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!

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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...