Missed Moments #devotional by Julie Arduini

Missed Moments

Julie Arduini

 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33, KJV

When our family moved 300 miles away from our hometown and everyone we knew, my mom was a recent widow. I’ll never forget the pain etched on her face as she told my husband if we completed the move it would be the same as having two deaths in a close time frame.

We made that move because we knew it was God’s plan for us. Being obedient wasn’t easy. In fact, it was one of the hardest things He has asked us to do. We promised as long as Mom was able, she would be invited to all our events, and we would be there for whatever she needed.

Like any proud Grandma, she took us for our word. One holiday stands out, Easter. Our church held a Passion Play that my husband and the kids were very involved in. Mom loved attending. That particular year, she had been part of a mentorship program at her church. The closing ceremony was Easter Sunday. That meant we were in one state scheduled for the Passion Play while Mom was in another state, completing her obligation.

She let me know that ceremony wasn’t going to stop her. She was going to join us for Easter dinner. Five hours and 300 miles away. Mathematically my husband and I couldn’t make the trip work in our heads, but she was determined.

She didn’t want to miss a moment.

True to her promise, she was at our table ready to eat Easter dinner.

I asked, “How did you make such good time? You went to church for the program and drove here all in one shot?”

She had a sheepish look as if we caught her hand in the cookie jar before dinner. Turns out yes, she did make excellent time. The police thought so as well, when they caught her speeding.

How bad was she speeding?

My mother drove eighty-eight in a fifty-five-mile zone.

The cost? Three hundred dollars, two marks I think on her license, and the inability to focus on Easter and memories because she was kicking herself for breaking the law and getting caught.

How does this have anything to do with Christmas?

Missed moments. Mom was so afraid of missing something that she actually did because she literally sped through the day.

We enter the Christmas season with great expectations. With the newest apps and reminders we’re confident we can do all the shopping, bake all the cookies, send all the cards, wrap all the presents and yet be all in, fully present for Jesus. It is all about Him, after all.

What usually happens? Gifts don’t arrive on time. Parties and concerts pop up last minute. We make additional trips to buy ingredients for cookies we’re in no mood to make. The season turns into a chore, and the celebration of Christ’s birth falls to the wayside.

Missed moments.

Sometimes the younger generation’s lingo makes sense. FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out, is a real thing. There is something about Christmas that increases personal expectations and goals. We don’t want good, we want perfect.

And we fall short.

I’ve been to events where the focus was on the theme and napkins, and the elaborate favors. Napkins end in the garbage. Themes are forgotten. Favors get misplaced. How about the memories? I remember hosting mom events where there was no agenda. We just let the kids play and we chatted. There is so much I remember about those times because I concentrated on the people, not the event.

This Christmas, don’t speed through the season in an attempt to avoid missing out. Maybe buy cookies or wait to send cards in the new year. Make time to read an Advent devotional. Pray while you drive instead of listening to a Christmas playlist you’ve heard in stores since October. Those are the moments to live for.  It’s the least we can do for that Holy Child who grew up to die for us and our sins.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Julie Arduini writes small-town romances featuring Christian surrender themes and chocolate mentions. She’s the author of the series SURRENDERING HEARTS (Anchored Hearts, Repairing Hearts, +four more). Her other romance series is SURRENDERING TIME (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged). She also co-wrote a YA/Women’s Fiction series with her daughter, SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ (You’re Beautiful, You’re Amazing, You’re Brilliant). Her stand-alone romances include MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. In 2025 she joins Leah Atwood, Robin Bayne, JoAnn Durgin, and Dawn Kinzer with the small-town romance series Dogwood Creek Matchmakers. Julie maintains a blog at juliearduini.com and Substack. She resides in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Learn more by visiting her at http://linktr.ee/JulieArduini.

 

 

Beyond the Horizon Kick-Off Package #Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Beyond the Horizon

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s desperate to keep her job.
He’s desperate for solitude.
What is God’s plan in this complicated situation?

Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?

Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.

Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?

 Marilyn's thoughts:   This Christian Western Historical read set in Horizon, Idaho in 1895 is one that earns 5 stars easily. Ruby Shepherdson is fulfilling her dream for writing for the local newspaper but there are plenty of ups and downs with the position. The hero Tyler Lynton wants to be left alone but is finding himself rescuing Ruby from situations she found herself in. There’s plenty of action with deception, twists and turns at the newspaper office, striving to interview a hero, threats on lives and discovering a new touch of God’s unfailing love and drawing a “lost sheep” home with the added bonus of catching up with all the character friends from the first two books in this series. Zeller has a way with her writing to bring her characters to life with dimensional situations they are facing, roller coaster happenings plus a clear and gentle gospel message of God’s forgiveness and unconditional love for all.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Thank you so much for joining me for the Beyond the Horizon blog tour. I am super excited to share Ruby Shepherdson’s story with you and can’t wait for you to meet newcomer Jake Lynton. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter. Happy reading!

