Awesome October!

Just thought I'd post a few pictures from events this month. First, General Conference in Houston, Texas, was fabulous!
  

With Bro. & Sis. David K. Bernard,

General Superintendent and 1st Lady



With beautiful Sis. Connie Bernard

Participating in a UGST panel discussion moderated
by Gwyn Oakes, Ladies Ministries President

With the lovely young ladies on the panel, the
topic was women mentoring women

I was blessed to share breakfast

with Sis. Vest Mangun

With Sis. Oakes at the PPH bookstore display
signing copies of "The Girl in the Dress"

With my conference buddy, Beverly, and our
new friend, Buddy Bee

Getting silly with Buddy Bee

Furiously taking notes at Jennifer Cobb's
excellent teaching session for Ladies Day

Well, those are some conference highlights. Here's a picture from a presentation in at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Michigan. I spoke on "Quilting Patches of Life" as part of a holiday dessert buffet gathering.

An incredible quilt...and an incredible friend!

This is with Donna Linville and Debbie Velie
at the Vessels of Honor Conference in Bridgeport, Michigan

This is also from the Vessels of Honor conference...
As you can see, I have a thing for bees lately...
Just one more picture and see if you can guess why.
It's not of the one who inspired the message, Romper Room's famous Mr. Do-Bee,
but here's the graphic...I hope you get it's message...keeping a balance between doing and being.


Remember, Jesus made you for relationship...
A human being, not a human doing...
It's a balanced walk I call the "Do-Be Dance"
Buzzzzzzz!!!! 

My Old Kentucky Home...and then some...

The past month has been an exciting and busy one that included two trips to Kentucky and one to Tennessee. I'll start off with my home, sweet home. It was great to speak at Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle in Paducah at the invitation of Pastor Rick and Patty Romain. What was going to be a youth presentation blossomed into the Sunday morning message for all, "Walking in Agreement with God's Calling and Purpose for Your Life." There were folks from several area churches who joined us in the evening for "You Have a Field to Defend."

Karen Davis from Life Tabernacle in Selmer, Tennessee, invited me to speak at their annual ladies conference. We had a great time and Sis. Davis posted these comments on facebook afterwards: "Ladies Conference 2010. WOW WOW WOW Anyone who knows me, knows that I am seldom speechless; but, this is one of those times. Last night was great; but, today exceeding ANYTHING that I ever imagined. Truly, TRULY, fantastic." When God shows up among the people of God, it's just one dynamic happening, and I was thrilled to be there with my sister, Sandy, too.

On the way home, I just about killed myself taking two of my kids to Kings Island for a last summer's hoorah. Yes...I rode this roller coaster and lots more before finishing the ride home to Michigan. I know it's crazy, but I do have my limits. I refuse to ride those old wooden ones that beat you up and make you feel like you need to go to the chiropractor...

The following Saturday I spoke at a "Growing in Intimacy" Prayer Conference in Troy, Michigan, sponsored by Front Line Ministries For Christ, and then, can you believe it...ran away with the girls for a quick trip to Kentucky once again to visit the Creation Museum. It was a wonderful trip all around and a rare opportunity to connect with a friend, Debbie Summers, who had been on the mission field for two years in Cyprus. However, I did, as you can see in the picture here, almost get eaten by a dinosaur. =D

Among the adventures, we were told a slave house was somewhere on the back of the old Victorian home we stayed in; however, the grounds were completely overgrown with brambles, brush and such. I was very interested in seeing it because I have studied a lot on slavery and the Underground Railroad: 1) for the published book, A Patchwork of Freedom, and 2) for the not-yet-published book, a historical Christian romance called The Rose of Sharon. I assure you, I am not Miss Woodlady of the World, but I really wanted to see it, so we tried twice--getting pricked with prickers, limbs caught in our hair, burrs buried in all our clothes...and the second day we found it. 

Because of the date the main house appeared to be built, and the structure of the delapidated building we found out past the swamp, I'm not sure what we saw was a slave house, although it could have been. Some of the structure was definitely older than a back portion that appeared to be an addition. But it was an adventure I won't forget...especially since my cohorts shared one pair of boots so they could each have a "lead foot" as they walked through the dense growth.

To top the whole thing off with something better than a cherry...we met up with some more old friends, Diana and Janice Reed, at the Grand Finale for a phenomenol dinner. It was delicious and so great to see these wonderful people again who have meant so much to me as my previous pastor's wife and mother.

