December Days

December has been such a rich and rewarding month. I was so privileged to assist the Troy Police and VFW Post distributing baskets to families struggling to make ends meet in our Michigan economy. The bulk of the work was done by the Police and VFW, but the Pastors & Intercessors Network Ministry (www.pinmtroy.blogspot.com) raised money to assist in the purchases during our October prayer walk, and it was a blessing to be a small part of seeing their mission accomplished.

I had the cutest little assistant at the Cultural Christmas Extravaganza hosted by People of the Book Lutheran Outreach Ministries. I researched traditional Armenian Christmas traditions and shared some of them along with my book, Bachik, the Birthday Kiss, and other Affirming Faith resources. It was a fun evening and I was glad to have my daughter Hope with me in coordinating holiday fashions.

On a personal note, my husband delighted me with fresh roping this year, something I've always admired and wanted to do at my own home. Bill works on stilts in his drywall business, and that really came in handy when he and Charles were putting up the outside decorations.

Of course, there were Christmas concerts, a school play, a church children's musical, family get-togethers, and my first-born daughter Noelle turned 18 this month. Along with all the activities, I have found some time to write, because there was much on my heart to write about. I invite you to check out some that is posted on the "Message in a Bottle" blog at www.affirmingfaithmiab.blogspot.com. And as always, if the Lord gives me the opportunity, there will be more forthcoming on the blog and in some magazines I have been asked to write for.

I forgot to mention the Michigan National Day of Prayer Coordinator, Sylvia Turbergen, asked me to speak in a Lansing area church to some of the Michigan folks who couldn't make it out to the annual NDP conference. She wanted me to share the message I gave in Colorado Springs this past October called "You Have a Field to Defend." I forgot to take my camera, but here's a picture of Sylvia and me at a training we hosted in my neck of the woods previously.

So that's the synopsis of December although there is one day yet to finish out the year. May God richly bless you in 2010.

Procastination doesn't pay

I spent quite a bit of time developing this post card mailer and then realized by the time I printed and mailed it, you wouldn't have much time to get your orders submitted in time for the holidays. (It's all about time, you see.) So, I am posting it here. Hope you like it! [Click on the images to enlarge.]

SAVE UP TO 25% AND MORE

...when you take advantage of the BUY THREE GET ONE FREE offer.

Visit the Affirming Faith website at www.affirmingfaith.com, select three items and begin the checkout process. When you reach "Review Payment" you will see an option to "Add special instructions to the seller." This is where you indicate your free slection and also any personalized autographs you would like.

* Free item must be the lowest priced item.
* Free shipping on free item.
* No sales tax on free item.
* Publisher discounts apply in addition to this promotion for extra savings.
* While supplies last.
* Limited quantities on some items.
* Order early for Christmas delivery.
* Drop shipping available upon request (additional shipping charges may apply)

Christmas Cultural Extravaganza - 12/18 in Rochester Hills

This is going to be a fun event. My friend, Cynthia Khan asked me to be involved, and I'm looking forward to exhibiting and participating. I'll have some Armenian things and along with that my Armenian/English book, Bachik, the Birthday Kiss.

This event is open to the public. My church will be represented with a dramatic sign presentation and I hear there will be folk dancers from different ethnic backgorunds. Food, fun, entertainment...multicultural style.

Here's the info on the Lansing Area 12/5 Morning Prayer/Training Event

THE PRAYER VOICE OF MICHIGAN
invites you to a
Prayer Retreat and Training
Saturday, December 5, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Hosted by
Sanctuary Gate Church
1120 Commerce Park Drive
DeWitt, MI 48820

I will be presenting "You Have a Field to Defend"
The message I shared at the Annual National Day of Prayer Summit this year.

Sylvia Tubergen will facilitate the meeting which includes, praise, prayer and communion. She is the Prayer Voice of Michigan Director and National Day of Prayer State Coordinator

The National Day of Prayer theme for this year is
“Prayer – For Such a Time as This”


And the companion verse:
Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in Him.”

Light refreshments will be served.

This event is open to the public, with a special invitation extended to National Day of Prayer Event Coordinators, their friends and Intercessors.
There is no specified registration fee, but a free-will offering will be taken with a suggested donation of $15.

