January Engagements

I'm very thankful for the following engagements coming up next month.

Saturday, January 5, I've been invited to lead worship at an Aglow meeting in Sterling Heights.

On Tuesday the 22nd, the Downriver Christian Women's Fellowship scheduled me to speak and sing at their January luncheon in Trenton, Michigan.

I'm very much looking forward to both of these meetings. If anyone would like info, please drop me an email at loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com.

Reflections Magazine will feature an exerpt and the theme poem from Quilting Patches of Life in it's March/April edition. Click on the link for subscription information.

Thanks for stopping by and have a very blessed day!

Troy-Somerset Gazette article, December 16, 2007

What a wonderful week this has been . . . with lots of NEW STUFF!

1) Message in a Bottle, a new resource was birthed. This is free e-spirational website where you will find meditations and practical applications on the Word of God. "Fireflies, Glow Worms and Smudged Jelly Jars," the first installment, is now available at www.affirmingfaithmiab.blogspot.com. I hope you have a chance to check it out and it is a blessing to you.

2) A new Photo Gallery Page has been added to the Affirming Faith website at www.affirmingfaith.com/photogallery.html The page includes downloadable photos of my family, Affirming Faith activities and National Day of Prayer activities.

3) This afternoon Kathy Briscoe hosted a lovely advent tea. She outdid herself preparing her home and such delicious food. Thank you, Kathy for your gift of hospitality, and also for the opportunity to share Quilting Patches of Life with your guests.

4) And I can't let this post conclude without saying what a great week of interviews on Family Life Perspectives! It was such a pleasure being with Harry Broomfield, Director of Perspectives of Troy. So much positive feedback has been coming in, as well as stacks of book requests. I had to place another order with my printer this week!

Thank you everyone for thinking of Affirming Faith resources for your Christmas gift giving. It's a wonderful thing to give the gift of spiritual encouragement.

Gaining Perspective

What a pleasure to be with Harry and Cristina Broomfield today at Perspectives of Troy. We taped a week's worth of programming for "Family Life Perspectives," an informative broadcast provided by Perspectives, Detroit's premier Christian counseling and mental health services center. We talked at length about "Quilting Patches of Life," and I was thrilled to share how the Lord is using this beautiful book to inspire faith and hope in readers around the globe.

[Click here] then scroll down the page to listen to the webcast, or if you're local, tune in on your radio.

12/3-7/2007
Monday - Friday
103.5FM Detroit
10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST

A loving gift . . .

. . . from who else but a mom? Quilting Quilting Patches of Life. What an idea!

Julie Arduini, one of the contributing authors featured in Quilting Patches of Life, received a lovely Thanksgiving gift from her mother. Featuring the Buzzard's Roost quilt pattern, also the title of Julie's story, her mom quilted up the wallhanging you see here. This is only one-third of it, but as you can see, it's lovely.

As the author of the project, I am thoroughly blessed by all the feedback coming in from the contributing authors and readers. I was at Red Lobster this Sunday for dinner with my family after Sunday morning service. A lady who came as a guest to the open house and purchased a book was at the restaurant. She gave me a big hug and word of thanks saying she just finished the book, that it was very good, and it came to her at a time when she really needed the encouragement.

Praise the Lord!

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy.

~ Anne Frank

I confess, someone sent that quote to me and I snagged it to use on the blog. When I think about all that Anne Frank, a teenage girl in hiding, went through as she wrote these words, I'm amazed by her character and the way her faith shined forth like a beacon in the terrible darkness she and her family faced.

We are blessed, my friends. So very blessed!

One thing I'm thankful for from just last week was the opportunity to share the gospel message -- who Jesus is and why He came -- to a group of 25 students from Van Hoosen Middle School. The Lord was there in the public school clasroom, and as one person said, "when you were telling them about the cross, you could have heard a pin drop."

Four young people handed in cards indicating that for the first time in their lives they prayed to ask Jesus into their hearts, and several made rededications. I praise God for all He's doing and pray these young people will remain committed and grow strong in their faith.

This Thanksgiving, let's choose to be thankful, and as Anne said . . . be happy!

Hey, Van Hoosen Vikings . . .

I'm headed your way, Wednesday, November 14, for the "Christians in Action" meeting. [Click here] to watch your special video invitation.

Looking forward to being with you!

Online Interview - Life as a Christian Woman

Quilting Patches of Life was reviewed by April Gilford for "Life as a Christian Woman." She was gracious enough to ask me to participate in an online interview today.