This last picture was taken as we prepared to part ways. We laughed. We cried. We talked. We prayed. We ate. We explored...every moment, word and experience lived in the presence of our wonderful God...the One Who brought us all together and made us part of His precious family. I just love my Jesus! Yes, I do!

And now, I prepare to leave next week for Jefferson City, Tennesse, and the Tri-Cities ladies conference...followed by General Conference in Houston...then ladies events in Hastings, Michigan; Bridgeport, Michigan; and Newport News, Virginia. I hope to see some of you in my travels...and I truly appreciate your prayers and support. 

We had a time...

And that was the theme for the Arizona Ladies Conference...based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8..."It's Time...to Sing, Dance, Laugh, Heal, Give."

It was such a blessing to be a part of this anointed conference, speak alongside Nancy Grandquist, and meet sweet Debbie Akers.

And only a few short days later, I packed up again...this time with my son and daughter, and headed South. It was a wonderful conference in Selmer, Tennessee, followed by a special happening for me...speaking in my hometown of Paducah, Kentucky. Thank you, Karen Davis, in Tennessee, and the Romains in Paducah, for having me.

Goodbye, St. Louis & Denver...Hello, Mesa, Arizona!

This is me and my sonny boy, Charles, in St. Louis this month for the North American Bible Quiz Tournament--the final competition of the 2010 season, or what we fondly call "nationals.' I was so glad I got to be with him and the team...and perhaps if I keep my van I'll be asked to drive again next year. It was a blast!

I was blessed to be at Landmark Tabernacle in Denver with Rev. and Mrs. Billy Hale for their second annual "Family First" weekend. It was great! I got to do all the things I love...At the top of the list was participate in fantastic worship and hear awesome messages from Pastor Hale and others. Saturday I spoke to the youth and the ladies in separate sessions and then the wonderful church family Sunday evening. This picture is a little after-service pizza party with the Hales, Hoods, Elmses and company.

And just for fun, I've included one of my favorite pictures. This is me peddling my little sister Cheryl around in our hometown, Paducah, Kentucky. I'm headed there soon, after Arizona, and also to Selmer, Tennessee. So check the schedule to the right if you're in any of these areas. It would be so great to see you at any of the events. For more info, send me an email at loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com. 

And thanks for your prayers and support! They are so appreciated...for  safe travel, for the messages shared, for the people who come for encouragement and some nuggets to take home to their realities, and for my family when I am away. God bless you!

Oh...can't forget something special for my local friends...

You're Invited...

I'm one of the speakers at an August 28 meeting in Troy called, "Growing in Intimacy." Here's the link for more information and to register.

http://www.growinginintimacyprayerconference.blogspot.com

"Here I Am!"

A sweetheart from Canada recorded this little clip from when I spoke in Manitoba this April. It's a song I wrote quite some time ago, but when the Lord tells you to pull something out and use it...you just go with it...

Heads up, Bargain Hunters!

As I scurry about getting ready to leave for Denver tomorrow morning (please pray), I thought I'd make a quick post to let you know about an unusual Affirming Faith opportunity to save some cash and get a great resource.

The first print run of A Patchwork of Freedom came in with two slight errors.

1. The first letters of the titles were missing at the beginning of the chapters. These have been written in by hand.

2. The table of contents did not include page numbers.

Other than that, the print quality of the cover and interior are still the same excellent quality as the 1st quality books. But for those who love a bargain...it's an opportunity to share with a large audience for a small price.

So...if you would like to purchase any of these books, a link has been uploaded in the right column. Blessings on your day...

How do you define true freedom?

From Restrained . . . to Released
From Enslaved . . . to Enabled
From Limited . . . to Liberated
From Confused . . . to Confident

When I attempt to define freedom, I tend to include its opposite: captivity. Emotional, spiritual and physical captivity come in kaleidoscope shapes and shadings--their one constant: the desire of those held in their bonds for...

INDEPENDENCE...FREEDOM...

It's ironic, but as a Christian, true independence comes when we understand and embrace the reality that we are fully dependant on God...for the very breath we breathe...for life itself. Along with the dynamic possibilities and promises walking with God brings, living in right relationship with Jesus provides a wonderful sense of liberty.

