What did Congress have in mind calling for a national day of prayer?

 1775 NATIONAL DAY OF HUMILIATION, FASTING, AND PRAYER

What were the intentions of the founding fathers as they called for the first National Day of Prayer before our nation's birth? Read their actual proclamation made June 12, 1775 (note: an easy-to-read bulleted summary follows):

As the great Governor of the World, by his supreme and universal Providence, not only conducts the course of nature with unerring wisdom and rectitude, but frequently influences the minds of men to serve the wise and gracious purposes of his providential government; and it being, at all times, our indispensible duty devoutly to acknowledge his superintending providence, especially in times of impending danger and public calamity, to reverence and adore his immutable justice as well as to implore his merciful interposition for our deliverance:

This Congress, therefore, considering the present critical, alarming and calamitous state of these colonies, do earnestly recommend that Thursday, the 20th day of July next, be observed, by the inhabitants of all the English colonies on this continent, as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer; that we may, with united hearts and voices, unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins; and offer up our joint supplications to the all-wise, omnipotent, and merciful Disposer of all events; humbly beseeching him to forgive our iniquities, to remove our present calamities, to avert those desolating judgments, with which we are threatened, and to bless our rightful sovereign, King George the third, and [to] inspire him with wisdom to discern and pursue the true interest of all his subjects, that a speedy end may be put to the civil discord between Great Britain and the American colonies, without farther effusion of blood: And that the British nation may be influenced to regard the things that belong to her peace, before they are hid from her eyes: That these colonies may be ever under the care and protection of a kind Providence, and be prospered in all their interests; That the divine blessing may descend and rest upon all our civil rulers, and upon the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions, that they may be directed to wise and effectual measures for preserving the union, and securing the just rights and priviledges of the colonies; That virtue and true religion may revive and flourish throughout our land; And that all America may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven, for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of her invaded rights, a reconcilation with the parent state, on terms constitutional and honorable to both; And that her civil and religious privileges may be secured to the latest posterity.

And it is recommended to Christians, of all denominations, to assemble for public worship, and to abstain from servile labour and recreations on said day.

June 12, 1775

That was wordy and used formal language, so I simplified the following highlights:

1. God was acknowledged as the Governor over all.
2. God was noted to influence people to serve His purposes in government.
3. Congress recognized the duty of all to acknowledge God's sovereignty, especially in times of danger and tragedies.
4. It was also noted as the duty of all to reverence and adore God's never changing justice and ask for His merciful deliverance.
5. Congress established a certain Thursday in May for all the inhabitants of the English colonies to humble themselves with fasting and prayer.
6. The people were called to come together and make sincere confessions of their many sins.
7. The people were asked to unite in prayer to God, ask for His forgiveness, and that He would remove their troubles and keep them from judgements and threats.
8. The Congress magnanimously asked God to bless their "rightful sovereign, King George the third." This was especially notable because the proclamation was made after the Revolutionary War had already begun.
9. The people were encouraged to pray for God's protection and care as well as for prosperity and blessing.
10. The people were directed to pray for rest for all the civil leaders and representatives wherever they gathered.
11. The people were asked to pray the union would be preserved and the rights of the colonists would be preserved.
12. The people were asked to pray that "virtue and true religion may revive and flourish throughout our land." 
13. It was recommended that Christians of all denominations gather to assemble for public worship. 

Wouldn't it be an amazing thing if our 114th Congress were to make a proclamation as bold as our founding fathers?

Uncle Sam Needs You!

Each year about this time, National Day of Prayer articles and invitations disseminate across the land. They serve their purpose. I’ve written many of them; however, I believe this year it is critical the people of God look beyond history and event planning and address the incredible need of the hour.

1)  Our government is in a mess, and

2)  We are mandated by the Word of God to pray for our leaders.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Timothy 2:1-2, NIV)

In Paul’s charge to his son in the faith, his first directive was to urge him to pray and give thanks for everyone, specifically those in authority. I heard someone say there is only one kind of leader – an imperfect one. Both the godly and the godless are in need of divine guidance as they serve in their positions. Regardless of political affiliations and stands on issues dear to our hearts, we must detach ourselves from our agendas and ask the Lord for His heart. It is then we will know how to pray effectively His will on earth as it is in heaven. 

