’ve been watching online evenings on God.TV. services out of Lakeland, Florida. God is using a man the world would never think of because his record of shame is etched in his skin with colored ink. Todd Bentley by his own account was saved in his drug dealer’s trailer. He used to cut himself and was an alcoholic.

Then Jesus came.

I blush over a traffic stopping burp. Todd Bentley remembers the smells and sounds of artificial highs. Perhaps your account of deeds lie somewhere in the middle. No matter what you’ve done, are doing, or are even tempted to do, you can live a true clean slate free of shame.
Call on the Lord today. The Lord who forgives. The Lord who is Love.

The Lord who keeps no record of wrongs.

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

Stepping Over The Line

In my last post I promised to share more about the Summit, the orphaned, and ways to become involved . . . and I will very soon. Today I have something pressing on my heart and I feel the need to walk, or shall I say "write" it out.

Since my salvation experience 2 1/2 years ago the Lord has been working in me as I chase Him, run from Him, and ultimately seek His face. I have been through seasons of joy, awe, peace, doubt, desperation, lonliness, and healing. My time with Him has been like a roller coaster ride and I must admit my favorite part has been the anticipation of His prescence and then going down the first hill with my hands in the air in total surrender. I love the freedom and thrill that He brings into my life! But today is different. Today I am standing on the platform of a new coaster, a new ride, right behind the 'yellow line,' asking myself . . . 'Do I really want to get on? Do I really trust that this is all 'real'? What if this ride is too scary, has too many twists and turns, or it is not what I thought it would be, what then?'

Within the past few weeks I have been at two separate prayer gatherings with two totally different groups of people and had the same words prophesied over me both times. The words were like an invitation, an invitation from the Lord, to enter into a new place of intimacy with Him. A place that is full of depth and love where He will share His heart with me. He is asking me to take His hand and be with Him, spend more time with Him, and truly fall in love with Him. He is asking me to start 'birthing' the destiny He has placed inside me, to trust Him, and not feel guilty or be afraid. But honestly, I am scared to death! In the natural my mind is swirling. Can I truly experience pure, fufilling love in this life that will not be filled with void and ultimately disappointment? Or am I really kidding myself? What if this whole 'Christianity thing' is not really real, then what? What if I make a fool of myself and land flat on my face? Ughhh!!!!

So here I stand on the edge, behind the yellow line, with a decision to make. Do I believe the words spoken over me through God's prophets or do I believe the lies man and the world has told me? Do I believe His Word, the bible, or do I spend my years here on earth searching for fufillment in man made truths in books, self help sections, and material things? Do I remember and give thanks for all the healing and peace He has already brought into my life or do I let the enemy convince me that it is all just a facade and not real? Well, I have already tried the later, so I suppose the choice has already been made. I'm going to step over the line, get in, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of my life. I will keep you posted.

Holding On, Kim

The Truth that Took My Breath Away

As I shared in my last post, we Narrow Gate Girls goof up but relish in the fact that these are stepping stones to draw closer in our relationship with Christ. For years I used to think that the tiniest slip (which is daily for me) would make the Lord cross His arms defiantly and say "That's IT! I'm so done with her." We all, you included, are so loved by Him, even on our worst day.

As promised, I will share another revelation on one of my not very good days.

I was in a corporate prayer situation where we were addressing a negative influence that was identified as the spirit of l*st, something I believe exists (add an 'u' to learn the word, I'm trying to avoid bad spam). However if you had asked me to define that I would have thought of an unfaithful spouse or a construction worker whistling at every skirt that walks by.

As the prayer continued, I felt, I kid you not, a sensation deep inside my body leave. I've seen services and prayer times where people lose their balance, bend their knees or things close to those responses when the Holy Spirit is moving and/or an evil spirit has been sent packing. This may sound very movie like and it's powerful, but not as dramatic as you may think. Anyway as the prayer wrapped up I couldn't help but ask, what was that I felt?

I explained the "whoosh" feeling that left me from like deep in my chest out. The thing is, I went on to say, I'm not someone that you would point as someone craning my neck to check out people or make immature comments.