Check it out noon to 2:30 EST today: Life as a Christian Woman

National Day of Prayer Coordinator's Conference

October 19-21, I was thrilled to participate in the annual National Day of Prayer Coordinator's Conference. Friday morning, Mrs. Shirley Dobson addressed the Focus on the Family chapel where hundreds of NDP coordinators from all over the nation gathered. After some great music from Desperation, Chip Ingram delivered an awesome message on integrity. Are "what you say you believe" and "how you live your life" telling the same story? [Proverbs 10:9] Without integrity, relationships are impossible, peace is unattainable, and our impact minimal.

I just love Midwest Regional Coordinator Sue Stoltz. Thanks for praying for me, Sue! (By the way, Sue contributed "East to Eden" Chapter 15 of Quilting Patches of Life.)

Other conference speakers included Dutch Sheets who spoke on "Where are we in America?" He believes we are in a window of opportunity to turn our nation back to God and we must not faint in this season, but finish what we have started. Matthew Stark of Pure-Life Revolution had me laughing out loud as he spoke and covered so many of the same points I have written and spoken about in Gates & Fences and in recent conferences. I enjoyed my friend Bernie Lutchman's presentation on "Living with Power" and picked up my autographed copy of 2-Minute Warning.

Friday evening we had a dynamic concert of prayer at the World Prayer Center.

I got a big hug from Jean Truty after receiving my five-year award pin. She and National Coordinator Manager Lisa Crump did a phenomenal job putting the conference together. Thanks for all your hard work!

Not only were the instructional sessions and prayer meetings exceptional, but I was blessed with the opportunity to close out Saturday evening's events after Jennifer Kennedy Dean delivered the keynote address: "He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness."
I was awed and honored to be asked, and Jennifer's big, affirming hug settled my shaking knees as I dismounted from the platform. Thanks for the photo, Bernie!

Sunday morning, as snow fell upon the beautiful Rocky Mountains, we celebrated communion and received a commissioning message and prayer from Mrs. Dobson. My roomies, Carolyn Boeve and Sylvia Tubergen, the Michigan State NDP Coordinator, bundled up for a precarious drive from the Focus Headquarters to the Denver airport. I arrived home with a full heart and a renewed spirit.










If you would like more information on the National Day of Prayer (events or becoming involved as a coordinator or support member of an existing team), please contact me for local issues or visit the NDP website.

Christian Education Conference in Northville, Michigan

This was my first year to participate in the International Christian Education Association's Sunday School and Church Ministries Conference. I was blessed with a full auditorium for my Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World presentation. The format was somewhat different than a usual G&F presentation. I was not addressing youths and singles, but rather the people that work with them. But we old folks still had a good time. If I'm on the mic, you know there's going to be some laughter in the room. It's usually me laughing at myself, but hey, that's ok. God is good.

I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years. "Hi, Jan!" I told her I'd put her photo on the blog -- my web diary of Affirming Faith activities.

I am impassioned about transmitting the blessings of Biblical boundaries, so it was a great day for me at the ICEA conference. I appreciate the opportunities the Lord provides for me to speak, exhibit Affirming Faith resources and meet fine people. Many expressed an interest in having me come out and speak to their youth, singles, and even ladies groups. Quilting Patches of Life has wonderful material for ladies gatherings -- from holiday teas to full blown conferences.

An Evening To Celebrate

What a great night . . . and a wonderful turnout at the book release party for Quilting Patches of Life. Many of the contributing authors were able to attend (pictured above).

A big THANKS goes out to the authors, our guests and visitors, and my dear friends who helped make the evening possible. I have the best church family in the world.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement. Throughout the evening, cases of books were shuttled -- one-by-one or by the armload -- from author to author to be autographed by their stories. Handmade quilts decorated the room, and the homemade brownies and other treats were delicious. Even the kids had a blast with the wooden trains and toys provided in the play area.

Each book I was privileged to sign received a quick prayer that it would encourage its reader wherever it went. It's a blessing and honor to be allowed to speak into people's lives.

And now on to the next event. I'm exhibiting and teaching a workshop in Northville at the ICEA conference tomorrow and Saturday. I look forward to speaking on the subject of my first book, Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World -- transmitting the blessings of biblical boundaries to youth and singles. Of course, I'll have some Quilting Patches of Life on-hand as well.

A Hot Time in Tampa!

I had a rough time getting there (reduced to tears at one point), but . . . wow! What a fabulous time at General Conference in Tampa. It was wonderful to work with the staff and authors at the PPH booth . . . and did they ever take good care of me! I appreciated all the snacks and drinks, but even more, the high-quality printing job and promotion work they did for me. I highly recommend them as contract printers with a standard of excellence. The McNalls were great to work with.

