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!

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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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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!