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