The staff prepared eye-catching displays and promoted the release of the third printing of Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World with its beautiful new cover. I enjoyed sharing with so many people the concept that biblical boundaries were established by a loving Father for the blessing and protection of His children.

Many conference attendees expressed an interest in having me speak to their youth, singles or ladies -- and I look forward to "Affirming Faith" with others whereever the Lord opens the door.

The day before I left Michigan, I received the first shipment of Quilting Patches of Life, which I promptly made room for in three different pieces of luggage. The book was very well received and I quickly sold out of the quantity I was able to bring.

Hey -- Bev, Robin and Faith -- you were great roomies! Thanks for making the travel arrangements.

Ascend 2007

Here's a photo from the Ascend 2007 Worship Arts conference at Zion Christian church in Troy. The conference was awesome, and I was delighted to be a part of it along with Martha Munizzi, Donnie McClurkin and the Michael Gungor band. The theme for the conference was "The Power of Purity" which amazingly, is also the theme for the upcoming National Day of Prayer coordinators retreat I will be attending next month in Colorado Springs.

I was so pleased to be asked to speak at the conference. The Lord directed me to the topic "Surrendering to the Fire" -- an eye-opening look at the purpose and process of spiritual purification. Examining the holy calling of people involved in worship ministry, the workshop explored the Biblical concepts of altar fire, God’s burning passion for unadulterated intimacy, and the practical application of surrendering to the leading of the Lord as we minister before His presence and His people.

You're invited to the premier . . .

It's a party celebrating the release of Quilting Patches of Life.

Thursday, October 11, 2007
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Faith Apostolic Church of Troy
6710 Crooks Road
Light Refreshments will be served.

Contributing authors will be joining us with pens in hand to sign copies of this encouraging book that will be available to the public at the event. It will be a great time -- a meet and greet and eat! I hope to see you there!

ORDERING INFO NOW AVAILABLE
Visit www.affirmingfaith.com/quiltingpatchesoflife.html to place an advance order.

Quilting Patches of Life - The Poem

I just created a downloadable pdf file of the theme poem for Quilting Patches of Life.

I hope you enjoy it! [click here]

I am soooooo excited!

Yes! You better believe I'm excited about the beautiful cover for Quilting Patches of Life. Again, thanks and kudos go to Tina Harper of cmhphotography for the lovely design, and a special thanks to Glenn Hall glennhallphotography for the gorgeous cover photo.

Ordering information will be posted on the website soon.

Angelic Visitation

Just a few minutes ago, seated at my desk working away on “Quilting Patches of Life,” I felt a presence come in the room that brought me to tears. As I worked at my computer I felt an angelic presence hovering over me in the right-hand corner of the office above my desk. I lowered my head in awe. “God … thank you. I’m not worthy. I love you, Jesus.” I looked up half expecting to see the form of my visitor, but there was no shape before me to confirm what I felt.

My husband came down the steps, and I told him, “You know, we have angels all around us.” He smiled and agreed.

“I know we do.” He walked into the kitchen to get the kids a cup of water, then returned upstairs.

Only a minute or two passed before my eleven-year-old son Charles came down the steps, tears in his eyes, and said, “Mom, the Lord told me to come and apologize to you for accusing you about working on your computer – that you are doing it for Him. I have been accusing you, and I’m sorry.”

I started crying myself, and I told my son, “Charles, I believe you. Just before you came down, I felt an angel in the house, and I believe the Lord did give you a message. Thank you for obeying. I forgive you.”

We hugged and kissed, and I sent him up to bed after we shared a laugh of joy over how good God is, the great God of the universe, to visit lowly people like us in our homes … even my cluttered office.

I went upstairs and shared this with my husband. “It all works together,” he said. ‘When you were downstairs, I was praying for the kids. I prayed that God would dispatch angels to watch over them and our house. And He did.”

Thank you, Jesus, for sending a message to my son ... for answering my husband's prayer ... for the gift of holy visitations in my home ...

I Got a Face Lift

Well ... actually Gates & Fences did!

Thank you, Tina Harper, for working so diligently to bring the cover in line with the content of the book. You are awesome. You are amazing.

I highly recommend CPhotography for photography and graphic art. Tina's the best.

The new edition should be available the end of September.

Upcoming Events

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear."

Tee hee. And as the cartoon depicts, fall is coming soon. With it a couple of conferences I'd like to tell you about.

