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

Frankenmuth Reflections

Attended the ALJC Ladies Conference in Frankenmuth March 23-24. It was great being with the ladies from the Publishing House and participating in the wonderful sessions featuring my own dear pastor's wife, Claudette Walker.

Sold lots of copies of Gates & Fences and made contact with wonderful ladies who said they would be taking the resource back to their youth groups.

Reflections magazine notified me they would be publishing a poem and article I wrote in their Spring edition next year.

I Have to Give God the Praise!

I was nervous. I admit it. Several months ago lab results came back out-of-range in a test that checks liver function. My doctor told me we'd wait a few months and check it again. The set time passed, and the second test revealed an even higher elevation of the negative number. I was told to follow up with my surgeon.

On my birthday I had several tubes of blood drawn and extensive bloodwork done. Today I met with Dr. Wood, and he told me that every single level came back within normal range, and I have to thank God for that. And thanks to all that prayed for me.

Book Signing in Louisville, Kentucky

This picture was taken at a book signing this weekend in Louisville, at a Kentucky state-wide ladies conference. I'm thankful for the wonderful response and that so many took home copies of Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World to use in their youth departments.

It's Sunday between services, and I just taught a lesson to our College & Career class about why it's good to wait for the Lord's direction before jumping into dating relationships. The question came up, "Why not flirt to convert? Shouldn't we use every means available to bring people in to church?"

It is always appropriate to be kind ... but flirting plays with peoples' emotions and is not honest in its approach. Read the definition of flirting at: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flirt.

I would like to give some advice on how Christian singles should conduct themselves with people of the opposite sex. Here's my input:

Exactly as you would if your spouse was in the room with you.

So, there you have it. I got that from a very wise person! I hope it helps.

Remember, Affirming Faith is conducting a Writing Contest. Visit the website for all the details at http://www.affirmingfaith.com.