2011 Autumn in the Mountains Novelist Retreat at Ridgecrest!

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP Blogtalk Radio

Tuesday was a busy day of recording in the studio and with a studio. After a full day working on a new music project at Rushing Winds Music Studio in Dallas, NC, my day wrapped up by talking with Scott McCausey at Christian Devotions SPEAK UP Blogtalk Radio from 6-7pm EST.

Thanks, Scott!

Cool Stuff!

I'm excited to announce that I will be published in Charles Stanley's In Touch Magazine and Focus on the Family's Thriving Family magazine in December.

Next week I am serving on faculty at the LifeWay's Autumn in the Mountains Novelist Retreat at Ridgecrest. I can't wait to learn from experienced writers while I work on my first fiction project.

I found out today I'm the keynote for South Carolina's DHEC Annual Training Retreat again this year.

God is leading...and I'm following. Praise His name!

Mouse Trap

When speaking at a recent weekend conference, the end was nearing and I approached the final moments of our time together with an invitation for Salvation. The mood was reverent and mighty.

Just as I finished reading scriptures of the woman at the well, the final line of Jesus’ words, “your sins are forgiven now go in peace” was met with an interesting response.

The entire auditorium seemed to gasp simultaneously. Wow! What a reaction, I thought. I know the Word is powerful but I have never had such a reaction!

Just as my mind was processing the response and praying internally about the next words to say, a lady on the front row explained the corporate inhale.

“A mouse just ran across the stage.”

Not missing a beat, I turned with an outstretched hand and repeated the last words of the recently read scripture, “Go in peace." I continued, "Well, in the garden he came as a serpent. Today, he comes as a mouse.”

Ladies chuckled and I felt assured I had handled an uncomfortable moment with poise, grace and humor.

But, guess what – no one came for the alter call. The spirit of the moment was shattered. Salvation for someone was postponed. The distraction of a tiny mouse made the reverent moment - irrelevant.

I have thought about that day over and over. As I joked about Satan coming as a serpent, I realized that was absolutely true. He uses small distractions in our lives to get our minds off the Most High moments. That day, the mouse accomplished the goal.

What are your distractions? Don't fall into the trap. Recognize the attempts to draw you away from God’s presence and perfect plan in your life and keep your eyes on Him.

Meet Me at the Well

We’ve been there: Sitting in a church service, Bible study, Sunday school class, women’s conference, men’s conference or work when someone spouts off about their new adventure in life. In a church setting, some may even attribute the blessing of opportunity to God’s faithfulness and calling in their lives. And there you sit. Wondering. With every word of her wonderful news, you know you should genuinely feel happy for her, but you wonder about your own opportunities instead. Why hasn’t God opened those doors for me? Am I living out my purpose? Does God even have a plan for my life?

Objectively, we know God does have a plan for each of us but if you’ve ever wondered what that plan was, you’re not alone. Satan would like you to think you are the only one in a crowd of the “blessed” who isn’t living up to what you’re supposed to be. Ignore those lies and cling to Truth.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan for each of us.

The woman at the well thought her life’s path was in place until she had an encounter with God. We never learn her name, only that she is a Samaritan. Samaritans have appeared in several places in the bible and this mixed race of people was hated among other groups. No respectable Jewish man would dare talk to a woman of this race in public, let alone ask her for a drink. But He did.

The Samaritan woman said to him, “you are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" John 4:9

I’ve often wondered what motivation was behind her question. The scripture concludes with a clarifying statement. “For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.” Perhaps years of enduring a scowling eye from the Jewish people gave her the fortitude to say how can you ask me to serve you? Maybe she was protecting Him. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to talk to me? I’m not worthy to talk to you. Or did she have her own reputation in mind? What will my family say if they see me talking to a Jew?

No matter what her internal dialogue or motivation, Jesus met her at the well.

Many of us can relate to this woman. Maybe you feel looked down on by the “good Christians” in town because you don’t quite fit in. Perhaps you don’t feel worthy because you’ve done things you’re not proud of in your life. Or maybe your feel God calling you closer to His side but you aren’t sure what your family or friends will think if you turn into a “goodie two shoes Christian”.

No matter what the motivation, only thirsty people come to wells. If you have felt a tug on your heart and dryness in your soul, Jesus is ready to meet you at your well with Living Water. He has a plan and you’re in it.

Why You Don't Want To Go To "She Speaks"!

Ladies, let me warn you...if you LIKE sitting on your couch mulling over the decisions of the day, just to look up and realize you've let another day go by without stepping toward your goals...don't go to She Speaks!


Don't go to the She Speaks Conference if you don't want to be inspired.
Lysa Terkeurst is amazingly connected to God in her attitude and convictions. Her common sense and "we're all in this together" approach to women inspires others to step out in faith and say "yes" when God calls! Lysa is just ONE of the amazing speakers on the P31 team! From the speaker evaluation groups where attendees share their stories to the brilliant session leaders testifying of God's faithfulness, She Speaks inspires. Whether you are a writer, speaker or women's ministry leader, chances are you have had moments in a "rut". Hearing stories of how others made it beyond the bumps of life will give you the boost you need to keep moving for God.