I was asked in return, am I person, though, that resents people who look good and covet what they have in their own physical health? In a rush, I could see myself in a montage of moments that absolutely depicted the answer to the question. In a nutshell, this would be me:

I would be working out, in a locker room, at a park, in a pool and would see someone of the same gender who is a size 8 or less, age 30 or less, tan and INSTANTLY in my head this is what I would think:

'What are you doing here? Go bounce on a beach somewhere.'

'Oh leave already and save the equipment for people like me that truly need it.'

'Please, who is that perky this early in the morning. Be quiet already.'

That I learned is the spirit of l*st just as much as the stereotyped construction worker whistling at the ladies. This revelation took my breath away.

I had two choices with this truth: I could wallow in shame or see it for what it is, who truly resides in me, and take my thoughts to Christ. Since that prayer time I've run across a few scenarios where I started to criticize the outwardly looking perfect looking person before me in my thoughts and I stop and say to myself, that's done. I try to pray instead that her inside would match her outside. That she knows Him.

And knows He loves her as is.

Just as He feels about me---and you!

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

So Not Sanctified

Years ago I was involved in a conversation between two Christian women who were approaching a milestone birthday. They announced they felt by the time they approached that age, they would be sanctified. Back then I was intimidated by that comment because I viewed a sanctification as a holiness where angels sing and harps play.

Although I don't view things quite as perfect as that, the closer I get to that milestone I can attest, I will never this side of heaven be sanctified. It will always be a present process of striving for holiness. Just like an alcoholic that stops drinking they will say they are recovering, not recovered. It's always a current condition for them.

Last week I had the pleasure of escaping to dinner with Kim. I very rarely pick up a phone and ask for a night out because I talk myself out of such things thinking that person has better things to do. I'm so glad I called. Turns out Kim and I have much in common---the good, the bad, and as I'll post today---the ugly. My guess is Maria is the same, we just missed being able to hang with her too.

We said when we started this blog that we were going to blog about the deeper things of faith---our experiences, revelations, mistakes, fears...well we want to make sure we share our mistakes. The second you think we have our walk in Christ down perfectly, well, picture me tripping on that walk. A lot. And falling. And somedays, not even able to get up.

So this week I'm going to share my mistakes, my out and out rebelliousness that wasn't 10 years ago, but I'm sad to admit, as recent as last week. Next week to balance it out I'll try to share the growth God has given me. Again, not that I achieved perfection in any way, but as Joyce Meyer puts it, I'm not where I used to be. But sanctified? Oh no...

Case in point---

I tend to get very carnal, fleshy and just nasty under the following conditions: blocked goals, feeling inferior, too tired and hungry. Last week I was in a situation that I won't get specific about because I'm not sure if those that were there are reading this and honestly, my intent was wrong and I'm not sure my intent really came off as a bad deed. It could have looked like an accident but I truly know it wasn't. The issue is mine to deal with.

But imagine you are in a group setting with me and someone comes up to me and tells me with what I perceive as an air of authority that I am doing something wrong. I smile sweetly and give a pat and truthful answer, but on the inside I'm seething. Remember, I get fleshy when I feel against a wall. So when that same person walks by, I stick my leg out in hopes of tripping them. Not to hurt the person, but to make them feel as small as they made me feel.

Maybe that person never tripped but still, my intent was pure rebellion and as far from holy and sanctification as you can get.

There you have it. No angels play harps in my presence. No one stops in their tracks and says wow, that Julie, she is the epitome of perfection.

But hopefully, hopefully someone looks at me and realizes she goofs up, she sins, she doesn't get it a lot of the time. But she loves the Lord and He accepts her in His presence, especially unsanctified.

Just like you.

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

You Go, Proverbs 31 Mom!

Ugggh, there is so much we do as moms and yet for Kim, Maria and me, we really struggle with technical things on Blogger, haha!

This is our tribute to you, complete with verses to affirm you in a job that truly is the toughest but most rewarding. God called you to this, and He loves you, even on the days you in one sentence scream "stinkin and freakin" to your kids. (That would be Julie).

We hope one of the links will work, both should take you to the same video, about 3 toe tapping minutes long. Enjoy AND HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!

In Him We Surrender,
Maria, Kim and Julie



http://christianwritersforum.com/Blog/?p=269


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkc9-SvqfDM

The Challenge of Balancing Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42 states,

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."