Notice the relationship in the verse between prayer and the end result: peace and holiness in the land. Could prayer for our leaders be the missing element to peace and holiness in America? If Christians could grasp the significance of the call, I believe we would not only be compelled to pray, but to reach out and encourage our leaders in other ways as well.

Thursday, May 1, 2014, millions will gather to pray across the nation, not only for our government, but also for military, media, businesses, schools, families and churches. To find a Christian event in your area, visit www.ndptf.org. After you pray, I hope you will take the time to contact your representatives and public officers and let them know you prayed for them and will continue to ask God’s blessings upon them and their families as they serve.

Lori Wagner

Previous Michigan State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer

P.S. Thank you, Eric Moore, of Culture of Honor, for imparting your insight and passion on praying for and connecting with our leaders. http://www.cultureofhonor.org

Choose to See the Good

I’m not a phenomenal lyricist, but I wrote a simple song a long time ago. Why? Because the Lord was dealing with me about something—the result of a conflict—harsh words spoken to me about someone else that stirred me up.

This is the chorus:

I choose to see the good in you,
Please see the good in me.
We each have faults and imperfections of our own.
But I’ll choose to see the good in you,
Please see the good in me.
We’re all just people on our way to meet the Lord.

With the prolific advances of social media—through which we have constant access to “see” so much, I pray the Lord will help me with this. In posts, tweets and pictures there is both good and not-so-good to be seen. What we focus on is our choice. And may our own offerings be uplifting, encouraging, inspiring.

Buttercup

I can't believe it's finally finished! Buttercup, the second book in The Briar Hollow Series, will be available the end of next month.

Penny Coldwell’s life is peaceful . . .
until she meets Logan Mayfield.

When Penny Coldwell first meets Logan Mayfield, their encounter is anything but pleasant. Her brother’s accident forces the Coldwell family to hire a hand on their horse farm, and Penny finds herself in daily contact with the insolent man.

From the comfort of an affluent Connecticut family, forced by tragedy to muck out stables in rural Kentucky, Logan’s life is turned upside down by the loss of his father and his family’s fortune.

In town, Penny witnesses a heist gone wrong. She wakes from a faint to find herself in Logan’s arms. Haunted by memories of the attacker, Penny believes she has seen the man before but can’t quite place him. At the crux of Harley Crawford’s return to Briar Hollow is his plan to abduct the blue-eyed beauty who captured his imagination at last year’s fair and secret her away to another state. Will Logan’s newfound faith be enough to help him protect Penny from Harley’s scheme?

Buttercup is the second book in The Briar Hollow Series; heartwarming historical fiction that evokes the world of frontier life in Kentucky. Tender and humorous, the book’s inimitable characters will take on lives of their own when you join them in Briar Hollow.

Bachik, the Birthday Kiss

Today I ran across a nice article on my Armenian-English children's picture book: Bachik, the Birthday Kiss.

I love this book and all the great memories that inspired me to write it.

[Click here] to be redirected to the Armenian Weekly.

Hmmm . . . How can I quickly catch you up on the last few months?

They've certainly been busy, but here are the highlights:

One of the reasons I've been quiet on here is because I picked up an internship at the Oakland County Republican Party. I was praying about how to be involved in the important elections this year and felt directed to work for the entire party instead of on one particular campaign. It's been a great experience so far. Please do register to vote . . . and vote your Christian values!

In July, I spoke at the Colorado District Ladies Retreat. It was an incredible time with many wonderful people, including the one and only Vesta Mangun! I love Colorado!



Also in July, Jr. High Camp and Sr. High Camp in Marshall, Michigan. Fun time . . . did everything from helping with registration, speaking to girls and making smoothies for after-service concessions.

In August, I was re-elected to a fourth term as a Republican Precinct Delegate in my community and participated in our County Convention. I was honored to lead the invocation at the event where I was also elected to serve as a delegate to the State Convention that took place in Grand Rapids this month. It is an honor to participate in our government, even at the lowest grass roots level. For more info on political stuff, feel free to visit my blog at: http://www.loriwagnerpoliticallyspeaking.blogspot.com/

What a blessing to attend the Birth Choice Benefit and meet Rick Santorum. Followed by helping with two Woodward Dream Cruise events. Lots of fun, but lots of work!

