The Narrow Gate Still Invites

Knock knock knock...

Hello?

Anyone there?

Anyone?

We can't blame you if you aren't but we're trusting God that someone out there is still around. Although I haven't seen Maria, I know she is busy with family. When I caught up with Kim we were amazed at how identical the themes were in our lives.

 Kim still has a heart for the gypsies in Romania and things are busier than ever for her. I'm writing and spent most of this year creating devotionals called Already a ChampION:30 Devotionals Proclaiming You Aren't the Defeated One. Yet both of us realized of all the things God could do with our lives, He is doing this--
taking us through the narrow gate.

Funny thing is, we thought we'd been there and done that. We accepted the call to serve Him no matter what. He let us both know the gates continue. This is a step up and it's more narrow than ever. The baggage called my expectations for other people is strapped on my back and I keep getting caught on the gate. God has lovingly let me know I'm not going through the narrow gate until I let the baggage go.



It. has. been. so. frustrating.

The biggest revelation God gave me was that I bring my "A" game to nearly everything I do, and I expect everyone to do the same. They probably bring their "A" game, but they don't bring mine. Imagine the frustration. Hence, the image I have of me trying to pass through the narrow way to only get caught by the things on my back.

So that's where I've been, and it's a little update on Maria and Kim, too. I'm reading a great book that I'm learning so much from. Stay tuned to learn what it is. I'll be posting notes here from time to time because the information is that good and relevant.

How about you? Can you relate to God calling you to a new, more narrow place? How are you dealing with it?

http://www.juliearduini.com

Surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate

Contact Me
Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe BookSneeze Review: "Big Red" Holy Bible for Children featuring 3D Art

Latest tweet: As I write I'm catching up on dvr watching. #theevent. Not sure what to think on this one but I keep coming back. #smallville was perfection Follow @JulieArduini Reply Retweet   13:48 Oct-19

  Get this email app!  

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

The Visual Worshipper

I think another part of the Focus message God is speaking to me is to slow myself down and focus on Him so I don't miss even the smallest detail He wants to share.

This week He blessed me with a message I know on my own, I'd miss even if it was on a billboard in front of me. I'm really embracing the message because it addresses a regret I've quietly carried.

I'm not a worshipper. At least I didn't think I was. You've read Maria's posts, now she is a worshipper. My husband is a worshipper. These are people who can stand on a platform and scream hallelujah and praise His name---on key no less.

That's not me.




This week I learned it's not supposed to be that way.


What I've been is a nature lover. In college, even in my wildest times, I still marveled at a sunset. No matter what was going on around me, a water scene like a lake or beach gave me peace I could never put in words.

But I took pictures.



I take pictures of clouds, flowers, sunsets, weather, and nature locations. Recently I started sharing those pictures and even framed them all and placed them throughout the living room. I really had no clue why beyond they gave me peace.

This week He gave me the answer. I believe I read it, but this is what I learned,

I am a visual worshipper.

My pictures are simple, but the clouds, the perspective, I truly don't know how to explain it, display God's mastery. When I go to these peaceful places and snap a picture, it's my worship time. When I share those pictures, I'm on key visually to shout to the world, "Hallelujah! Isn't He great?" I don't need a choir platform for that.


He gave me a lens instead.


Does this resonate with any of you?








Julie Arduini is a wife, mom and surrendering writer. Her personal blog, The Surrendered Scribe, shows her writing resume. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she is also a columnist with Take Root and Write. She recently placed 10th in the JournEzine Christmas story contest about the Good News of Bethlehem. Her verse for 2009 is Deuteronomy 11:1-12. She's a new columnist with the daily online newspaper, The Cypress Times. All nature pictures are from her camera, captured in Upstate NY or NE Ohio.

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.

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.

The Blue Heron

A couple weeks ago Maria wrote about people asking how do you know when it is God's voice.

http://thenarrowgateinvites.blogspot.com/2008/03/maria-shares-her-thoughts-on-that-voice.html

For me, I find repitition to be a huge clue for me that sends my spiritual attenae to attention. If I read a certain verse more than once in a short span of time, I know there is a message. If someone repeats a phrase that has been on my heart, I go to God with it for more. The same for music. Late last year, I was positive God was speaking to me through of all things-a blue heron.

I love walking in nice weather and feel closest to God when I'm near a body of water. Last September in a span of about 7 days I had in one form of another, several sightings of the blue heron.