Please email your attendance to smtubergen@charter.net

Blessings to you from Prayer Voice of Michigan Task Force.

Widgets and Whatnot

I've been inundated with prayer requests and communications-related stuff lately, so I've worked hard to get everything connected. You can see on the right both twitter and facebook widgets, and I think I have everything working now.

I've also added a prayer page on my website www.affirmingfaith.com/prayer.html where prayer requests can be submitted for immediate coverage.

Snowflakes and Soap Boxes

Ok, folks. I just have to share a beautiful story I heard at the National Day of Prayer Conference. It's the true story of a frozen embryo that proves to me, without a doubt, life begins at conception.

An embryo,
frozen for four years,
was FedExed,
thawed out
and implanted
in a courageous and loving woman's womb.

This embryo grew and is now a beautiful six-year-old girl.

The little darling that flounced into conference clinging to her mommy's hand, was not the biological result of her adoptive mother and father, but was life created in a lab...
life that was given a chance to live...
life that was not fodder for experimentation that would not be allowed on a guinea pig these days.

The story brings to mind the words of the great philospher, Dr. Seuss, who said,

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

And, scientifically speaking, it also proves that life can only be generated by the union of a male and female, the way God established from the beginning of humanity.

A human embryo, from the moment of conception, is viable given the opportunity and environment to live. If you're interested in finding out more, do a search on "embryo adoption" and see what comes up in your area.

Three Surprises!

Yes, life has been full of surprises lately, beginning with an overnight stay at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport when my connecting flight to Colorado Springs was cancelled. It was quite an experience. I had checked in my coat and scarf and had nothing to cover myself with as I lay on the airline-provided floor mat, but the Lord provided a fleece hoodie through the kindness of a fellow stranded passenger, and I felt His presence and protection as the night passed. I also got a lesson on posting photos through my Blackberry onto Facebook and had fun sharing all the craziness with my FB friends.
































I ended up flying from Detroit to Minneapolis to Houston to finally fly to Colorado Springs, and after all that, I have to say it was well worth the effort. The National Day of Prayer Conference was excellent, as expected, and I was blown away by the response I received from the sessions I taught. Thank you to all who prayed for me.

Photos are of Mrs. Shirley Dobson; me and Jean Truty; two of my favorite NDP ladies: Lisa Crump and Sue Stoltz; and the glorious view from the Focus on the Family Headquarters that houses the NDP offices. Tony Perkins and Wil Graham were both great in their own unique ways as they presented in the general sessions and John Egan and company did a phenomenal job with the worship. There was much going on, but with my travel woes and being a presenter, I feel like I missed quite a bit this year--especially disappointed to miss the Focus on the Family chapel service, but all was well and good.

After waiting all day for a flight that was cancelled, I stood in line for an hour to get rebooked. As I waited my hand kept going, of its own volition, to my hip in a very attitudinal way. Each time I noticed it I slapped it down and told myself I wasn't allowed to get an attitude! I was going to speak at a prayer conference for goodness sake! It was funny, and I felt victorious that I didn't cave in to the emotions that attempted to overwhelm and distract me. Praise God for that.

Surprise 2: It's official! Christian 101 is now available to the public. I can hardly believe it.

My family and I have been using this for our devotions, and the kids have been enjoying it. I wrote this to help new believers and youth get grounded in the fundamentals of the Christian faith and develop the habit of pulling out their Bibles, having daily prayer times and journaling.

And, Surprise 3 (drum roll please)...on the very same day, today, The Eight Days of Christmas is now available as well. You haven't heard much about this project, so I'll add the copy from the back of the book that tells more about it.

A new approach to the advent of every child's favorite holiday.

The Eight Days of Christmas is a unique, interactive resource that brings Christianity into your Christmas season.

One-by-one, beginning December 18 and ending on Christmas Day, parents introduce pieces of the nativity and share with their children, preschoolers to teens, different characters and aspects of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Lessons taught by wise men, shepherds, angels and more include obedience, trust, loyalty, listening, giving, worship and compassion.