 

Horizon, Idaho, 1895

 

For a moment, she was the world-famous reporter, Ruby Shepherdson, author of the latest award-winning article.

Ruby closed her eyes and imagined seeing her name below the numerous articles and stories she submitted to Mr. O’Kane, the editor of The Horizon Herald. The editor from the prestigious Boise City Chronicle, who was just happening to visit his mother in Horizon, would peruse the pages of The Horizon Herald and become engrossed in one of Ruby’s engaging articles. He would then invite her to submit a monthly story to his well-read publication.

But alas, such a fanciful dream would have to wait.

Ruby resumed scrubbing one of Papa’s shirts on the washboard. There was no fictional editor from The Boise City Chronicle visiting his mother in Horizon. And until Ruby’s shipment of her Smith Premier typewriter arrived from the R. Altman & Company in St. Louis, Missouri, she would continue to dip her pen in ink and handwrite each and every composition she submitted to the cantankerous man who’d become her boss just one year ago last week.

Not that she minded tending to everyday chores, including laundry on Mondays, for she didn’t. As a matter of fact, Ruby’s highest aspirations were to marry someday and be a wife and mother. But until the Lord saw fit to allow a suitable gent into her life, she would continue on the path of writing.

Ruby hung the shirt on the line and proceeded with washing the next item when she noticed a buggy rounding the curve to their farm. She stood tall and placed her hands on her lower back to stretch the tightness from hunching over the washboard. A closer perusal indicated Wilhelmina, one of Mama’s best friends, was paying them a visit.

Wilhelmina, a permanent smile on her round face, folded Ruby into a hug. “It’s so nice to see you. Your ma and I are planning some new recipe ideas, but first, I was asked to deliver a message.”

It didn’t surprise Ruby that Mama and Wilhelmina would be experimenting with recipes. After the Bible, Mama’s favorite book was Recipes from Augusta’s Kitchen, a book she’d purchased when she and Papa first married. “A message?”

“Yes. Tabitha said to tell you that your special purchase has arrived.”

The air caught in Ruby’s lungs. “My special purchase? It has arrived?”

“That’s what she said.”

Not caring how unladylike it might be, Ruby let out an enthusiastic squeal, threw up her hands in excitement, and danced a little jig.

“Might be that you are thrilled to hear this news,” teased Wilhelmina.

“Oh, yes. Not only thrilled but exhilarated. I’ve waited forever for this momentous occasion.”

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, December 10

lakesidelivingsite, December 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Pens Pages & Pulses, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Pause for Tales, December 16

Book Looks by Lisa, December 17

Cover Lover Book Review, December 18

She Lives To Read, December 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 21

Mary Hake, December 21

For Him and My Family, December 22

Holly’s Book Corner, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54115

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter

 

Be sure to preorder your copy now!!!

The Summer of You and Me

April 22, 2025

by Denise Hunter (Author)

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

  

My thoughts:  The Summer of You and Me is a romance by acclaimed author Denise Hunter.  I enjoyed meeting and getting to know this couple is they navigated a new relationship to hopefully find lasting love. The characters interacted very well together and there was even a mystery to solve when  someone from the past seemed to have come alive. Would they find out the answers? Would it change anything between them? Will they be able to work out the obstacles before them? This book is a must read and and like all Ms Hunter's books your  attention will be snagged and you won't be able to put the book down. Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.      

The Prodigal (The Crimson Legacy) by Susan May Warren, Susan K. Downs

The Prodigal

(The Crimson Legacy) 

November 12, 2024

by Susan May Warren (Author), Susan K. Downs (Author)

A generational secret could change everything...

She came for answers... but found a mission she never expected.

Kat Moore, a determined American, arrives in Moscow only to find herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the KGB. With only a cryptic key and a longing to uncover her murky past, Kat's search for truth drives her deeper into the shadows of a city that holds the secrets of her heritage.

Vadeem Spasonov, a seasoned FSB agent, thrives on the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of keeping his country safe from smugglers like the elusive Grazovich. When he encounters Kat, he initially suspects her of being a pawn in Grazovich’s schemes. Vadeem's mission swiftly shifts from capturing a criminal to protecting the headstrong American who inadvertently makes herself a target.

Together, Kat and Vadeem navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal. As they edge closer to unraveling the mysteries of Kat's family, they realize that the stakes are higher than either of them could have imagined. If they fail, Kat might never learn the truth about her past, and Vadeem could lose his chance at capturing a notorious criminal—or worse, lose Kat to the dangerous game they're playing.