1--I was taking pictures at a local park that has a lovely waterfall. I got home, printed my favorite, and in the middle of the picture directly below the large rock you can see a blue heron standing as still as can be. I couldn't stop looking at it. The picture is at the top of this post. Can you find it?

2. The next night I went to another part of the park located several miles away. I was walking along on a bike trail. I was in the middle of my "romantic" Captivating moment described by authors Stasi and John Eldredge. God gave me a huge sunset directly before me that I captured on my cell phone while driving. Crickets serendaded while I had the bike trail all to myself (that never happens) and birds flew ahead. I walked by a small pond and guess what was there...a blue heron. Again, standing as still as can be.

3. Two days later our family traveled to upstate NY. During this 300 one way trek I passed by two or three separate blue heron sightings. This is with 65mph highway driving with not a lot of bodies of water.

By now, I'm like ok, something is up with the blue heron. On the return trip home I asked God "if" this was something He was trying to show me (I can be kind of slow on these revelations!) to be very specific with the blue heron.

4. Twenty minutes later we passed a billboard, one I have not seen since. What for?

The Blue Heron.

No kidding. I can't remember if it was a restaurant or hotel but I recall my jaw dropping.

God talking to me? Yea, that doesn't surprise me anymore. In fact, I long for His communications. I am in a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father through believing in His Son. So that part doesn't surprise me so much anymore.

But by using a blue heron?

Well that part was new!

I have a network of friends that I trust when these things happen and I'll usually send out an e mail or call and ask if they have any prayerful thoughts. I went online and googled blue heron. One thing that struck me was that they were a solitary bird. At that time God was also giving me a verse from Hosea 2:14 (I'm going to allure her to the desert and speak tenderly to her).

He was also transitioning me from a very busy schedule to a very slow one. I felt like a freight train that went from full speed ahead to near stop, in about five seconds. It was jarring and unsettling. That verse comforted me because I realized it was of course by His hand, but also for His purpose.

I also saw the heron in a picture eating a snake. For any of you that know me, you know I dislike snakes so much I can't even stand them in cartoons. Like comedian Bill Engvall, I think the snake and satan are one and the same. I am an intercessor---it's no big title or job, I am just someone that God asks to pray for certain things and I do until I feel that burden lift. Sometimes just to pray for things feels like contending between two kingdoms---God's and the defeated one. To see a blue heron eating a snake, well that was exciting. Praying is a solitary thing a lot of the time and there are times when it is draining physically and emotionally. I love that picture of victory!

To read about the blue heron being isolated, this comforted me too.

Kim has a family member that is anointed with wisdom about God's animals. Honestly just name an animal and you'll learn all about it. This member is my go to person and I'm so thankful for their willingness to share.

She went to them with my blue heron quest. I received a summary that confirmed their solitary state. Blue herons also stand so still because they blend in for hunting purposes. Fish have no idea that they are about to be dinner.

Further feedback from a mentor gave me more to pray on. She was struck by the stillness to blend in. I tend to be someone that wants to make things happen. I don't always fit in places because I'm either frustrated by the mediocrity or outright rejection of the One I serve, or, I am so intimidated that I stick out with my quaking fear.

The blue heron for me, through a lot of prayer, gave me the insight to be still and at peace as I moved through a new season. For months now my entire life has changed. It has been a very quiet time where even if I could, I can't make things happen. The isolation and rest has given me time to mature, pray, seek, and prepare for whatever might be next. He has revealed so much to me in this. His words for me have been to seek and give compassion and grace. As I have sought this (not always with success) I find myself blending in better. Not because I'm giving up or compromising, but I'm not coming on like some obnoxious squawking bird.

I'm still. Solitary. At peace. Hungry. Devouring the snake. Loving water.

All of this from God---via the blue heron.

Think back---is there any sighting, reading, song, or sermon that struck you time and time again? It's not too late, ask the Holy Spirit for help. He's your counselor, teacher and friend.

UPDATE: April 4

Today in the mail I received a book I won online signed by the authors. It is I believe from Heartsong Mystery line, so it is a Christian book. The title? Homicide at Blue Heron Lake.

I am NOT kidding!

Thanks for reading! If you like the new design here at TNGI, please visit http://dustin-lee.com/blog/ and http://christianwritersforum.com/Blog/. These are creations by Dustin-Lee, and the neat part is God didn't just bless him with great artistry, he can also write. Check it out!

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 Linda Schab at: http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.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.