FIRST OFF...My blogspot software was giving me fits today, so I apologize that the formatting isn't wonderful...but
it is what it is!
As I begin to prepare for "the season to be jolly," I chuckled as the thought popped into my head (like a vision of sugarplums) that the holidays are coming right on the heels of "the season to be jogging." I wasn't literally doing marathons or anything--no turkey trot for me. I was, however, running all over the place the past couple of months. I'll keep it brief, but I wanted to update you on the goings on.
September began with a meeting in Brighton, Michigan, to hand off items from the previous National Day of Prayer State Coordinator, Sylvia, to the new one...me! Also a great time of fellowship with our Midwest National Area Leader, Sue Stoltz.
Next it was off to South Dakota where I spoke four times. I so enjoyed my time there with all the ladies, and the lovely and sweet Doretha Fields took me to see Mount Rushmore.
It was from the "Mitten" to the "Boot" as I traveled from Michigan to Louisiana for a sectional ladies meeting in Leesville, then a ladies conference in Jonesville, followed by two Sunday services at the awesome Wallace Ridge Church, also in Jonesville. It was a treat to be with Sis. Vesta Mangun, and while I was in the South, I enjoyed a ride on an alligator and some catfish and hushpuppies at Jim Bowies. Mmmm. A taste of home...
Which brings me to the next trip! Paducah! I always love an excuse to travel to my home town, and was happy to be with the Romains for a two-day ladies conference....and also to see my "hometown" kinfolk. Friday night we shared Quilting Patches of Life, and on Saturday we had fun with Purse-onality.
In between all the conferences, I got a wild hair. I'm not sure if it was brown, grey or black--they are all co-habitating on my head in this season of life. But I listened to that wild hair (and got my husband's blessing) and decided to use my frequent flyer miles to dash in to St. Louis for one day. I had two print runs that came in right before General Conference, and I was excited to see them, get some inventory and get the pre-orders sent out.
Then it was off to General Conference in Louisville. There is nothing like thousands of people getting together to worship God....and I do love being in the displays and meeting people, as well. It's an honor to be the guest of PPH to meet and greet so many nice people who purchase my books through their distribution channels. Love all my PPH partners and friends!
Following General Conference was my first trip to Connecticut at the invitation of Ruth Harvey. What a wonderful weekend at the Polished Cornerstones conference. I love speaking to teens and twenties... encouraging them to to live this wonderful life unto the Lord with excellence and joy. And, as always, it was a pleasure to be with Debbie Velie of New Beginnings Adoption and Family Services. Sunday morning was great at Life Church!
The following weekend I spoke at Indiana Ladies Retreat. Oh, I love those ladies in Indiana! I wished I could have stayed for the entire event, but after I shared a message, One Woman, on Friday, I had to fly off to Colorado Springs early the next morning.
In Colorado, I caught the last part of the annual National Day of Prayer Conference. (Don't tell anyone I wore the same jacket and scarf.) It was important that I get to the conference, because I was commissioned as the new State Coordinator for Michigan. I was very blessed to share a dinner table with Mrs. Dobson, who is a warm and wonderful person. The picture below is me signing the map for Michigan at the conference.
And then, bonus day! Since I couldn't get home on Sunday evening, I shot over to Landmark Tabernacle in Denver for Sunday evening service and a lovely visit with the Hales. It was a great ending to an extremely busy two months.
The beginning of November I volunteered at a huge prayer meeting in Ford Field--I read over 30,000 attended. I worked at the entrances checking people in and passing out programs, but also spent many hours in prayer at this phenomenal 24-hour prayer event.
Now I'm home. Honestly, it took some time to recover, because in between all that traveling I was preparing presentations, filling orders, taking care of my family, ministering at church, and all the stuff life entails. But it's a good life. I'll rest in heaven, I think.
Well, that's certainly enough for now. I have to get my Thanksgiving newsletter out today. Blessings to you and those you love as you begin a blessed holiday season!
Oh...and don't forget to check out the new books and resources at www.affirmingfaith.com.