Don't go to the She Speaks Conference if you don't want to be motivated.
Women need other women to pump them up! You'll meet women in all stages of ministry who want to form an encouraging network of believers that will last beyond the weekend conference. Motivation helps you plow through the days when your "want to" doesn't measure up to your "need to". Between soccer practices and school projects, we lose motivation to move toward my own goals and projects. Meeting other women who have similar aspirations will make you feel less "alone" in your efforts to drive your ministry. She Speaks helps equip you to remove the excuses and do more!


Don't go to the She Speaks Conference if you don't want to be educated.
Gifts need direction. God ultimately will open the doors for your ministry but He wants us to pursue opportunities to gain knowledge. If you are a speaker, the speaker's evaluation groups help hone your craft through allowing you to present a short speech with a small group. The feedback is invaluable! Writers can meet with other writers, agents and publishers and glean from their experiences. Women's Ministry Leaders can meet with other ladies in sessions to hear what worked in their churches...and what didn't work! God gives the message. She Speaks helps you get it out to His people.


I NEED inspiration, motivation and education!
Winning a scholarship to this year's She Speaks Conference would be the mid-year boost I long for to help me reach the writing and speaking goals God has placed in my heart. I want to reach others with the written and spoken Word of God in the best way I can. She Speaks can help me do that.


How about you? Click here to find out more about sessions and registration! I hope to see you there July 30-August 1, 2010.

I Hope You Dance

Yesterday at church, after settling all the kids up front for the lesson, the children's pastor spoke to the children about spiritual gifts and strengths. When he asked if any of them had any gifts, my Sam raised his hand. I'm always a little nervous when Sam raises his hand.

"Sam, what's your gift?"
"Dancing"
Inserting another promotion for the church talent show that evening, he said, "oh, are you going to dance for us tonight?"
"No. My mom won't let me."

Of course, the congregation erupted in laughter and then the pastor moved on with his lesson.

That night, the "show" was concluding and someone said, "let's see what Sam can do." Chants of encouragement drove him to the stage for an impromptu display.

Sam has never been shy but I never would have thought he would "bust a move" in front of a room full of people so freely.
See for yourself...

Whatever God has for Sam, I hope he acts in complete freedom. No matter what the task, I pray he dances before the Lord with all his might...after all, his middle name is David.

Today, pay no attention to the thoughts that tell you to hold back. Be big and bold for God. No matter what size the crowd, perform for an audience-of-One. And as the country song states, "If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!"

The Angels Sang, "Aaahhhh"

I love when I read the Bible and have a "holy highlighter moment"! You know, when you come across a passage of scripture that seems to be just for you. I could almost hear the chorus of angels sing their unified tone when my eyes took it in...aaahhhhh.

You see, yesterday, I added a little to a writing project about knowing your calling. I am not an expert...just a fellow wanderer in this life and I wanted to know what God says about His plan for each of us. In my recent conversations, people want to know why they are "here". Have they served their life's purpose if they don't travel around the world and rescue children from burning buildings? Afterall, isn't that what being a "Christian" is all about?

Before I began writing, I stopped and prayed. I can't say I do this every time. Sometimes I feel so inspired while making a bed or sweeping something that I drop my task and quickly record it in writing. Yesterday was different. I felt lead to write but I didn't know what direction to take. So, I prayed.

Before I could even take in the moment fully, God made me keenly aware that our FIRST calling from Him is salvation. Without the relationship with Him and assurance of eternity, how can we expect to serve Him fully on earth? So I wrote and wrote. A little heavy for a first chapter, I thought. But then...this morning my Bible reading quickly lead me to this passage.

"...we are confident of better things in your case - things that accompany salvation." Hebrews 6:9

God allows blessings in our lives and clarity of calling is one of them. However, without Salvation, we miss the better things because we've bypassed the BEST thing.

Search your heart. If you're trying to serve Him without salvation, it's just busyness. Dedicate your life to Him today. Whether you ever lead a mighty crusade or save starving orphans in a third world country, answering His call will be the best decision you make.

100% Chance

Nothing makes a little one run to the window in the morning like the promise of snow in the South. Although this year is a little different, it's normally rare to see snow more than once a winter in South and North Carolina. Forecasters promised snow today...100%. However, when we woke to find dry, grassy yards, the morning routine ensued.

I have to admit, I've looked out the window every five minutes since I took them to school! The promise of snow is still there...it's just a matter of when.

We are expectant because the promise is sure.

Isn't that how Christians should react to the promise of Christ's return? Although we live our lives and return to routines, the expectancy of His return should make our hearts crane toward Heaven.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father...Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
Matthew 24:35 & 42

His return is 100%...it's just a matter of when. Be ready.

