Upcoming Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Signing - Warren, Michigan

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

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

Gates & Fences on tour in Clinton, Kentucky

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

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

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

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

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

Gates & Fences on Tour - Clinton, KY

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

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


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

Thanks for the Memories ...

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

I promise not to forget ...

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

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

God Bless the USA!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contest and Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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