Well, I’ve been Martha for way too long, and the Mary in me is screaming to get out.
I need to make the time to do the things that bring me to the Lord’s feet—hanging on His every word.

It is those things that give me energy and strength to get to the next task that Martha has to complete.

I am dehydrated, and I need His water to revive me.

Do you ever feel like that?

Like the most important thing you should be doing is filling up your spirit in order to get through the day.

I challenge you, as I challenge myself this week, to choose what is better-- and take time to sit quietly in His presence, so that the Mary in you can shine.

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 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.

Pure Religion

On Saturday I returned from the Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit wrecked and ruined, exhausted yet overjoyed, broken all over again by His love. The Summit was a three day gathering of 550 people from all over the world coming together to pray, learn, and fellowship concerning the orphaned. It was a time of immersion in the Word, reflection on His calling, and incredible networking and fellowship with others who share His heart. It was also a reminder of what 'pure religion' is all about.

James 1:27 says this, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. "

Pure . . . clean, spotless, absolute, untainted with evil, guiltless, sheer, free from blemishes . . . genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. Pure religion! Think about it . . . no man made rules, hidden agendas, power struggles, sign-up sheets, . . . pure religion! And His Word even gives us clear direction on where to find it. We can find it caring for the abandoned, the forgotten, the 143 million children in the US and around the world waiting to know Jesus and be loved!

You may be thinking how in the world am I going to help 143 million orphans! My schedule is so full already and anyway one person can't really make a difference. Let's look at what Jesus says in Matthew 18:5, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. " A little child is like welcoming Him, our King, our Savior! HIM!!! And Jesus also said "a," some translations may say "one." Yes, one CAN make a difference!

So my heart cries out today to the body . . . what are we going to do? What am I going to do? Am I going to stay where it is cozy and safe and stay quiet because I make others uncomfortable with my words or am I going to step out of the boat and take a plunge into the pool of 'purity' that He has waiting for me? Honestly I already have my swimsuit on!!!

Let me leave you with this:

At the conclusion of the conference one of the board members of the alliance shared a thought (I will try and do it justice as best I can). She saw hereself walking into heaven on the streets of gold and Paul came walking toward her. He greeted her and asked, "How was it?" Her reply, "How was what?" He responds, "We watched from heaven how the Lord stirred the hearts of many and invited them to experience pure religion and His incredible love. What was it like? I want to hear all about it!" And her thought was, 'Would my response be . . . "What are you talking about? But . . . I was facilitating two bible studies, my kids were in three youth groups, I was at service every Sunday, . . . " Or with a smile on her face would she turn to Paul and say, "It was AMAZING!"

He is waiting to 'amaze' all of us!

Kim

(The next few weeks I will continue to share my heart with you concerning the abandoned and forgotten and ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your own community and overseas.)

My Theme Song

Today I feel called to post twice after reading Julie's song lyrics, they have been my theme song for years. Funny how God hooked the two of us together Julie! When I pull in the driveway with my 1980's cassette tape of Tom Petty blasting the song 'I Won't Back Down' my husband asks, "What happened today?" and "Are you okay?" This song has spoken to me for years, before and after knowing Christ, always giving me strength and hope in a world that is often 'dragging me down.' Honestly, I never knew who wrote it or that it had been recorded by other artists and to see it on the blog today reminded once again how we need to stand strong, not back down, and truly walk in the calling God has laid on our hearts. This leads me into my next post . . . God's calling.

Kim

My Not So Original Rally Call To Press On

Awhile back I blogged about having a life verse. I plan every once in awhile to share other verses that ministered and spoke to me. Today though, I feel like I'm supposed to share a song.

This song grabbed me from the first time my family sat together to watch the movie, Barnyard. I found it funny that a song in a kid movie was something God was using as my prayer time rally call. I thought it was original, even though I remember the song from Tom Petty. I then learned Johnny Cash made the song before that AND others wrote online about how the song ministered them.

Oh well, I still feel like I'm meant to share it. I hope it's a rally cry for you to press on, keep going, and don't back down. Victory is at hand, trust Him today!