When we find that balance between "without me (Jesus) you can do nothing" (John 15:5) and "I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:13), we find the launching pad to fulfilling our potential and purpose in God. True freedom is found in accepting the limitations of our humanity...within God's loving constraints...while at the same time being empowered by His Spirit to live an abundant overcoming life full of destiny and purpose! This is freedom! This is plain old exciting and fun!

Ok. Whoa. I'm easing off the gas pedal before I drive full throttle into a "Gates & Fences" talk on the blessings and protections of biblical boundaries. "But why?" you ask. (Thanks for asking...lol.) Because I have another wonderful book to share with you. A new release, with a freedom theme just in time to celebrate Independence Day.

A Patchwork of Freedom is now available from Affirming Faith. See the article and link below to learn more about this inspirational new project, the much anticipated follow-up to Quilting Patches of Life released in 2007.

God bless you as you celebrate the multitude of freedoms we enjoy in our country and in our Savior this Independence Day!

=============================================

NEW RELEASE!

A Patchwork of Freedom
True Stories.
Secret Quilt Code.
Hope for Today.

Contemporary stories of spiritual and emotional freedom connect with tales of escaping slaves in the pre-Civil War era through a mysterious "Underground Railroad Quilt Code."

[Click Here] to find out more and order your copy today.

=============================================

NOTABLE QUOTES ON LIBERTY & FREEDOM

"Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive."
- Theodore Roosevelt

Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - Pope John Paul II

"Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide." - Napoleon Bonaparte

"My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular." - Adlai Stevenson

"You have freedom when you're easy in your harness." - Robert Frost

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - Jesus

=============================================

BOOK/WEB UPDATE

The Affirming Faith website is still being revamped. We've been having some technical issues, but you can get a sneak preview by visitng the Holy Intimacy page now uploaded.

[Click here] to be redirected to the page for details of this unique resource and ordering information, and stay tuned for the new website complete with slideshows and videos. Woohoo!

=============================================

GIRL TALK

The Girl in the Dress is now in its THIRD PRINTING since January, and honestly, I've just been blown away by the tremendous feedback. Here's a sampling:

"The Girl in the Dress is going so fast--it is wonderful! Pastors are ordering them by the case. Best book on modesty to come out this century!!!" - Gwyn Oakes, Ladies Ministries President

"It was a great and amazing book. My youth leader let me read it. I don't think I have ever read a book that quickly in my life. Thank you for writing it." Christine in Ontario

"So much insight in there. I love this book! So encouraging to read and put into practice." - Jessica in Australia

"I'm loving your book. It is really starting to make sense to me. Thank you." - Thea in Tennessee

"Love, love, love this book! It's already affecting our young ladies tremendously!!" - Kathy in Canada

"Reading The Girl in the Dress with my daughter, and how powerful. EVERYONE should read this book. It's AMAZING!! We're doing a chapter a day, and discussing it." - Michelle in Missouri

"Lori Wagner and the writing team take an excellent approach concerning the way the Bible teaches us to walk, talk and dress..." - Debbie Sanders, Director of Today's Christian Girl

=============================================

GOING MULTI-LINGUAL!

And to finish off all the good reports, here's an exciting note from missionary Sandra Bracken:

"The book Gates and Fences is incredible! Thank you for producing a book that is so well written and easy to understand. We are starting the translation of it into Chinese and I know it will be a great blessing to the work here."

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THANK YOU FOR SHARING A BIT OF YOUR DAY!

As you celebrate Independence Day this year, please remember to pray for our country, our leaders, and those who bravely serve and sacrifice to keep our nation the land of the free.

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
and guide her
Through the night
With the light from above.

Delinquent

Yes...I've been delinquent in updating the blog. My apologies.

So much life squeezed in the last couple of months.
My stepdaughter married.
My firstborn graduated.
Unexpected trips to Canada and St. Louis.
Ladies Tea in Kentwood.
Coordinated a National Day of Prayer event.
Still working on the website revamp.
Remodeling the Affirming Faith offices.
Just to name a few...

I'll be sending out a newsletter soon. Blessings on your day...

Wow and Wow!

Wow...had a great ALJC Ladies Retreat in Frankenmuth April 16-17! Love those Bavarian Inn chicken dinners, and the hospitality of the staff as well as the event organizers was phenomenal. The atmosphere in the room was one of expectation, and there was a sweet presence of the Lord both Friday and Saturday.