**Previously published as From Russia With Love.

The Crimson Legacy
Book 1: The Prodigal
Book 2: The Sparrow
Book 3: The Partisan
Book 4: The Secret

My thoughts:  The Prodigal was previously published under a different title (From Russia With Love). I have read it years ago, but it has been so long I really didn't remember it. This story is stocked full of romance, adventure, and drama as the heroine, Kat, steps off the plane into a nightmare that never figured into her plans to track down her ancestors.  It is great for a book that is sure to keep you glued to the pages, but I sure would hate to be the heroine.  The hero clashed with Kat at every turn and the feisty Kat get a lot of courage, strength, and willpower I am not sure I would possess if I landed in the same situation. I enjoy getting to know these characters, learning their secrets, and wondering what on Earth could possibly happen next. There's a really strong faith message which is one thing I really love about Ms Warren's books.  Full of characters that you will fall in love with - even secondary characters you will love - this is a book you will finish reading and pick it up and start reading it over again because it really is that good. This will make a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love. It is also not a Christmas theme books in so you can read it anytime or gift it at any time of the year.  This is the first book in the series however this book is set in more modern times, and each book goes back further into the family history so if you like to read stories in chronological order, you might want to start with the last book first and read the first book last.  Highly recommended.  Pick up your copy today. I was given a copy free, and all opinions are my own. 

Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction #Devotional by Laura Poole

 

Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction

 

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words.” ~Emily Dickinson

 

Emily’s quote paints a beautiful image of a seemingly supernatural abstraction we all long for and find impossible to live without. Yet, hope often feels elusive, just out of reach of our grasp. When we suffer hardships or walk through trials, despair can easily nudge hope aside.

 

Hope is mentioned throughout the Bible, often coupled with other positive words, to encourage us to stay the course.

 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

 

Hope isn’t born in a vacuum, unaffected by outside influences. Hope is vital and often reborn as we journey through life’s trials. And hope walks hand-in-hand with joy and faith.

 

…And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5

 

Despair does not defeat God’s supernatural hope which strengthens and edifies our souls. Hope whispers to us that tomorrow will be better, our problems have solutions, and healing can take place.

 

What is troubling you today? I want to assure you of the miraculous hope God can instill in your soul, despite your circumstances. All you have to do is believe, then reach out and take hold of his hand. His strength will see you through.

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

 

Thank you, LORD!

Buy your copy here!

https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Christmas-Meditations-Faith-Advent-ebook/dp/B0DLTKPF4Q/ref=

LAURA HODGES POOLE is an award-winning Christian author of several books. Her novel, Return to Walhalla, was a Selah Award finalist. She enjoys encouraging others through her blog, A Word of Encouragement. On beautiful days in South Carolina, you might find her hiking instead of writing. An empty-nester, Laura enjoys a quiet life with her husband when she’s not playing with her grandchildren.

Advent is a time of holy preparation that culminates in a celebration of our Lord’s birthday on Christmas. It is a turning away from self and toward Christ. With this devotional, the reader can delve into the four parts of Advent instead of getting caught up in the commercialism defining the secular celebration of Christmas. You’ll learn that hope, joy, and peace are intertwined with our Christian faith as you journey toward Christmas.

 

Chapel Springs Revival (Chapel Springs Series) by Ane Mulligan

 

Chapel Springs Revival

 (Chapel Springs Series) 

September 2, 2014

by Ane Mulligan (Author)

With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire Bennett and Patsy Kowalski. It's impossible not to, what with Claire's zany antics and Patsy's self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds.

During an early morning discussion at Dees 'n' Doughs bakery with their ladies group, all Chapel Springs entrepreneurs, attention is drawn to the slackened tourist trade. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to address the town's revitalization in hopes of drawing back the tourists. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

Claire, a pottery artist, stumbles through life with her foot in her mouth. When she became a Christian, she thought life and her marriage would be included in the new creation part. But her thighs are just as big and her husband, Joel, is as ornery as ever. She's become nothing more than a sheet-changer, a towel-folder, a pancake-flipper. Her life is humdrum and she's tired of being taken for granted.

Patsy has plans for her empty nest, plans that include a cruise ship. However, her husband, Nathan, continues to work long hours, and he's not talking about slowing down. In fact, he's not talking much at all. She's asleep long before he comes home each night. At first she thought it was just because of tax season, but now she's not so sure. Something other than work seems to keep him late at the office every night. With the lines of communication closed, she'll have to find another way to reach him.

With their marriages as much in need of restoration as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.

Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized as: women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.

My thoughts: Chapel Springs\vival is a women's fiction / cozy mystery. I loved getting to know the southern women who starred in the story, the drama going on in their lives, and the community. They are strong women and had strong opinions even though some of them made quite hilarious mistakes. If you like cozy mysteries and/or women's fiction then you will love Chapel Springs Revival. I think this is the first book I've read by this author but I will be on the lookout for more.