Age-appropriate discussion and prayer points will engage your children's thoughts and spriits and promote holiday conversations that go beyond tinsel, cookies and wish lists. You will be delighted as youre entire family discovers spiritual truths in the ancient Christmas story that are still so applicable to current-day Christian living.

As each new piece is added to the nativity display, anticipation builds for the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day. Easily transferable from a home setting to Sunday School and Christian education classrooms, The Eight Days of Christmas promises to become a holiday tradition, one that will be a new experience each year you choose to journey through its pages.

Well, my friends, that is certainly enough for now. I do have one more surprise, a sympathy resource that will be available soon. As always, resources are available directly at the Affirming Faith website www.affirmingfaith.com.

Thanks for reading, and may you be blessed with a wonderful harvest season, in the name of our lovely Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Last Couple of Weeks

The last couple of weeks have been ultra busy. Seems like that is a trend this time of year.

I'll upload a few pictures and give a brief synopsis starting with Sunday, September 20. This first picture is me and my baby, Mr. Bill Wagner at Troy Daze. Our church, Faith Apostolic Church of Troy had a booth at this community event and we were there helping out, meeting folks, hosting games and just having a good time with our neighbors in Troy.

I didn't get pictures of this, but as part of the the Pastors & Intercessors Network Ministry (PINM), our church hosted the quarterly prayer breakfast September 26.

September 30 I flew out to General Conference in St. Louis and when I returned found this picture on the conference website. I wasn't able to stay for the entire event, but was so glad to be there for Ladies Day, the drama Wednesday night and also to be included in other meetings and events. And, as always, it was such a pleasure to be with the bookstore people who always make me feel welcome. Thank you, Publishing Hosue, for promoting my books and for those peanut M&Ms and diet Dr. Pepper!

The reason I had to come home early was for Praying for the Heart of Troy on October 3. I've uploaded one picture here, but there is a complete write-up with more pictures on the blog: www.praytroy.blogspot.com. I was excited that even though it rained we still had about 100 people in attendance and at least 8 churches represented as we gathered to pray for the needs of our community: our economy, businesses, families, government, etc.

And last, but certainly not least, the St. John's Armenian Fair was a blast, and I was so glad my family was there with me at a Bachik, the Birthday Kiss book signing on Sunday, October 4.

Everyone was so nice from the kids area to the bookstore. The children enjoyed actively participating in the book reading, and of course, the food was delicious...lahmajun and birds' nests...mmm, yummy!

"Christian 101" is in the printworks

I'm so excited! It seems I say that a lot here, but hey, this is where I share the exciting stuff, right? So...I'm so excited! No official date for release yet for this project that has been burning in my heart for some time now, but within the next month or so. Christian 101 is a 10-week daily devotional/ instructional book for new believers and youth that provides solid answers and a strong foundation for the Christian faith.

Here's the Table of Contents:
Week 1: How Do We Know the Bible is True?
Week 2: What Makes Up a Person?
Week 3: Who is God?
Week 4: God's Character Revealed in Old Testament Names
Week 5: The Name of God Revealed in the New Testament
Week 6: Repentance, Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Week 7: Understanding the Role of the Church
Week 8: Growing in God
Week 9: Lighting Your World
Week 10: Where God Stands on Social Issues

Every week has a memory verse to learn. Each day begins by reviewing the memory verse, a short Scripture reading to look up in your own Bible, a brief informational piece and a prayer.

For example, the memory verse for the first week is
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16

And the subjects covered are:
Day 1: What Makes Up a Bible?
Day 2: The Bible Proves Itself
Day 3: The Bible Has One Unified Theme
Day 4: Archaeology Confirms the Bible
Day 5: Ancient Written Confirmations
Day 6: Science Confirms the Bible
Day 7: Life Application Proves the Bible

It's a spiral-bound workbook that includes space for journaling and prayers. We need to know what we believe and why we believe it.

Delinquent

Yes...I've been delinquent in keeping the blog updated this summer, but I'm glad to report the kids have started back to school, the Lord blessed my hubby with a job, and I should have a bit more quiet time to get things like this done.

Check back. I'll be posting stuff from this summer. For now [click here] if you would like to read an article I wrote for Reflections, a Christian women's magazine.