I'll be speaking at Zion Christian Church in Troy at a worship arts conference. Visit the Ascend 2007 website for all the details at www.ascend07.org. The dates are September 20-22, and it's going to be a great time with Martha Munizzi, Donnie McClurkin, and Michael Gungor as we experience God's presence and explore the power of purity.

I'm also teaching a workshop geared at transmitting the values of living within Biblical boundaries for youths and singles at the upcoming ICEA Sunday School & Church Ministries Conference in Northville, Michigan on Saturday, October 13. I'll be hosting an exhibit there as well. Visit their website for more info at www.iceaOnline.org

And since the cartoon brought this to mind, I'll share a little about Adam and Eve's wardrobe choices from my book Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World from Chapter 4: Modest is Hottest.

After Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened to their nakedness. Once they realized this, Scripture tells us they made themselves "aprons" out of leaves. Get a picture in your mind of an apron. There are short ones that tie at the waist and those that have bibs covering the chest area as well. How much of the body does an apron cover, and how much does it leave exposed?

Now, back to the Garden. Even with their new clothes on, Adam and Eve knew they weren't properly covered and hid themselves from God. God must have found their garments insufficient as well, because he created tunics (or robes) for them from the skins of the sacrifice offered for their sin. The clothes God made covered more than just their "private parts."

There are obviously a lot of different styles, but if the clothes we choose are more apron-like than robe- or tunic-like in the way they cover our bodies, perhaps we should reevaluate our wardrobes.

Book Signing - Warren, Michigan

It was great meeting so many wonderful folks at Discount Bible Saturday, June 30. Thanks to all that purposely came out to support me and those that I was blessed to meet!

Thanks to Argentina, Jeremy and all the Discount Bible staff for making me so welcome.

Gates & Fences on tour in Clinton, Kentucky

At left is a picture of me with Event Coordinator, Tina Harper.

Frank Hubbard said, "There isn't much to see in a small town, but what you hear makes up for it."

Monday, June 25, there was much good to see and hear at the Young Center in Clinton, Kentucky. Close to 150 people gathered, mostly young people, for a wonderful time of worship and encouragement at the Gates & Fences seminar. Thank you Altar Praise Band for facilitating this event and to all that worked so hard to bless the youth in the area.

I was pleased to see people of many denominations come together to explore the blessings of Biblical boundaries: Apostolic, Baptist, Catholic, Charismatic, Methodist, and Non-denominational churches in the area were all represented. There was "straight talk" sprinkled with personal stories that made us laugh and Scripture that provoked us to examine our motives and actions. I hope that many were inspired to reject the lure of wordly compromise and pursue God's best for their lives. As one that lived my young adult years outside the "fence" of Biblical boundaries, I can say with confidence ... life is better on this side.

Thanks also goes out to ...
~ All those that set up, cleaned up, decorated, ran sound and lighting, etc.
~ Kristia and all the ladies that worked so hard cooking and serving our Mexican fiesta.
~ Cheryl Yates, the senior guitar instructor at Chapman Music for sharing her skills during intermission. You're amazing!
~ 525, a youth drama team from Oasis Christian Church in Paducah, who did an anointed presentation of the song "I Need You, You Need Me." Keep pressing in!
~ Joy Ride, an emerging Clinton-based youth worship band for their upbeat music that closed out a great evening.
~ My family for all their love and support. I couldn't do it without you! Thanks for running my PowerPoint presentation and all your prayers, Honey! You keep me calm when my ends are fraying. XOXO.

Gates & Fences on Tour - Clinton, KY

Gates & Fences on Tour!
That's Clinton, Kentucky
Monday, June 25, 2007
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Young Center
First United Methodist Church
Highway 51, just off the square

For more information or to make a reservation, email event coordinator Tina Harper at tina@hamtastic.com or call (270) 653-7366 or (270) 832-4744.


Also coming up is a book signing in Warren, Michigan, on Saturday, June 30, 2007. Hope you can make it out to Discount Bible on 26756 Dequindre Road between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Thanks for the Memories ...

What a great core group we had at Community Bible Study this year. Today was the last teaching session of the 30-week class. It was a joy to meet so many fine women desiring to grow in God and explore the Word together. We learned much in 1 & 2 Peter, Daniel and finally Colossians. And DJ's lessons brought all the pieces together right where we live.

I promise not to forget ...

~ Do you trust me?
~ Will you choose to obey?
~ And ... there is power in obedience!