I felt impressed that Friday would be a time of healing, and Saturday would be a time of teaching. So I spoke first on Quilting Patches of Life and then on Covered by Love. A big thanks to all the ladies who were so kind in their reception, feedback, and in buying lots and lots of Affirming Faith resources! Such a blessing!

Wow...yes, this is a two-part wow blog entry. I received a message today asking if I could speak in Canada this weekend. So off I go on Wednesday to the Central Canadian Ladies District annual retreat. Looking forward to being at the Wilderness Edge Lodge in Manitoba. I'm speaking four times, so if you think of me, please pray God's blessings and covering over the entire event.

There are more wows to come...but I'm not going to spill everything all at one time. Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter or friend me on facebook.

Blessings...

Yay! Oh, Yay!

Today has been quite a day! Yes it has. "Holy Intimacy" is officially in production and scheduled to be delivered on time for the ladies conference in Frankenmuth next week. Facebook users, [Click here] for more info on the conference. I can't wait to share it with the ladies there and plan to speak on one of the themes of the book on Saturday morning: "Covered by Love."

Did you notice the paypal button at the top of the page? I'm not able to upload ordering info for "Holy Intimacy" to the website yet, so I put the button here if you're interested in ordering. I'm working diligently with my new web designer trying to get the website sparkling new for you! I'll let you know when it's done. I hope you like it. I think it's fun, and life should have some fun when we're living for and serving the Creator of fun! Right? Right!

I'm working with a team of people from church to set up an open prayer room late afternoon and evening on the National Day of Prayer. [Click here] for more info.

The Girl in the Dress has been getting a fabulous response and gone into a second printing in less than two months. I set up a fan page on Facebook, if you'd like to join, and, as always, ordering info is available on the web at: www.affirmingfaith.com

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you!

Reprints! Yeah!

I know I say this often...but I'M SO EXCITED! "The Girl in the Dress" has been out two months and is already going into reprints! What an awesome response!

I had the pleasure of leading worship and speaking at the quarterly Pastors & Intercessors Network Ministry hosted by Zion Christian Church this morning.

And I'm working diligently on a new project on intimacy with God as revealed through the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It's a fascinating study that begins in the Garden of Eden and ends in Revelation. I can't wait to share more with you in the future.

Looking forward to two soon-coming speaking engagements. One in Frankenmuth and one in Kentwood--both in Michigan. And on a personal note, my stepdaughter is getting married and my oldest daughter's graduation open house is scheduled for the following day. Busy, busy, busy.

We loose an hour tonight...so I better get off Blogger and get some work done. Blessings to all...and THINK SPRING!

Aiming to be a Rat Race Escape Artist

I'm running
I'm running from the rat race
I'm running to the holy place
I'm running to the mercy seat
I'm running to my Savior's feet
I'm running to His warm embrace
I'm running to His smiling face
I'm running 'cause He gives me grace
I'm running to the holy place

Just a little poem to introduce a new project I'm working on. It began with a simple commitment to read the Bible through this year. From there it sprouted into a personal study on the Tabernacle that blossomed into a major project I can't wait to share.

I don't have the title yet, but I know at least one of the presentations/segments will be titled Shut in with God to Shine Among Men.

It's a study on intimacy with God--a theme that runs through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. I have wept at the beauty I have found in the Word--God's plan for relationship, for a Bride for Himself. Someone to respond to His love--willingly, openly, without reserve. Someone to enter into the private chamber of His Holy Place and dwell in His presence among the angels.

So, I'm letting go of the frenzied pace
to enter in that secret place
to partake of delights yet unknown
Drawing near to the ark, the throne
'Til at last I pass through gates of pearl
And become forever Jesus' girl

Oh, yes, it's corny...

Did you expect something else? LOL! But there really is a lot of depth to what I'm studying. Here's a sample that will hopefully whet your appetite and give you something to think about:

Frankincense and myrrh are both harvested from trees slashed or wounded to release their sap. The Bible uses trees symbolically to represent people. If I am a tree, is it my life’s wounds that release the sap used to create the incense that mingles with my prayers before the Lord?

WELL...On the business side of things...

I've scheduled several events this year already (see schedule on sidebar) and have been requested for more that have not been finalized. I've been asked to speak in India and Kenya, and am taking these to prayer. The calendar is getting complicated with personal items as well. My step-daughter plans to marry one week from my first-born's high school graduation. Yikes!