For now, I'm preparing for General Conference in St. Louis the end of September, a community prayer gathering in Troy, October 3, "Praying for the Heart of Troy," and then to speak at the National Day of Prayer Conference in Colorado Springs October 15-17.

Speaking at the Annual NDP Summit

The two times I’ve attended the National Day of Prayer Summit have ranked among the spiritual highlights of the last few years. Gathering with Christians of all denominations from across the country is an event in itself, but when those people are committed to prayer and seeing God’s will accomplished in our communities and nation, it ignites a synergistic explosion of hope and enthusiasm that carries beyond the borders of the event and inspires its participants in the months that follow.

Every aspect of the Summit is bathed in prayer. The organizers obviously attend to every detail with meticulous care. Attendees begin the event as honored guests of the monthly Focus on the Family chapel service. From there, we participate in joint sessions with special guest speakers and break-out workshops where we select the topics that particularly appeal to our areas of interest or concern.

The fellowship alone, sharing meals and worship and hearing Mrs. Dobson are reason enough to go, but the icing on the cake, the communion and commissioning service on Sunday morning, creates an indelible spiritual mark on all those who participate.

The summit is absolutely worth every penny and every bit of effort you spend to get there. This year Jon Egan of the Desperation Band will be leading worship and Tony Perkins and Will Graham join Mrs. Dobson as featured speakers.

I'm excited about the workshop I'll be presenting, "You Have a Field to Defend." Those able to join us will leave encouraged and equipped, entertained and educated, ready to face their tomorrows with a fresh anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Register today [click here], while you’re thinking about it, and I’ll see you there!

If you're interested, here's a write-up and pictures from the 2007 conference [click here]. And in case you didn't know, the National Day of Prayer Task Force prays in Jesus' Name!

The Bare Necessities of Life: Friends & Chocolate

I was just surfing the internet and found a link to my article published in the January/February edition of Reflections. [Click here] to read.

And [click here] to read an article about Quilting Patches of Life on page 5.

And [click here] to read A Blessing for Bachik in the Armenian Reporter on page 5.

Jury Pool Reflections

For the first time in my 44 years, I was called to jury duty. Before the official selction process began, Judge Michael Warren spoke to those assembled and gave an inspiring talk about what makes America great--the opportunity for a fair trial before a jury of peers. After orientation, my number was called first, but of the 20 in the group, I was not seated, so I returned to the big waiting room, asked for some paper and began writing my musings:

Jury Pool Reflections
Lori Wagner

Humanity assembles from all walks of life
Student, professional, salesman, housewife
Strangers connect to serve fellow man
Impartial, peer jury, law of our land

Numbers on badges fill the blank room
Gestating, waiting in liberty’s womb
Corralled, greeted, orientation
Civics, history, hope of a nation

Twenty rise, numbers scanned, line the hall
Proceed to the courtroom, answer the call
Fate, cause or preference: excused or seated
Amalgamate panel to find the mistreated

Number first called, not chosen, retreats
Through brown marble corridors, back to a seat
Hours pass amidst sleepers and readers
Knitters and sitters and solitaire players

Amplified words break the low drone
Some must stay, others go home
Past security, through doors, across parking lot
Free from the trial, captured in thought

It's official . . . the release of Bachik!

What a wonderful time at the official book release event for Bachik, the Birthday Kiss. Thank you so much, Edgar Hagopian and Pam, for making the event such a success. And to Bob and Gayaneh Kachadourian for connecting all the dots to bring everyone together.

It was a delight to share a bit of the history and purpose of Bachik, as well as read the book for the children and adults present. We had a raffle and gave away a Bachik t-shirt and magnets, enjoyed some great refreshments and, as my family calls it, hopla music!

Fr. Diran Papazian of St. John's Armenian Church, assisted by David Terzibashian, performed a traditional Armenian blessing. Stacks of autographed copies left in the hands of smiling people, and that made me very happy, too. Pictured with me are Edgar Hagopian and Dr. Robert Kachadourian.

