Sunday, December 20, 2020

Wise Men Still Follow by Julie Arduini

 


 

When I was single and in my early twenties, I remember being with friends talking about embarrassing moments. The one that stood out was when a guy admitted he saw a bright light in the sky, the most brilliant light he had ever seen. It was so magnificent he decided to follow it.

Down the highway and through winding roads he went. As he drove, he imagined what he would find. A spaceship? An angel ready to make a supernatural announcement?

Nope.

At the end of his quest, it was a huge spotlight at an auto dealership celebrating their big sale.

Embarrassing.

It also reminds me of a meme I found of a blurry sun. A hint of red, a majestic yellow, I looked at the second picture. The photographer remarked how the first picture was taken far away, and without glasses or contacts, they thought it was the most gorgeous sunset. They followed it for a closer picture.

It was a Burger King sign.

Through my 50 years, I’ve followed some “bright lights” that led to disappointment, shame even. When I gave my life to Jesus, I became intentional about not following people, causes, or even dealership lights or fast food signs.

Like the Magi in Matthew 2, I want to follow Christ. They knew during their quest they would not be disappointed. These men were looking for a savior, the babe who is Christ, Our King.

My prayer for all of us, this year especially, is no matter what is before us, whatever shiny thing is trying to get our attention and lead us astray, that we stay strong and steady in Jesus. He is truly the only One worth following.

and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2, NIV



Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series SURRENDERING TIME, (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged,) as well as the stand-alone novellas, MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her other latest release, YOU’RE BRILLIANT, is for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah, and is book 3 in their SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ series. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, as well as monthly with Inspy Romance. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to opt in to her content full of resources and giveaway opportunities.

 

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Receive FREE preview of Anchored Hearts: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/sreqjn1tin

 

 


 

Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after?

Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work did. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around Jordyn starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control?

Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set?

Read a FREE preview of Anchored Hearts by clicking HERE. Book 1 in Surrendering Hearts, a series about nationally celebrated sextuplets who each discover their own identity and find that special true love like their parents shared. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/sreqjn1tin

Anchored Hearts coming soon.

 






 

 


5 comments:

Kathleen said...

Thanks for the chuckles and timely reminder, Julie! Great post.

Linda Hoover said...

Great reminders, Julie. I enjoyed your post.

HeidiDruKortman said...

Good one, Julie.

Marie Bast said...

I loved it, Julie! How often are we all fooled by something that takes our eye off what we should have our attention on. Thank you so much for that reminder and redirection. An excellent post!

Julie Arduini said...

Laura,
Thank you once again for the opportunity to share. Ladies, thank you for reading and for your encouragement. I appreciate you!

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