This past weekend I was privileged to speak at my first Esther Conference in lovely Charleston, West Virginia. Had a great time with the girls, their leaders and moms. I love what I do! God is good to me!

Heading to my home-sweet-home this weekend to minister in Paducah, Kentucky. I can't wait! It's going to be a great time in service, and I get to see my momma and sisters, too!

Have a blessed day!

Hello, my friends! 

It seems like long ago, but less than two months have passed since the National Day of Prayer. It certainly was a HUMONGOUS-GIANTIFICAL day in Michigan and across our great nation. If you'd like to see a short clip of the event, click on the picture. 

If you're on Facebook, [CLICK HERE] for a great slideshow of the event.

After a deep breath and some of the NDP fog cleared from my brain and calendar, I began thinking and praying about where to invest my time most effectively in the upcoming elections. Of course, I'll be participating in prayer and special prayer events (including a trip to Washington, DC, this fall); but I felt I needed to do more. That's why I decided to accept a part-time internship with the Oakland County Republican Party (www.oaklandgop.net). 

I believe Christians need to be engaged and make our voices heard while we still have the right to speak, worship and freely assemble. With that in mind, I also began a new blog (www.loriwagnerpoliticallyspeaking.blogspot.com), because there is a need at times to delineate between spiritual and political activities . . . although I will say that my deep spiritual convictions are what compel me to be involved politically. I am also running for a fourth term as a Republican Precinct Delegate. 

My first trip to Montana was wonderful. It was such a blessing to be with the ladies of the Rocky Mountain District and speak at their annual ladies conference . . . and it was doubly nice to be with Sis. Gwyn Oakes, our Ladies Ministries President. It's a peaceful place beneath her leadership.

I'm excited about some newly scheduled upcoming events: 

7/18  - Marshall, Michigan - Senior High Camp Session

11/30-12/2 - Bethel, Alaska - Ladies Conference

For a list of all upcoming events, look in the right-hand column of this page.

Also new since my last post:

• I received my ministerial credentials! 
• New Beginnings asked me to be an Ambassador for their ministry, and I accepted!
• The completed manuscript of Unmasked, the third book in the Pure Path series was turned in one day before deadline!

I am working now on the much requested sequel to The Rose of Sharon. The title is Buttercup, and I hope to have it out by General Conference.

If you're not on the newsletter mailing, send me your email address to loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com, and I'll add you to the mailing list for this FREE resource. There's going to be a contest and special promotion coming up soon you may be interested in.

Well, that's enough for now! I appreciate your time and friendship more than you know! Many blessings.

Michigan Legislative Prayer Caucus

I'm so excited for all God is doing in Michigan. It was an honor to be acknowledged by Representative Ken Kurtz at the ceremony and signing of the Michigan Legislative Prayer Caucus. The ceremony took place in the rotunda of the Capitol building in Lansing just 24 hours before we began our National Day of Prayer event on the steps outside.

If you'd like more info: here's a link. I was quoted in this article: [Click Here]

Lovely!

Had a great time with the girls in the Clinton/Monroe area this past Saturday. We enjoyed two sessions of The Girl in the Dress with a gorgeous tea in between. I chose the word gorgeous for two reasons. One: it was lovely...and two the meal did "gorge us!" Or should I say we gorged ourselves. As I like to say, the Bible says there are days of feasting and fasting...and I just LOVE those feasting ones.


The girls were fabulous. It was a bit younger group than I usually address on the subject, but they were very attentive, and it was a joy to be with them. And why not address issues early...possibly helping some to avoid tripping in some bumps and holes in puberty's road to adulthood? When we walk with God we don't have to fall into dark pits that might otherwise catch us unaware.


Here's my fav verses on that:
But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.¹⁹ The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. 

Proverbs 4:18-19, NKJV


Walking with the Lord is like walking into the sunrise...the path gets brighter every day...and light reveals the obstacles in the path before us...so perhaps we can miss a good many of them! Life has its challenges, for sure and for certain, but God is always with us. He lights our way and shows us the best way to live. There will always be potholes and pebbles, and we might not miss them all, but even when we "stub our toes" or "twist our ankles," we have a God who walks beside us...He comforts us...He cares for us. He is good!

