Challenges of forgiveness

I had to extend forgiveness again.  You would think it would get easier, but for some reason, I always feel like I am the 'loser' when extending forgiveness.  

What a lie I have bought into when I slip into this kind of thinking.  Forgiveness is the ultimate "god-like" thing that we can do as humans.  Jesus, fully man on the cross, cried out:  "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they do!"  If the Son of God at the pinnacle of pain, falsely accused, beaten to within inches of His life by those He created can forgive, then I should be able to forgive.  And by His grace, I can!

Jesus was serious when He said we are to forgive 70 times 7...in other words, there is no limit to the number of times we are to forgive someone.  None.  FOLLOW THIS LINK to get your copy of Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness.  It's an easy read, everyday stories from everyday life, where God showed up with lessons about forgiveness and walking into freedom.    Or, if you prefer to receive a signed copy from me, the author, send me a comment on this blog with your contact information (it won't be published), and I can send you your copy.  

Earth-shattering

Most of us would not call forgiveness an earth-shattering thing. Or would we?  

Who out there has ever done something SO hurtful to someone that even now, your heart hurts to remember the pain you caused someone else?

Or where is the person who has been so hurt by someone but has extended forgiveness, and yet that person who hurt you STILL asks for forgiveness?

There is FREEDOM in extending and receiving forgiveness.  That is what I discovered and continue to discover every day as I walk out the truths I've written about in this book, Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness.

Why not begin 2013 on a fresh note of forgiveness.  Order your copy today RIGHT HERE.  Or you can get your personalized copy from me by leaving a comment on this blog.  

Let's all rid our lives of the poison of unforgiveness as we embark on a new year!  

The holidays are coming.....gifts await!

Everyone keeps talking about this fiscal cliff we are about to drop off, fall over, or something.  They are probably right.  Things have not been good for quite some time, and the powers that have been and that be have not made the drastic changes they've needed to, which are very different than what most people think they should be.  In my opinion, this is what needs to happen:

Repentance.
Period.

Nationally, individually, and as cities and states, we are all in need of turning back to the God of the Universe and saying "We repent, and we plead the blood of Jesus over our sins and the sins of our nation."  

The Bible clearly states that if we forgive, we will be forgiven; if we turn from our sin, we will be healed and made whole.

Walking Forward-Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness is a tremendous gift you can give to many in your life that will not be:

Preachy
Analytical
Text-like
or
Boring

It's full of stories, and this time of year, everyone LOVES stories.  So, follow the links on the sidebar to get your copies today.  Or you can leave a comment on the blog asking me for an autographed copy at a VERY reduced price for the holidays, and I'll ship one, two, three or more out to you right away!  

Holiday gift ideas!

As many holidays fast approach, I know that people are faced with this question:  

What should I get for ________?

If you are anything like me, you have been facing financial challenges this past year, and gift giving is becoming a creative adventure.  Well, I'd love to make things a bit easier for you, regardless of the holiday you are celebrating.

First, I'd love to offer autographed copies of each of my books at a special holiday discount price.  

Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness retails through Xulon Press at $14.99 plus shipping.  You can get it through some online resources for about $11.49 plus shipping.  I would love to offer it to anyone out there for $10.00 INCLUDES SHIPPING.

The Senders retails for $7.50 plus shipping through Amazon.com.  I'd love to offer it to everyone for $6.00 INCLUDES SHIPPING.  

SPECIAL OFFER FOR BOTH:  $15.00 Includes shipping!

In addition, there is an amazing author who is writing a series of novels and short stories based on the life of biblical David and his mighty fighting men, and I want to plug his books as well.  They are gritty, powerful, real, and definitely not your "soft" Christian novels, but rather the in-your-face-with-reality sorts of stories, bringing the Bible to life again, not exclusively for men, but especially for them.  I cannot personally offer any holiday discounts, but here is the link to find the books as well as other gifts:  LION OF WAR SERIES

Contact me through my blog by leaving a comment if you want to order a book or books.  

May you rest in the presence of His peace, which passes all understanding!