The Ripple Effect

This morning I picked up Streams in the Desert, a 366-day devotional, with hopes of grasping a "God-nugget" just for me. I did.

Yesterday on facebook, a lifelong family friend commented on my recent YouTube video in which I sang and shared a very brief testimony. My testimony centers around the Christian example my mother showed all before passing away in 1996. He, now a nurse, commented that he still shares the story of my mother's complete faith in God to heal her in spite of her pain from cancer. He also went on to say he could still hear her singing and playing the piano in his mind.

My mother was a wonderful lady who LOVED God and, in a gentle way, let everyone know it. Now, 14 years after her passing, a young man who was probably 10-years-old when she died, is commenting to strangers about her testimony of faith. Wow.

"Do the most everyday and insignificant tasks knowing that God can see. If you live with difficult people, win them over through love. If you once made a great mistake in life, do not allow it to cloud the rest of your life, but by locking it secretly in your heart, make it yield strength and character.

We are doing more good than we know. The things we do today - sowing seeds or sharing simple truths of Christ - people will someday refer to as the first things that prompted them to think of Him. For my part, I will be satisfied not to have some great tombstone over my grave but just to know that common people will gather there once I am gone and say, "He was a good man. He never performed any miracles, but he told me about Christ, which lead me to know Him for myself." (George Matheson,Streams in the Desert, February 24)

Today, you may encounter someone at work, school or the grocery store who doesn't know what Christ "looks like". Pray for wisdom and discernment and live your life to represent Him...the eternal ripple effects are endless.

And there came a lion...

This morning I read from the devotional "Streams in the Desert." Some devotions resonate more than others. I can't shake this one. So...I thought I would post it. I hope you get something out of it, too!


"It is a source of inspiration and strength to us to remember how the youthful David trusted God. Through his faith in the Lord, he defeated a lion and a bear and later overthrew the mighty Goliath. When the lion came to destroy his flock it came as a wonderful opportunity for David. If he had faltered and failed, he would have missed God's opportunity for him and probably would never have been the Lord's chosen king of Israel.

"And then there came a lion" (I Samuel 17:34). Normally we think of a lion not as a special blessing from the Lord but only as a reason for alarm. Yet the lion was God's opportunity in disguise. Every difficulty and every temptation that comes our way, if we receive it correctly, is God's opportunity.

When a "lion" comes to your life, recognize it as an opportunity from the Lord, no matter how fierce it may outwardly seem. May the Lord open our eyes to see Him, even in temptations, trials, dangers and misfortunes."


What's your lion story? Can you look back on your life and recognize a scary situation or temptation that changed the course of your journey? Maybe you're facing a potentially deadly attacker and wonder if you will make it through this one. Stand strong. Through Christ, fight the fight and know...God can use ALL things for His glory and we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Him.

Don't Forget God

Deuteronomy 8:11-20 (The Message)

"Make sure you don't forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today. Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up—make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God,

the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;
the God who led you through that huge and fearsome wilderness, those desolate, arid badlands crawling with fiery snakes and scorpions;
the God who gave you water gushing from hard rock;
the God who gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never heard of, in order to give you a taste of the hard life, to test you so that you would be prepared to live well in the days ahead of you.

If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!"—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.

If you forget, forget God, your God, and start taking up with other gods, serving and worshiping them, I'm on record right now as giving you firm warning: that will be the end of you; I mean it—destruction. You'll go to your doom—the same as the nations God is destroying before you; doom because you wouldn't obey the Voice of God, your God."

YOUR JOURNEY…

Take some time to write out what God has done for you. Let it be an exercise in remembering His goodness and grace in your life!

Janet Roller - Need Motivation?

This motivational message was delivered at the SC WIC Annual Meeting in 2009. For more information about having Janet at your event, contact her at www.janetroller.com.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Psalm 142:7 NIV

Today's Verse
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.
— John 4:24 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Genuine worship is a gift. Since God is spirit, since he is holy, we cannot fully approach him without the gift and blessing of his Holy Spirit. As Christians who received his Spirit when we were baptized into Christ and born of God, we can now speak to him and worship him Spirit to Spirit.

My Prayer...
Father, by the gift of your Spirit I come to you as your child. Thank you so much for giving me your Spirit so that I can approach you with confidence and know you hear the concerns of my heart. Please accept the worship of my heart, of my words, and of my actions. May the things I do each day bring you glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Taken from www.verseoftheday.com

BRMCWC

I am very excited to add a booking date to my calendar today. Yesterday it was confirmed that I will be leading worship for the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference at Rigecrest Conference Center, May 16-20.

I attended the conference in 2008 (thanks to a scholarship provided by Cec Murphey)and have been aching to return. Now, I will return to soak in all of the knowledge from noted authors like Al Gansky, Jerry Jenkins, Angela Hunt, Deb Raney, Yvonne Lehman, Eva Marie Everson and, of course, Cec Murphey! I cannot express how honored and excited I am to be a part of such a wonderful event. May God be glorified!