I also enjoyed speaking at the CIA on March 20. Yep, I said CIA...that's the Christians in Action club at Van Hoosen Middle School. It was my third time with them over the last few years, and I always love the chance to speak to young people right in my own neighborhood.


The picture might make you wonder the serious nature of our discussion. Remember, we can have serious walks with God and also have some serious fun. I taught with a humorous skit--at least I thought it was funny. The subject was knowing and walking with God. 

What else? Well, I've been thoroughly engrossed with the National Day of Prayer. Visit my website for more info at www.ndpmi.blogspot.com. It's going to be a great day! Hope you can make an event somewhere. Blessings!

Oh my, Oh my!

Well, my friends...you can probably ascertain from the lack of posts that I've been busy, busy, busy!

In January I was blessed to attend the Because of the Times conference in Louisiana. It's always an incredible gathering of people in ministry...a time of instruction, refreshing and fellowship. I compare it to the huddle before the game...it's a great spiritual kick off for the year. Hut! Hut! Hut!

I've been very busy in my new position as the State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer. Much planning to do, promotions, fundraising, etc.  I'm so thankful for a great team to work with, and I'm looking forward to a capital Capitol event! For more info: [click here]. I also oversee all the coordinators in the state and assist them with any needs they have. It's a lot to keep up with, but it's an honor to work with wonderful people who have a passion to pray for our nation. We can't give up! Keep praying! Keep asking the Lord to extend healing and mercy and forgiveness!

In February I spoke in New Castle, Indiana, at Ladies Power Day. We had a wonderful service, and then, my, oh, my...such lavish, decadent spoilings! Of course there was good food. Ladies attend to such things. But then...mmm...wish I was there right now...back, shoulder and neck massage; scalp massage; foot and hand massage; manicure; facials and masks, pedicure; hairdos...it was just fun, fun, fun. Thank you, Traci Jaco and team for all your hard work. Such a nice thing to do for your ladies. And on Sunday it was a special treat to worship with my new friends at the Sanctuary of New Castle.

Coming up I'm headed to Clinton/Monroe, Michigan, on 3/24, for a special event for their young ladies. It's a two-session presentation of The Girl in the Dress, and I'm looking forward to being with them. We always have a good time, and I know there's going to be a lovely tea in between the sessions. Like I said...girls know how to do this food stuff!

After that...it's off to Utah for a Ladies Conference. This will be my first time in the state. Excited to be with the ladies in this district!

Well, I have to go now. Back to writing...working on the third book in the Pure Path Series for UPCI Ladies Ministires...and planning that NDP event...oh, and I have to make dinner, too...you know...and laundry, and all that everyday stuff of life. It's a good life. Enjoy yours today! Blessings...

Why have I been so quiet?

Because I've been so busy!

As the recently appointed Michigan State Director for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I've been working with a great team to organize a wonderful Capitol Observance for the 61st annual N.D.P.

I hope you'll take a moment to visit the website: www.ndpmi.blogspot.com

And if at all possible, please join us Lansing.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

It's a wonderful and busy time of the year! I love both...wonderful and busy!

But I thought I'd take a moment to share a link to an article I was asked to write for a wonderful blog.

It's How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas ~

Check it out at: www.likeabubblingbrook.com

Also, if you're in or around the Rochester Hills area, I will be at Sherwood Forest tonight for a ladies night event from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. I'm looking forward to it! The discounted shopping, beautiful decorating ideas, facials, snacks...and I'll be signing books. Sherwood Forest has been carrying my two Christmas titles in their lovely shop and garden center, but I will  have additional materials on hand this evening only.

Twas the season...

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.

Links are Up!

The website has been updated with the new items...so I took the links off the blog. Visit www.affirmingfaith.com.

Blessings!

TWICE the EXCITEMENT!

I am so excited to let you, my friends, know in advance about the release of two new books. They will be in-house in a couple of weeks, but if you'd like to put your order in now, you will be the first to receive these great new resources. They will be added to the website soon, but you can order now using the buttons in the right-hand column!