The Battle

There is a very real battle going on for our hearts.  If we step back and look at each area of our lives, we have numerous opportunities every day to take up an offense about something or someone.  Giving in to offense rather than taking the low road of humility leads to walking in pride.  Choosing not to be offended and walk in forgiveness is the way of Christ and the Cross.  

Click HERE to get your copy of Walking Forward-Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness.  While you are there, pick up an extra copy to give to someone who may need encouragement and likes adventuresome stories!

I heard a story.....

I heard a story from someone, and it wasn't your typical story.  This person had an experience not many of us would ever care to undergo.  Many people may not believe the story, but that's ok.  You see, this individual was, like the Apostle Paul, caught up in a vision...whether in the body or not, this individual is not sure, except for the fact that there were physical signs that it was an "in the body" sort of experience.  It's not so much what happened as where it happened....Hell.

Yes, hell is a real place, according to this individual.  Why am I writing about this on my book blog?  Because this individual reported that the only sin that people are in hell for is:

UNFORGIVENESS

Yes, you read that correctly.  It makes sense...those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior do not know the gift of forgiveness.  To know the FORGIVER is to know freedom and forgiveness.

Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness is an easy-to-read encapsulation of stories that focus on walking in the gifts of forgiveness and freedom.  Get your copy today HERE, or e-mail me at tmhunarden@gmail.com for your $11.00 signed copy, which includes shipping.  

High School Reunion

Last weekend, I was blessed to be able to attend my 30-year high school reunion.  Wow, am I really that old?  As I was preparing, I sensed the Lord prompting me to bring a box of my books, Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness to the reunion to give away to my former classmates.  


So I did....indeed, it felt strange to hear the comments, "Wow, you wrote a book, Arden?"  And it was even more uncomfortable to hear, "You need to autograph my copy."  


I want to thank all of my classmates who took copies and are reading them now.  You have no idea how much it means to me that you showed that kind of interest.  I heard back from one classmate who shared this:


"Arden, I was flying back to San Francisco reading your book and the woman sitting next to me was craning to read it.  I gave her your contact information so she can get her own copy.  I also want to know where I can get more copies as I can think of a couple of people I'd like to share this with."


Encouraging does not even begin to capture what this person's comments to me did for my heart.  So, for all you readers out there who are looking for a good read, here is a LINK to Amazon.com and here is a LINK for copies at Barnes and Noble.com, including a NOOK version.  Finally, HERE IT IS on Xulon Press, through whom I self-published.  


You can get copies from me as well...for a discounted price and a signed copy.  E-mail me at tmhunarden@gmail.com to order copies from me.


Blessings on you as you read!

Haven't yet found that perfect Christmas gift?

This time of year is the season when all of us begin to ponder the question:

What am I going to get __________ for Christmas?

Given the economy the way it is and where it looks like it could be going, giving a simple gift that could become timeless and one which ___________ will use again and again, I believe that now is the time to get your copy(ies) of one or both of these books.

As a reminder, Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness are real-life stories where God showed up in every day life and taught me, Arden, about what it means to live in freedom, what it means to live in forgiveness, what it means to live in relationship with the living God, Jesus.

And then we have The Senders which is a very unique compilation of many different people's stories of how they partner with and support those on various mission fields across the globe. They are honest, giving the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful experiences they have had as they have SENT others into the harvest fields!

I am happy to send you autographed copies of either or both if you want to have them personalized for Christmas. Contact me at tmhunarden@gmail.com

Recent feedback on Walking Forward

Last weekend at a conference, I met some women from Wichita, KS. I felt compelled to give them copies of my book, Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness.

Today, I received a thank you note from one of them. In it she wrote:

"Arden, I really like your writing style. I love the stories of your cats, Toby and Simon, and I am definitely pondering the questions at the end of each chapter, really thinking about them before I move on to the next chapter. Thank you."

I'm always surprised when people say they like the book; I guess that shows I still need more freedom!

Forgive and forget?

We've often heard it said, "Forgive and forget". Some say, "I can forgive, but I will never forget."