Here is a video someone took the song to the movie, Spirit. Gives you an idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgH15wIJeZg

SAM ELLIOTT

I WON’T BACK DOWN LYRICS

Well I won't back down

No I won't back down

You can stand me up at the gates of hell

But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around

And I'll keep this world from draggin me down

gonna stand my ground... and I won't back down

Chorus:(I won't back down...)Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out(and I won't back down...)hey I will stand my ground

and I won't back down

Well I know what's right, I got just one life

in a world that keeps on pushin me around

but I'll stand my ground...and I won't back down(I won't back down...)

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out(and I won't back down...)

hey I will stand my ground(I won't back down)and I won't back down...(I won't back down...)Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out(I won't back down)

hey I won't back down(and I won't back down)

hey baby, there ain't no easy way out(and I won't back down)

hey I will stand my ground(and I won't back down)and I won't back down(I won't back down)

No I won't back down...

Complimentary "I Won’t Back Down" Ringtone Blonde Call Me Lyrics http://www.justsomelyrics.com/ UGK Bumper and grill Lyrics Sam Elliott I Won’t Back Down Lyrics are property and copyright of it's owners. Lyrics are provided for educational purposes only.

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

Crawl, Walk, Run

(http://www.about.com/)

I can't tell you how excited I am to read Kim's weekend account regarding orphans. The short time I've known her caring for children, especially those ignored, neglected and abandoned, have been her heart and calling. Her passion is so contagious I too have a stirring in my heart yet untapped.

A month or so ago Kim let me know that surrendered pastor's wife, mom, and servant for the forgotten, especially those with AIDS Kay Warren was having a live chat regarding her book, Dangerous Surrender. This was a book that totally captivated me and I appreciated her candid spirit sharing her missteps and thoughts about how she would step out in this new thing God was calling her to do. I knew this book would speak to Kim and it didn't just speak, it beckoned. But that's Kim's story.

What I took away from that live chat where Kay graciously brought each participant in the conversation was a sentence I can't shake. I thought I was there to lurk on the conversation and encourage Kim and her friend. Kay called me out and asked my story. I wrote something like I know God is calling me to something more, I just don't know what that more is.

Here was her sentence to the best of my memory:

"When He shows you, start with a crawl, move to a walk, then go for the run."

I see a lot of false starts in ministry. Great intentions, wonderful aspirations, but basically the leadership started out with a run. I'm not a marathon runner by any stetch but I know enough to know you don't give 100% when you start out. You have to start small and increase.

I've been guilty of the same. I get an idea from God and I do a brief warm up and then I take off like lightning leaving God and His timing in the dust. I get tired, burned out, and I'm done. And God picks me up, dusts me off, and starts me over.

I've written over at http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/ that last year I was hit hard with a reverse in health that didn't just slow me down, it put me to a screeching halt. Now that I understand what is going on and steps for recovery are in place, I feel a new lease on life.

I want to run. I want to race, fly, jump, dance, shout, and sing.

When it comes to my walk with Him, Kay's words envelope me.

What stirring is in your heart? What is your calling? Where are you in this marathon? Are you warming up? Crawling? Walking? Or are you in a full out run?

And...is that the pace you are supposed to be at?

As I wait for Kim and Maria to share what God is doing within them, I'm lacing up and stretching, taking deep breaths and starting forward in an awkward movement resembling a crawl. In His time I'll pull myself to stand and toddle along. Then watch out world!

Care to join me?

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.

Wrecked All Over Again

Thank you for praying for me the past few days. I have returned home safely, totally wrecked for the orphaned and the Lord all over again. I have been crying on and off for days and am in awe of the Lord's goodness and plans for my life. I will share more in the days and weeks ahead and invite all of you to come and walk on the path of pure and undefiled religion . . . to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27) One hundred, forty three million children are waiting for the 'body' to respond to their cries. Can you hear them? Jesus does.

Love, Kim

http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/

A Plan Just For You

\(heartlight.org)

Some may say that I am a dreamer while others may say that I am not content, some may call me a visionary while others may say I am impractical and my ideas lofty . . . but I know what the Lord says, "I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."