A big THANK YOU to all the "servants team!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We finished our study of Gates & Fences in the FACT College & Career class this past Sunday morning. I appreciate the opportunity to speak into the lives of the students, and I pray that above anything else we discussed, we will all remember that biblical boundaries were established by a loving Father for the blessing and protection of His children. That's us! We are the apple of His eye!

God Bless the USA!

MAY 3, 2007 ... AMERICA UNITED IN PRAYER!

After attending the Troy National Day of Prayer event and coordinating several of them over the past 13 years, I was privileged to share NDP 2007 at the State Capitol in Lansing with State NDP Coordinator Sylvia Tubergen.

It was a wonderful day. The weather cooperated completely. The Prayer Voice of Michigan team that coordinated the event did a great job bringing people together from across the state to pray. I heard 500 young people toured the capitol and participated in the event. I'm not sure how many adults were there, but Abraham Lincoln came by. Honest, Abe!

New Revelation (from my home church) shared two songs prior to the event and one during the program. I appreciate their willingness to minister in unique settings and the leadership that makes it all possible. Go, Noelley!

We began the program with the trumpets and a call to prayer blown on dual shofars. Kneeling on the lawn of the capitol building, we united in repentance for our nation and ourselves. Prayers were offered by many, a delightful elementary children's choir sang, and most of all, the Lord was there.

The Scriptural theme for this year's prayer was II Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Lord's been talking to me about that Scripture. Maybe I'll write more on that later.

Contest and Conference

I love this picture! My Noelley took it last summer. It reminds me of the beauty of God's creation.

God created a lot of dazzling things for us to enjoy visually. There are also many things for us to learn and hear ... things that will help us grow and bear fruit, like the gorgeous lily blooming in this photo.

I attended Indiana Ladies Retreat April 21-22. Thank you to Beverly Cloe for being the "hostess with the mostest." Sis. Gwyn Oakes was the keynote speaker, and she did an excellent job transmitting the biblical truth that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

On Wednesday we began revival services with Dr. Gerald Jeffers who brought us a message on being yoked with God ... His oxen, not his #@@ ... er, I mean donkey. I thank God for using Dr. Jeffers to speak healing and maturing things into my life. The presence of God was tremendous, and I feel different: more hopeful, inspired, and equipped.

Lastly, today I posted the winning entries for the Affirming Faith writing contest. It was difficult to choose, but I hope the stories selected will be an encouragement to those who read Quilting Patches of Life to be released later this year. God interconnects all the days and seasons of our lives into a lovely creation -- a unique, functional work of warmth, beauty and purpose according to His good pleasure.

Following are the last two stanzas of the theme poem available on the website www.affirmingfaith.com.

So the days you are dreary
Or floating on air
Know there's a reason
God brought you there

He works all things out
With intentions of good
Keep the finish in focus
And trust as you should

Frankenmuth Reflections

Attended the ALJC Ladies Conference in Frankenmuth March 23-24. It was great being with the ladies from the Publishing House and participating in the wonderful sessions featuring my own dear pastor's wife, Claudette Walker.

Sold lots of copies of Gates & Fences and made contact with wonderful ladies who said they would be taking the resource back to their youth groups.

Reflections magazine notified me they would be publishing a poem and article I wrote in their Spring edition next year.

I Have to Give God the Praise!

I was nervous. I admit it. Several months ago lab results came back out-of-range in a test that checks liver function. My doctor told me we'd wait a few months and check it again. The set time passed, and the second test revealed an even higher elevation of the negative number. I was told to follow up with my surgeon.

On my birthday I had several tubes of blood drawn and extensive bloodwork done. Today I met with Dr. Wood, and he told me that every single level came back within normal range, and I have to thank God for that. And thanks to all that prayed for me.

Book Signing in Louisville, Kentucky

This picture was taken at a book signing this weekend in Louisville, at a Kentucky state-wide ladies conference. I'm thankful for the wonderful response and that so many took home copies of Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World to use in their youth departments.

It's Sunday between services, and I just taught a lesson to our College & Career class about why it's good to wait for the Lord's direction before jumping into dating relationships. The question came up, "Why not flirt to convert? Shouldn't we use every means available to bring people in to church?"

It is always appropriate to be kind ... but flirting plays with peoples' emotions and is not honest in its approach. Read the definition of flirting at: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flirt.

I would like to give some advice on how Christian singles should conduct themselves with people of the opposite sex. Here's my input:

Exactly as you would if your spouse was in the room with you.

So, there you have it. I got that from a very wise person! I hope it helps.

Remember, Affirming Faith is conducting a Writing Contest. Visit the website for all the details at http://www.affirmingfaith.com.