So if you're planning an event and you haven't scheduled your speaker yet, let me know, so we can make sure your event gets on the Affirming Faith calendar before it's completely hijacked with other obligations.

Have a blessed day!

Sharing the Love ... or Love Lessons

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and because it fell on a Sunday, Pastor Walker decided to do something different for morning worship service. He asked a few couples to share something they've learned about being married. This is what I spoke on.

First, for two people to have a successful marriage, they have to realize they are just that...two people. My husband is a wonderful person...one who also happens to have flaws. Guess what!?! So am I! So are you! I can't expect perfection when I can't give it. And I have learned to accept my husband even on the rare occasions he disappoints me -- even when he purposefully pushes my buttons. He's a big tease, but a sweetheart, and I'm blessed to be married to a man who loves me, cares for me, supports me and prays for me...even if he makes me crazy from time to time (those of you who know him will say amen).

I have to say my greatest lesson has come from my greatest challenge. Not only do men and women think differently and feel differently due to gender issues, but every person has a basic motivational thrust -- their first-response to a situation that gives some insight into who they are and how they think.

Here's an example. If someone spills a can of paint, what is your initial gut response? Bill, the more compassionate of the Wagners, would first respond to the person's emotions. "Oh, no. I'm so sorry that happened." He'd be right there with a towel to help clean it up, too. I, on the other hand, would react in a different way. "How in the world did that happen?" Arms might even flap as I attempted to figure out what caused it and make sure it didn't happen again.

Another person might be motivated by service. They would immediately clean up the spill as their first reaction. Someone else might be motivated by giving. They would run right out and buy you another can. An encourager-type might give you a 12-step plan on how not to spill paint. See how all these different motivations can play out in our lives? Understanding your spouse's basic motivation will help you process the way they react to and approach life--it can really eliminate a lot of frustration.

Lastly, what I've learned is that the place where my husband and I clash the most is the very place we probably need each other the most. Here's another example. I have a tendency to want to make quick decisions. My husband likes to take a very contemplative approach to decision making. Well, you can see how this could put a strain on a marriage. I can't say I love it when decisions don't happen within my self-imposed time frame (fingers drumming on the desk or toes tapping beneath), but I have learned to better temper my compulsive tendencies and trust my husband, especially on the big decisions. And perhaps Bill has learned in our 12 years of marriage to be more purposeful about decision making and not hold off when there is no reason to delay.

So there's some of the Wagner dirty laundry out on the line. Marriage is great, and although it's not always easy, I hope you will learn from my school-of-hard-knocks lessons that God uses our spouses to help us grow personally and spiritually.

Conference Highlights

I had a request for some of the highlights from Because of the Times. Keep in mind this is a conference for ministers and these are totally out-of-context excerpts from 40 pages of notes taken over two-and-a-half days...so here we go...

Bro. David Bernard - Our world's greatest revival is in front of us. To see it we must think outside the box, reach out to those who are searching spiritually and remember the most cutting-edge and relevant thing we have is the power of the Holy Ghost.

Governor Bobby Jindal - Don't worry about your questions for God. Worry about His questions for you.

Bro. Anthony Mangun - Church shouldn't be a place to go to, but a place to go from. Even if you're taking God from where He was to where He wants to be, we have to do it His way and not look to what the Philistines did (when David retrieved the ark of the covenant). There is only one way to have revival--the Holy Ghost. We can get so "deep" we miss the depth of the Holy Ghost. There are no large or small churches in the Kingdom--God walks AMONG the candlesticks.

Bro. Terry Shock - You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Don't live your life on cliche theology, but on the Word of God. God doesn't put more on us than we can bear, but we can.

Dr. Archibald Hart - Finishing well starts at the beginning. God is more concerned that we finish well than be a "success." We have to live within the boundaries of God's design and God designed us to be fragile, weak, vulnerable clay pots. We can't be spiritual and deny our humanity. Jesus obeyed every physical law, even the law of rest. It is not great talent God blesses, but likeness to Jesus. The vessel must be clean or the message won't be. God designed our stress reaction and recovery cycle--it is part of His creation. Build in recovery time.

Bro. Michael Williams - Rending garments signaled grief and desparation--a problem or dilemma or tragedy that defied resolution. Priests were forbidden to rend their garments. There is nothing too overwhelming for God. The priests of the second temple rent their garments in Jesus' presence, but Jesus' robe, our high priest, was not torn. We are called not to rend our clothes in despair and hopelessness, but to rend our hearts.