Plans . . . hope . . . and future, such powerful words from Almighty God! He loves each one of us so much that he has plans for us, plans for you and plans for me. He has plans to give us hope and a future. Think about that! We were created with a plan in mind, a purpose, and a future to be carried out. Wow, how overwhelming is that!



Tomorrow morning I will be boarding a plane to attend a 'Summit' focusing on the orphaned. This is a burden the Lord placed in my heart many years ago that continues to get heavier and heavier. Others have tried to convince me that I have already 'done enough' by being an adoptive mother, stay at home mom of three , . . . but I keep going back to Jeremiah 29:11 and I know in my heart that His plans and purpose for me are bigger than what I can see in the present and what looks practical, aka 'the dreamer.'



What plans does God have for you? What drives you? What are you passionate about? What tugs at your heart? What brings you joy? What makes you 'feel alive?' Amidst all that you will find your purpose. And remember, He already has the plans drawn up! Blessings, Kim


Maria and Julie's note: Kim is now at this summit. Would you join us in prayer? We're believing God is going to clearly direct Kim's path in her love for the orphaned children. We can't wait to see what God is going to do through this!

Must See TV

My schedule evenings this week has been a bit off. I haven't talked to Maria too much this week, but I have Kim. She too is tuning in. I went to Bible study yesterday at the Y and not only did we also tune in via video, our facilitator was at the actual event over the weekend.



What is it that is going on?



It's revival.



I've been watching since Sunday online at http://www.god.tv/. If you have DirecTV or Skyangel I believe you can access it there as well. Todd Bentley is honestly just a guy who loves Jesus and is used mightily for God's glory. What I love about the Lord choosing THIS guy over most for this awesome outpouring is Todd by looks alone is the LAST guy the world would pick to lead a revival. My guess is even Todd would agree. He is covered in tattoos, his past before Christ wasn't just wild, I believe it was violent. Then God took hold, and Todd isn't violent, he's passionate.



He was to lead a weekend full of services last month in Lakeland, Florida. That weekend turned into a week, then two, then three, now four and counting. The events outgrew two large churches, a convention center and starting tomorrow with be at the Lakeland Tiger stadium, holding 15,000.



So far, every night is packed. People are hungry, thirsty and desperate not for Todd and the strange, funny and amazing way God is using him and the team there, they are hungry for Jesus.

And by golly, Jesus is there.



Even watching online I can tell you this is the real deal. I am a skeptic, cynic and what I am seeing and feeling in my own spirit I can tell you---you can't fake that. There is a prescence of God so strong on that stage people step on the platform and are not just falling over, they are flipping like fish out of water. There is holy laughter and reverent silence only to be immediately followed by wild worship that makes as our teacher's husband shared, louder than a touchdown between Ohio State and Michigan (which has 100,000). People have tried to control the handling of these evenings and they just can not. God is in control and He is having His way.



I've seen people with rods in their leg and decades of numbness start running around the building. Wheelchair bound folks are dancing. Muscles are growing. Are you a cynic? Those that exprienced the healing are going to the doctors to back it up with authentic documentation. The media is sniffing around, and they are invited because again, this isn't about Todd or the people, or even the angels people are seeing when they are worshipping and "slain in the spirit". It's about Jesus. It was over 2000 years ago, and it still is today.

A Tampa TV reporter showed up to cover the story but confessed she too was healed. Even in the stadium she was vomiting from migraines, something she has had for years. She went on stage to share she is a believer in Christ, but she also was healed. As someone with a heart for the media to know truth, I wept.

A similar thing is happening over at MorningStar where Rick Joyner serves. This movement is primarily youth led and the pictures alone get my blood turbo pumping. Kids ditching the Wii, skateboards, whatever and choosing to praise God? Again, you can't fake that my friends.

If you've watched water boil, I tell you this. The pan is hot and the bubbles are starting.

But mark my words, this is just the beginning.

I don't want to miss a thing.

This link will take you to an article about a young girl who was healed in Lakeland over the weekend. Although I missed this online, my friends were there and before I even read this article, they nearly word for word described the very same scene that is explained. It is worth a cup of coffee and five minutes to read. Then, find God.TV. at 7pm EST until 11.

And be amazed.

http://www.elijahlist.com/

Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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 and is the Forum's book club facilitator. 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.