I'm looking forward to speaking at the annual National Day of Prayer Summit in Colorado Springs this October 16-18. I've been asked to present two 45-minute sessions on You Have a Field to Defend. More info is available at their website: www.ndptf.org


And a sincere, big THANK YOU to Betty Apigian-Kessel for her wonderful article in The Armenian Weekly. [Click here] to read her column featuring my newest book, Bachik, the Birthday Kiss, being officially released this Friday, June 19 at Hagopian's Birmingham location at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this book release, signing and reading. 850 South Old Woodward. Refreshments provided.

On the airwaves & coming soon...

Thank you, Vaughn Masropian and the Armenian Radio Hour/WNZK for having me on your show this past Sunday. I love meeting new people and sharing a bit of life with them!

And I'm so looking forward to the official Book Release and Signing Event Hagopian's is hosting for Bachik, the Birthday Kiss. Here's the details, and you're all invited!

Friday, June 19 @ 7:00 p.m.
Hagopian's Birmingham Showroom
850 S. Old Woodward

You're invited to participate in a book reading and get your signed copies of Bachik, the Birthday Kiss, an interactive, one-of-a-kind Armenian/English experience featuring rich original paintings in art-book quality printing. Affirming the Armenian culture and family.

Limited edition print run
Not available in stores
Hardbound, full-color, 32 pages

Refreshments served
Books available for purchase
Mor info at www.affirmingfaith.com

For Those Who Were Wondering...

In response to some recent correspondence about my first book, Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World, I decided to update the website with the chapter titles and post them here, too, for any interested.

1. Life Inside the Gates & Fences: The Blessings of Biblical Boundaries
2. Gotcha Covered: The Fence of Submission to Authority
3. Good Neighbors Make Good Fences: The Fence of Godly Companionship
4. Modest is Hottest: The Fence of Modesty
5. Don't Touch!: The Fence of Purity
6. Give it a Rest: The Gateway of Early Dating
7. Why Wait? The Fence of Marital Fidelity (Before and After the Wedding)
8. Truth or Consequences: The Gateway of Sexual Promiscuity and its Potential Repercussions
9. Don't Give Place to the Devil: The Gateway of Entertaining Temptation
10. Are You in a Committed Relationship?: The Fence of Godly Priorities
11. Oh Be Careful Little Ears: The Gateway of Hearing
12. Talk the Walk: The Gateway of Spoken Words
13. The "Eyes" Have It: The Gateway of Vision

As always, ordering info is on the website: www.affirmingfaith.com.

Happy Mother's Day

What a lovely Mother's Day banquet at the Armenian Congregational Church in Southfield, Michigan. The food was excellent (of course), the decorations were gorgeous (I have some of the beautiful pink roses in my kitchen), and the hospitality was warm and flowing. Thank you for the invitation to share such a special day and a lesson from "The Day the Geranium Died."

Technology and Publishing on Technology and You

Technology and You, a local show hosted by Dr. Robert Kachadourian, recently did a special program called Technology and Publishing featuring yours truly. I'm not sure of the schedule, but it was nice to be with Bob and hopefully encourage others who are hoping to break into the publishing arena.

National Day of Prayer

I had the privilege of being at two NDP events this year. The first at my kids' school in the morning and the second in Troy where I coordinated the event in years past. I am thankful we live in a country where we still enjoy the right to gather peacefully on public property and express our faith and thoughts. We are blessed to live in the United States, and may God bless America...in Jesus' name!

I appreciate all the people that participated from my home church, especially my pastor, Marvin Walker, who gave some history of the NDP in America and led in a closing prayer.

And, of course, it's always a special treat to meet up with my hubby in the middle of the day. He was able to scoot over on his lunch hour. I'm blessed with a praying man.

Bachik, the Birthday Kiss - Reading at Manoogian School

Oh, did we have fun! The kids were so well behaved. I was impressed, and when it was time to stand up and participate, everyone did, kindergarten-fifth grade. Thank you, staff, faculty and students of the Manoogian School for being the first group to share Bachik, the Birthday Kiss with me.

Quilt Show

Thought I'd post a couple of pics from the 2009 AQS Quilt Show. This one is the best of show winner, and it's gorgeous. Thanks again to Quilt Books Unlimited www.qbu.com for having me out...and Northside Church of God for the invitation to speak while I was in Paducah.