Bro. Wayne Huntley - Don't flirt with birthing something wild you can never regain or remove. Preempt the conception. What you preach is what God will do. The devil can't put any yoke on you the anointing of God can't break. Don't transfer your need for approval and acceptance to those who stand around false fires, but from those of like precious faith.

Bro. T.F. Tenney - Don't ask "What do you believe?" but "Who do you trust?". We can use the name of God without knowing His character--we must express His character through love. Revelation + experience = power. We can't invoke the name of Jesus to accomplish the will of man. Jesus is on the mercy seat, not the judgment seat. The devil never showed up in the Old Testament tabernacle or temple, but he did in the synagogue. There was no mercy seat there; only the law. Some of the things we preach against aren't sin, but they keep us from sin. God put all the meaning and power of the Old Testament names of God in Jesus, and we have to experience Him in these ways to be empowered. Jesus isn't just the A and Z, but everything in between.

Sis. Vesta Mangun - Nothing hell can produce can upstage the Church. We should wear our hearts on our sleeves: not our emotions and feelings, but our real selves. Get real. Pull off the mask. If you love God, wear it for all to see. Our prayers have the power to heal the past and provide for the future. Lead people into prayer, into revival, into winning our cities. If we haven't done well how can Jesus say "Well done"?

Bro. Robbie Mitchell - To achieve global impact we must have individual impact. Every person is extremely important to God. When our words and our actions don't go together there is a problem. We can't neglect evangelism to minister to petty needs of saints. Nothing should interfere with our focus on the lost.

Bro. Jeff Arnold - The dimension of faith is like a jetstream; we have to jump into it. We are anchored to Jesus and He is unmovable. In overwhelming times we need an overcoming God. Your destiny is not up to the devil. Anchors give us stability and keep us from drifting. They will hold us as long as we keep in the right direction, but they can be dislodged if you circle around and go the opposite direction. Don't try to escape what God wants you to experience.

Generous January

Yep, that's what I said..."generous January." The Lord has blessed the beginning of the new year in so many ways.

First, the holidays were just awesome and my sweet husband gave me the most wonderful Christmas gift: a ticket to Because of the Times (BOTT), a tremendous conference where I marinated in the rich presence and Word of the Lord for three days. It was great and I'll be feasting on what I took from there for a long time...no kidding...I took over 40 pages of hand-written notes.

I've been amazed at all the requests coming in from all over the country for speaking engagements in 2010. Still finalizing many of the details, so check back for updates, or better yet, drop me an email at loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com and sign up to be on the Affirming Faith mailing list.

One special lady really blessed my slippers off when she placed an order for 100 copies of Gates & Fences for an upcoming mother-daughter conference. I was so happy to sign and pray over each book and hope the young ladies are encouraged by this thoughtful gift.

I am so happy I have all my ducks in a row for tax season (I hope and will find out tomorrow). What a huge undertaking. I have a confession. I use the shoebox method for receipts. It's very convenient throughout the year, but quite a mountain of work to prepare Affirming Faith, my husband's drywall and plastering business and our personal things for the accountant. But I know myself, and I will trade the 361 days of non-filing and non-spreadsheeting for the 4 days of sweating it out during tax season.

One very nice thing I ran across this month was a file of devotional thoughts I wrote probably 15 years ago. They were written before my first husband passed and I could see the Lord's hand preparing me for the road ahead in the things he showed me. Here's a sample, and I'll be adding some to the Message in a Bottle blog (see link in column at right).

Worry or faith?
Anxiety or hope?
Apprehension or trust?
The answers are etched on our faces by time.
Are we creating a sculpture of a frowning person
...or one full of hope and joy?
Say what we will, time will tell.

Jesus, let the lines on my face turn upwards
in praise to You
...to Your faithfulness.
Thank You for the hope and peace I have in You.

And then to top it all off, The Girl in the Dress was released this month, as well. Have you ever wondered why some girls choose to wear only skirts and dresses? This book answers some of those wonderings, in a fun, informative, graphic presentation exploring what the Bible, history, fashion designers, psychiatrists, teenage boys and others have to say about modesty and clothing. Ordering information available at www.affirmingfaith.com.

Well, I can't wait for Fabulous February! Blessings to you today...