Covered by Love

Book 2 of the "Pure Path Series" 

Have you ever wondered why some girls choose to let their hair grow to it's natural length? Covered by Love uses clear, easy-to-understand language in a fun and informative graphic presentation to help people, young and old, male and female, understand this very positive teaching. Timeless truths of Scripture interweave with humor, story telling, historical perspective, hair-care tips and input from two special contributors: Dear Abby and Dear Gabby.

$10.00 + $3.50 shipping and handling

Insight on Ministry

from a Christmas Tree Farm

This book is certain to bring ministers, their spouses, lay leaders and teachers fresh perspective on spiritual planting, birth, growth and harvesting. Insight on Ministry from a A Christmas Tree Farm will encourage your heart as you work in the fields of the Lord. 

“I love this book—and see it as an insightful parable of help for leaders young, older and in-between. It includes many powerful analogies and admonitions that deal with very real and recurring scenarios ministers face. I particularly enjoyed many of the quotes. Very encouraging. Great job.”

– Rev. Marvin G. Walker

$9.95 + $3.50 shipping and handling

EXCLUSIVE

Hello, my friends! For those of you who asked about the PowerPoint presentation for "The Girl in the Dress," it is now available...exclusively here for now.

Click on the link at right to order.

This is a two-session presentation that includes:
81-slide graphic PowerPoint presentation
Presentation notes (in Word format)
Introductory story (1st session starter)
2-minute video clip (2nd session starter)

Price is $10 plus $3.50 shipping and handling!

The J-J Months

June and July...they are different sorts of months...right in the middle of sometimes crazy and sometimes lazy summer days. I was blessed to go to Mackinac Island with my daughter's class the first few days of June. It was a lovely trip that included a ferry ride to the island, tour of a deer park, two fort tours, a buggy tour of the island, shopping and a trip through the Soo Locks.

After a family reunion in Kentucky, my family (minus the two that don't live at home) took a detour and visited the Creation Museum. The Planetarium show was everyone's favorite, except for me. I get motion sickness, so I just relaxed in the chairs and listened. But the displays were great, including the gardens and petting zoo.

Also in June, I rented a cabin on the campground where my daughter was attending church camp. It was a great opportunity to be near her and watch her from afar at times. She sang in a group and with the choir in evening service, and I popped in each night to listen. I also had a lot of free time that I put to good use in prayer, reading and giving a new book a final edit.

I'm really excited about "Insight on Ministry from a Christmas Tree Farm," and was so thankful for this alone time to finish the  manuscript. Before I left home for the campground I had set up an appointment at Gusty Farms, a Christmas Tree farm nearby. I toured the grounds and asked the Lord to speak to me from what I saw, and He did! I received the end of the book, and I can't wait to share it with you...hopefully in October.

Mid July I had a fantasticalistic time with the girls at First Apostolic Church in Toledo. We did two teaching sessions on "The Girl in the Dress" with a lunch break in between. I love the looks on their faces when I present this very practical teaching on modesty. Hey...we've got to be real and we've got to be relevant. If not, I might as well stay home and scrapbook.

The last weekend of the month, I was happy to attend the Michigan District Ladies Retreat. So nice to just marinate in the presence of the Lord and hear the good Word of the Lord from the speakers. Of course hanging with all my girlfriends was a big bonus, and I did have Affirming Faith resources available in a display area.

There's much more, but those are the highlights of the J-J Months. One day left and we're in to August and the beginning of a new school year and a relatively calm travel month to prepare for a heavy Fall conference schedule. I hope I will connect with some of you at the events listed in the column at right.

Blessings to you, and thank you for taking time to stop by the blog.

Also in July, I was asked to fill the position of the Michigan State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer. After prayer and consulting with my husband and pastor, I agreed to accept the position. The transition has been made, but there's a lot still to put into motion. I look forward to being at the annual Leadership Summit in Colorado Springs in October for an official commissioning service with Mrs. Shirley Dobson.

Spring...

Wow! Spring has come and is going soon. My husband always says, "Where did the time go?" Well, Spring has been a whirlwind of activities. Here are some highlights:

March 26 I was blessed to speak at a ladies sectional meeting at the Solid Rock church in Ann Arbor on "Quilting Patches of Life." The response was wonderful...as well as the luncheon and fellowship following!

In April I spoke at Van Hoosen Middle School in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and a ladies event in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on "Building a City of Refuge." The serious Friday session (served up with a smile) was balanced by the fun "Walking in L.O.V.E." presentation at a lovely brunch banquet on Saturday.

