Janet Roller - Living Oak Ministries

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Hi. I'm Janet Roller: wife of one, mother of two, lover of coffee and writer of songs. I have just finished my first fiction novel and I'm looking forward to watching how God uses the simple story to minister to others. God is a big deal to me. My goal each day is to wake up and declare, "This day is Yours, Lord. Show me what to do with it."

Thursday, March 25, 2010

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.

Monday, March 8, 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!"

Thursday, March 4, 2010

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.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

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.