I think there is truth in both postures. Some things are easy to forget; others, well, I'm not sure we should forget. For safety purposes, you may not want to forget that someone is a known abuser and so you want to take care with yourself and others when around that person.

Interestingly, in my journey of forgiveness, I have re-visited a number of memories from my childhood where there was a great deal of pain and I've had to forgive. Previous to the Lord breaking in and healing those areas of pain by replacing the lies I chose to believe with His Truths, my remembering of those events brought back much of the pain or sorrow connected with the event. Now, however, after experiencing God's truth in those places, when I remember the event, there is no pain, sorrow or trauma. I have not forgotten the events or memories, but now, as a result of walking out forgiveness and allowing God to speak His Truths, I have peace in those memories.

Maybe you too need to start the journey of forgiveness. Walking Forward is a great place to begin.

Feedback on Walking Forward

The phone rang on Saturday night and when I picked it up, my precious missionary friend to Bulgaria was on the other end of the line. As I type this, they are on an airplane on their way to that side of the globe to serve the King of Kings and help people put their hands into the hands of Jesus!

In the course of our conversation, my friend said to me: "Arden, I love your book Walking Forward! Wow, I simply couldn't put it down! I love stories and how God speaks to us through everyday events. That's how I often hear Him speaking, so reading your stories encouraged me that yes, I do hear from God in everyday situations. I passed it on to my sister; I think she will be really encouraged by your journey."

So, I rejoice because one more person is Walking Forward into the arms of Jesus, closer to His heart! Hallelujah!

Cool experience

My husband, Paul, and I were waiting for the train from Zagreb to Budapest this summer on our honeymoon when we met a fellow American on the platform. We struck up a conversation with this lovely lady and ended up traveling in the same car together for the ever-so-long, sweltering trip to Hungary's capital city!

Our friend showed interest in my book, Walking Forward-Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness, and in the end, requested 10 copies for her life-group with whom she meets each week. I had a blast praying over each person's name in her group and writing notes in each of their books; it turns out that God's words for each of them were very encouraging! Hallelujah!

My newest book, The Senders, is also getting good reviews. A fellow missionary here at the International House of Prayer has blessed me by buying 10 of them above the list price so he can bless his SENDERS!

My prayer has been and continues to be that many will be encouraged in their walks with the Lord, and His Kingdom will go forth through these tools! You can find both books at the link to the right side of this blog, or write to me for personalized signed copies.

Help me promote this book!

Ok, blog readers, I need your help! I am learning the ways of book publishing, and realizing that book promotion is largely up to the author, even if a company has its ways of promoting books. So, to that end, would you be willing, if you have read my book, Walking Forward, to promote it on your blog? Or on Facebook? Or on your website? Or through just word of mouth with friends? And if you haven't read it, but you have appreciated the positive feedback (there's been no negative yet), promote it in the same ways?

Or, you can go to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble and leave a comment on the page where my book can be bought! I would really appreciate it as I truly believe this is a "tool" in the Father's hand to help people walk free into a living relationship with the Living God! Thank you for whatever you are led to do! Be blessed in abundance!

First feedback on the book!

A friend of mine called me and told me that she started reading Walking Forward.

Here's what she had to say:

"Oh, Arden, I love it! You are touching on things that everyone struggles with. I didn't know about you nearly drowning in a river!"

Get your copy today by emailing me: tmhunarden@gmail.com

What is this book all about?

In our explorations through life, we can learn many lessons, if we have the ears to hear, the eyes to see, the heart to understand, and the openness to God to enter in and transform us.

Stories and experiences are powerful ways that the Lord speaks to people about Himself, about themselves, and about truths.

This is not a self-help sort of book, but rather a turn-your-eyes to the only One who can give clarity and perspective on life, people, sin, love, freedom, forgiveness, mercy, healing, grace, relationships and redemption.

My prayer is that one life would be touched by the Holy Spirit through this book and that person would find new life in a living relationship with Jesus!

Order your copy at a 25% discount by emailing the author today: tmhunarden@gmail.com