Sunday morning, after speaking in the youth class, I enjoyed morning worship with the congregation and gave a brief testimony in service. The southern hospitality was wonderful and much appreciated, along with a great reception by the church members and their guests.

Saturday, April 23, Pat and Rick David, proprietors of the Murphy House Bed & Breakfast, hosted the official book release party for The Rose of Sharon, my first full-length historical fiction. Many ladies previewed their Easter bonnets at the fine china reception and enjoyed readings from the book.

The response has been very positive to the book, which is also my first venture into the e-book market: available for ibook, nook, and kindle readers. For more information on the print or electronic editions, [click here].

The last weekend in April was spent in North Dakota with a lovely group of ladies for their annual state-wide retreat. I shared four messages, including a new one: "Remember Ruth," and a special presentation on perspective for the young ladies. It was my first time in North Dakota, but I hope not my last, and I'm looking forward to being in South Dakota in the fall. I didn't get any pictures from the services there, but here's a lovely picture of a full-scale replica I toured in Fargo of Norway's Hopperstad Stave Church.

The first weekend in May I had the pleasure of being in Maine with Brenda Bowley and the wonderful ladies in her district. It was a great time of ministry, and I left refreshed myself, encouraged in my spirit by the words shared by others as well as the thick presence of God. Skits, banquets, worship, and Word...this conference had it all! We had deep moves during altar services and the Lord touched many lives. There's nothing like the presence of the Lord!

Also in May, yet...another banquet...this one in Merrillville, Indiana, where I spoke on "Pursology." It was a lot of fun, with some spiritual application, as well. Saturday I did two sessions with the young ladies on "The Girl in the Dress." The girls and lady teachers were very attentive and I hope encouraged by the presentation that included much-o slides, music and even a clip from "The Beverly Hillbillies." You never know what to expect when you hand me the microphone...although, I hope to always leave people encouraged and excited about serving God. It is the best life ever!

On a personal note, I had a blast with my daughter's 6th grade class on a three-day trip to Mackinac Island. And, of course, the end of the school year brought awards presentations, piano recitals, and more. Life is busy, but life is good. Not every day is easy. We each face our own unique challenges, but remember this...

When life doesn't turn out how you expected...
Definitely not what you thought you were signing up for...
It can still be good...
Because God is good...
And He has good plans for those who love Him!

And what does the future hold? No one knows for sure, but I do try to keep the Affirming Faith schedule up-to-date here on the blog, as well as on the "Notes" section of my facebook page. For more timely updates, "friend request" me on facebook or "follow me" on twitter.

God bless you, and thank you for your time!

It's Here!

I am so excited to share The Rose of Sharon with you. As an Affirming Faith blog follower or Facebook friend, you have the opportunity to be in on the first shipment, before the book is even made available through the website.

Click on the button in the column at right to order...or on the pictures for more information...

This is for the print version only. E-book information to follow as soon as it becomes available.

The Rose of Sharon

Book 1 of "The Briar Hollow Series"
$14.99
Historical Christian Fiction

Perfect Bound

348 pages

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Well...it's here. Hello, 2011!

With a new year comes a bunch of busy-work. I spent the first week doing end-of-the-year paperwork, inventory, etc., and clearing off my desk, pondering and praying over what to focus my energies on this year.

I made a short list, just 37 items (lol), of topics I wanted to investigate and write on. I guess I have to narrow that down, huh? I'm glad to say that I have. I believe I have some clear direction where to go first, and I'm glad about that. More to follow on that subject in the coming weeks.

Also glad to report that More to Life now has the first draft of "Covered by Love" in their hands. It is Book 2 of the Pure Path series. The first was the wonderfully received "The Girl in the Dress." I'm excited to see this project complete.

Just to whet your appetite, I also have in the works the publication of an inspirational historical fiction romance that I am just crazy about. It's called "The Rose of Sharon," and takes place in Kentucky in 1859. I'll have more information on that soon.

As always, I try to keep the schedule up-to-date in the right-hand column. I'm also on facebook and on twitter under the name "affirmingfaith." I would love to connect with you.

I pray your new year is blessed, not stressed....
And one of your best....

Have a great day!