She Speaks Conference

When God places a passion in your heart for others, He expects you to use it. However, getting that passion from your heart to eyes or ears in the most receivable way sometimes requires learning from others' experience. She Speaks Conference is a wonderful offering of resources for speakers, writers and/or women's ministry leaders. After attending sessions with down-to-earth speakers and authors like Lysa TerKeurst and Renee Swope (just to name a few), the unattainable, overwhelming dreams become realistic, worth-working-for goals. Hundreds of women join together in June with a united heart's cry,

"Use Me, Lord."

With godly discernment and available training, women can be used most-effectively for His Glory. And isn't that what we all want?

I know that's what I want. The year before I was named Miss South Carolina 1997, my mother passed away after a battle with cancer. I have shared my testimony of a mother's legacy in many places since then. Although I view that year as a great opportunity to pay for college, the title captures the attention of others who invite me to share at their events and churches. Whatever the reason for the invitation, I want to share the gift of Christ with others and offer an invitation to join His family.

I attended She Speaks in 2006. What a time of motivation and inspiration! Since then, God, my official booking-agent, has opened doors and moved as only He can. He says, "go" - I go. I am amazed how God honors our obedience with His blessings! I've wanted to come back to She Speaks but, as a stay-at-home-mommy of two, my purse cannot afford the opportunity to attend again; however, this scholarship would change that.

Do I deserve the scholarship more than another woman? Not necessarily...but if God awarded only what we deserve - none of us would have anything. I have always loved to write. God has given me great book ideas. I would treasure the opportunity to learn more about the process of writing and publishing - not to mention getting in front of a publisher.

I am expectantly excited to learn more about how to minister to others more effectively, not just as a speaker, but as a writer as well. I can hardly wait until Monday.

I've Been Tagged!

If you've gotten here from Amy Wyatt's blog site - you know I am writing 6 quirky things about me. The trouble with this assignment is that I don't necessarily think they are all that quirky. I had to go deep into the brain archives to pull out the most-pointed-out tendencies by my family. They are as follows:

1. I can't do "warm". I like hot or cold. It drives my husband crazy - the air in the car is either all the way to on the red or all the way on the blue.
2. Every Sunday after church, I must have a nap - with curtains drawn, pajamas on and lots of covers for optimum snuggle-down. The whole week is messed up if I this procedure is not in place.
3. OK, I'm going "there". I will go to great lengths to avoid the appearance of undergarments - strangely, I wouldn't want people to think I was going "commando".
4. I plan meals for my family based on color. I am never happier than when those beautiful red tomatoes of summer are easily accessible so I can have a "pop" of red on the plate.
5. I like Dr. Pepper but not Mr. Pibb.
6. When I hear a story or read a headline - my mind tries to make a devotion out of it. Come on bloggers - you know what I'm saying.

What does all this say about me? My life is all or nothing - so I need to recharge. Lines only belong on a grilled steak placed beside a colorful selection of side items. Not all Mr.'s are Dr.'s. And, oh well, here I am doing #6 again - after all - "I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

Name That Tune.

Today I was having the ceremonial "Sunday snuggle session" with my five-year-old, Darby. Full of things to say, thriving on the one-on-one attention, she said she wanted to be a songwriter when she "grew up". I quickly answered that she didn't have to wait until she grew up... "you can help me now".

Thrilled at the possiblity, we both began discussing Zephaniah 3:17 - a scripture I've been working on a song for. Really looking for one of those "out of the mouths of babes" moments, I explained to her the meaning of the verse as I saw it.



"The Lord, your God, is here and mighty to save. He will delight in you and quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing."



I told Darby that I believed God has His very own song for each of us. She answered, "I bet mine is 'Jesus Loves Me'.

"Yes," I said, "it probably is."



That was one of those moments...you know the ones...that you just look at them and thank God they know about a Savior who loves them. AND it makes you feel like you might have done something right ... so far.

Who knows, one day she'll have that same talk with her little girl.



What's your song? Listen Closely. Can you hear God singing over you? He is, you know. If you know no other tune, know that He is still singing 'Jesus Loves Me'... and always will.



-Janet

Come Join in the Choir!

I am thrilled to announce that after 9 hours in the studio on Friday, I now have 4 songs recorded: Circle of Love, Come Join in the Choir, The World Will Never Be the Same and Mary's Song. These 4 songs have been rolling through my head since God placed them there...now they are spinning on a disk and alive. So incredible to me!
"Circle of Love" is really dedicated to my mom. She was such a godly lady with a heart for the Lord and her children. January 3rd marked 12 years since she went "Home"after an earthly battle with cancer. Although I was 19 when she died, her imprint is on so much I do...and I want to pass it on in a "circle of love". I have sung this song for several Mother's Day services. It will be a treat to be able to share it with others.
"Come Join in the Choir" is a fun and jazzy song to encourage everyone to sing for Jesus. Whenever Jesus was born, the angels showed up and sand His praises. Why should we be any different? Psalm 22:3 says He inhabits the praises of His people! If we want Him to "show up", we need to exalt His name!!
"The World Will Never Be the Same" maps the life of Christ from birth-resurrection. We always call it the "ity, bity, baby born in Bethlehem" song...when you hear it - you'll know why. God placed this song and tune in my heart while unloading the dishwasher one day! One more indication that God is in every detail...even the mundane ones.
Lastly, "Mary's Song" is straight out of Luke 1:46 when Mary is pregnant with Jesus and goes to visit Elizabeth. Her "aside" stating that all generations will call her blessed gives glory to the creator for including her - one who could have been destined for a heritage of shame, or death, for being an unwed mother. Wow. This scripture passage had been popping up for several years - not a song at all. Just a concept of a beautiful perspective. Then, one day, when the house was quiet (kids at school - husband at work), I sat at the piano in an attitude of worship - and there it was. I have no record of the time it took... but it wasn't long. When I finished, with tears in my eyes, I knew it had come from the Lord. Now, this song is being used in a Christmas Contata in 2008. Holy is His Name.

More to come.
-Janet

For the Record

I am excitedly expectant about this Friday, January 18th! I am scheduled to record 3-4 of my songs at Rushing Winds Studio in Dallas, NC. After recording I will continue to pray for opportunites to share God's love and grace to anyone who will listen!
Next week I am singing a couple of songs for a pastor's meeting for about 60 pastors in the area. What an opportunity. Please join me in praying for God's favor during this limited time. This open door could certainly be a wonderful pathway to other open doors.

In His Hands,
Janet